A VPN encrypts your connection, preventing hackers and the government from tracking your online activities. It also allows you to get access to websites and services that aren’t available in your country.
2. PIA - Ton of servers world wide, but especially great in United States.***
3. NordVPN - The bigger the better! A great choice everywhere!***
4. ExpressVPN - Trusted by millions in over 180 countries!***
5. SurfShark - Amazing deal right now!***
6. PrivadoVPN - Exclusive deal - Cheapest 1 year deal online - ONLY through this link***
*** Offers money-back guarantee. So try them risk free!
Unfortunately, Sony doesn’t allow you to download a VPN app on PlayStation. However, there are some simple workarounds that you can use.
Streaming media
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that creates a private tunnel between your device and the site or service you’re connecting to. This tunnel can make it appear as though you’re connecting from a different location or even another country. This can be useful for streaming media, since a VPN can help you bypass restrictions or censorship imposed by some streaming services or websites.
Streaming media is any video or audio data that’s played over a network, such as the internet, instead of being stored locally on your computer or device for offline playback. It’s often used for movies, TV shows, and music. Some streaming services impose geographic restrictions on their content, making it available only in specific countries or regions. This can be frustrating for people who travel a lot and want to access their favorite shows or movies, but a VPN can solve the problem.
The best VPNs for streaming will work across a range of devices, including computers, tablets, phones, and streaming gadgets like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Nvidia Shield TV. A good choice will have native apps for each of these platforms, and it should also support the latest operating systems. It’s also a good idea to look for a VPN that works with most major streaming services.
Some streaming sites block VPN users because they don’t want them watching geo-blocked content, but this isn’t common and it’s usually possible to get around these blocks. However, it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the streaming service you’re using to see if using a VPN violates any policies.
The best VPNs for streaming will have a large server network, fast connection speeds, and easy-to-use apps. NordVPN is a great example of a VPN that offers all these features, and it’s one of the few that consistently works with Netflix. It’s also available on a wide range of streaming devices and has 24/7 live chat support. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is plenty of time to test it out.
Security
If you’re concerned about digital peeping Toms sniffing your private data while gaming online, you can protect yourself with a VPN. By rerouting your internet connection through the VPN, you can mask your IP address and hide your location. The VPN also offers a range of privacy features such as encrypting your data, so no one can see what you’re doing online.
Most VPN services have apps for your PlayStation and other devices. This makes it easy to set up a VPN connection on your console. To connect to a VPN on your PS4, open the XMB menu and select Settings. Click Network Settings and then Set Up Internet Connection. Select LAN Ethernet cable as the method, and then choose the VPN’s app to configure the connection. You’ll need to know your router’s IP address in order to enter this information. Once the connection is complete, you can start playing games with a different location or unblock Netflix content.
Some routers can be configured to automatically connect to a VPN service, making the process even easier. The most common option is Asus’ RT-AC68U, which supports a range of popular VPNs including NordVPN. It’s possible to get a similar result with other routers by flashing them with DD-WRT, a firmware that allows you to install OpenVPN apps. This can be tricky and time-consuming, but it’s worth it for a hassle-free VPN setup.
Another way to use a VPN on your PS4 is by connecting it directly to a computer that’s running the VPN software. The steps are the same as those for macOS, but you’ll need a computer with an ethernet port and an extra Ethernet cable.
First, you’ll need to sign up for a VPN service that’s compatible with the PS4. ExpressVPN is ideal for this purpose and can be purchased for under $50. Download the ExpressVPN app and follow the on-screen prompts to create an account and a subscription. Plug the Ethernet cable into your PC and then into your PS4. Launch the ExpressVPN app, connect to a server in a desired location, and then test your PS4’s internet connection to confirm that it’s working.
Privacy
If you’re concerned about privacy — whether you worry about data breaches on the PlayStation network or want to ensure your private online activities remain secure — a VPN can help. A VPN encrypts all internet traffic, which can reduce the risk of anyone intercepting your PS4’s activity, or listening to audio from its camera or microphone.
