The Best VPNs for PlayStation 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for PlayStation, but it’s a close race, with Surfshark and NordVPN not far behind.
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Best overall

4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website

ExpressVPN
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Best budget VPN

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
View More

Best for ease of use

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
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Virtual private networks (VPNs) are an excellent way to enhance your privacy and security online. A VPN encrypts your traffic and helps conceal your location online, among other things. However, many people don’t realize that these benefits can also be applied to online gaming, even on gaming consoles like the PlayStation.

Our picks for the best VPNs for PlayStation are ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN. The reasoning is simple: they offer the best mix of price, performance, and features. If you’re looking to add a VPN to your gaming setup, read on for all the details.

In this article
The best VPNs for PlayStation 2024
ExpressVPN: Best overall
Surfshark: Best budget VPN
NordVPN: Best for ease of use
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
Best VPNs for PlayStation FAQs
How we tested the best VPNs for PlayStation

The best VPNs for PlayStation 2024

Top 3 VPN services for PlayStation compared

VPN
ExpressVPN
Our Pick

Surfshark

NordVPN
Starting price Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) Starts at $2.29/mo Starts at $3.99/mo
Free version
Streaming support Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more
Learn more Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Prices as of 05/06/2023.

ExpressVPN: Best overall

ExpressVPN offers an excellent spread of features for gaming
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
Save 49% (3 months free)
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
  • More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

If you’re looking for the best VPN for PS4 (and one of the best VPNs, period), you’ve come to the right place. ExpressVPN offers an excellent spread of features, both for gaming and general use, as well as fast speeds and great support. It’s more expensive than many competitors, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

One of our favorite features is MediaStreamer, a Smart DNS feature that helps you automatically access geo-blocked games (and streaming platforms). ExpressVPN’s wide selection of countries (94 total) can also help you access content early — just choose a server in a location where your favorite games will be released first.

ExpressVPN says it works with Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and other streaming services.

What we liked

It’s hard to go wrong with ExpressVPN. The service is fast, there are plenty of servers to choose from, and the support (including setup instructions) is top-notch. The service is secure and offers solid privacy features, such as IP masking, a kill switch, and split tunneling. These features all help keep your information safe, whether you’re gaming or just checking your email.

Speaking of setup, the best way to get started with a VPN for gaming is by installing it directly on your router. This lets you use it on any of your consoles, including your PlayStation. ExpressVPN even has clear instructions on its support site to help you get up and running.

Additionally, ExpressVPN unblocks a ton of streaming services, so if you want to watch Netflix with a VPN, you’ve got that option. MediaStreamer makes it simple to access your favorite services by automatically disguising your location to make it look like you’re in the correct area for a given service.

What we didn’t like

ExpressVPN is a fantastic service, and you’ll pay for it — it is, by far, the most expensive option on our list. ExpressVPN subscriptions can be anywhere from double to triple the cost of a Surfshark or NordVPN subscription.

It’s also worth noting that while ExpressVPN offers a large number of VPN servers, it’s less transparent than many competitors about the exact number. This makes it a bit tougher to determine if ExpressVPN will meet your specific needs. This isn’t much of an issue in practice, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have specific server needs.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range $6.67–$12.95/mo
Free version No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers Servers in 94 countries
Number of connected devices 5
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux Android, iOS, and more
Router support Yes
VPN protocol Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Prices as of 05/06/2023.

Surfshark: Best budget VPN

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable VPN than Surfshark
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website
VPN
Surfshark
79% off + 2 months free
  • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
  • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
  • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
  • Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for PS4 users on a budget. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable VPN, especially considering the impressive feature set and speed Surfshark brings to the table. The catch is that you’ll need to commit for at least a year to get the lowest prices.

A screenshot of the Surfshark interface showing a list of MultiHop, or double VPN, servers, including Singapore to the Netherlands and Canada to the US.

What we liked

Surfshark’s price is just so good: less than $3 per month on a 24-month plan. That’s significantly more affordable than the other options here and makes Surfshark worth considering, regardless of your other needs.

This isn’t a one-trick pony, either. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, solid speeds, and streaming support for many of the big-name providers, including Netflix. It’s also got a Smart DNS system, similar to ExpressVPN, which means you’ll have an easier time getting around geographic restrictions.

Finally, Surfshark is easy to use — you won’t need to be an IT professional to get it up and running, which we consider to be a major selling point. Connecting from most devices is as simple as clicking a button, and the mobile apps are clean and straightforward. When it comes to PS4 use, you’ll need to install it on a router, but Surfshark’s instruction guide is clear and helpful.

What we didn’t like

Surfshark isn’t without its issues. First, although the speeds are generally very good, they aren’t always up to quite the same level as the competition — especially if you’re outside the U.S. For example, ExpressVPN tested faster for us in Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

Surfshark also tends to fall a bit short in the support department — specifically with the support site’s articles and documentation. We found that some of the content lacked the sort of detail we’d like to see from customer support material. Finally, its simplicity could be a problem for advanced users or those with very specific needs.

Surfshark specs

Price range $2.29–$21.99/mo
Free version No
Number of servers 3,200+
Number of connected devices Unlimited
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
Router support Yes
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Prices as of 05/06/2023.

NordVPN: Best for ease of use

NordVPN is best for users that want minimal fuss in setup and use
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra
  • Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
  • Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
  • 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
  • Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

It’s hard to go wrong with NordVPN — it’s popular for a reason. We especially recommend it as a PlayStation VPN for users that want minimal fuss in setup and use. However, you’ll also get fast speeds and a price that’s hard to beat.

