Why Use a VPN for PS4?
Pricing is generally a major factor. Sony charges different rates for the same content across the globe, and a $40 game is nearly always more expensive for the non-US audience. The same goes for region-locked content, with some players missing out on great games altogether.
The content streaming PS Now service is also notably worse, depending on your country of origin. US content is vastly superior to the EU version, with more games and DLC available at a similar price. With a VPN, you can easily switch to a US server from overseas. You’ll be able to enjoy a larger library at a similar price, although you’ll need high-speed internet if you’re planning to stream with PS Now.
As for the US audience, they get all of the benefits associated with dedicated high-speed VPNs. For instance, a PS4 VPN can also have a positive impact on your overall connection, thanks to dedicated servers for P2P gaming.
For online games, a low ping is the key to avoiding lag. Some ISPs are infamous for throttling speeds for the average user, and a PS4 VPN can be used to bypass any unfair restrictions.
(The slightest increase in ping can make a multiplayer game unplayable, so we’d recommend going for a speedy provider for the best results.)
It won’t affect the majority of gamers, but a PS4 VPN will fend off anyone aiming to spam your connection to the internet with a DDoS attack. It’s an infrequent part of competitive gameplay, as some players just can’t take the idea of losing.
A PS4 VPN can also be used if you’ve been IP banned by Sony. (They’ve been known to block users for a variety of reasons if you go against their terms of service.) If you’re desperate to get back online with PSN, a PS4 VPN will get you there. However, a VPN won’t work if they’ve banned your PSN account. You’ll have to sign up to the service again with a new email address.
If it is your first encounter with the VPN trem , we strongly encourage you to read further our VPN beginner’s guide.
How Does a VPN Work?
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) work by setting up a private connection between your device and the VPN provider. They encrypt your data, ensuring the data sent and received online is completely secure.
It’s not a replacement for your internet connection. Instead, the encryption works to hide any data sent to and from your console, so your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re up to. In terms of gaming, it’s the same principle. You’ll have a secure connection between the VPN and your PlayStation, and you’ll be able to change your IP address at will.
Changing your IP address allows you to spoof your location, giving access to the content and extras listed above.
How to Setup a VPN with your Playstation 4
Once you’ve chosen a suitable provider, there are a couple of ways to get the VPN working with your console. (You’ll have to make an account with a VPN service before you can get started. We’ve listed three of the best ones below.)
We’ll go over both of the methods to set up a PS4 VPN briefly, but VPN providers will usually have guides and Live Chat features for further help.
You can either run the VPN through your router, or use a computer to connect it to your PS4.
Using a computer to share the VPN connection is probably the easiest method. Here’s how to do so on Windows.
- Once you’ve signed up with a VPN, install their software to begin.
- Connect your PS4 and your PC with an ethernet cable.
- Open the Control Panel, and select Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Change Adaptor Settings.
- Right click the VPN, and click Properties.
- From the Sharing tab, tick Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.
- Choose your connection from the Home networking connection drop-down menu.
- Hit OK, and connect to the VPN via the server of your choosing.
- From the PS4 Menu, open Settings and find Network Settings.
- Go to Set up Internet connection, and Use a Lan Cable when prompted.
- Connect with the Easy method, and select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
- You’ll be able to check your connection speed and settings when you’ve finished this step, and you’ll be good to go.
Connecting with a router will probably take a little longer to set up. However, you’ll be able to use the connection on multiple devices throughout your network.
*It’s worth mentioning that some routers don’t support being used to connect a VPN to a console in this way. Make sure to find out whether your particular model will work.
- Sign up to a VPN service, (we’ve listed three of the best for gaming below) and access the Control Panel for your router. (The password is usually located on the router itself.)
- Locate and access the Network/Settings tab.
- Enter the details given to you by your VPN provider.
- Save the new configuration, and exit.
- From the PS4 Menu, open Settings and find Network Settings.
- Go to Set up Internet connection, and choose to Use WiFi.
- Connect with the Easy method, and select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
- You’ll be able to check your connection speed and settings when you’ve finished this step, and you’ll be good to go.
The Best VPN’s For PS4
We’d recommend a VPN with a number of server locations in your country of choice to avoid slowdown. The speed of the VPN connection will also be a factor while gaming, while reliability is also key to avoid any potential problems. It’s worth noting that a slow VPN could have an effect on the overall speed of your connection, so choose wisely.
We’ve hand-picked three of the very best, and we’ll go through the pros of each below:
#1 ExpressVPN – Gamer Dedicated Servers
One of the best on the market, with great speeds and numerous server locations. It’s perfect for gaming thanks to their dedicated high-speed servers, and they keep no logs of user data.They also have a nifty video guide if you’d like to learn more about the best DNS servers for PS4.
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For more information on ExpressVPN features, read our extensive ExpressVPN review.
#2 CyberGhost – Easy to use App
CyberGhost has one of the biggest networks in the VPN industry having over 3,700 servers worldwide. With jurisdiction in Romania, and a very simple app available on both Android and iOS devices, CyberGhost offers both complete security and keeps your data private while you’re online. If you want to know more, you can always look into the CyberGhost free trial that lasts 24 hours, and if you’re not happy with the service you can also take advantage of the 45-day money-back guarantee offered to customers.
Try Now CyberGhost – No Risk – 45 Day Money Back Guarantee
For more information on CyberGhost features, read our extensive CyberGhost review.
#3 NordVPN – Security First
NordVPN is our final pick. They value security above all else, with ‘military grade encryption’ technology to keep you safe. While it’s not always as fast as the two above, it’s quick enough for gaming as long as you have a solid internet connection.
Try Now NordVPN – Risk Free – 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
For more information on NordVPN features, read our extensive NordVPN review.
Conclusion
Using a Playstation 4 VPN isn’t just for competitive gamers. The disparity between pricing across the various PSN Store’s make it a viable option, while it’s never going to do any harm to add an extra layer of security to your console. There are lots of reasons why it’s beneficial to use a VPN with your PS4. While most of us are unlikely to get kicked off the server during an online session, everyone can profit from a chance at a boost in speed and reliability.