Best VPN for PS5 and PS4 in 2026
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As of June 2026, NordVPN stands as the top PS5 VPN in my opinion, and it works just as well on PS4. It offers a strong set of PlayStation-friendly features, including SmartDNS and Meshnet. Thanks to its large worldwide server network, I was able to bypass geo-restrictions, access games ahead of release, and unlock exclusive DLCs with ease. On top of that, its industry-leading speed retention ensured smooth gaming, so I didn’t worry about lag.
PlayStation consoles have evolved into full-fledged entertainment hubs, offering not only games but also access to popular streaming platforms. That said, some content is still limited by location. This is where a VPN comes in handy. By changing your virtual location, you can connect to less crowded servers and unlock more content - from games to streaming services, movies, and TV shows that might otherwise be unavailable.
However, not every VPN works well with PS4 or PS5, and some fail to bypass geo-restrictions consistently. To simplify your decision, the Cybernews research team and I tested 41 VPNs to find the best VPN for PS5 in 2026.
Best VPN for PS5 in 2026
- NordVPN – top VPN for PS5 and PS4 overall
- Surfshark – fast PlayStation VPN with no device limit
- IPVanish – solid PS5 VPN for a low price
- ExpressVPN – feature-packed VPN for PlayStation
- CyberGhost – VPN for PlayStation with streaming-optimized servers
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
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Benefits of using a VPN with PlayStation
Using a VPN with your PlayStation enhances your gaming and streaming experience in a number of ways:
- Stay protected from DDoS attacks. With a VPN service hiding your IP address, you’ll never have to worry about DDoS attacks. These attacks cause slow speeds and all-out crashes, which will get in the way of a good gaming session. Hence, using a VPN will increase your account safety.
- Unblock geo-restricted streaming content. You can load up apps from all your favorite streaming sites on your PS4 or PS5, but you’ll only be able to watch your country’s content library. With a VPN set up, you’ll be able to bypass geo-restrictions to watch content from any region you like. American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports, ESPN – the choice is yours.
- Access game servers. PlayStation games are often released on different dates in different regions. A lot of big releases drop in Japan and Australia before they hit Europe or the US. With a VPN, you can connect to a server location anywhere in the world and access games from that region.
- Protect your privacy. A VPN can mask your true location and IP address, preventing personal data leaks and the use of your data for advertising. It also means that your information won’t be shared with third parties.
Best VPNs for PS5 and PS4 – detailed list
To find the best VPNs for PS4 and PS5, the research team and I tested how effectively each VPN bypasses geo-blocks on streaming platforms and gaming servers. We also measured provider speeds against a 300Mbps baseline for both downloads and uploads. After evaluating 41 VPNs, I narrowed the list down to the five top performers - here’s what we found.
1. NordVPN – best VPN to use on PS5 and PS4 in 2026
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention: | 83% |
| Unblocks streaming: | ✅ Yes |
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Compatibility: | PS5, PS4, PS3, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
Based on my findings, NordVPN is the best VPN for PS4 and PS5. It’s the most secure and fastest VPN on the market, delivering an average of 249Mbps download speed during my tests. Plus, it boasts a massive server network with over 9,500 servers across 149 countries. This is excellent because you can enjoy your PlayStation gaming without any slowdowns from this service.
I also used NordVPN to successfully access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. NordVPN makes it easy to unblock geo-restricted content on any device, including PlayStation.
NordVPN offers its own version of Smart DNS – SmartPlay. It’s a convenient and easy solution for unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites and gaming servers on your PS4 or PS5. You can also read more about it in our NordVPN review.
NordVPN also includes the Meshnet feature, which is free and lets you create a secure virtual network to host gaming servers. With Meshnet, you can connect up to 60 devices to your network, regardless of where they are in the world.
Additionally, there's also the possibility of setting up NordVPN on a router with the IKEv2 protocol. This is helpful because IKEv2 encrypts data more efficiently on less powerful devices, leading to improved speeds while using your PS5.
NordVPN’s subscription price starts at $3.09/month, and you can get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – VPN for PlayStation with no device restrictions and fast speeds
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention: | 78% |
| Unblocks streaming: | ✅ Yes |
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Compatibility: | PS5, PS4, PS3, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
I recommend Surfshark for PS5 if you’re on a tight budget. Save even more with Surfshark discount code: OFFCN. You can configure Smart DNS for gaming or set it up on your router for a complete experience. Surfshark offers various guides on how to set up WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP connections on your router. It also delivers great speeds – we clocked average speeds of 234Mbps.
