5 Best VPNs for PS4 and PS5 in 2023: Set Up Guide
PlayStation VPN Key Points
- You can not directly install a VPN on your PlayStation console
- You can set up a VPN on Play Station using a router, your laptop, or Smart DNS
- A VPN can bypass ISP throttling, reduce lag, unblock geo-restricted games, and protect from DDoS attacks
- According to our tests, the best VPN for PlayStation is NordVPN
Gaming and streaming on your PS4 or PS5 console are super-convenient and endlessly enjoyable, especially considering all of the PS game exclusives. That said, playing MP games on your PS console puts you at risk of many online threats, most worryingly DDoSing and swatting. Plus, from a practical standpoint, sometimes these multiplayer games also tend to lag and stutter.
Fortunately, you can avoid all of these issues with a VPN for Play Station. So, if you’re wondering how to get a VPN on PS4 or PS5 or are looking for helpful tips on how to set up your PS VPN, we’ve got you covered with this detailed guide.
Best VPNs for PS4/PS5 – our shortlist:
- NordVPN – Best VPN for PS4 and PS5
- Surfshark – Best for unlimited connections for playing games
- AtlasVPN – Best choice with a free version for occasional gamers
- PrivateVPN – Best for PS and security
- ExpressVPN – Premium VPN for gaming on PlayStation
Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN on PS4 or PS5
The easiest and fastest way to use VPN software with PS4 is via your Windows or Mac device.
This is how to set up a VPN connection on PlayStation step-by-step:
- Download a VPN and install it on your PC or MacOS
- Connect your PS to your device with an Ethernet connection using a LAN cable.
- Connect to the VPN server
- Go to internet and network settings
- Share your computer’s internet connection with PlayStation
- Now you have set up a VPN on your PS
For more detailed guides read further.
Why Use a VPN for PlayStation?
Before we talk about the five best VPNs for PS4 and PS5, we should also address the main reasons for using a VPN connection. This is because a PS VPN carries many security and performance benefits. Considering that, here are the three major reasons why you should use a VPN for PlayStation:
- Improve Your Gaming Experience – Whether you’re into competitive online games or just want to enjoy a stable and fast network when playing PS games, a VPN for PlayStation is a must-have. Some Internet Service Providers restrict their traffic, which is very unfortunate for gamers and streamers. However, With a PS VPN, you can bypass the ISP’s bandwidth throttling and access international gaming servers. This means less lag, lower ping, and overall faster and more stable PlayStation connections.
- Protect Against Online Threats – A strong VPN helps protect your network from online threats like DDoS attacks and swatting. Because a PS VPN service will hide your real IP address, hackers and attackers will have a much tougher time targeting you. In return, the chances of your private or financial information leaking become minimal.
- Access Any Gaming Server or Platform – With a VPN for PS, you can avoid being automatically connected to the nearest server of your online game. This opens up a whole world of possibilities, as you can choose where you can connect and who you want to play with. Besides this, you’ll also be able to enjoy unrestricted access to any geo-blocked platform that you want to open. This means free access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and any other streaming platform you enjoy using.
5 Best VPNs for PlayStation
1. NordVPN
As with many other services and platforms, NordVPN is our top pick as the best VPN for PS4/PS5. This VPN powerhouse offers over 5,000 high-performing servers worldwide. All of these VPN servers support the modern NordLynx protocol, which is up to two times faster than any other regular VPN protocol. This is ideal for PS4/PS5 users who almost exclusively use these consoles for online gaming and streaming content.
NordVPN also has a number of advanced features and some very unique settings. Some of the most important ones include obfuscated servers, DDoS protection, private DNS, and a kill switch. The service also possesses a Smart DNS feature. Moreover, you can also purchase your own dedicated IP for maximum privacy and performance.
Despite being at the top of the VPN industry, NordVPN still maintains very competitive prices, especially considering everything that you get when you purchase a NordVPN subscription.
Privacy-wise, NordVPN also passes with flying colors, as it doesn’t keep any user data logs and uses RAM-based servers. Additionally, it’s based in privacy-friendly Panama, which isn’t a part of any major international surveillance alliance.
