Console gaming, particularly of the next-gen variety, is pretty much a plug-and-play experience - but just because Sony controls the operating system doesn't mean you can't have the best PS5 VPN to keep you safe. The very best VPNs will stop hackers in their tracks and ringfence your personal data. Without one, even console gaming is a risky business, especially with more and more internet-based functionality landing on consoles via apps and browsers.
If you're already a VPN user with your PC or Mac, you're probably used to being able to download a VPN app that works its magic from the system itself - in much the same way as an internet security suite. But, with consoles, there aren't any dedicated VPN apps in their respective stores right now. But don't panic, there are no strange installation tricks here - the solution is straightforward, simple and effective.
So, think of a VPN as a wall that exists outside your PS5, between the console and the internet. Your first option is to add your Virtual Private Network to your router and then connect your PS5 to that network. Secondly, you could hook your PS5 up to your desktop computer, which is already running a VPN. By sharing the desktop's internet connection with the console, you'd automatically be filtering its data through the VPN.
The best PS5 VPNs at a glance:
• Best overall PS5 VPN: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• Best PS5 VPN for coverage: Private Internet Access - View on Private Internet Access
• Best value PS5 VPN: Surfshark - View on Surfshark
• Best PS5 VPN for privacy: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
For PS5 multiplayer gaming, you'll need a reputable gaming VPN. That means your VPN provider is set up for superior speed and reliability. Obviously, speed is everything with gaming and not all VPNs can continually prevent DDoS attacks and ISP throttling at the same time as avoiding speed and connectivity issues. So, you're going to need one of the quickest providers with great router compatibility.
Best overall PS5 VPN
go.expressvpn.com
One of the best things about ExpressVPN when it comes to PlayStation gamers is how easy they make the setup for VPN newcomers. Tried, tested and thoroughly enjoyed - ExpressVPN is fully optimised for PlayStation gaming. From consistent and super-fast connection speeds to security features like IP masking and an active kill switch to terminate incoming threats instantly. If all of these terms are new to you, check out our guide at the end of the page - they're actually easy to get to grips with.
Quality of service is included too, thanks to unlimited premium bandwidth for minimised ping and lag. There's also effective prevention of IP bandwidth throttling. Last but certainly not least, Express is the only provider here that has a dedicated router app. This means that users can customise their VPN setup to a greater extent than you can through a regular browser extension. Yes, there are cheaper options - but, in our opinion, none can match everything on offer here. Plus, new members often get special deals - so look out for those.
Pros
- Dedicated router app
- Reliable security
- Constant high speeds
Cons
- Cheaper options offer nearly as much
| Servers: | 3000+ |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Router support: | Yes |
| Average speeds: | 560mbps |
- Customer review: "This is an amazing VPN. It allows me to play games on low ping, uninterrupted. I'm telling everyone to download this VPN to protect their gaming experience."
Best PS5 VPN for coverage
www.privateinternetaccess.com
The most aptly-named VPN provider, Private Internet Access is a godsend for those PS5 gamers looking to join as many servers as possible. And by many, we mean 35,000 - that's a comprehensive server coverage. Your multiplayer game sessions are going to become instantly less frustrating, as more servers mean wider choice when it comes to speedy matchmaking across the globe.
Okay, so impressive as these numbers are. Is PIA actually any good? Well, it wouldn't be on our list if it didn't live up to its promises. With dedicated IPs available all around the globe, this VPN is the Swiss Army Knife of VPNs - if it's flexibility and variation you want, this is it. In terms of setup and operation, PIA has some very intuitive privacy settings. Although, with this VPN being based in a Five Eyes country, you'll need to put your trust in PIA if it is to be your chosen PS5 VPN.
Pros
- 35,000 servers
- Useful privacy features
- Dedicated IPs
Cons
- Based in a Five Eyes country
| Servers: | 35,000 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Router support: | Yes |
| Average speeds: | 510mbps |
- Customer review: "I've been using this app on my PCs for years, and now the mobile app too. It is quite reliable, has great settings, and never has issues. I particularly like the latency returns so I can select the fastest location."
Best PS5 VPN for features
www.cyberghostvpn.com
We bet the last time you saw a small colourful ghost, it was running around a maze after Pac-Man. But with CyberGhost, that spirited little yellow spook is out to bust would-be hackers and worse. And it can only patrol your connection thanks to the massive feature set it has onboard. While you enjoy the thrills and spills of PS5 gaming via its secure VPN connection, CyberGhost has your back.
A big plus for gamers here is that it's compatible with all generations of PlayStation consoles from PS3 and above. There are almost 10,000 servers across 91 countries too, but don't forget that with a global reach that wide, you will find the odd sluggish server here and there. Thankfully, the majority are lightning-fast. CyberGhost maintains connection speed brilliantly too. Lastly, there's the all-important last line of defence - the kill switch. It's very well-regarded and is there to protect your PS5 through thick and thin. Users found CyberGhost's customer support to be a little lacking though, which isn't ideal for VPN beginners, but as always, with time comes knowledge, and we find this VPN to suit our gaming needs very well indeed.
Pros
- Abundance of useful features
- Generous coverage
- Solid kill switch
Cons
- Customer support could be sharper
| Servers: | 9500+ |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Router support: | Yes |
| Average speeds: | 548mbps |
- Customer review: "High Speed, Very Minimalistic design, Cost effective. I highly recommend."