While Sony doesn’t allow you to install a VPN app directly on the console, there are a few workarounds. The simplest option is to set up a VPN on your router. This means that all devices in your home — including your PS4 — will use the encrypted connection. You can do this with most Asus routers, and you can find detailed instructions for setting up NordVPN on a DD-WRT router here.
Another option is to connect your PS4 directly to a computer running a VPN. This is a bit more complicated, but it may be worth it if your ISP imposes bandwidth restrictions or you’d like to access content that’s blocked in your region. For this, you’ll need a computer with an Ethernet port and a crossover cable. Download and install the VPN software on your PC (we recommend ExpressVPN), and then follow the setup guides to connect to a server location of your choice. Once you have your computer connected to a VPN, open the PS4’s Settings menu and select “Network Connection,” then choose “Set up Internet connection.” Select the LAN cable option when prompted, and confirm the selection when prompted. Once you’ve confirmed your selection, test the connection to make sure it works.
We recommend CyberGhost if you want better streaming (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, EPSN, Disney+, Eurosport and many others)
This method is a little more involved, but it can be an effective solution for those who don’t have a router that supports VPNs or prefer to use a wired connection. You’ll need a computer with an Ethernet ports and a crossover cable, as well as a reputable VPN provider. Once you have everything set up, your computer will essentially be acting as a virtual router, passing on the encrypted connection to your PS4. To configure the setup, head to the XMB and select “Settings,” then “Network Settings.” Select the Internet connection method you’d like to use and choose the LAN cable option when prompted.
Speed
In the case of gaming, using a VPN is not only good for your privacy and security, but it also improves performance by encrypting your data to prevent other players from spying on your connection. It can also get around internet service provider throttling, which is common for higher bandwidth activities like streaming video and gaming.
If you’re interested in trying a PlayStation VPN for yourself, make sure you use a reputable service like PureVPN. This VPN offers 6,500+ servers across the globe and a suite of must-have features to help you stay safe and enjoy your gaming experience with confidence.
VPN Price Comparison 2024
Company | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 2 Year | 3 Year | - |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CyberGhost | $12,99 | $6,99 | - | $2,19 | - | Visit Website |
NordVPN | $11,99 | - | $4,99 | $3,69 | - | Visit Website |
PIA | $11,99 | - | $3,3 | 2024 Deal right now: $2,03 (Doesn't get cheaper!) | $2,03 | Visit Website |
ExpressVPN | $12,95 | $9,99 | $8,32 | - | - | Visit Website |
SurfShark | $12,95 | - | $3,99 | $2,49 | - | Visit Website |
- | - | |||||
PrivadoVPN | $10,99 | - | $2,50 | $3,99 | - | Visit Website |
It’s possible to connect a VPN to your PS4 or PS5 by connecting your computer to the console via an Ethernet cable. To set this up, you’ll need to have a computer with an Ethernet port and a good VPN app that supports macOS. In macOS, go to System Preferences > Sharing, then click the “Internet Sharing” icon. Select your home network connection, then choose LAN (Ethernet) and the Easy Connection method. Connect your PS4 or PS5 to this network.
You can also use a computer to turn it into a virtual router. This is a bit more complicated, but it can be very effective. To do this, you’ll need a computer with an Ethernet port and ideally another wireless router that supports DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware. On your computer, open Command Prompt and type the following command: netsh wlan start hostednetwork xxxxxxx yyyyyy — replace xxxxxxx with the network name you want to use and yyyyy with a password.
Once you’ve done that, connect the second router to your computer via an Ethernet cable and configure it to work with the VPN. This will create a private network that all your devices can connect to, including your PS4 and PS5.
A VPN can do many things for your PS4, from improving gaming lag to unblocking new games in the PlayStation Store. It can even help you get around geo-restricted content by spoofing your location. However, there is one thing to keep in mind: Sony’s Terms of Service say that it may suspend your account if you give inaccurate information about your location.