Advanced security features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN. Utilizes next-generation encryption to ensure data security. Private DNS to reduce the risk of third-party spying. Non-VPN privacy tools like Dark Web Monitoring and Threat Protection
Kill switch, split tunneling, and MediaStreamer DNS for enhanced user security and streaming experiences. Effective unblocking of various streaming services. User-friendly app design across various platforms. Lightway protocol for swift connectivity speeds and reduced power consumption.
Extensive app customization for both beginners and power users. User-friendly settings, detailed advanced settings, and split tunneling. Strong commitment to user privacy with a proven no-log audit.
Wonder why a VPN is essential for your PS5? In this guide, we tackle how a VPN can shield your online play, give you access to games around the world, and which VPNs seamlessly blend with a VPN for PS5 for optimal gaming and streaming. We’ll also detail the easiest methods to get you connected and ready to play.
Key Takeaways
- The top 5 VPNs recommended for PS5 gaming in 2024 are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access, each offering unique features like fast speeds, robust security, optimized gaming servers, and user-friendly interfaces.
- VPNs can be set up on PS5 through various methods including using a router, sharing a connection from a PC or Mac, or employing the Smart DNS technique, each with its specific steps and requirements for a smoothly running VPN service.
- Using a VPN for PS5 brings benefits such as enhanced privacy, protection against DDoS attacks, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, while the selection of a VPN should be based on factors like fast connection speeds, server locations, and strong security features.
| VPN Service | Best For | Price | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Overall Rating | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Security | $3.71/month (2-year plan) | Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Advanced Encryption | Military-grade encryption, robust security | Concerns about transparency, intermittent Kill Switch | 4/5 | |
| ExpressVPN | Overall Performance | $8.32/month (1-year plan) | Kill switch, split tunneling, MediaStreamer DNS | Wide privacy features, strong customer support | Higher price | 4/5 | |
| Surfshark | Budget Shoppers | $2.49/month (24-month subscription) | Multi-hop connections, Kill Switch | Budget-friendly, strong encryption | Inconsistent P2P speeds | 4/5 |
Top 5 VPNs for PS5 in 2024
Navigating the VPN marketplace can be overwhelming in our fast-paced digital era. However, rest assured, we are here to guide you. Here’s a list of the top 5 VPNs for PS5 in 2024 that you can rely on for a seamless gaming experience:
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ExpressVPN
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NordVPN
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CyberGhost
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Surfshark
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Private Internet Access (PIA)
We will now examine each of these VPN app offerings.
ExpressVPN: Fast Speeds and Robust Security
ExpressVPN is undoubtedly a top-tier choice for PS5 users. But what makes it stand out? It all boils down to its fast speeds and robust security. No gamer likes a lagging game, right? With ExpressVPN, you can say goodbye to this issue. Thanks to its blazingly fast speeds, you can enjoy a lag-free gaming experience. But that’s not all, ExpressVPN also provides robust security features, including:
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DDoS attack avoidance through IP masking
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256-bit AES encryption
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Leak protection
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A kill switch
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Split tunneling
This ensures that your gaming sessions are not just fun, but also secure.
Concerned about the user interface? ExpressVPN ensures ease of use. With its highly user-friendly interface, setting up a VPN on your PS5 would be a breeze. Moreover, users have consistently praised ExpressVPN for its reliable performance on the PS5. Indeed, ExpressVPN is a perfect blend of speed, security, and simplicity.
NordVPN: Advanced Features and Meshnet Support
Another reliable VPN provider to consider is NordVPN, that offers advanced features such as Meshnet support and a large server network. NordVPN enhances your PS5 gaming experience by providing next-generation encryption for security, threat protection to avoid malware and ads, meshnet support for private connectivity with other players, and many more. In particular, the Meshnet support benefits PS5 gamers by enabling them to connect with other players and establish a private gaming network, improving the multiplayer gaming experience.
