Xbox is currently one of the most popular devices for streaming and gaming. Adding a VPN for Xbox can significantly improve your overall experience. When you use a VPN with Xbox, you gain access to a wider selection of games and can compete with gamers from all around the world in real-time. Moreover, by setting up a VPN on your Xbox, you can bypass location restrictions and enjoy streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more on your console. If you’re unsure how to begin, this guide will demonstrate how to set up a VPN for Xbox through your router or by creating a virtual hotspot using your PC
We’ve also provided a guide featuring the top VPNs for Xbox, whether you have Xbox One or Xbox 360. Despite the recent advancements and improvements, there are still some issues that many Xbox fans encounter while using their Xbox consoles.
The VPNs listed can help with Issues like high latencies, DDoS attacks, unavailability of games on the Xbox Store, and other issues. It’s why we’ve tested and listed these top 5 providers.
How to set up a VPN on Xbox using 2 methods
Using a VPN on your Xbox allows you to change your IP address and replace it with another IP from a foreign country. On the other hand, you can even connect to a VPN server of the location of the country you live in.
This will allow you to mantain online anonymity and prevent DDoS attack while gaming. As mentioned above, there are around two ways for you to connect to a VPN on an Xbox. One method is by using your router and the other is by adding the VPN to your Windows PC or laptop and extend the connection to your Xbox.
Let’s begin with method 1:
Method 1 – How to set up VPN on Xbox via Router
This method shows you how you can setup a VPN on Xbox using a wireless router. But before you configure your Xbox, you first need to setup VPN settings on your wireless router. For this tutorial we recommend using ExpressVPN.
To setup ExpressVPN on router, follow the tutorial below:
- Sign up with ExpressVPN and create your account. You could use Surfshark too, but ExpressVPN is the best for gaming and streaming.
- Go to your Router’s control panel via its IP address. If you’re not sure about it, contact your ISP asking for the documentation.
- Now, go to “Network” > “Setup” > “Settings” > “WAN.”
- You will now enter the ExpressVPN set up details that is usually provided by the VPN service. It comprises of the IP address of the server you picked, your password, username, and other information.
- Click on “Confirm” and close the router control panel.
- Now, turn on your Xbox and go to “Settings.”
- Click on “Network” > “Set up wireless network”
- Xbox will now highlight the wireless networks within reach. Connect to the one you require.
- Choose your WiFi network and sign in.
- You now know how to set up VPN on Xbox using your router.
- Just in case you’d like to change the server location, you have to head back to the admin panel settings of your router as in point 3 and enter in the VPN server address.
Method 2 – How to set up VPN on Xbox via Windows
To setup VPN on Xbox using Windows, you must first install the VPN Windows client of your VPN provider on your PC/laptop. For this tutorial, we’ve used Surfshark. Here’s how you can begin:
- Sign up with Surfshark and create your account.
- Download and install the VPN on your Windows.
- Connect your Xbox to your PC using an ethernet cable.
- Click on the “Windows Menu” from the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Click on “Control Panel” > “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Press the “Change Adaptor Settings” option from the left of the screen.
- A list of connections will appear, right click on the icon named Surfshark and then select “Properties” > “Sharing.”
- Check the box where it says ‘’Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.’’
- Click on the “Home Networking Connection” followed by your ethernet connection.
- Press “OK”
- Now, launch the Surfshark Windows App and connect to the best server according to what you require access to. One tip would be to connect to a server in closer proximity to your physical location.
- Fire up your Xbox.
- Set your network settings on your console to “Automatic.”
- To test your VPN connection on Xbox go to “System” > “Settings” > “General” > “Network Settings” > “Test network connection.”
- That’s all! You now know how to set up VPN on Xbox via Windows.
Why do I need to set up VPN on Xbox?
Virtual Private Network or VPN as we call it, is an security tool that provides online privacy benefits and give you the freedom to access the internet they way you want to, without any restrictions.
Using a VPN on Xbox can allow you to unblock Xbox games that are not available in your region thus, enabling you to save money when there are no options available.
Xbox as being a complete gaming and home media center, is an incredible streaming device. More and more people are turning to Xbox to satisfy their streaming needs. Xbox allows you stream Netflix, Hulu, and all your favorite streaming services.
However, the restrictions on premium and regional content has created a huge barrier in between users and their favorite streaming content. However, a VPN takes down this barrier and gives you a free path to access your desired streaming content from anywhere in the world.
Top 3 best VPNs for Xbox – Quick guide
If you’re looking for the best VPN to set up on Xbox, there are currently 3 providers that are the best. However, if we have to recommend one, we would go with Surfshark. Other than that, we list ExpressVPN and NordVPN for Xbox. Here are a few details on them:
1. Surfshark – Best VPN to set up on Xbox
A VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark has really taken the VPN market by storm. It is the best VPN for Xbox and is loved by users for a whole lot of other reasons. In terms of amping speeds and privacy while using Xbox either for streaming or gaming, Surfshark makes a great fit. Plus, other than using Surfshark on your Xbox One and Xbox 360 via its Smart DNS proxy, you can create unlimited device connections. FastestVPN also offers numerous features that are bound to give you a great gaming and streaming experience on Xbox.
