Best VPN for PS4/PS5 in 2023 – [Updated]

Connecting your PlayStation 5 or 4 to a VPN can indeed enhance your gaming and streaming experience as you can connect to a variety of different gaming servers, meanwhile providing privacy and security.

But being a gamer choosing the right VPN for your PlayStation is important. Some VPNs cause slow gaming due to high latency, and not all protect from DDoS attacks. But using the best VPN for PS4/PS5 you can not only get extra security or access to geo-restricted content but can also secure your gameplay with minimal lags.

Although it’s not possible to directly download a VPN app onto your console, you can set up a VPN connection on your router to cover all devices connected to your home network, including your gaming consoles.

Now obviously you want to know which VPNs work best with PS4 and PS5. After testing 160+ VPNs, we bring you the best VPN for PS4/PS5, from lightning-fast connection speeds to a vast network of servers, these PS4 VPNs have it all!

Do I need a VPN for my PS4?

Yes, a VPN can lower ping, reduce online gaming lag, and guard against DDOS attacks, crucial for streamers.

However, it is important to consider a few factors before subscribing to a PlayStation VPN. Amongst those factors, speed is of paramount importance. The one that has the fastest speed is the one to choose. However, some of the major benefits of using a VPN on PS4 that you might be missing out on are:

• Protect yourself from DDoS Attacks

DDoS attacks can be a nightmare for any gamer. So getting a VPN on PS5 and PS4 offers robust protection against DDOS attacks, so you enjoy a flawless online gaming experience without worrying about cyber threats. Keep in mind that PlayStation proxy servers cannot protect you from cyber threats and offer protection like a VPN.

• Unblock Netflix US & Amazon Prime on PS4 and PS5
  

Using a VPN app for PS4 or PS5 on Netflix and Amazon Prime, you can easily access the largest library of TV shows and movies available online right on your console.

Although Netflix is available in most parts of the world, regions other than the US only get a watered-down version with a small catalogue of content as compared to the US. Like Netflix, Amazon Prime only offers limited content in different regions and requires an Amazon Prime VPN.

• Be the first to play newly released games early.

Just like movies, PlayStation games are released on different dates around the world. With a VPN for PlayStation, you have the edge over others by playing a newly released game from anywhere. The above-listed VPN services have more than hundreds of servers in prime regions of the world and offer a range of locations that you can connect to for playing recent releases.

• Switch up your servers.

Because you have access to servers all around the world, you can connect to gaming servers in various nations to play with friends who live abroad.

• Get access to International gaming servers:

VPNs let you connect to foreign servers for different gaming experiences. Play in less popular regions for easier matchups, like COD: Warzone.

The Best VPN for PS4/PS5 – Detailed Analysis

After testing 50+ VPNs on various criteria, such as speed, compatibility, server network, encryption, and more, we bring you the 5 best VPNs for PlayStation.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for PS4/PS5

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for PS4/PS5 because it has tons of features and exceptional speed performance. Also, it offers servers in 94 locations allowing you to find plenty of suitable options for gaming with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN can be configured directly on a router, so any device that connects to the router (such as your PS4 or PS5) will be under the protective blanket of the VPN. With ExpressVPN on PlayStation, you can also secure other gaming consoles like Xbox One and Xbox 360 as ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Xbox as well.

You can try ExpressVPN with so many Games even if it’s considered the best VPN for CS:GO, Roblox, Fortnite, MapleStory, and also the best VPN for LOL  etc.

We tested ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol with Modern Warfare and were surprised by the speed. We did not experience any noticeable lags during gaming and it also protected me against IP and DNS leaks. Meaning, that none of the players can see your real IP address and location – making ExpressVPN a great tool for protection against DDoS and DoS attacks.

ExpressVPN speed test results proved to be the fastest PS5 VPN in our trials, displaying a mere 6% speed reduction and consistently maintaining a ping of 115 ms on nearby servers. Its exceptional performance is attributed to the exclusive Lightway protocol, prioritizing both rapid speeds and robust security. Personally, we enjoyed a lag-free Warzone experience on my PS5 through ExpressVPN.

