If you’re an avid gamer, you know that the Xbox has come a long way since its original release. Not only have the hardware specs improved significantly, but the latest versions of Xbox have become more than just gaming consoles. They now offer a range of features, including web browsing, streaming services, and music playback, making them almost like full-fledged PCs.
However, with these advancements come inherent privacy risks. Any internet-connected device, especially those that allow web browsing, can be used to breach your privacy. This includes profiling your usage patterns, such as the websites you visit, the games you play, and the shows you watch, to target you with ads or worse. As digital privacy experts and advocates, we’ve compiled a list of the top VPNs to use for Xbox after testing the best VPNs in the market with an Xbox Series S.
The Best VPNs for Xbox
If you’re looking for a VPN to use with your Xbox, here are some top options to consider:
- NordVPN: Offers the best performance for gaming.
- ExpressVPN: Provides the best setup experience for Xbox users.
- Private Internet Access VPN: Ideal for those who want to use a proxy or SmartDNS with their Xbox.
- Surfshark: Best choice for professional gamers who need low latency and high speeds.
- CyberGhost: Offers the best price and value for Xbox users.
Consider these VPNs to enhance your Xbox gaming experience and protect your online privacy.
Picking the Best VPNs for Xbox
As an Xbox user, you may be interested in using a VPN to change your IP address, giving you access to more games, game servers, and streaming options. While privacy is still important, it may not be the main reason why you would want to use a VPN on your Xbox. Nonetheless, the VPNs recommended below offer top-notch privacy through industry-best 256-bit encryption and leading tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard.
To determine the best VPNs for Xbox, we focused on three main factors that matter most to Xbox gamers, both casual and professional.
Performance
We looked for VPNs that can meet the network demands of AAA game titles, focusing on latency (or ping) and connection speeds. Latency, also called ping, is the time it takes for a data packet to reach a server measured in milliseconds. It measures the responsiveness of a network and is a critical metric when choosing an internet connection to use for online gaming. The VPNs that performed the best in terms of latency and connection speeds are:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
Server Availability
Since you’re likely going to use the VPN to change your Xbox IP address location, we looked for the VPNs with the most far-reaching and reliable server networks. The VPNs that offer the most servers in the most countries are:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
Setup Process
Setting up a VPN on an Xbox is not as straightforward as downloading and installing a VPN app on a laptop or smartphone. Nonetheless, we did our best to choose the VPNs that are easiest to set up using the recommended workarounds. The VPNs that offer the easiest setup process are:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
In conclusion, the best VPNs for Xbox in 2024 are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs offer top-notch privacy, excellent performance, extensive server networks, and easy setup processes. By connecting your Xbox to any of these VPNs, you can enjoy greater online privacy and access to more games, game servers, and streaming options.
Overview of the Best VPNs for Xbox
If you are looking for a VPN to use with your Xbox, there are several options available. Here is a brief overview of the top five VPNs for Xbox:
- NordVPN: Ranked first with a rating of 9.7/10 for its best performance, NordVPN has 60 server locations in 60 countries. It offers in-game latency on closest server of 40-60 ms and download speed on closest server of 212 Mbps. NordVPN is compatible with Xbox 360, One, Series S, and Series X.
- ExpressVPN: Ranked second with a rating of 9.1/10 for its best setup, ExpressVPN has 94 server locations in 91 countries. It offers in-game latency on closest server of 25-40 ms and download speed on closest server of 223 Mbps. ExpressVPN is compatible with Xbox 360, One, Series S, and Series X.
- Private Internet Access VPN: Ranked third with a rating of 9.4/10 for its best option for proxy and SmartDNS, Private Internet Access VPN has 91 server locations in 91 countries. It offers in-game latency on closest server of 25-40 ms and download speed on closest server of 239 Mbps. Private Internet Access VPN is compatible with Xbox 360, One, Series S, and Series X.
