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5 Best VPNs for PS4/PS5 in 2023 + How to Set Up & Use Them

Akash Deep Updated on 6th July 2023 Cybersecurity Researcher

Finding a good VPN for your PlayStation can be challenging. Many VPNs increase your latency and can cause laggy gameplay. Some have weak security features so they fail to protect you from DDoS attacks.

After testing 30+ VPNs on PS4 and PS5, my team and I found a few that can secure your gameplay with minimal lag. Plus, they all have worldwide server networks, so you can access geo-restricted games and streaming platforms without issues.

My top recommendation for PlayStation is ExpressVPN. It offers strong security features, ultra-fast speeds, and low ping times for secure and smooth gameplay. It’s also super easy to set up on a PlayStation. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can get a full refund.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for PlayStation in 2023

  1. ExpressVPN — Low ping and strong security for a smooth gaming experience on PS. Plus, it offers custom firmware for routers which is super easy to set up. Try it risk-free; it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. CyberGhost — Dedicated gaming servers to easily find the right server for gaming, but you can’t use them with a router setup.
  3. Private Internet Access — Highly customizable settings allow you to optimize your VPN connection for PlayStation. However, the app isn’t the easiest to navigate.
  4. NordVPN — Ample worldwide servers to change your game location, but I faced delays connecting to some servers.
  5. Surfshark — Gives you unlimited connections to use other devices besides your games consoles, but based in the Netherlands (part of the non-privacy-friendly 14 Eyes Alliance).

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Best VPNs for PlayStation — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Superfast Speeds and Low Ping for Lag-Free Gaming on PlayStation

  • Ultra-fast speeds and low ping for a smooth gaming experience
  • 3,000+ servers in 94 countries to access geo-restricted games and streaming apps
  • Custom firmware makes it quick and easy to set up on your router
  • Works with: Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA Online, COD: Warzone, Minecraft, and more
  • Unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, ESPN+, HBO Max, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and more
ExpressVPN Offer July 2023: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

ExpressVPN offers excellent speeds and low ping, so you can play PS games without lag. During my tests, I recorded an average download speed of 88.5 Mbps on its nearby servers. This is a speed drop of less than 3% from my baseline connection of 90 Mbps. Plus, my ping was always below 32 ms, which is ideal for online gaming. I could play Apex Legends on my PS5 with minimal lag.

Screenshot showing ExpressVPN's speed test resultsA ping of 30 ms or below won’t cause output lag, even in the most fast-paced, competitive online games

In order to use the VPN on your PlayStation, you can either set it up on your router or share your VPN connection from your PC. Of all the VPNs I tested, I found ExpressVPN to be the easiest to set up on a router — all you need to do is install its custom firmware. By following ExpressVPN’s guide, I installed it successfully in just 5 minutes.

ExpressVPN also offers a dedicated app for routers. This allows you to easily change server locations and VPN settings with just a few clicks. Most VPNs require you to edit your router settings every time you wish to change your server. ExpressVPN’s dedicated app means you can spend less time fiddling with settings and more time gaming.

Connecting your PlayStation to ExpressVPN gives you access to its vast server network. This means you can access geo-blocked games and compete against opponents from across the world. During my tests, I could match with gamers from many different regions. Plus, you’ll always have a server near you for low-latency gaming.

In addition, it has strong security to keep your gameplay secure. For instance, all its apps come with AES 256-bit encryption, IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. This encrypts your gaming traffic and keeps your IP address hidden, making it virtually impossible for hackers to locate your home network and launch DDoS attacks.

MediaStreamer lets you access geo-restricted streaming platforms on your PlayStation without much effort. There is no need to install ExpressVPN on your router or share the VPN connection from another device — you just enter your assigned MediaStreamer DNS address into your PlayStation’s network settings. Using this, I could access Netflix US, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu on my PS5 within minutes, even though these platforms aren’t available in my country.

The downside is that ExpressVPN is a little pricier than other VPNs — the lowest price is $6.67/month. However, it often has deals or promotions running — I got 49% off with its longest-term plan when I signed up. ExpressVPN’s long-term plan always offers the best deals and discounts, so I’d recommend choosing it over the more expensive short-term plans.