On a 100 Mbps connection, we recorded a download speed of 94.19 Mbps and 92.82 Mbps with pings lower than 200ms. These speeds are great for lag-free gaming.

ExpressVPN performed well on our speed test, offering fast speed.

While we have briefly covered why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming  PS4 Pro, also check out how you can install ExpressVPN on PS4 setup guide to purchase games for cheap, play online games without lag, and enjoy other such benefits.

Furthermore, this VPN provides a router applet. It facilitates the process of configuring a VPN on your router. Now protect every device in your home by setting up ExpressVPN on routers.

ExpressVPN cost and subscription are available for just $6.67/mo (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan) and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can use ExpressVPN free trial risk-free on your PlayStation.

For more information about this best VPN for PS5, read our full ExpressVPN review.

2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN for PS4/ PS5

Surfshark is another excellent VPN for PlayStation 4 and is the most budget-friendly VPN with a lot to offer. The service is compatible with all the leading platforms and gaming consoles, including PS5.

We were able to set up Surfshark via a virtual router through my PC in about 20 minutes. One thing that we really like about Surfshark is the fact that it offers unlimited device connections simultaneously. Surfshark has amazing gaming features and it is one of the best VPN for Black Desert.

As for Surfshark speed test results speeds, Surfshark is capable of delivering 81.32 Mbps downloading speed, uploading speed of 76.12 Mbps and low pings of 131 ms thanks to its wide network of 3200+ servers in 100 countries.

You will not have to experience latency while gaming with Surfshark owing to its fast speeds.

Apart from providing access to games, you can also unblock major streaming platforms by using Surfshark on PlayStation via routers. You can use the Surfshark WireGuard protocol to increase your speed while gaming on PS4/PS5.

It performs really well when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. With Surfshark, we managed to unblock various Netflix libraries (including US, UK, and CA), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Surfshark offers some of the best security features like an automatic kill switch, CleanWeb (adblocker), Whitelister (split tunnelling), DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and MultiHop. Its MultiHop feature allows double VPN encryption by rerouting your traffic through 2 different servers. Making it impossible for your ISP or hackers to track your activities.

You can also choose from various security protocols including IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks. Surfshark is also known as the best multiple-device VPN because supports unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription.

Surfshark is available for $2.30/mo (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free for 30 days.

If you wish to test other enticing features of this VPN before buying it first, opt for the Surfshark free trial. Additionally, live chat is available around-the-clock, so the support staff can help you resolve any setup issues you may encounter.

For more info, please read our detailed Surfshark review.

3. NordVPN – Secure VPN for PS4/PS5

NordVPN is the most secure VPN  for PlayStation users with the best security and privacy features. It offers a huge global server network (5500+ servers in 60 countries) and it unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms. As far as servers are concerned, we tested NordVPN’s different servers outside US to play Roblox.

NordVPN servers are equipped with obfuscation technology that masks your VPN traffic and disguises it as normal internet traffic to bypass VPN blocks. So, NordVPN can help you access restricted gaming servers and download new gaming titles without waiting to owe to its fast speeds.

We connected to the NordVPN best US server for PS4 and check a NordVPN speed test result. On a 100 Mbps connection, we recorded a download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps.

NordVPN PlayStation 4 offers fast speeds for lag-free gaming on all its servers.

This is great because this service is exceptional at unblocking streaming platforms. We used it to successfully access Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Netflix with NordVPN easily without facing any restrictions or errors.

NordVPN offers top-of-the-line 256-bit encryption that fully masks your real IP address and DNS, so no player can see your personal information, while you are playing online. We tested NordVPNs 6 servers and all passed IP and DNS leak tests as it showed the IP of the server we were connected to and not my real IP address.

Since you can directly install NordVPN on PS5, install NordVPN on routers and connect and secure any device you have at home.

There is a DoubleVPN feature that encrypts your data twice for additional security. You can also choose from various protocols including OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2, L2TP, and more.

SmartPlay is NordVPN’s version of Smart DNS. If you only want to unblock TV shows and movies, this is the easiest way to connect your NordVPN on PS5 or PS4 to access geo-restricted streaming services.

