At a Glance
Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) has sold 50 million consoles worldwide as of December 2023, allowing owners to play games in 4K. The console also offers the ability to view 4K movies via both streaming and from disc (on the disc-equipped model).
Like the Xbox Series S and Series X, the PS5 console supports apps and games from third-party developers. The PlayStation Network also allows players to compete with other players from around the world. Unfortunately, many of the games and streaming services that the PS5 offers are restricted geographically, meaning that not all movies, television shows, and games are available in all countries.
Why Use a VPN With My PS5?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides access to content in other countries, thanks to a VPN’s ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if a user is located in another country. This opens access to plenty of blocked content.
For example, a PS5 owner located in the United Kingdom could use a VPN to provide access to gaming content and streaming content in the United States and other countries.
A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, thereby keeping your internet activities hidden from the prying eyes of hackers, your Internet Service Provider, and other nosy third parties.
Below, I review the top six VPNs to use with your PS5 this year.
Best VPNs for PlayStation 5
I put all of the top VPN providers through rounds of extensive testing, and I found that the following six VPNs worked best with the PS5.
For those of you in a hurry to get gaming, here’s the speedrun summary of each provider.
My best VPNs for the PlayStation 5:
- NordVPN: Best VPN PS5. NordVPN provides excellent router support, meaning you can protect and enhance your PS5 fun time by simply connecting to your router. A wide-ranging global server network helps ensure access to content from around the globe. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Good VPN for gamers on a budget. This provider offers support for several makes and models of routers. Surfshark’s bargain basement prices will leave more money in your pocket for the next big gaming hotness.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection for PS5. ExpressVPN offers excellent router support, even offering custom firmware for select routers. An impressive global server network provides access to content around the globe.
- CyberGhost: One-click VPN protection. CyberGhost provides excellent router support, fast connections, and streaming- and gaming-enhanced servers. You’ll also appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, which are available for most popular device platforms.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to gaming and streaming content. PIA provides reliable access to geo-fenced content like the PlayStation Network, as well as streaming services.
- PrivateVPN: Small but powerful. This provider’s admittedly small network provides connections to gaming and streaming content in 60+ countries around the globe. The provider never logs your online activities.
WANT TO TRY A TOP-RATED VPN FOR YOUR PS5 RISK-FREE?
The providers on this list offer at least a 30-day risk-free trial period if you sign up here, allowing you to try a top-ranked VPN PS5 console without restrictions. If you decide the provider you try isn’t the right one for you, you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within the money-back guarantee period.
Please note: No VPN providers I’ve ever found offer native app support for any consoles in the PS5 lineup (or for any other gaming console). The VPNs listed in this article are able to protect and enhance your game console-related online activities by working with your router or by sharing your VPN connection from your Windows or Mac computer.
I evaluated and ranked the top PS5 VPNs using the following criteria:
- Router compatibility (extra points for pre-configured VPN router availability)
- Connection speeds
- Global server coverage
- Level of privacy and security protections
- Customer support
If you’d like to learn more about what I research during my testing, check out the testing methodology section a bit later in this article for more information.
Best VPNs for PS5
Here’s my list of the top six VPNs for the PS5.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN provides comprehensive VPN protection and enhancement, working well with several router makes and models. This makes it the #1 choice for gamers looking to protect and enhance their PS5 activities online.
The provider is compatible with several routers, including those made by Asus, D-Link, Linksys, and Netgear. Pre-configured routers are also available.
NordVPN offers native app support for Android, Android TV, Apple TV (running iOS 17 or later), Windows, macOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Plus, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions are available for those among us who enjoy PlayStation Cloud gaming.
Customers can simultaneously connect up to six devices to NordVPN servers on a single account.
NordVPN provides fast, gaming-ready connections, providing plenty of bandwidth for online gaming, as well as streaming HD and 4K video content. The provider never ruins a gaming session by imposing bandwidth limitations or data caps.
The provider has 6,000+ servers based in more than 60 countries around the globe, providing reliable access to geo-controlled gaming and streaming content.
If you lack a compatible router or a Windows PC to share a VPN connection, you can make use of NordVPN’s SmartDNS service, which provides access to geo-controlled content – albeit without the encrypted protection offered by the provider’s VPN service.