Best value PS5 VPN
surfshark.com
Are you a bit of a shark when it comes to hunting down the best deals? Then Surfshark is your fully-featured affordable PlayStation pal. Surfshark users love the perfect blend of huge value for money and security features. Only the price sets it apart from other premium VPN offerings. The PS5 gamer will benefit from full protection against multiple threats at the same time as delivering impressive peak speeds.
And on the subject of threats, Surfshark has credentials to match the best of them. You won't find many VPNs at this price that are as secure, with a fast connection - and simultaneous connections at that. That said, some heavy users who use too many concurrent connections at once have had kill switch issues, so don't get too extreme, and you're golden. Impressive on paper, it's also worth knowing that although Surfshark's server network is slightly larger than ExpressVPN's, you'll find a proportionate degree of slower servers here and there.
Pros
- Best value for money VPN
- Impressive peak speeds
- Strong privacy
Cons
- Occasional slow server
- Kill switch issues under serious pressure
| Servers: | 3200+ |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Router support: | Yes |
| Average speeds: | 950mbps |
- Customer review: "Exceptional VPN at a stunningly low price. I've used other VPN's and they were awful. Slow, and unreliable, I'd have to turn them off often just to get things to work on my device. With Surfshark, it runs faultlessly."
Best PS5 VPN for security
nordvpn.com
It's hard to think of another VPN brand as well-known and regarded as NordVPN. If you're new to VPNs, you have the peace of mind of a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. And those more security-conscious PS5 gamers love it since NordVPN make privacy its top priority at all times. And the list of data-protection features is truly staggering.
Firstly, you have double data encryption using Nordlynx and WireGuard in tandem. Secondly, gamers also get dedicated IPs for running their own gaming servers. NordVPN is also fast with it, thanks to its 5709 super low-latency servers. It's more than up to the task as a streaming VPN, so you can bet it's more than enough for the heaviest PS5 gamer. And yes, all these serious bells and whistles do come at a premium - but this is NordVPN we're talking about. It's packed to the brim with features. Veteran users of Virtual Private Networks will enjoy plenty of customisation options, but novices will need to get used to the interface.
Pros
- Super security
- Fast worldwide servers
- First choice for gaming
Cons
- Tricky interface for beginners
| Servers: | 5709 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Router support: | Yes |
| Average speeds: | 820mbps |
- Customer review: "I've used this service on all my devices for some years now. I don't connect to the internet without it. There are many reliable servers around the world; for everyday use, as well as specialist servers and settings."
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.
About our expertise
The team at What's The Best are true technophiles. We don't just cover hardware like smartphones, TVs and computers, we also put operating systems and user interfaces through their paces. Very few devices we use at work or at home come without an internet connection, so security is always paramount.
Most of the time, we put a VPN between us and the outside world - and you should consider doing the same. After all, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind. Our shared knowledge and experience here means we can select the best VPNs for you. If we wouldn't buy it ourselves, What's The Best won't recommend it.
Best PS5 VPN: Buyer's guide
How to get a VPN on PS5
As mentioned above, there are no VPN apps on the PlayStation Store right now. So, you simply need to install a VPN to your router. Once done, connect your console to the protected home network as usual, and you're ready to play.
Alternatively, connect your console to a desktop computer that's already running a VPN. If you don't have a VPN, installing one on the desktop is easy. Once done, hook your PS5 up to that machine either wirelessly or through an ethernet cable. The VPN protection on the desktop will carry over to your PS5.
How to use a VPN with a PS5
All of the essential settings you need to control the Virtual Private Network can be made via a computer that has access to the router's VPN settings. Essentially, once you've subscribed to a VPN service, it will give you the information you'll need to configure your VPN connection settings on your router. Some VPN services provide a browser extension that will let you modify more settings that way.
If, instead, you've opted to connect your PS5 to a computer, that machine will probably have a dedicated VPN app in the system tray to let you access various settings and options there instead.
If you're looking to protect an Xbox Series X console too, the same method applies for establishing and using an Xbox VPN.
Virtual Private Network Jargon explained
VPN – Virtual Private Network
DDoS attack - When an attacker floods a server with internet traffic, preventing users from accessing connected online services and sites.
ISP throttling – When your internet service provider restricts your bandwidth or speed without telling you in order to control internet traffic.
Kill switch - If the internet connection is lost, it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link is re-established
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a free VPN on PS5?
You can, but we wouldn't advise it. Most free VPNs don't offer router support. And those that do still only offer a heavily restricted plan. Normally, that means limits on data, fewer VPN servers, and restricted or unreliable speeds. The best free VPNs aren't all bad news though, they're just not as feature-rich or streamlined for gaming as some of the more premium brands can provide.
Is a VPN worth it?
Having a VPN to protect your device and your personal data is essential. Of course, how much you're willing to pay will come down to how much you value those very things. But, as we all use our devices for shopping, social media and more, having a good VPN is a wise move. And remember, it'll protect every device that's attached to that network or router, so you'll be safe no matter what tech you're using.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best. He specialises in audiovisual, computing, and gadgets. He also writes for Yours.
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