- Surfshark: Ranked fourth with a rating of 9.5/10 for being the best for pro gamers, Surfshark has 100 server locations in 100 countries. It offers in-game latency on closest server of 30-70 ms and download speed on closest server of 207 Mbps. Surfshark is compatible with Xbox 360, One, Series S, and Series X.
- CyberGhost: Ranked fifth with a rating of 8.9/10 for its best price and value, CyberGhost has 100 server locations in 100 countries. It offers in-game latency on closest server of 50-90 ms and download speed on closest server of 217 Mbps. CyberGhost is compatible with Xbox 360, One, Series S, and Series X.
All of these VPNs are easy to set up via virtual router and Smart DNS. They can also be set up as a router VPN with mid to high difficulty. However, setting them up as a proxy is not possible. The minimum monthly fee ranges from $2.19 to $8.32 depending on the VPN.
Detailed List of the Best VPNs for Xbox
If you’re an Xbox gamer, you know how frustrating it can be to experience lag or connection issues while playing online. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help improve your gaming experience by providing a secure and stable connection. In this section, we’ll provide a detailed list of the best VPNs for Xbox based on our testing and research.
NordVPN – Best Performance
NordVPN is a reliable and stable VPN that provides good performance for Xbox gaming. While it may not be the fastest on our list, it meets our latency and speed requirements. NordVPN has servers in 60 countries, with over 5,800 servers, making it one of the largest server fleets. It has a range of features such as multihop, camouflage mode, kill switch, split tunneling, Netflix, and torrenting.
Using our Xbox Series S’s built-in network test, we measured an average download speed of 212 Mbps and an average upload speed of 198 Mbps. The in-game ping while playing Apex Legends ranged from 40 to 60 ms, which is good enough to play without lags. However, it wasn’t the lowest among our top picks. ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access earned that honor with their ping, which ranged from 25 to 40 ms.
Compared to other VPNs on this list, NordVPN has the fewest server locations. It has servers in 60 countries, whereas ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access have over 90 locations, and Surfshark and CyberGhost have over 100. However, NordVPN has one of the largest server fleets. In those 60 countries, it has over 5,800 servers.
For setup, we found that the easiest ways to connect our Xbox S to NordVPN were either to set up NordVPN on a laptop and use that laptop as a virtual router or to use NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature. The former connected our Xbox to an encrypted VPN tunnel and changed our location based on which server we connected our laptop to. The latter changed our Xbox location but didn’t provide any encryption.
What We Like
- Steady and reliable performance even on overseas servers
- 5,800+ servers means you won’t have to share server bandwidth with lots of users
- Easy to set up either as a VPN for a virtual router or with SmartDNS
- Strong protection against DDoS
What We Don’t Like
- Not the fastest option
- Difficult to set up as a router VPN
- 60 server locations isn’t many compared to other top options
- Price for monthly plans is on the steep side
ExpressVPN – Best Setup
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs for Xbox gaming that we tested. It has servers in 90+ countries and offers a deep bench of servers and server locations to choose from. It has a range of features such as camouflage mode, kill switch, split tunneling, Netflix, and torrenting.
Using our Xbox Series S’s built-in network test, we measured a download speed of 223 Mbps and an upload speed of 201 Mbps while connected to a server nearest us. The in-game ping was somewhere in the range of 25 to 40 ms, which is the lowest ping we experienced throughout the test, matched only by Private Internet Access’ proxy server.
ExpressVPN also offers a ready-to-go VPN router called Aircove. There’s no extra setup needed; Aircove comes with ExpressVPN, so all we had to do was add it to our network and connect our Xbox to it. And once we did, it tunneled our Xbox’s traffic to the ExpressVPN server we selected.
