PlayStation is one of the biggest gaming brands in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune from the trials and tribulations of the modern-day internet.
Many millions of PlayStation users take advantage of a VPN to enhance their gaming experience on a PS4 or a PS5, and to keep them safe and secure.
In this guide, we’re breaking down three of the best VPN providers for PlayStation users in 2024.
Why use a VPN for PlayStation?
Like any other practice that’s facilitated by a global network, playing games online can be a risky thing these days.
There are malicious operators out there willing to steal your data or disrupt your entertainment.
Not only that but some publishers and developers want to block you from accessing certain content based on your region or they want to prohibit you from playing with people too far away from where you live.
By using a gaming VPN, you can get online in complete safety. This will route your PlayStation’s traffic through a secure and remote server that’ll keep you protected from DDoS attacks and data scrapers, amongst other things.
With a good provider, you can circumvent geographic-based blockers, accessing store content not usually available to you or connecting to servers in other parts of the world to play against gamers in distant countries.
What factors should I consider when choosing a PlayStation VPN?
Firstly, you’ll want to secure a PlayStation VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth. That means you’ll be able to play games online for hours without worrying about pesky data limits or disingenuous pay-as-you-go bolt-ons.
It’s also important to ensure that your PlayStation VPN has a wide server network – if you can find one that’s optimized for gaming, you’re in the best position possible.
Also, making sure that your provider has solid reviews and a great reputation is paramount.
Not only will this effectively guarantee you’re getting the best product possible, but it’ll also mean that there’s a vast consumer network out there to assist you with any issues you might have.
Finally, do due diligence and study your desired VPN provider, checking that they have rigorous encryption protocols and security features that’ll suit your needs.
You can’t install a VPN client natively on a PlayStation console, but be sure to check that the VPN you want is compatible with your choice of installation elsewhere.
NordVPN
NordVPN is arguably the most prolific and visible VPN provider in the world.
It boasts a remarkable network of highly optimized servers that operate under total security, using some of the toughest encryption protocols in the business.
Advantages of using NordVPN for PlayStation
NordVPN has 6400 servers worldwide, so there will always be one that you can connect to when it comes time to play games online.
These servers – both digital and physical – are optimized for streaming and gaming. In the best of cases, you’ll find that your ping and potentially even your overall network speed are boosted a little.
NordVPN is a versatile and accessible VPN platform, which means that even for the most novice tech heads, it’s easy to set up and work with.
Once you’ve installed your VPN, you’ll be able to connect to it with a PlayStation console and get online in a matter of minutes.
Finally, NordVPN is one of the most secure providers in the world, utilising a mix of proprietary and third-party, open-source protocols to keep your data and activities safe, secure, and hidden from prying eyes.
And of course, using NordVPN can get you access to restricted store items and servers in parts of the world you’d usually be blocked from connecting to.
How much does NordVPN cost?
NordVPN operates a tiered subscription service, which means you can only pay for what you need to get online under the security of a VPN, or you can go full-out and pick up the Ultimate package that’s bursting with benefits.
If you secure a Basic package for a two-year duration, you’ll be paying the equivalent of $2.89 per month.
By comparison, the Ultimate package is $5.69 a month but comes with cloud storage, breach scanners, and recovery tools.
If you’d rather pay month-by-month, the Basic tier costs around $10.39 and the Ultimate tier approximately $13.09.
NordVPN boasts a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund within a month of setting up your subscription.
How to install NordVPN on PlayStation
There’s no way to install NordVPN natively on any PlayStation console, so here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Access NordVPN’s website and set up a subscription, securing your log-in credentials
- Open a web browser and type in your IP address to access your router’s configuration menu
- Navigate to the VPN tab of your configuration panel and set it up to work with your new NordVPN account
- Connect to a server of your choosing to encrypt all the data flowing through your home router
- Switch on your PlayStation console, connect to the router, and enjoy the benefits of NordVPN
What versions of PlayStation is NordVPN compatible with?
| PlayStation 3 (all models) | PlayStation 4 (all models) | PlayStation 5 (all models) |
CyberGhost
Aside from having one of the most enigmatic names in the business, CyberGhost offers a near-unparalleled service when it comes to safety and security.
