Finding the Best Xbox VPNs: What Gamers Should Look For

Updated on September 20, 2024
vpn-on-xbox

Gamers, let’s talk about something that can elevate your Xbox experience to a whole new level: VPNs. You may have heard whispers of these digital tools in online forums or among friends, but what exactly are they doing for gamers? We’ll find out later.

Coming back to the fact that using Xbox is not just all about gaming, but about streaming, listening to music, watching others play games, and even browsing the web.

Therefore, these activities come with the need for protection from hackers, internet service providers, and anyone spying on your online activity.

With the right Xbox VPN, you can unlock access to geo-restricted content, minimize lag during intense gaming sessions, and protect your privacy from prying eyes.

But, setting up a VPN on your Xbox isn’t the most easily done process. But, there are a few workarounds that anyone can do. 

In this guide, we’ll explain why a VPN is a vital companion for every serious gamer out there, how to set up a VPN, and more. 

Why Do You Need an Xbox VPN?

As we just said, Xbox isn’t only about gaming but streaming too. On that note, privacy and security have become a concern.

Even though, Xbox might not be the first device you associate with VPNs. Usually, a VPN is also useful to safeguard your online activity generally. 

Apart from this, there are three other valid reasons why one may consider getting their hands on a VPN for Xbox One. Here are some:

  • Privacy: When gaming or streaming on Xbox, privacy should be a priority. For that matter, a VPN on Xbox can encrypt all web traffic and IP addresses. This way, your internet service provider won’t spy on your online activities.
  • Security: Are you using your Xbox on a public Wi-Fi network? Then, chances are, your security might get compromised. To avoid such situations, a VPN is helpful to prevent hacking.
  • Streaming: Since many people enjoy streaming on Xbox, a VPN can help in accessing streaming services in other countries. 

Can You Use a VPN on Xbox?

Without any further ado, the straightforward answer is “No”. This is because Xbox consoles do not natively support VPNs. Hence, there is no direct way to download and install a VPN on an Xbox.

Luckily, there are work accounts for the same. For instance, you can set up a VPN-protected hotspot on Windows or routers. 

3 Best VPN For Xbox

Now that you have made up your mind to use an Xbox VPN, here are 3 best in the market: 

NordVPN

NordVPN

Till now, NordVPN has been consistently rated as one of the best VPN services for Xbox on the market. It provides several features, including streaming unblocking, and 24/7 customer support.

The list of its features consists of thread protection, split tunneling, dark web monitor, dedicated IP, no user tracking, private DNS, etc. 

Many may think that setting up this VPN could be hard, but in reality, it is quite easy to set up. Apart from blocking ads, malware, and crackers, this VPN also notifies users when their information gets leaked during their gaming sessions. 

If the connection immediately drops, then the kill switch feature of NordVPN prevents the device from Internet access.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN

The next on the list of Xbox VPN is Proton VPN. This VPN is known for its fast and reliable services that protect your online privacy by hiding the real IP address. With Proton VPN, users can also bypass censorship and access blocked sites in certain countries. 

Concerning security, it uses the strongest encryption. This VPN encrypts the network traffic with AES-256, exchanges keys with 4096-bit RSA, and uses HMAC with SHA384 for message authentication.

For gaming, it lets you access geo-restricted games like Lost Ark, PUBG, and Ragnarok Online II. Moreover, its WireGuard protocol gives you exceptional VPN speeds, and improved performance, and even extends your battery life.

Surfshark

Surfshark

Surfing the web means you are exposed to risks like data breaches, hacking, attacks, and snoopers. Surfshark ensures your safety online at all times, regardless of your location. This well-rounded VPN has 3200+ encrypted servers in hundreds of countries.

Apart from a huge server list, this VPN is packed with core features like anonymous browsing, dedicated IP, kill switch, and split tunneling.

Concerning gaming, it offers distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection to protect gamers from hackers and hide their IP addresses on Discord and other chats.

Explore Other VPNs

How to Set Up and Use an Xbox VPN?

