
November proved an exciting month for gamers, not least thanks to Microsoft’s launch of the Xbox Series X.
If you’ve been swayed by the hype and got your hands on one, it’s important to remember that any gaming experience can be massively enhanced by a VPN. This article details exactly what the best VPNs for Xbox Series X are and explain how they can improve your gaming experience.
What are the best VPNs for Xbox Series X
We have listed the best Xbox series X VPN services below. Scroll down to our detailed summaries of each service for more information.
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ExpressVPN
– The best VPN for the Xbox Series X. Super-fast speeds, coupled with a vast bank of servers, for the ultimate gaming experience. -
CyberGhost VPN
– A low-cost VPN for Xbox Series X. It’s a user-friendly VPN with multi-platform compatibility to meet all your gaming needs. -
Surfshark
– A newer, cheaper Xbox Series X VPN. Already highly regarded for its security features and ability to unblock content. -
Ivacy
– A budget-friendly VPN, and consistently fast in our speed tests, making it perfect for the Xbox Series X. -
IPVanish
– A great VPN for Xbox Series X or S. It offers robust security and several features to make life easier of Xbox users.
To ensure that you get the best VPN for Xbox Series X we have chosen services with the following features:
- A global network of servers
- Excellent security features
- Fast connection speeds to prevent lag
- Router compatibility
Best VPNs for Xbox Series X: in-depth analysis
Here we take a closer look at the best VPNs for the Xbox Series X and why they work so well for the Microsoft console platform. If you need more information, check out our detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Xbox Series X. With excellent connection speeds and the ability to unblock large swathes of content, it’s no wonder so many gamers choose it.
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Pricing
From
$6.67 –
$12.95 -
Available on
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
-
Unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
ExpressVPN is an extremely reliable VPN with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, which is great for unblocking Xbox games that might not be available in your region. It also has a proven track record of unblocking sites like BBC iPlayer and Netflix US, so if your Xbox is the primary device you use to stream TV shows, ExpressVPN would be a shrewd choice.
The provider’s ‘mediastreamer’ service affords you the ability to change your IP address rapidly and unblock even more content from around the world from your console. It may not offer the same protection as a VPN, but if you’re looking for speed and accessibility over security, it’s a nice addition. If security is your priority however, ExpressVPN still have you covered. Protection against DDoS attacks, which could force your game to close, is included, and the whole network is shielded by the best encryption (AES-256) around. What’s more, its entire operating system is run off of RAM, which means all data is wiped every time a server powers down.
Easy to use Apps for all platforms, as well as the fact one account can serve five devices, makes ExpressVPN not just perfect for using on your Xbox, but any device you use regularly. Remember, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re unsure you can always check it out first.
CyberGhost is an affordableVPN for Xbox Series X. It’s user-friendly and has the sorts of security features you’d expect from a much more expensive VPN – a great choice for your Xbox Series X.
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Pricing
From
$2.81 –
$13.47 -
Available on
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
-
Unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
CyberGhost is a Romanian-based VPN provider that allows you to run the same service on up to 7 devices simultaneously, so you can ensure your privacy is maintained across the board, not just when you’re gaming. They take their commitment to protecting users very seriously and have dedicated NoSpy servers maintained by a crack team of experts. These servers even come with extended bandwidth – perfect for your Xbox Series X.
With over 6,987 servers in 112 server locations across 90 countries, you can rest assured CyberGhost will be able to unblock virtually any content you want to. CyberGhost has even gone as far to create a separate list of servers for streaming purposes, so this VPN is another good choice if you’re looking to play games blocked in your region, or you tend to watch your favourite TV shows on your console.
CyberGhost provide clear and simple instructions on exactly how to use their service with an Xbox, and considering you can claim your money-back after 45 days if you’re not satisfied, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take it for a test run.
Surfshark is a cheap VPN for Xbox Series X and S. In terms of weighing up security features with speed and ease-of-use, you won’t get a better choice for gaming.
