With a Virtual Private Network, your PS4 can tap into massive amounts of restricted content like the US Netflix catalog, save you money on games, and let you play games blocked in your location. In this guide, we show you how to set up a VPN on PS4 and list the five best VPNs for PS4.
What are the best VPNs for PS4?
With a VPN for PlayStation 4, you can play more games and access titles before they're officially released in your country. However, gaming VPN services must have particular features to be effective, we list these below:
- Fast servers - VPNs will slow down your internet connection slightly. A fast VPN will limit this reduction and ensure you are able to stream in HD and game without lagging.
- A large server network - If you want to connect to your favorite streaming sites or buy games, you will need servers in the countries you wish to connect to.
- Must offer a range of Encryption Protocols - Some VPN encryption protocols are faster than others, therefore, it is beneficial to have several options to choose from. OpenVPN is the most secure VPN encryption protocol, however, it is not the fastest.
- Strong encryption - reliable VPNs are a fantastic privacy tool as long as they provide up-to-date encryption that is implemented to a high standard.
- ExpressVPN - A great all around VPN | Consistently fast servers | great for unblocking content and games
- CyberGhost VPN - Low price | Easy to use app | Strong encryption
- Private Internet Access - Budget-friendly | Court-proven no logs policy | Strong encryption
- Surfshark - Value for money | Unlimited simultaneous connections | Plenty of features
- VyprVPN - VyprDNS | Owns its own infrastructure | Fast speeds
Set up a VPN on PS4
If you already have a VPN subscription and you want to know how to set the VPN up on your PlayStation, please read how to set up a VPN on PS4.
Best PS4 VPN services - In-depth Analysis
Take a look at the table to see what our experts rated as the best VPNs for PlayStation in 2020. If you need more information about any of the services in this list, then check out our detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is a fantastic all-round VPN with lightening fast servers to keep you gaming ExpressVPN is a solid provider, superb for any gamer who owns a PlayStation 4. It provides the essential combination of fast servers, strong encryption, and solid customer support - all backed up with a 30-day money-back guarantee. With ExpressVPN you get servers in 94 different countries, which is great news for accessing foreign servers, unblocking geo-restricted services, bypassing censorship, or buying games from overseas. ExpressVPN can be manually installed or purchased pre-installed on a router; which makes it work seamlessly with your PlayStation without needing to set it up. Alternatively, you can install it on any of the individual devices you own. ExpressVPN also throws in a smart DNS service for free, which makes it extremely versatile for geo-spoofing purposes. We love the no logs policy you get with this VPN, and its 24/7 lice chat support. And you can install this VPN on up to 5 devices at the same time. It's definitely worth testing using its risk-free money-back guarantee. CyberGhost VPN is a cheap service with an easy to use app CyberGhost is highly trusted and reliable VPN provider that keeps improving each year. It has over 1000 servers in over 90 countries that are both fast for gaming and ideal streaming Netflix on your PS4. Customer support is superb, with a proven track record that rivals even the VPN services out there. Plus this VPN has apps for all platforms that will give you data privacy both at home and on public WiFi. With CyberGhost you get the benefit of a no logs policy, and you can install the VPN on up to 7 devices simultaneously. In addition, this VPN represents superb value for money; particularly if you subscribe for a longer period of time. Fantastic speeds, strong encryption, easy-to-use clients, and a 45-day money-back guarantee are all reasons why CyberGhost might be the right fit for your PS4. Click on the link below to give this service a test using its generous money-back guarantee! PIA’s reputation for protecting its users privacy is legendary (and proven in court) Private Internet Access (PIA) might be a US-based VPN provider, but its strong no logs policy has been proven in court, meaning privacy concerns are a thing of the past. It is a little slower than some of the better PS4 VPNs on this list, but is budget-friendly and offers a range of features - including an impressive 10 simultaneous connections. PIA has even increased its previous 7-day trial to a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it for yourself risk-free, and get a refund during the first month, no questions asked Surfshark is an all-singing-all-dancing VPN service for a rock-bottom price Surfshark has taken the VPN market by storm for such a new provider, keeping absolutely no logs, and packing its service with a shed load of useful bells-and-whistles. Its headline feature has to be unlimited simultaneous connections, which is unheard of from other legitimate VPNs, but including Smart DNS, split tunneling, static IP addresses, DNS adblocking, MultiHop, and the ability to unblock US Netflix and BBC iPlayer makes it incredible value for money. There is very little this service doesn’t do (and well), which makes its highly competitive pricing all the more impressive. Try it for yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee. VyprVPN is a robust VPN that has servers globally and watertight privacy features to keep your data secure VyprVPN comes in as another worthy provider on this list of the best VPNs for PS4. VyprVPN owns and operates all of its own hardware, which takes away a lot of concerns about speeds and reliability on the network. There’s also an optional VyprDNS service, which is great news for those looking to unblock Netflix, YouTube, and similar services on their PlayStation 4. VyprVPN also has an app for Tomato routers, which allows you to easily get your PS4, smart TV, and other devices all onto the VPN network. Only want your PlayStation connecting to the VPN? No problem! VyprVPN’s router app allows you to easily manage individual device settings. Try out VyprVPN for PS4 using the link below.
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Why do I need a VPN for gaming?
Using a VPN on your PS4 will improve your gaming experience. But, if you're still unsure of why you might need one, then check out our why do I need a VPN for gaming guide.
What is a Playstation VPN?
A Virtual Private Network is a service that lets you to pretend to be in a different country. Using a VPN with a PlayStation lets anybody, anywhere, unblock geo-restricted streams, websites, gaming servers, and other online content.
