So you finally scored a new Xbox gaming console. Now what? If you want to take your gaming experience to the next level, you should probably consider using a VPN, or virtual private network, with your Xbox console. However, finding the best VPN for your gaming needs isn’t always easy. Not all VPN providers offer the same level of security and speed, and not all of them support Microsoft’s Xbox platform. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We tested out scores of VPNs and narrowed it down to the top VPN services that will give you added protection on your gaming console without slowing you down.
So if you want to protect yourself against the possibility of a DDoS attack, keep your connection speed up, get around bandwidth throttling, or access geoblocked content, each VPN provider listed here will do all that and more. Our picks for the best VPNs for Xbox offer competitive speeds, are totally secure, and support Microsoft’s Xbox platform. These VPNs can also be used through any type of internet connection like an ethernet cable, mobile hotspot or Wi-Fi router. Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best VPN for Xbox.
Read more: Best Xbox One games for 2021
Sarah Tew/CNET
Keep in mind that this is an evolving list. Keep checking this guide of the best VPN for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S since we’ll be updating it when new Xbox VPN options become available. In the meantime, for help getting your VPN up and running on your Xbox console, check out how to set up a VPN on Xbox.
Editors’ note: Following the Sept. 13 sale of ExpressVPN to Kape Technologies, a company that has raised significant privacy concerns for us in the past, we’re carefully re-evaluating ExpressVPN to determine the implications that its new ownership may have on users’ privacy. We’ll update our recommendations and reviews if and when warranted.
Fastest VPN for gaming
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
IP address number: 30,000
Number of servers: 3,000-plus in 94 countries
Number of simultaneous connections: 5
Cost: Three months free with one-year plan
When you’re gaming, speed is key, isn’t it? ExpressVPN consistently bests the biggest VPN providers in the industry in both our own speed tests and those of other review sites. Yes, this paid VPN service is more expensive than the other two gaming VPN options listed here, but for the extra dollar per month you’re getting insane speeds, which is important when you’re looking for the best VPN for Xbox One or any other Xbox device. The use of any virtual private network can typically cut your internet speed by half or more, but when we ran speed tests on ExpressVPN, we found it reduced our overall internet speeds by less than 2%. To get the most out of ExpressVPN they recommend installing their app on your router or using a pre configured router to access unlimited connections with a single subscription. Port forwarding can be done using the ExpressVPN router app to speed up your internet connection.
Like the other two providers on this list, ExpressVPN imposes no data caps and offers unlimited VPN server switching among its 100% RAM-disk network. That last bit is a major security boost if you’re looking to keep nosy internet service providers out of your business. If that’s you, it’s also worth pointing out that ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy was put to the test back in 2017 when Turkish authorities demanded the VPN company hand over usage logs during the investigation of an ambassador. Having kept no logs, ExpressVPN had nothing to offer when its servers were seized.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN only offers five simultaneous connections compared to NordVPN’s six and IPVanish’s 10.
Read our ExpressVPN review.
ExpressVPN
Competitive speeds
Solid security suite
Company is based in privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
$6.67/mo for 1-yr plan + 3 mo free
See at Express VPN
Top-tier reliability
NordVPN
NordVPN
IP address number: 5,000
Number of servers: 5,200-plus in 62 countries
Number of simultaneous connections: 6
Cost: $3.67 per month (69% discount) for a two-year plan
If you want a VPN client whose network connection isn’t going to drop out on you mid-headshot, go with NordVPN. Known for its vast, reliable VPN network, solid VPN connectivity, best internet sharing and competitive speeds, NordVPN’s bang-for-buck ratio simply can’t be beat right now, which is why it’s among our picks of the best VPN for Xbox One.
Though not as fast as ExpressVPN in our speed tests, NordVPN only cut our internet speed by a third, while most VPNs reduce it by half or more. Nord’s Singapore servers, however, left every other VPN service provider in the dust. To double up your security, NordVPN provides Double VPN feature included in the NordVPN subscription package.
Despite a security breach reported in 2019, NordVPN is also a strong bet on security. The limited nature of the breach, the rapid call for a full-network security audit, and the prompt move to switch all of its network settings to exclusively RAM-disk (a much more secure operation) has allowed it to keep its reputation as a valuable tool for the privacy-minded VPN user.
Like all the VPNs listed here, NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our NordVPN review.
NordVPN
Reliable, competitive speeds
RAM-disk servers
Feature-rich software
$3.30/mo for 2-yr plan
See at NordVPN
The up-and-comer
IPVanish
IPVanish
IP address number: 40,000
Number of servers: 1,600-plus in 75 countries
Number of simultaneous connections: 10
Costs: $3.96 per month (64% discount) for a two-year plan
IPVanish has grown more competitive with speeds in the past year and is surging ahead of other mid-tier VPN services to become known as a solid, low-latency VPN provider with tiny ping times, solid functionality, unlimited bandwidth and an extended international server network.
This VPN app uses less than half the total number of servers held by ExpressVPN, but about 10,000 more IP addresses to stay ahead of the race. Its fun, configurable interface allows you the option of choosing the speediest VPN connection at any given moment to hop from country to country.
IPVanish walked out of our review with fewer marks for privacy than the above competitors, but for the purposes of bypassing geo-blocked streaming services like Netflix, it gave us no trouble at all. Perhaps best of all, IPVanish VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections on its basic account. The more the merrier.
Read our IPVanish review.
IPVanish
Competitive speeds
Interface encourages learning
10 simultaneous connections
$3.20/mo (billed as $38.38/yr)
See at IPVanish
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