The best Xbox VPN in 2024
Turn your next-gen console into a dream streaming machine
Your Xbox is capable of more than just gaming—and whether you're hopping into online lobbies with friends around the world or catching up on streaming content, an Xbox VPN can help you out. I've rounded up 5 of the top contenders in this guide (and they're all super easy to use).
Me and the TechRadar team get hands-on with VPNs, regularly, and log over 3,000 hours testing services every year. That includes more than 28,000 speed tests and 2,800 streaming tests. This is the data I'll be using to rank the best VPNs in the business.
When it comes to picking a VPN for your Xbox, you'll want a provider that offers a blend of speed, security, and unblocking power. ExpressVPN is my favorite right now, but NordVPN and Surfshark offer quality alternatives if you're looking for a bargain.
The best Xbox VPNs in 2024: my top three
1. The best VPN overall: NordVPN
NordVPN smashed our most recent round of speed tests, and it's more than capable of keeping up with your online matches and HD movie marathons. I like that NordVPN comes with built-in ad-blocking tools, too, making annoying pop-ups a thing of the past.
If you fancy taking NordVPN for a test run before committing to a long-term commitment, be sure to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
1. The best for beginners: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a great choice for newbies (or anyone looking for a quick and easy setup process), and has speedy servers in 94 countries. That means you'll have no problem checking out regional gaming servers, streaming content, and geo-restricted sites.
It's worth noting that Express VPN is on the expensive side—but you get what you pay for. Luxe apps for all your devices, awesome 24/7 support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee you can use to try ExpressVPN for yourself before buying.
3. The best budget Xbox VPN: Surfshark
Surfshark is a great all-rounder with speeds on par with NordVPN. So, whether you're in a ranked match with friends, questing in an MMORPG, or doing some Minecraft-ing, Surfshark can handle it with ease. All of the Surfshark apps are easy to use, too, so you don't have to be an expert.
Sign up for a subscription and you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections to share (if you're feeling generous). See how it compares to ExpressVPN and NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Recent updates
This guide has been revamped from head to toe—now, it focuses solely on the Xbox side of things, so we can offer more tailored advice to you console loyalists out there. Plus, NordVPN has climbed to the top of my rankings, over ExpressVPN, following our most recent round of testing. Interested in the details? Check out our latest VPN test results for the full story.
The best Xbox VPN services in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
The best Xbox VPN
1. NordVPN
The industry's speed demon
Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 5,400+ | Server locations: 80+ | Maximum devices supported: 6 | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
✔️ You'll be hosting game servers: the handy Meshnet feature lets you grant 60 users access to your network—and it's free
✔️ You want a full security suite: one subscription nets you built-in ad-blocking tools, malware protection, and cyber insurance
✔️ Streaming is your thing: NordVPN always aces our unblocking tests, and can access all of your favorite streaming platforms
❌ Simplicity is everything: NordVPN's apps look great, but the interactive map-style interface is tricky to use on mobile screens. Stick to ExpressVPN for a sleeker experience.
❌ You want to customize everything: if you prefer to tailor your VPN setup down to the last detail, NordVPNs menus fall short. Check out PIA for more granular control.
🔒 NordVPN ensures you have the security and speed you need to hop into games with friends around the world (and check out geo-restricted content).
Check out our NordVPN review to see why this titan of the VPN world is still a popular choice.
NordVPN combines speed, unblocking power, and budget-friendly prices—it's an impressive balancing act. Getting started with NordVPN is nice and simple, too, and you can connect the service to your Xbox via Smart DNS or router.
If you like to wind down after a match (or ten) with some Netflix, you'll be glad to learn that NordVPN is the best Netflix VPN you can get your hands on. It unblocked every content library with ease, and can also access the likes of BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and smaller services from overseas. What's more, NordVPN is currently one of the fastest VPN I've tested, and maxed out my connection at a whopping 950 Mbps.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN's Meshnet feature comes in handy for Xbox gamers who'll be hosting their own servers. It allows you to create your own secure private network, covering (and securing) up to 60 devices, and all for free. Meshnet is a nifty solution to household detection—and is a great way to share passwords.
Although I enjoy the NordVPN apps, and the fresh interface, they're not as clean as the ExpressVPN counterparts. This is particularly apparent on mobile devices. Trying to navigate the interactive server map with your finger and thumb can lead to misclicks and frustration so, in my humble opinion, you're better off sticking to the traditional lists.
I do like that one NordVPN plan comes with all of the tools you'll need to shore up your digital security. The VPN is a one-stop shop and includes malware protection and ad-blocking tools that are must-haves for your day-to-day browsing. You can add some fun extras to your plan if you upgrade to the Complete tier, including NordVPN's very own NordPass password manager, NordLocker secure storage, and a data breach scanner.