NordVPN protects its customers’ connections with military-grade encryption, protection against IP/DNS leaks, and blocking of ads and malware. The provider’s strict no-server-logs-ever policy ensures that there are no records of your online travels, while a Bitcoin payment option protects your payment privacy.
The provider’s owned-and-operated servers keep third-party contractors away from your personal data, adding an additional layer of privacy. All NordVPN servers are run solely from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is securely wiped whenever one of the provider’s servers is rebooted or shutdown.
24/7 chat, email support, and a searchable support library are all always available to assist you in your time of need.
Pros:
- Super-fast connections
- Servers in more than 60 countries around the globe
- Extensive router support
- Top-notch online security and privacy
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- No gaming- or streaming-optimized servers
BEST VPN FOR PLAYSTATION 5:NordVPN is the #1 VPN to protect and enhance all of your PS5-related online activities. The provider’s excellent router support, fast connections, and reliable access to geo-controlled content combine to make it an excellent option for PS5 gamers. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is an excellent option for the budget-minded gamer who would rather save their money to buy the next big game or controller.
The provider offers excellent router compatibility with several makes and models, including Asus and Netgear. Ready-to-go routers are also available.
If you’re a PS5 gamer who also owns other connected devices, you’ll appreciate the provider’s native Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Linux app support. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.
Surfshark’s Trust DNS feature provides access to geo-fenced gaming and streaming content, but it lacks the encrypted protection provided by the provider’s VPN offering.
The provider delivers fast, no data cap connections and is easily up to handling fast-moving games and streaming of HD and 4K content.
Surfshark’s global server network is 3,200+ servers strong, locating the servers in 100+ countries. This provides reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
Surfshark offers comprehensive connection protection, which includes banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and ad and tracker blocking. The provider offers a MultiHop server feature, which routes your connection through a pair of VPN servers for increased anonymity and encryption.
The provider’s servers save no user logs, protecting your online travel history from prying eyes. A Bitcoin subscription payment option protects your payment privacy (use a disposable email address to subscribe for added anonymity).
Customer support is always available to provide assistance, thanks to the provider’s 24/7 live chat, searchable support library, and a support contact form. Facilitates an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Pros:
- Impressively large global server network
- No limit on concurrent connections
- Compatible with several routers
- Comprehensive privacy and security protections
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features
BEST VPN FOR GAMERS ON A BUDGET:If you’re the type of gamer who prefers to spend your money on games and in-app purchases, take a look at Surfshark. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections, along with an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance at a bargain price all add up to an excellent value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. However, the provider offers premium VPN features, making it good value for those users who don’t mind paying a bit extra.
The provider offers comprehensive router features, offering compatibility with several router makes and models, including routers from Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. ExpressVPN also offers custom firmware for multiple routers, and pre-configured routers are also available.
The provider offers native app support for Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Chromebook device platforms. Browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser platforms are available to protect and enhance your in-browser gaming sessions.
Those users without a compatible router can still take advantage of the provider’s MediaStreamer DNS service, which provides access to geo-controlled online content on your PS5. It should be noted that ExpressVPN’s DNS service lacks the encrypted protection of its VPN offering.
ExpressVPN’s fast connections deliver plenty of speed for online gaming, as well as streaming video content. The provider never ruins a battle royale with bandwidth throttling or data caps.
ExpressVPN’s global server network is made up of more than 3,000 VPN server locations stationed in 100+ countries around the globe.
Online security and privacy are well-protected when using this provider, as it uses military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention to keep your online travels undercover.
The provider keeps no user logs on any of its servers, and a Bitcoin payment option keeps your payment information incognito.
ExpressVPN runs all of its servers solely from volatile RAM. This means that no data is ever written to a physical hard drive, so all data is automatically and securely wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.
Customer support is available 24/7, with an always-available live chat feature, a searchable support database, email, and a support ticket system.
Pros:
- Offers pre-configured routers
- Large global server network
- Gaming-ready connection speeds
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- More expensive than other VPNs on this list
- Lack streaming-optimized servers
PREMIUM VPN SERVICES FOR PS5:ExpressVPN ensures you’ll have access to your favorite gaming and streaming content while keeping your online activities undercover. The provider’s speedy connections can easily handle gaming and streaming. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost provides fast, well-protected connections that are more than up to handling online PS5 games.
This provider works well with multiple router makes and models, including Asus and Netgear. If you don’t feel up to doing manual setup, pre-configured routers are also available.
