5 Best PS4 & PS5 VPNs (2022)

written by

Jack Foster

last updated

January 29, 2022

Did you manage to get your hands on one of the new PS5s? Or, are you staying faithful to the PS4? Nowadays, it’s well established that owning a gaming console like a PS4 or PS5 brings users an unrivaled online gaming and/or video streaming experience. However, what most PS4/5 users often forget to think about is their online safety and privacy. This is where a PS4 or PS5 VPN comes in!

Because the PS4/5 uses internet connectivity for most of its applications, users are instantly opened up to online dangers. The best and easiest solution to address all your fears and protect yourself against these risks is a VPN. This is used by users like you to ensure that their online gaming, communication, and video streaming activity is reliable, private, and protected. 

Finding the right PS4 or PS5 VPN

But that’s not to say that it’s all that easy to find a VPN that caters to your PS4/5 device, your personal needs, as well as your budget. 

And, because finding the right PS5 VPN is not all that straightforward, I thought I’d go ahead and write this highly comprehensive and informative review to shorten and simplify your journey to finding the best VPN for you and your gaming console.

Here, you’ll find all the necessary practical and technical knowledge you’ll ever need to find the best VPN for your PS4/5. I’ll even provide you with a stress-free setup guide so you can get your new PS4 or PS5 VPN up and running without further delay:

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VPNs: what you need to know

A VPN is an application that helps you anonymize, protect, and improve your online experience. When you use a VPN, your IP (internet protocol) address, as well as your online activity, become concealed. 

This is because a VPN helps you to ‘mask’ your online data by creating the virtual illusion that you are browsing from another location through a different network by using a virtual data tunnel. This makes your activity virtually untraceable. 

Moreover, you don’t have to worry about your online history, as most trustworthy VPNs will operate on the basis of a no-logging policy, which guarantees that your data doesn’t get stored. And, because your online activity is linked to the servers of your VPN provider, you steer clear of website, ISP (internet service provider), search browser, and government tracking. 

On top of this, the encryption process used by VPNs has the effect of scrambling your data, keeping you protected against cybercrime and malicious websites that are after your sensitive personal information. And, although most high-end VPNs protect against data leaks, your valuable information continues to stay safe in the event of a leak as it cannot be decrypted and used against you. Say goodbye to phishing and hackers!

Why do you need a VPN for your PS4/5?

The PS4/5 is a gaming console that uses internet connectivity for a lot of different purposes, be it gaming, browsing, or streaming. And, because as soon as you’re connected to the internet you become exposed to online dangers, the device you’re using makes no difference. Scary, right?!

This means that you’re just as exposed to risks when you’re using your PS4/5 as you would be when using your phone, which is why you’re going to need a VPN to make sure that your online experience is private, secure, and reliable. 

But a VPN does far more than keeping you safe, providing you with the following additional benefits:

Enjoy gaming at premium speed and quality

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely dread lagging and gaming/streaming at poor speeds and qualities when I’m on my PS5. The good thing is these issues can all be prevented by opting for a high-end VPN. 

This is because you can actually improve the performance of your gaming console by using a VPN like NordVPN or CyberGhost. These reliable VPNs run on high-speed servers, allowing you to achieve that premium speed and HD quality you’ve been after. 

Make geographic restrictions an issue of the past

Other complications I’ve commonly come across whenever I’m online on my PS5 are these pesky little restrictions called ‘geo-blockers’, which operate to prevent users from accessing specific content depending on which region they’re getting online from.

This is a frustrating issue that a reliable VPN can help solve thanks to its IP address-masking function. So, if you want to be an early bird and gain access to early-release PS4/5 games, prime product pricing available only in certain regions, as well as shows you’ve been dying to watch on Netflix, you can rest easy knowing a VPN will open all these previously locked doors.

Stay safe from DDoS attacks

PS4/5 users like me, who enjoy getting downright competitive from time to time when gaming online, are all too familiar with DDoS attacks, or ‘distributed denial of service’ attacks. 

A DDoS attack is an aggressive tactic employed by online gamers looking to gain a competitive advantage by targeting your PS4/5 to make it temporarily impossible for you to connect to your Wi-Fi network or, for example, to the PlayStation Plus network. 

Now, because a VPN will protect and make your online activity wholly anonymous, the risk of DDoS attacks is washed away, so you can get as competitive as you want!

