Updated on: July 22, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best free VPN for PlayStation in 2024:
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : It's not free but provides excellent value and has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free. It has the fastest speeds for streaming and gaming, robust security features, and anti-DDoS protection. Plus, its dedicated router app makes it super easy to set up on PlayStation.
I don’t usually recommend using a free VPN for PlayStation, primarily due to PlayStation’s lack of native VPN support. The VPN must be installed manually on your router for it to work with a PlayStation. However, most free VPNs don’t have router support. What’s more, a free VPN usually implies restrictions such as data limits, slower speeds, and less secure encryption.
Instead, I recommend using paid VPNs. They provide stable connection speeds, diverse server locations, and top-notch security protocols to protect you against frequent DDoS attacks. ExpressVPN, for example, is one of the few VPNs on the market that offers a native router app, as well as excellent speeds, a huge server network, and excellent gaming and streaming support.
However, I found a few good free VPNs for PlayStation. All of them offer a decent number of server locations and provide excellent speeds, easy-to-use apps, and top-notch privacy and security features. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick summary of the best free VPNs for PlayStation:
- 1. 🥇ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for PlayStation in 2024 (fast speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee).
- 2. 🥈Proton VPN — Great 100% free plan with unlimited data, fast speeds, and user-friendly router support.
- 3. 🥉Hotspot Shield — Secure + fast free VPN for gaming on PlayStation (includes unlimited data).
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for PlayStation in 2024
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for PlayStation users. It’s not free, but it’s the best VPN on the market and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It has the fastest connection speeds for streaming and gaming, servers in 105 countries, industry-leading security features, and an easy-to-use router app for hassle-free setup on PlayStation.
ExpressVPN is one of the only VPNs with a native router app. Since PlayStation doesn’t support VPN apps and most VPNs require a manual router setup, ExpressVPN’s router app is a real game-changer. The setup process is easy — it only takes around 7–8 minutes! Once it’s set up, it allows you to protect every device on your network without having to install the VPN on each one.
In my tests, ExpressVPN was the fastest provider. I tested the VPN with several PlayStation games, including fast-paced multiplayer ones like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite, and I had impressive speeds. The games loaded immediately and ran smoothly without any noticeable lag.
ExpressVPN is also one of the only VPNs to support PlayStation Plus — a cloud gaming platform that allows you to stream games online without having to download them. When I tested it, I was able to play all of my favorite games, and my connection speeds always met the minimum requirement of 5mbps. This is partly why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming in 2024.
ExpressVPN also has excellent streaming support, allowing you to watch tons of content on your PlayStation console. It works with 100+ streaming apps, including Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix.
I really like that ExpressVPN also has a smart DNS tool called MediaStreamer. While smart DNS doesn’t provide the encryption of a VPN, it allows you to use your VPN on devices that don’t directly support VPNs, such as a PlayStation. Plus, because there’s zero encryption, you’ll get much faster connection speeds.
ExpressVPN also protects you from DDoS attacks. These attacks try to overwhelm a server by flooding it with traffic from many different sources. VPNs hide your real IP address, which makes it impossible for attackers to target you. Plus, ExpressVPN has special anti-DDoS protections on its servers. This means that even if someone tried to flood your connection to the VPN, ExpressVPN’s protections keep you connected.
ExpressVPN offers a range of top-class security features. It has RAM-only servers, which ensure that every server reboot wipes all user data, provides protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and uses perfect forward secrecy (generates a new and unique encryption key for each session).
ExpressVPN has affordable plans starting at $6.67 / month. Plus, it typically offers a couple of extra months for free when you subscribe to its longest-term plans. ExpressVPN backs all plans with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is by far the best VPN for PlayStation I’ve tested — it has a native router app, cloud gaming support, a vast network of server locations, blazing-fast speeds, excellent streaming support, and high-end security features. Even though it’s not technically free, it offers a money-back guarantee for users to test its features out risk-free.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Proton VPN — Great Free Plan With Unlimited Data
Proton VPN is one of the few VPNs that doesn’t limit your bandwidth on its free plan. This is good for PlayStation gamers, as you can play all of your favorite online games without worrying about reaching data limits or experiencing throttled speeds.
I like that Proton VPN has router support. To use it with PlayStation, you can install it on any VPN-compatible router. It’s not as easy to set up as ExpressVPN’s native router app — you’ll need some technical know-how and about 12 minutes of your time, but there are comprehensive guides on its website to help you. Unfortunately, Proton VPN doesn’t offer a smart DNS tool.
Proton VPN’s speeds are decent, but they’re not as fast as those of its premium competitors like ExpressVPN. When I tested it, I could load games in 4–5 seconds with only minor buffering at the start.
Proton VPN comes with top-notch privacy and security features for PS players. It uses open-source apps to not only provide transparency but also enable external audits. It also features full leak protection, DDoS protection, and perfect forward secrecy.
Unfortunately, Proton VPN’s free plan comes with certain limitations. First, it doesn’t offer streaming support — its streaming-optimized servers are limited to premium users. It also provides access to servers in just 5 countries (the US, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan), which can slow down your speeds if you aren’t close to one of these locations.