No matter which plan you choose, you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free because it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. To test this myself, I contacted support through the 24/7 live chat and asked for my money back. Support wasn't pushy and only asked a few questions about my experience with the service. After that, my request was approved, and I got my refund in 2 days.

Try ExpressVPN On PlayStation

2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers to Easily Find the Ideal Server for Playing PS Online

  • Specialty gaming servers to easily find a low-latency server for PS
  • 9,487 servers in 91 countries for reliable connections
  • Smart DNS lets you access geo-restricted streaming platforms across 5 locations
  • Works with: Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA Online, COD: Warzone, Minecraft, and more
  • Unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and more
July 2023 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

CyberGhost offers specialized servers for gaming so it’s easy to find an ideal connection. This lets you easily connect to a low-ping server in just a few clicks. You can find them listed under the “For Gaming” category within the app. I tested 3 of its gaming servers and recorded an average ping of 44 ms. There was no noticeable lag when I played PUBG on my PS5.

A screenshot showing some of CyberGhost's gaming-optimized serversYou can play your favorite PlayStation games without any lag

You’ll also be protected from DDoS attacks with its robust security features. It comes with military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP leak protection to keep your online data safe and private while gaming. I ran 6 of CyberGhost’s gaming servers through leak tests while connected with my PlayStation and never found any.

Its SmartDNS service lets you easily access region-locked streaming content on PS. You can choose codes from 5 different locations, including the US, UK, and Japan. I was able to unblock Hulu and watch content in HD without interruption, despite being based outside the US.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost can be installed on certain routers. However, you will be unable to choose a specific server to connect to — you can only specify a country in the router settings and CyberGhost will automatically pick a server in that location. This can mean you’ll be connected to a server that isn’t gaming-optimized, which could lead to higher latency. However, you can choose to share your VPN connection from your PC instead, which gives you total control over your selected server.

CyberGhost’s monthly subscription is pretty expensive. However, you can get CyberGhost for just $2.19/month if you opt for a long-term plan. The long-term options also come with an extended money-back guarantee period (45 vs. 14 days with the monthly plan).

I tested its 45-day money-back guarantee and made sure it's reliable and hassle-free. After using the VPN for 39 days, I contacted support via its 24/7 live chat feature and asked for a refund. I wasn’t pressured to stay, and my request was approved almost immediately. In 4 days, I got my money back.

Try CyberGhost On PlayStation

3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for PS

  • Strong security features that can be customized as per your gaming needs
  • 29,650+ servers in 84 countries to play against new players
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Works with: Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA Online, COD: Warzone, Minecraft, and more
  • Unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
July 2023 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

PIA offers tons of customizations, so you can optimize your connection for PS games. For example, you can choose between a variety of VPN protocols — including the industry-standard OpenVPN, WireGuard, and more. With OpenVPN, you also have the option to change the encryption level depending on your needs. During my tests, 128-bit encryption gave me 13% faster speeds than 256-bit. While it may not be as secure as 256-bit, it’s still virtually impossible to crack.

image displaying how to change your VPN settings in the PIA appWireGuard gave me a slightly better ping rate than OpenVPN

Its huge server network lets you play PS games with players across the globe. It also ensures speedy connections as there are plenty of nearby servers you can connect to. A large server network also means that you don’t have to worry about server overcrowding further slowing you down. While testing, I always had reliable connections and consistent speeds.

Not only were speeds consistent, but they were also fast. On its nearby servers, I received an average of 78 Mbps (a drop of 13% from my baseline connection). The ping was always below 60 ms on its nearby servers. This is a significantly higher ping than I got with ExpressVPN, and I did experience a little bit more lag. However, as long as you aren’t playing competitive and fast-paced online games, anything below 90 ms is acceptable.

While PIA is compatible with routers, you're locked to using the OpenVPN protocol. However, you can share your VPN connection through a hotspot instead, which allows you access to all customization options.

