Jump to:
- Before we begin
- Setting up your VPN
- Checking your VPN connection
- Our top Xbox VPN picks
- What is a VPN?
- Why use a VPN on Xbox?
- Free VPNs
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are quickly becoming an essential companion for avid internet users, primed for navigating the online world. They can increase security, bypass regional content restrictions, and in some cases, even improve network performance.
However, without native VPN support on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, overcoming these challenges can be daunting. Here's how to start using a VPN on your Xbox console with fast and simple steps, using one of our picks for the best Xbox VPN options.
Before we begin
Before we begin it's important to note that using this method to apply a VPN to your Xbox won't work with Wireguard's protocol.
As such, whichever your VPN of choice needs to take this into consideration. In most cases it's best to select OpenVPN (UDP) as the preferred connection method for your VPN.
How to set up and use a VPN on Xbox
Without native VPN support or formal VPN apps on Xbox, using them on the console isn't exactly easy. To establish a connection without affecting the full network, we recommend using a VPN-enabled Windows PC to share the benefits over an Ethernet cable.
It means you'll have to use a Windows PC with a spare Ethernet port, mandatory for sharing while maintaining a stable internet connection. VPN newcomers will first need to set up a VPN service via a service's respective app or manually in Windows. We recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN, due to its strong collection of features and privacy-focused policies.
With a Windows PC geared for VPN use, you need to share your connection with your Xbox console. After linking your PC and Xbox over an Ethernet cable, follow the below steps to share your existing PC VPN.
- Connect an Ethernet cable between your Xbox and VPN-ready PC.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click Network & Internet.
- Click Network & Sharing Center.
- Click Change adapter options.
- Right-click on your VPN icon. In our example we're using Private Internet Access VPN.
- Click Properties.
- Click the Sharing tab.
- Check the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection box.
- Click the Select a private network connection box.
- Choose your Xbox's Ethernet connection.
- Press OK.
That's all for now on your Windows PC, the rest can be completed on your Xbox console so it's time to head back over there.
How to check your VPN connection on your Xbox console
Once you've done the necessary setup work on your PC, you need to go back over to your Xbox console and make sure that it's all working as it should be.
- Press the Xbox button on your Xbox controller.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select the Network menu.
- Select Network settings.
- Select Test network connection. Your console should connect to the internet.
To use your VPN on Xbox, your Windows PC must remain running with an active VPN connection. Your Xbox Live traffic will be routed through your PC as a result, with the benefits of its VPN. From now on, you can now browse with added ease and peace of mind.
Our top Xbox VPN picks
To complete the steps laid out above, you'll need to invest in a quality VPN.
ExpressVPN tops most best VPN lists, and with very good reason — it's one of the best, most reliable, and speediest offerings currently available. If you use your Xbox as a living room PC for web browsing and media, you'll be pleased to hear that ExpressVPN will unblock the likes of Facebook, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Twitter, Spotify, and much more. Beyond content unlocking, you can also feel reassured that your activity is safe and secure, thanks to 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy, zero-knowledge DNS, and a kill switch for any dropped connections.
With Surfshark, there is no limit to how many devices you can connect simultaneously, which is great if you have a ton of tech. It's one of the more affordable options, and it's capable of offering both the protection you need and the fast data speeds required for uninterrupted gaming.
You've probably heard of NordVPN. It's been around a long time and has been one of the most popular options for a while, offering a high-quality experience for not a lot of cash. Specific to gaming, NordVPN is one of the best performing services for data speeds, so if that's your priority it's a great choice.
When it comes to a VPN and its apps, some people want a UI with only what is needed. Private Internet Access is exactly this and it unblocks most of the streaming services you might want to use. Speeds are a little lower than some competitors, but its advantage is definitely in its unblocking capabilities.
IPVanish is one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to an app with a user interface that appeals to both novices and experts alike. It can be a little pricier on renewal, though, and it struggles to unblock Netflix in some territories.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" and is a technology that creates a secure connection between the device and a specific network to access files and resources remotely. Usually, organizations set up a VPN server to allow employees to connect using a VPN client to access resources and work as if they were physically at their office.
