Sony’s PlayStation 4 (PS4) is the best-selling eight-generation video game console in the world. The console allows PS4 owners to play games in 1080p HD (4K on the PS4 Pro). The console also offers the ability to view 4K movies via both streaming and from disc.
Like the Xbox One, the PS4 console supports apps and games from third-party developers. As such, it offers apps for most of the popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and many others. 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 PS4 offers are geographically restricted, meaning that not all movies, television shows and games are available in all areas.
Now for the good news: There’s a tool available that allows PS4 users to access gaming and video content from around the globe.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best way to access content in another region, thanks to a VPN’s ability to make it appear as if a user is located in another country. A VPN does this by “spoofing” the location of the user by temporarily assigning them a new IP address. This opens access to blocked content.
For example, a PS4 owner in the United Kingdom could use a VPN to open access to things like Netflix content from the States, or gaming arenas in other countries.
A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, protecting your internet activities from the prying eyes of hackers, your Internet Service Provider and other interested third parties.
Below, I review the top 6 VPNs to use with your PS4 this year.
Best VPNs for PlayStation 4
I put all of the best VPN providers through rounds of extensive testing, and the following 6 VPNs worked best with the PS4.
For those of you in a hurry, here’s a short summary:
- NordVPN: My #1 pick for PS4. Players will appreciate this provider’s reliably fast connection speeds, as well as their comprehensive router support, wide global server coverage (giving you access to plenty of international gaming hotspots) and powerful content-unblocking ability.
- Surfshark: Surfshark is a low-priced provider that offers fast speeds, an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance and satisfying customer support.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN provides optimal support for routers. (They even offer a custom firmware for select routers.) Comprehensive global server coverage and fast connections are highlights of this provider.
- CyberGhost: PS4 owners that enjoy streaming 4K content from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming providers will appreciate CyberGhost’s fast speeds. Their low price will leave you plenty of cash to buy and rent movies.
- IPVanish: This provider’s self-owned and -operated VPN servers are well distributed around the globe and provide plenty of speed
- PrivateVPN: With fast connections, this provider offers more than enough bandwidth for all of your streaming binges. While the provider doesn’t have a large number of servers, they’re well spread out around the globe.
Please note: No native VPN apps are available for the PS4 from any VPN provider. So, users will need to either configure their current router to use a VPN (if it’s compatible) or purchase a pre-configured router. In my reviews, VPN providers with pre-configured routers scored bonus points.
I evaluated and ranked the top PS4 VPNs using the following criteria:
- Router compatibility (bonus for pre-configured routers)
- Reliable connections fast enough for HD and 4K streams and gaming
- Optimal global server coverage
- Strong privacy and security protections
- Top-notch customer support
Here’s my list of the top 6 VPNs for use with the PlayStation 4.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best overall option for protecting and enhancing your PlayStation 4 online gaming and viewing sessions. It performs well, and it offers reliable access to blocked content from around the world.
As with all of the VPNs on this list, NordVPN lacks a native PS4 app, but its comprehensive router support will make it easy to protect your PlayStation 4 and all of the other devices on your network. Pre-configured routers are available.
The provider does offer apps for most popular desktop and mobile devices (including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV), so it can protect those devices when you’re not connected to your own wireless network.
NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service, so you can watch international streaming content on your PS4 or other gaming consoles, without necessarily having to use the VPN service on your router. However, the service does not encrypt your connection.
NordVPN’s reliable connections provide the fastest speeds available for online gaming (update downloads will finish quickly, so you can get back into the action), as well as plenty of speed for HD and 4K streaming. No bandwidth limitations or data caps are ever imposed to ruin the fun.
Currently, NordVPN has 5,500+ servers stationed in 59 countries around the world. This provides plenty of content-unblocking power, so say hello to Netflix content from Sweden.
NordVPN’s military-grade encryption has your online security covered, while their rigorous no-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option keep your privacy intact.
While NordVPN’s service is uber reliable, there may come a day – and that day may never come – but there may come a day that you’ll require assistance. If that happens, you’ll be glad to know that 24/7 support chat, email support and a searchable support library are all available to assist you.
Pros:
- Servers in 59 countries around the globe
- HD- and 4K-capable connections
- Value-priced
- Top-notch privacy and security coverage
- Responsive customer support
Cons:
- Apps could be a bit more user-friendly
BEST VPN FOR PLAYSTATION 4:NordVPN is the best option for enhancing and protecting your PS4-related online activities thanks to the provider’s reliable, well-protected, super-fast connections and excellent router support, including pre-configured routers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark offers PS4 players who want to save their money for the newest games a low-cost VPN option. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, fast speeds, wide global server coverage and more.