Additionally, NordVPN offers:
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A substantial server network, with more than 5000 server locations in 59 countries
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Various options for connecting to your desired regions for gaming and streaming
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Lightning-fast server speeds, minimizing the risk of lag and ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience
Clearly, with its advanced features and high speeds, NordVPN is a solid choice for PS5 gamers.
CyberGhost: Optimized Gaming Servers and User-friendly Interface
Though not free, CyberGhost provides a value worth its cost for PS5 users. It offers:
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Optimized gaming servers
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Reduced DDoS attacks
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Lower ping
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Minimized lag
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Safe access to games
This means you can enjoy your favorite games without worrying about lags or security threats.
But the features don’t stop there. CyberGhost also boasts a user-friendly interface, with features such as Smart DNS that optimizes internet traffic and easy access to dedicated gaming servers. This ensures speedy and safe connections, making it an excellent choice for PS5 gamers.
Furthermore, CyberGhost offers strong security features to protect against DDoS attacks and a competitive server fleet for the best online gaming experience. With all these features, it’s clear that CyberGhost offers an excellent balance of performance, security, and user-friendliness for PS5 gamers.
Surfshark: Affordable and Feature-rich
If you’re in search of a VPN that balances performance and value, Surfshark is your answer. Known for its affordability, Surfshark provides features like unlimited connections, making it highly cost-effective, especially for users with multiple devices. Moreover, it enhances the gaming experience on PS5 by reducing latency and providing unlimited bandwidth, ensuring uninterrupted play and a smoother gaming experience.
In addition to its affordability and performance, Surfshark also scores high in terms of user-friendliness. With its easy-to-use interface, even non-technical PS5 users can easily navigate Surfshark VPN and utilize its benefits. So, if you’re seeking an affordable yet feature-rich VPN for your PS5, Surfshark is a great option to consider.
Private Internet Access (PIA): Customizable Security and Performance
Finally, Private Internet Access (PIA) deserves mention for its standout customizable security and performance features. PIA provides customizable security settings such as different encryption options and split tunneling, allowing you to tailor the VPN to meet your specific gaming needs. Moreover, PIA provides steps to optimize your PS5 gaming connections, ensuring a clear connection and low latency for a smoother gaming experience.
PIA (Private Internet Access) is an ideal choice for PS5 gaming because of its:
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Customizable settings
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Optimal performance
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Excellent interface
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Competitive pricing
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Super-fast server network
It offers a great balance of customization, performance, and value.
Setting Up a VPN on Your PS5
Having reviewed the top VPNs for PS5, let’s now turn our attention to the process of setting up a VPN on your PS5. There are various methods to do this, each with its own procedures and requirements. Whether you’re a fan of the router method or prefer using a PC or Mac, or perhaps you’re interested in the Smart DNS method, we’ve got you covered.
Router Method
Setting up a VPN on your PS5 through your router is a commonly used method. This method requires that your router supports manual VPN setup, with recommended models including Aircove by ExpressVPN, ASUS RT-AX86U with NordVPN support, and Netgear Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router (R6700 – AC175). If you’re looking to set up a vpn on ps4, this method is also applicable and effective.
So, how do you connect your PS5 to a VPN-enabled router? It’s simple. Follow these steps:
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Ensure that your PS5 and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
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Access the PS5 Network settings.
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Select ‘Set Up Internet Connection’.
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Choose the LAN Cable option.
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Select ‘Easy’.
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Opt for ‘Do Not Use a proxy server’.
However, using a VPN-enabled router with your PS5 may also have challenges such as potential impact on network performance and technical setup requirements.
PC Method
If the router method doesn’t appeal to you, the PC method may be worth considering. This involves sharing your VPN connection from a Windows PC to your PS5 using an Ethernet cable. But before you proceed, note that you need to have a VPN installed on your Windows PC and an Ethernet cable to connect the PC to your PS5.
Setting up a VPN connection on your Windows PC is straightforward. All you need to do is navigate to the Network & Internet settings, choose VPN, and then proceed with the setup instructions provided by the VPN service. Once the VPN connection is established, you can share it with your PS5 by going to the Network & Sharing Center and allowing other network users to connect through your PC’s Internet connection. For this purpose, the UGREEN Cat 6 Ethernet cable with a universal RJ45 connector is recommended for a reliable connection between your Windows PC and PS5.
