5 Best Free VPNs for PS5/PS4 & How to Set One Up in 2024

Finding a reliable free VPN compatible with PlayStation is challenging. Many free VPNs have limited speeds, capped data, and high latency. This makes it virtually impossible to clutch that Victory Royale in Fortnite or survive getting rushed in Warzone. Even worse, most free VPNs don’t work with streaming sites like Netflix, or secure you against DDoS attacks.

My team and I tested 40+ providers to find the best free VPNs for PS5 and PS4. These VPNs offer decent ping for smooth gaming sessions and some are able to securely access popular streaming platforms from anywhere. You'll still face certain limitations like smaller server networks or data caps, but they won’t ruin your gaming experience. If you don’t want any restrictions, it’s better to choose a low-cost premium VPN instead.

My top recommendation for PlayStation is ExpressVPN. Its low ping and global server network mean you can game lag-free no matter where your squad is. Plus, it’s super easy to set up on PS5, PS4, or even those old dusty PS3s. While not 100% free, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it risk-free. Getting a refund is easy if it’s not for you. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for PS5 / PS4

Best Free VPNs for PS5 and PS4 — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds and Low Ping for Lag-Free PS Gaming

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Tested July 2024

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN consistently delivers fast speeds and low ping for smooth PlayStation gaming. I had fast speeds while testing its nearby servers in the UK (I’m in London). There was only a 5% drop in speeds with a ping of 8ms, which is the lowest of all the PS VPNs I tested. This let me play Call of Duty: MW III without issues. ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol deserves much of the credit for this, as it’s optimized for speed and stability.

Its global server network ensures you'll always have a low-latency nearby connection, no matter where you’re gaming from. This also means you can easily connect to the region that suits your needs — whether you’re playing on EU servers for competitive sweaty lobbies or connecting to Egypt to smash some bots. Plus, server locations across the globe make it possible to securely access popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, from anywhere.

Setting up ExpressVPN on PlayStation is easy, thanks to its custom firmware and dedicated router app. I had the VPN configured on my Asus router within minutes by following the simple guide on its website. The dedicated router app then allowed me to adjust VPN settings and change servers with ease.

ExpressVPN isn't free, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it risk-free for some time to see if you like it. If you decide to get a refund, it's very straightforward through the live chat. I tested its guarantee myself and got my money back in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Good for streaming. ExpressVPN's servers are frequently updated to confirm they can reliably access popular streaming services from anywhere. Our global team managed to securely stream BBC iPlayer, Netflix, DAZN, and Hulu on PlayStation without any issues.
• MediaStreamer. This allows you to stream content in HD on your PlayStation without having to set up the VPN on your router. All you need to do is tweak your device’s internet settings using the DNS code provided by ExpressVPN.
• Protection against DDoS attacks. With robust leak protection, a kill switch, IP masking, and 256-bit encryption, your gaming sessions on PlayStation are safe from potential threats (like DDoS attacks).

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Uninterrupted Gaming Sessions on PlayStation

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protonvpn.com

When you're deep into an epic battle royale binge, the last thing you want is to get abruptly cut off because you maxed out a data cap. That's where Proton VPN’s free plan really shines — it gives you unlimited data, so those marathon gaming sessions can go uninterrupted. In my tests, I could play Warzone on my PS5 for hours without interruptions.

The free version of Proton VPN offers servers in 6 countries: the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, Japan, and the United States. You can't manually select the server location yourself, but the app will automatically connect you to the optimal nearby option. During my Proton VPN tests, I got a low ping rate of just 23ms while connected to its free Dutch server.

Proton VPN is one of the select few free VPNs that can be configured on a router. I followed the straightforward guide on its website and had the VPN up and running on my router within 10 minutes. This let me secure my PlayStation 5 gaming sessions without much hassle.

The downside is Proton's free servers can get crowded during peak hours. Most of the time, I only saw an 18% speed drop with a ping around 20–24ms. But there were occasions with higher 38% speed dips. Even then, I could play competitive games on PlayStation without noticeable lag.

