5 Best FREE VPNs for PS4/PS5 in 2023 (& How to Connect)

Finding a reliable free VPN compatible with PS4 and PS5 is challenging. Many limit server locations, cap bandwidth, and throttle speed, resulting in high ping (latency) and choppy gameplay. Plus, not all can secure your gaming sessions against DDoS attacks or allow access to streaming apps (even some premium VPNs get blocked).

After testing 30+ free VPNs, I found only a handful that works well with PlayStation. They offer strong security features without compromising your speeds. Plus, they make it easy to find bot lobbies, change strict NAT type, reduce match-making time, and boost your stats. They also offer several server locations to access streaming platforms (like Netflix and Hulu) or play online with friends worldwide.

My top PlayStation VPN is ExpressVPN. Its excellent speeds and huge server network allow for a smooth gaming and streaming experience. Plus, it’s easy to set up on PS3, PS4, and PS5. Although it's not entirely free, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try ExpressVPN for PS4/5 Risk-Free >>

Best Free VPNs for PS4 and PS5 — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Smooth Gaming and Streaming on Your PS4/PS5

ExpressVPN’s speeds and low ping are perfect for smooth gameplay on PlayStation. Using its Lightway protocol (optimized for speed), I used a nearby France server and averaged 120.5Mbps with a ping of 20ms (lower than the 100ms needed). Even long-distance connections over 9,000 km away, like Japan, gave me 72.3Mbps. That’s enough to play PS games with no lags and stream videos in UHD (online gaming only requires 15Mbps and 4K streaming 25Mbps).

You can usually expect a speed drop of 20% — my average speed loss was 4%

Its servers spread out over 94 countries give you access to plenty of international gaming servers. This means you can easily find a server close by for optimal game-play. Plus, a global network enables you to access content from your home country, even when traveling overseas. I easily unblocked my Disney+ and Peacock accounts while testing ExpressVPN's US servers.

Its MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) feature also lets you access UK and US content on your PS without any manual setup. All you have to do is to tweak your device’s internet settings with the code provided by ExpressVPN. SmartDNS is great for devices that don’t natively support VPNs. Since it doesn’t encrypt your traffic or change your IP, it also gives you better speeds for streaming. I watched shows on Hulu and ITVX in UHD.

ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and changes your IP address to protect against DDoS attacks that can crash your game. This makes your data unreadable to third parties like hackers and snoops. The VPN adds to this with a kill switch, which cuts your internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops (like when you change WiFi networks). I also tested ExpressVPN for leaks and found none, meaning the VPN keeps your DNS/IP information hidden.

Its dedicated router apps extend ExpressVPN's full protection beyond the 8 simultaneous device connections allowed. I set it up on my Asus router to secure all devices at once, including my PS4. Installing the VPN and establishing a connection to a server was completed in roughly 10 minutes.

The only drawback is that the VPN isn't technically free, with a long-term subscription starting at $6.67/month. However, when you choose the yearly plan, you can save up to 49% with ExpressVPN's frequent discounts and get 3 months of free services.

Additionally, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund policy by contacting customer support via its 24/7 live chat feature. My request was approved after 2 minutes, and the money was returned to my bank account in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Verified no-logs policy. An audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers confirmed that ExpressVPN does not collect or log any identifiable information that could be linked to you.
• RAM-only servers. All your online activities are erased with every reboot, so there’s no identifiable information collected.
• P2P-friendly servers. Every server on the network supports P2P traffic, allowing you to download your favorite copyright-free games quickly from anywhere.
• Split tunneling. You can choose which apps or games need to go through the VPN. For example, you can use the VPN for specific games with geo-restrictions while allowing other apps to connect directly.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy. This adds an extra layer of privacy when gaming by regularly assigning you new encryption keys. Even if one session got hacked, all others will be protected.

Try ExpressVPN for PS4/5 Risk-Free

2. CyberGhost — Global Network to Access International Games With Your PlayStation

CyberGhost global network ensures you stay connected to your gaming accounts even when traveling abroad. This can help maintain a consistent gaming experience, regardless of your location. It also offers gaming-optimized servers (currently in the beta phase and available with the Windows app) to reduce lag. It also has dedicated servers for streaming. In my test, I had no issue accessing Netflix US on my PS4 with CyberGhost’s optimized servers.