On the other hand, there are also third-party VPN services that work in the same way. However, these services provide an encrypted connection allowing devices to connect to their networks (located in strategic locations around the globe) to access the internet hiding your public IP address, which offers a more private and secure experience surfing the web. In addition to the extra layer of security and privacy, a VPN service is a suitable option for bypassing geographic restrictions to access censored content and online services (such as the US version of Netflix) from other parts of the world.
Why use a VPN on Xbox?
With games and entertainment more connected than ever, using one of thebest VPNsis incredibly valuable for any Xbox owner. In short, a VPN service is comparable to an encrypted tunnel, shuttling your internet activity between your device and a host server, which masks and anonymizes your digital footprint.
For most Xbox users, the principal advantage of a VPN is to bypass geographical restrictions, overcoming locks enforced upon select websites. It can open your console to regional content otherwise unavailable, including video services, apps, games, and more. VPNs are especially renowned for video streaming, allowing you to access different Netflix libraries, bypass blocked YouTube videos, or tap into international programming.
The same applies to blocked content, where a VPN can overcome limitations enforced on your local network. This is most common at workplaces, colleges, and other locations with managed networks limiting the content accessible over the internet.
Using a VPN is a way to improve security, and while rare, can help those counter several emerging trends. Other gamers can obtain IP addresses when playing with strangers online, which, while not a huge security risk on its own, can increase the chance of more nefarious practices.
That includes denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, network attacks to knock players offline, which could happen with heated online matches against the wrong crowd. While it's not a reason toget a VPN, the added layer never hurts.
While a VPNcanslow connectivity by routing data farther, it can also increase speeds under the right conditions. A VPN can achieve lower multiplayer gaming latency in some instances, dependent on the location of your service's servers. You can also overcome bandwidth throttling, where internet service providers (ISPs) might limit your speed on select sites for personal gain. The encryption can help you bypass throttling, thus giving you better chance of achieving the speeds you're paying for.
These are just some of the benefits of a VPN for a more secure, hassle-free approach to the web. We have a full breakdown ofwhy Xbox owners might want a VPN, if you're weighing the benefits against that cost.
But you should also take advantage of the 30-day money back guarantees available on just about all of the best VPN services out there. This makes it easier for you to commit to the right VPN for you, since you can try out multiple services without fear of being locked into one you're not totally happy with.
Can I use a free VPN on Xbox?
There are some really great free VPNs out there, such as ProtonVPN, but as you would expect, there are limitations.
These include but are not limited to lower data speeds, which you really don't want when gaming, data caps, and limited server locations. These things aren't free to run, either so the companies will be making money from you somehow. This could be with annoying ads in their apps, or they could be sharing your browsing data with third parties.
If you're not paying there's more likelihood you'll encounter either a bad time, or a bad VPN. There are cases of usage tracking and even IP logging which you really don't want. Free versions of paid VPNs are like free trials, so by all means use one of those while you find your way, but for gaming, you need to be paying for a premium service.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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Matt Brown
Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are becoming increasingly important for internet users. They offer increased security, the ability to bypass regional content restrictions, and in some cases, improved network performance. However, using a VPN on Xbox consoles can be challenging due to the lack of native VPN support. In this article, we will discuss how to set up and use a VPN on Xbox, as well as provide some top VPN picks for Xbox users.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure connection between a device and a specific network, allowing users to access files and resources remotely. Organizations often set up VPN servers to allow employees to connect to their office network from remote locations. Additionally, there are third-party VPN services that provide encrypted connections, allowing devices to connect to their networks located in strategic locations around the globe. This provides a more private and secure experience while surfing the web, as it hides the user's public IP address. VPNs also offer the ability to bypass geographic restrictions and access censored content and online services from different parts of the world [[19]].
Why use a VPN on Xbox?
Using a VPN on Xbox consoles offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is the ability to bypass geographical restrictions, allowing users to access regional content that may be otherwise unavailable. This includes video services, apps, games, and more. VPNs are particularly useful for video streaming, as they can unlock different Netflix libraries, bypass blocked YouTube videos, and access international programming.
