5 Best VPNs for Xbox One | Set up VPN on Xbox One in 2022
Need access to the best VPN for Xbox? Competing with the likes of PlayStation, Nintento, and PC games, Xbox has achieved considerable success in the gaming industry. However, the gaming console is not free from security and privacy issues, especially when online.
You may fall victim to DDoS attacks, swatting hoaxes, and other viruses/malware without proper protection. At the same time, there are plenty of geo-blocked MMO games that remains inaccessible to audiences in different countries.
Moreover, gaining access to geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu with your Xbox is another matter to think about.
Finding a good VPN for Xbox is not that simple as the device cannot run native VPN apps. However, you can install a VPN directly on your router or create a virtual router using your computer to make things work.
A VPN will encrypt your traffic ensuring online privacy from any potential threats. It will also allow you to unblock games and content that is not available in your country.
For all these issues, it is a wise option to get an Xbox VPN for receiving unmatched protection and unblocking capabilities.
But not all VPNs offer competitve speeds, strong security, or optimized servers for unblocking major streaming platforms. Therefore, we come up with the 5 best Xbox VPN for you. You can use these VPN providers to get a uninterrupted gaming experience playing games like Call of Duty, PUBG, Fortnite, Roobet, etc.
So without any further ado, let’s get started!
5 Best VPNs for Xbox: Quick Overview
- ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Xbox One.
- NordVPN: Fast and Secure Xbox VPN.
- Surfshark: Unlimited VPN Connections.
- CyberGhost: Great Balance of Price & Value.
- PureVPN: Cheap VPN for Xbox One.
Just want to know how to set up a VPN on Xbox? Redirect here!
5 Best VPNs for Xbox One: In-Depth Analysis
Can’t access a particular site or get around a geoblocks on your Xbox One? Scared of your IP address being exposed and targeted for a DDoS attack? Check out these 5 best VPNs for Xbox One.
1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Xbox One
| Pricing | $6.67/mo on a 1-year plan |
| DDoS Protection | Yes |
| Swatting Protection | Yes |
| Unblocks Xbox Live and Netflix | Yes |
| Unblocks MMO/MMORPG Games | Yes |
| Servers | 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries |
| Multilogins | 5 devices |
| Data Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
| Website | https://www.expressvpn.com/ |
ExpressVPN is the overall best VPN for Xbox One. According to the ExpressVPN speed test, the provider delivered an average speed of 95 Mbps! The ping rate of ExpressVPN is just under 8 ms, which is a dream latency for any gamer.
The provider manages to defy all odds and offer commendable speeds, whether that be for streaming, unblocking, torrenting, or gaming!
Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and established in 2011, ExpressVPN is one of the most revered privacy providers in the world. It offers a great service, respected by its very loyal fan base, in a number of areas. This includes exceptional reliability on Xbox gaming consoles too.
You have apps available for all popular platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. And the most amazing feature of ExpressVPN is its dedicated router app which can make things convenient as Xbox console cannot run VPN apps as you can easily set up ExpressVPN on a router.
For connectivity, users have access to 3000+ servers in 94+ countries covering more than 160 locations worldwide.
Your traffic is encrypted with the AES 256-bit method and you’ll have access to the most advanced protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway.
Other handy tools offered by ExpressVPN are Network Lock (built-in kill switch), split tunneling, MediaStreamer, and DNS/IP/WebRTC protection.
You can even get an ExpressVPN free trial for testing the product or avail of their 30-day refund policy.
If you want to receive the best value, we recommend going for ExpressVPN’s 1-year plan that will cost you $6.67/mo . Once subscribed, Xbox users can also easily bypass geoblocks on VoDs, such as:
- Multi-Logins on 5 devices.
- Torrenting/P2P is allowed.
- Unblocks American Netflix.
- Covers 160 locations.
- Round-the-Clock Live Support.
- Plans are Expensive.
For more information, check out this full ExpressVPN review!