Private Internet Access is reasonably priced. Its longest plan only costs $2.03/month. If you opt for a short-term subscription, you’ll spend considerably more than you would with long-term plans. Your best option is to get the longest-term subscription as it offers the best value.

It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test Private Internet Access totally risk-free. To make sure they would hold true to the guarantee, I contacted support through 24/7 chat and asked for a refund. After I answered a couple of questions, my request was approved and I got my money back 5 days later.

Try PIA On PlayStation

4. NordVPN — Plenty of Servers to Easily Get a New IP and Change Game Location

  • 5,640 servers in 60 countries to quickly change your game region
  • NordLynx protocol to safeguard your connection while maintaining high speeds
  • 6 simultaneous device connections
  • Works with: Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA Online, COD: Warzone, Minecraft, and more
  • Unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more

NordVPN has a wide range of servers across the world to easily change your IP. With a new IP, you can access multiple gaming regions to access specific content. While connected via my router, I tested the NordVPN US, UK, and Japanese servers and my IP changed to those regions. Fortnite games worked without any lag or location-based issues. This means your gaming sessions aren’t restricted to the features available in your real location.

Screenshot of NordLynx protocol option on NordVPN menu screenMy gaming sessions were safe with NordLynx while maintaining my high-speed base connection

Its proprietary protocol, NordLynx, is fast (although not quite up there with ExpressVPN). My base speed of 70Mbps only dropped 22% with minimal ping. Regardless of the distance, I didn’t see any noticeable lag — even on the Japanese server. GTA Online played smoothly while my PS5 was connected to my router.

Your gaming sessions are secure with Nordlynx, too. It’s based on the ultra-secure WireGuard protocol, but with double NAT technology (extra layer of IP protection). AES-256-bit encryption also helps guard against DDoS attacks and other potential cyber threats while gaming. In addition, a kill switch and leak protection mean your real IP is never exposed.

A minor drawback is that connecting to certain servers took longer than expected. For instance, one US server required about 12 seconds to alter my IP address. However, this issue did not occur often enough to be significantly disruptive.

Subscriptions for NordVPN are available from $3.49/month. I recommend the long-term plan to get the best value for your money; shorter, more expensive plans don’t get you anything extra.

There’s no risk in trying NordVPN as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund after using the VPN for a while was extremely straightforward. I requested it via the 24/7 live chat and had confirmation almost instantly. My credit card was reimbursed within a week.

Try NordVPN on Playstation

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Cover All Your Devices

  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections to cover devices not on your router network
  • 3,200 servers in 100 countries to easily get a new IP for online games
  • Smart DNS to unblock content on your Playstation without a router setup
  • Works with: Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA Online, COD: Warzone, Minecraft, and more
  • Unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more

Surfshark provides unlimited device connections — perfect for securing other devices outside your router network. Usually, VPNs place a limit on this, so you could only connect your router and a handful of devices away from home. While testing, I used Surfshark on my router for my PS5, plus my laptop, iPhone, and tablet without connectivity issues.

Servers located around the world are reliable and fast for PS4/5 gaming. Apex Legends worked with a new IP using a US server, successfully changing my location. Despite being a considerable distance away my ping stayed low (<64ms), and my speed didn't drop more than 24% at most using the Fastest location option.

Screenshot showing the Surfshark server selection screen and fastest server optionSurfshark made it easy to get a fast, secure connection within seconds

With Surfshark’s smart DNS, you can change the region on your Playstation without a router. This simply involves entering DNS numbers (provided by Surfshark) in your Playstation settings. It doesn’t provide the same security benefits as using your router, but it can help bypass gaming (and streaming) geoblocks.

Although Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, it has a strong no-logs policy that ensures your data is not logged. Additionally, the VPN uses RAM-only servers, which erase any data on reboot.

Plans start at just $2.30/month. The best bet is the long-term plan as it’s the most cost-effective. Short-term plans offer exactly the same features but end up costing more.