The provider offers plenty of support for routers, keeping your PS4 sessions well-protected. Pre-configured routers are also available. Surfshark also offers apps for most popular device platforms, such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and Amazon Fire.
The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance lets you connect as many devices as you want to the provider’s servers at once, so if you’re trying to connect many devices at once without the VPN enabled on your router, Surfshark has you covered.
You can set up the provider’s Trust DNS service on your router, allowing any connected device to access international content streams, although the service does not encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.
Surfshark’s connection speeds won’t let you down when you’re in the middle of the action, and there are no data caps or bandwidth limitations to ruin the fun.
With 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries across the globe, you shouldn’t have any problem connecting to your favorite international gaming hotspot.
Military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection and more protect your connection, and privacy protections include a no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option.
Customer support-wise, Surfshark has your back, offering a 24/7 live chat option, a support contact form and a searchable knowledge base to peruse.
Pros
- Comprehensive router support
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Bargain pricing
- Many servers in 65+ countries
Cons
- Slow speeds occasionally
BUDGET-FRIENDLY PS4 VPN:Surfshark doesn't charge much for its excellent service. Fast speeds, an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, wide server coverage and reliable customer support all come at a bargain-basement price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN performs well in multiple categories, making it a great option overall.
The provider offers excellent router compatibility. In addition to pre-configured routers, ExpressVPN also offers a custom app for a variety of compatible routers. There are plenty of apps for other devices to choose from.
ExpressVPN is the perfect VPN provider for movie fans thanks to its ability to unblock geo-controlled content that Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and many other services offer.
You can also use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service to access blocked media content on the PS4. However, it lacks the encrypted protection of the service’s VPN coverage.
ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are easily up to handling the speeds required to stream HD and 4K content, as well as the ability to stay connected during fast and furious online gaming action. The provider never puts a limit on your fun, thanks to its never placing data caps or bandwidth restrictions on your connections.
With 3,000+ servers well placed in 94 countries around the globe, ExpressVPN offers an excellent way to unblock geo-restricted content, no matter where it’s housed.
Security and privacy are strong with this one, as their connections are well protected by military-grade encryption, and their servers are all set up to save no logs of any kind connected to their customers’ online antics.
Plus, Bitcoin is accepted as subscription payment, so your payment info is kept incognito also.
Customer support is available around the clock thanks to 24/7 live support chat, a searchable support knowledge base and an easy-to-use support ticket system.
Pros:
- Offers pre-configured routers
- Excellent global server coverage
- Connection speeds can easily handle HD video and gaming
- Top-notch security and privacy protection
Cons:
- More expensive than many other providers
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN performs well overall, offering high performance in the global server coverage, content-unblocking, speed, privacy and security departments. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is the almost-middle-of-the-pack pick this time around thanks to its super-fast connection speeds, above-average global server coverage and outstanding privacy protection.
CyberGhost offers optimal support for numerous router makes and models, and pre-configured routers are also available. The provider also offers native apps for most popular desktop and mobile devices.
This provider delivers fast connection speeds, offering blazing downloads and a streaming ability that’s well up to viewing the latest 4K HDR streaming content. Plus, a lack of monthly data caps or any bandwidth limitations means you can stream as much as you want.
CyberGhost currently has over 6,700 servers stationed in 90 countries, ensuring optimal access to gaming and streaming content around the globe.
CyberGhost has your online activities well protected thanks to its military-level connection encryption. No one will ever know what you’ve been up to online, as the provider keeps no logs of any kind. They protect your payment anonymity via their Bitcoin payment option.
CyberGhost’s support department is available around-the-clock thanks to its 24/7 live support chat, easy-to-use support ticket system and searchable support library.
Pros:
- Above-average global server coverage
- Plenty of speed for smooth 4K streaming
- Pre-configured routers
- Optimal security and privacy protections
Cons:
- No kill switch protection for routers
- Has trouble unblocking some streaming services
BEST FOR 4K HDR VIEWERS:CyberGhost is the best choice for PS4 users who prefer to view their favorite movies in the 4K HDR format. Pre-configured routers can get you out of the box and quickly online. A 45-day no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish made this roundup thanks to its excellent router support, above-average global security protections and HD-capable connection speeds.
It offers extensive router compatibility, and pre-configured routers are also available. Apps are available for most popular mobile and desktop devices.
This provider’s connections can easily handle HD and 4K video, and no data caps or bandwidth limitations will spoil your bingeing or gaming sessions.
IPVanish has over 1,300 self-owned and -operated servers stashed in 50+ countries around the globe. There will be no more of that “this content is unavailable in your country” nonsense. And since IPVanish owns and operates their servers, your data is kept a bit more safe from prying eyes.
IPVanish adds another layer of security to your VPN-related online interactions with well-encrypted connections. Plus, a strict no-logs policy means there are no records of your online antics.