Many TV station streams and online service are blocked in particular regions because of copyright restrictions. Even services that can be purchased locally, like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime TV, have massively reduced catalogs in certain places. A PlayStation VPN lets you access that extra content.
By connecting to a VPN server in a specific country, you appear to actually live there. This lets you play online games against players on foreign servers. This is great for people who want to play against people who speak different languages (expats or modern language students, for example).
By pretending to be in a different country using a Playstation VPN, users can potentially access more titles or purchase games before they are officially released in their own country.
What Can I Unblock with a VPN for PS4?
The great thing about PS3 and PS4 systems is that they have an inbuilt media player. It also lets you install and use apps and services like Netflix, access more apps for your Sony PlayStation, and can access more content on the services you already have.
Here are just some of the apps that you could access more content on if you subscribe to one of our recommended Playstation VPNs:
- PlayStation Vue
- PlayStation Now
- Netflix
- Spotify
- Hulu
- Amazon Instant Video
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Plex Pass
- IGN
- WWE Network
- Vevo
- HBO Go
- Crunchyroll
As you can see, a VPN will let you unblock services such as PlayStation Now and HBO Go - which are both US only. Even free services such as YouTube and Vevo are better with a VPN.
However, please bear in mind that you will need a fast VPN service to unblock YouTube, Vevo, and other streaming services. Our recommended services are ideal, and will ensure that you never need to worry about being served a "This video is not available in your country" notice.
Unblock Netflix on PlayStation
Using a Playstation VPN, you can connect to a server almost anywhere in the world to watch shows that aren't available in your country. The US Netflix library is the largest in the world, and by connecting to a VPN server in the US, you can unblock all these shows. In some places a VPN can result in an 85% increase in the number of movies and TV shows that are available! See our VPN for Netflix page for more information.
Unblock Amazon Prime Instant Video on PlayStation
Amazon Prime Instant Video is another service that cannot show everything, everywhere, due to license restrictions. With a VPN for PlayStation, you can pretend to be in a different country to access large amounts of extra content on Amazon. See our Amazon prime guide for information about using a VPN with prime and to find out what the best VPN for amazon prime is.
Unblock Spotify on PlayStation
Spotify is awesome if you love to listen to music. Unfortunately, however, Spotify is only available in 59 countries. As a result, millions of people are missing out on this popular music streaming service. Even people that can access Spotify may be missing out on some songs, because of licensing restrictions. There might not even be an alternative for people either, as in other places, consumers cannot access Apple Music or SoundCloud.
With a VPN for PS4, you can pretend to be in the US to access the entire Spotify catalog (or Apple Music and SoundCloud) to listen to vast amounts of music on your PlayStation.
Get early access to PlayStation Games
When new games are released, certain countries may get them first. This can be annoying, particularly if it is a game you have been waiting a long time to play. A great example is Japanese and Korean RPGs, which are sometimes released months later around the world.
The good news? With a VPN, you can pretend to be in a different country to get early access to games. As a result you can play any game as soon as it is released - just like the lucky gamers living there!
Play More Games PS4 games with a VPN
In addition, some PS4 games are banned entirely in some places. Did you know Battlefield 4 is banned in China? How about Vietnam outlawing Mega Man 5 for having an "offensive game boss?"
Sadly, these types of bans are common. However, with a VPN you can overcome regional restrictions and enjoy the full PlayStation game library. Simply connect to a VPN server where the game isn't banned, and you can start playing right away! For more information about unblocking content in China, take a look at our best VPNs for China guide.
Protect your PS4 from hackers with a VPN
The encryption that a VPN provides doesn't just stop ISPs from tracking what you do online, it also conceals your real IP address (digital location). This stops hackers and cybercriminals from hacking your PS4 and the PlayStation Network account you have on it.
Sadly, there have been a growing amount of cases involving PS4 users being hacked. A case in 2016 even cost a PS4 user several hundred dollars. If you don't want to lose money a VPN is the perfect solution.
A VPN can stop malevolent gamers from launching DDoS attacks at you - to ruin your chances of winning a game.
Reduce lagging on your PS4 with a VPN
One of the best things about using a Playstation VPN is that it can reduce lagging. When you connect to an online server to play a game, the distances involved can cause bad "ping" rates. This can result in problems (such as when you shoot someone first but somehow they still kill you). This phenomenon is extremely infuriating, and a VPN can sometimes resolve it.
By connecting to a server closer to where the game server is, or a sever located between you and the game server, you can potentially reduce your ping. However, please be aware that this won't always work for everyone. If you do suffer from lagging, we recommend truing a VPN trial (or money-back guarantee) to see if it improves your performance. If it doesn't work out, you can always cancel and get a full refund.
Playstation VPNs - Conclusion
In this article, we have described everything you need to know about getting a VPN for PlayStation 4. To use a VPN with a Playstation you will need a lightning-fast VPN, so please stick to one of our recommended VPNs if you don't want to be seriously disappointed by a slow, unsuitable service.
Finally, although you don't necessarily need a VPN to enjoy your PS4 system, there can be no doubt that using one will massively enhance your PS4 experience. This is especially true if you live in a country where particular games or streaming services are unavailable.
What's more, because the fast VPNs for PlayStation we recommend in this article all have trial periods and money-back guarantees - you can see what all the fuss is about by testing the VPNs yourself without risking any of your cash. Simply subscribe to one of the VPNs (or test out a few) and ask for your money back. You can always decide on your favorite VPN later on!