Proton VPN has competitive paid plans that start at $3.59 / month — you get streaming support, access to 6,305 servers in 100 countries, and faster speeds. All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, but the refund is prorated.
Bottom Line:
Proton VPN has one of the only free plans with unlimited data, making it great for gaming on PlayStation. It offers a great suite of privacy and security features, router support, and stable speeds. However, the free plan offers a limited server network, lacks a smart DNS tool, and doesn’t provide streaming support.
Read our full Proton VPN review
🥉3. Hotspot Shield — Great Free Gaming VPN With Fast Speeds & Unlimited Data
Hotspot Shield has a free plan that allows unlimited data, so it’s great for gaming. Plus, its free plan actually maintains fast speeds, even though it limits your connections to 2 Mbps — when I used it to play online games on my PlayStation, I didn’t experience noticeable lag, and it barely took a few seconds for matches to load.
I also like that the provider allows manual router setups on many router models and firmwares, including Asus, DD-WRT, and FreshTomato. It provides helpful tutorials that make the setup really easy. That said, I still think ExpressVPN’s dedicated router app is much more convenient.
Hotspot Shield also provides pretty good security for gaming, as it both protects you from DDoS attacks and comes with anti-DDoS protection on its servers. Plus, it uses perfect forward secrecy and offers DNS leak protection.
Still, the free plan only lets you use servers in 3 countries, which is inconvenient. The servers are located in the US, the UK, and Singapore. Unfortunately, the VPN doesn’t come with a smart DNS.
Hotspot Shield’s premium version starts at $2.99 / month, and it adds access to all servers and even faster speeds. And all purchases come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Hotspot Shield provides very good speeds for gaming and also allows unlimited data. In addition, it allows manual router setups and provides pretty good security. Also, its plans are affordable and they all come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for PlayStation in 2024
- Choose a VPN that offers router support. As PlayStation consoles do not natively support VPNs, having router support is crucial. All of the VPNs on my list will let you configure the VPN app on your router — but ExpressVPN is the only one that provides a dedicated router app.
- Pick a VPN with a generous free plan. Even top VPN providers substantially limit their free plans, so make sure to check that the plan you’re choosing includes a decent number of server locations and enough data for gaming and streaming (Proton VPN has unlimited free data).
- Go for a VPN that offers fast speeds. VPNs usually slow down your speeds due to encryption. On top of that, free VPNs often have a limited number of servers that can become overcrowded. All the VPNs I recommend have fast speeds for gaming and streaming on PlayStation.
- Look for strong security and privacy features. All VPNs on my list include industry-standard security measures like military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection drops, a no-logs policy, and protection against IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks and DDoS attacks.
- Choose affordable pricing plans and good overall value. If you decide to subscribe to a VPN’s paid plan, check if it offers a good range of additional features, affordable plans, and a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Set Up a Free VPN on Your PS4 & PS5
How to Install a Free VPN Using a Smart DNS
- Sign up for a VPN with a smart DNS service. I recommend ExpressVPN as it has an excellent smart DNS tool (MediaStreamer), and installing it takes only a couple of minutes.
- Register your IP address. Go to your browser and log into your VPN. Navigate to “DNS Settings” or “Smart DNS” and your IP address will be registered automatically. Once it’s activated, enter the DNS code provided into your PlayStation’s network settings.
- Configure your settings. Turn on your PlayStation, choose “WiFi” or “LAN” connection, and follow the instructions.
- Restart your PlayStation. Now, your PS4/PS5 console is protected and you can start playing.
How to Install a Free VPN on Your Router
- Check router compatibility. Ensure that your router is compatible with VPN software. You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN as it’s compatible with all popular routers from ASUS, Linksys, and Netgear.
- Configure your router. Access your router’s settings and set up the VPN connection. This process varies depending on the router’s firmware. Refer to the VPN provider’s instructions for specific guidance.
- Enter VPN details on the router. Input the VPN server details into the router’s settings. Save the changes and restart the router if necessary.
How to Install a Free VPN Using Ethernet/Wi-Fi on Your Windows 10 or Mac
- Download and install a VPN. ExpressVPN has excellent user-friendly Windows and Mac apps.
- Connect your PlayStation to your desktop via ethernet or Wi-Fi. For ethernet, use a cable (it’s a faster option), and if you go for Wi-Fi, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Share your VPN connection. Depending on your connection, choose an ethernet or active hotspot connection.
- Connect your VPN. Launch your VPN app and select a server.
- Set up your PS4/PS5 internet connection. Depending on your connection method, choose a WiFi or LAN cable.
- Start gaming or streaming. Now, your PlayStation is ready and you can start playing.
Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN
- Poor security — Using a free VPN often means sacrificing essential security features. Weak encryption leaves your browsing, streaming, and gaming data vulnerable to hacks and third-party tracking, while the absence of a kill switch puts your data at risk if the VPN connection drops. To ensure robust protection, I recommend opting for a reputable VPN provider that prioritizes security, such as ExpressVPN.