2. NordVPN: Fast and Secure Xbox VPN
| Pricing | $3.99/mo on a 2-year plan |
| DDoS Protection | Yes |
| Swatting Protection | Yes |
| Unblocks Xbox Live and Netflix | Yes |
| Unblocks MMO/MMORPG Games | Yes |
| Servers | 5600+ Servers in 59+ Countries |
| Multilogins | 6 devices |
| Data Encryption | AES-256-CBC |
| Website | https://www.nordvpn.com |
Based in Panama, where there are no data retention rules, NordVPN excels in the domain of security and privacy. The region falls out of the jurisdiction of 14 Eyes.
The provider offers fast-speed servers. NordVPN speed tests reveal amazing performance with an average speed of 93 Mbps! The speed loss is quite less, in comparison to other providers in the marketplace.
And if you’re concerned about the ping rate then you’ll be happy to know that with NordVPN, you’ll achieve a 7 – 8 ms ping rate while gaming on your Xbox console.
NordVPN was among the few providers that were used initially for gaming needs to receive DDoS and swatting protection.
Priced at a minimal $3.99/mo on a 2-year plan, Xbox one users of NordVPN get access to over 5600+ servers in 59+ countries worldwide. You can even test the service via NordVPN’s Free Trial.
NordVPN secures your traffic with military-grade encryption and the provider offers protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx, which is based on the technology of WireGuard protocol.
Other handy features of NordVPN include a built-in kill switch, dedicated IP address, Double VPN, CyberSec, Smart DNS, and split tunneling.
The NordVPN apps are also quite user-friendly, free from bugs and errors. Connections times were also incredibly fast, and we experienced no downtime when accessing Xbox Live, DLC content, and PSN exclusives or while unblocking MMO and MMORPG games or streaming platforms like:
- Covers 59+ Countries.
- Dedicated IPs available.
- Unblocks US/UK Netflix.
- Multi-Logins on 6 Devices.
- Torrenting/P2P is Allowed.
- No Dedicated App for Routers.
For more information, check out this full NordVPN review!
3. Surfshark: Unlimited VPN Connections
| Pricing | $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan |
| DDoS Protection | Yes |
| Swatting Protection | Yes |
| Unblocks Xbox Live and Netflix | Yes |
| Unblocks MMO/MMORPG Games | Yes |
| Servers | 3200+ Servers in 65+ Countries |
| Multilogins | Unlimited |
| Data Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
| Website | https://www.surfshark.com/ |
The BVI-based Surfshark gives access to unlimited multi-logins and a huge list of compatible apps. The service offers a pocket-friendly 2-year plan that draws a perfect line between value and affordability.
Surfshark is a great choice for streaming and gaming securely on your Xbox gaming consoles. We even recommend it to PS4 users. It offers native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Amazon Fire TV.
Surfshark’s speed tests reveal amazing performance with an average speed of 90 Mbps with a ping rate of around 6 ms!
It offers solid protection from DDoS attacks, swatting hoaxes, unblocking of MMO and MMORPG games, and bypassing of geo-restrictions, thanks to its strong AES-256-GCM encryption and obfuscation features.
The service offers a mammoth network of 3200+ servers in 65+ countries worldwide.
Other tools offered by Surfshark are MultiHop, CleanWeb, and Bypasser. And the protocols you can with Surfshark are OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.
And if you’re worried about the VPN provider logging your data then you’ll be thrilled to know that Surfshark has already been audited by an independent company called Cure53.
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS. You can even try the 30-day money-back guarantee offer to test the service risk-free and unblock streaming platforms including:
- Covers 60+ Countries.
- BVI is a Safe Jurisdiction.
- Strict No-Logging Policy.
- Automatic Kill Switch.
- DDoS Protection.
- Limited P2P Servers.
For more information, check out this full Surfshark review!
