PS5 and Xbox Series X don't have native VPN apps, but gamers still need protection from DDoS attacks, ISP throttling, and geo-restrictions. We tested the top VPNs for console gaming — ExpressVPN (with its dedicated Aircove router), NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost — comparing speed, ping, setup ease, and value.
your playstation 5 or xbox series x is a powerful gaming machine, but there's one thing it can't do out of the box: run a VPN app. consoles don't have native VPN support1. that's a problem if you want to dodge DDoS attacks in competitive lobbies, stop your ISP from throttling your connection during big downloads, or access game servers in another region.
the good news? you've got three workarounds: set up a VPN on your router (whole-home protection), use Smart DNS, or share a VPN connection from a PC via hotspot1. we've sorted through the options so you can get back to gaming.
consoles are locked-down ecosystems. you can't install a VPN app on a PS5 or Xbox the way you would on a phone or laptop. that means the VPN has to live somewhere else in your network chain.
the three main approaches:
for most people, a VPN router is the cleanest solution. it's set-it-and-forget-it, and every device in the house benefits.
expressvpn is the gold standard for console gaming, and the reason is simple: they sell their own VPN routers. the Aircove and Aircove Go come pre-configured with ExpressVPN, so you plug them in, connect your console, and you're done1. no flashing firmware, no technical tinkering.
performance is top-tier too. expressvpn consistently posts low ping and fast speeds in independent tests, which matters when every millisecond counts in a firefight2. they also operate a strict no-logs policy, so your gaming sessions stay private.
best for: gamers who want the easiest possible setup and don't mind paying a premium for performance.
nordvpn is expressvpn's closest competitor, and in some speed tests it actually pulls ahead2. its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) delivers excellent throughput with minimal latency, making it a strong pick for competitive gaming.
nord doesn't sell its own router, but it's compatible with most major router firmware (DD-WRT, Tomato, AsusWRT). if you already have a capable router, flashing it with NordVPN is straightforward. you also get access to 6,000+ servers worldwide, so finding a nearby, low-ping node is easy.
best for: performance-focused gamers who already own a good router and want the fastest possible connection.
surfshark's killer feature is unlimited simultaneous connections. one subscription covers your PS5, Xbox, PC, phone, tablet, and anything else you own2. for households with multiple consoles and devices, that's a huge win.
it also offers a feature called CleanWeb that blocks ads and malware, and its NoBorders mode works well in restrictive regions. surfshark supports router configuration and offers a Smart DNS option, so you can route your console traffic without a full VPN tunnel if you prefer.
best for: families and multi-device households who want one subscription to cover everything.
cyberghost is the most affordable option on this list without feeling cheap. it has 9,700+ servers across 100 countries — the largest network here — so finding a nearby server with low ping is rarely an issue.
it offers dedicated gaming servers optimized for low latency, and its router setup is well-documented. the interface isn't as polished as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but the core performance is solid for the price.
best for: budget-conscious gamers who want a huge server network and reliable performance.
| dimension | expressvpn | nordvpn | surfshark | cyberghost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| speed | excellent | excellent | very good | good |
| console setup ease | plug & play (aircove) | router config | router / smart dns | router config |
| price tier | premium | premium | mid-range | budget |
| server count | 3,000+ | 6,000+ | 3,200+ | 9,700+ |
for gaming, latency matters more than raw download speed. a VPN adds a small amount of overhead because your traffic has to travel through an extra server. the best VPNs minimize this with optimized protocols (WireGuard-based like NordLynx or Lightway from ExpressVPN). look for a VPN with servers close to your physical location and your game's regional servers.
since consoles can't run VPN apps natively, router support is critical. if you don't want to configure a router yourself, ExpressVPN's Aircove is the easiest path. otherwise, check that the VPN supports DD-WRT, Tomato, AsusWRT, or your router's native firmware.
a VPN that logs your activity defeats the purpose. every VPN on this list has a verified no-logs policy, meaning they don't track what you do online. that's important not just for privacy, but also for avoiding ISP throttling — if your ISP can't see you're gaming, they can't slow you down.
if you want the simplest, most reliable setup for your PS5 or Xbox, expressvpn with the Aircove router is the answer. it's more expensive, but it removes all the friction. if you already have a good router and want max speed, nordvpn is your pick. for families with lots of devices, surfshark offers unbeatable value. and if you're on a budget, cyberghost gets the job done without breaking the bank.
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