Best VPNs for PS5: How to set up a VPN

In addition to being a top gaming console, the PS5 is also a great entertainment system that can be used to watch streaming services such as Netflix and Peacock.

By using a VPN, you can protect your private information from prying eyes, such as your internet service provider (ISP) or government. A VPN can also bypass geographical and other restrictions, giving you access to services that might usually be blocked.

For these reasons, I recommend using a VPN with your PS5. I have reviewed the top VPNs for PlayStation 5 in detail below. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for PS5:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for PS5. NordVPN has over 7,000 servers in 118+ countries. It offers fast connection speeds and a secure connection, ensuring users can browse securely without lag. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great budget option for PS5, with servers in more than 100 countries. It doesn’t skimp on quality, boasting strong security and fast connections.
3. IPVanish: When it comes to media devices, IPVanish has a proven track record in the Kodi community. Offers fast speeds and unlimited connections.
4. ExpressVPN: One of the best options if you are looking for a fast VPN. It can also unblock many different services and offers great security.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Over 11,000 servers globally. Easily unblocks geographically restricted services and has servers optimized for different applications, such as gaming.
6. PrivateVPN: A privacy-focused option that can unblock many different services. It offers decent connection speeds and strong security measures.
7. Private Internet Access: This is a fast and simple-to-use VPN option. It works with all popular streaming services and offers good security measures.

In the process of reviewing the best VPNs for PS5, here are some of the factors I considered when choosing the top providers:

• Provides speeds that support lag-free gaming and streaming
• Offers applications that can be installed on routers
• Can unblock services reliably
• Has strong security measures in place
• Stores no personally identifiable information

You can read more information about how I test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below.

The best VPNs for PS5

Based on my experiences, here are my detailed reviews of the best VPNs for PS5.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN’s network consists of over 7,000 servers in 118+ countries, catering to PS5 owners all around the world. It is fast and can unblock many different services, including streaming platforms and other services such as online banking. In addition, this service supports installation on routers. NordVPN has a partnership with Flashrouters, giving users the choice of easily acquiring a VPN router with NordVPN installed.

The provider also has strong security features in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and an automatic ad-blocker. Protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks is also included. NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments since names aren’t associated with them.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows. Users have the option of connecting 10 of their devices simultaneously and the customer support team is available 24/7 to help with issues.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• No logs are stored
• Apps available on many different platforms
• Customer service team available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR PS5:NordVPN is our top pick for PlayStation 5. It has a large server network and can unblock many different services. It also has strong security measures in place and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN, with a strong VPN network offering fast connection speeds and strong security measures – perfect for PS5 and users of other game consoles. In total, there are more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. It’s a great option for unblocking restricted services.

The provider’s security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. In addition, traffic scrambling is provided and it accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus it allows users to install this service on routers (see this list of recommended routers). The customer service team is available 24/7 and you can connect an unlimited number of devices at once.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• An unlimited number of connections supported
• Cryptocurrency payments are accepted for increased anonymity

Cons:

• Some servers can be slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable VPN option that can unblock services without hassle. It offers an unlimited number of connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a fast VPN provider that’s a great pick for gamers, with a network of 2,200+ servers in 75+ locations. It can unblock many different services and offers excellent security measures.

The provider can be installed on routers too. Your best bet with IPVanish for a VPN router is high-end RT series ASUS routers running either stock ASUSWRT firmware or the custom ASUS-Merlin firmware. There is also good support for DD-WRT and Tomato flashed routers.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option and no logs are stored by this provider.

IPVanish has apps available for several different platforms. These include Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. In addition, an unlimited number of connections are allowed and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Unlimited number of connections
• No logs are stored
• Great option for Kodi users and torrenters

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secure and offers fast streaming speeds. Users can also have an unlimited number of connections at once and a 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries. Its server network is one of the fastest out there and is great for watching streaming services and gaming. In addition, ExpressVPN can unblock geo-restricted services all around the world and offers a strict no-logs policy.

This provider also ensures the safety of its users with a number of different security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. In addition to the regular website, there is also a .onion site that must be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. This lets users protect their anonymity since the TOR network is heavily encrypted.

ExpressVPN has apps available for a number of different operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. ExpressVPN also supports the installation of its app on routers, such as DD-WRT and Tomato. They also sell their own Aircove router.

Eight simultaneous connections are allowed and the customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock many different services
• .onion site available and cryptocurrency payments are supported
• Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

• A little more expensive than some other options
• Struggles to access BBC iPlayer

GREAT STREAMING OPTION:ExpressVPN is one of the faster VPN options available. It has strong security measures in place and can unblock many different services. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has the largest number of servers on this list, with 11,500+ servers located in 100+ countries. It can unblock several different services and boasts fast connection speeds to benefit PS5 users who want a lag-free gaming experience.

There are strong security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. Plus, no logs are stored and the provider accepts cryptocurrency payments – a more anonymous payment method than traditional credit cards.

CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are allowed at once.

