The PS5 doesn't support VPN apps natively, but you can still secure your gaming and unblock geo-restricted content using SmartDNS or a router VPN. We tested the top services for speed, latency, and ease of setup — here are the best VPNs for PS5 in 2025.
Your PlayStation 5 is a powerful machine, but it has one blind spot: it doesn't support VPN apps natively. That means you can't just install a VPN like you would on a PC or phone. Instead, you have two workarounds — SmartDNS (great for unblocking streaming content with zero speed loss) and router-level VPN (full encryption for every device on your network).1
The good news? Both approaches work well, and the best VPNs for PS5 handle them effortlessly. Here's who does it best.
| Pick | Speed | SmartDNS | Router Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Excellent | ✅ | ✅ | $$ |
| ExpressVPN | Excellent | ✅ (MediaStreamer) | ✅ | $$$ |
| Surfshark | Great | ✅ | ✅ | $ |
| CyberGhost | Good | ✅ | ✅ | $ |
NordVPN tops our list because it nails everything a PS5 gamer needs: blistering speeds, low latency, and reliable SmartDNS support for unblocking streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer on your console.1
Its router-level setup is straightforward, and Nord's massive server network (over 6,000 servers in 111 countries) means you'll almost always find a nearby node with minimal ping. For competitive gaming, that matters — every millisecond counts.
Specs:
If you want the simplest possible setup, ExpressVPN is your pick. Its MediaStreamer feature is a SmartDNS service that requires zero configuration on the PS5 itself — just enter the DNS addresses in your network settings and you're done.2
ExpressVPN also has excellent router firmware (it's one of the few VPNs that offers a custom router firmware), making full-device encryption a breeze. Speeds are consistently among the fastest we've tested, and its Lightway protocol keeps latency impressively low.
Specs:
Surfshark is the budget king for a specific reason: unlimited simultaneous connections. If you have multiple consoles, a PC, phones, and a smart TV in the house, Surfshark lets you protect them all under one subscription.2
It offers SmartDNS support for unblocking geo-locked content on PS5, and its CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers at the router level — a nice bonus for a cleaner browsing experience on your console's web browser.
Specs:
CyberGhost stands out with specialized gaming servers that are optimized for low ping and high stability. While all the VPNs on this list work for gaming, CyberGhost's dedicated gaming profile takes the guesswork out of finding the right server.1
It also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (longer than most), giving you plenty of time to test it with your specific ISP and region.
Specs:
Gaming VPNs aren't just about privacy. Here's what you actually get:
��️ DDoS protection. If you play competitive shooters (Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Overwatch), a VPN hides your real IP address, making it much harder for salty opponents to DDoS you offline.1
�� Geo-unblocking. Want to access the US Netflix library from Europe? Or play a game that's region-locked? SmartDNS on PS5 lets you bypass these blocks without slowing down your connection.2
⚡ Low ping matters. Not all VPNs are equal here. A poorly configured VPN can add 20–50ms of latency, which is noticeable in fast-paced games. The picks above all prioritize speed and have been tested for gaming performance.
You have two options:
Router setup is more involved, but it protects your entire home network, not just the console.2
The PS5 may not have native VPN support, but that doesn't mean you have to go unprotected. NordVPN is our top pick for its balance of speed, SmartDNS reliability, and server coverage. If you want the easiest setup, go with ExpressVPN. For households with multiple consoles, Surfshark is unbeatable value. And if you're a competitive gamer who wants ping-optimized servers, CyberGhost has you covered.
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