- Slow speeds — Unlike premium services, free VPNs typically restrict access to a limited number of servers and they also throttle speeds, resulting in overcrowding and slower connection speeds. However, all the VPNs I recommend maintain good speeds.
- Limited streaming support — The majority of free VPNs do not offer support for streaming services. Even those that do may have strict data limits. If you are an avid streamer, I highly recommend purchasing a premium VPN with unrestricted streaming capabilities, such as ExpressVPN.
- Data caps — Many free VPNs impose bandwidth limitations, so you can only engage in a limited amount of web browsing, streaming, or gaming. If you require unlimited data usage on a free plan, you can sign up for Proton VPN, which offers unrestricted data access.
- No router support — Many free VPNs do not offer router support, which can be a significant drawback, especially for PlayStation users as PlayStation doesn’t natively support VPNs. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers a dedicated router app that ensures all devices connected to the router are protected.
Free vs. Paid VPNs for Gaming
The free VPNs I recommend are good for gaming securely on your PlayStation thanks to essential security features, such as 256-bit AES encryption, kill switches, and no-logs policies. There are some free VPNs that also include more advanced features to maintain your privacy while gaming, like full IP leak protection, RAM-only servers, as well as perfect forward secrecy, which all protect your data and ensure anonymity while gaming.
However, free VPNs on average lack the better features found in premium VPNs. You might experience throttled speeds and data caps with free VPNs, which can be super frustrating while gaming on your PlayStation. Additionally, not many free VPNs have DDoS protection, which is a very useful thing to have in any multiplayer game.
Take, for instance, Proton VPN’s free plan offers unlimited data and decent speeds suitable for gaming, but it restricts you to a very limited number of server locations. On the other hand, Hotspot Shield provides DDoS protection but restricts your speed on free users.
Getting a premium VPN can seriously enhance your gaming experience. Premium VPNs offer faster speeds, a larger array of servers, and more reliable connections. They generally provide better security and often include a money-back guarantee, allowing you to test them out without any commitment.
Free VPNs for Gaming to Avoid
- TouchVPN. TouchVPN’s server network is actually larger than some premium VPNs out there. However, it logs your IP address, as well as all your online activities.
- Hola VPN. Hola VPN is a risky option — it’s actually a peer-to-peer VPN. It doesn’t use a classic server network, but rather gives users the IP addresses of other users. That means that, if someone were to do illegal things online with your IP address, all those crimes could be traced back to you.
- TuxlerVPN. TuxlerVPN is another dangerous P2P VPN that could put you at a lot of risk. It also logs a really large amount of your private information.
- HoxxVPN. HoxxVPN keeps a lot of your personal information, including your IP address, location, device ID, and your online activity. To make matters worse, it could even keep all that data after account deletion.
- FinchVPN. FinchVPN has a very empty website that doesn’t detail anything about the VPN, its features, or its Privacy Policy.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Windscribe. Windscribe has a decent free plan with good speeds, security, and unlimited connections, but it limits users to 10 GB per month (2 GB if you don’t provide an email address), which isn’t much for gaming on PlayStation.
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear’s free plan comes with a restrictive data cap of 2 GB per month, which can be quickly exhausted when gaming on PlayStation. Also, it doesn’t offer router support or a smart DNS feature. Its paid version is pretty good for streaming, though, and it has excellent privacy features.
- PrivateVPN. PrivateVPN is great for streaming and gaming, it maintains pretty fast speeds, and it offers router support. Unfortunately, PrivateVPN doesn’t offer a free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free VPN for PlayStation?
I recommend ExpressVPN, even though it’s not exactly free. Since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, PlayStation users can try it risk-free and take advantage of its vast network of server locations in 105 countries, great gaming and streaming support, unlimited bandwidth, blazing-fast speeds, and native router app.
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s 100% free, my top pick is Proton VPN. Its free plan offers unlimited bandwidth, along with bulletproof privacy features and excellent security measures, good speeds, and router support. On the flip side, it lacks streaming support and a smart DNS tool.
Do free PS VPNs have any drawbacks?
Yes, free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower speeds, data caps, fewer server locations, and potential privacy concerns. Most free VPNs don’t offer support for cloud gaming or streaming services, either. Additionally, many free VPNs rely on alternative revenue streams, such as displaying ads or selling user data. If you require the best security features, fastest speeds, and unlimited data, it’s worth considering a paid VPN service, such as ExpressVPN.
Do free VPNs work on PlayStation consoles?
There are some free VPNs that work on PlayStation consoles, but there are caveats. PlayStation consoles don’t natively support VPNs, so you need to set up the VPN on your router and then connect your PlayStation console to this network. However, many free VPNs don’t offer router support, which could limit your options. I recommend you opt for a premium provider, such as ExpressVPN, that offers a native router app.
Do free VPNs sell your data?
Not all free VPNs sell your data, but it’s important to be cautious. I recommend Proton VPN as it has an excellent free plan with unlimited bandwidth and top-notch privacy features. While some reputable free VPNs prioritize user privacy and have strict no-logs policies, there are free VPNs out there that engage in data collection and sell user data to third parties. Paid VPN services generally offer stronger privacy protections compared to free options.