Also, the famous Panama-based VPN service offers a multitude of interesting features. Not only does it come with powerful encryption and protocols, but it also offers a 30 days money-back guarantee and is available for only $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). You can cancel your NordVPN subscription if you think this VPN is not suitable for you and get your money back.

Best of all, You can also use NordVPN’s free trial for 7 days to check out its feature.

To know about NordvVPN PS4 benefits, you will have to read our full NordVPN review.

4. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for PS4/ PS5 with Optimized Gaming Servers

CyberGhost is the most user-friendly VPN for PlayStation. It offers 9700+ servers in 91 countries, and all these servers are organized into categories. These categories include servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and more.

For gaming, you can simply connect to a gaming-optimized server. The gaming server locations are also marked with Ping rates so you can choose the most optimal one for your gaming needs. It also offers fast speeds for gaming.

Look at the CyberGhost speed test results, We achieved a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and 69.34 Mbps on a base connection of 100 Mbps. However, the pings are a little too high but these speeds are good for HD streaming.

CyberGhost offers reliable speeds on its servers with low ping for smooth gaming.

It even has servers dedicated to unblocking streaming sites like US Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, and more. Although it doesn’t have the SmartDNS feature, we had no trouble accessing US Netflix with CyberGhost  outside USA.

Unlike internet service providers (ISPs), this VPN does not throttle data or bandwidth for online games, which means you get a decrease in ping times, better server hops, and enhanced lag. We were able to play MLB The Show 21 without latency.

It also features a user-friendly interface that can easily be set up on different gaming consoles, including the PS4 and PS5. You can also connect up to 7 devices with a single CyberGhost account.

If we talk about security, CyberGhost offers 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and multiple protocols to choose from. You can choose between IKEv2 and WireGuard security protocols. For OpenVPN, you will have to manually configure it on your router.

CyberGhost is also reasonably priced at $2.11/mo  and comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. There is also a 24/7 live chat feature in case you need assistance. Also, check how you can get CyberGhost free trial for 7 days free.

To compare its performance in terms of other parameters like speed, compatibility, and others, check out our extensive CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish – Fast VPN for PS4/PS5

IPVanish is the fastest VPN for PS4 online gaming. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can connect your PlayStation and other devices at the same time on a single account.

IPVanish allows you to select an IP address from any of its 2000+ servers in 75+ countries and access gaming servers from anywhere in the world. It also features a Quick Connect feature that connects you to the best server based on your location and network.

IPVanish also offers state-of-the-art security features and uses advanced OpenVPN protocol along with 256-bit AES encryption. Also, IPVanish offers an actual no-logs policy for ultimate privacy. IPVanish also offers fast connection speeds.

We took an IPVanish speed test result to check its performance while gaming on PS4, we recorded an average download speed of 86.75 Mbps and an upload speed of 73.67 Mbps.

IPVanish offers great speeds on its servers for a smooth gaming experience.

Thus, IPVanish is a complete package and easily the best VPN for PS4 and PS5 available in the market. IPVanish for PS4 also delivers some other impressive security features like IP and DNS leak protection along with Internet Kill Switch. We were able to play Outriders online without any connection drops.

IPVanish also offers a Scramble feature that obfuscates your traffic. It makes your VPN traffic seem like regular internet traffic. The Scramble feature will let you bypass VPN blocks in countries with heavy restrictions like China, and more.

IPVanish is also quite affordable, available at a price of just $3.33/mo , which also includes a 30-day refund policy. You can try IPVanish free trial for 30 days to check all its features. However, if your IPVanish is not working or you want to cancel IPVanish subscriptions contact its customer chat support.

To get to know this provider, check out our in-depth and detailed IPVanish Review.