This super-powered VPN provider offers a wide array of benefits for a low monthly cost, and the entire brand is modeled around anonymity and affordability.
It’s a diverse and dynamic service that’s compatible with many devices, including PlayStation consoles.
Advantages of using CyberGhost for PlayStation
CyberGhost will allow you to play PlayStation games online under a banner of security, keeping your data protected at all times.
Not only that but it’ll guarantee you access to servers that might otherwise be out of your reach, which in some games can block you from playing with your friends in other countries.
It’ll also get you access to stores set up to facilitate other regions, which means you could access content that’s otherwise inaccessible to you in your home country.
In some cases, that means you’ll be able to get access to certain things earlier than you usually would.
Further, playing on PlayStation with a CyberGhost VPN means that you can boost your network speed, avoid ISP throttling, and reduce your ping. This makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
CyberGhost offers unlimited bandwidth as standard, so you’ll never need to worry about hitting an upper limit when using the client.
How much does CyberGhost cost?
This is one of the most affordable VPN providers in the business.
With a two-year CyberGhost subscription, you can get access to the full service for as little as $1.92 per month (equivalent).
If you want to pay month-on-month, it’ll be around $10.89 per month, so it’s better value for money to pay for a bulk subscription.
If you’re worried about investing without trying the service, fear not – CyberGhost offers a no-strings, 45-day money-back guarantee.
How to install CyberGhost on PlayStation
There’s no way to install CyberGhost natively on any PlayStation console, so here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Access CyberGhost’s website and set up a subscription, securing your log-in credentials
- Open a web browser and type in your IP address to access your router’s configuration menu
- Navigate to the VPN tab of your configuration panel and set it up to work with your new CyberGhost account
- Connect to a server of your choosing to encrypt all the data flowing through your home router
- Switch on your PlayStation console, connect to the router, and enjoy the benefits of CyberGhost
What versions of PlayStation is CyberGhost compatible with?
| PlayStation 3 (all models) | PlayStation 4 (all models) | PlayStation 5 (all models) |
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a solution that offers best-in-class encryption and industry-leading support services.
It’s a full-fledged VPN platform with a global network that’s perfect for playing games online on PlayStation and reaping the benefits.
With solid encryption protocols and years in the business, ExpressVPN is one of the best options for PlayStation users.
Advantages of using ExpressVPN with PlayStation
ExpressVPN guarantees your safety online, routing your traffic through secure servers backed up by some of the most rigid encryption protocols in the business today.
It is a tried and tested solution with features that keep you safe while gaming online, such as a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and multi-device protection.
With an ExpressVPN client installed, you can access content otherwise blocked off from your region. You might be able to get access to games or expansions early, and you’ll be permitted to play with gamers in other countries – or continents.
Everything you do on PlayStation through an ExpressVPN server will be kept safe, secure, and hidden – which is exactly why you’d want to subscribe to the service in the first place.
Also, you may be able to lower your ping and boost your speeds thanks to ExpressVPN’s optimised global server network.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
This provider offers a single tier that includes everything they offer.
The cheapest solution is to secure an ExpressVPN subscription for 12 months, which will cost you around $6.80 per month. Alternatively, you can go month-by-month and pay around $10.58 per month.
Every option comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re unsatisfied with ExpressVPN for whatever reason, you can get a no-quibble refund at the press of a button.
How to install ExpressVPN on PlayStation?
There’s no way to install ExpressVPN natively on any PlayStation console, so here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Access ExpressVPN’s website and set up a subscription, securing your log-in credentials
- Open a web browser and type in your IP address to access your router’s configuration menu
- Navigate to the VPN tab of your configuration panel and set it up to work with your new ExpressVPN account
- Connect to a server of your choosing to encrypt all the data flowing through your home router
- Switch on your PlayStation console, connect to the router, and enjoy the benefits of ExpressVPN
What versions of PlayStation is ExpressVPN compatible with?
| PlayStation 3 (all models) | PlayStation 4 (all models) | PlayStation 5 (all models) |
Staying safe online when playing PlayStation and accessing content you otherwise wouldn’t be able to is blissfully easy with the right VPN.
Using a VPN to circumvent these blockers and to protect your data online just makes sense, and securing a subscription to one of these top-tier providers will boost your gaming experience to no end.
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