Updated on: October 24, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best VPN for PlayStation in 2024:
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : It delivers the fastest speeds for streaming and gaming and has excellent anti-DDoS protection, along with a large server networks that allows it to access different gaming servers globally. With its native router app, setting up a VPN on PlayStation is straightforward and quick. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best VPNs for PlayStation ensure smooth gaming and streaming sessions, prevent DDoS attacks, and can access different gaming servers worldwide. They also work well with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, can be set up on a router, and even come with a smart DNS.
After testing dozens of VPNs, I narrowed it down to the best 7 VPNs for PlayStation that check all the boxes. I found that ExpressVPN is the best one. The platform has a native router app and smart DNS settings, lightning-fast speeds, and lots of server locations to choose from. Plus, it even supports cloud gaming. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Set Up a VPN on Your PS4 & PS5
How to Install a VPN on PlayStation Using a Smart DNS
- Sign up for a VPN offering smart DNS service. My top choice is ExpressVPN, as it has an efficient MediaStreamer tool that you can install within minutes.
- Register your IP address. After logging into your VPN via a browser, access DNS Settings or Smart DNS, and your IP address will be automatically registered. Following this, insert the supplied DNS code into your PlayStation’s network settings.
- Configure your settings. Next, head over to your PlayStation, turn it on, and initiate either a Wi-Fi or LAN connection. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Reboot your PlayStation. Your PlayStation is now protected and ready for secure gaming sessions.
How to Install a VPN on PlayStation Using Your Router
- Check if your router is compatible with VPN apps. My top pick is ExpressVPN, as it’s compatible with widespread router brands such as ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys.
- Configure your router. Now, you’ll be required to set up the VPN connection on your router. Access your router’s settings and follow the VPN’s manual for exact directions, depending on the router brand.
- Input the VPN server details in the router’s configurations. Go to your router settings, enter the VPN server details, save the changes, and restart the router.
How to Install a VPN on PlayStation Using Ethernet/Wi-Fi on Your Windows or Mac
- Begin by downloading and installing a VPN. You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN, as it has easy-to-use Windows and Mac apps.
- Use ethernet or Wi-Fi to connect your PlayStation to your desktop. If you go with ethernet, use a cable (it’s faster), and if you choose Wi-Fi, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Share your VPN connection. Opt for either an ethernet or active hotspot connection based on your connection.
- Launch the VPN app. Open the app and choose a server to connect to.
- Establish your PS4/PS5’s internet connection. Selecting the appropriate option between Wi-Fi and LAN cable.
- Now, your PlayStation is ready. You can start playing your favorite games and get secure and uninterrupted sessions.
Quick summary of the best VPNs for PlayStation:
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for PlayStation in 2024
ExpressVPN is my go-to recommendation for PlayStation users. It delivers blazing-fast speeds for streaming and playing games, and it’s one of the only VPNs with a native router app.
ExpressVPN is one of the only VPNs out there that has a dedicated router app, which makes setting up the VPN on PlayStation straightforward. Namely, it installs in only 7–8 minutes, compared to 11–15 minutes with manual setups. Plus, it comes with a split-tunneling tool (called Device Groups), which allows you to set up separate device groups and lets you connect your devices to different server locations — for example, you can connect your PlayStation to a gaming server in a neighboring country but put your desktop in a different device group and connect it to a local server.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up the VPN on your router, ExpressVPN offers its own router, Aircove, which comes with the VPN pre-installed. Aircove includes features like a built-in kill switch, split-tunneling, and WPA3 encryption to safeguard against brute-force attacks.
ExpressVPN has excellent streaming support. It works with over 100 streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and others. It also has a smart DNS called MediaStreamer that lets it access streaming apps on your PlayStation without setting up the VPN on your router.
It has an extensive network of servers in 105 countries, which is a significant advantage for PlayStation users as you can pick a server location that’s closer to your game’s host or optimize your connection based on the region. More server options also reduce the likelihood of congestion, ensuring a smoother and more stable gaming experience.
When I tested it, ExpressVPN delivered the fastest speeds on the market, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. I tried it while playing fast-paced PlayStation games such as Call of Duty: Warzone. Not only did the games load at lightning speed, but I didn’t experience any lags and I had a smooth gaming experience.
I really like that ExpressVPN is compatible with PlayStation Plus. This cloud gaming service lets you stream games without having to download them. Whenever I used it, I managed to access and play my favorite games and meet the minimum requirement of 5 mbps. That’s why ExpressVPN is #1 on our list of the best VPNs for gaming.