CyberGhost also works on Xbox and Nintendo Switch

Like ExpressVPN, it offers user-friendly apps and a SmartDNS feature. To set it up, I installed CyberGhost on my router using the comprehensive guides on its website. The process only took 15 minutes, and I was ready to play Warzone. For increased protection, you can connect through your computer’s internet connection. The support agent I got in contact with sent me the tutorial, and I connected my PS to the VPN in no time.

I found the VPN’s speeds and latency great for uninterrupted gaming. I tested 5 of its servers in the US, UK, and the Netherlands, and my speed stayed at 115.6Mbps. This is only a 9% decrease from my non-VPN speed. You’ll have no problem keeping up with multiplayer games.

It uses AES-256 type encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch to protect your gaming sessions. This means that no hacker or snoop can access your personal information or launch an IP-based attack.

One small snag is that the VPN isn’t entirely free, and the monthly subscriptions are on the pricier side. However, its longer-term plans are affordable, starting at $2.19/month, with an extended money-back guarantee.

Using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost for free and ask for a refund if unsatisfied. My request was approved after contacting the 24/7 live chat support team and explaining that I no longer needed the VPN. I had the full amount back in my PayPal wallet after 4 days.

Useful Features

• Supports P2P servers. Use these servers to hasten the download of free PlayStation games while gaming.
• Simultaneous device connections. Up to 7 connections under one subscription to protect your PlayStation and other devices.
• Adheres to a zero-logs policy. The VPN doesn’t log, store, or share any of your identifiable information. Plus, it’s based in a privacy-friendly country, Romania. Its servers (based solely on RAM) also provide extra privacy by ensuring no data is stored.
• Built-in ad and malware blocker. CyberGhost’s Block Content feature allows you to access the internet on your PS without experiencing any delays caused by ads or malware.

Try CyberGhost for PS4/5 Risk-Free

3. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Unrestricted Play on PS4 and PS5

Proton VPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth usage, so you can game as much as you want. Speeds are satisfactory too. Using its Quick Connect feature, I experienced minor speed loss while testing — never more than 29%. I recorded 118.5Mbps on its Netherlands server and 92.4Mbps on its Japan server. This was still good as I was more than 9,000 km away from the latter.

You can connect 1 device using its free plan and up to 10 with the paid account

Robust security measures keep your information hidden from all the gamers sharing the same server. There’s a strict no-logs policy in place to ensure that your confidential data isn’t stored or shared. AES 256-bit encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch also shield you from online threats while gaming on public servers.

I was impressed that you can download free config files to set Proton VPN up on specific routers. You can check the VPN’s website to see if your router is supported and access setup guides for each. Unfortunately, my router isn’t compatible, but I was able to connect by sharing my PC’s internet connection to my PS4.

With the free version, you’re limited to game servers in only 3 locations. However, Proton VPN’s US servers worked well when I was gaming, and they also let me watch some videos on Netflix. The Netherlands and Japan servers also didn’t disappoint — they allowed me to play Apex Legends uninterrupted.

Useful Features

• WireGuard protocol. The free version lets you use the speedy WireGuard protocol. It gave me the best speeds for gaming without compromising security.
• Strict no-logs policy. This means your data (including your gaming sessions) won’t be logged or shared with anyone.
• Based in a privacy-friendly country. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction). This means it’s not obligated to share user data with any authorities.

Try Proton VPN for PS4/5 FREE

4. hide.me — Robust Security Features Keep Your Gaming Sessions Secure on PS4 and PS5

hide.me keeps your gaming sessions safe with advanced encryption (AES 256-bit), a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. I really liked that you can choose between 5 security protocols with the free plan (including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN). Most free VPNs don't give you so many choices. I also tested hide.me for DNS/IP leaks and didn't detect any. This means your actual location remains confidential.

hide.me successfully replaced my actual IP with one from the Netherlands

The free plan offers a 10GB per month data allowance, enough to game on your PS4/PS5 for about 50 hours. However, if you're looking to stream on your PlayStation, this data limit may not be sufficient, as it's only enough to watch for 3 hours in HD quality.

With the free version, you can manually get the VPN on a Mikrotik router. However, you need to purchase a subscription to install it on any other router. While this may be complex, hide.me offers 24/7 live chat support, even for free users. I found the support team incredibly helpful — they guided me through the setup process whenever I encountered issues.

