5 Best PS4 VPNs & How to set up a VPN on PS4

If you love gaming and streaming on your PlayStation 4, you will freak out when you get a Playstation VPN. With a Virtual Private Network, your PS4 can tap into massive amounts of restricted content like the US Netflix catalog. In this guide, we show you how to set up a VPN on PS4 and list the five best PS4 VPNs. 

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 certain features in order to be effective, some of these are as follows:

• Fast servers - VPNs will slow down your internet connection, so a fast VPN will limit the damage and ensure you are still able to stream in HD and game without lag.
• 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 - VPNs are fantastic privacy tools and so it is important that your VPN implements encryption protocols to a high standard.

Best PS4 VPN services

Take a look at the table to see what our experts rated as the best VPN for PlayStation. For more information about the VPN services in our list scroll below for a summary of each VPN service, or click the links to the provider's website.

1. ExpressVPN - A great all around VPN | Consistently fast servers | great for unblocking content
2. NordVPN - Best VPN for PlayStation | Very secure | Unblock content with ease| Offers pre-flashed routers | Servers in 60 countries
3. CyberGhost VPN - Low price | Easy to use app | Strong encryption | Servers in 60 countries
4. VPNArea
5. PrivateVPN - Low cost plans| Great security features | Easy to use app

How to set up a PS4 VPN?

Method #1: Setup VPN on PS4

Share your VPN connection through your home router

Total time required: ~20 minutes (you will need admin access to your home router)

1. Sign up to one of the best PS4 VPN services on this page or head straight over to my personal favorite, ExpressVPN . Install the VPN software on your home PC.
2. Open your router’s control panel (check the router’s documentation to find it).
3. Find the Network/Setup/Settings/WAN tab in your router's control panel.

4. Enter the VPN setup details that were sent to you after you signed up to a service. This will probably be some combination of a username, password, and VPN server address. These are all provided at sign-up.
5. Confirm/accept/save these changes and close your router's control panel.
6. Boot up your PS4.
7. On the main PS4 menu screen, go to "Settings" followed by "Network Settings."
8. Click "Set up Internet Connection" and select "Use WiFi" when asked. Select "Easy" as the connection method.
9. Select your WiFi network from the list and connect with the relevant login details. Make sure the "Do Not Use a Proxy Server" box is ticked.
10. Test your connection to confirm everything works and you're all set!

Thinking about going with ExpressVPN for your PS4 system? Read up on the ExpressVPN PS4 VPN setup guide to ensure you don't run into any problems when setting up the service.

Method #2: Setup VPN on PS4

Share your PC's VPN connection with your PS4

Total time required: ~10 minutes (you will need an ethernet cable)

1. Sign up to one of the best PS4 VPN services on this page or head straight over to my personal favorite, ExpressVPN . Install the VPN software on your home PC.
2. Connect your PS4 to your PC with the ethernet cable.
3. Once connected, open the Control Panel on your PC. Navigate to the "Network and Sharing Center"
   and click on "Change Adaptor Settings" on the left sidebar.
4. Right-click on the VPN connection (the one you just installed on your PC) and click on "Properties." Go the "Sharing" tab.
5. Tick the "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection" box.
   Find the "Home networking connection" drop-down menu and select your home internet connection.
   

6. Connect to the VPN on your PC. Be sure to choose a server that fits your needs!
7. Boot up your PS4. On the main menu screen, go to "Settings" then "Network Settings."
8. Under "Network Settings," select "Set up Internet Connection." Choose "Use a LAN Cable" when asked.
9. Select the "Easy" connection method and confirm "Do Not Use a Proxy Server" when asked.
10. Accept and test your new settings and you are good to go!

The Best Playstation 4 VPNs - Summaries 

Check out the summaries below for an in-depth look at the best VPN for PlayStation in 2020. If you need more information about any of the services in this list, then check out our detailed VPN reviews. 

What is a Playstation VPN?