All of ExpressVPN’s servers include anti-DDoS protection. DDoS attacks overwhelm a game server with too much traffic, causing slowdowns or crashes. ExpressVPN keeps your real IP address hidden, making it difficult for attackers to target you with a DDoS attack. With it, you’ll stay connected even during potential flood attacks on your VPN connection. It also has full leak protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.
ExpressVPN offers pricing plans starting from $5.49 / month, which is quite affordable considering the features it packs. All plans are backed with a 30-day money-back policy, so you can try it risk-free.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN app for PlayStation users — it has a large network of servers that allows it to avoid overcrowded gaming servers, an easy-to-use native router app, excellent streaming support, lightning-fast speeds, and top-notch security features for gamers like DDoS protection. Plus, it’s one of the only VPNs that support PlayStation Plus, and it offers a standard money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Stable Ping and Great Security Features for Smooth PlayStation Gaming
Private Internet Access (PIA) ensures stable ping and fast speeds. When I tested it while playing Elden Ring on my PlayStation 5, I got a really fast connection that made the game run smoothly without any delays. Also, I maintained stable ping across both nearby and distant servers, so I didn’t have to worry about sudden lags or disruptions.
Plus, PIA has servers in 91 countries, including at least 1 server location in every US state, which is great for connecting to the closest possible server to reduce lag and improve gaming performance.
PIA offers excellent protection against DDoS attacks on all its servers, so even if someone tries to DDoS you while you’re connected to PIA, you’ll be protected. It also has full leak protection. Plus, it issues regular transparency reports, which prove it doesn’t log user data.
Installing PIA on your router is a manual process, but it’s quite simple. It takes about 10–11 minutes, and I really like how you get step-by-step tutorials on the VPN’s website. But I still prefer ExpressVPN’s native router app — it’s faster and more convenient to install and it includes the cool Device Groups tool. On the plus side, you get a Smart DNS feature.
The provider supports streaming on 30+ apps, with dedicated servers in 5+ countries, including the US and the UK. While it supports fewer apps than ExpressVPN, which works with 100+ platforms, it still lets you watch a lot of content on your PlayStation, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
PIA doesn’t offer cloud gaming support, so support reps couldn’t guarantee compatibility with cloud gaming platforms. However, I successfully used this VPN for gaming on services such as GeForce Now and Amazon Luna.
Private Internet Access has affordable plans that start at $2.03 / month. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access offers stable ping and great anti-DDoS protection to boost your PlayStation gaming experience. It features top-notch privacy and security features and lots of server locations in many countries, along with a quick installation on routers. It doesn’t have cloud gaming support, but PIA has excellent streaming support, a smart DNS tool, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Has Servers Dedicated to Gaming & Streaming on PlayStation
CyberGhost VPN provides excellent gaming and streaming support for PlayStation users. With servers spanning 100 countries, it’s easy to find a nearby server for optimal performance and accessing different gaming servers. CyberGhost also has dedicated gaming servers located in prime regions such as the US and the UK that are optimized for fast speeds and no lag.
With CyberGhost, you’ll get access to 100+ optimized streaming servers. They work with more than 50 popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. These servers are located in 20+ countries.
I didn’t have any problems installing the CyberGhost app on my router. Although it requires a manual setup, the provider offers easy-to-follow tutorials complete with screenshots, helping you set it up in about 11–12 minutes (I still prefer ExpressVPN’s native router app, though). You can install your CyberGhost app using a Smart DNS in under 3 minutes, too.
CyberGhost delivers impressive speeds. All my PlayStation games loaded swiftly, in under 4 seconds, without any buffering or delays. This ensures that you can enjoy smooth gaming sessions.
The provider has anti-DDoS protection on all its servers. On top of that, you get protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t have built-in support for cloud gaming — though, it worked really well in my tests via my PlayStation Plus subscription.
CyberGhost VPN has plans that start at just $2.19 / month. Its long-term plans are backed with a 45-day money-back guarantee. There’s also a 14-day guarantee for a short-term subscription.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN offers dedicated gaming and streaming servers that are optimized to provide the fastest speeds for lag-free playing and viewing on your PS. The VPN has great guides for manual router configuration, offers great security measures, includes server coverage in 100 countries, and comes with a generous money-back guarantee on long-term plans (45 days).
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Great for Virtual LAN parties & Excellent Speeds
NordVPN has a unique Mashnet feature for hosting secure virtual LAN games. It lets you create secure private networks for intense multiplayer gaming sessions that require high speed, low latency, and advanced security. With it, you can create a private network for up to 60 devices and enjoy super secure PlayStation games with friends worldwide.
The provider has lightning-fast speeds thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. You get to choose a server location from 111 countries, and although ping gets higher when connected to distant servers, it doesn’t affect the gaming experience, and my PlayStation games loaded almost instantly.