Useful Features

• WireGuard protocol. The free version lets you use the speedy WireGuard protocol even on routers. It gave me the best speeds for gaming without compromising security.
• Works with a few streaming sites. Proton VPN’s free plan has limited server location. However, it can still securely access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, Max, Funimation, and Disney+, from anywhere.

3. hide.me — Customizable Security to Keep Your Gaming Sessions on PlayStation Secure

Available on:

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www.hide.me

hide.me is highly customizable, letting you optimize your connection for your specific gaming needs. For instance, you can choose from a variety of VPN protocols, including ultra-secure OpenVPN and speedy WireGuard. Plus, switching to IPv6 communication protocol from IPv4 improved my ping times by 7%.

hide.me's servers are placed in some gaming hotspots like the US, UK, and Germany. This geographic diversity is great for PlayStation gamers looking to connect to different regional servers or find better multiplayer matchmaking. hide.me is capable of safely accessing streaming sites in the countries it has servers in. However, you may experience slowdowns as the small server number can quickly get overcrowded.

During my tests on its nearby UK servers, I saw a 28% speed drop, and my ping remained below 30ms. hide.me’s speeds were more than sufficient for enjoying lag-free gaming sessions on my PlayStation.

The biggest drawback with hide.me’s free version is that it cannot be installed on a router. To use the VPN on your PlayStation, you'll need to share the VPN connection from a PC or laptop. Alternatively, you can upgrade to its paid version to get router support, but you won’t get the same level of customization with router setup.

Useful Features

• Strong security. With hide.me’s robust security features, you don’t have to worry about DDoS attacks disrupting your PS gaming sessions. It protects your connection with AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection.
• Works on restrictive networks. hide.me offers SSTP protocol, which is designed to bypass tough firewalls. This means you can game securely even in restrictive environments.

4. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Smooth PlayStation Sessions

Available on:

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www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield's own speed-optimized Hydra protocol delivers fast speeds and stable connections, even when gaming on faraway servers. During my tests using a nearby server, I experienced a reasonable 29% speed drop with ping around 34ms. This let me play Apex Legends on my PS5 without lag.

One of the best things about Hotspot Shield is that it doesn't require any account creation. You can simply download the app, install the VPN on your computer, and instantly start sharing the connection over to your PlayStation console.

You don’t get a large server network, but Hotspot Shield’s free plan does offer servers in 3 countries: the US, the UK, and Singapore. If you've got gaming buddies in any of those regions, you can easily hop servers and squad up for some cross-country multiplayer action.

Like hide.me, Hotspot Shield's free plan lacks router support, which is a hassle. Plus, my colleague in the US found the free version doesn’t work with sites like Netflix, Disney+, and Max. So, it’s not ideal for securely accessing most popular streaming platforms on PlayStation.

Useful Features

• Customization options. It offers a few bonus features for free, like split tunneling and automatic WiFi protection. I use split tunneling to secure my gaming connection while keeping the rest of my traffic on my regular network to keep speed loss minimal.
• 7-day free trial. You can use Hotspot Shield for a week without restrictions by making use of its free trial. This way, you’ll get faster speeds, access to its entire server network, and router support.

5. TunnelBear — Large Server Network to Play PS Games With International Friends

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www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear has the largest server network out of all the 100% free PlayStation VPNs I tested. With free servers in 47 countries, you've got plenty of options to connect with friends from abroad or access bot lobbies in different regions without worrying about overcrowded servers.

During my testing, TunnelBear's performance really impressed me. Connected to a nearby UK server, I only experienced a 21% speed reduction compared to my non-VPN speeds. My ping was a low 27ms, too. This allowed for smooth, lag-free gaming sessions without any noticeable performance hits.

It isn't just great for gaming, though — its global server network makes it easy to find the best server to stream content in HD from anywhere. While it’s not as reliable as premium VPNs, I was still able to watch BBC iPlayer on my PlayStation without any issues.

