ISPs have a history of throttling network connections, which may be a nightmare for games that demand quick reflexes. The major activities on which network throttling can be an issue include streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.
However, you can increase your speeds, gain access to geo-restricted content, and decrease input latency on PlayStation using a reliable and speedy VPN service.
Please note that find the best VPN for PS4/PS5 can be challenging, since it’s difficult to set up a VPN on gaming consoles.
But, the team of bestvpncomparisons.com evaluated more than 100 VPNs and jotted down only 5 best VPNs that provide excellent security, compatibility with PlayStation, and can even bypass geo-blocks.
Best VPNs for PS4; Quick Overview
- Surfshark – Affordable PS4 VPN. The best inexpensive VPN for PS3, PS4, and PS5. A robust VPN with multiple security features, no connection limit, great speeds, and ability to unblock geo-restricted games and streaming platforms.
- ExpressVPN – Best premium VPN. Combines excellent unblocking capabilities with a wide range of cutting-edge security features.
- NordVPN – Secure VPN for PS4. Prioritizes user security while maintaining speed and offering excellent unblocking abilities.
- CyberGhost – Easy-to-Use VPN for PS4. Excellent for lag-free gaming, secure streaming, or even just regular browsing because it is quick and simple to use.
- IPVanish – Great VPN app and Price. With this VPN, it’s easy to secure your PlayStation, thanks to its trust-worthy high-speed connections, zero-logs policy, and unlimited bandwidth.
The Best VPNs for PS4 – our detailed list:
1. Surfshark – Affordable PS4 VPN
Surfshark is affordable and the best VPN for PS4 that gives you access to 3200+ servers in 65 countries, ensuring that you have a low-latency connection wherever you are in the world.
For connecting it to your PlayStation, you can use its Smart DNS feature. However, configuring the VPN on your router will give you the complete experience.
Surfshark has outstanding unblocking capabilities, enabling you to access websites like Netflix US and Hulu from other countries. We even connected to BBC iPlayer and faced no errors.
Moreover, with this VPN, you can connect as many devices as you like as you get an unlimited number of simultaneous connections on a single subscription.
To keep you secure, the VPN offers 256-bit encryption, no-logs, kill switch, and RAM-only servers. Additionally, it can block advertisements and viruses using its CleanWeb feature.
Finally, Surfshark is quite reasonably priced. It’s one of the best VPNS available, costing only $2.30/mo. Moreover, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test the VPN risk-free.
For more details, check out the latest Surfshark review.
2. ExpressVPN – Best premium VPN
Another great VPN choice for your PlayStation is ExpressVPN. This VPN lives true to its name and provides quick speeds for all your streaming and gaming needs with 3000+ servers spread throughout 94 countries.
With its MediaStreamer feature, which is effectively a Smart DNS function, ExpressVPN provides a simple method for connecting your PS4 to stream geo-blocked platforms.
Moreover, it offers custom firmware that makes the router installation procedure easier if you’d want to connect through router.
Moreover, ExpressVPN can unblock a number of streaming services including Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu that are blocked by most VPNs.
ExpressVPN protects your traffic at all times with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, TrustedServer technology, and a kill switch that halts all traffic when your connection is lost.
This VPN is a good option for those who care about privacy because it doesn’t store any information that might be used to identify you.
ExpressVPN is fairly pricey when compared to other VPN services, costing $8.32/mo. Try it out, and if you decide it’s not for you, you can always cancel its subscription through its 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more details, check out the latest ExpressVPN review.
3. NordVPN – Secure VPN for PS4
The next pick for a PlayStation VPN is NordVPN. This VPN offers a vast server network and stringent security, which is simply incredible.
SmartPlay, a feature of NordVPN, is a Smart DNS option. If you only want to unblock TV shows and movies, this is the easiest way to connect your PS4 or PS5 to geo-restricted streaming services.
You can also set up NordVPN on your router as an alternative. You can also use guidelines provided by NordVPN to walk you through the process, so setting it up shouldn’t be too difficult.
As for unblocking, NordVPN is fantastic because the service does a terrific job at accessing streaming websites. We were able to enjoy Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer easily with the VPN.