4. CyberGhost: Great Balance of Price & Value
| Pricing | $2.29/mo on a 3-year plan |
| DDoS Protection | Yes |
| Swatting Protection | Yes |
| Unblocks Xbox Live and Netflix | Yes |
| Unblocks MMO/MMORPG Games | Yes |
| Servers | 6000+ Servers in 88 Countries |
| Multilogins | 7 Devices |
| Data Encryption | 256-bit AES |
| Website | https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/ |
CyberGhost’s 3-year plan costs a mininal $2.29/mo and that too comes with the longest money-back guarantee offer of 45 days!
Based in Romania, CyberGhost is a renowned choice for unblockers and streamers around the world. It enjoys a good reputation for delivering good anonymity when unblocking gaming servers and streaming platforms, offering the largest server network in the industry
The VPN has a reputation for being a fast provider and our testing verified these claims. A ping rate ranging between 6 – 10 ms is not bad at all. Also, upon testing, we achieved an average speed of 82 Mbps which is enough to game seamlessly on your Xbox.
Cyberghost also offers a NAT firewall, 6000+ servers in 88 countries, a zero logs policy, and a wide number of compatible apps to go with incredible service. You can use one subscription on 7 devices simultaneously.
It even makes it possible for users to unblock sites where there is a VPN ban imposed. This includes gaming sites like Stream and VoDs like Netflix, Hulu, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and plenty more!
- Multi-Logins on 7 Devices.
- Covers 88+ Countries.
- 1-Day Free VPN Trial Available.
- Dedicated Streaming Servers.
- Zero WebRTC/DNS/IP leaks.
- No Independent Audits since 2012.
For more information, check out this full CyberGhost review!
5. PureVPN: Cheap VPN for Xbox Gamers
| Pricing | $1.99/mo on a 5-year plan |
| DDoS Protection | Yes |
| Swatting Protection | Yes |
| Unblocks Xbox Live and Netflix | Yes |
| Unblocks MMO/MMORPG Games | Yes |
| Servers | 6500+ Servers in 78 Countries |
| Multilogins | 10 devices |
| Data Encryption | AES-256-CBC |
| Website | https://www.purevpn.com/ |
PureVPN offers rich features in a cheap pricing plan. It has the best VPN deals with a 2-year plan costing just $1.99/mo.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, PureVPN may have had a rocky start in the industry of privacy tools. However, the provider has done its best in rectifying its image problem and working on a plethora of issues demanded by its user base.
Now, PureVPN is endorsed by Forbes and commended by users at TrustPilot. This is why we recommend it to Xbox one users for DDoS protection, avoiding swatting, and unblocking games.
PureVPN’s speed test revealed that the provider managed to deliver an average speed of 78 Mbps. The speeds have improved considerably since we last tested the service and the ping rate we achieved was in the range of 8 – 12 ms.
You even have dedicated IPs available with the provider, which further prove useful for bypassing Comcast throttling. You can easily buy one to receive a care-free and speedy online experience, especially when streaming on popular Video-on-Demand (Vod) services like:
- DDoS Protection Feature.
- Covers 78 Countries.
- VPN Hotspot and NAT Firewall.
- Multiple Protocol Support.
- Allows Split Tunneling.
- Clunky Apps.
For more information, check out this full PureVPN review!
How to Set up VPN on Xbox One?
Setting up a VPN on your Xbox One can be a long process, due to the absence of compatible apps for this platform. Below we have listed some easy methods for getting VPN access on your Xbox gaming console:
We strongly recommend users to set up a VPN on their router to automatically get a VPN-secured connection routed to all of their devices, thereby eliminating the need to individually install the VPN on each device.
Every router is different and so is its VPN installation process. You need to either purchase a VPN-enabled router that is offered by providers like ExpressVPN or go for a VPN subscription and then ask its live chat support to help you set up the VPN on your router.
Setting Up an Xbox One VPN on a Router
Setting up a VPN on your router is the best method for initializing a VPN connection on your Xbox One gaming console. Since your entire network gets encrypted, you can receive VPN protection on your Xbox directly through Wi-Fi:
- Log in to your router’s admin panel. The address would be on a sticker attached under your router. Enter the address in your browser and log in with the credentials which you’ll also find on that sticker.