For your other online protective needs, the provider’s easy-to-use native apps are available for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Plus, if you enjoy playing games or streaming videos in your browser, the provider’s Chrome and Firefox extensions have you covered.
The provider’s fast connections ensure that your online games will be enjoyable, and in-app content and updates will download quickly (less time updating means more time for gaming). There are never any data caps or bandwidth limitations to deal with when using CyberGhost.
CyberGhost currently boasts over 11,600 servers in 100+ countries, forming quite an impressive global server network. Included in that impressive network are streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers.
Your online activities are kept undercover with government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch option. CyberGhost also offers blocking of ads, malware, and trackers.
CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy protects your online privacy, while your subscription payment privacy is protected by the provider’s Bitcoin payment option.
Customer support is available around the clock, thanks to CyberGhost’s always available live chat, a support ticket system, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Compatible with several routers
- Fast, encrypted connections
- Servers for streaming, gaming, and downloading
Cons:
- No kill switch protection on routers
- Not many advanced configuration options
EXCELLENT VPN OPTION FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is an excellent choice for PS5 gamers with little to no experience in using a VPN. The provider offers pre-configured routers and easy-to-use apps, providing fast, reliable access to gaming arenas and content around the globe. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) does a top-notch job of protecting and enhancing all of your online activities, including gaming and streaming on your PS5.
The provider’s global server network is made up of more than 3,300 servers stationed in over 90 countries. The network provides reliable access to gaming content as well as other content in many areas around the globe.
PIA’s connections are far from the fastest around. However, the provider’s connections provide more than enough horsepower for gaming and downloading games, updates, and content. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.
PIA-protected connections are covered by banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and malicious sites are also available.
The provider’s servers are all run free of user logs and the provider offers a Bitcoin subscription payment option, combining to protect your usage and payment privacy.
PIA’s router support allows you to protect and enhance your PS5 online gaming and streaming activities. The provider is compatible with ASUSWRT, DD-WRT, and MERLIN routers. Pre-configured routers are also available.
Everyone has multiple devices these days, and the provider is also compatible with popular device platforms, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions are available to protect your browsing sessions.
The provider offers a Smart DNS service, allowing you to access content on devices like the PlayStation 5 and other gaming systems. Keep in mind that the Smart DNS service does not encrypt your connection.
Up to 10 devices can be connected to PIA servers on a single account at once.
PIA’s customer support is made up of the following options: live chat, a trouble ticket form, and a support library.
Pros:
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Fast, reliable connections
- Top-notch router compatibility
Cons:
- Lacks gaming- and streaming-optimized servers
- Problems working properly in some overly-restrictive countries
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR GAMING:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to gaming arenas, gaming sites, and other services. The provider offers fast, well-protected connections to many areas around the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN may have the smallest server network on this list (200+ servers spread out among 63+ countries), but it provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in the countries where it has servers stationed.
The provider’s connection speeds are the slowest on this list, but they are still up to handling most online activities with no delays.
Those connections are all well-protected by military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and more.
Just like the other providers on this list, PrivateVPN is totally a “no-logs” provider, meaning there are no records saved containing information about your online travels. Bitcoin is accepted as a private payment option.
In addition to manual support for select routers, the provider also offers apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices.
Up to 10 simultaneous connections to PrivateVPN servers are allowed on a single user account.
If you ever need support, you can take advantage of live chat, email, and an FAQ page.
Pros:
- Good router compatibility
- Comprehensive privacy and security protections
- No logs
Cons:
- Global server count is low
- Device support somewhat limited
NO LIMIT ON PROTECTED CONNECTIONS:PrivateVPN’s small but mighty server network provides reliable access to content wherever it has servers. Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices on a single account. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for PS5
When you’re looking for a VPN provider for your PS5 gaming and streaming sessions, there are several important things to keep in mind.
Here are the many features I researched and why they’re worth consideration:
- Connection speed: Connection speeds and low ping are critical requirements for online gaming. The VPNs I include on my list provide low ping and speedy connections.
- Server network: A large global server network provides access to geo-fenced streaming and gaming content. Look for multiple servers in each country, as it helps keep single servers from being overloaded by too many users.
- Value: A VPN’s asking price should be compared to its service offerings to determine its true value. The VPNs on my list provide an excellent return on investment.