You can try Surfshark risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. The process is quick and reliable if you need a refund. I used the 24/7 chat to cancel and make my request. After answering a few short questions, I had the money back after a week.

Try Surfshark on Playstation

Quick Comparison Table: PlayStation VPN Features

This table compares the features of my top-recommended VPNs for PlayStation. This includes the lowest monthly price, average ping on nearby servers, and the number of countries it has servers in. I also included the number of devices you can connect at the same time and whether the service offers Smart DNS, which lets you unblock streaming apps directly on your PlayStation.

VPN Lowest monthly price # of server locations Average ping on local servers
Smart DNS Unblocks # of device connections
🥇ExpressVPN $6.67/month 3,000 servers in 94 countries 29 ms Yes Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more 8
🥈CyberGhost $2.19/month 9,487 servers in 91 countries 40 ms Yes Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more 7
🥉Private Internet Access $2.03/month 29,650 servers in 84 countries 60 ms Yes Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and more Unlimited
NordVPN $3.49/month 5,640 servers in 60 countries 60 ms Yes Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, DAZN, and more 6
Surfshark $2.30/month 3,200 servers in 100 countries 64 ms Yes Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more Unlimited

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Benefits of Using a VPN With a PS4/PS5

Employing a high-grade VPN on your PlayStation 4 or 5 can enhance your gaming journey in more ways than simply strengthening your network's safety. It can majorly amplify your PlayStation play in a variety of aspects. Here are just a handful of the benefits associated with the use of a dependable VPN on your PlayStation console.

  1. Protects you from DDoS attacks that can crash your game. Some competitors may try to bring you offline by coordinating a DDoS attack on your home network. To do this, they need your IP address. However, a VPN hides your real IP address with that of the server you’re connected to. This means any DDoS attempts will hit the VPN servers instead, which are designed to mitigate such attacks. Because of this, your gameplay session will remain unaffected.
  2. Allows you to access international gaming servers. Many online games will connect you automatically to a server nearby. However, with a VPN, you can connect to another country and compete with a completely new audience. As an example, this allows you to play COD: Warzone in unpopular regions for easier matches.
  3. Allows access to geo-restricted games. A VPN gives you access to region-locked games and DLC. You can also access streaming platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max no matter where you are. In addition, a VPN enables you to buy some PS games early or take advantage of regional pricing. However, be aware that circumventing regional restrictions may be against PlayStation’s terms of service. These vary by region, so be sure to check you aren’t breaking any rules beforehand.
  4. Boosts your internet speeds by bypassing ISP throttling. Some ISPs may throttle your internet speed in response to high-bandwidth activities like downloading games and streaming. A VPN can bypass this limitation by encrypting your traffic. This way, your ISP can’t see what kind of activity you’re performing online, so they can’t limit your speeds because of it.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for PlayStation

A high-quality VPN for your PlayStation should offer you low latency and an extensive server network. It should also be easy to set up on a router and offer good compatibility with popular router brands and models. I selected the VPNs on this list using these criteria:

  • Low ping. The lower your ping, the quicker your input will be registered by the game. For most online games, you should aim for a ping rate of less than 100 ms for enjoyable gameplay. Competitive, fast-paced games may require a ping as low as 35ms. Each VPN on this list gave me a ping of less than 100 ms on nearby servers.
  • Fast speeds. This allows you to securely download large PlayStation games and updates without slowdowns. A speed drop of more than 40% on nearby servers is unacceptable. I tested each VPN on this list to ensure they’re fast. I never experienced a speed drop of more than 30%, even on distant servers.
  • Large server network. You should look for a VPN with many servers located in different locations. The more servers, the less likely you are to run into overcrowding that can slow down speeds. Also, the closer the server, the lower your ping — meaning you’ll get less lag in-game.
  • Robust security features. To stay private and safe while playing PlayStation games online, features such as AES 256-bit encryption and IP leak protection are essential. These will protect you against DDoS attacks.
  • Easy to set up on consoles. Choose a VPN that can be easily installed on a router. All of these VPNs offer detailed and easy-to-follow setup guides for routers on their sites. Plus, they can also be set up as VPN hotspots, so you can connect your PlayStation through your Mac or PC, too. Also make sure the VPN supports fast protocols for routers like WireGuard, IKEv2, or Lightway.
  • Good for streaming. Make sure your VPN reliably unblocks popular streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. This way, you can access geo-restricted content on your PS. It’s even better if it offers a Smart DNS service, as this allows you to avoid creating a VPN hotspot or setting up the VPN with your router. You can get to streaming right away.
  • Value for money. The best VPNs for PlayStation offer premium performance, extensive server networks, and valuable features at affordable prices. You shouldn’t have to break the bank to get good service. In addition, many VPNs (like ExpressVPN) offer big discounts throughout the year, especially with their long-term plans.
  • Responsive customer support. Good customer support will help you deal with problems more effectively. All of the VPNs in this list offer 24/7 live chat support, so you can get help at any time, regardless of your time zone.
  • Reliable money-back guarantee. A vendor that offers a money-back guarantee is confident in its services. All the VPNs I’ve listed come with a reliable and trustworthy money-back guarantee, which lets you test them with your PlayStation and claim a full refund if you’re not satisfied.

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How to Set Up a VPN on Your PlayStation Console

There are 4 methods for setting up a VPN on PlayStation consoles. The PC and Mac methods are the easiest to set up but have a limited range. If you want strong and reliable connections, your PlayStation will have to be pretty close to your desktop. With the router setup, the range is much better (can be upwards of 45 meters).

The Smart DNS method is the fastest, but it cannot be used for gaming. It’s only good if you want to access region-locked streaming services on your PlayStation. I recommend the PC method for ease of use and the router method for more reliable performance.

I recommend using ExpressVPN for PlayStation since it’s the fastest VPN I tested, making it ideal for gaming. It also has a Smart DNS feature and a handy app for routers which makes it really easy to switch server locations on your PlayStation and control how it connects to the VPN.

PC Method — Ethernet or WiFi

  1. Connect your PS4/PS5 to your PC. You can skip this step if you’re using WiFi. Use an ethernet cable to connect your PlayStation to your computer. You can use a second ethernet cable to connect your computer to your router as well — this will give you faster speeds than using a WiFi connection.
  2. Connect your VPN. Choose the location you wish to connect to from your VPN’s list of servers and connect to it. Choose one close to your actual location for the best performance.
  3. Open your PC’s Network settings. If you’re not using an ethernet cable, choose the “Mobile Hotspot” option and turn it on.
  4. Change your adapter options. Scroll down to find this option under Related settings. This will take you to the Network Connections window, where you will see a network called Local Area Connection #.
  5. Access your VPN’s connection. Locate a connection with your VPN’s name (for ex. “ExpressVPN Wintun Driver”) and right-click to open its “Properties”.
  6. Allow sharing. In the sharing tab, check the box for “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
  7. Select the network to share. Under “Home Networking Connection”, select the name of either the mobile hotspot (Local Area Connection #) you just created or the ethernet connection you made to your PlayStation and click “OK”.
  8. Set up your PlayStation's connection. Go to Settings > Network > Connect to the internet. For WiFi connections: select WiFi and connect to the network you set up previously. For ethernet: select Use a LAN cable > Easy. Select “Do not use a proxy server” if prompted.
  9. Access region-exclusive content on your console. Your VPN is now connected to your PS4 or PS5 via your PC.

