Using a VPN on Xbox allows you to bypass regional restrictions, decrease lag by connecting to nearby gaming servers, and protect yourself from DDoS attacks in competitive gaming. Not just that, it encrypts your web traffic and IP addresses to keep your privacy intact and also prevents hacking when using Xbox on public Wi-Fi.
So, if all of this intrigues you to try a VPN on Xbox, but you have no idea how to get and set up a VPN on Xbox or which one to use, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s delve into this ultimate guide on VPN for Xbox One to learn how to use VPN on Xbox and to explore the best VPN options available–
Is It Possible to Use VPN on Xbox?
Yes! While you can use a VPN on Xbox, the process might be a bit more complex as you can’t directly install a VPN on your Xbox like you would on a phone or computer.
Instead, you need to set up the VPN connection on your router or on your computer’s Wi-Fi network rather than directly on the Xbox itself, since Xbox consoles don’t have built-in VPN support.
Once the VPN is set up on your router or computer Wi-Fi network, all devices connected to the same, including your Xbox, will automatically use the VPN.
So, this process reroutes your internet traffic through the VPN server and provides you with the benefits of a VPN (as already mentioned in the beginning) while gaming.
How to Use a VPN on Xbox?
There are two methods available through which you can set up a VPN for your Xbox. They include–
Method 1: Get a VPN on Xbox through Your Computer
Windows PC
MacOS
Press the Windows logo/button on your computer.
Connect your Mac to the internet using an Ethernet cable, not Wi-Fi, as Wi-Fi won’t work for this setup.
Then, type ‘cmd’ in the search bar.
Then open System Preferences and click on Sharing.
Next, right-click on the Command Prompt result.
Next, you must choose Internet Sharing and select VPN under Share Your Connection From.
After that, select Run as Administrator, type ‘netsh wlan show drivers’ in the command prompt, and hit Enter.
After that, check the Wi-Fi box under Into Computer Using.
Now, make sure your Xbox is on the same network as your computer, and then, connect your Windows computer to the VPN.
Now, set a Password and network Name and keep the channel asDefault.
Following this, just enter your Password to secure your web activities on the Xbox and your IP address.
In addition, set Security to WPA2 Personal.
Once this is done, click OK and enable Internet Sharing.
Now, turn on your Xbox and access its Settings to connect to the Wi-Fi network you just created.
Method 2: Get a VPN on Xbox through Your Router
With a router, you can set up a VPN directly on the network your Xbox is connected to, instead of creating a separate Wi-Fi network from a computer.
However, note that the process of configuring a VPN on your router depends on its brand, model, and the VPN service you’re going to use!
But, worry not, these are the common steps you typically have to follow–
Start by following your router’s instructions to connect it to your VPN, i.e., you either need to sign up for your VPN service or use the IP address of your router to log in.
Then, look for options like Control Panel, WAN Setup, or Network to find the Network Control Panel on your router.
After that, enter details from your VPN provider, such as the IP address, subnet mask, and login credentials, into the fields provided.
Now, turn on your Xbox, go to Guide, select Settings, and inside settings open General and then, Network Settings to connect your Xbox to your router.
Upon doing so, press A and simply choose Set Up Wireless Network.
Lastly, enter your Password to connect to your wireless home network, and you’re done!
Your Xbox is now connected to the VPN through your router.
What Are the 5 Best VPNs for Xbox in 2024?
Now that you understand how to get a VPN on Xbox and the methods for doing so, it’s time to look into the 5 best VPN services that are suitable for this purpose–
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers a wide range of servers across the globe to ensure optimal performance for gaming on Xbox.
Why Is It the Best Gaming VPN?
It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It uses a custom VPN protocol called Lightway for better performance and security.
Well known for its blazing-fast speeds, NordVPN offers a vast server network and robust security features. It is considered ideal for accessing geo-restricted content while maintaining a secure connection, which is crucial for protecting your gaming activities.
Why Is It the Best Gaming VPN?
If you’re not satisfied with the service, NordVPN offers a 30-day guarantee to get your money back.
You can select from over 6000 (to be precise 6331) incredibly fast NordVPN servers, available in 111 countries.
With NordVPN, your privacy matters remain intact, as it doesn’t track your online activity, ever.
It offers protection against malware, web trackers, ads, and other online threats that can disrupt your gameplay.
With its Meshnet feature, you can build your own secure network to ensure safe connections for multiplayer sessions or LAN parties.
You also get the benefit of having a dedicated IP with NordVPN. It allows you to protect your online reputation, avoid being blocked by denylists, and access IP-restricted gaming servers without any hassle.
You can even get instant alerts if your gaming account is compromised.
This award-winning VPN is a convenient and cost-effective choice for gamers as it offers unlimited simultaneous connections to let gamers connect multiple devices like Xbox Consoles, without sacrificing on speed or compromising security.
Why Is It the Best Gaming VPN?
It offers high-speed performance through its network of 3200 servers spanning over 100 countries.
With Surfshark you can connect simultaneously with an unlimited number of devices.
It also helps you bypass bandwidth throttling to ensure a smoother and more reliable internet connection.
To safeguard your online presence and activities, Surfshark also protects you from DDoS attacks.
It keeps no records of your online activity and offers additional features like a kill switch for added security if your VPN connection fails.
With Surfshark you can enjoy a safe online experience without encountering ads, trackers, malware, or phishing attempts.
You can try Surfshark risk-free for a month and if you’re not happy with the service provided, you’ll get your money back.
Known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security with features like SOCKS5 proxy and DNS leak protection, IPVanish VPN ensures that your gaming experience on Xbox remains secure and private.
Why Is It the Best Gaming VPN?
It offers fast and reliable connections for gaming.
It is compatible with Xbox and easy to set up.
Split Tunneling, gives you control to choose which internet traffic passes through the VPN and which doesn’t.
Against cyber threats, it offers seamless protection from the moment you power on, as it launches automatically whenever you start your device.
If your VPN drops, IPVANISH VPN instantly disconnects your internet through its VPN Kill Switch.
IP Vanish also provides top-notch customer support for any assistance that you might need.
It offers a 30-day trial period so you can try it risk-free for a month.
CyberGhost makes it easier to play games and stream videos on your Xbox. It’s designed to reduce any delays or lags, which improves your streaming quality and helps you enjoy a smoother gaming experience.
Why Is It the Best Gaming VPN?
Unlike the other-listed VPNs, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
You can easily configure CyberGhost VPN with your Xbox or any other gaming console or device, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
It hides your IP address so, worry not, with CyberGhost you’re protected from DDoS attacks.
It also routes your traffic through nearby game servers to create a direct connection that lowers your ping for a smoother gaming experience.
If you face any issues using CyberGhost VPN, you get instant 24*7 customer support at any time, that too, in multiple languages.
Overall, these 5 VPN providers offer a good level of speed, security, and reliability, which makes them ideal for improving your gaming experience on Xbox consoles.
Bottom Line
That’s all! Now you know the top VPN choices for Xbox One in 2024 and the methods to set up and use them on your console, since Xbox lacks built-in VPN support.
So, no matter, whether your goal is to protect your privacy, minimize lag, or access geo-restricted content, this guide provides all the information you need to enhance your gaming experience with VPNs perfectly suited for Xbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a VPN to use on Xbox?
You need a VPN to use on Xbox because it provides several benefits such as a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions for accessing content, enhancing your online privacy and security, and reducing lag by connecting to optimized servers. And, most importantly, it can protect against DDoS attacks during online gaming sessions.
What is the best VPN for Xbox?
For many, ExpressVPN is the top choice for Xbox. It is because it’s easy to set up, offers strong security features to keep you secure, and has effective geo-unblocking capabilities that let you access games as well as content from anywhere in the world.
What is the fastest VPN in the world?
NordVPN is considered the fastest VPN in the world. Other than this, Surfshark VPN also provides high-speed services at a great price.
Is VPN banned on Xbox?
You can use a VPN on Xbox. But, if you use it to bypass regional restrictions such as for accessing better deals, then it would violate the terms of service and this could result in a ban from using the Xbox service.
How do I get a free VPN on my Xbox?
You can’t directly get a free VPN on your Xbox. But, some VPN services, (including the best 5 listed above), offer router compatibility and have free plans or trials you can use. So, you can manually set up a VPN on your router, which will cover all devices connected to your network, including your Xbox.
How to use VPN on Xbox Consoles?
To use a VPN on Xbox consoles, you can either set up the VPN on your router or use your PC as a virtual router to share the connection with your gaming console.