Setting up a VPN on your Xbox can enhance your gaming experience significantly, here is how you can set it up through a computer, router, or personal hotspot:

Setting VPN On Xbox Via Computer

On Mac:

  1. Start by connecting your Mac device to the Internet via an Ethernet cable because it does not work with Wi-Fi.
  2. Now go to “System Settings”, search for “Sharing”, and click on it.
  3. Scroll down a bit, locate “Internet Sharing”, and click on the lowercase “i”
  4. Choose “VPN”, under “Share Your Connection From”
  5. After that, check the box for Wi-Fi under “To Computer Using”
  6. Create a strong password and a network name and leave the channel as default.
  7. Set the security as WPA2 Personal and click “Ok”
  8. It’s time to enable Internet sharing and turn on the Wi-Fi network.
  9. Click start and head toward your Xbox’s settings.
  10. Finally, join this Wi-Fi network

On Windows 10:

Before starting with the steps, it’s important to address one thing i.e. the device must be wireless. It comes with a built-in interface or an external USB wireless adapter.

Now, let’s get started with your steps:

  1. Press the Windows button on your computer and type in “cmd”.
  2. Right-click the “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator”.
  3. Now, on the command prompt window, type “netsh wlan show drivers” and press “Enter”.
  4. The moment you get your Xbox on the same network as your computer, connect the computer to the VPN.
  5. Now, your web activity on Xbox and private IP address will be encrypted.

How To Use VPN On Xbox Through Router

When you set up a VPN on your router, it comes with additional benefits i.e. all devices connected on the network will be protected.

Usually, many routers support VPN connection. First, configure a VPN on the router, depending on its brand, model, and the VPN service you are using. 

So if set up process may differ based on the router, here is how it works:

  1. Follow up the documentation instructions on the route. This process involves signing up for the VPN service, identifying the router’s IP address, and using the IP address to login into your router.
  1. Find the tab labeled as “Control Panel” or the string that controls the network connection. You can find this option with different titles like “WAN Setup” or “Network”. 
  1. Type the details of VPN service. This VPN service information consists of IP Address, subnet mask and VPN login information.
  1. Now, connect your Xbox to the router at this stage.
  1. Turn on Xbox and select “Guide”.
  1. Then, select Settings > General > Network Settings.
  1. Up next, hold A and go to “Set Up Wireless Network”.
  1. Finally, connect the Xbox to your wireless home network, type the password, and you are done.

How To Get A VPN On Xbox by Connecting to a Personal Hotspot

Possibilities are, you can create a personal hotspot on another device, and then use that as your Xbox’s Wi-Fi. Now follow these steps: 

On macOS or iOS:

  1. On your iPhone settings, go to “Personal Hotspot” and toggle it on.
  2. On MacBook, join the network by using the password listed on your phone.
  3. Add your Xbox to this network and wait until it’s connected.

On Windows:

  1. On your PC, go to “Settings” and click on “Network & Internet”.
  2. Now, navigate to “Mobile Hotspot”.
  3. Then, select “Edit” under the network details. 
  4. Enter the “Network Name” and “Network Password”.
  5. Save details by clicking on “Save”.
  6. Up next, toggle on the “Share my Internet connection with other devices” settings.
  7. Finally, connect your Xbox to the mobile network. 

Things to Consider When Choosing an Xbox VPN?

Choosing an Xbox VPN comes with great responsibility. You have to be mindful when you are on your hunt to find the right one. 

Here are a few things that you need to make sure that your VPN works with them: 

  • VPN Xbox Compatibility: Check if the VPN is compatible with your device’s operating system, as well as if it offers router support for consoles like Xbox.
  • Server Locations: Make sure the VPN has servers in countries where Xbox Live is available, as this will ensure stable and fast connections.
  • Speed and Performance: Look for a VPN with fast speeds and reliable performance to avoid lags and interruptions during gameplay.
  • P2P Support: If you plan on downloading games or content through torrents when you’re connected to the VPN, make sure it supports P2P file sharing.
  • User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface will make it easier for you to set up and use the VPN on your Xbox console without any technical expertise.
  • Cost: Consider the cost of the VPN and if it offers a free trial or money-back guarantee to test its performance before committing to a subscription.

Conclusion

Connecting your Xbox to a VPN can greatly boost your gaming experience by simply allowing access to country-specific content, keeping your sensitive data private, and protecting yourself from hackers.

But, when selecting the best Xbox VPN, features such as speed, server locations, and ease of use. 

Although Xbox does not offer native integration, you can either set up your VPN through Windows, a router, or a personal hotspot. 

So, embrace this technology to elevate every session and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay across borders.

Ankit Kumar

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