How we test and choose the Best VPN for PS4/PS5

All the VPNs mentioned above work with both PS4 and PS5. Here are some important criteria to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the best VPN for PlayStation:

• Fast Speeds with low pings: Opt for VPNs with low latency and minimal speed reduction (<30% on nearby servers) for seamless gaming and secure downloads.
• Global Server Network: Chose VPN PS5 with expansive server networks to prevent overcrowding and offer nearby connections for minimal lag. The selection included VPNs with diverse locations for consistently fast connections, enhancing the gaming experience.
• Simple Console Setup: As a VPN cannot be installed directly on a PlayStation, you must be able to configure it on your router. We have selected VPNs with easy-to-follow setup guides for hassle-free installation on your PlayStation through the router.
• Strong Security Features: Choose VPNs with AES 256-bit encryption and IP leak protection for safeguarding against DDoS attacks and ensuring privacy during gaming.
• Can you configure it on routers using Lightway, IKEv2, or WireGuard’s faster tunnelling protocols? Standard VPN router configurations frequently employ the OpenVPN tunnelling protocol, which, unless your router is very strong, can result in a slower connection. You’ll obtain faster speeds if you find a VPN that enables you to use WireGuard, IKEv2, or Lightway, three more effective tunnelling protocols
• Streaming Compatibility: Unblocking geo-restricted streaming websites is always possible with the finest VPNs. So you can use your PlayStation from anywhere in the world to access American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu Japan, and other services. As this allows you to unblock material without having to install the VPN on your router, we also kept an eye out for VPNs that offer the Smart DNS option.
• Customer support: You never know when you’ll encounter technological issues, so having good customer assistance which is available 24/7 is essential. This is especially likely to happen when configuring your network.
• Price: Everyone wants quality features at a reasonable cost. In addition to being reasonably priced, our top 5 VPNs also have 30-day money-back guarantees.

How to set up a VPN on a PlayStation console

Unfortunately, PlayStation consoles do not have built-in support for VPNs. Plus, Sony limits the distribution of VPN software through the PlayStation Store, so you can’t just download and activate it as you can on Windows and mobile devices.

But, the good news is that it hasn’t made it entirely impossible to do so, we have found 4 easy ways to set up a VPN on PS consoles and enjoy early access to new games, different Netflix libraries, fix sluggish online connections, and more.

So if you want to know can you get a VPN on PS4? Here, we’ll go over the 4 ideal methods for using a VPN on PS4 and PS5. Although they are the simplest to set up, the PC and Mac approaches have a constrained range. Your PlayStation needs to be somewhat close to your desktop if you want robust and dependable connectivity. The range is significantly improved (up to 45 meters) with the router setup.

Setting up a VPN for PS4/ PS5 via Windows PC:

If your VPN does not offer Smart DNS functionality, you can share a connection from your Windows PC to your PlayStation console, effectively turning your PC into a virtual router. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

By following these steps, your PlayStation console should now be connected to the internet through your PC’s VPN-enabled connection.

Setting up a VPN for PS4/ PS5 via Mac:

If you don’t have a Windows PC available and want to know how to use VPN on PS5 without PC, you can use a Mac along with an Ethernet cable to connect your PlayStation console to a VPN. Here’s how to get a VPN on PS4 via Mac:

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1. Install the VPN software on your Mac and sign in to your VPN account.
2. Connect your Mac to the internet via Wi-Fi.
3. Connect your PlayStation console to your Mac using an Ethernet cable.
4. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Sharing and select Internet Sharing.
5. From the “Share your connection from” drop-down menu, choose Wi-Fi, and enable Ethernet in the “To computers using” list.
6. Enable Internet Sharing, and a green icon will appear if successful.
7. Open the VPN software on your Mac and connect to a VPN server.
8. On your PlayStation console, go to the network settings and set up the internet connection using the LAN cable.
9. Choose the Easy connection method and select “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
10. Test your internet connection, and if successful, your PlayStation console will now be connected to the internet via the VPN-enabled Mac. [/highlighter]

Setting up a VPN on a router

By connecting through your router, you’ll be able to access region-exclusive content while also guaranteeing that all of your PlayStation data is encrypted. In fact, it protects every router-connected device, ensuring that everything is secure.

However, this router installation can be a little challenging, and you’ll need to carefully follow the instructions to prevent your router from being harmed. Additionally, you’ll discover that the real procedure varies depending on the VPN. Fortunately, each VPN on our list has a dedicated installation tutorial that will walk you through the procedure step-by-step.