- The process for installing a VPN on a router is different for each router firmware version. However, most reputable providers (like ExpressVPN) have detailed VPN installation guides on their websites.
- Follow the instructions carefully and set up a VPN on your router. If you get stuck mid-process, contact your provider via live chat.
- Once you’ve successfully installed a VPN on your router, restart it for the setting to apply.
- Connect your Xbox console to your VPN-enabled Wi-Fi connection.
Note: Make sure your router is compatible with the VPN provider first. If it’s not, then you’ll need to flash your router first with a third-party firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT. Flashing is a delicate process that can damage your router if the steps are not followed carefully, so make sure you know what you’re doing.
If you’re still confused, visit our detailed guide on how to install ExpressVPN on a router.
Getting a Pre-Configured Router VPN for your Xbox One
For non-techy users, the above process may get a little difficult to understand if you don’t happen to have a compatible router. As an alternative, we usually recommend that Xbox One users get a pre-configured VPN router, as they are easily configurable.
The experts at Flash Routers make available plenty of pre-configured DD-WRT and Tomato VPN routers. They have a listing of over 16 different VPN services, among which we personally recommend going for ExpressVPN.
Their routers are among the only few that come with a built-in app too. It is known as the ExpressVPN Router app. If you want access to this app, it comes free for users of specific Linksys, Netgear, or Asus router models.
Use Your Computer to Setup a VPN on Xbox One/Xbox 360
In this method, you will be “sharing” your computer’s internet connection physically with your Smart TV. The process is quite simple and does not require any rocket science. Follow the easy steps below:
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect your Smart TV and Windows Computer.
- Click on the “Windows” icon on the bottom left corner of your PC/laptop.
- Select “Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
- Now you will need to identify your VPN connection here.
- Try to find the option named “ExpressVPN TAP Adapter” (if you’re using ExpressVPN).
- Right-click > Select Properties > Click on the “Sharing” tab.
- Check “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
- Scroll down and select the exact Ethernet port used to connect with your Smart TV.
- Restart your computer and you will now be using a VPN for your Smart TV.
Methodology to Select the Best VPN for Xbox One
There are certain things to consider while choosing the best Xbox VPN for yourself. These include:
- Router Compatibility: Xbox cannot run native VPN apps so there is no way you can install it directly. However, you can connect your Xbox device to a VPN-enabled router to make things work. That’s why you need to look out for a VPN provider that’s easy to install and compatible with the router you’re using. For this category, we recommend ExpressVPN because of its dedicated router app tool which makes everything linear and simple.
- Large Server Network: The ideal VPN for Xbox should have a large server network. This way you can connect to any server of your choice and unblock geo-restricted content with ease. The more servers a VPN has, the better streaming and gaming experience you will get as there will be less crowd on servers.
- Blazing Fast Connection: A good Xbox VPN should offer high speeds for gaming and streaming purposes. If not, you will experience lags, delays, and interruptions while playing online. Therefore, it is important to check out the provider’s speed tests before making a purchase.
- Streaming Support: If you want to use your VPN for gaming and streaming purposes, make sure it can unblock major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. Make sure your VPN provider offers a Smart DNS feature which is very useful if you’re just looking to unblock geo-restrictions without encrypting your traffic.
- Customer Support: Whenever you face any issue with your VPN connection, you should be able to get assistance from customer support at any time of the day. That’s why we only recommend those providers that offer reliable customer support. Look out for the 24/7 live chat option while making a decision.
- Pricing: The best Xbox VPN doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive. There are plenty of affordable options that offer excellent value for money. That’s why you should always compare different plans and prices before settling for one. Also, look out for the 30-day money-back guarantee or a free trial so you can test the VPN service before committing to it permanently.
Free VPNs for Xbox One
There are a few FREE providers too, which go the extra mile in delivering good privacy, security, performance, support, and app compatibility. Among some of the most prominent for Xbox, include:
1. ProtonVPN: Unlimited Bandwidth for Free Users
Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is quite a popular free service that offers unlimited bandwidth with its free service.
