The best PS4 VPN can help you play games online safely and enjoy a plethora of great content that you’d otherwise be locked out of. After hours of testing and research, these are our picks for the best PlayStation VPN:
- NordVPN: The best option all around
- ExpressVPN: Easy set-up on routers
- CyberGhost: Dedicated gaming servers
- Surfshark: Affordable and fast
- PIA: Great online gaming security
NordVPN takes the top position, and it’s not hard to see why: lightning-fast connection speeds, top-notch protection against DDoS attacks, and an affordable price point.
Keep reading for an in-depth review of these VPNs and learn how a PS4 VPN can help your gaming experience.
VPNs are crucial for the safety of streamers and gamers. They protect you and your internet connection from DDoS attacks, ISP throttling, and more. If you’re worried about doxxing, a PS4 VPN is the best way to hide your IP address and remain anonymous.
We’ve tested dozens of VPNs to find the fastest choice for PlayStation gamers. Whether you’re playing Fortnite, Apex Legends, GTA V, or anything else, you want a virtual private network that doesn’t slow you down. But VPNs are notoriously hard to install on consoles. So which one do you pick and how do you get it to work with your PS4 or PS5?
Keep reading below for our roundup of the best VPN for PlayStation consoles, starting with our top recommendation: NordVPN.
Which VPN is Best for PS4 and PS5?
For PS4 and PS5 gaming, you’ll want a VPN with low latency so you can play uninterrupted. Of course, there are other considerations, as well. You may want a budget option or a VPN with servers in a specific country.
So, we short-listed five VPNs that not only work with a PS4 and a PS5 but that also offer the highest standard of protection, plus top-notch speeds, affordable plans, and other features. These VPN providers also have apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. This means you can use one subscription for all your devices.
You can view our recommendations in the overview below.
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,600+ | 3,000+ | 7,900+ | 3,200+ | 33,000+ |
| Number of countries | 59 | 94 | 91 | 95 | 78 |
| Ping (ms) on nearby servers | 5-10 | 5-11 | 6-12 | 7-14 | 30-50 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard, Lightway | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard | OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
| Price | $2.98/month | $6.67/month | $2.29/month | $2.21/month | $2.19/month |
| Get it here | Get NordVPN | Get ExpressVPN | Get CyberGhost | Get Surfshark | Get PIA |
Each one of these VPNs has different tools and perks. Some are easier to set up on routers. Others have dedicated gaming servers. We’ll delve deeper into each of them, and why they’re excellent VPNs for PS5 and PS4.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN For PS4 and PS5
Features:
- Lightning fast, with a marginal decrease in speed when connected to the VPN
- High-grade security and protection from malware or DDoS attacks
- Unlimited bandwidth for a secure connection
- Has SmartDNS to help you set up a NordVPN PS4 connection for streaming
- Compatible with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Wireguard protocols
NordVPN is the best VPN for PS5 and PS4 thanks to its speed alone. We tested this VPN’s different networks with a base internet connection of 100 MBps. On all nearby servers, we only saw a speed decrease of 5 to 10 MBps. Still more than enough for fast and ping-free online gaming on PlayStation.
Even when connecting to servers from a different continent, we still got an average speed of 60 to 70 MBps. This is an exceptional number, as you only need 20 to 30 MBps for ping-free gaming. So NordVPN is a wonderful choice if you want a lag-free experience with a VPN on PS4.
NordVPN also employs military-grade encryption protocols. When you set up a NordVPN PS5 connection, you’re protected from things like DDoS attacks or even malware and doxxing. This might only sound important if you’re a streamer. And it’s true, streamers are more often the victims of DDoS attacks or doxxing. But NordVPN’s protection is valuable for anyone playing games on their PlayStation.
If you get bored of Warzone or Apex Legends, you can always use NordVPN to get more out of your console. It can help unblock geo-restricted content from streaming services. So you’ll get extra titles on Netflix and HBO Max. And it’s just $2.98/month for all of this. If you’re still wondering, “is NordVPN good“, check out our full review for more information.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
2. ExpressVPN: Easiest set-up on routers
Features:
- Quickest and easiest set-up on routers
- Fast internet connection speed to avoid ping while gaming with a VPN on PS5
- Powerful protection against DDoS attacks, malware, or leaks
- Unlimited bandwidth on premium servers
- Offers OpenVPN IKEv2, Wireguard, and Lightway protocols
ExpressVPN is not as fast as NordVPN, but the difference is very small. We tested this VPN with a base speed of 100 MBps, and we still got 85 to 90 MBps after connecting to nearby servers. The ping was negligible too, around 5 to 11 ms.