NordVPN certainly isn't stingy—it has more than 5,000 servers in 59 countries, apps for pretty much every device you can think of, and a lot list of privacy features designed to keep your gaming and browsing private. 24/7 live chat support is on hand to help you troubleshoot any obstacles, and you can see how NordVPN works for you with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A few fiddly aspects, but otherwise sleek and fresh | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | VPN newbies won't have any issues, but tweaking advanced configurations is tricky | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | The fastest VPN available today | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Achieved a perfect score during our unblocking tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Constantly improving its apps, a no-logs policy, and rock-solid encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Live chat support is always around to help you out of a pickle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Budget-friendly prices for a top-shelf service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN UX
2. ExpressVPN
The best Xbox VPN for beginners
Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 3,000+ |external/go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=trd-us-1031533220295682566&sharedId=trd-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Fvpn-software%2Fvpn-consoles%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" rel="sponsored noopener" target="_blank" data-url="https://xvtelink.com/vpn-software/vpn-consoles?offer=3monthsfree&a_fid=744" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Fvpn-software%2Fvpn-consoles%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-google-interstitial="false" data-merchant-name="ExpressVPN" data-merchant-id="298450" data-merchant-url="expressvpn.com" data-merchant-network="ImpactRad">
2. ExpressVPN
The best Xbox VPN for beginners
Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | Maximum devices supported: 8 | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox
✔️ You want to minimize ping: nothing kills an online game like a lag spike. ExpressVPN aced our speed tests, making it a reliably quick pick.
✔️ You need to get around geo-blocks: with servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is your gateway to region-specific games, streaming content, and more.
✔️ You want a plug-and-play provider: getting set up with ExpressVPN only takes a minute, and it'll even handle the configurations for you.
❌ You're working with a budget: there's no getting around the fact that ExpressVPN is expensive. I'd stick to Surfshark if you want to save some cash.
❌ A dedicated IP is a must: if you plan on using a static IP for unblocking content, ExpressVPN falls short, and you'll need to check out NordVPN or Surfshark.
🔒 ExpressVPN is the total package. It's quick, super secure, and reliable, making it a stellar companion to your gaming sessions.
2. ExpressVPN
The best Xbox VPN for beginners
Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | Maximum devices supported: 8 | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox
✔️ You want to minimize ping: nothing kills an online game like a lag spike. ExpressVPN aced our speed tests, making it a reliably quick pick.
✔️ You need to get around geo-blocks: with servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is your gateway to region-specific games, streaming content, and more.
✔️ You want a plug-and-play provider: getting set up with ExpressVPN only takes a minute, and it'll even handle the configurations for you.
❌ You're working with a budget: there's no getting around the fact that ExpressVPN is expensive. I'd stick to Surfshark if you want to save some cash.
❌ A dedicated IP is a must: if you plan on using a static IP for unblocking content, ExpressVPN falls short, and you'll need to check out NordVPN or Surfshark.
🔒 ExpressVPN is the total package. It's quick, super secure, and reliable, making it a stellar companion to your gaming sessions.
✔️ You want to minimize ping: nothing kills an online game like a lag spike. ExpressVPN aced our speed tests, making it a reliably quick pick.
✔️ You need to get around geo-blocks: with servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is your gateway to region-specific games, streaming content, and more.
✔️ You want a plug-and-play provider: getting set up with ExpressVPN only takes a minute, and it'll even handle the configurations for you.
❌ You're working with a budget: there's no getting around the fact that ExpressVPN is expensive. I'd stick to Surfshark if you want to save some cash.
❌ A dedicated IP is a must: if you plan on using a static IP for unblocking content, ExpressVPN falls short, and you'll need to check out NordVPN or Surfshark.
🔒 ExpressVPN is the total package. It's quick, super secure, and reliable, making it a stellar companion to your gaming sessions.
Head on over to our ExpressVPN review to see why we think the service is one of the industry's very best.
ExpressVPN really helps you get the most out of your Xbox—and you don't have to be a technical wizard to get started. Its ease of use is one of my favorite things, actually, and although there's no ExpressVPN app for Xbox, you can check out the MediaStreamer service to bridge the gap. Alternatively, it's possible to install ExpressVPN on your router.
There are more than 3,000 ExpressVPN servers in 94 countries. That's pretty impressive and means you'll have access to content from all over the globe. So, whether that's region-specific Netflix libraries, news outlets, or online games stores that aren't available in your country, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to spoofing your location. Oh, and if you're not fussy about where your server is, but want a quick one, ExpressVPN's one-click connect will pair you up with a speedy pick.
► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
On the subject of speed, ExpressVPN lives up to its name with an impressive performance. Admittedly, it isn't as fast as the likes of NordVPN, but still provides more than 15 times what you'll need for streaming 4K content. As you can imagine, this is good news for folks looking for a reliable (and quick) torrenting VPN, too.
ExpressVPN's major stumbling block is its price—in fact, NordVPN is almost twice as cheap. You can save some money by signing up for a long-term plan but that still requires forking over a considerable lump of cash (and committing to the service). It's also worth noting that you only get 8 simultaneous connections to play with, whereas Surfshark offers its users unlimited connections. It's a bit stingy, and I hope ExpressVPN increases this limit.
Few VPNs can match ExpressVPN when it comes to overall quality, however. Its apps are flawless, with a user-friendly design and interface, which is why I constantly recommend it to VPN newbies. You're getting a whole host of tools baked into your subscription, too, like a kill switch that'll keep your data secure in the event of a VPN dropout and tough encryption that deters DDoS attacks.
The best way to see if ExpressVPN is the best gaming VPN for you is by putting its 30-day money-back guarantee to the test. That gives you a month to take ExpressVPN for a spin and compare it to the competition—and level up your Xbox.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | No clutter, no busy interface elements—it's clean and simple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Tricky configuration is handled for you, and the one-click connect tool automatically connects you to a secure server | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Quick enough to handle online gaming, streaming, and torrenting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks all major streaming platforms without hiccups | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Tough encryption and handy tools, though a recent (fixed) DNS leak caused concern | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Available 24/7 via live chat (manned by friendly agents) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Expensive, but uncompromising security and an audited no-logs policy balm the financial sting | ⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN
3. Surfshark
Tiny price tag, massive value
Fast connections: Very | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 100+ | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Playstation, Xbox
✔️ You're working with a budget: Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs available and doesn't skimp on features.
✔️ You have a lot of gadgets: with unlimited simultaneous connections, you'll be able to secure all of the devices in your house with just one subscription.
✔️ You're prioritizing speed: Surfshark is the quickest VPN service and maxed out my connection during testing.
❌ Physical servers are a must: Surfshark has a lot of virtual servers which, depending on where you live, could be an issue.
❌ You rely on your kill switch: we noticed problems with the Windows kill switch during testing—so steer clear of Surfshark if you can't risk an accidental IP leak.
🔒 Surfshark gives Xbox gamers an inexpensive way to shore up their security and broaden their streaming horizons.
Visit our Surfshark review to see why this bargain VPN consistently holds its own against pricey competitors.
Surfshark is a favorite of bargain hunters worldwide—but don't be fooled by the teeny-tiny price, because the VPN is jam-packed with value. It's my favorite cheap VPN and works seamlessly with consoles (including Xbox and PlayStation) thanks to its Smart DNS feature.
If you're eager to do some server hopping and unblock streaming platforms, game libraries, and other geo-restricted sites, you'll be glad to learn that Surfshark has a whopping 3,200 servers in 63 countries. You've got options when it comes to devices, too, because Surfshark is compatible with most internet-enabled gadgets.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of Surfshark's best (and most generous) selling points is the inclusion of unlimited simultaneous connections. Pick up just one plan, and you'll be able to cover your console, PC, mobiles, and more, and even share the love with friends and family. Considering that so many other services cap these connections, it's great to see such a cost-effective provider taking a different approach.
I did notice that a lot of Surfshark's servers are virtual locations—and that could be an issue if you're trying to reduce ping. For instance, if you connect to a virtual US server because it's close to the game server, and it turns out that the server is actually based on the other side of the globe, you won't receive the benefit of connecting to a location in close proximity to the game server.
Surfshark does better on the security front, however, and packs strong encryption that'll keep snoopers from peering over your shoulder (virtually) as you go about your everyday browsing. Plus, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker keep digital nasties from wreaking havoc.
All in all, Surfshark serves up a tempting platter of coverage, speed, streaming compatibility, all wrapped up in a user experience and UI that's squeaky clean. Try Surfshark in your own time, risk-free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Apps are straightforward with a simple layout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Beginners won't have trouble switching servers or tweaking settings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Awesome speeds, all the time | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks all popular platforms, and then some, earning top marks in our tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Includes antivirus tools and ad-blocking, but there are issues with the Windows kill switch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | A comprehensive support site is easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | A polished product offering unmatched value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
4. CyberGhost VPN
Super-speedy with servers everywhere
Fast connections: Average | Number of servers: 9,200+ | Server locations: 116+ |external/www.cyberghostvpn.com/offer/futpl_ottvxmlvg?aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/offer/futpl_ottvxmlvg?aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-google-interstitial="false">CyberGhost VPN
Super-speedy with servers everywhere
Fast connections: Average | Number of servers: 9,200+ | Server locations: 116+ | Maximum devices supported: 7 | Can be used with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox