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Xbox gamers must be mindful of the increasing cyberthreats that come with online gaming. To protect yourself, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to provide an extra layer of security.
Using an Xbox VPN will encrypt your connections and aid in warding off malicious attacks. Moreover, this same technology can provide you with additional advantages to take your gaming adventures even further.
Read on to learn more about why you should use a VPN on your Xbox, which VPNs we recommend, and the installation process.
In this article
What are the benefits of using a VPN on Xbox?
Recommended VPNs for Xbox
Three ways to set up a VPN on Xbox
Troubleshooting tips for Xbox VPN setup
FAQs for using a VPN on an Xbox
Bottom line
What are the benefits of using a VPN on Xbox?
Using a VPN on your Xbox can provide numerous benefits that will enhance your gaming experience.
Protect against DDoS attacks
Using a VPN on Xbox can help keep you safe from DDoS attacks. DDoS stands for distributed denial-of-service attack. During this attack, cybercriminals will flood your network with traffic to try and take it offline. A good VPN will encrypt your traffic, making it almost impossible for someone to gain access.
Stay secure while using public Wi-Fi
A VPN is especially helpful if you’re playing games on public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi can be insecure and leave you open to hackers and malware. With a VPN, you can ensure that any information sent over the network is encrypted and safe.
Fight against bandwidth throttling
In addition, some gaming services may throttle your bandwidth if they think you’re using too much data. By using a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) won't be able to see how much data you're actually using so it won’t be able to throttle it.
Bypass Xbox geo-restrictions
Finally, by using a VPN you can access geo-blocked games and get new releases early. Many gaming companies release titles in different regions at different times, but with a VPN you can bypass those restrictions and access the game before anyone else. This is also useful if you use your Xbox for Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services. Your VPN can allow you to access international content on your Xbox.
Recommended VPNs for Xbox
When it comes to finding the right VPN for an Xbox, there are several factors you should consider. Your top priorities should be high internet speeds for gaming, low latency, and a large number of servers — if available, you should look for those specifically optimized for gaming. Most of these VPNs come with 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them before you commit to buying.
Additionally, features such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection and multiple connection allowances ensure that your privacy remains secure while playing online with friends or competing in tournaments. Finally, make sure the VPN is compatible with your router, too.
| ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost | |
| Can it be installed on Xbox? | ||||
| Price | $6.67/mo | $3.99/mo | $4.99/mo | $6.99/mo |
| Server count | 3,000 | 3,200 | 5,400 | 6,000 |
| Speed | 475 Mbps | At least 1 Gbps | 6730+ Mbps | 10 Gbps |
| Customer support |
Data as of 2/3/2022.
With all these considerations in mind, here are some of our recommended VPNs for Xbox.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable options on the market due to its fast download speeds across more than 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries. It also comes with unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connection allowance, as well as features such as split tunneling and DNS leak protection. It is also compatible with routers, which makes it a great choice for gamers.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option for gamers and it offers plenty of features at an affordable price. It has more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections. Other features include fast speeds and military-grade encryption for maximum security. Surfshark is also compatible with routers, so you can enjoy seamless gaming sessions on your Xbox.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular choice among gamers due to its high speeds, low latency, and comprehensive security features. With more than 5,400 servers in 60 countries, you can enjoy fast downloads while staying secure on the internet. NordVPN also offers unlimited server switches and simultaneous connections on up to six devices.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an excellent option if you’re looking for affordability without compromising on quality. It provides access to over 6,000 servers in 85-plus countries at speeds of up to 10 Gbps — perfect for online gaming. It also features a kill switch and 256-bit AES encryption for added security, as well as unlimited data usage.
When it comes to using a free VPN, it is true that many of these services offer unlimited data and good speeds, but they should not be relied on for more than basic online activities. Free VPNs can often be unreliable, lack security protocols, and have slow connection speeds.
If you want to use a reliable and secure VPN service for surfing the web or streaming content online, it is best to invest in one of the more reputable providers from our guide on the best free VPNs.
Three ways to set up a VPN on Xbox
Setting up a VPN on Xbox is an easy and straightforward process. There are three main ways to do it: through your router, through your Windows PC or Mac, or through a hotspot.
Set up an Xbox VPN through your router
Setting up an Xbox VPN through your router is a great way to protect your privacy and security while gaming.
- First, check if your router supports VPN connections. If so, you’ll need to configure the settings on the router to allow for VPN connections. Check the documentation provided with your router or consult the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
- Once you have enabled VPN connections on your router, connect it to your desired VPN service either through its interface or manually via network settings. You can find this information by logging in to the control panel of your chosen provider and navigating to their setup guides.
- Once you’ve successfully connected your router to the VPN, connect the Xbox console to the router using an Ethernet cable or wireless connection. This will get your Xbox ready to access content protected by the VPN.
- Finally, go into your Xbox One settings and enable “Connect to a network” under Network Settings. Then select “VPN” as the connection type and input all of the required information from your VPN provider (username, password, etc.).
Set up an Xbox VPN through your PC or Mac
The first step in setting up an Xbox VPN through your PC or Mac is to subscribe to a reliable VPN service. There are several providers available, so research their reviews and decide which one will best suit your needs.
- Once you’ve chosen a provider, download and install the appropriate software for your device onto it.
- Next, connect your Xbox to the same network as your PC or Mac. This can be done by connecting directly with an Ethernet cable. If you’re using a wireless connection, make sure the devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Once your Xbox is connected to the same network as your PC or Mac, open the VPN software and sign in.
- Select one of their servers and click “Connect.”
Set up an Xbox VPN with a hotspot
Lastly, here are the steps for setting up an Xbox VPN with a hotspot:
- If you're using a PC, head to your Settings and choose Network & Internet.
- From here, open Mobile Hotspot and select Edit. Now is the time for personalization — pick out an appropriate name for your network, then type in a secure password that keeps outsiders from joining in on any of your online activities.
- Once everything looks good after hitting Save, flick Share My Internet Connection With Other Devices up so it's enabled.
- Lastly, attach both devices by connecting them together via the mobile hotspot that was created earlier.
Troubleshooting tips for Xbox VPN setup
If you are having trouble setting up a VPN on your Xbox console, don't worry. There are some troubleshooting tips that can help get you back up and running in no time.
First, check to make sure your VPN is set up correctly. Make sure the server addresses and other settings are correct in your network's control panel. If any of these settings are incorrect, this could prevent your connection from working properly.
Next, try changing your region on the Xbox settings menu. Different regions may have different restrictions on using a VPN with their networks and this could affect whether or not your connection works properly.
If these steps don’t work, try connecting to a different server or even a new VPN provider. Different servers may have different security protocols or restrictions that could cause your connection issues.
Finally, if none of these steps work, contact your Xbox support team for help.
FAQs for using a VPN on an Xbox
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How is a VPN on Xbox different from a VPN on a PC?
A VPN on Xbox is similar to a VPN on a PC in that it creates an encrypted connection between the device and the internet. However, there are some key differences that should be noted. For example, due to hardware restrictions, not all VPN services will work with Xbox consoles. Additionally, the process of setting up a VPN on Xbox can be more complicated than on a PC.
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Is there a free VPN for Xbox?
There are free VPNs for Xbox, but due to their often limited features and bandwidth, they may not always be ideal for gaming or streaming. As such, it’s highly recommended you opt for a paid service if possible.
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What is the best Xbox VPN?
The best VPN for Xbox will depend on the user's needs and budget. Popular services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark offer excellent performance and features worldwide.
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Can you get banned for using a VPN on Xbox?
The use of a VPN on an Xbox console should not lead to a ban because it does not directly violate any of Microsoft’s terms of service. However, it is still important to be mindful of what activities you are performing on the VPN. If you use it for unlawful or restricted activities, then you may find yourself at risk of being banned.
Bottom line
Using a VPN on your Xbox console can offer multiple benefits, from boosting your gaming performance to ensuring that your data remains secure and private. There are several different ways to set up a VPN on an Xbox, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Before deciding which method is best for you, it's important to consider the features offered by both the VPN provider and your specific gaming console model. With the right setup, you’ll be able to enjoy increased security as well as improved gaming performance.
If you’re looking for further tips about improving your gaming experience on Xbox, then check out our guide on how to block Twitch ads.
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackersAuthor Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.