-
Pricing
From
$2.21 –
$12.95 -
Available on
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
-
Unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
Surfshark, despite being relatively new on the VPN scene, has already built an excellent relationship with its user base and has thousands of happy customers worldwide. It’s not surprising either, considering the extremely affordable pricing and the fact it allows customers to use their VPN account on an unlimited number of devices. This makes Surfshark an astute choice for Xbox users who have other devices they regularly use to access the internet, or family members who want to enhance their online privacy too.
Although based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark has over 3,000 servers in 65 countries including gaming-heavy nations like Japan and South Korea, so you can expect to be able to unblock games and purchase them at cheaper rates. It also means the service is consistently fast and problems with connection speed on devices like Xbox are rare.
Surfshark guarantees you won’t run into ads, trackers or malware whilst using their service on your Xbox. It has a number of other security features including AES-256-GCM encryption, a kill-switch and DNS leak protection, as well as a robust no-logs policy. You can also activate ‘Camoflauge Mode’, which means your internet provider can’t even see you’re using a VPN, let alone what you’re using it for. This is great for Xbox users in regions experiencing crackdowns on VPN use, as you won’t need to worry about being detected thanks to Surfshark.
Ivacy is the cheapest VPN for the Xbox Series X and S. It’s fast and has a lots of useful security features, meaning you don’t have to break the bank to ensure a safe and secure gaming experience.
-
Pricing
From
$0.99 –
$9.95 -
Available on
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
-
Unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
Ivacy is a singapore-based VPN that has been around for almost 15 years now. The company has ‘optimised servers’ that boost your connection Xbox, reducing lag significantly and ensuring users aren’t sacrificing their gaming experience for the sake of enhanced privacy, especially when you can secure both for such a low price. The proof seems to be in the pudding too, considering they are always near the top of the pack in our daily VPN speed tests.
Ivacy operates on a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about your data being passed on to third parties or government agencies. It has all the privacy features an Xbox Series X owner could want, including leak protection, a kill-switch and the use of multiple protocols for encryption, as well as a promise to scan and remove malware when in use. Like several other VPNs on this list, one account can be used across five devices, another thing gamers will find useful.
Ivacy have active servers in over 100 countries, meaning unblocking games in other regions is pretty easy, and if you fancy switching over to Netflix, BBC iPlayer or torrenting, this provider has you covered. The 30-day money-back guarantee further sweetens the deal, as it means you can try out Ivacy without incurring any cost.
IPVanish is a great all-round Xbox Series X/S VPN. It boasts a multitude of servers across the globe, consistently quick speeds and the ability to connect to unlimited devices simultaneously.
-
Pricing
From
$6.49 –
$10.00 -
Available on
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
-
Unblocks
- Netflix
- Hulu
IPVanish is a VPN based in the US. Another VPN with rapid connection speeds and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions thanks to servers in 5 countries, it’s great for streaming HD content and thus ideal for Xbox Series X users determined not to compromise on game quality. It can also unblock things you may want to access on your console such as the Netflix US library. IPVanish servers are split into sub-categories, and users can select which one they want to use based on criteria like ping, so gaming delays really are a rarity.
In terms of security, it has near complete control over its ‘Tier 1’ network, which will be a big relief to those concerned about their privacy whilst gaming. It also has other features to put your mind at ease including AES-256-bit encryption, obfuscation and a zero-logs policy. Why not test it out? With a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no reason not to.
Why do I need a VPN for the Xbox Series X?
It’s always a good idea to use a VPN when you’re on the internet, regardless of the platform or device you’re using.
By funnelling your traffic through a private server before it reaches the internet, VPNs mask your IP address and help you pretend to be in the country where the given server is located.
Other advantages include being able to unblock different Netflix regions, buy games at cheaper prices and play them before they’re released in your country.
All that, on top of the security features they offer, makes them an essential piece of kit for any gamer.
How to set up a VPN for Xbox Series X on your router
- Sign up to one of the VPN services on our list.
- On your computer, navigate to the control panel of your router.
- Click on the settings/set-up/WAN section of the control panel.
- Enter the details provided by the VPN service you chose, including the server address. Save your changes and exit the control panel.
- Turn on your Xbox and follow its instructions to connect to your WiFi, and you’re ready to go!
Using a VPN router
Xbox consoles do not have native VPN support, and you can only install VPNs on routers capable of encrypting your traffic.