The service is among the few that works on Amazon Fire TV devices, allowing users to leverage entertainment by connecting to VPN servers at the utmost level of convenience.
- 1,700 Servers in 63 Countries.
- Strict No-Logging Policy.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
- Fewer Features with Free Plan.
2. Windscribe: Free VPN with 10GB Data/mo
With 11 server locations and an immensely generous data cap of 10GB/month, Windscribe is one of the best free services to use with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Fire TVs.
10GB is more than enough to judge how a VPN works and considering the above-average speeds, you will not have a lot of trouble accomplishing your goal.
- 10 GB Data Cap on Free Plan.
- Features ad-blocker and firewall.
- Supports P2P in All Countries.
- Customer Support is slow.
For more information, check out this full Windscribe review!
3. Hide.Me: 10GB Data Cap with Free Plan
With an incomparable reputation for protecting user privacy and religiously adhering to the policy of keeping zero user logs, Hide.Me is a great free Xbox VPN offering 10 GB data limit per month.
The encryption is top grade and can match the one provided by paid services, and its location in Malaysia takes it away from the purview of draconian data retention laws.
- 2000 Servers in 46 Countries Worldwide.
- Exceptional Cross-Platform Support.
- Dedicated IPs Available for VoDs.
- Pricey Monthly Plan.
FAQs related to Best VPN for Xbox
Can I put a VPN on my Xbox one?
Unfortunately, you cannot install a VPN client on your Xbox gaming console. However, if you want to enjoy VPN connectivity, you can always set it up on your router, so that all devices in your home including the Xbox stay protected at all times.
How do I protect my Xbox one IP address?
The best way to protect your IP address is to mask it using a VPN. This way, you can always be anonymous when gaming and browsing the web.
How to access US Xbox store deals?
The official US Xbox website offers many deals for gamers on weekly basis. These deals are available for gamers that have a US Xbox Live account only. You can connect to a US server through a VPN to access such deals.
Should You Use a free VPN for Xbox One?
In addition to adopting shady practices to pay for the costs of managing a VPN, most free tools fail to unblock sites like Netflix and leak your IP. So I do not recommend them to Xbox users.
Does NordVPN work on Xbox One?
Yes, the VPN does indeed work with the gaming console. However, you will need to get a pre-configured NordVPN router to leverage the VPN to its full potential when used in accordance with Xbox one.
Why do you need a VPN on your Xbox?
The main reason for a VPN on your Xbox is to override geographical restrictions and avoid censorship issues. The VPN geo-spoofs your location and changes your IP address from which you can easily access geo-blocked content while your data is being protected.
Does ExpressVPN work on Xbox?
You can currently use ExpressVPN on Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 3, 4, 5, and Nintendo Switch. You can use ExpressVPN’s dedicated router app to easily set up a VPN on your gaming console.
Wrapping Things Up
To sum everything up, an Xbox 360 or Xbox One VPN will protect you from many threats and help you enjoy an unparallel gaming experience by protecting you from DDoS attacks and swatting hoaxes.
With all factors taken into consideration, ExpressVPN wins the category for the best VPN for Xbox. However, if you are looking for another cheaper alternative, do consider signing up with Surfshark.
If you have any questions or better recommendations to give, do not hesitate on commenting below. Also, feel free to share the guide with other users, who are in search of the best VPN for Xbox One.
I cannot get my Xbox one to connect to the VPN via internet sharing even after following all the steps correctly. Am I missing something?
Hey Adam,
We would like to know as to what notification are you getting at the problem stage?
I was furious when I saw a restriction message on a game I bought for Steam. Raged about it to my friends and one of them told me it works for him with Nordvpn. I had to give it a go and of course it worked. Still using nord on my xbox to this day.
I really like the name “WakeandBake” haha Thanks for commenting here and giving a positive review, it helps us at BestVPN.co rank different providers better. Indeed NordVPN is one of the best services in the marketplace currently, and offers great speeds and unblocking capabilities.