Best VPN to set up on Xbox Series X / S / One / 360
Get the best VPN for Xbox gaming consoles
Enhance your gaming experience with a risk-free Xbox VPN.
- Optimized for speed and stability
- Easily change your device location
- Easy to set up - no other equipment required
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Here’s why ExpressVPN is the best Xbox VPN
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Powerful protection
Avoid DDoS attacks by masking your IP. ExpressVPN also features 256-bit AES, leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling.
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Boost connectivity
Enjoy unlimited, premium bandwidth. Minimize ping and lag with VPN servers in 105 countries.
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Bypass throttling
Limit your ISP from slowing your connection. With a VPN, data can’t be inspected, so your bandwidth won’t be throttled.
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Access more online
Get the latest DLC and games from early launch date countries. Play games even if they’re censored where you are.*
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Play on all devices
Whether you prefer to play on a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, tablet, or phone, ExpressVPN has you covered.
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Game without borders
No matter where you are around the world, simply change your region and play together with your friends.*
Gaming on Xbox with a VPN
Gaming online on Xbox with ExpressVPN keeps your data private while also protecting you from DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks. A VPN can also lower ping times between gaming servers by connecting you to locations closer to the network hosts.
How to set up a VPN on Xbox
Connect your Xbox to a VPN router (ExpressVPN Aircove)
The best way to get a VPN on your Xbox is to connect it to a VPN router. And the easiest way to do that is to get an Aircove, the first and only Wi-Fi 6 router with a built-in* VPN. Developed exclusively by ExpressVPN, Aircove is a user-friendly router that protects any device connected to it, even those that can’t install VPN software.
Ready to take the next step in protecting your privacy at home? Learn more about Aircove.
* An active ExpressVPN subscription, sold separately, is required for VPN features. The router will still perform standard functions without one.
Use ExpressVPN on another router (manual setup)
If you’re not ready to purchase Aircove, you may be able to set up ExpressVPN on your router manually:
- Check to see if your router supports manual setup.
- Open your router’s admin page by entering the router’s IP address in your browser search bar. You’ll need to log in using your router’s username and password.
- Look for VPN options in the Settings or Advanced Settings section, then follow the manual setup instructions for your model.
- Once the VPN is set up, you can connect your Xbox to the router as normal, by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
Use your Windows PC as a mobile hotspot for Xbox
You can also share a VPN connection from a Windows PC that is running ExpressVPN. Just create a mobile hotspot, then connect your Xbox to it:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN and install the app for Windows. Then, select Control Panel and choose Network and Internet. Switch on the Mobile Hotspot feature.
- Click on Status and select Change Adapter options. In the list of Network connections, identify your Network name.
- Right-click on the ExpressVPN Tap Adapter and choose Properties.
- In the pop-up window that shows up, go to the Sharing tab and tick the box that permits other network users to connect.
- In the menu, pick the hotspot you’ve set up, and click OK.
- Finally, open the ExpressVPN application, connect to your desired server location, and choose the OpenVPN (either UDP or TCP) protocol.
How to reduce lag on Xbox
Setting up and customizing your DNS configurations could improve latency and reduce gaming lag. The tutorial below will guide you on setting up a DNS for Xbox.
Is there a router with a built-in VPN?
Yes, there is. ExpressVPN’s Aircove is the industry’s first router with built-in VPN functionality. Aircove is compatible with major gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. All you have to do is connect your gaming device to Aircove’s Wi-Fi to enjoy the benefits of ExpressVPN.
Does Xbox block VPN?
No, Xbox doesn’t block VPNs. However, it doesn’t natively support VPN apps the way that laptops and smartphones do. While you can’t directly install a VPN on your Xbox, there are several ways to bypass this, including connecting your Xbox to a VPN-enabled Wi-Fi router, laptop, or mobile hotspot.
Can I use a free VPN on Xbox?
Free proxy services are not recommended for gaming online as they do not offer the same privacy and security benefits of a paid VPN. Many do not work as advertised, some may even sell your data, and most will leave your networks vulnerable to attack.
Read more about free proxy services vs. VPNs.
| Express VPNExpressVPN | Most free VPNs | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly data limit | Unlimited | 10GB |
| Number of countries with servers | 105 | <10 |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat | |
| Compatible devices | All popular devices | Desktop and mobile |
| Tracks your online activity | Never | Maybe |
| Simultaneous connections | 8 | 1 |
| Custom VPN protocol | Lightway | None |
Download ExpressVPN on all your devices
A single ExpressVPN subscription lets you download a VPN for every popular platform. Need a VPN for multiple devices? Set up ExpressVPN on everything you own, and use it on eight at the same time.
Get a VPN for Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a cloud-based gaming subscription service offered under the Xbox Game Pass. It allows subscribers to stream available games on PC and Android devices, with iOS compatibility being introduced over time.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Using ExpressVPN can help you ensure you achieve the minimum speed of 5Mbps required for a stable and secure cloud gaming experience.
FAQ: Xbox VPN
Is VPN allowed on Xbox?
Unfortunately, a VPN can’t be directly installed on an Xbox console. That said, you can use ExpressVPN on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360 by connecting your console to a VPN enabled router.
What is the best VPN for Xbox?
With servers across 105 countries, best-in-class encryption, and ultra-fast speeds that offer minimal buffering, ExpressVPN is the best and most reliable VPN for gaming online with your Xbox—including Series X/S, One, and the 360.
Does ExpressVPN work on all the latest gaming devices?
Just about! You can currently use ExpressVPN with PlayStation 5, 4, and 3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch. Additionally, you can set up ExpressVPN on a supported router to enable VPN protection for every device in your home.
Does using a VPN for Xbox boost gaming speeds?
It can. If your ISP (internet service provider) is intentionally throttling certain kinds of network traffic, a VPN can bypass these restrictions and restore your network speeds to their default levels. In some instances, users have even reported faster-than-average gaming speeds.
Does MediaStreamer offer the same protection as a VPN?
Unfortunately, it does not. MediaStreamer changes your apparent location without offering the same privacy protections as a VPN. In order to use your Xbox console with all the benefits of a VPN, you’ll need to connect it to a compatible router by using the ExpressVPN app for routers.
How can ExpressVPN for routers improve my gaming?
In addition to keeping your data and files safe and hidden behind an encrypted network, connecting your Xbox through a VPN router protects you from potential DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks. You can also use a VPN to cut ping times between various gaming servers by connecting to locations closer to the network hosts.
Does a VPN let me use Xbox Cloud Gaming for free?
No. You will need to separately sign up for an Xbox Game Pass subscription. The service is, however, available at no additional cost to subscribers of the Ultimate tier of the Xbox Game Pass service. ExpressVPN will complement your Xbox Game Pass subscription by providing a more secure, more stable online gaming experience.
In what regions is Xbox Cloud Gaming available?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Microsoft has announced that more regions are expected to follow over time.
How do I use my router to set up a VPN?
You can either install the ExpressVPN app on a compatible Wi-Fi router, or get a router that's pre-installed with ExpressVPN.
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Sign in to your ExpressVPN account
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Download compatible router firmware
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Sign in to your router dashboard
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Configure ExpressVPN
Try ExpressVPN for Xbox game consoles risk-free
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