These routers are configured with the relevant firmware to host a VPN. If you want to install a VPN on another router, you will need to ‘flash’ it with DD-WRT or Tomato so it can support OpenVPN.
Check out our best VPNs routers article for more information.
Set up Xbox Series X VPN by creating a virtual router from you computer
Another way to use a VPN on an Xbox is to share your computer’s VPN connection with your console.
You can do this quite simply by using an ethernet cable and following the instructions on our how to set up a VPN on Xbox Guide.
Alternatively, you can turn your computer into a WiFi hotspot, which achieves the same goal. However, important to note that not all wireless cards have this functionality, and it won’t be the best for high bandwidth gaming.
Windows
- Sign up to one of the VPNs on our list and activate it on your PC.
- Open the settings menu on your computer.
- Click on the ‘Network & Internet‘ section in the settings menu.
- Navigate to the ‘Mobile hotspot‘ section.
- Click edit, name your network and set a password.
- Switch the toggle underneath ‘share my internet connection with other devices’ to on. Your mobile hotspot is now active.
- Connect to your hotspot with your Xbox.
- Test your connection to ensure it is up and running smoothly!
Mac
- Sign up to one of the VPNs on our list and activate it on your Mac.
- Navigate to ‘System Preferences‘ and select ‘Sharing‘.
- Click ‘Internet sharing‘ from the left-side list.
- Select ‘Share your connection from‘ on the drop-down menu.
- Select ‘WiFi‘ under the ‘to computers using‘ menu.
- Click ‘WiFi options’ and set a WiFi password.
- Tick the box next to ‘Internet Sharing‘ in the ‘Sharing’ drop-down menu on the left-hand side.
- Make sure your ‘Internet Sharing’ status is set to ‘on‘.
- Connect to your mac’s WiFi hotspot on your Xbox.
- Test your connection to ensure it is up and running smoothly!
Using a VPN’s smart DNS server for Xbox Series X
A lot of VPNs offer smart DNS services which will let you geo-spoof in much the same way a virtual private network does, which is great for unblocking games or Netflix on your Xbox. Check out our gaming VPN page for more benefits of using a VPN when gaming.
However, they are not as secure as VPN services as they do not encrypt your internet traffic and merely redirect your DNS requests to a proxy server, which does not mask your IP address.
So, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with which VPNs offer the best Smart DNS services.
Can VPNs reduce ping on the Xbox series X?
For VPNs to work, any given provider has to reroute your traffic through one of their private server, which can naturally lead to some minor, additional delay.
However, if you’re connecting to a private network near the gaming server you’re planning on connecting to, which many gamers use VPNs to do, it can improve the stability of your connection, and can (sometimes) lead to ping improvements.
Why a cheap VPN is better than a free one
Although there are some good free VPNs out there, they come often come with risks not associated with paid services. On free VPNs, it’s not uncommon to find:
- Limited safety and security features
- Very little protection against malware
- Questionable privacy policies and data sales to third-parties
- Internet advertisements
- Very few server locations
Plus, almost all paid VPN services, including all five on our list, offer free trial VPNs or money-back guarantees if you’re unsatisfied after a trial period. There’s really no excuse not to take one for a spin!
Conclusion
All in all, if you want the best gaming experience possible, a VPN should be the first thing on your list. Increased access to blocked games, as well as an enhanced level of privacy at no cost to your gaming experience is a no-brainer.
Here’s a reminder of the best ones for your console:
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ExpressVPN
– The best VPN for the Xbox Series X. Super-fast speeds, coupled with a vast bank of servers, for the ultimate gaming experience. -
CyberGhost VPN
– A low-cost VPN for Xbox Series X. It’s a user-friendly VPN with multi-platform compatibility to meet all your gaming needs. -
Surfshark
– A newer, cheaper Xbox Series X VPN. Already highly regarded for its security features and ability to unblock content. -
Ivacy
– A budget-friendly VPN, and consistently fast in our speed tests, making it perfect for the Xbox Series X. -
IPVanish
– A great VPN for Xbox Series X or S. It offers robust security and several features to make life easier of Xbox users.