Compared to most other VPNs, NordVPN allows consumers more flexibility in setting up their security. It offers 256-bit encryption, CyberSec, kill switch, obfuscation, and more. You can also choose to utilize Tor over VPN or Double VPN to stay secure.
Finally, this secure VPN for PS4 costs only $3.49/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more details, check out the latest NordVPN review.
4. CyberGhost – Simplest VPN for PS4
CyberGhost was created with beginners in mind, making it as simple as possible to get around geo-restrictions, share files, or surf anonymously.
You can set up a VPN-enabled hotspot or your router if you wish to install a fully functional VPN on your PlayStation. You can also purchase one of CyberGhost’s pre-configured FlashRouters and save time by using it rather than manually configuring your router.
This service delivers quick speeds, manages a network of more than 7,000 global servers, and allows users to quickly unblock a number of popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
To keep your information secure at all times, CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and the WireGuard protocol. Moreover, it doesn’t log any personally identifiable information.
The cost of CyberGhost is only $2.29 per month. Moreover, you also get a 45-day money-back guarantee for testing the VPN.
5. IPVanish – Great VPN app and Price
Due to its excellent multi-platform support and fast speeds, IPVanish is well-liked by consumers who enjoy streaming online. The VPN allows you to choose the best server location for your gaming needs from more than 2000 servers spread across 75+ locations.
There are just two options available for router installation: OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec. Therefore, you won’t achieve fantastic speeds unless your router has a robust CPU. Thanks to instructions in the support center, installation is simple.
In terms of unblocking streaming websites, IPVanish isn’t the greatest because it doesn’t have a Smart DNS option. However, it can still unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime for you.
Even though this service has a reputation for being lightweight, security is a top priority. Users have the option to obfuscate their OpenVPN traffic, restrict local traffic, and switch IP addresses frequently in addition to the 256-bit encryption and kill switch that are all included by default.
We already highlighted how inexpensive IPVanish is. It costs only $3.75/month, and you can cancel your subscription if you change your mind within the first 30 days for a full refund.
How we chose these VPNs
When looking for the best VPN for PS4, always test multiple options on a variety of factors. Doing the same, we chose the VPNs on our list based on the following metrics:
- Easy to set up on PS4/PS5: Select a VPN that includes Smart DNS if you wish to unblock streaming apps or is compatible with your router to get the most out of your console. Each of the VPNs mentioned above provides comprehensive and simple instructions for setting up routers. You can also connect your PlayStation using your Mac/PC by configuring a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Fast Speed: Speedy connections are essential for the best experience when using your PlayStation for gaming and streaming. The last thing you want is a sluggish game, or a show that keeps buffering. Because of this, we chose VPNs that are reputed to provide a variety of fast servers.
- Massive network of servers: You should look for a VPN that offers thousands of servers across numerous countries. You are less likely to encounter overloaded servers if there are more of them. Additionally, you’ll have faster speeds and less lag in the game if the server is closer to you.
- Security: It’s crucial to protect yourself against risks online even while gaming. VPNs can mask your IP address and provide the most stringent security features, such as military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
- Efficient customer service: You can solve your issues more easily if you receive good customer service. Regardless of your time zone, all of the VPNs on this list provide live chat assistance that is available 24/7.
Why do I need a VPN to play on PlayStation?
You might be surprised by how many ways using a VPN to support your PlayStation 4 can make your life better. In no particular order, here are the top five. The best VPN for PS4 gaming can be utilized for:
- Playing games before others: PlayStation games frequently have region-specific release dates. Before they are released in the USA, many games first appear in Japan and even Australia. You can connect to a server location of those countries and play games just by using a VPN.
- Prevent DDoS attacks: You may have heard tales of gamers hiring hackers to assault their rivals’ systems or launch DDoS attacks to slow down their internet. However, a VPN connection is difficult to hack, and because VPN servers have extremely fast connections, they are significantly more immune to DDoS attacks than your home internet service.
- Unblock geo-restricted streaming services: On your PS4/PS5, you can add apps of all your favorite streaming services, but you can only access the local content library. However, you can circumvent geo-restrictions and access content from any location by setting up a VPN!
