Best VPN for Xbox: Series X, S, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Get an Xbox VPN and stay safe while gaming online
Seamlessly play online with a fast VPN for Xbox
Beyond Xbox: One subscription protects up to 10 devices
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Why use a VPN for Xbox?
A VPN doesn’t just protect you from snoops spying on your connection — it opens up a whole new dimension when it comes to gaming on your Xbox console. A fast and secure VPN for gaming can help you dodge DDoS attacks from vindictive rivals, avoid bandwidth throttling aimed at gaming activity, and use your Xbox to stream your favorite paid content while abroad.
Protect against DDoS attacks
Distributed denial-of-service or DDoS attacks flood your IP address with fake requests to slow you down or even take you offline. But VPN servers act as additional bulwarks against such underhanded methods — first, by shielding your real IP address from irate rivals, and second, by being robust enough to weather many cheap shots.
Reduce ISP throttling
Multiplayer consumes a lot of data, so some internet service providers (ISPs) automatically throttle your connection if they detect you gaming. By shielding your online traffic from all prying eyes, VPNs help you avoid bandwidth throttling that is based on specific activities — and if the throttling was particularly severe, they may even lower your ping!
Encrypt your connection
With VPN encryption, it is near impossible for anyone monitoring your connection to see what you do and where you go online. Our VPN protection extends beyond just gaming on the Xbox — you can use one NordVPN account to protect up to 10 devices at once, so download the app on all your gadgets and take advantage of advanced VPN security features like Double VPN.
How to use a VPN on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and Xbox 360
You can set up a VPN for your Xbox in one of three easy ways. The simplest method is to use your Windows PC as a medium, but taking the time to set up a VPN on your router lets you protect all your other devices at the same time.
Connect via a Windows PC (ethernet)
- 1.
Download and install the NordVPN app on your Windows PC.
- 2.
Follow the instructions for ethernet connections in our tutorial on how to share a connection on Windows.
- 3.
Connect your Xbox console to the PC using an ethernet cable.
- 4.
Open the NordVPN app and connect to a server. Your console is now protected by a VPN!
Set up a VPN via a router
- 1.
Check if your router supports a VPN. Most modern routers support VPN connections, though some may need a manual configuration.
- 2.
Follow our tutorial on how to set up a VPN connection on your router.
- 3.
Your router now extends VPN protection to all network devices, so connect your Xbox to your Wi-Fi.
Share your VPN using a Windows PC mobile hotspot
- 1.
Download and install the NordVPN app on your Windows PC.
- 2.
Follow the instructions for wireless connections in our tutorial on how to share a connection on Windows.
- 3.
Connect your Xbox console to the mobile hotspot you created.
- 4.
Open the NordVPN app and connect to a server. Your console is now protected by a VPN!
How to choose the best VPN for Xbox
Speed and latency
Lag kills multiplayer. When choosing a VPN provider, check independent tests and reviews to see if the service will satisfy the basic internet speed requirements for gaming. In addition, make sure the VPN has no bandwidth throttling clauses to slow you down.
Servers
Some games do not allow people from different countries to play on the same regional servers. A large network of VPN servers lets you easily change your virtual location to hook up with your gamer buddies.
Multiple setup methods
There are many ways to set up a VPN for Xbox, but not all of them are right for you. Always check how easy it will be for you to use your VPN service — for example, are you planning to install the VPN on your router, or route the connection through your Windows laptop?
Utility beyond Xbox
You’re looking for a VPN for your Xbox, but you’ll be getting the whole package. Some VPNs can run on multiple devices simultaneously, offering an easy-to-use VPN app with useful extra features for life outside of gaming.
Free VPN options for Xbox
Free VPNs for the Xbox do exist, but you should be careful — you get what you pay for.
For the best possible VPN experience for your Xbox, a trusted, reliable paid VPN is usually the way to go. Remember — everything has a cost, even if it’s not displayed directly on the price tag. Free VPNs may come with limitations, such as slow speeds or only a handful of server locations. They may even be tempted to sell your traffic data to generate funds.
What makes NordVPN great for Xbox gaming?
Low latency with the fastest VPN¹
Push your skills to the limit with the fastest VPN on the market. For the best results, connect to a NordVPN server closest to you and game away with little to no extra latency.
Wide server network
With 7,100+ ultra-fast servers covering 150 countries worldwide, NordVPN allows you to easily shield your IP from DDoS attacks and change your virtual location to play with your friends.
Strong protection against DDoS attacks
NordVPN’s robust VPN servers serve as a bulwark against anyone trying to target your real IP address for DDoS attacks. And if a VPN server gets attacked, simply hop to another one — we have multiple servers covering different regions.
Next-gen encryption
Strong encryption shields your online activity from prying eyes — including ISPs that automatically throttle your connection when they see you gaming. NordVPN uses AES-256, the toughest commercial standard for encryption.