Get Unlimited Access To Geo-Blocked Games with Great Speed. Here Are The Comparable VPN For PS4 & Setup Guide.
Online gaming might be fun if not for the hoard of issues gamers face. First off, there is a speed issue due to ISP throttling. Apart from that, long ping times due to distant gaming servers are a real spoilsport.
Geographical restrictions are also a massive hindrance to the premium gaming experience. Not getting your hands on the latest release, merely based on where you live, is nothing less than pure frustration. Online gamers might also remain at risk of cyber harassment issues like swatting or doing, which are particularly dangerous.
A competitive match of Call Of Duty can often result in your personal information being leaked or law enforcement knocking on your door- events that happen due to doxing and swatting. Another alarming situation can be a competitive player launching DDoS attacks against you.
The TLDR here is online gaming needs a good VPN that provides blazing-fast speeds and ensures privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP.
How to Choose the Best VPN for PS4 & PS5?
You need to pay attention to some specific features when choosing a VPN for a gaming console. The following mentioned below are those vital features that you should look for in a VPN. So here you go:
Lowest Ping
Ensure that your VPN offers a fast, consistent, and reliable speed with low ping. Gamers get a smooth gaming experience if their ping is low without lag. Your ping should count as low as less than 20 ms or between 20-50 ms.
Server Location
Always choose a VPN that comes with an extensive server network. A VPN with servers in a dozen countries can quickly connect you with gaming servers with low pings and unblock the games from any region.
Security Level
Choose a VPN that uses the industry’s level encryption protocols, active kill-switch, and IP Leak protection. It’s essential because, in any peer-to-peer online gaming service where multiple gamers are connected, they can see and use your IP address to launch a DDoS attack and make your home connection unstable. The best VPN for PS4 & PS5 prevents IP tracking and protects against DDoS attacks.
Compatibility
Make sure that your VPN is compatible with multiple platforms. Your VPN should be either compatible with routers or some specific desktop platform. All the five VPNs mentioned in this guide are compatible with routers and other major operating systems and devices.
These features are required to play online games on your PS4 or PS5. The lowest Ping time and smooth internet speed ensure an excellent gaming experience.
5 Best VPNs For PS4/PS5 – Top Choices
The following is the list of the best VPN for PS4 & PS5.
CyberGhost: 7000+ optimized servers enhance your gaming, streaming, and torrenting experience. Plus, bypass ISP throttling. Compatible with Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android.
NordVPN: comes with 5000+ servers, great speed while torrenting and gaming. You can also enjoy US Netflix From abroad. Compatible with all devices and OS.
SurfShark: With 3200+ server networks bypass throttling and download and stream unlimitedly. You can access Netflix and download torrents with privacy.
ProtonVPN provides robust digital security and allows unlimited streaming and torrenting. Enjoy a fast, stable, and reliable internet connection from anywhere and bypass ISP throttling.
Whether it’s ISP throttling, latency, or lower ping times that annoy you, you can enjoy ExpressVPN’s stable and fastest connection. Also, provide support with Netflix and Torrenting.
VyprVPN uses a proprietary Chameleon protocol that helps access the blocked torrent websites and streaming platforms. The speeds are reliable which prevents ISP throttling.
Now, let’s review each of the VPNs separately:
1. NordVPN
The first best VPN for PS4 and PS5 is none other than NordVPN. With 5000+ servers in 59 countries, NordVPN allows gamers to access unrestricted gaming servers and download new games earlier.
The famous Panama-based VPN is the best VPN for games consoles because:
NordVPN: comes with 5000+ servers, great speed while torrenting and gaming. You can also enjoy US Netflix From abroad. Compatible with all devices and OS.
- It uses AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN as a default encryption protocol which uses two ports UDP and TCP. UDP ensures high speed while TCP is for security. Other than OpenVPN, NordVPN uses the IKEv2 protocol that’s famous for maintaining consistent speeds.
- NordVPN connection speed is the fastest in the market. With the vast server network, you can find a gaming VPN close to you that ensures a quick connection with low pings. In this way, it bypasses ISP throttling and allows users to access their favorite games without any restrictions.
- The VPN also uses the NordLynx protocol built around the WireGuard protocol that maintains fast speed and is the best protocol for playing online games.