And, while you can’t actually download a NordVPN PS4 or NordVPN PS5 app on your console, this service offers a full VPN app for all other devices and a long list of supported routers. Moreover, NordVPN also features extensive setup guides and helpful answers on its FAQ page. This makes setting up NordVPN quick and effortless. It’s also one of the reasons why we listed NordVPN on the top of our best VPNs for gaming list as well.
NordVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 46,4 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,3 Mbps |
| Best deal | 63% OFF + Gift |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Over 5,000 high-performing servers worldwide | No dedicated PS4/PS5 VPN apps available, but can be set up on supported routers |
| NordLynx protocol is up to two times faster than any other regular VPN protocol, providing no lag and low ping for gaming on PS4/PS5 | Some users may find the interface overwhelming with a lot of options to choose from |
| Advanced features including obfuscated servers, DDoS protection, private DNS, and a kill switch | |
| Smart DNS feature and option to purchase a dedicated IP for maximum privacy and performance | |
| Competitive prices for what you get | |
| No user data logs kept and RAM-based servers used for privacy protection | |
| Extensive setup guides and helpful answers on its FAQ page for easy installation |
2. Surfshark
Surfshark offers over 3,200 high-speed servers in 65 countries. All of these servers have at least one 1 Gbps port available, while there’s also a good selection of 10 Gbps servers. More importantly, all VPN servers are completely based on RAM and occasionally wiped, meaning that there’s no traceable data that could lead back to you. Surfshark supports several protocols, including the gaming WireGuard network protocol.
Its fast speeds and large selection of gaming servers make it a great gaming VPN for PS4/PS5 users. That said, Surfshark is much more than just that. It’s packed with intriguing features like Camouflage Mode, Bypasser, CleanWeb, and NoBorders Mode. Besides these, there’s also a good selection of standard features like a kill switch, private DNS and leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
This VPN provider is one of the few to offer unlimited connections per single subscription plan. In addition to all of this, Surfshark is also a very affordable VPN service if you opt for one of their long-term subscription plans. This makes it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a VPN to share with your family members and cover your entire household.
Surfshark Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 39,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,8 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 81% |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Not too large server network |
| Optimized for gaming and streaming | Some servers may have higher ping and lower speeds |
| No-logs policy and strong encryption | Occasional issues with VPN’s support team and response times |
| Multi-hop and split-tunneling features | |
| 24/7 live chat customer support | |
| Affordable pricing | |
| Clean and user-friendly interface |
3. AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN is one of the best all-around VPNs for gaming, streaming, and all other online activities, in general. It offers a huge server network of 750 servers, all of which support the WireGuard protocol.
This service also keeps your connection and PS gaming sessions very safe with a handful of great features. Some of the best ones include IP and DNS leak protection, DDoS protection, and a kill switch. AtlasVPN also secures your connections with AES 256-bit encryption and has a solid no-logs policy stating that the service doesn’t collect any details on its users.
Besides using AtlasVPN on your PS4/PS5, you can also set it up on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and a couple of TV platforms. Furthermore, as all AtlasVPN servers are P2P-friendly, you can also torrent and share files online without worrying about your privacy getting compromised. You can also rely on malware, ad, and tracker blocker.
There are also some unique features like SafeSwap, which allows you to access the Internet from several IP addresses simultaneously. While this does slow down your connection a bit, having simultaneous server connections is a great feature if you’re going for maximum privacy. Speaking of simultaneous connections, this VPN service allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously on one subscription plan.
AtlasVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | AtlasVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | AtlasVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 35,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 34,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 29,9 Mbps |
| Best deal | 83% OFF |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a free version for PS4/PS5 users | Limited server selection |
| Provides solid encryption for privacy | Limited customer support resources |
| Easy to set up on PS4/PS5 with straightforward instructions | No live chat support |
| Unlimited simultaneous connections with large server network | |
| Affordable pricing options |
4. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is the perfect VPN service for PS gamers who want a simple service that meets all of their gaming and streaming needs. This VPN delivers ultra-fast speeds and very stable connections. Moreover, this VPN maintains an impressive uptime of 99.98%.