Be advised, however, that the provider does not offer any cryptocurrency payment options, so your payment options are limited to PayPal and credit cards.
IPVanish’s customer support offerings aren’t lacking thanks to its email support and 24/7 live support chat options, as well as a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Pre-configured routers available
- Owns and operates all of its VPN servers
- Excellent security and customer support
Cons:
- Server coverage could be better
- No Bitcoin payment option
LIGHTWEIGHT BUT SECURE VPN:IPVanish keeps your data ultra-safe with its self-owned and -operated servers. Lightweight apps don’t steam precious processor cycles. Privacy protections could be better with a private payment option. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN might lack the global server numbers of its competitors, but it easily keeps up in the connection speed and protection departments.
PrivateVPN delivers fast downloads, smooth gameplay and stutter-free HD and 4K HDR playback.
150+ servers isn’t anything to crow about, but this provider does a great job of making the best out of limited resources. Their servers have been optimally located in 60 countries around the globe.
The company encrypts your VPN connection using military-level encryption and keeps no records of any of your online activities. Stay completely anonymous by taking advantage of the provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option.
PrivateVPN’s comprehensive router support will keep all of your connected devices covered. No pre-configured routers are available.
Plus, it makes native apps available for the big 4 device platforms (iOS, Android, macOS and Windows).
Customer support is adequate. Live support chat is available, but not around the clock. A “Contact Us” form and a non-searchable FAQ section round out the support features.
Pros:
- HD and 4K streams are no problem
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- Opens access to multiple U.S. streaming providers
Cons:
- Server numbers come up a bit short
- No pre-configured routers
USERS WITH A NEED FOR SPEED:PrivateVPN is a great option for users with a need for speed who are willing to tinker with settings and don’t need anyone to hold their hand while they’re doing it. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
How to Use Your PS4 With a VPN
Enhancing your PlayStation 4 gaming and viewing sessions with a VPN may seem somewhat daunting at first, but it can be done by following these simple steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN. (C’mon, you knew that one already.)
- Set up the VPN on a compatible router (or purchase a pre-configured router).
- Select a VPN server located nearest to the content you’d like to access.
- Make sure your PS4’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet is connected to the VPN-protected router.
- Get your trigger finger ready!
Is a Free VPN a Good Option For Use With the PS4?
While I would never recommend using a free VPN to protect any of your online activities, a freebie VPN is particularly worthless when it comes to using one with your PS4.
Most free VPN providers lack any type of router support and instead require you to use their apps to access their service. This makes it next to impossible to use one with your PlayStation 4.
But, even if you were to somehow get a “free” VPN to work with your PS4, you’re not going to be satisfied with the performance of your connection or the “gotchas” that come along for the ride.
Many free VPN providers are known to throttle their users’ connections and place monthly data caps or bandwidth limitations on their usage. None of those “features” are compatible with online gaming or streaming enjoyment.
Gratis providers are also known to place their users in queues, where those users have to cool their heels for awhile before being allowed to connect to a VPN server. Then, once they’re allowed to connect, users find that their selection of servers is severely limited, or they don’t get to select a server at all, but are instead automatically assigned a server!
Once you’re connected, you may find that the VPN provider is logging your online activities and selling that information to the highest bidder. Or, when you’re browsing, you may see unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements are being injected into your browsing session. UGH!
Quality VPN protection costs less than many in-game purchases, and you can likely do without that super-sword or whatever it is in favor of optimal VPN protection.
The Alternative to Using a Router
You may not have a compatible router. Or you may simply be uncomfortable with flashing your router’s firmware and can’t justify purchasing a pre-configured router. Don’t worry, as there is another way.
Set Up a VPN-Protected Wi-Fi Hotspot on Your Mac or PC
If you have a Windows or macOS computer, you can set it up as a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot.
If your Windows PC or macOS computer has both a wired Ethernet connection and a Wi-Fi connection, you can use those connections to share the computer’s VPN protection.
Simply run your VPN app of choice on your computer to protect your Ethernet internet connection, and then share your computer’s Wi-Fi connection as a hotspot. This will allow you to connect your PlayStation to the computer’s Wi-Fi hotspot, thereby protecting its internet connection.
Conclusion
PlayStation 4 users who are looking for the best way to both protect and enhance their PS4-based online activities are well advised to check out the advantages of a Virtual Private Network.
A VPN keeps your online activities undercover and safe from prying eyes. It also works to enhance your PS4 activities thanks to its ability to open access to blocked streaming and gaming content.
NordVPN is my top recommendation for protecting your PS4-related online activities. The provider delivers optimal router compatibility, comprehensive global server coverage, and fast and well-protected connections.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