Mac — Ethernet or WiFi

  1. Connect your Mac to your PlayStation. You can skip this step if you’re using WiFi. Use an ethernet to connect your PlayStation to your macOS device. You can use a second ethernet cable to connect your macOS to your router/modem as well — this will give you faster speeds than using a WiFi connection.
  2. Share your internet connection. Go to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing. Under “Share your connection from”, choose your VPN. Under “To computers using”, choose either WiFi or ethernet, depending on how you’re going to connect your PS4/PS5.
  3. Set up a name and password. (Skip this step if you’re using a LAN cable.) Click “WiFi options” and choose whatever name and password you want for your hotspot. If you see a pop-up that says, “To share your Internet connection, you must turn on WiFi,” click “Turn WiFi On”.
  4. Turn on Internet Sharing. If you get a pop-up that says, “Are you sure you want to turn on Internet sharing?” click on “Start”.
  5. Connect to a server with your VPN. Just open your VPN on your Mac and connect to the server you want.
  6. Set up your PlayStation’s connection. Go to Settings > Network > Connect to the internet. For WiFi connections: select WiFi and connect to the network you set up in step 4. For ethernet: select Use a LAN cable > Easy. Select “Do not use a proxy server” if prompted.
  7. Start gaming and streaming. Your VPN is now connected to your PS4 or PS5 via your macOS device.

Router Method

When you set up a VPN on your router, every device connected to it (PS4/PS5 included) will be covered by the VPN as well. Unfortunately, not all routers are compatible with VPNs. If that’s the case for you, then I would recommend the PC method instead.

In addition, every router has a specific set of instructions to get a VPN set up on it. These instructions are only for setting up ExpressVPN’s router app on an ASUS router. Contact your VPN’s support team if you’re unsure how to set it up on your particular router.

  1. Download the ExpressVPN firmware. It’s available from your account dashboard on ExpressVPN’s website. Use the drop down menu to select your model of ASUS router and select “download firmware”. Keep the window open: you’ll need the activation code to complete router setup.
  2. Make sure your router is connected to the internet. Either connect your router to a modem or to a WiFi connection.
  3. Log in to your router. Type “router.asus.com” or “192.168.1.1” into your browser and log in to your router settings. If you haven’t created personal login details, just enter “admin” for both your username and password.
  4. Install the ExpressVPN firmware. On the left column, select “Administration”. Then choose “Firmware Upgrade”. Click “Upload” next to “Manual firmware upload” and select the firmware you downloaded in step 1 (it’s a.trx file). When the firmware upgrade is complete, reboot your router.
  5. Complete router setup. Once you reconnect to your router, the ExpressVPN router firmware should pop up on your screen. Just select “Get Started” and follow the instructions. Make note of the WiFi name and password as well as the router password you’re shown upon completion and click “Save”.
  6. Connect your PlayStation to the router. Go to your PlayStation’s network settings and connect it to your newly set up VPN router connection.
  7. Start gaming and streaming on your PlayStation! You now have full access to ExpressVPN’s server network and security features on your PS4/PS5.

Smart DNS Method

By using a Smart DNS, you’ll be able to access geo-restricted streaming platforms on your PlayStation. Not every VPN offers a Smart DNS service. Also, remember that you cannot use this method to game in different regions — it’s solely for streaming on region-locked apps. Finally, note that Smart DNS services do not encrypt your connection, so you won’t have the same level of security that a VPN offers.

  1. Sign up for a VPN. ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access all offer a Smart DNS feature that will let you unblock streaming apps on your PlayStation.
  2. Register your IP address. Log in to your VPN dashboard in your browser and look for an option like “DNS Settings” or “Smart DNS”. Click on that and register your IP address with your VPN provider (this is usually done automatically).
  3. Note the DNS code. Once your IP is registered, you’ll see a DNS code. You need to enter this code into your PlayStation’s network settings.
  4. Turn on your PlayStation system. Go to Settings > Network > Set up your internet connection > Custom.
  5. Configure the connection. Choose “WiFi” if your PS4/PS5 is connected to the internet over WiFi or “LAN cable” if it’s connected using an ethernet cable. Then choose Automatic > Do Not Specify > Manual (for DNS settings). Input the DNS codes you got in step 3. Then continue the setup and select Automatic > Do Not Use. Select “Test Your Internet Connection” and then restart your console.
  6. Start streaming movies and TV shows! Choose your favorite streaming service and watch shows and movies that aren’t normally available in your location straight from your PS4/PS5!

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FAQs on the Best VPNs for PlayStation

Can I watch Netflix with a VPN on a PlayStation?

