Best VPNs for Pluto.TV

US-headquartered Pluto.TV aims to tap into the growing cord-cutter market. The streaming video startup, which fashions itself as a Spotify for premium video, first launched in 2014. It monetizes via advertisements and is completely free to stream for users in the United States.

Earlier this year it was estimated to have over 6 million monthly active users.

Pluto.TV doesn’t have an embedded video player built-in to the site like Netflix or Hulu. When you sign up, you’ll be prompted to download another piece of software. Once that’s installed you’re able to stream all its free content if your IP address is from the US.

Users looking to circumvent this restriction should look to sign up for a VPN and spoof their location to the US by changing IP address. That’ll unlock the entire roster of content on Pluto.TV.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunnels it via an intermediary server. By choosing a location in the US, host websites will automatically assume you’re physically present there. A VPN also makes it very difficult for ISPs, hackers, and surveillance agencies to monitor your internet behavior.

Short on time and want to find out the best VPNs for PlutoTV? Check out our summarised list below:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for PlutoTV. NordVPN provides blistering speeds, unblocks Pluto, Prime Video, and more, and offers 24/7 support. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for PlutoTV.
2. Surfshark: Budget option. Surfshark includes 3200+ servers in over 95 countries, an unlimited connection limit, and double obfuscation.
3. ExpressVPN: Extensive server network and lightning-fast speeds, great for streaming Pluto TV. Advanced privacy features include split tunneling.
4. CyberGhost: Servers are optimized for streaming and include a 7-device connection limit.
5. IPVanish: No logs provider with apps for all platforms, 24/7 support, and impressive server coverage.
6. Private Internet Access: Robust security features, 10 device connections, customizable encryption for increased speeds.

How to watch PlutoTV online from anywhere

All you need to watch PlutoTV abroad is to set up a VPN and connect to a US server. If you’re not sure how to get started just follow our simple step-by-step guide below.

Here’s how to watch PlutoTV abroad (outside US) with a VPN:

1. Sign up with a VPN that offers servers in the US and unblocks PlutoTV. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device.
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in the US. This will provide you with a US IP address for watching PlutoTV abroad.
4. Go to PlutoTV and load a video.
   You should now be able to play videos on PlutoTV! If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies.

What’s the best VPN for Pluto.TV?

In this section, we’ll take you through a list of what we think are the best-suited VPNs for Pluto.TV. They’re ranked on the following factors:

• Speed and stability of service
• Large number of server locations in the US
• Strong encryption standards
• Ability to unblock restricted content
• Apps for Android and iOS
• Ease of use

Here is a list of the best VPNs for PlutoTV:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 Unblocks Pluto TVTested Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for a Pluto.TV VPN. It pegs the fastest speeds we’ve seen and allows you to pick a server based on its location or by use case — streaming TV, ultra-secure privacy, anti-DDoS, or anonymity.

It’s been around for over a decade and this experience has helped it inculcate a loyal community of fans. That’s not surprising because it checks all the boxes when it comes to a well-engineered VPN.

NordVPN won’t record your data. Both of them are examples of completely logless services.

The company operates more than 5,000 servers in 59 countries – over 1,700 of these are located in the United States.

As for encryption standards, it uses the 256-bit AES protocol by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as for Windows and MacOS. A single account allows for six devices to connect at any given time.

BEST VPN FOR PLUTO.TV:NordVPN is our top pick. It has exceptional speeds and works reliably with Pluto.TV and most popular streaming sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. A 30-day money back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks Pluto TVTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is a sturdy, low-cost provider that offers a great selection of features. It runs over 3,000 servers in more than 60 countries and records some decent speeds. A huge draw of this VPN is the fact that it doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous connections.

Surfshark boasts great security features including 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. It doesn’t record any logs whatsoever. Extras include automatic wifi protection, split tunneling and multi-hop VPN.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Live chat support is available around the clock.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great budget alternative. It’s reliable and secure and doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect at a given time. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks Pluto TVTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN is another solid choice that works smoothly and efficiently with minimal downtime. There’s an encompassing network in place with over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. The United States hosts servers in 20 locations.

ExpressVPN does not store any traffic logs, so that’s a positive. There’s a bit of metadata retention, specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used. It’s used to improve the quality of service.

ExpressVPN utilizes 256-bit AES-CBC as its default encryption protocol as well as both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock’. This feature adds an additional layer of security by temporarily halting all web traffic if the connection drops.

Apps for both Android and iOS are included as well as desktop software for Windows and MacOS. One subscription allows for three simultaneous connections.

VERSATILE CHOICE:ExpressVPN is a great alternative. It’s a fast and reliable choice that unblocks Pluto.TV abroad, along with most other major streaming services. Solid security and privacy and keeps no browser logs. 30-day money back guarantee.

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Unblocks Pluto TVTested Dec 2024

CyberGhost is a reliable VPN provider that delivers significant value for money. It’s also rapidly building up its server network to compete with some of the heavyweights on this list.