Setting up the NordVPN app on a router is relatively simple. The manual installation takes roughly 14 minutes thanks to helpful tutorials. Additionally, it offers a smart DNS and a SmartPlay tool. SmartPlay is a unique feature that combines VPN and smart DNS technologies, allowing you to use a VPN with a device that doesn’t normally support VPNs, like PlayStation.
If you’re looking to avoid a manual setup, you can get a NordVPN pre-configured router from FlashRouters — some even support NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, which offers the best speeds.
NordVPN provides great streaming support for PlayStation users — it works with 10+ streaming platforms. However, ExpressVPN is better for streaming on PlayStation since it works with 100+ platforms.
I like that NordVPN is very secure to use on a PlayStation. It has full leak protection, and in my tests on my PS5, it never leaked my IP address in any of my 10+ tests. However, while it protects you against DDoS attacks, it lacks dedicated anti-DDoS protections seen in Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN, and ExpressVPN.
NordVPN offers monthly and yearly plans starting at $2.99 / month. All plans are backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is great for hosting virtual LAN parties on your PlayStation with its Mashnet feature. Plus, it offers excellent security tools. While it may not offer the best in terms of DDoS protection, it has great streaming support with a SmartPlay feature. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Surfshark — Super Affordable VPN for PlayStation Users on a Budget
Surfshark has some of the cheapest plans on the market, so it’s a great option for PlayStation players on a tight budget. It provides great value for your money, as it has all the same great features you expect from a premium VPN, like router support and fast speeds, but it doesn’t cost as much as many of the top providers.
Manual router installation for Surfshark is straightforward, thanks to its detailed tutorials. Every step includes a screenshot, making it super simple to follow the guides, even if you’ve never set up a VPN on a router before. However, setting up its smart DNS is faster, and I configured it in 5-8 minutes.
Surfshark supports 50+ streaming apps, and it easily accesses different Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ libraries. It has servers in 100 countries, so it’s not very difficult to find a nearby server location to escape any overcrowded gaming servers.
You’ll get pretty fast speeds with Surfshark. I tested it while playing Resident Evil 2 on my PlayStation, and it delivered fast speeds with minimal lags. However, I noticed higher ping and significant lag during gameplay when connected to distant servers.
Surfshark provides anti-DDoS protection on all its servers. However, it only protects you against DNS leaks, while competitors such as ExpressVPN offer full leak protection.
Surfshark offers super affordable pricing plans that start at $1.99 / month. Plus, the plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs for PlayStation users, offering great value for money with unlimited connections and satisfactory speed for gaming. However, it falls slightly short in streaming support and leak protection compared to its rivals.
Read the full Surfshark review
6. PrivateVPN — Easy-To-Use VPN Apps With Minimalistic Design
PrivateVPN features an excellent minimalistic design that is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners. It offers a clean, straightforward interface with basic features that allow you to connect quickly and enjoy your gaming sessions.
Manual router installation with PrivateVPN takes around 12-13 minutes. However, it misses out on the Smart DNS feature, a convenient tool available in most competitors, such as ExpressVPN.
I really like PrivateVPN’s streaming support. It works reliably with 20+ streaming apps and supports streaming on all of its servers.
PrivateVPN offers very good speeds on servers spread across 63 countries. I always maintained a stable ping even when playing PlayStation games on distant servers. I wasn’t interrupted by any lags or sudden ping spikes.
The provider offers anti-DDoS protection on all its servers. While it includes perfect forward secrecy, it lacks RAM-only servers and offers limited leak protection (against DNS and IPv6 leaks). That’s why I prefer ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access in terms of privacy and security.
PrivateVPN’s pricing plans start at $2.03 / month, and all purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
PrivateVPN is a great choice for PlayStation users who are starting out with VPNs, thanks to its user-friendly and minimalistic design. While it offers stable speeds for gaming and comprehensive streaming support, it slightly trails behind competitors in terms of security features, server count, and Smart DNS functionality.
Read the full PrivateVPN review here
7. Proton VPN — Excellent Free Plan With Unlimited Bandwidth
Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, letting you play all your favorite online PlayStation games without any data restrictions. With it, you can access servers located in the US, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan.
With Proton VPN, you’ll get tutorials for manual router installation, which takes about 10-12 minutes, but note that router support is only available on the paid plans. Plus, I really like that it lets you configure the VPN on your router via WireGuard — most VPNs only support an OpenVPN configuration. On the flip side, it lacks a Smart DNS feature. I recommend ExpressVPN, though, which has a native router app and a smart DNS tool.
Proton VPN supports streaming through your PlayStation, as it works with 30+ streaming apps. Note that the free plan doesn’t support streaming.