What We Like
- Easy-setup VPN router
- Servers in 90+ countries
- Easy to change servers as needed
- Aircove can connect any number of devices to ExpressVPN
What We Don’t Like
- Aircove’s price ($189.90)
- ExpressVPN subscription cost (minimum of $8.32 monthly)
- Noticeable speed disparity when connecting to distant servers versus nearby servers
- No smartphone app controls for Aircove, only a web dashboard
In conclusion, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the best VPNs for Xbox based on our testing and research. Both offer a range of features that can help improve your gaming experience, and they are reliable and stable VPNs.
What You Need to Know Before Using a VPN With Xbox
If you are considering using a VPN with your Xbox, it is important to understand that the Xbox does not have native support for VPNs. Therefore, you will need to choose a setup method that suits you best. Here are the options available to you:
Virtual Router
The virtual router method is the easiest and involves setting up a VPN on your Windows computer and connecting your Xbox to the computer’s hotspot. However, there are limitations to this method. Firstly, you will need a laptop or computer with a hotspot function. Additionally, you will need to use Wi-Fi to connect your Xbox, which can be less reliable than Ethernet connections. It is also important to note that adding a virtual router adds another stop for your traffic, which can slow down your internet connection.
On the positive side, your computer controls the VPN connection, so it is easy to adjust the settings. You can quickly change your VPN server, which changes your PC’s virtual location, and the change will take effect on your Xbox as well.
VPN on Router
Setting up or buying a VPN router is a more permanent solution than the virtual router approach. With a VPN router, the VPN connection is established at the network level, so all devices connected to the router enjoy VPN tunneling. You are also likely to get more reliable connections because routers are built for directing traffic.
However, most VPN routers cannot easily adjust the VPN connection after the initial setup. If you chose to connect the router to a U.S. VPN server, for example, you cannot get a U.K. IP address without having to go through the setup process again. One exception is Aircove, which comes with a web dashboard where you can manage your VPN connection.
SmartDNS
SmartDNS is another popular workaround for consoles, smart TVs, and set-top boxes that do not have VPN support. SmartDNS does not change your IP address or encrypt your data. Instead, it changes your device’s DNS server. The DNS is like a phonebook that internet-connected devices use to translate human-readable domain names to machine-readable IP addresses.
Setting up SmartDNS is quick and easy; however, it is not always foolproof. Some websites or services can detect your real IP address and location even if you use SmartDNS.
Proxy
Proxy is another workaround for devices that allow the setting up of a proxy connection, including the Xbox. It routes your traffic to a proxy server and thus hides your real IP address behind the server’s IP address. Proxy servers do not encrypt data, but they tend to be slightly faster than VPNs. However, most services do not offer as many proxy server locations as VPN server locations.
When choosing a VPN for Xbox, it is important to consider which setup method suits you best. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so take the time to research and choose the best option for your needs.
Free VPNs for Xbox: Yay or Nay?
If you’re looking for a free VPN for gaming on your Xbox, there are a few options that could work. However, it’s important to be cautious when using free VPNs as many of them may contain malware or log and sell usage data. The few trustworthy free VPNs available often come with limitations such as data usage caps and reduced server availability.
One free VPN that could work for gaming on your Xbox is TunnelBear. With TunnelBear’s 8,000 MB monthly allowance and access to over 40 server locations without speed limits, you can get almost 115 hours of playtime assuming you don’t download anything. This is because an hour of playing Fortnite uses 40 to 100 MB of data.
Gaming with a VPN has some advantages over streaming with a VPN. For example, if there’s a game update, you can disconnect from the VPN, download the new content, and then reconnect, saving you hundreds of MB of data. With streaming, if you disconnect from the VPN, the streaming service will see your real location.
However, it’s important to note that free VPNs may not provide the same level of privacy and security as paid VPNs. Additionally, free VPNs may not be able to bypass geo-restrictions on certain games or services. If you’re serious about gaming on your Xbox and want the best possible experience, it may be worth investing in a paid VPN service.
Conclusion: Is Using a VPN for Xbox Really Necessary?