- Offers low pings: If you enjoy playing video games, you are probably aware of how important low ping or latency is. When ISPs notice that you are playing games, some of them restrict the speed of your connection. However, your ISP won’t be able to reduce your speed if you use the best VPN for gaming on PS4 pro.
How to set up a VPN on a PlayStation console
On PlayStation, there are 3 ways to set up a VPN. Let’s check each of them out below:
Setting up a VPN on a router
It is beneficial to set up a VPN directly on your router since every device that connects to your network will automatically benefit from the VPN.
However, this router installation can be a little challenging, and you’ll need to carefully follow the instructions to prevent your router from being harmed. Additionally, you’ll discover that the real procedure varies depending on the VPN.
As previously mentioned, our top-rated VPNs include comprehensive guidelines to make the process as simple as possible for you.
Sharing a VPN connection over a Wi-Fi router
You can share a VPN connection by converting your computer into a virtual router and using its Wi-Fi to connect your console to your PC (or an ethernet cable).
Although installing a VPN via this approach may be a little simpler than doing it directly on your router, the VPN’s performance will be noticeably inferior. Find the instructions below for both Windows and macOS.
Sharing a VPN connection on Windows 10
- Download and install the VPN you prefer on your Windows PC (We recommend Surfshark).
- Then, visit Settings. Navigate to Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot.
- Turn the toggle On.
- Visit the Settings > Network & Internet. From there, click Change adapter options.
- Look for the adapter of your VPN, then right-click on it to launch Properties > Sharing.
- Tap on the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection option.
- Under Home Networking Connection, choose you hotspot connection.
- Open your VPN app and connect to a server.
- Fire up your PS4 and visit its Settings. Then, go to Network > Connect to the internet. After that, click Use Wi-Fi and choose your mobile hotspot.
- Finally, play your favorite games and unblock geo-restricted easily on your PS4/PS5.
Sharing a VPN connection on macOS
- Look for the account credentials of the VPN you selected.
- Configure L2TP/IPsec on your macOS.
- Visit System Preferences and then Sharing.
- Launch the Internet Sharing menu.
- From the dropdown, choose your VPN connection.
- Tap the “To computers using” Wi-Fi box.
- In the Wi-Fi options menu, create a password.
- Go back to Internet Sharing, and click Enable.
- Open your VPN and connect to a server.
- Visit your PS4 and connect to your Mac-enabled Wi-Fi connection.
Using Smart DNS
For each VPN service, there will be somewhat a different process for setting up Smart DNS. The generic steps are as follows:
- Install a VPN you prefer (Surfshark is our top choice).
- Register your IP address in the Smart DNS or DNS settings sections of the VPN dashboard.
- You ought to now receive a DNS code; write it down.
- Turn your PS4/PS5 on and visit Settings > Network. Then, click Custom.
- Choose either Wi-Fi or LAN cable depending on how you desire your PS to be connected to the internet.
- Choose Automatic > Do Not Specify > Manual.
- Insert the DNS codes that you previously jotted down.
- Visit Automatic > Do Not Use. After that, click Test Your Internet Connection.
- Start your PS5 or PS4 again.
- Now, you ought to be ready to go! You can access a brand-new library of entertainment on your PlayStation by opening a streaming app, which you couldn’t do before.
Conclusion
Your PlayStation experience can be enhanced with a swift and reliable VPN. Because they aren’t immediately compatible, VPNs aren’t the simplest to set up and use on gaming consoles, which is the issue.
Surfshark, however, is the best VPN for PS4 because it’s quick and simple to set up and use with the device. Once connected, you can unblock geo-blocked games and streaming services, and secure your online gaming experiences.
FAQs
Can I use a free VPN for PS4/PS5?
You can use the best free VPN for PS4 and PS5, just like other VPNs, but that’s a poor idea. Since free VPNs are pros at selling your data, all your personal information is at stake with the VPN.
This is why we recommend opting for Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee, and using this best VPN for PS4 free for an entire money!
Does changing DNS help PS4?
For your PS4, using the incorrect DNS server might significantly increase your ping time or, worse yet, reduce your connection speed. Actually, the majority of gamers simply use the ISP’s (internet service provider) assigned default DNS servers, which are almost never the quickest DNS servers.