VPNs can also help overcome limitations imposed on local networks, such as those found in workplaces or colleges. These networks often restrict access to certain content over the internet, but a VPN can bypass these limitations.
In terms of security, using a VPN can help protect against certain risks. For example, other gamers may obtain IP addresses when playing online, which can increase the chance of more nefarious practices, such as denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. While not a primary reason to use a VPN, the added layer of security can provide peace of mind.
Furthermore, a VPN can potentially improve network performance. While it may slightly increase latency in some cases, it can also lower multiplayer gaming latency depending on the location of the VPN server. Additionally, a VPN can help bypass bandwidth throttling imposed by internet service providers (ISPs), ensuring users can achieve the speeds they are paying for.
These are just a few of the benefits of using a VPN on Xbox. For a more detailed breakdown of why Xbox owners might want to use a VPN, it's recommended to refer to the full article [[19]].
Can I use a free VPN on Xbox?
While there are some free VPN options available, they often come with limitations. These limitations can include lower data speeds, data caps, limited server locations, and potentially intrusive ads or data sharing practices. Free VPNs may not provide the same level of performance, security, and privacy as premium VPN services. It's important to note that some free VPNs may engage in usage tracking or IP logging, which can compromise user privacy.
For gaming purposes, it is generally recommended to use a premium VPN service that offers reliable performance, strong security features, and a wide range of server locations. While free versions of paid VPNs can be used as a trial, paying for a premium service is typically the best option for gaming.
It's worth mentioning that the use of VPN services for illegal or malicious activities is not supported or condoned. VPNs should be used for legal recreational purposes, such as accessing services from other countries or protecting online security and privacy when abroad [[19]].
Setting up a VPN on Xbox
Setting up a VPN on Xbox consoles can be done by using a VPN-enabled Windows PC to share the benefits over an Ethernet cable. Here are the steps to set up and use a VPN on Xbox:
- Set up a VPN service on a Windows PC either through the service's respective app or manually in Windows. ExpressVPN is recommended for its features and privacy-focused policies.
- Connect an Ethernet cable between the Xbox console and the VPN-ready PC.
- On the PC, open the Control Panel, click on Network & Internet, then click on Network & Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter options, right-click on the VPN icon (e.g., Private Internet Access VPN), and click on Properties.
- In the Properties window, click on the Sharing tab, check the "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection" box, and select the Xbox's Ethernet connection from the drop-down menu.
- Press OK to save the settings on the PC.
To check the VPN connection on the Xbox console, follow these steps:
- Press the Xbox button on the Xbox controller.
- Navigate to Settings, select the Network menu, and then select Network settings.
- Choose Test network connection to ensure the console is connected to the internet.
Once the setup is complete, the VPN will be active on the Xbox console, and the user can browse with added security and peace of mind [[19]].
Top Xbox VPN picks
Here are some top VPN picks for Xbox users:
-
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its strong collection of features, privacy-focused policies, and reliable performance. It can unblock various streaming services and offers 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy, zero-knowledge DNS, and a kill switch for dropped connections.
-
Surfshark: Surfshark allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. It offers both protection and fast data speeds, making it suitable for uninterrupted gaming.
-
NordVPN: NordVPN is a popular option known for its high-quality experience and affordability. It performs well in terms of data speeds, making it a great choice for gaming.
-
Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access provides a user-friendly interface and unblocks most streaming services. While its speeds may be slightly lower than some competitors, it excels in unblocking capabilities.
-
IPVanish: IPVanish offers an easy-to-use app with a user interface suitable for both beginners and experts. While it may be slightly pricier on renewal, it provides a reliable VPN experience.
It's important to note that these recommendations are based on the performance, features, and reputation of the VPN services mentioned. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a VPN for their Xbox console [[19]].
In conclusion, using a VPN on Xbox consoles can provide numerous benefits, including bypassing regional restrictions, improving security, and enhancing network performance. By following the steps outlined in this article and selecting a reliable VPN service, Xbox users can enjoy a more secure and versatile online gaming experience.