- It has several advanced security-enhancing features like a kill switch, DNS & IP leak protection, split tunneling, and CyberSec. It prevents the users from phishing, DDoS, and malware invasion attacks.
- The service provider comes with obfuscation servers and a Smart DNS feature that helps in bypassing censorship and even access the content from blocked streaming services.
Visit NordVPN and grab the limited deals to start securing your gaming or streaming experience.
2. ExpressVPN
The British-Virgin Island-based ExpressVPN is our next favorite choice for gaming consoles. ExpressVPN outstands its competitor and is reliable to use because of the following reasons:
Whether it’s ISP throttling, latency, or lower ping times that annoy you, you can enjoy ExpressVPN’s stable and fastest connection. Also, provide support with Netflix and Torrenting.
- ExpressVPN encrypts the data by using the industry’s highest encryption standard, i.e., AES-256-bit encryption, along with 4096-bit RSA keys.
- It uses various encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and its released proprietary Lightway protocol. The Lightway protocol is ExpressVPN’s protocol that provides more protection and faster connection speeds than OpenVPN. The Lightway protocol uses two ciphers, i.eChaCha20/Poly1305 and AES-256-GCM, that further enhance speed and security while playing online games.
- ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth so that you won’t experience any issues like throttling or sluggish speeds.
- You can switch among the servers and protocols to enjoy a faster internet connection.
- The VPN comes with an active kill switch and DNS and IP leak protection feature. Your IP address won’t get leaked by any means, and thus, it prevents DDoS attacks.
- The VPN comes with an extensive server network. It comprises 3000 servers in 94 countries, making it easy to establish a blazing fast connection with low pings and ensuring a fast gaming experience.
- Like other top-tier VPNs mentioned in this article, ExpressVPN is compatible with multiple platforms such as Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS. Also, the VPN included an app for compatible routers that allows securing devices like PlayStation.
- The VPN comes with a SmartDNS feature that enables the game console to help access the blocked streaming content without buffering and connection lags.
If you want to test different features of ExpressVPN, you can opt for ExpressVPN risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Surfshark
Because of its affordable price and unique features, Surfshark is yet another best VPN for PlayStation. The service provider is compatible with all major devices, operating systems, game consoles (PS4 and PS5), and selected routers. You can also download it by sharing your connection with your PC.
SurfShark: With 3200+ server networks bypass throttling and download and stream unlimitedly. You can access Netflix and download torrents with privacy.
Surfshark is reliable and secure to use because:
- It also comes with various security-boosting features such as a kill switch and GPS spoofing that enable you to change your location and download gaming content anywhere.
- It uses military-grade AES-256 encryption for protecting your data and activities through a secure tunnel.
- Besides using OpenVPN protocol, it utilizes IKEV2, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks. While IKEV2 is specifically for high speeds, WireGuard maintains both security and fast speed. On the other hand, Shadowsocks is not an encryption protocol but a proxy that helps in circumventing censorship.
- The VPN comprises 3200+ servers in more than 65 countries. More servers mean quick connection and it also helps in reducing pings.
- Surfshark speeds are good enough for playing games, but it doesn’t offer low ping across all servers. You can ensure a fast connection on Surfshark by connecting to WireGuard protocol- one of the best gaming protocols.
- Surfshark also comes with a Camouflage mode that protects your IP address and protects against DDoS attacks.
To test Surfshark on your PS4 or PS5, you can make use of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. PureVPN
The Hong-Kong based PureVPN is our next choice. It is an excellent choice for playing online games with more than 6500 servers and impressive unblocking capability.
Here are the reasons to use a PureVPN on your PlayStation:
- The VPN comes with a DDoS protection add-on. It ensures that you don’t become a target of any such attack by hiding your actual IP address. PureVPN’s gaming VPN service combined with DDoS protection keeps things under control and provides an unmatched gaming experience.
- The premium version of PureVPN comes with another valuable add-on for gamers. The Port Forwarding add-on allows one to get around the restrictions, host private games, and participate in multiplayer games.
- The VPN comes with more than 6500 servers in 180+ locations. PureVPN’s extensive server network ensures accessibility, fast connection speed, and low pings throughout the gaming experience.