A screenshot of the NordVPN settings menu, with the VPN protocol options highlighted by a red box. The NordLynx VPN protocol is currently selected.

What we liked

NordVPN is one of the biggest names out there today and for good reason. It offers a large server network (over 5,000 servers), along with excellent speeds, which can help reduce bandwidth throttling while gaming.

NordVPN is also well known for its ease of use without sacrificing a ton of features, which we appreciate. Finally, the price is competitive, although it’s not the most affordable option.

Nord also comes with the Meshnet feature, which is beneficial for gamers. This feature lets you connect to other devices to form your own secure virtual LAN. This creates better connection speeds and helps create a lag-free gaming experience.

What we didn’t like

There’s not much to dislike about NordVPN. Some of our complaints include the lack of a dedicated app for setting up the VPN on your router (making setup slightly more difficult) and somewhat lackluster mobile apps. Overall, though, the solid pricing and speedy connections help balance out these relatively minor issues.

NordVPN specs

Price range $3.99–$15.99/mo
Free version No
Number of servers 5,500+
Number of connected devices 6
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
Router support Yes
VPN protocol NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Prices as of 05/06/2023.

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

There are a ton of VPNs on the market. That means there are some solid options that simply couldn’t make our list. Below we’ll look at a couple of popular VPNs that fell short of the top 3.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a popular VPN that brings a lot of useful features to the table. The price is extremely competitive, and when you combine that with the enormous number of servers (over 9,000) and fast speeds, CyberGhost seems like a no-brainer.  

Unfortunately, there are a few issues. First, the user interface is a bit convoluted and difficult to use. The streaming support is also a bit spotty compared to competitors. Finally, the support site is lackluster, with an incredibly overwhelming interface.

IPVanish

IPVanish is an affordable VPN provider that offers unlimited connections, a healthy server selection, and lots of customization. Like CyberGhost, IPVanish’s pricing is competitive with the best of them.

However, IPVanish also falls short in a few key areas. The user interface is a bit dated, though it functions fine. But it lacks privacy features beyond the basics. IPVanish also has no publicly released security audit. It claims to have had one done, but you either need to be a customer or a member of the press to access it, which we don’t like.

Suspect your PSN account is hacked? Pair secure VPN services with trusted antivirus software to prevent hackers.

Best VPNs for PlayStation FAQs


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Where can I learn how to connect a VPN to my PS4?

The process for connecting a PlayStation to VPN is the same as connecting to any other Wi-Fi network. The tricky part is actually setting up the VPN. There are two options: sharing the VPN connection through your Windows or Mac computer or directly through your Wi-Fi router. The instructions for each of these will be unique for each VPN, so consult the support site for your VPN choice to get started.


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Is there a free VPN for PS4?

There are free VPNs on the market, but we generally advise against using them. Free VPNs tend to have lax security policies (or outright steal information), and the few that don’t are limited versions of paid VPNs that often restrict speeds or usage. You’re using a VPN for added security and privacy, so it doesn’t make much sense to use one that compromises those things.


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What is the easiest VPN to use on PlayStation 4?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both very easy to set up and offer a ton of features to keep your traffic private.


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Is there a PS3 VPN available?

Most VPNs will work on any PlayStation model that connects to Wi-Fi. We recommend ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or NordVPN.


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What are the benefits of using a VPN on PS4?

The main benefit of using a VPN on PlayStation is the same as anywhere else — privacy. A VPN helps keep your data private and can also protect against distributed denial of service attacks, also known as DDoS attacks, which can cripple your internet connection. VPNs can also help reduce latency by connecting you to servers closer to the network hosts for your game.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for PlayStation

Overall, we think ExpressVPN is the best VPN for the PlayStation console, followed closely by Surfshark and NordVPN. All three offer fast speeds and a useful spread of security features and streaming ability. We think there’s an option for every gamer among these three VPNs.

If Xbox is your preferred gaming console, we’ve also curated a list of the best VPNs for Xbox.

3 best VPNs for PlayStation 2024

Starting price Best for Learn more

ExpressVPN
Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) Best overall Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review


Surfshark
Starts at $2.29/mo Best budget VPN Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review


NordVPN
Starts at $3.99/mo Best for ease of use Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Prices as of 05/06/2023.

How we tested the best VPNs for PlayStation

To select the best VPN service providers for PlayStation, we looked at price, speed, number of servers and their location, and extra features. Price and speed are fairly self-explanatory. Server location impacts both privacy (due to the law in various countries) as well as performance (distance from your location). Finally, any extra privacy or gaming features did impact our rankings, but not significantly.

  • Speed: Since VPNs are routing your traffic through additional servers, they can slow down your connection. Some do this more than others, though.
  • Number of servers: More servers means more options for where to route your traffic and potentially better performance due to closer proximity.
  • Server locations: Having servers in multiple countries gives more flexibility for obscuring your location and improving privacy.
  • Additional features: Extra features like dedicated gaming servers, ad blockers, and other tools are always a plus.
Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
Save 49% (3 months free)
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
  • More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Author Details
Dave Schafer is a professional writer with a decade of experience specializing in cybersecurity. His expertise spans gadgets, technology, and the internet, with a focus on topics such as routers, hardware, and VPN product comparisons.