Prevent website IP bans and speed throttling

Beyond geo-blockers, there are other frustrating limitations you may run into without a VPN. Some websites and platforms may be blocking access entirely from where you’re located through IP bans, making you unable to connect to those servers. 

Additionally, it is quite common for ISPs (internet service providers) to ‘throttle’ your online experience by limiting your bandwidth, which can make your online gaming or video streaming extremely slow and laggy. 

Now, because when you’re using a PS4 or PS5 VPN you’re essentially browsing, streaming, or gaming by connecting to the VPN’s servers, and because your IP address and user details are masked, these issues can no longer arise. So, get ready to access any platform or website you desire, without having to worry about latency and poor quality.

VPNs for gaming: what should you look for?

If you want to make sure you find the VPN that’s right for your PS4/5 and satisfies all your user needs, you need to be on the lookout for several important criteria. 

And, because not all VPNs provide an equally comprehensive package, I’ve created a list of the most important factors you should look for in an ideal PS4 / PS5 VPN, to make your VPN hunt as hassle-free as possible!

Server number and optimisation 

Most high-end VPNs will be running on an extensive number of servers. This is because, when a VPN uses more servers, there’s more servers available for their customers to connect to, and connections are better, more reliable, and faster. So, if you’re after that lag-free gaming and streaming PS4/5 experience, a high server number is a must-have for any PS4 or PS5 VPN. 

Then, you should ensure that the VPN’s servers are optimised. This means that the servers are configured for streaming video content and gaming online at fast speeds and in premium quality, allowing you to make the most out of your gaming console. 

Geographic coverage 

Now, because I know you don’t want to find yourself struggling with geo-blockers, ISP throttling, or IP bans, another criterion that’s extremely important for a VPN candidate is its geographic coverage.

This is because the more locations a VPN provider has servers in, the more regions you are able to access as user, and the more region-specific benefits you get to enjoy, so make sure this criterion is satisfied!

Privacy for online activity

Next, because you value your personal information and online safety, you need to ensure any VPN you’re considering provides multiple privacy and protection mechanisms. This is essential if you want to stay anonymous and steer clear of cybercrime. 

Most high-end VPNs will have your needs covered by providing for mechanisms like military-grade encryption, or ‘256-bit’ encryption, protection against IP and DNS data leaks, as well as a no-logging policy, or ‘zero-logging’ policy. These safeguards ensure that your data stays safe, your identity stays private, and no digital footprint is left behind your session. 

Bandwidth and device allowances

Now, because you don’t want your online gaming or video streaming on your PS4/5 to be limited by annoying data/device restrictions, be on the lookout for generous bandwidth and data allowances. The best VPNs will provide for unlimited bandwidth and at least up to 5 simultaneous connections. 

Router support

Lastly, if you want to be able to use a VPN on your PS4/5, router support is definitely something you need to ensure your future VPN provides for. 

Because there is no native VPN support on a gaming console like the PS4/5, you will require a variety of protocols to choose from so that you can set the VPN up through your home router/PC. (More on this later!)

The 5 Best VPNs for PS4/5 in 2022

What sort of VPNs do I recommend for Playstation? Let’s take a look…

NordVPN Pros:

NordVPN Cons:

#1 | NordVPN

NordVPN is the Best VPN for the PS4/5 that money can buy in 2022. Thanks to its extensive server number of over 5,400 servers, and impressive geographic coverage across 59 countries, this VPN performs unbelievably fast, allowing you to stream video content and game online at unrivaled speeds, without fear of lagging.

And, thanks to this VPN’s military-grade encryption, double VPN, and protection against IP and DNS data leaks, your privacy is strongly safeguarded. Additionally, NordVPN’s CyberSec technology ensures your online activity stays well-protected by shielding you against annoying advertisements and dangerous malware. It even keeps you safe from DDoS attacks if you’re a competitive gamer like me! Plus, you don’t have to worry about leaving a digital trail behind by virtue of their zero-logging policy.

Beyond this, you’ll be able to enjoy a premium PS4/5 experience thanks to their optimized servers which benefit from SmartPlay SmartDNS settings for gaming. And, when it comes to video streaming, this streaming-friendly VPN allows you to access all your favorite content at optimal qualities. The best part is you don’t have to worry about annoying data limits, as NordVPN offers users unlimited bandwidth on top of a 6-device allowance!