In other words, there’s almost no chance that you’ll ever experience a connection drop while watching a show or playing your favorite PlayStation game. Plus, the service offers unlimited bandwidth and speed, so you never have to deal with speed connection issues, provided that you have a solid base network.
It also has very good unblocking power, as it can grant you access to all major streaming platforms like Twitch, regardless of your location. Although it’s fairly streamlined and lightweight, PrivateVPN does have some powerful traits, especially on the security front. Most notably, you can count on a kill switch, strong AES 256-bit encryption, and IPv6 leak protection.
Of course, with a VPN service as simple as this, you shouldn’t count on many advanced features like port forwarding for gaming. PrivateVPN doesn’t support a Smart DNS feature, so you can set it up on your computer or directly on your router. That said, the absence of this feature is far from a deal-breaker, especially considering how simple, reliable, and affordable this VPN service is.
PrivateVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 43,6 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45.9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 85% |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good performance with no lag for gaming | Limited number of servers |
| Offers fast speeds for streaming on PS4/PS5 | Limited customer support options |
| Provides strong security features for privacy | No free trial offered |
| Supports P2P file sharing on PS4/PS5 | VPN app design is outdated |
| Easy-to-use PS4/PS5 setup guides | Only allows up to 6 simultaneous VPN connections |
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has servers in 160 locations across 94 countries. All of its servers support a handful of industry-accepted protocols. Most notably, all of ExpressVPN’s servers also feature the company’s in-house Lightway protocol. This is a new open-source protocol that offers more reliability and better speeds than traditional VPN protocols.
In other words, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. This is crucial for both users who want to stream and play games on their PS4/PS5 console. It’s also one of the most adept VPNs in the world when it comes to unblocking sites and services. This is because ExpressVPN works in almost any region worldwide and can access sites even in the most authoritarian countries on the globe.
ExpressVPN is one of the very few VPNs that allow their users who want to connect their PS to a VPN through a Smart DNS feature. also delivers great security, backed up by its TrustedServer technology. Apart from that, you can count on private DNS on each server, best-in-class encryption, and a kill switch.
Despite being one of the more robust and feature-rich VPNs on the market, ExpressVPN takes less than five minutes to set up and supports all major OS platforms and devices. So, you can conveniently set up ExpressVPN on PS4, PS5, or any other console. Overall, ExpressVPN is a premium-priced VPN offering an uncompromising and top-quality service.
ExpressVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 42,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 40,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 38,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | +3 months FREE |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers ultra-fast speeds for gaming and streaming on PS4/PS5 | More expensive than some other VPN services |
| Provides strong security features for privacy on PS4/PS5 | No free trial offered |
| Offers extensive server selection and global coverage | Limited number of simultaneous connections |
| Easy-to-use PS4/PS5 setup guides | No split-tunneling feature |
| Supports P2P file sharing | No ad-blocking feature |
Testing Methodology: How we tested and selected the best VPNs for PlayStation
To ensure that we recommend only the fastest VPNs for PlayStation, we tested various VPN services and filtered out the unsuitable ones based on specific criteria. Here is a summary of the testing methodology we used:
- Compatibility with PlayStation and gaming consoles: We made sure to test VPNs that are compatible with PlayStation consoles and other gaming consoles like Xbox and Nintendo Switch. The dedicated VPN apps should support PlayStation or routers.
- Low ping, no lag: We tested the VPNs to ensure that they provide low ping and no lag when gaming or streaming. We focused on VPNs that have servers located close to our testing location to minimize lag and ping time.
- Server Selection: We evaluated VPNs with a solid selection of servers located in different regions worldwide. A good selection of servers makes it easier to find a nearby server, reducing lag time and ping.
- Connection Speeds: We selected VPNs that offer fast connection speeds and stable connections suitable for lag-free gaming.
- Security Features: VPN’s security features include strong encryption, leak protection, and additional advanced settings like DDoS Protection.
- Privacy Protection: We tested VPNs that don’t collect any data on your activity when connected to their servers. We also looked for VPNs that have a transparent privacy policy and are preferably based in a country with favorable online privacy laws.