With 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is great for finding the best servers for gaming and unblocking streaming content. I was impressed by its speed and reliability – I used Surfshark to unblock Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock TV, so you can use it to turn your PS4 or PS5 into a global content hub.
One of Surfshark’s best features is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription. Plus, Surfshark’s pricing starts at just $1.99/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it one of the cheapest VPNs available.
3. IPVanish – PS5 VPN with excellent value for money
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention: | 78% |
| Unblocks streaming: | ✅ Yes |
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 3,200+ servers in 113 countries |
| Compatibility: | PS5, PS4, PS3, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is one of the best PS5 VPNs that offers a perfect balance between price and value. It has over 3,200 servers in 113 countries, making it easy to find the best server location for your gaming needs.
IPVanish offers a range of tunneling protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. Download speeds came in at an average of 236Mbps (300Mbps baseline) when using OpenVPN – not as great as NordVPN, but still pretty good.
However, I was a bit disappointed that you can only use OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec to install IPVanish on your router. So, unless your router has a really powerful CPU, you won’t get incredible speeds. The installation process is simple, thanks to the clear and easy-to-follow guides available in the support center.
Another major downside for me was that IPVanish doesn’t offer a Smart DNS feature. That said, I was able to use it to get into Netflix US, so there’s definitely some streaming fun to be had with it.
Overall, IPVanish is affordable – its price starts at just $2.19/month, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can cancel your subscription if you change your mind. You can also read more about this provider in our IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN – PlayStation VPN with all the features you need
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention: | 79% |
| Unblocks streaming: | ✅ Yes |
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Unspecified number of servers in 105 countries |
| Compatibility: | PS5, PS4, PS3, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 78% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is an excellent pick for playing games on your PS4 or PS5. The gaming-optimized speeds and numerous features will exceed your expectations. On average, the download speed was 239Mbps. That’s 79% of initial connection speeds. This translates into excellent streaming speeds as well. During our testing, ExpressVPN unblocked geo-restricted libraries of Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ without a hitch.
Along with multiple ExpressVPN features, you also get the MediaStreamer. That’s Smart DNS with a fancier name – it’s great for streaming on devices that don’t support VPNs.
You also get servers in 105 countries, allowing you to find plenty of suitable options for gaming. Plus, with the usual manual VPN router setup, this VPN offers a custom applet on its proprietary Aircove router. It makes the process of setting up a VPN on a router much easier.
You can get ExpressVPN starting from $2.79/month and use it on up to 14 devices, depending on the plan. If you're not happy with it, a 30-day refund policy is available.
5. CyberGhost – PlayStation VPN with fast servers for streaming
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention: | 81% |
| Unblocks streaming: | ✅ Yes |
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Unspecified number of servers in 100 countries |
| Compatibility: | PS5, PS4, PS3, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 87% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is another powerful contender when it comes to the best VPNs for PS5 and PS4. It offers great speeds, nifty features, and reasonable pricing.
This VPN comes with the market-standard WireGuard protocol in its arsenal. During our tests, the download speed was 244Mbps. That’s 81% of initial connection speeds retained.
You can also easily install the VPN on a router. In the CyberGhost review, we found that its support center provides helpful setup guides for any router model. CyberGhost also offers a Smart DNS feature, allowing you to unblock content on PlayStation. I was also able to bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
You can get CyberGhost for as low as $1.75/month. You’ll be able to use it on 7 of your devices or share it with friends. A generous 45-day money-back guarantee is also applicable, which is one of the longest money-back guarantees I’ve seen on the market.
Comparing the best VPNs for PlayStation
| VPN for PlayStation provider | Rating | Speed | Compatibility | Security features | Servers | Price |
| NordVPN | 83% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Kill switch, Threat Protection, obfuscated servers, Double VPN, RAM-only servers | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries | From $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | 78% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Kill switch, CleanWeb, NoBorders Mode, MultiHop, RAM-only servers | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | From $1.99/month | |
| IPVanish | 78% | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux | Kill switch, Threat Protection | 3,200+ servers in 113 countries | From $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | 79% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Kill switch, Threat Manager, Ad Blocker, RAM-only servers | Servers in 105 countries | From $2.79/month | |
| CyberGhost | 81% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Kill switch, Content Blocker, RAM-only servers | Servers in 100 countries | From $1.75/month |
How do I set up a VPN on a PS5 since it doesn’t support native VPN apps?
Since there are no apps for VPNs on PlayStation consoles, there are two other ways you can use the software. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to set up a VPN on a PS5.