Useful Features

• Stealth Guard. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for PlayStation users. It ensures that specific apps or the entire device will only connect to the internet when the VPN is active, preventing accidental exposure of your IP address or personal data during gaming sessions.
• Split tunneling. With this feature, you can choose which apps use the VPN protection and which connect directly to your internet.
• Located in a privacy-friendly country. hide.me is headquartered in Malaysia, outside the prying eyes of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances.

Try hide.me for PS4/5 FREE

5. Hotspot Shield — Keeps Your Data Private While Browsing With Your PS

Hotspot Shield enhances your privacy on PlayStation with its DNS/IP leak protection. Coupled with AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch (available on Windows), it provides rock-solid protection for your console. Like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, Hotspot Shield successfully concealed my IP address during testing. No fellow gamers can view your IP, safeguarding you from potential online attacks that could disrupt your gameplay.

It only stores anonymized information, that's used to improve the VPN’s performance

The free plan also provides unlimited data every month. However, you may need to sit through some ads using the free version. While it's not possible to install the free VPN on your router, you can use it on your PS by sharing your PC’s connection.

Useful Features

• Hydra protocol. I got better connection speeds with the VPNs proprietary protocol (Hydra). However, Wireguard is also available.
• 7-day free trial. This gives you full access to Hotspot Shield's premium features.

Try Hotspot Shield for PS4/5 FREE

Quick Comparison Table: Free VPNs for PS4 and PS5 Features

The table below provides a quick comparison of the listed VPNs. It shows how my recommended free VPNs for PS4 and PS5 compare against each other in terms of price, speed, network coverage, and data limit.

Try ExpressVPN for PS4/5 Risk-Free

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for PS4/PS5

The following criteria were utilized to evaluate and rank my suggested VPNs. I recommend taking these features into account prior to selecting your VPN:

• Price. A completely free VPN has limitations, usually fewer servers, device connections, or data caps. Look at the premium version's price to determine if it's worth an upgrade to unlock its full potential.
• Easy to set up. PlayStations aren't typically VPN compatible. To quickly install and use it on your PS, choose a VPN with a SmartDNS feature or that can be installed on a router or PC.
• Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Enjoy games without lag or slowdowns on your PS by getting a VPN that doesn’t cap your bandwidth or data.
• Large server network. This gives you plenty of connections to access your gaming accounts when traveling abroad.
• Strong security and privacy. A VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy protects you from DDoS attacks, hackers, and online surveillance.
• Responsive customer support. To receive timely help when you need it, make sure you choose a free VPN that offers reliable support.

Try ExpressVPN for PS4/5 Risk-Free

Warning: Free VPNs To Avoid and Why

The digital landscape is filled with perilous and dubious VPNs that can divulge your data to third parties, rendering you vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In the course of my analysis, I discovered a plethora of free VPNs plagued with malware and assorted viruses. It is highly recommended to sidestep the ensuing insecure VPNs:

• Psiphon. Its partner companies can track your data usage and use it to send you targeted ads.
• Hoxx VPN. Not actually a VPN, but a proxy. It keeps logs of your activity to sell to third parties.
• Hat VPN. It shares its free users’ location and is full of malware.
• SuperVPN. Stores logs and is also infected with malware.
• Tuxler. Keeps logs and shares that info with advertisers.

How To Set up a Free VPN on Your PlayStation

There are a few different ways to connect your PlayStation to a VPN. The best method is setting it up through a PC using an ethernet cable. This doesn’t require purchasing additional tools and won’t impact your speeds or gaming performance too much. Setting it up through WiFi is also easy but not recommended since it will be slower than a wired connection.

Another option is to set a VPN up through your router. This will give you the fastest speeds for gaming since it’s a more direct connection to your PlayStation. The downsides are that you’ll likely have to invest time (for configuration) and money into it. You’ll need a router that’s compatible with VPNs and vice versa — and most free VPNs don’t offer router support.

The last option I’ve listed is to use smartDNS (like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer). This is a good option if you’re only interested in unblocking streaming platforms on your console, as it won’t do anything for gaming. Also, which streaming sites it works with depends on your VPN (for instance, MediaStreamer works with select US, UK, and Australian platforms).