- Every PureVPN server supports various encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SSTP. All these protocols provide ultimate security while IKEv2 and OpenVPN UDP ports maintain a consistent speed.
- The service provider offers AES-256 bit encryption and essential security boosting features like a kill switch and DNS and IP leak protection.
- PureVPN’s split tunneling feature is also helpful while you play online games. With this feature, gamers can enjoy their gaming experience on a VPN network or LAN without compromising their online security.
- You can install the VPN on all major platforms, OS, and a range of supported router brands.
- With PureVPN, you can gain access to the US Netflix library and watch them on your PS4 and PS5.
Still not convinced? Try risk-free PureVPN and get a refund during the first 30 days if you’re not satisfied.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is another good option to use on gaming consoles. The VPN provider offers decent privacy and is compatible with multiple platforms.
It is a complete package and comprises the following features.
- Uses OpenVPN protocol and AES-256-bit encryption to protect your online data and gaming activities from snooping eyes.
- Private VPNs come with general security features like a kill switch, DNS, and IP leak protection.
- It offers 3300+ servers in 32 locations, providing fast speed with less ping for gaming. But, the ping will not be as low as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
- The VPN is compatible with a range of routers and major operating systems. Also, it offers apps for macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS.
Why Do I Need To Use a VPN on PlayStation?
Using a compatible VPN on PlayStation increases your gaming and streaming experience for several reasons. Some of the significant benefits are as below:
Protect Against DDoS Attacks
DDoS attacks are like a nightmare for gamers. The victims of DDoS attack experiences system crashes, slow internet speed, and overall a worst gaming experience. The best VPN for PS4 & PS5 offers protection against DDoS attacks by hiding the user’s IP address.
A VPN encrypts your data into deep packets and replaces your actual IP address with the one provided by the VPN server. This makes it impossible for the game owners to know who you are and where you are accessing the web. In this way, you can enjoy a trouble-free gaming experience without worrying about any cyber threats.
Access Online Games Globally
PlayStation games vary from country to country. In some countries like Japan, the games are released much earlier than in other parts. Because of geographical restrictions, you won’t be able to access the games of different regions.
With a VPN for PlayStation, you can be the first to play newly released games from anywhere across the world. The best VPN for PS4 and PS5 has more than a thousand servers in various regions. They offer a wide range of locations that allows you to connect and play recently released games.
Watch Streaming Content
Another benefit of using a VPN on your PlayStation is accessing streaming sites. With a VPN for gaming consoles, you can watch content from regional streaming services like:
- BBC iPlayer
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney Plus
VPNs like ExpressVPN come with a SmartDNS technology designed to unblock streaming apps on devices like gaming consoles.
Enjoy Fast Internet Speed
We all are aware of the ISP tracking phenomenon. The service providers throttle the users’ bandwidth that limits their connection speed. As a result, the user experiences a sluggish internet connection. ISPs do so to prevent users from preventing network congestion and using excessive bandwidth. A gaming VPN might improve your internet speed while playing online games. It connects you to the nearest gaming server and ensures a fast connection.
The VPN also makes you anonymous over the web and prevents ISP from tracking you by hiding your activities. They won’t know what you’re doing on the web, which can prevent them from throttling your connection. Hence, you can enjoy fast connection speed.
To Ensure Privacy and Security.
Albeit gaming is not a dangerous activity, however frequently, these games get a bit too competitive. In such a case, you might need to ensure your privacy is intact. A common privacy issue is swatting, which involves generating a false emergency law enforcement response against a target.
As mentioned above, a jealous gamer could make you a victim of swatting just because they lost against you in a match. Although carried out mainly as a mere prank, swatting is often dangerous and has even resulted in the accidental shooting of victims.
A somewhat less complicated issue is doxing, which involves a person sharing your personal information online. While these issues often occur through social engineering, protecting yourself through a VPN can also help protect against these issues. With your IP address hidden and your information encrypted, a VPN can help ensure anonymity and privacy.
How to Install a VPN on PS4 & PS5?
There are three different ways to set up a VPN on PS4 & PS5. All these methods are reliable to use. Setting up a VPN using the SmartDNS feature is the fastest way to get a VPN on game consoles. But it is not entirely safe to use because it doesn’t mask your IP address or encrypt your data. You can opt for this method if you’re using your PlayStation to access the geo-blocked content.