You do lose more when connecting to faraway ExpressVPN locations. But in all cases, you will enjoy lag-free gaming with your PS4 VPN internet connection. NordVPN is also one of the best VPNs for Minecraft.
ExpressVPN has another ace up its sleeve: a dedicated firmware that makes it very easy to install and use on routers. No other top-rated VPN has this feature. This is handy especially if you’re a streamer because you need to sacrifice as little internet connection speed as possible — and that’s only possible if you install the VPN on your router.
Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has plenty of extra security and streaming features. You can use Smart DNS to quickly stream geo-blocked content. Not to mention, you’re always safe from DDOS attacks, malware infections, or leaks. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption protocols, you won’t have to worry about your safety while gaming on the PlayStation.
Just don’t expect all of this to come cheap. ExpressVPN will set you back $6.67 per month when you pay for an annual subscription. With their money-back guarantee though, you can try it basically for free. Find out more in our ExpressVPN review.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
3. CyberGhost: Dedicated gaming servers for PS gaming
Features:
- Fast connection speed, so you won’t lag while playing your favorite games
- Dedicated gaming servers
- Protection against DDoS attacks, malware, leaks, and even ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling
- Compatibility with SmartDNS, if you want to use your PS4 for streaming
- Compatible with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Wireguard protocols
Cyberghost is not the fastest VPN. It’s also not easy to install on a Wi-Fi router. But it has something else going for it: dedicated gaming servers. With CyberGhost, you can connect to servers that have been optimized for online play. No other top PS4 VPN or PS5 VPN has this feature.
The connection speed is also decent. Sure, not as fast as NordVPN, but still fast enough to ensure a lag-free experience. When we tested this VPN we only got 6 to 12 ms of ping. The MBps also dropped by very little. You won’t have to worry about lagging while playing Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA Online, or whatever you enjoy playing on your PlayStation.
Not to mention, CyberGhost has advanced security features. You’re always protected from IP leaks, DDoS attacks, and even malware. And if you ever grow tired of the PSN library of games, you can use CyberGhost’s Smart DNS for quick and easy media streaming all over the globe.
Want to know the best part? CyberGhost is very affordable. You can get it for as little as $2.29/month, with a 45-day money-back guarantee. To find out more about CyberGhost, read our CyberGhost review. If you’re sold on it, you can get it here:
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
4. Surfshark: Affordable and fast enough to avoid ping
Features:
- Decent VPN connection speed, so you won’t lag while playing
- Compatible with SmartDNS for unrestricted streaming
- Great protection against DDoS attacks and other cyber threats
- Guaranteed privacy at an affordable price
- Offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard
If you want to save money on your PS4 VPN, Surfshark’s the best choice. It’s the cheapest option on this list, and it often runs great offers and discounts. It might be a bit slower than other options, but don’t worry — you won’t be lagging if your base connection is good enough.
We tested Surfshark’s speed with a base connection of 100 MBps. On all nearby servers, we still had a connection speed of 85 to 90 MBps. Not to mention, we only got 7 to 14 ms of ping. With that speed, you can easily play competitive shooters like Warzone or Fortnite without lag.
Surfshark’s security protocols will shield you from DDoS attacks or IP leaks. On top of that, you can use it with your PS4 or PS5 to stream from platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, or Hulu. If you do so, you’ll be able to unblock geo-restricted content. Just make sure you don’t want to use it by internet sharing from a Mac. Surfshark doesn’t support that. We’ll tell you more about VPN set-up on consoles after the roundup.
For $2.21/month, Surfshark offers a good deal. If you want to learn more, check out our review. If you want a great deal on your VPN, click the button below.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
5. Private Internet Access: Top security against DDoS attacks
Features:
- Decent VPN connection speeds for lag-free gaming
- Protection from DDoS attacks
- Affordable and easy to use, even if installation on consoles is a bit hard
- Robust security infrastructure
- Offers OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP protocols
Private Internet Access is not everyone’s first pick for gaming. It just doesn’t have the top speeds of other VPNs. We tested it on multiple servers and all of them had 30 to 50 ms of ping. Much higher than the other options for a PS4 VPN. 30 ms ping is not ideal for gaming, so if your internet connection is weak by default, pick a different VPN.
