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
  • Optimized for speed and stability
  • Change your location for the best experience
  • Easy to set up, with no other equipment required

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Get the best VPN for Xbox.

Here’s why ExpressVPN is the best Xbox VPN

Four falling dots.

Powerful protection

Avoid DDoS attacks by masking your IP. ExpressVPN also features 256-bit AES, leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

Speedometer.

Boost connectivity

Enjoy unlimited, premium bandwidth. Minimize ping and lag with VPN servers in 105 countries.

Swipe gesture through buffering icon to illustrate going past throttled internet connection.

Bypass throttling

Limit your ISP from slowing your connection. With a VPN, data can’t be inspected, so your bandwidth won’t be throttled.

Video game buttons.

Access more online

Get the latest DLC and games from early launch date countries. Play games even if they’re censored where you are.*

Access content you want on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and other devices.

Play on all devices

Whether you prefer to play on a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, tablet, or phone, ExpressVPN has you covered.

Two computer monitors linked by a gradient circle.

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 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

Recommended VPN routers: ExpressVPN Aircove AX1800 with green highlight

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.

VPN for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, and routers.

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: 

  1. Check to see if your router supports manual setup.

  2. 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.

  3. Look for VPN options in the Settings or Advanced Settings section, then follow the manual setup instructions for your model.

  4. Once the VPN is set up, you can connect your Xbox to the router as normal, by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

Gaming on Windows PC with a VPN.

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: 

  1. 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.

  2. Click on Status and select Change Adapter options. In the list of Network connections, identify your Network name.

  3. Right-click on the ExpressVPN Tap Adapter and choose Properties.

  4. In the pop-up window that shows up, go to the Sharing tab and tick the box that permits other network users to connect.

  5. In the menu, pick the hotspot you’ve set up, and click OK.

  6. Finally, open the ExpressVPN application, connect to your desired server location, and choose the OpenVPN (either UDP or TCP) protocol.

An Xbox controller.

Use MediaStreamer

MediaStreamer helps you watch content that might otherwise not be available to you. It’s the easiest to set up, but it doesn’t offer the protection or gaming benefits of a VPN. Learn to set up MediaStreamer on Xbox One or Xbox 360.

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.

Xbox One ExpressVPN DNS setup tutorial
Aircove router with different devices around it

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.

Using a computer as a virtual router to share a VPN connection with an Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox.

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.

Paid VPN vs. free VPN
Express VPN ExpressVPNMost free VPNs

Monthly data limit

Unlimited

10GB

Number of countries with servers

105

<10

Customer support

24/7 live chat

Email

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.

Download ExpressVPN apps.
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Screen with Xbox Game Pass logo, controller, and plant

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?
What is the best VPN for Xbox?
Does ExpressVPN work on all the latest gaming devices?
Does using a VPN for Xbox boost gaming speeds?
Does MediaStreamer offer the same protection as a VPN?
How can ExpressVPN for routers improve my gaming?
Does a VPN let me use Xbox Cloud Gaming for free?
In what regions is Xbox Cloud Gaming available?
How do I use my router to set up a VPN?
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