In summary, using a VPN for Xbox is not a must, but it has its advantages. It’s true that a VPN can slow down your internet connection, but the impact is usually minimal. Moreover, VPNs provide increased privacy and security, which is crucial for online gaming. With a VPN, you can also access more entertainment options that may not be available in your region.
Setting up a VPN on your Xbox may not be as easy as on a smartphone or computer, but it’s not impossible. The benefits of using a VPN outweigh the challenges of setting it up. Therefore, if you want to enhance your online gaming experience and protect your digital privacy, using a VPN for Xbox is a good idea.
In conclusion, while using a VPN for Xbox is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended. If you decide to use one, make sure to choose a reliable VPN provider that offers fast speeds and excellent security features.
FAQ
If you’re new to using VPNs on Xbox, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about VPNs for Xbox.
Are VPNs allowed on Xbox?
While there are no native VPN apps for Xbox, you can connect your Xbox console to a VPN. Microsoft doesn’t have any rules against it, but some online games may not allow the use of VPNs as they can provide an unfair advantage over other players. Check the terms of use for the game you’re playing to see if it has any restrictions on VPN use.
What are the best VPNs for Xbox?
The best VPNs for Xbox are the ones that offer fast speeds, many server locations, and a good user experience. Our top picks for VPNs are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. These VPNs have been tested and found to provide the best experience for Xbox users.
Can I get a free VPN for Xbox?
Yes, there are free VPNs available for Xbox, but they often come with limitations. For example, they may have a data allowance per day or per month, or they may limit your access to certain servers. If you’re looking for a free VPN for Xbox, we recommend TunnelBear and Privado VPN. TunnelBear offers 8 GB of data per month, while Privado VPN offers 10 GB of data per month.
How much does a VPN for Xbox cost?
The price of a VPN for Xbox varies, but our top picks range from $2.19 to $8.32 per month if you pay for a multi-month subscription (one year to two years).
Do VPNs work on all Xbox models?
All Xbox models starting from the Xbox 360 S have Wi-Fi, so they can all connect to a VPN if you set up a virtual or real VPN router. Newer models like the Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X can also use SmartDNS and proxy.
What are the top VPN services compatible with Xbox Series X and S?
If you are looking for a VPN service that is compatible with Xbox Series X and S, there are a few top options to consider. Some of the best VPN services for Xbox Series X and S include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs offer fast speeds, strong security features, and reliable connections, making them ideal for gaming on your Xbox console.
How can I set up a VPN on my Xbox One without using a computer?
Setting up a VPN on your Xbox One without using a computer can be a bit tricky, but it is possible. One way to do this is by setting up a VPN on your router. This will allow you to protect all of the devices on your network, including your Xbox One. Another option is to use a VPN-enabled router, which comes pre-configured with VPN software.
Are there any reliable free VPN options for Xbox gaming?
While there are some free VPN options available, they are generally not recommended for gaming on your Xbox console. Free VPNs often have slow speeds, limited bandwidth, and may not offer strong security features. Additionally, many free VPNs have been known to sell user data, which could put your privacy at risk.
Which VPNs offer the best performance and stability for online gaming on consoles?
When it comes to online gaming on consoles, performance and stability are key. Some of the best VPNs for gaming on consoles include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs offer fast speeds, low latency, and reliable connections, which are essential for a smooth gaming experience.
Can I use NordVPN on my Xbox, and if so, how?
Yes, you can use NordVPN on your Xbox console. To do so, you will need to set up a VPN connection on your router or use a VPN-enabled router. Once your router is configured, you can connect your Xbox console to the VPN network and enjoy secure and private gaming.
What steps should I follow to ensure a VPN is properly configured on my PlayStation or Xbox console?
To ensure that your VPN is properly configured on your PlayStation or Xbox console, you should follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN service that is compatible with your console.
- Set up a VPN connection on your router or use a VPN-enabled router.
- Connect your console to the VPN network.
- Test your connection to ensure that your VPN is working properly.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a secure and private gaming experience on your console.