I recommend setting up a VPN by sharing the VPN connection from your PC. It’s because it doesn’t cause any issue like in the Smart DNS method. Also, not all routers are compatible with VPNs. In that situation, you can again use the PC method.
Below are the step-by-step instructions for installing a VPN on your PS4 and PS5.
Method No 1: Router’s Method
The steps are as follows:
- Log in to your router’s control panel.
- Navigate to the VPN Client Tab. Select the VPN option that appears on the left-hand side. Click on the VPN client tab > select Add Profile.
- Enter your VPN details. A pop-up box appears; select OpenVPN while in the description box, name your new VPN connection.
- Now, download the OpenVPN config files. Select a download location and tap to click download config to save the files on your computer.
- Import the config files. For this, you need to go back to your router’s control panel. Tap on Choose Files that appear beside the import.ovpn file box. Select the .ovpnfile you downloaded. Click Upload > Uncheck the import the CA file box and then tap on OK. In the VPN Client tab, you can now see your new connection profile.
- Click on the Activate button. You can now play games or stream safely on your PS4 or PS5.
If you use a PC or a laptop, you can connect to the VPN by running an Ethernet cable to your PlayStation. Below are the steps for sharing your connection on both macOS and Windows:
For Windows User:
- Download a reliable VPN from the list mentioned above.
- Connect your PS4 or PS5 to your PC. You can use an ethernet cable for this purpose. For a faster connection, use a second Ethernet cable to connect your system to your router.
- Go to the Control Panel and then to the Network and Sharing Center.
- Choose the Change Adapter Settings option from the list that appears on the left.
- Now, move over to the Sharing tab and allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection option.
- Under the Home Networking Connection, select your PS4 or PS5 ethernet connection.
- Tap on Ok, go to your VPN app, and select a server of your choice.
- Now, navigate to Network Settings on your PlayStation and set up a new network connection.
- Select the Use a LAN cable option > choose Easy and then decline to use a proxy server. You can now use your PlayStation on Windows.
For macOS Users:
- Download and install a compatible VPN provider on your macOS.
- Connect your PlayStation to your mac by using an ethernet cable.
- Navigate to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.
- Select WiFi in the Share your connection from the dropdown menu option.
- Choose Ethernet from the To Computers using the menu.
- Check that your Internet Sharing is turned on.
- Select a VPN server of your choice and connect to it.
- On your PlayStation, go to Network Settings and select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Choose a LAN cable > Easy > Do not use a proxy server. Your PS4 or PS5 is now connected to the VPN.
Method No 3: With SmartDNS Technology
As mentioned earlier, some service providers like ExpressVPN come with a unique technology (SmartDNS technology) to connect a VPN on streaming and gaming devices.
The following mentioned below are the steps for setting up a VPN on PS4 and PS5 with SmartDNS technology:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Register your IP address. For this, you need to log in to your VPN account. Look for options like Smart DNS or DNS Settings. Click on that option and register your IP address. It’s done automatically.
- Once your IP address is registered, you get a DNS code that you need to enter into your PlayStation’s network settings. So, please write it down and keep it safe.
- Now turn on your PlayStation.
- Navigate to Settings > Network > Set up internet connection > Custom.
- Configure your connection. If your PlayStation is connected to the internet over WiFi or LAN cable, select WiFi if connected via an Ethernet cable.
- Select Automatic >Do not Specify > Manual.
- Enter the DNS code > Select Automatic > Do not Use.
- Choose Test your Internet Connection and then Restart your console.
- You can now stream your favorite TV shows and movies on the blocked streaming sites that are unavailable in your area on your PS4 & PS5.
Parting Words
Hopefully, you have realized how important it is to have a gaming VPN on your PlayStation. A VPN hides the actual IP address and makes you anonymous and private while you play games. Besides, protecting IP addresses a VPN also uses several other features that ensure a trouble-free gaming experience.
If you want to make your PlayStation experience worth amazing, try out these VPNs mentioned above. They will give you fast gaming connection speed and protect you from cyber-attacks, ISP tracking, and throttling.