Pros:

• Clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service is provided
• Huge server network is spread across a large number of countries
• Strong security and privacy measures are in place

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network that consists of over 11,500 servers. This gives users many different choices for getting a different IP address. Strong security measures are in place and users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider that has a network of just over 200 servers. These servers are spread across 63+ countries. While the total number of servers is small, this service doesn’t skimp on quality – streaming speeds are fast for PS5 users and the provider can unblock several services.

Routers can be manually configured to work with PrivateVPN. The provider has several strong security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, protection from IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a strict no-logs policy. On top of that, this provider accepts cryptocurrency payments for a greater level of anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. It should be noted that customer service agents for PrivateVPN can only be reached during regular Swedish business hours (PrivateVPN is a Swedish business). Despite this, the quality of customer service is excellent. This VPN allows for 10 device connections simultaneously.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support isn’t available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused service, with strong encryption in place and a no-logs policy. It also offers fast connection speeds and can unblock many different services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is fast and efficient thanks to its use of the WireGuard VPN protocol. PIA is a lightweight option that doesn’t use many system resources and can unblock several different services.

PIA can be installed on compatible routers – DD-WRT, Open-WRT, Pfse, and Merlin are supported. Strong security is offered by this provider too, such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling to help keep users safe. This service stores no logs.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. PIA has customer service that is available 24/7 via the provided live chat and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Can provide secure access to many different services
• WireGuard VPN protocol supported (faster, more efficient protocol)
• Several customization options are available

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design is lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT, EFFECTIVE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight option that is fast and efficient. It supports an unlimited number of connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I picked the best VPNs for PS5

There are many different VPNs available on the market. However, not all of them offer the same level of performance for gamers. For this reason, I considered a number of different factors when trying to find the best options for PS5. Here are some of the options I considered:

• Supports router installation: For the PS5, the most reliable way of securing your connection with a VPN is by using a router that can support the installation of a VPN.
• Server network: The greater the number of servers the better. This gives users lots of choice for bypassing services.
• Ability to unblock services: Some users may want to bypass restrictions on services such as streaming services.
• Speed: Fast connection speeds ensure seamless, lag-free gaming and a smooth browsing experience.
• Security: A VPN should protect users online. This keeps their identity anonymous and their information protected from prying eyes, such as your ISP or the government.

Want to find out more? Our full VPN testing guide explains exactly how we put these services to the test.

How to use a VPN on a PS5

Unfortunately, there are no VPN apps in the PlayStation store. So, to get set up with a VPN on PS5, you’ll have to take advantage of one of the options below.

1. Set up a VPN on PS5 with a VPN router

To set up a VPN on PS5, one option is to use a router that supports VPNs. Top VPN providers, such as the ones reviewed here, usually support DD-WRT, OpenWrt, and Tomato routers, ensuring that users can get up and running with devices like the PS5.

This is necessary since the PS5 doesn’t support the running of a native VPN app. Luckily, with a VPN router, you don’t have to worry about connection limits, as all devices connected to it will be protected by the VPN.

2. Share a VPN connection from your PC

You can also share a VPN connection from your PC by connecting to a VPN on your PC or laptop and then connecting your laptop to your PC with an ethernet cable. This shares your internet connection with your PC. Note that you will have to be connected to the internet via WiFi on your laptop/PC for this to work. Here’s how to set this up on Windows and MacOS:

Windows

1. Navigate to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change adapter settings.
3. Right click on Properties.
4. Now, click on the Sharing tab. Enable the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection option.
5. Click OK. Now, on your PS5 go to Network settings and set up a new network connection. You will need to choose the Use a LAN cable option. Select Easy on the next screen and decline using a proxy server.

MacOS

1. In System Preferences, navigate to Sharing > Internet Sharing.
2. Choose WiFi in the Share your connection from the dropdown menu.
3. Select Ethernet from the To computers using menu.
4. Make sure Internet Sharing is enabled.
5. On the PS5, go to Network settings and set up a new network connection. You will need to choose the Use a LAN cable option. Select Easy on the next screen and decline using a proxy server.

If you follow these steps, your PS5 should now be protected with a VPN.

3. Use a Smart DNS feature

If you just want to access geo-blocked streaming services on your PS5 and aren’t worried about encrypting your data, you might be better off using a Smart DNS feature. This allows you to start streaming in minutes.

Use a Smart DNS feature on the PS5 by following these simple steps:

1. Go to your PlayStation’s network settings page and select View Connection Status. Your IP address will appear.
2. On your PC, log into your VPN’s website and look for a Smart DNS option on the control panel.
3. You’ll likely see an option labeled something like “Activate IP address.” Enter your PS5’s IP address here. You’ll be given two numbers: a primary DNS and a secondary DNS.
4. Back in your PS5 network settings, select your connection, then Advanced settings, then DNS Settings. You’ll now be able to enter the primary and secondary DNS numbers from earlier.
5. Once you’re done, you should be able to access popular services like Netflix US regardless of where you are in the world. If this service doesn’t seem to be working for you, get in touch with your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

Best VPNs for PS5 FAQs