- Geo-unblocking Power: We tested VPNs that can bypass geo-blocks. This feature allows users to access PS5 games that are otherwise unavailable in their region.
How to Set Up and Use a VPN on PS4, PS5, or Other Consoles
Hopefully, by this point, you’ve set your sights on one of our top five recommended PlayStation VPN services. In that case, it’s time to move to the more practical part of this guide – how to use a VPN on PS4 and PS5.
When it comes to setting up a VPN on PS, you have several options to pick from. More precisely, you can set up your PS VPN through your PC or Mac, over your router, or go down the Smart DNS method route.
If you can’t decide which method is best for you, we’ll show you how to set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 in all four ways.
How to Set Up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 on Windows PC
Most gamers that set up a VPN of PS4 or PS4 do so by connecting it through their Windows PC or laptop. This is because doing so is pretty easy and straightforward, so it doesn’t require much technical knowledge.
With that in mind, here’s how to set up a PlayStation VPN through a virtual router on your Windows device:
- Connect your PS to your PC with an Ethernet or LAN cable.
- Choose a VPN and download its Windows app
- Connect to the VPN
- Go to Control Panel and open Network and Sharing Center to change adapter settings
- Locate your VPN, open Properties available when you right-click
- Allow other network users to connect to enable sharing.
- Click the Home Networking Connection dropdown, choose the right connection and confirm.
This completes the part of the setup process on your PC. All that’s left now is to turn on your PlayStation and connect. To do this, navigate to the Settings tab, then Network, and choose how you want to connect to the Internet. You can connect through Wi-Fi if your PC has these capabilities or if you’re using a laptop. But, preferably, you should do so through an Ethernet cable, as this will ensure a faster and more stable connection.
If you decide to follow this setup for using a VPN on your PS4 or PS5, keep in mind that your computer also has to be turned on for the entire time that you’re using your console. Moreover, you may experience slightly higher latency than usual, as your computer uses the same Internet traffic as your console.
How to Set Up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 on MacOS
When setting up a VPN for your PS4 or PS5 console through a Mac device, the process is even faster and easier than when doing so through a Windows device. Taking this into account, here’s how to set up a PS VPN on your Mac device:
- Pick a VPN service and install it on your Mac device
- Connect your PS and Mac with an Ethernet cable
- Go to System Preferences, then open the Sharing tab, then Internet sharing, and select your VPN
- Turn on Internet Sharing
- Connect to a VPN server of your choice
- Turn on your PS console and connect to the new network.
Additionally, all of the side notes we’ve mentioned for setting up a PS VPN on your Windows PC apply to Mac devices as well. More precisely, your Mac computer should be on the entire time you use the PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 VPN. Moreover, you might experience slightly higher ping as your connection is routed through an extra device.
How to Set Up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 on a Router
If you don’t want to set up your PS VPN through another Windows or Mac computer, you can do so directly on your VPN router. Keep in mind that doing so will mean that any device connected to the same router will also be connected to the same VPN network. If you decide that this is the best option for you, here’s how to set up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 on your router:
- Sign up with a trusted VPN service
- Log into your router through a browser using your IP address
- Navigate to the router’s Network tab
- Put in all of the required details for your VPN
- Next, go to your PlayStation’s network settings, and connect to the newly set up connection.
One more note, make sure to check that your router is compatible and allows you to set up a VPN service on it. Furthermore, every router has different setup steps. The setup guide we’ve shared in this section provides you with general guidelines which may differ depending on which router you have.
How to Set Up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 using Smart DNS
Many modern VPN services also come with a Smart DNS feature. This feature allows you to access unrestricted content when gaming and using streaming services, which is ideal for PS4 and PS5 gamers. So, if you want to set up your PS5 or PS4 VPN this way, here’s how to set up a PS VPN through Smart DNS:
- Sign up with a VPN that has a Smart DNS service (Our top pick is NordVPN)
- Log in to the VPN through your browser to register your IP in the DNS settings
- Turn on your PS and go to Settings, then Network, Set up Internet connection, and select Custom
- Configure the connection using the DNS code you got in the browser.