The main downside of the free TunnelBear plan is the low 2GB monthly data cap. While this is still better than many free VPNs, it's not a lot if you want uninterrupted gaming sessions, especially with more data-intensive online games. That said, it should still be enough to cover at least a few hours of PS gaming.

Useful Features

• Easy to use. TunnelBear’s desktop apps are super easy to use. Its World Map feature makes connecting to a location as simple as clicking on the map. But it doesn’t support router configuration, so you’ll have to share your connection via PC.

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Quick Comparison Table: Free VPNs for PlayStation Features

This table compares important features of my top recommended VPNs.

I've highlighted the key elements that can make or break your PS gaming sessions — download speeds, data caps, server network sizes, and ping on nearby servers. I’ve also included whether each VPN supports router installation. This way, you can use the VPN on your PlayStation console without needing to share your connection via PC.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPNs for PS5 / PS4

These are the criteria I used to rank the best free VPNs for PlayStation gaming. These features are essential for any online gamer, so I recommend considering them as you make your choice:

• 100% free or risk-free trial. Ideally, you want a free VPN that doesn't require any upfront payment. I only shortlisted VPNs that are 100% free or offer a reliable money-back guarantee.
• Low ping and fast speeds. Low latency and minimal speed loss are essential for seamless gaming. I prioritized VPNs that can consistently deliver a ping of under 40ms and speed loss of no more than 40% on nearby servers.
• Decent server network. More servers mean more options to connect to low-latency nearby locations or find alternatives if a server gets overcrowded. That’s why I chose VPNs that offer at least a few server locations. Some people use VPNs to create a new PSN account in a different region so they can access region-locked games or take advantage of regional pricing. However, this may violate the platform's Terms of Service, and we do not condone it.
• Enough data. The amount of data PS games consume can vary widely, with some games requiring over 300MB per hour. The VPNs listed here provide a minimum of 2GB of monthly data, which should cover at least a few hours of playtime.
• Good for streaming. If you plan on streaming on your PlayStation, make sure to choose a free VPN that works with popular platforms. Some of the free VPNs on this list work with sites like Netflix and Hulu.
• Router support. Very few free VPNs allow router installation, which is convenient for using the VPN on PlayStation. Without it, you'll need to share the VPN connection from a PC to your PlayStation, which can be a hassle. So, I made sure to shortlist one free VPN with router compatibility.
• Strong security. Gaming sessions are vulnerable to DDoS attacks and IP/DNS leaks. I prioritized VPNs that offer military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for PlayStation Aren’t Safe

While the free VPNs I've recommended are safe and trustworthy options, the truth is that most free VPN services out there carry legitimate security and privacy risks you'll want to avoid when gaming online.

The safest option is to choose a reputable, low-cost paid VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. But if exploring free services, be wary of these potential dangers:

• Data harvesting. Many free VPNs log your personal data and sell it to third-party advertisers and other entities to make a profit. Always review the privacy policy to ensure your activities aren't being logged.
• Lack of security features. Free VPNs often lack the resources to implement robust security like leak protection and strong encryption. This can leave your gaming sessions vulnerable to threats like DDoS attacks and IP/DNS leaks.
• Malware risks. There have been numerous cases of free VPN apps found to contain spyware and other nefarious code designed to compromise your accounts and devices. Stick to reputable providers and official download sources.
• Invasive advertising. To generate revenue, some free VPNs load you up with disruptive ads, pop-ups, and banners that can hamper and distract from your gaming experience.

Free VPNs To Avoid

In the course of my analysis, I discovered a plethora of free VPNs with multiple privacy and security concerns. For example:

• Psiphon. Its partner companies can track your data usage and use it to send you targeted ads.
• Hoxx VPN. Doesn't disclose the encryption standards used. Plus, it keeps logs of identifiable user data.
• SuperVPN. Logs identifiable data and has weak security features. It has also leaked user data on multiple occasions.
• Tuxler. Keeps logs and shares that info with advertisers.