- Ease of use: Apps should be available for your preferred devices and they should be intuitive to use. Each VPN on my list offers reliable and easy-to-use apps.
- Security and privacy: While this article is primarily concerned with gaming on your PS5, a VPN should also protect your digital security and privacy. The VPNs on my list offer excellent online security and privacy. None of the providers on this list save logs connected to your online activities
- Gaming: VPNs should provide enhancement and protection for your gaming. The VPNs on my list work well for many Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X games. A VPN is also handy for viewing and unblocking Twitch, as well as evading bans in Fortnite, Discord, and other games.
While you might think my research ends here, this is actually just a small part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach offers a deeper understanding of each VPN’s services. This allows me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.
How to Use Your PS5 With a VPN
Enhancing and protecting your PS5 gaming sessions is not complicated if you follow these steps.
How to use a VPN for your PS5 in 5 steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN (seems like a reasonable requirement). We recommend NordVPN.
- Set up your VPN of choice on a compatible router (or buy a pre-configured router).
- Connect to a VPN server located nearest to the gaming server or downloadable content you’d like to access.
- Make sure your PS5’s network connection is through your VPN-protected router or is sharing the VPN connection from your Windows PC.
- Start gaming!
Is a Free VPN a Good Option For Use With My PS5?
A free VPN is not a good way to protect and enhance any of your online activity, but this is especially true when it comes to your PS5-based online activities.
It is going to be tough to use a free VPN with your PS5, as no free VPN provider I can think of even offers router support.
Even if you do somehow find a free VPN provider that offers router support, you’re going to face limitations in data usage and you’ll find that the free VPN is not protecting your online privacy as a VPN should.
Free VPN providers often throttle their free users’ connection speeds and place daily or monthly data caps on their free users’ VPN data usage, allowing them to preserve the majority of their bandwidth for paying users. None of this is conducive to enjoyable gaming or video streaming.
As for your privacy, it is at risk when using free VPN services, as many free providers log their customers’ online travels, and then sell the information to advertisers and other parties willing to pay for it. Some VPNs have even been caught injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions.
An Alternative to Using a Physical Router
If you do not own a router compatible with these VPN providers, or you don’t feel comfortable flashing your router’s firmware and can’t afford a pre-configured router, there is another way.
Set Up a VPN-Protected WiFi Hotspot on Your Windows PC
If you own a Windows PC with ethernet and WiFi capabilities, you can set it up as a VPN-protected WiFi hotspot.
Use the VPN app of your provider to protect your computer’s Ethernet connection, then share the device’s WiFi connection as a hotspot. This will allow your PS5 to connect to the hotspot and share the encrypted connection.
Conclusion
If you’re a PS5 owner who is looking for a VPN to protect and enhance your gaming and streaming activities, I strongly suggest using my top choice, NordVPN.
NordVPN provides comprehensive router support, along with support for your other connected devices. The provider boasts an impressive global server network, providing IP addresses around the globe, and delivering reliable access to gaming and video content in most areas of the world.
The provider offers fast, well-protected connections, and the provider’s security and privacy protections are some of the best in the VPN industry.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
VPNs for PS5 FAQs
How Do I Change the IP Address on My PS5?
While you can give your IP address a static IP address on your home network, I assume you’re talking about changing your internet IP address. By using a VPN on your home WiFi router or sharing your Windows PC’s VPN connection, you’ll provide a fresh IP address for your console.
Will a VPN Protect My Identity on my PS5?
A VPN can protect against other internet users detecting your true location by assigning a new IP address that is located somewhere else. This helps protect against DDoS attacks, SWATTING, and doxxing. Also, never expose too much about your gaming profile, your family life, or the area you live in. Be sure to use a separate gamertag on various services, including social networks.
Does My ISP Throttle My Internet When I Play Xbox Games Online?
It is possible and depends on the Internet Service Provider (ISP). There have been ISPs that have been caught throttling a user’s connection speeds if they engage in “unapproved” online activities, such as BitTorrent file-sharing or streaming from some services. However, I haven’t heard of any ISPs throttling the connection of online gamers.
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- Why Use a VPN With My PS5?
- Best VPNs for PlayStation 5
- Best VPNs for PS5
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for PS5
- How to Use Your PS5 With a VPN
- Is a Free VPN a Good Option For Use With My PS5?
- An Alternative to Using a Physical Router
- Conclusion
- VPNs for PS5 FAQs