If you have a high internet connection speed by default (over 100 MBps), then PIA can work. And it will be worth it for PIA’s robust security infrastructure. This is ideal if you’re playing any games online with your PS4 or PS5. It will hide your IP and protect you from DDoS attacks.
A PIA subscription is also really cheap. You can get all of its features for as little as $2.19/month. For more info, read our PIA review.
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
How We Picked the Best VPNs for PS4 and PS5
Picking a PS5 and PS4 VPN isn’t easy. You need an app that’s fast enough to avoid lagging. You also need something you can use with your console, and that can protect you from online threats like DDoS attacks. And ideally, you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune on it.
So these are our criteria for the best PS4 VPN:
- Internet connection speed: Our VPN speed tests were the most crucial aspect when creating this list. We wanted VPNs that didn’t stop people from playing games online. With a decent internet connection, all of the VPNs above should work without interfering with your internet performance.
- Dedicated gaming features: Some VPNs have gaming servers or other add-ons that console users will enjoy. That was important to us when testing tools for this list.
- Ease of installation: Unfortunately, PlayStations don’t support VPN apps directly. You’ll need a workaround to use a VPN with your gaming console. Installing the VPN on your router or sharing a computer’s internet connection are both popular options. If a VPN makes any of this easier, we rate it higher.
- Server network: Even if a VPN performed well in our tests, it may work worse for you. If the service doesn’t have any nearby servers, you will get a higher ping. That’s why a VPN with a large server network is preferable.
- Security features: DDoS attacks, IP leaks, and doxxing are all real threats when playing on your PS4 or PS5. This is especially true if you’re a streamer. We chose VPN services that help you avoid cyber threats.
- Pricing and service: Speed and extra features are all important. But they don’t mean anything if you have to spend a fortune.
How to Install a VPN on PS4 and PS5
PlayStation consoles don’t have support for VPN apps. You can’t just go to the PlayStation store and download NordVPN or Surfshark. The good news is you can still use these apps when gaming on your console. You’ll just need to find workarounds — like installing the VPN straight on your router.
So let’s cover the three main ways you can use a VPN with your PS console.
How to install the PS4 VPN on your router
Installing a VPN straight to your router will have the least impact on connection speed. If you intend to stream your playthroughs, you’ll definitely have to use this method. But it’s pretty complicated, so let’s get into it.
To install the PS4 VPN on your router, you’ll have to:
- Download DD-WRT for your router. This is a firmware that will then allow you to install OpenVPN-compatible apps.
- Flash DD-WRT via Web-GUI. This basically means going to your router interface, installing DD-WRT, then restarting the router.
- Go to your router’s settings.
- Open “Services,” then look for the “VPN” category.
- Fill in the details of your chosen VPN service.
- Click on “Apply Settings.” You should now be connected via the VPN server of your choice. If your PS4 or PS5 is connected through this router, you’re getting all the benefits of using a VPN on your console!
It’s a tough process. If you want a more detailed guide, read our full article on how to install a VPN on your router.
However, if you don’t want to bother with this complicated setup, there are alternatives, too — but you’ll sacrifice some connection speed if you don’t rely on a VPN router. On the plus side, all other network users will be protected with a VPN.
How to share a VPN connection from your Mac
A simpler way to connect your console to the internet via a VPN is internet sharing from a macOS device. It takes a while, and it requires a LAN or ethernet cable — but it’s not as complicated as going into the network settings of your Wi-Fi router.
Here’s what you have to do to turn your MacOS device into a virtual router:
- Download and install a Mac VPN. If you’re not sure how to do that, here’s a quick guide to installing a VPN on Mac.
- Connect to the internet via LAN cable (otherwise known as ethernet cable).
- Connect to the VPN service once you’ve established an ethernet connection.
- Open System Preferences, then click on “Share.”
- Click on the dropdown button next to “Share your connection from.” Choose ethernet if you plugged the cable straight in. If you used an adapter, choose USB.
- Choose “Wi-Fi” under the menu option “To computers using.”
- Set up your connection on the screen that pops up. Just choose a name and a password. Don’t skip setting up a password. You don’t want other network users using your connection without your permission!
- Connect your PS4 to the network you just created.
This basically makes your Mac act like a proxy server for your PS4 and PS5. If you want a detailed breakdown, read our full macOS router guide.
How to share a VPN connection with Windows 11
If you don’t own a Mac, you can use a Windows PC to do basically the same thing — turn it into a router. It may seem complicated, but it’s even faster than with a macOS device.