How To Set Up a Free VPN on Your PlayStation

There are a few different ways to get your PlayStation connected to a VPN. The easiest option is setting it up through your PC, either with an ethernet cable or over WiFi. You'll need to enable the hotspot on your PC to share the VPN connection. Wired is faster but has some range limits, while WiFi is convenient but slower — so go wired if you can for better gaming performance.

Another choice is to configure the VPN directly on your router. This typically offers the fastest VPN speeds since it's a direct connection to your PlayStation. The downsides are needing a router compatible with VPNs (most free services don't support this) and some setup time.

Your last option uses a Smart DNS service like ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer. This one's just for streaming your licensed shows — it won't help with gaming. Which platforms it works with depends on your VPN. For instance, MediaStreamer will only work with select platforms in the US, UK, and Australia.

Still, the method you choose is up to you. So below, I’ve covered the steps for each setup option:

Windows Method — Ethernet or WiFi

1. Connect PlayStation to PC. Use an ethernet cable to directly connect your PS4 or PS5 console to your PC. If using WiFi instead, skip this step.
2. Connect to a VPN server on PC. Open your VPN app on the PC and connect to a server location of your choice. For best performance, select a server closer to your physical location.
3. Enable PC mobile hotspot (for WiFi). If connecting your PlayStation over WiFi, go to your PC's Network Settings and turn on the Mobile Hotspot option. If using ethernet, skip to Step 4.
4. Access VPN adapter properties. In Network Settings, click Advanced Network Settings. This will show all available network adapters on your PC. Locate and right-click the adapter with your VPN's name (e.g., ExpressVPN TAP Adapter), then select Properties.
5. Allow internet sharing. Under the Sharing tab, check the box that says, "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection."
6. Select shared connection. From the Home Networking Connection dropdown menu, select either the Mobile Hotspot name (if using WiFi) or the Ethernet adapter name (if using an ethernet cable).
7. Connect PlayStation to the internet. On your PS4 or PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
8. Choose WiFi or ethernet. For WiFi, choose Use WiFi and select the Mobile Hotspot network you enabled earlier. For Ethernet, choose Use a LAN Cable, then select Easy.
9. Disable proxy setting (if prompted). If asked about a proxy server, make sure to choose Do Not Use.
10. Start gaming. Your PlayStation is now secure, and you can start gaming.

Mac Method — Ethernet or WiFi

1. Connect PlayStation to Mac (for Ethernet). If using an ethernet cable, connect one end to your PS4/PS5 and the other to your Mac. You can also connect your Mac directly to the router/modem via another ethernet cable for fast, wired speeds. Skip this step if using WiFi.
2. Share Mac's Internet via VPN. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Sharing. Check the box for Internet Sharing. From the Share your connection from dropdown menu, select your active VPN connection. Then, under "To computers using," choose either WiFi (for wireless) or Ethernet, depending on your setup.
3. Create a WiFi hotspot (if using WiFi). If sharing over WiFi, click WiFi Options and set a name and password for the hotspot network your PlayStation will connect to. If prompted to turn on WiFi, click Turn WiFi On.
4. Start internet sharing. Click Start if you see a prompt asking, "Are you sure you want to turn on Internet Sharing?".
5. Connect VPN on Mac. Open your VPN app and connect to the desired server location for your activities.
6. Connect PlayStation. On your PS4/PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. For WiFi, select Use WiFi and the hotspot network created earlier. For ethernet, pick Use a LAN Cable > Easy. Choose Do Not Use Proxy if asked.
7. Start gaming. Your PlayStation is now securely routed through the VPN connection. Enjoy gaming and streaming.

With Your Router

Using a VPN with your router means all devices connected to that router stay secure through the VPN connection. This also includes PlayStation and other gaming consoles. But most free VPN services don't actually offer router support as a feature. If yours doesn't have it, just stick to the computer setup methods instead.

If you want to go the router route, I recommend ExpressVPN. It's easy to set up on routers with its custom firmware and native router app and gives you fast speeds for gaming, along with tons of server options. Just keep in mind that the exact steps can be different depending on your router model and VPN provider.