The company doesn’t log user behavior and browsing habits. It’s also headquartered in Romania, beyond the jurisdiction of western government agencies and not subject to mandatory data retention laws.

Currently, there’s a little over 3,700 servers in 59 countries. The United States houses 733 servers.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop software for Windows and MacOS. It doesn’t unblock Amazon Prime but does work seamlessly with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. A maximum of five devices can connect with one subscription.

Its choice of encryption standards is pretty good. CyberGhost Pro deploys 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA256 authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost is easy to use. A well priced solid performer. Good at unblocking Pluto.TV but may struggle with some other popular streaming sites. Comes with a 45-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Unblocks Pluto TVTested Dec 2024

IPVanish is considered to be another behemoth in the VPN business. It combines rugged speeds with hardy encryption protocols. A positive indicator is that there’s no internal data storage of any nature.

In our user review, IPVanish streamed 1080p video without any hiccups. Its servers are optimized for speed and stability so it’s unlikely that you’ll face many issues while trying to access Pluto.TV.

Global server presence is an impressive 1,300+ spread across 75 locations around the globe with the US making up the biggest chunk.

IPVanish doesn’t work with Netflix or Hulu but it does unblock BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV. One account allows for five simultaneous connections.

Encryption standards are top-tier. It uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy.

You’ll find apps for both iOS and Android as well as desktop software for Windows and MacOS.

Many users find it an excellent option for Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish works with up to 10 Connected devices. Great for families and multiple connections. Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 7-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. Private internet Access

Unblocks Pluto TVTested Dec 2024

Private Internet Access is a great solution for streaming PlutoTV from anywhere. It has over 10,000 servers in over 80 locations worldwide, with hundreds of servers in the US alone. We tested nearby servers and those further from our physical location, and speeds were consistent across the network. PIA unblocks PlutoTV and other streaming services like Netflix without any issues, and Wireguard support means streams are in HD or 4K.

Private Internet Access is a no-logs provider, meaning it doesn’t keep records of your online activities. It uses 256-bit encryption and provides the option of increasing or decreasing your encryption level based on the task at hand. Apps are available on desktop and mobile, and you’ll enjoy a 10-device connection limit.

All plans include a 30-day money-back promise plus 24/7 support.

10 DEVICE LIMIT:PIA unblocks Pluto and other streaming services effortlessly. It has servers in 80+ countries and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

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Should I use a free VPN?

Some casual browsing on the interwebs will expose you to a bunch of free VPNs. Such options incorporate a frictionless signup process and usually don’t require you to fork over credit card details. Users think they’re getting an awesome deal; no fees, no fuss.

But there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Free VPNs deploy weak encryption standards, display pitiful speeds, and run a real threat of privacy invasion. These providers aren’t interested in putting out a premium product. They want a critical mass of users to make it easy to monetize by bombarding them with invasive advertisements and mining individual data.

It’s in your best interests to refrain from using them. If you’re currently low on cash, check out our recommended list of the best VPNs with a free trial.

Some VPNs to avoid

If you’re trying to access Pluto.TV from a location outside of the US, then you want the reassurance that your location will remain hidden. After all, that’s probably one of the reasons you signed up for the service in the first place.

Our list of recommended VPNs have kept user interests at heart and don’t have any prior history of divulging personal details. Unfortunately, not all providers are born equal. Here are two examples of VPN providers that have an uneasy history of throwing their users under the bus. We believe you should stay away from them if possible.

1. Hola

Israel-based Hola operates a peer-to-peer VPN extension for Chrome that once had a pretty large user base of almost 50 million. But it chose to deploy these machines as part of a colossal botnet army, using the scale and critical mass to engage in things like Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on other sites.

2. PureVPN

PureVPN collaborated with the FBI to identify a suspect in a case of online blackmail. The company had a ‘no-logs’ policy at the time, but it was still able to sift through its data to pinpoint the individual. This means it has and still does log users’ real IP addresses, despite not claiming to.

What comes after signing up for a VPN?

Once you’ve browsed through our list of recommended VPNs and settled on a provider, the immediate steps are to log in and pay for a subscription. Try to hone in on a provider with a large number of server locations in the US. The only way to securely access Pluto.TV is via a server there.

Pluto TV also works on Roku, Amazon Fire, Xbox, Playstation, and Android TV.

If you’re looking to stream Pluto.TV on any of these devices then it’s important to understand that they don’t come with in-built support for VPN apps. But all is not lost. You can leverage the VPN on a virtual router, which is a similar process to how smartphones set up mobile wifi hotspots.

Read our tutorials on how to set up a VPN on a virtual router for Windows and Mac devices.

You can also set up a VPN on a physical router if the firmware supports it. One such firmware is DD-WRT, a free and open source option that works on a wide range of router models. Learn more about DD-WRT and the best VPNs for it here.