Still, the method you choose is up to you. So below, I’ve covered the steps for each setup option:

With Windows Ethernet

1. Connect your PS to your computer. Connect your console to your computer with an ethernet cable. If you can connect your PC to your router with another ethernet cable, I recommend doing so for faster speeds.
2. Go to the PC's network settings. This takes you to the “Network and Sharing Center” menu
3. Access your VPN’s connection. While in the “Network and Sharing Center,” click “Change Adapter settings” to access the “Network Connections” window.
4. Connect to a server. Open the VPN app and connect to a server location. Next, locate an adapter with your VPN’s name
5. Share your VPN connection. Now, right-click the adapter, select “Properties,” and tap “Sharing”. Under “Home networking connection,” choose your PS4/PS5’s ethernet connection
6. Set up your PS4/PS5’s connection. Next, click “Use a LAN Cable”
7. Choose “Easy” and follow the on-screen prompts for the standard settings to be applied automatically. If prompted, select “Do not use a proxy server.”
8. Start gaming. You’re ready to safely game on your PlayStation.

With Windows WiFi

1. Activate the mobile hotspot. Go to “Settings.”

   Click on "Mobile hotspot" to access and adjust the settings of your hotspot

2. Create a network name and password.

   Remember to set “Share my internet connection from” to “WiFi”

3. Find the adapter with your VPN’s name. To locate it, simply find ”Related settings” and choose ”More network adapter options.” Note that the workflow can vary slightly depending on the Windows version you have.

   After that, choose “Sharing”

4. Enable internet connection sharing. Select “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.” Under “Home Networking Connection,” choose the hotspot connection you created in step 2. It should be active already.
5. Set up your PS4/PS5’s network connection.

   Next, select “Use WiFi” and enter your mobile hotspot and the password you created

6. Connect to a server. Open your VPN app and choose a server location.
7. Start gaming. You can now play games safely on your PlayStation.

With Mac (Ethernet or WiFi)

1. Connect your Mac to your PlayStation. Use an ethernet cable, or skip this step if you’re using WiFi. I recommend you connect your Mac to the internet with an ethernet cable to get a more reliable connection.
2. Share your internet connection. Go to “System Preferences.”

   I did this in under 1 minute

3. Choose your VPN.

   You’ll find it at the center-right of the “Sharing” menu

4. Select the network you want to share.

   You will be required to enter a password for your hotspot when you check the box for WiFi

5. Choose a network name and password. Skip this step if you selected “Ethernet” in step 4.

   To share your Internet connection, you must turn on the WiFi

6. Turn on “Internet Sharing.”

   You have now allowed other computers to connect your connection to the internet

7. Connect to your VPN. Run your VPN app with your Mac and connect to a server.
8. Set up your PlayStation’s connection. Head to Settings, tap on “Network,” and choose “Connect to the internet.”

   Tap “Do not use a proxy server” if prompted

9. Start gaming. You can now play games safely online with your PS4/PS5.

With Your Router

Using a VPN on your router means that every device connected to the router is protected by the VPN. However, very few free VPNs offer router support. If you find yourself in such a situation, then I recommend you use the computer method instead.

My top recommendation for routers is ExpressVPN. It’s easy to set up and has fast gaming speeds with tons of servers to choose from. Keep in mind every router and VPN provider will have its own set of steps to get set up. For detailed steps about how to set up your VPN on your router, visit your provider’s website or contact its customer support.

With SmartDNS (Using ExpressVPN)

1. Activate your IP address. Log into your ExpressVPN account dashboard (in your web browser).

   You can toggle on “Automatically register my IP address” to do it automatically

2. Take note of the DNS code. Once your IP is registered, you’ll be shown a DNS code. Keep this code nearby because you’ll need to input it into your PS4/PS5’s network settings. There’s no need to click “Register my IP address” if it already reads “registered” next to your IP address.
3. Turn on your PS4/PS5. Go to “Settings” and choose “Network.”

   Now click “Custom” and then choose either WiFi or LAN

4. Configure your connection.

   For”Proxy Server, select "Do Not Use" and choose “Automatic” for MTU Settings

5. Restart your console. Continue the setup, and when prompted, choose “Test Internet Connection” to check the status of your connection. The test typically takes a few seconds to complete. So just wait for it and restart your console to apply the changes.
6. Start streaming movies and TV shows. Choose a streaming app, and watch content directly on your PS4/PS5

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FAQs on Using a Free VPN on Your PS4/PS5

Will a free VPN unblock Netflix on my PlayStation?