After completing this simple four-step setup, you’ll be able to watch shows from streaming services and accessing services that would otherwise be unavailable to you. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that setting up Smart DNS doesn’t actually protect your network as a real VPN connection does.
A Smart DNS feature just allows you to access region-locked content in other parts of the world. So, if you want both unrestricted access and security, we recommend setting up your PS VPN through one of the previously-shared setup methods.
Can you use a Free VPN for PS4 / PS5?
We generally don’t recommend using free VPN services for a number of significant reasons. Most free VPNs only offer a small selection of international gaming servers which provide slow speeds. Moreover, many free VPNs come with bandwidth limitations, which are not great for gaming. But, most worryingly, a good number of free VPNs are not safe to use and might even compromise your security.
That said, if you want to use a free VPN service for PS4 or PS5, we recommend AtlasVPN. Apart from offering a premium subscription plan that we’ve discussed above, AtlasVPN also allows you to use it absolutely for free. However, this is a limited service with a smaller number of servers and some other limits. So, depending on your location, it might not be a viable option.
The best alternative to this is to pick a premium VPN service that also offers a money-back guarantee. All of the VPNs we’ve featured on this page offer this sort of feature. Sure, you have to put up the money upfront, but you can ask for a refund after trying it out (usually up to a full month). Most VPNs don’t even require you to give a reason for requesting a refund, making the entire process hassle-free and very quick.
PlayStation VPN FAQs
Can you put a VPN on a PS4?
Yes, you can install a VPN on a PS4 by configuring it on your router or using a laptop as a bridge and a VPN hotspot.
Which VPN is best for PS5 and PS4?
According to our tests, NordVPN is the best and fastest VPN for PS5 and PS4.
Can I use NordVPN on PS5?
Yes, you can use NordVPN on PS5 by configuring it on your VPN router or using a laptop as a bridge.
Can I use VPN to use PS Now?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access PS Now from regions where the service is not available.
Should I use a VPN for PS4?
You should use a VPN for PS4 to access geo-restricted content, bypass ISP throttling or protect yourself from DDoS attacks.
What is the easiest VPN to use on PS4?
NordVPN is considered to be the easiest VPN to use on PS4.
How can I use VPN on PS4 without a computer?
You can install the VPN on your router or configure Smart DNS service for your PlayStation.
Will a VPN improve my ping on PlayStation?
Using a VPN may improve your ping on PlayStation if your ISP throttles your connection. Sometimes a VPN may only increase latency.
Does changing DNS help PS4?
Changing DNS can improve the speed and stability of your PS4’s internet connection, but it may not necessarily improve your ping.
How do I set up a VPN on PS4?
You can set up a VPN on PS4 by configuring it on your router or using a laptop as a bridge or configuring Smart DNS.
Is using a VPN on PS5 legal?
Using a VPN on PS5 is legal, but it may violate the terms of service of some games and services.
How to download a free VPN on PS4?
You can’t directly download a VPN from the PlayStation store but it’s possible to download a free version of AtlasVPN and set it up on your device. However, free VPNs may have limited bandwidth and slow speeds.
Can I get banned from PSN for using a VPN on my PS4/PS5?
No, you won’t get banned for using a VPN on your PS4 or PS5 console if you comply with ToS.
Will a VPN for PS4/PS5 change my PSN country?
No, a VPN won’t actually change your PSN country to the country of the proxy server you connect to. For this to be true, you’ll have to create a different PSN account in the country you want to access.
Conclusion
A fast, secure, and powerful VPN can make your PS gaming experience significantly better and more convenient. But, as we’ve discussed on this page, the main problem with PS VPNs is that you can’t actually set them up on your PlayStation console.
However, with the tips and setup guides that we’ve shared with you above, you don’t have to worry about running into any issues when setting up your PS VPN. Plus, you can rest assured that all five PS VPNs we’ve recommended on this page are thoroughly tested, very reliable, and entirely safe for use.
That said, after comparing these five top VPNs for PS consoles, we’ve found NordVPN to be the best and fastest VPN for PS4 and PS5. It has all the features you need in a top PS VPN and is available at very competitive prices. All you need to do is just set it up and start enjoying safe and unrestricted Internet on your PS console.