A Virtual Private Network is a service that permits people to pretend to be in a different country. Using a VPN in conjunction with a PlayStation lets anybody, anywhere unblock geo-restricted streams. Many TV station streams and online service must be blocked in certain regions due to copyright restrictions. Even services that can be purchased in your country - like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime TV - have vastly reduced catalogs in most countries. A PlayStation VPN lets you access all that content.

By connecting to a VPN server in a specific country, you appear to actually live there. This lets you play live games against players on foreign servers. This is great for people who want to play against people who speak specific languages (modern language students studying overseas, for example, who want to play against people in their own country).

By pretending to be in a different country using a Playstation VPN, users can also access more titles and also purchase game titles before they are officially released in their own country.

PlayStation VPN FAQs

The great thing about PS3 and PS4 systems is that it has inbuilt media player functionality. It also lets you install and use apps and services such as Netflix. It is for this reason, that a VPN is such a windfall. Not only can you access more apps for your Sony PlayStation, but you can also access more content on the apps 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 from the app list above, with a VPN you can access services such as PlayStation Now and HBO Go (which are both US only). Even free services such as YouTube and Vevo will massively improve thanks to a VPN. You will need a fast VPN service to unblock Youtube, Vevo, and other streaming services as a VPN can slow down your internet connection. This is because you will never have to worry about being served a "This video is not available in your country" notice. No matter which apps you like to use, a VPN will let you access more content than ever before. It is important to note if you're looking for a VPN for Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc. that all the services in our list unblock the service above. You may have trouble unblocking these services with other VPNs though.

Unblock Netflix on PlayStation

Most countries get a tiny Netflix library compared to the US. With a Playstation VPN, you can connect to a server in the US to watch 100% of Netflix titles from anywhere in the world. For some people that can mean an 85 percent increase in the number of movies and TV shows that are available!

Unblock Amazon Prime Instant Video on PlayStation

Amazon Prime Instant Video is another service that cannot show everything, everywhere. Due to licensing restrictions placed on it by copyright holders, it has to be strict about what can be viewed in each country. 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

Many people around the world love Spotify. Sadly, however, Spotify is only available in 59 countries. That means that millions of people are unable to access the popular music streaming service. What's more, for licensing restriction some music is not available in those 59 countries. In addition, some places cannot access Apple Music.

With a VPN for PS4, you can pretend to be in the US to access the entire Spotify catalog (including Apple music) to listen to vast amounts of music on your PlayStation.

Get early access to PlayStation Games

When new games are released, sometimes certain countries get them first. This can be frustrating, especially if it is a game you are desperate to play. A great example is Japanese and Korean RPGs, which are released months later around the world.

The good news is that by using a VPN, you can pretend to be in any other country to get early access to games. That way you can play any game first - just like the lucky gamers living there!

Play More Games

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.

Using a VPN router with PlayStation

Unfortunately, it is not possible to install a VPN directly onto a PlayStation. However, this doesn't stop thousands upon thousands of Ps4 owners from enjoying the advantages of a VPN. By installing a VPN on a DD-WRT router, all the devices in your home - including your PlayStation - are automatically serviced by the VPN. The router connects to the VPN server in the country of your choice, which means that your Playstation automatically appears to be in that country.

It is also protected with VPN encryption, which means that your data is completely private. This is awesome because it means your ISP has no idea that you are accessing restricted content on your PS4.

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

Another advantage of using a Playstation VPN can be reduced lagging. When you connect to a server to play online gaming - distance can cause bad "ping" rates. This can result, for example, in the effect where you shoot someone first (for example) but despite this their bullet kills you first. This phenomenon is extremely infuriating, and a VPN can help in some circumstances.

By connecting to a server close to where the gaming server is, or located between you and the server you can reduce ping rates or even rout your internet in a slightly faster way. Please be aware that this won't always work for everyone, everywhere. So if you do suffer from lagging we recommend using a VPN trial (or money-back guarantee) to see if it helps you. If it doesn't work out, you can always cancel and get your 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 be sure to stick to one of our recommended VPNs if you don't want to be seriously disappointed by an 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!