Most likely not. Free VPNs are rarely powerful enough to bypass Netflix’s anti-VPN software. They simply don’t have the resources to continuously replace IP addresses that Netflix has blacklisted. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable way to access Netflix. For example, ExpressVPN easily unblocks Netflix from anywhere, thanks to its large network of constantly updated IPS. So, if Netflix flags a specific IP address and blocks it, ExpressVPN will soon update it with a new one that works.

What is the best free VPN for gaming?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming. Its fast global network of servers lets you play games with no lag. Plus, it comes with advanced security measures, so you don’t have to worry about DDoS attacks or third parties getting their hands on your data. Best of all, you can install it on your PS within minutes and it's easy to use.

Can I use a free proxy for PS4/5??

It may be possible, but I don’t recommend it. Proxies can help change your virtual location, but they don’t offer strong security like a VPN. All of the free PlayStation VPNs in this list encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address. In turn, this helps you dodge DDoS attacks, which can be common on PlayStation.

I’ve also found during my time testing that proxies (free and paid) tend to not be the most reliable for accessing geoblocked content. If you’re looking to stream on your PlayStation, your best bet is to use a VPN that’s been tested and proven to work with sites like Netflix, such as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

Are free VPNs safe to use on PS4 and PS5?

Only a few free VPNs are safe to use on gaming consoles. However, the majority aren't due to the potential risks they pose to your online privacy, as they can share your data (like browsing history) with third parties. Some even have harmful malware packaged with the app.

Free VPNs also cap bandwidth, throttle speed, and limit you to a few server locations. This means you’ll still be forced to purchase a subscription to enjoy a smooth gaming experience. However, you can avoid these drawbacks by opting for a reputable paid VPN service to enjoy uninterrupted gaming while safeguarding your privacy.

How do I get a free VPN on my PlayStation?

You need to connect your PS4/PS5 to a device that’s compatible with VPNs. For the best speeds and performance, using a router is ideal. However, most free VPNs don’t offer router support unless you pay for a premium membership. However, you can connect your PlayStation to your PC’s VPN-enabled internet connection. All the free VPNs in this list support VPN sharing, so you can use your PC to connect your console without hassle.

Will a VPN affect my connection speed on PlayStation?

Yes, but some will compromise your speed more than others. Normally, it should be no more than 20% for a smooth experience on PlayStation, and the best free VPNs make the drop insignificant. You should get a service that makes the drop barely noticeable so you can play games without any lag.

Why should I use a VPN on my PlayStation?

A VPN can benefit your PS4/PS5 in a few ways. However, free VPNs usually limit the number of benefits you’ll have, like speed and how many servers you can use. A VPN like ExpressVPN offers all of the features below (plus more), and there’s a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee backing the service too.

• Masks your IP address. Your real IP address is hidden, so you’re protected against online threats (like DDoS attacks that can crash your game). This can also help you avoid network blocks set by private institutions.
• Makes it easy to find bot lobbies. A VPN can help you get past skill-based match-making by helping you connect to locations filled with bot lobbies.
• Speeds up your internet connection. ISPs can put speed caps on your network (during peak times or for engaging in high bandwidth activities). A VPN encrypts your traffic so your ISP doesn’t know what you’re doing online, and this prevents it from throttling your speeds.
• Gives you access to international game servers. If you want to play on game servers in other countries, choose a VPN server in that country, and you’ll connect to the one closest to your VPN server.
• Allows you to use your streaming accounts. A VPN allows you to access Netflix, Hulu, and more anywhere on your PS4/PS5 by providing you with a different IP address. This makes you look like you’re located where these platforms have a license to stream.
• Let you change NAT type. Enabling port forwarding on your NAT router can help change your PS NAT type. This can help you change issues like lag and match-making.

Get the Best VPN for PS4 and PS5

Even though some free VPNs have robust security features to keep you safe while gaming, they have too many limitations like slow speeds, limited data, and can’t be set up on gaming consoles. They also struggle to unblock popular streaming platforms, so you might be unable to stream your favorite shows on your PS4/PS5.

That’s why my top choice is ExpressVPN because it has impressive speeds for gaming and streaming, strong security features, and is easy to set up on PS4/PS5. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, and if you’re not happy with it, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

To summarize, these are the best free VPNs for PS4 and PS5...