Even if you install the software yourself, most routers are incompatible with VPNs since they need a lot of processing power. Stores like flashrouters make things easier for you by pre-configuring a VPN router for you; however, you must confirm that your internet service provider permits you to use your own router as some require their own hubs.

As an alternative, you can purchase your own gaming router and flash it yourself with Tomato or DD-WRT firmware. However, be aware that this can be a challenging procedure and that if you do it incorrectly, it could result in destroying your device.

If you think this approach would work for you, we advise picking a VPN provider first and making sure it is compatible with your router before you go and search how to get a VPN on PS5.

Check the support section of your preferred VPN service for more detailed information. However, the procedure typically involves the following:

• Finding out the router’s model and firmware version
• Getting the IP address of your router
• Getting to the router’s setup settings
• Installing VPN-compatible firmware on your router, if necessary
• Entering the server information for your preferred VPN

Check out our blog on best VPN routers for more information, including setup tutorials.

Routing traffic through Smart DNS

Using a Smart DNS is one method of configuring VPN access on your PlayStation. Even if you don’t have much tech knowledge, this is a rather straightforward process that you should have no trouble following.

However, there are two restrictions to this strategy. The first is that not all VPN companies support this strategy, and the second is that you’ll only receive half of the advantages of your VPN. It won’t secure your data, but it will let you change your region and access information that is restricted. If encryption is your priority, look at the above technique.

Each VPN service will have slightly different steps for setting up a VPN that includes Smart DNS. Learn how to use VPN on PS4 using a SmartDNS tool:

That’s it! You can now access a brand-new library of entertainment on your PlayStation by opening a streaming app, which you couldn’t do before.

Can I use a free VPN for PS4/PS5?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for PS4 and PS5, just like you do with other devices platforms, but that’s a bad idea. 

It’s important to understand the limitations and potential risks involved. Free VPNs typically fall into two categories, and neither of them can truly compare to a paid VPN service. Fully free PS4 VPNs often lack essential features and suffer from slow speeds, limited server options, and difficulty in installing them on routers.

Moreover, VPN PS4 free are not suitable for unblocking content or optimizing your gaming experience. Moreover, these free VPNs need to generate revenue somehow, and they often resort to selling your personal data to third parties or bombarding their apps with intrusive ads. There have even been instances of free VPNs found to be hiding malware.

As an alternative, you might consider using a freemium VPN like Windscribe, which has a monthly data cap of 10GB. This is a condensed form of a premium VPN. Even though you’ll have the best free VPN for PS5, you won’t have all the features you desire and will be constrained by data limits and restrictions that interfere with your ability of streaming and gaming.

For the best performance and security, it is recommended to use a paid VPN service like ExpressVPN, It is the best PS5 VPN which is specifically designed for gaming and has servers optimized for that purpose. This will provide you with faster speeds, better reliability, and stronger encryption to protect your online activity.

VPNs to Avoid for PS4/PS5

Our research and tests on PS4 and PS5 VPNs disclose several recommendations that fall short for PlayStation. Some lack SmartDNS, others can’t measure up to competing VPNs. To ensure a successful VPN pS4+ setup, it’s best to avoid these VPNs for PlayStation:

• TorGuard: Struggles with streaming on PS4 and PS5 and comes with a higher cost compared to its features.
• PrivateVPN: No Smart DNS address option available, restricting streaming options.
• HolaVPN:  This claims to be a VPN service but operates as a peer-to-peer network, potentially compromising user security and privacy.

FAQs – The Best VPN for PS4 & PS5

Wrapping Up

If you want to play the latest online games on your PlayStation 5 or 4 and protect yourself from DDOs attacks, then Yes, you should use a VPN. This article covers how to get VPN on PS4 and the best VPN for PS4 that offers you more features than a PlayStation proxy server.

ExpressVPN is our number one PS4 VPN as it offers impressive compatibility, thousands of servers, and top-notch performance at affordable pricing. The remaining 5 PS VPNs also offer pretty decent compatibility with routers and come with decent features; however, if we had to pick just one, we would choose ExpressVPN.

There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free for 30 days. If you are not satisfied, you can always get a full refund, no questions asked.