For the specific walkthrough on setting up a VPN on your router, your best bet is to check your VPN provider's website or contact their support team directly. They'll have the right instructions spelled out for your particular router and VPN combo. While it takes a little more work upfront, setting the VPN up on your router itself keeps everything nicely secured under one connection.

With Smart DNS

A Smart DNS service lets you stream content in HD on your PlayStation, but it won't provide any security/privacy benefits like a VPN. Most free VPN providers don't offer a Smart DNS option.

To set up Smart DNS, you'll need to manually configure it on your PlayStation by entering the Smart DNS server addresses from your VPN account. The exact steps can vary slightly between providers, but generally:

1. Find the SmartDNS server addresses in your VPN account settings.
2. Enter them in the PlayStation network settings.
3. Connect to the SmartDNS service.

Once enabled, you can stream in HD on your PlayStation. Keep in mind that Smart DNS is really only useful if you want to stream video content. It provides no additional online security and privacy benefits for gaming on PlayStation.

FAQs on Using a Free VPN on Your PS5 / PS4

Can I use a free PlayStation VPN for Netflix?

Yes, you can use a free PlayStation VPN for Netflix, but your experience will be limited. That’s why I recommend using a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs often come with significant drawbacks that can affect your streaming quality.

One major limitation is their limited server networks. For example, the #2 VPN on our list only works with Netflix US, so you won’t be able to securely stream other Netflix libraries from anywhere.

Even worse, most free VPNs can't access Netflix and stream in HD. You may encounter error messages or be unable to connect to the streaming service at all. If you manage to find a VPN that works with your preferred streaming service, the speeds offered by free VPNs are usually slower and can result in buffering and poor video quality.

Is it possible to use a free proxy for PlayStation?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it for several reasons. Free proxies are not a secure or private solution for gaming on your PlayStation. They do not encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN does, leaving you vulnerable to things like man-in-the-middle attacks where your data could be intercepted. So, it’s better to use a VPN that comes with strong security features.

Free proxy servers are also often overloaded with too many users, resulting in extremely slow speeds that will negatively impact your gaming experience and online performance.

Are free VPNs safe to use on PS4 and PS5?

Only a few free VPNs are safe to use on gaming consoles. However, the majority aren't due to the potential risks they pose to your online privacy, as they can share your data (like browsing history) with third parties. Some even have harmful malware packaged with the app.

Free VPNs also cap bandwidth, throttle speed, and limit you to a few server locations. This means you’ll still be forced to purchase a subscription to enjoy a smooth gaming experience. However, you can avoid these drawbacks by opting for a reputable paid VPN service to enjoy uninterrupted gaming while safeguarding your privacy.

What is the best free PlayStation VPN for Warzone?

All the free VPNs on this list are good for playing Warzone on PlayStation. But the 100% free options (even the ones on my list) will always have some limitations. If you're looking for the best experience, I recommend using a low-cost premium VPN provider instead of a free one.

Free VPNs tend to have smaller server networks, so you have fewer options to find an optimal low-ping server for smooth gameplay. Plus, you might not be able to play with your friends abroad. Not to mention, many free VPNs also enforce monthly or daily data caps, which can cut your Warzone sessions short.

Will a free VPN affect my connection speed on PlayStation?

Yes, using any VPN (free or paid) can impact your connection speed on PlayStation. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through that server before reaching its destination. This additional step can introduce latency, resulting in slower speeds. But the free VPNs on this list minimize speed loss as much as possible.

It's worth noting that free VPNs can sometimes improve your connection if your ISP throttles your bandwidth for certain activities like gaming or streaming. But since a VPN encrypts your data, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online and won’t throttle you.

Get the Best FREE VPN for PS5 / PS4

Even though some free VPNs have robust security features to keep you safe while gaming, they have too many limitations like slow speeds, limited data, and can’t be set up on gaming consoles. They also can't access popular streaming platforms without causing buffering on your PS5 / PS4.

That’s why my top choice is ExpressVPN. It has impressive speeds for gaming and streaming, strong security features, and is easy to set up on PlayStation. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, and if you’re not happy with it, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

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