The best Xbox Series X VPN (2024)

Unlike other devices, installing a VPN on your Series X isn’t quite as simple as downloading an app. At this point in time, there aren’t any VPNs with dedicated Xbox apps. In order to protect your console, you’ll need to protect your router with a Virtual Private Network, then connect your Xbox to the network. Another method would entail installing a VPN to a desktop, then sharing the connection with your Xbox either through ethernet or hotspot.

When it comes to protecting your Xbox Series X, you have to turn to reputable gaming VPNs. You need a provider with superior speeds that are reliable. A deciding factor for whether your VPN can maintain speeds is its ability to prevent DDoS attacks and ISP throttling. These are some of the main perpetrators for drops in speed and connectivity during multiplayer gaming.

The best Xbox Series X VPN at a glance:

• The best Xbox Series X VPN: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The best Xbox Series X VPN for value: Surfshark - View on Surfshark
• The best Xbox Series X VPN for privacy: NordVPN - View on NordVPN

A gaming VPN just like a streaming provider, needs to deliver the most seamless experience. Although, picking a VPN with positive router credentials is just as important. Remember, when you install a VPN to a router it’ll be protecting all the devices connected to that network, not just your Xbox.

Join us while we walk you through the very best Xbox Series X VPNs. These providers are guaranteed to give your next-gen console the best fighting chance, but never at the expense of exceptional speeds.

About our expertise

At What’s The Best, we live and breathe technology. Among our team of tech experts, we have pretty much every base covered - from televisions and speakers to cameras and smartphones.

To say we spend a lot of time on the internet is a bit of an understatement, and most of the time, we’re using a VPN. Whether for work or recreation, we’re regularly connecting to VPN servers near and far.

It’s by collecting this shared knowledge, experience and passion, that we are able to select the best VPNs for you. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them we use ourselves. That's because at What’s The Best, if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, we don’t recommend it. Simple.

Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.

VPN – Virtual Private Network

DDoS attack - When an attacker floods a server with internet traffic, preventing users from accessing connected online services and sites.

ISP throttling – When your internet service provider restricts your bandwidth or speed without telling you in order to control internet traffic.

Kill switch - If internet connection is lost it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link re-established

How to get a VPN on Xbox

Getting a VPN on your Xbox takes a few more steps than regular devices, there aren’t any dedicated VPN apps for console you see. You’ll need to know how to install a VPN to your router. Once you’ve done this, just connect your console to the protected home network.

You can also connect your Xbox to a desktop either wirelessly or through ethernet cable. If there’s a VPN protecting that computer or laptop this protection will carry over to your Xbox.

How to use a VPN on Xbox

Using a VPN for your Xbox is easy once you know how. You’ll control the Virtual Private Network through a computer that has access to the router VPN settings. If your Xbox is connected to a VPN directly through a desktop, you’ll run and configure the VPN through this device’s app.

This process is the same for all consoles, so if it's a PS5 VPN you're after as well, follow this method.

Can I use a free VPN on Xbox?

You can by all means use a free VPN for your Xbox, although we wouldn’t advice it for a number of reasons. Most free VPNs don’t offer router support and even if they do, the majority of free providers offer restricted plan. These restrictions include data limits, fewer servers, and restricted speeds. Not even the best free VPNs are likely up to the task of protecting an Xbox to same standard the premium brands are.

Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs.He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.