5 Best VPNs for Xbox Consoles: How to Get a VPN on Xbox in 2023

Xbox is among the most-played gaming consoles out there, and there’s no denying that its current lineup is extra-powerful. Also, it’s no surprise that many also use it as an entertainment hub, since Xbox gives you access to countless streaming apps as well. And we think you can get even more out of your gaming console using an Xbox VPN. 

Investing in a reliable VPN for Xbox can open up a whole host of privacy benefits. You can use it to keep your online activities encrypted, circumvent geo-restrictions on sites and services along with dodging the data throttling of your ISPs. 

On top of that, a VPN can help you lower your ping and keep your latency in check. And if you know how to connect to the right servers, Xbox VPN can also protect you from DDoS attacks and swatting, which are pretty common threats among gamers.

Unfortunately, Xbox doesn’t natively support VPNs. So, you can either set up a VPN on your router or use your laptop as a virtual router. Both methods work efficiently for Xbox One X, One S, Series X, and Series S. 

We understand sifting through the best VPN services to find one that suits your need could be challenging. That is why, to simplify things, we have rounded up the top 5 VPNs for Xbox you can try right now. 

Let’s jump right in!

How to Get a VPN on Xbox

Setting up an Xbox VPN requires a few more steps than just downloading a VPN app. In most cases, you’ll need to change your Xbox’s DNS settings to re-route its traffic through your VPN provider. Here’s how that’s done: 

1. Subscribe to an Xbox VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Via ExpressVPN’s dashboard (on its website), go to “DNS Settings.”
3. Click “Register my IP address” and “Automatically Register My IP Address.”
4. Go to “Set Up Other Devices” and make a note of your MediaStreamer IP. 
5. On your Xbox, go to Settings > General > Network Settings.
6. Now, go to Advanced Settings > DNS Settings and select “Manual.”
7. Here, type in the DNS address from ExpressVPN’s dashboard.
8. Finally, restart your Xbox. That’s it!

For more detailed steps, follow our guide on how to set up ExpressVPN on Xbox, especially if you’d like to check other available methods of getting your VPN on Xbox. 

Best Xbox VPN

Since Xbox doesn’t natively support VPNs, make sure the service you choose has a straightforward set-up for routers. Additionally, speed and privacy should be priorities here. That is why giving importance to the widespread network, and strong unblocking features along with reliable support is a clever idea. Also, ensure the provider has at least a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.

Following the criteria set above, here are the 5 best Xbox VPN services:

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Xbox VPN
2. NordVPN - Best for High-End Security & Privacy
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best for Privacy & Entertainment
4. Private Internet Access - Advanced VPN for Xbox Series X and Series S
5. IPVanish - Best Fully-Automated VPN for Xbox

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Xbox VPN

ExpressVPN is the best Xbox VPN available today - offering a whole range of features that promise to transform your gaming experience. With access to 3,000+ servers across 94+ countries, you can surely improve your streaming and gaming sessions both in terms of speed and stability. 

When in doubt, you can also use its built-in speed test for selecting the best server. At the same time, ExpressVPN’s unlimited bandwidth lets you enjoy games and streaming apps without capping your speed. Unblocking streaming platforms is a one-step process with this VPN, as it lets you access BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu without any hiccups.

Since ExpressVPN does not have a native app for Xbox, installing it on a router or using it via MediaStreamer might get confusing. That is why it offers a dedicated router VPN app if you need it. Anyhow, there are well-written guides on ExpressVPN’s support page, and if you want more help, its 24x7 support is pretty reliable for the task.  

In our testing, ExpressVPN has performed better than any other provider when it comes to gaming on Xbox. If you are not sure about purchasing this Xbox VPN, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

2. NordVPN - Best for High-End Security & Privacy

NordVPN is a well-known VPN brand. As a top player, you would expect it to work great as an Xbox VPN too and you would be right. This one is a powerful service with a reasonably priced subscription. When it comes to using it on Xbox, you can either connect via a router or use SmartDNS. We found the setup process pretty simple to follow.

With 5,000+ servers across 59 countries, NordVPN gives you plenty of options to pick from. The speeds are impressive, especially with its NordLynx protocol. And, of course, it comes with unlimited bandwidth, ensuring you don’t have to think twice before playing your favorite gaming title. 

You can also access streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix without an error. Its unique feature, Double VPN, sends your online traffic via two servers for improved privacy. And since you plan to use it on an Xbox, it’s good to know that NordVPN offers nice security including DNS leak protection, as well as 24x7 support. 

Apart from ExpressVPN, there aren’t many players that can challenge NordVPN today. If you want a reliable partner to help you out of throttling and attacks, NordVPN is a worthy service to explore. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, testing it becomes all that easy.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best for Privacy & Entertainment

CyberGhost is known for its massive network of 9,000 servers in 90 countries. This alone should be enough to convince users who are looking for a service specifically for unblocking streaming platforms on Xbox; Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It even offers dedicated gaming and streaming servers to provide you with the speed you need. 

There are also plenty of unique features that are great for gaming, like CyberGhost’s server load and Smart Rules. Couple that with a reliable kill switch to keep you safe during sudden network drops. On top of that, it can save you from ISP throttling and online threats like DDoS attacks while encrypting your data.

While you can buy a router with a pre-installed CyberGhost VPN, setting it up is fairly simple too. Once you set it up, you are set for gaming on your Xbox. Having that said, the guides on CyberGhost’s support pages are a bit outdated. If you find yourself stuck with an error, you can always reach out to its 24x7 customer support team. 

While it is a great gaming VPN, it could work just as well with anything that requires swift connections. With industry-standard security features and for the price, it is a real steal. And with a 45-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost is certainly worth considering.

4. Private Internet Access - Advanced VPN for Xbox Series X and Series S

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a privacy-focused VPN for Xbox. It is fast and secure and can be used both for gaming as well as streaming on your console. Thanks to its SmartDNS feature, you can virtually locate yourself around the world directly from your Xbox. 

With 84 countries on its network, unblocking services and gaming titles is a cakewalk. Especially considering how it gives you a new IP address in just a click. You can even use its dedicated IP address feature for accessing restricted content - making sure you are not burdened with CAPTCHAs and congested servers. 

With 10 simultaneous connections, there is enough support to cover all your devices. But if you are setting PIA up on a router, that should not be an issue. 

By encrypting your online traffic, PIA also prevents your gaming sessions from ISP throttling. Apart from that, there is help from its NextGen server infrastructure, which protects you against DDoS attacks. 

Let’s not forget that PIA is an open-source provider, delivering way more configurability than any other provider on the list. With 10+ years in the market, PIA is a reliable name that comes with expert-level support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This only means you can try this service with complete peace of mind.

5. IPVanish - Best Fully-Automated VPN for Xbox

IPVanish definitely deserves to be considered one of the best VPNs for Xbox. Thanks to its improved security including DNS leak protection, streaming features, and affordable plans - it has pretty much everything you might expect from a top service. 

Now, add over 2,000+ servers across 75+ locations worldwide, and you might start to see why IPVanish is on our list. The service is also known for managing and owning its own servers rather than renting them out from a third party. This gives the VPN more control over how the network is run and set up but also incentivizes privacy. 

Additionally, all its servers are P2P-friendly, which further tightens its privacy chokehold. Not forgetting the stable connections that it offers with both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol, which is what makes IPVanish such a treat to use with Xbox.

During our tests, we found its support pretty quick to respond - usually replying within a few minutes. Furthermore, IPVanish provides a host of support guides. In case you have a specific question, there is also email support. What’s more is that it also offers phone support, which is rare in the VPN industry. 

Considering its audited policy, strong all-around features, and price that is better than most of the competition, it is well worth a try. 

Why Do I Need a VPN for Xbox?

You need an Xbox VPN primarily for protecting your privacy whether you are gaming, streaming, or surfing the net. Here are some of the other reasons why you might need a VPN for Xbox: 

• Unlocking Services: Unblocking gaming titles, or foreign libraries and services that are not available in your country is possible using a VPN. You can also use it for connecting to a server found closer to your physical location for better speeds.
• Safe Gaming: Protecting yourself from DDoS attacks and swatting is important while gaming. A VPN does that for you by hiding your location. All our recommended VPNs come with a kill switch and DNS leak protection as an extra layer of security. 
• Privacy: Encrypting your online data is equally important to keep you protected against attacks. You can do this by using a VPN with an audited no-logs policy. This means no matter what you do on your Xbox, a third party can never decode your activities.
• Speed: Whether you are using your Xbox for gaming or streaming, stable and fast connections are crucial for uninterrupted sessions. The VPNs in this guide offer unlimited bandwidth and some of the fastest network connections on the market.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Xbox?

Yes, technically, you can use a free Xbox VPN. But a free VPN service is never a wise choice, especially if you plan to use it for gaming. 

Since you cannot directly install a VPN on your console, it’s impractical to tie an Xbox to a free VPN-protected Wi-Fi router. The lack of manual configurations is the primary reason for that. Apart from that, there are not many free services that offer unlimited bandwidth. 

Most users who look for free services have budget restrictions. The easy way is to simply sign up for a paid service and use its trial window. Still, if you must use a free service, take a look at our list of free VPN services and find the one that could work with your Xbox.

Final Thoughts

The newest generation of Xbox consoles is designed for premium gaming and streaming experience. And using a VPN with your Xbox and connecting to the right servers can take that experience to the next level, along with protecting your online sessions. 

Our recommended VPN for Xbox is ExpressVPN, which tops the list for its fast and stable servers across 90+ countries. You can also rest assured that you’ll avoid ISP throttling. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24x7 support, its reliability is unparalleled.

That would be all on the best VPN for Xbox. If you have any questions, know that we’re here for you. So, make sure to use the comments section below. Thank you for reading!