Likes
- P2P optimized servers
- Unlimited device connections
- Apps Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android Box, Firestick, Linux
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Free trial available
Dislikes
- Not the best for P2P
2. ExpressVPN – Fastest speeds for gaming on Xbox
One of the biggest names in the VPN industry, ExpressVPN offer fast speeds and a secure environment for users to enjoy gaming like never before. It is a British Virgin Islands based VPN provider and follows a no log policy. ExpressVPN offers a wide server network so you won’t have problems accessing your favorite games from anywhere in the world. It is one of the best VPN for Xbox right now and highly recommended.
Likes
- Fast VPN servers around the world
- Apps Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android Box, Firestick, Linux
- AES 256-bit encryption
- 3,000+ VPN servers in 94 countries.
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Free trial
Dislikes
- Expensive packages
3. NordVPN – VPN with high-end security features for Xbox
NordVPN is currently the most popular VPN provider in the market as it has the most subscribers. The VPN service is incredible as it does everything from protecting your online privacy to giving you access to geo-restricted content. It has the most servers; around 5000+ servers in 60 countries. You can connect to your preferred one to access your favorite content. NordVPN is also the best VPN for Xbox as it allows you to access all geo-restricted Xbox games and apps within seconds.
Likes
- Compatibility across all Platforms
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Apps Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Routers, Firestick, Linux
- No logs and audited
- 5000+ high speed servers.
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 30 day money back guarantee
- 6 multi logins
Dislikes
- P2P supported on limited servers
Benefits of Using a VPN on Xbox
If you think that you are getting the most out of your Xbox gaming console, then you are wrong. There is more to achieve when you have a VPN set up on Xbox. To give you a better idea, here are some essential benefits that you will get by setting up a VPN on Xbox:
Considerable Drop in Lag
Xbox allows users to play games online, but sometimes users encounter lags when gaming online. This is usually due to the fact that your ISP may be throttling your internet speed. But when you connect to a VPN, lag won’t be a problem anymore. A VPN prevents your ISP from throttling your speeds by switching your IP address to a secure IP from a different region, thus making your IP address anonymous to your ISP and to the whole world. This way your ISP will not be able to recognize you and you will be able to enjoy smooth online gaming experience like never before.
Protection from DDoS Attacks
Beside geo-restrictions, Xbox also faces the issue of cyberattacks. Your games, apps and all the data you have on your Xbox is on the verge of getting robbed unless you take necessary precautions before it’s too late. A VPN is definitely the one solution to your online protection. It not only gives you privacy but it also encrypts your data while passing it to an secured network, making your online data safe and protected from DDoS attacks and other cyber threats.
Access to Geo-restricted Apps and Games
There are certain games and streaming services that are not attainable on your Xbox because of the country or region you live in. By setting up a VPN on Xbox and changing your IP address, you have access to the best games and streaming services that were blocked before.
How to unblock content on Xbox with VPN
Xbox has one of the most active monthly users in the gaming console market. But the biggest problem faced by almost every Xbox user is regional-restriction on certain Xbox games and apps. For example, GTA 5 and Modern Warfare are blocked in various middle-eastern region. Moreover, streaming services like Netflix has also restricted their full library of content outside US.
Fortunately, problems like these can easily be dealt with by using a VPN as it allows you to unblocks your favorite games and apps from other region including Netflix US library and you can access it all from anywhere in the world within a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a VPN on my Xbox One?
No, you cannot put a VPN on your Xbox One console because there are no VPN apps for it. However, you can add a VPN connection to your Xbox via router or your PC.
How do I get a VPN on my Xbox without a computer?
If you don’t want to add a VPN to your Xbox using a computer, you can add a VPN connection to it via router support.
How do I connect my Xbox to my wireless VPN?
You can add a wireless VPN connection to your Xbox via router support. You can find the tutorial for that above.
Will using a VPN on Xbox protect my identity?
Yes, using a VPN on Xbox does help protect your identity. The VPNs listed above are the best for Xbox and they come with AES 256-bit encryption. This is to secure your connection and avoid attacks. Your identity is further hidden on Xbox with the VPN servers your connect to.
Can you get banned for setting up a VPN on Xbox?
Yes, if you use the VPN on Xbox to access illegal content or are found violating terms, Xbox can ban you. It’s always best to use a VPN for Xbox in an ethical way to avoid the setbacks.
Conclusion
So, we have provided you the best methods of securing your Xbox privacy and accessing geo-restricted games and apps on your Xbox console. In fact, you now have two sure ways on how to set up VPN on Xbox.
A VPN for Xbox not only gives you online freedom but also protects your privacy and prevents malicious attacks from hindering your gaming experience.