Moreover, because NordVPN provides several setup protocols, this application is router compatible, so you can set this up on your PS4/5 whenever you want. 

NordVPN comes with multiple instruction guides that are sure to come in handy. I personally didn’t have any issues when I was setting NordVPN up on my PS5! But, in any event, NordVPN’s extensive customer support will come to your rescue when all else fails, providing you with a reliable safety blanket.

Whilst this VPN lacks a free version/trial, it is competitively priced, and you get to try it out without having to worry about losing out thanks to their 30-day money-back guarantee.

Does NordVPN sound right for you?

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Surfshark Pros:

Surfshark Cons:

#2 | Surfshark

Surfshark is a top reliable VPN choice for your PS4/5. It performs at very fast speeds, benefits from excellent geographic coverage over 63 countries, and operates on a satisfactory server amount. 

Privacy and protection are where this VPN really performs. Beyond military-grade encryption, Surfshark provides users with a MultiHop double VPN, as well as advanced security mechanisms like CleanWeb ad blocking, IPv6, and WhiteLister split tunneling. Plus, its zero-logging policy, automatic kill switch, and data leak protection ensure that your data stays safe and anonymous, without ever leaving a trail. 

Operating on optimized servers that are streaming-friendly and benefit from SmartDNS configuration, as well as providing users with unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connections, Surfshark opens the door to limitless, high-quality online gaming and video streaming on your PS4/5. 

And, because this VPN offers router support, you don’t have to worry about the setup process thanks to its varied security protocols. Plus, if you ever need assistance with getting around using this application, you can always rely on their diverse customer support that even provides you with a searchable library.

Does Surfshark sound right for you?

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ExpressVPN Pros:

ExpressVPN Cons:

#2 | ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my second best VPN for PS4/5, and for good reason. It offers users exceptionally fast speeds thanks to its 3,000+ servers, as well as an impressive geographic coverage extending across 160 locations. With this VPN, your PS4/5 online gaming and video browsing are guaranteed to run smoothly, quickly, and lag-free. 

And, because its server optimization provides you with a streaming-friendly platform, alongside MediaStreamer SmartDNS configuration, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite content at optimal qualities. Plus, given its unlimited bandwidth and up to 5 devices, get ready for some serious binge-watching.

As for anonymizing and protecting your valuable information, ExpressVPN enjoys comprehensive privacy and safeguarding package, extending from military-grade encryption, split tunneling, automatic kill switch, to IP and DNS data leak protection. Beyond this, its zero-logging policy, coupled with its TrustedServer technology that wipes your online history when your session has ended, keep your identity and PS4/5 activity anonymous, ensure nothing is left behind. 

Thanks to its varied security protocols, ExpressVPN has got your router support needs covered, so you can get to enjoying this VPN on your PS4/5 without further delay. And, if you happen to run into trouble, their efficient 24/7 live chat will surely prove helpful.

However, if you’re considering this PS4 or PS5 VPN, it’s worth keeping in mind that ExpressVPN has a lower device allowance compared to my top recommendation, doesn’t offer protection against annoying advertisements and DDoS attacks, doesn’t provide for a free trial, and is a bit more steeply-priced.

Does ExpressVPN sound right for you?

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CyberGhost Pros:

CyberGhost Cons:

#3 | CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the third top choice VPN for the PS4/5 if you’re after secure servers and impressive geographical coverage. With its 7,100+ servers located in 111 different locations, this VPN brings you super-fast speeds. 

And, thanks to its optimized servers that are streaming-friendly and allow for SmartDNS configuration, you can rely on this VPN to offer you that fast, HD-quality gaming or streaming PS4/5 experience. Beyond this, the unlimited bandwidth allowance coupled with up to 7 simultaneous connections will have your online needs covered.

Providing military-grade encryption, DNS and IP data leak protection, as well as an automatic kill switch, CyberGhost successfully delivers on the privacy and protection front. Plus, thanks to its zero-logging policy strengthened by NoSpy servers, your data will stay safe from prying eyes. 

This VPN offer router support by virtue of its several security protocols, allowing you to start using CyberGhost on your PS4/5 as soon as you want. And, because of its extensive customer support, any issue you come across will be easily resolved. 