The provider maintains pretty good speeds,and it has servers in 112, giving you plenty of options for reducing your ping as much as possible. I could load my PlayStation games in about 4–5 seconds with only minor buffering. Proton VPN has a VPN Accelerator that increases VPN speeds when connected to distant servers.
Proton VPN doesn’t have specialized anti-DDoS protection, but it does secure your PlayStation gaming sessions from DDoS attacks. It also has full leak protection.
Proton VPN comes with paid subscriptions that start at $3.59 / month, along with a free plan and a 30-day prorated money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Proton VPN offers a great free plan with unlimited data for your PS. Its paid plans are an even better choice as they come with better speeds and router support, which includes a WireGuard configuration that not many VPNs offer. That said, there’s no smart DNS feature and its money-back guarantee is prorated.
Read the full Proton VPN review here
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To find the best VPNs for PlayStation, I followed our proven testing methodology to make sure each VPN met rigorous standards for speed, security, and overall performance. Since PlayStation consoles don’t natively support VPNs, I focused on VPNs with features that cater to this specific need, such as router compatibility, fast speeds for gaming, and robust security. You can read more about our detailed testing methodology here:
- I tested each VPN for router support. All of the VPNs on my list support routers and include step-by-step setup guides for different routers and protocols, ensuring they can be used with your PlayStation. My #1 pick, ExpressVPN has a dedicated router app, which makes it super easy to configure, and you can even purchase ExpressVPN’s Aircove router, which comes with the VPN pre-installed on it.
- I checked each VPN’s speed for gaming and streaming. The VPNs I recommend come with large server networks that let you easily find the best server location for optimal speeds for both gaming and streaming. During my tests, I found that ExpressVPN consistently had the fastest speeds, allowing for smooth gaming sessions and uninterrupted streaming.
- I looked for anti-DDoS protection on all servers. Every VPN I recommend offers anti-DDoS protection, which prevents these attacks from interfering with your online gaming.
- I evaluated each VPN’s security features. I made sure every VPN on my list includes key security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Most of the VPNs have also undergone independent audits to confirm their privacy and security claims.
- I compared the VPNs’ streaming support and Smart DNS options. The VPNs that made it onto my list work with top platforms like Netflix on your PlayStation, and most offer a smart DNS feature that allows the PlayStation to access these sites without having to install the VPN on your router.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- IPVanish. It supports manual configuration on routers and delivers fast speeds. You will find it intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy. However, it’s missing DDoS protection, and its server network is smaller than the other VPNs on my list.
- TunnelBear. A perfect choice if you are just starting out with VPNs because of its decent free plan and great security features. Unfortunately, it lacks router support and smart DNS, features that are crucial for gaming on PlayStation.
- Mullvad VPN. This provider offers excellent user privacy but is missing anti-DDoS protection and doesn’t have good streaming support.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN for PlayStation?
In my opinion, the best VPN for PlayStation is ExpressVPN. I recommend it because it provides lightning-fast speeds, which is ideal for gaming and streaming on PlayStation. Moreover, it offers anti-DDoS protection on all its servers, along with top-notch security features.
ExpressVPN is also one of the only VPNs with a native router app, so you can quickly protect all the devices in your home network, including your PlayStation. Plus, it comes with a smart DNS tool, MediaStreamer, a vast server network, and support for cloud gaming. No wonder it’s #1 on our list of the best VPNs on the market.
What’s the fastest VPN for PlayStation?
When I tested it, ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN for playing games on PlayStation. It provides consistently high speeds, which are crucial when you are gaming or streaming. I never experienced any lags or buffering on my PlayStation 5, and I had a smooth gaming and streaming experience. The ping was low on both nearby and distant servers, and all the games loaded instantly. Also, all the HD and 4K videos started immediately and never buffered when I skipped through them.
Do you need a VPN for PlayStation?
Using a VPN for PlayStation is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended for a secure and enhanced gaming experience. With a VPN, you get a secure connection, preventing any potential DDoS attacks during online gaming sessions. Moreover, it allows you to access a wider array of content and games that may not be available in your region.
Plus, It’s a useful tool for protecting your online privacy. Namely, a VPN hides your actual IP address, as it replaces your IP address with another one from a different location. That’s why I recommend ExpressVPN — it provides excellent security and privacy and has a wide server network so that you can find a server in virtually any region you desire.
Can I use a free VPN for PlayStation?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Even though there are pretty good free VPNs for PlayStation out there, most of them tend to have slower speeds and less reliable connections, which can significantly hinder your gaming and streaming experience on PlayStation. Moreover, they lack the security features that paid VPNs like ExpressVPN offer. It is always better to opt for a reputable VPN service to ensure a secure and efficient gaming environment.