Yes, you can. There are several ways to do this, but the easiest method is using Smart DNS, which is a feature many VPNs offer. All you have to do is copy a code into your PlayStation’s network settings and reboot your console. When you open the Netflix app, the regional library of the DNS code you chose should load automatically. However, Smart DNS usually only comes with a handful of locations and it doesn’t offer the same security features as a full VPN app.

To access the most Netflix content on your console, you can set your VPN up on your router or create a VPN hotspot on your computer and connect your PS4/PS5 to that connection. This will give you full use of the VPN’s security features and access to its entire network on your console, allowing you to unblock more regional Netflix libraries.

How do I use a VPN on a PS4/PS5?

There are 3 ways to use a VPN on a PlayStation. You can connect your VPN to a PS4/PS5 by sharing a VPN connection from your computer. This is the easiest way to make full use of a VPN app on PlayStation. Just create a hotspot with your computer with the VPN connected, connect your PlayStation to the hotspot, and control the VPN through your PC.

You can also connect a VPN to your PlayStation by installing it on your router. Some VPNs (like ExpressVPN) come with router apps which make it fast and easy to choose your desired server and change VPN settings. Other VPNs don’t have apps and you have to control them manually through your router’s control panel.

Finally, some VPNs come with a Smart DNS tool, which lets you change locations directly on your PlayStation really easily. However, it doesn’t offer the security and privacy protection of a full VPN app. This is a great option for unblocking streaming apps, but isn’t great for staying safe while gaming online.

Can I set up a VPN on my PS4 or PS5 without a PC?

Technically, you can set up a VPN on your PlayStation device using your smartphone. All of the VPNs in this list are also compatible with both Android and iOS. So, you could install the VPN on one of those devices and share a WiFi hotspot from your phone. Then, just connect your PlayStation to the hotspot.

Bear in mind that games require a lot of data, which could cost you a lot of money if you have limited data on your phone plan.

Can I use a free VPN on a PlayStation?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Instead, it’s better to use a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a reliable money-back guarantee. This way you can test the VPN out without limitations and claim a full refund if you’re not satisfied with it.

Free VPNs have tiny server networks, which can lead to overcrowding. This causes slow speeds and unreliable connections. It wouldn’t be uncommon to experience unplayable amounts of lag and repeatedly disconnect while gaming. Also, free VPNs don’t usually offer router support, so you’d be stuck using a VPN hotspot. This can lead to weak and unreliable connections if your hotspot device is far from your PlayStation.

Not only that, but free VPNs usually cap data at about 1-5 GB per month, which is just not enough to game or stream for any significant amount of time (you can stream in HD for about 1 hour with 1 GB of data).

Worst of all, some free VPNs have been known to share user data with third parties. They’re simply not worth the trouble when you can try premium VPNs risk-free.

Will a VPN improve my ping on PlayStation?

In some cases, yes. It can do so by sending your data packets through a more direct route than they would normally travel through your ISP connection. However, to make that happen, you have to pick a server that’s close to your physical location. That’s why it’s important to choose a VPN that has a worldwide server network.

If you choose a long-distance server, then you’re likely to experience high ping issues, which can result in noticeable lag while gaming on PlayStation.

Try ExpressVPN on PlayStation

Get the Best VPN for PlayStation Today

A good VPN can improve your PlayStation experience. The problem is that many VPNs fail to keep your gaming sessions secure and can cause lag due to high ping.

That said, ExpressVPN is an excellent option for PlayStation. It’s superfast, secure, and easy to use on PS. Plus, it lets you connect to international gaming servers and unblock geo-restricted gaming and streaming content. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for PlayStation in 2023 are…

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.8 /10
Save 49%!
2
9.8 /10
Save 83%!
3
9.6 /10
Save 83%!
4
9.4 /10
Save 69%!
5
9.2 /10
Save 82%!
Privacy Alert!

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VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

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About the Author

Akash is a writer at vpnMentor dedicated to providing readers with unbiased and expert advice on online security and privacy. He specializes in analyzing the latest cybersecurity trends and providing up-to-date information to help readers make informed decisions.

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