To connect your PS4 to your VPN provider, we need to configure your computer’s internet connection. Here’s what you have to do to turn your Windows PC into a virtual router:
- Connect to the internet via a LAN cable.
- Connect to the VPN service of your choice.
- Open Command Prompt. You can do this quickly by typing “cmd” in the search bar.
- Copy this line: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=XXXXX key=YYYY
- Change the “XXXXX” to the desired network name, and the YYYY to a password.
- Enter the command into Command Prompt. Your new connection is now set up.
- Start the virtual router by typing “netsh wlan start hostednetwork” and pressing enter.
- Connect your PS4 or PS5 to the new network.
Don’t let the weird strings of words scare you. You just have to copy and paste them into a command line. It should all take less than three minutes. If you need any extra guidance, check out our article on how to turn your Windows PC into a virtual router.
Why Set Up a VPN with PlayStation
PlayStation gaming consoles are powerhouses of digital entertainment. You can use them to play video games, stream movies or TV shows, and even listen to music. Unfortunately, all of these come with some risks.
Online gaming can endanger your privacy. Your IP address is visible to dozens of third parties when playing games online or hopping on Discord for a call. In the best-case scenario, an IP leak can lead to a DDoS attack, which is extremely annoying. Worst case scenario, you can be the victim of doxxing.
A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP address. This will protect you from most dangers and keep your online gaming experience safe. On top of this, it’ll help you enjoy movies and TV shows that might not be available in your country.
If you want to enhance your PlayStation’s entertainment options, you should get a VPN. For instance, you can use it to remove Fortnite IP bans, if you were locked out of your account. There’s nothing better than NordVPN for this.
VPNs to Avoid
Not all VPN providers are made equal. While researching this article and testing PS4 and PS5 VPNs, we’ve seen a lot of recommendations that just don’t cut it for PlayStation consoles. Some of these don’t have SmartDNS, while others can’t bring enough to the table to compete with the other VPNs. Whatever the case, you should avoid these options if you want to set up a VPN:
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| IPVanish | Doesn’t have SmartDNS |
| TorGuard | Not as good with streaming on PS4 and PS5 consoles. Also pretty expensive for what it offers. |
| PrivateVPN | Doesn’t have a Smart DNS address option |
| HolaVPN and Radmin VPN | Not actually VPNs even though they claim to be |
Not all of these VPNs are bad VPNs! In fact, IPVanish is among our top-rated VPNs. They just don’t work well enough with PlayStation 4 or 5.
Conclusion: The Best VPN For PlayStation
Finding the best VPN for PlayStation is a balancing act. You want good internet connection speeds, easy installation, and a large enough server network. But you don’t want to spend a fortune on a virtual private network. How else are you going to buy all the games you want to play?
NordVPN fits the mold perfectly. It’s not the easiest VPN to install on a router, and it’s not the cheapest option either. But it is the fastest, which is what truly matters for an avid gamer. It ticks all the other boxes without a hitch, too.
If you want more tips on how to make the most out of your entertainment devices, check out these articles:
- The Best Free VPNs for Twitch
- The Best VPN for a Smart TV
- The Best VPN for Roku
- The 5 Best VPNs For Warzone (15+ Tested!): Find Easy Lobbies!
- The 7 Best VPNs for Xbox: Level up Your Console
Installing and using a PS5 or PS4 VPN is complicated. If anything’s unclear after reading our article, check out this FAQ section:
PS4 doesn’t support VPN apps directly. So you can’t just download them from the PlayStation Store. However, you can install a VPN on your router, Mac, or PC. Then, you can use those devices to hide your IP address while gaming on a PS console. Learn how to do this in our guide to installing a VPN on Playstation.
You can’t use NordVPN directly on a PS5. However, you can install NordVPN on your router, and secure your connection like that. With NordVPN on the router, your connection is secure whether you use a PS5, laptop, or any other device. Find out more in our article on the best VPNs for PS5.
You can use a VPN on Playstation. You just have to install it on a router beforehand or turn your PC/Mac into a virtual router. For detailed guides on how to do that, read our top VPNs for PlayStation article.
To change your VPN on PS5, you’ll need to change the VPN you use on your router. If you didn’t use a router to send PS5 traffic through a VPN network, you’ll need to set up the VPN on your virtual Mac or PC router.
To add a free VPN to PS4, you’ll need to pick a free VPN compatible with the OpenVPN protocol, and then install it on your router. However, we don’t recommend you use a free VPN with your console. It will make your online gaming a nightmare because of high ping.