Mac Method
Don’t worry, Mac users! You can also set up a VPN on your PS5 using your Mac. Similar to the PC method, you’ll need a VPN installed on your Mac and an Ethernet cable to connect your Mac to your PS5.
To set up a VPN on your Mac, follow these steps:
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Go to System Preferences.
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Click on Network and select the ‘+’ icon.
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Choose VPN under the Interface option.
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Select ‘L2TP over IPSec’ as the VPN type.
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Click ‘Create’.
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Enter the VPN server details, your VPN account name, and any additional configuration settings required by the VPN provider.
Once the VPN is set up, you can then share the connection with your PS5 by enabling Internet Sharing on your Mac.
Smart DNS Method
The Smart DNS method is worth considering if you want to bypass the need for a router, PC, or Mac. A Smart DNS service can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming content on your PS5 by utilizing the DNS to unblock geo-restricted sites and services.
To set up Smart DNS on your PS5, simply input the Smart DNS code into your PS5 network settings and then restart your device. Notably, NordVPN is highly regarded as the best Smart DNS provider for PS5 due to its reputation for fast speeds and secure connections. However, remember that while Smart DNS services can offer faster speeds and lower costs compared to VPN services, they may not work with many non-US streaming services.
Benefits of Using a VPN for PS5 Gaming
You may question, why is using a VPN for PS5 gaming beneficial? The answer lies in the multiple benefits that a VPN offers. First up, using a VPN for PS5 gaming enhances your privacy by safeguarding your personal data during multiplayer sessions and encrypting your connections. This means you can game without worrying about your privacy.
Moreover, a VPN can protect you against DDoS attacks during PS5 gaming. By concealing your actual IP address and directing your internet traffic through a secure server, a VPN makes it challenging for attackers to pinpoint your IP address for DDoS attacks.
Lastly, a free VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and gain access to content that might be unavailable in your region.
Tips for Choosing the Best VPN for Your PS5
Having a list of top VPNs is beneficial, but it’s equally important to know the attributes to consider when selecting a VPN for your PS5. When selecting a VPN, consider factors such as:
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Fast and stable connection speeds to minimize lag
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Gaming-optimized servers
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The ability to stream content from various geographic locations
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Strong security features like encryption and a no-logs policy
Connection speed can significantly impact your gaming experience, making it an important factor when choosing a VPN for your computer’s internet connection. Fast connection speeds help maintain a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Moreover, the server location and connection method also affect internet speeds and, consequently, the gaming and streaming experience. Servers that are closer often offer faster speeds.
Lastly, considering privacy and security is crucial as it helps:
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Protect against DDoS attacks
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Reduce swatting risks
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Secure your data on public Wi-Fi
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Ensure that your online activities remain private
Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues on PS5
Even though VPNs can significantly improve your PlayStation VPN gaming experience, they are not devoid of issues. Some common VPN problems include:
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Difficulties connecting to the PS4 or PS5 over the same network
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Encountering various errors
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The complexities involved in setting up a VPN on the PlayStation.
To troubleshoot VPN connection issues on PS5, navigate to the Settings menu on your PS5, choose Network, select Set Up Internet Connection, opt for either LAN or Wi-Fi based on your connection type, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. If you’re facing slow connection issues, try connecting to a server closer to your geographical location, choosing a server that isn’t overloaded, or switching to a different VPN protocol.
Summary
In conclusion, using a VPN for PS5 gaming and streaming can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether it’s ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, or PIA, each VPN offers unique features that cater to different gaming needs. Whether you prefer the router method, PC method, Mac method, or Smart DNS method, setting up a VPN on your PS5 is a straightforward process. Remember, a good VPN can enhance your privacy, protect against DDoS attacks, and provide access to geo-restricted content. So, dive into the world of PS5 gaming with the best VPN and elevate your gaming experience!