However, you may want to consider the fact that CyberGhost is a little more expensive, doesn’t provide protection against DDoS attacks or advanced configuration options, and can occasionally result in lagging. So, if staying lag-free and DDoS attack protected is something you’re after, you may want to opt for NordVPN instead.

Does CyberGhost sound right for you?

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IPVanish Pros:

IPVanish Cons:

#5 | IPVanish

As my last contender in this review, IPVanish is a VPN to watch out for when it comes to the PS4/5. Offering very fast speeds guaranteed to provide you with a reliable and speedy experience, this VPN benefits from an excellent geographic coverage across 75 locations to help you get around any annoying limitations.

When it comes to protection and privacy, this VPN doesn’t disappoint. Beyond military-grade encryption and data leak protection, IPVanish provides users with split tunneling, an inbuilt kill switch, and a zero-logging policy, making your PS4/5 usage anonymous and safe from dangers. This VPN also comes with some additional privacy features guaranteed to easy any worries, such as SugarSync and Privacy Check.

And, if you’re after seamless, high-quality online gaming and video streaming, IPVanish’s optimized servers and SOCKS5 torrenting proxy are sure to satisfy your needs. Plus, given its unlimited bandwidth and up to 10 simultaneous connections, your online demands are well covered. 

Offering users several security protocols to choose from, you can go ahead and set this PS4 / PS5 VPN up whenever you want, knowing that router support is not something you need to worry about. And, if you find yourself struggling to wrap your head around anything you come across, IPVanish provides 24/7 customer support. 

However, there are some factors that may rule this VPN out for your PS4/5. With a server number of 1,700+, that’s borderline lacking, there is a risk of lagging with IPVanish, and it doesn’t offer explicit protection against DDoS attacks like NordVPN. Additionally, there’s a danger of struggling with technical issues for longer than necessary, as its customer support may take up to 2 days to help you out. You can read my NordVPN vs IPVanish for a more comprehensive comparison.

Does IPVanish sound right for you?

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How to setup a VPN on your PS4/5 in minutes

Method 1: Home router configuration for VPN use

This first method is by far the most secure and reliable avenue you can take. This requires you to install a VPN on your home router after you’ve configured it to support the installation. Although this avenue is slightly more complicated, the unrivaled benefit of opting for home router re-configuration is that it’s cost-free and provides VPN protection for any device you connect to your home network. 

  1. Log into the online control panel of your home router. To do this, look for a sticker containing the necessary information on the side or back of your router.
  2. Now, get the details of your VPN from your provider, and manually input them into your home router. Once this has been done, you can install the VPN onto your router. 
  3. Lastly, connect your PS4/5 to your VPN-protected input, and you’re ready to go!

Method 2: Using your PC’s network via an Ethernet cable

For this setup process, you will need your PC as well as an Ethernet cable. This mechanism requires you to share your PC’s VPN with your gaming console. 

  1. Plug the Ethernet cable into your PC.
  2. Download the VPN onto your PC.
  3. Connect to your private network.
  4. Select ‘Control Panel’ on your PC.
  5. Then, click on ‘Network and Sharing Center’.
  6. Now, click on ‘Change Adapter Settings’, and an icon with the VPN you just downloaded should appear. 
  7. Right-click the VPN icon and click on ‘Properties’.
  8. Now, click on ‘Sharing’, then on ‘Allow’. This will allow other users to use your PC’s internet connection. 
  9. Lastly, connect your PS4/5 to your PC’s network and you should be set to go!

Method 3: Configuring SmartDNS settings

As the easiest and quickest PS4/5 setup process, the only thing that this method requires you to do is to configure your PS4/5’s SmartDNS settings. This will only work with high-end VPNs like NordVPN, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, which provide for such configuration. 

  1. Update the DNS settings on your PS4/5 with the SmartDNS settings of your chosen VPN… and that’s all you need to do! Your gaming console should now be VPN protected. 

Method 4: Purchasing a VPN-configured router

This last setup mechanism may not be suitable for all kinds of users, as it requires you to dig a little deeper into your pockets. Nonetheless, that’s not to say this setup process isn’t worth it, as it pretty much does the work for you. 

  1. Contact your PS4 or PS5 VPN provider and purchase a pre-configured VPN router.
  2. Receive your VPN-configured router, connect to power, and follow its setup instructions. 
  3. Lastly, connect your PS4/5 to the network, and you’re all set!

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