Router setup method
This method only works with routers that support VPN clients (OpenVPN, IKEv2, or Wireguard). The setup process differs depending on the model of your router and its operating system. Here is an example of the instructions for Asus routers:
- Log in to your router’s control panel
- Select the VPN section on the left side of the interface
- Click on VPN Client and select Add profile
- In the pop-up window, select OpenVPN and fill in your VPN service credentials
- Import the .ovpn configuration file (the credentials and configuration files are provided by your VPN provider)
- A new VPN server should be created in your router’s admin panel, and you should click on the Activate button to connect to it
- Now that the router is set up with the VPN, connect to the same network on your console, and it will be covered with a VPN connection
Wi-Fi hotspot method
- Connect to the VPN on your app via OpenVPN TCP or UDP protocol
- Access the Settings of your PC (Windows key + I)
- Select Network & internet and enable the Mobile hotspot
- Open the Network Connections panel and locate your OpenVPN adapter
- Right-click on the network adapter and select Properties
- From the pop-up window, select Sharing, check the box Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection, and from the drop-down menu, select your hotspot network adapter
- Click OK to save the changes
The setup is complete, and you may now connect to this hotspot on your console to get the VPN connection.
Do I recommend a free VPN for PS5?
I do not recommend using a free VPN for PS5 or PS4. Most free VPNs have very basic features, meaning the options to install one on your PlayStation would be severely limited, if at all possible.
Another reason you might regret getting a free VPN for your PlayStation is speed. Free VPN services are less inclined to give you the best possible experience, so you might experience lag or long loading times, which could get frustrating while gaming or streaming.
Free VPNs are also not as good at hiding your virtual identity, so there might be IP address leaks. Trackers used by games and streaming services might pick up on your true location and block your access to foreign content.
Finally, free VPNs may make money by selling your activity data to third parties. If you want to safeguard your identity and privacy, the best solution is to use a premium VPN.
Premium VPNs can be quite affordable yet offer significantly more features. They are also more reliable and successful at unblocking geo-restricted content. So, if you were to use a VPN for your PS4 or PS5, it’s better to subscribe to a trustworthy premium VPN than get a free one. Here are some reliable choices:
Final Verdict: PS4 and PS5 VPNs
Choosing the right PS5 VPN Choosing the right VPN for your PlayStation can take your gaming to the next level. It allows you to play on servers in different countries, reduce lag, and even access games before their official release.
After thorough testing, I’ve selected the top VPNs that deliver excellent speed, security, and ease of use for both PS5 and PS4. Whether you want to stream exclusive content, grab the best deals, or boost your privacy while gaming, these VPNs are reliable choices that can enhance your PlayStation experience.
FAQ
What does a VPN do on PlayStation?
A PlayStation VPN, like NordVPN, can protect your data from exposure to third parties and unblock geo-restricted content, like game servers or streaming services. Hence, a VPN is a tool to get more out of the console.
Is it safe to use a VPN on PlayStation?
Yes, it is completely safe to use a VPN on PlayStation. Premium VPN services, like NordVPN or Surfshark, do not keep logs of their users' activity. They also have strong encryption to shield personal information and security protocols for safe use on PlayStation.
Which VPN is best for PS5 and PS4?
NordVPN is my recommendation as the best VPN for PS5 and PS4. Secure and reliable, NordVPN does everything you need, including unblocking all the big streaming sites and giving you a fast connection for lag-free gaming. It features a range of features, including SmartPlay for streaming and the NordLynx tunneling protocol.
Can you use NordVPN on PS5?
Yes, you can use NordVPN on PS5. To do so, you can set up a VPN on your router or share the VPN connection from a Windows computer. You can also set up SmartDNS. However, it will not encrypt your connection.
Is it possible to download a VPN on PS5?
No, it’s impossible to download a VPN on PS5, as it does not natively support a VPN connection. However, there are workaround methods for connecting your PlayStation to a VPN, such as setting up a VPN on a router or sharing a VPN connection from a PC.
Can I share a VPN connection from my PC or phone to my PS5?
Yes, you can share a VPN connection from a Windows PC. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to use mobile devices for this purpose, with the exception of rooted Android devices.
Does a VPN actually improve gaming performance on PS5?
No, a VPN connection has no impact on the console’s hardware capabilities, so the gaming performance will not be affected.
Can a VPN reduce lag or ping on PS5?
No, a VPN connection will most likely increase ping on a console, since it adds an extra waypoint to your connection, meaning that the data has to travel further between your console and the game servers.