Best VPNs for Xbox One in 2024 and how to set them up

A VPN for Xbox One allows you to access game content from other countries and can protect you from online threats like DDoS attacks. Read our full guide on Xbox VPNs below.

A VPN improves the Xbox One experience – whether you’re gaming, streaming, or engaging via social media. The best VPNs for Xbox One will protect you against ISP throttling, swatting, and DDoS attacks, while opening up new opportunities for access to otherwise restricted content and online services. 

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to connect to any server in the VPN provider’s network. Their device then assumes the IP address of that server – wherever that may be. Furthermore, all traffic flowing between the connected device and the VPN server is encrypted. Together, these VPN features hide where you are and what you’re doing online. 

We’ll examine individual VPN providers in more detail later. For now, here’s a summary of our best VPNs for Xbox One: 

1. ExpressVPN: Our recommended VPN for Xbox One. Has a dedicated router app and a pre-configured router. Its RAM-only servers are available in 105+ countries and obfuscation is enabled by default. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN: Best budget VPN for Xbox One. Works with a range of router brands and has detailed instructions for configuring connections. It provides thousands of RAM-only servers in 61+ countries.
3. Surfshark: Works with a range of routers and offers round-the-clock support, as well as online instructions for configuring connections. RAM-only servers are available in 100+ countries and it provides fast connections for lag-free gaming.
4. PrivateVPN: Helpfully provides remote control assistance for configuring router connections. Works with popular streaming platforms and has fast connection speeds. Servers are available in 63+ countries and port forwarding is allowed.
5. Proton VPN: Has servers in 71+ countries and works with routers supporting OpenVPN and IKEv2. The InvizBox 2 router directly supports Proton VPN. Great for both streaming and torrenting, and provides easy access to the Tor network. 
6. IPVanish: Very fast connection speeds and works with a range of Asus routers, as well as those flashed with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware. It owns the majority of its server network and has an audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table 

In creating the above list, we considered various aspects of each VPN provider’s service – starting with router compatibility. The Xbox One doesn’t support VPN software natively, so the easiest way to protect it is by configuring a connection with its associated router. 

The other criteria used for testing are summarized below. You can read more about them in the testing methodology section later in the article. 

• Compatible with routers
• Fast connection speeds
• Large server network
• Strong privacy and security features
• Helpful customer support
• Ability to access streaming services

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances.

Best VPNs for Xbox One

Here's our list of the best VPNs for Xbox One:

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are easily fast enough for online gaming with an Xbox One. Its network of RAM-only servers is available in 105+ countries and it provides plenty of protection against DDoS attacks in multiplayer scenarios. 

The company makes an app specifically for routers and has also helped design its own router – the Aircove. This is a Wi-Fi 6 router that comes pre-configured with ExpressVPN. If you already have a router, you can install the ExpressVPN firmware for hassle-free protection on compatible models.

The firmware is compatible with the following routers: Asus RT-AC56, RT-AC68U, and RT-AC87U; Linksys EA6200, WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC(S), WRT3200ACM, and WRT32X; and Netgear R6300v2, R6400v2, Nighthawk R6700v3, Nighthawk R7000, and Nighthawk R7000P. 

Other ExpressVPN features include a proprietary connection protocol, a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network, and obfuscation that is enabled by default. Its Trusted Server Technology involves the company reinstalling the operating system of every server in its network on a weekly basis – making a secure service even more so. 

Apps are available for macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These work well with all of the major streaming platforms and come with built-in leak protection, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and a Threat Manager Tool. 

ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021. Although Kape now has a good reputation as a cybersecurity company, this wasn’t always the case. In its former incarnation as Crossrider, it was criticized for designing software that injected adware into users’ browsers. 

In a press release issued at the time of its acquisition, ExpressVPN said that it would remain a separate service from other Kape brands. Since then, it has had multiple audits of its software and server network. These have repeatedly verified its no-logs policy. 

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN is our recommended provider for Xbox One. Connection speeds are fast and RAM-only servers are available in 105+ countries. It has its own firmware and pre-configured router. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

NordVPN provides robust security for online gaming and has thousands of speedy RAM-only servers for Xbox One users to choose from.

The VPN service can be configured on a range of Asus routers. These include the RT-AX86U, RT-AX88U, and RT-AC5300 models. It’s also compatible with other router brands, such as EdgeRouter and Ubiquiti, GL.iNet, Netduma, Netgear, MikroTik, Peplink/Pepwave. The company’s support pages provide detailed instructions for how to configure connections on all supported routers.

NordVPN servers are available in 61+ countries and are optimized for different tasks. Some offer MultiHop connections, while others provide one-click access to the Tor network, or obfuscate traffic so that it can bypass VPN blocks in countries like China.

The company has its own connection protocol – NordLynx – that doesn’t require user data to be stored on its servers. Other features include split tunneling and a Threat Protection tool that automatically blocks ads, trackers, and malware. 

Easy-to-use apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all come with built-in leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. The company has a clearly defined no-logs policy that has been independently verified via three third-party audits. 

NordVPN is able to access all of the major streaming platforms, and its SmartPlay feature helps VPN-incompatible devices like the Xbox One gain access, too – though without the encrypted connections that you’d get by configuring a router connection.

In 2018, NordVPN suffered a minor attack on a third-party data center in Finland. This prompted it to make its server network RAM-only and begin the process of colocation. Rather than renting servers as is usual with VPN companies, colocation involves buying them outright and housing them in purpose-built data centers.  

BEST VPN FOR KODI: NordVPN works with several router brands and provides robust security for Xbox One users. It’s very fast and has a global network of several thousand RAM-only servers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is fast enough for lag-free gaming and provides Xbox One users with plenty of protection against security threats while online.

The service can be configured with any router that has an OpenVPN or L2TP client. This includes Asus models such as RT-N66U, RT-AC56U, RT-AC66U, RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U; and routers from GLiNet, such as the GL-AR750S-Ext (Slate), GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango), GL-AR300M (Shadow).

Surfshark provides step-by-step instructions for configuring connections on Asus routers as well as those running DD-WRT and Tomato firmware. Once set up, the service is able to access a range of streaming platforms and numerous other features. These include in-session IP address rotation, access to static IP addresses, bespoke MultiHop connections, and a Camouflage mode able to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries.  

The company has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and its apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. All of them have a full GUI and come with built-in leak protection; and 256-bit encryption. 

Surfshark merged with NordVPN’s parent company – Nord Security – in 2022. In a press release issued at the time, Surfshark said that it would continue to operate autonomously. It has since had its no-logs policy verified via a third-party audit of its server network. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark works with any router that has an OpenVPN or L2TP client. Connections are fast and it has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Plans include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

PrivateVPN is a great option for those who feel nervous about configuring a VPN connection on their router. Detailed set-up guides are available for routers running AsusWRT firmware, as well as those running Tomato or DD-WRT firmware. Subscribers that get into difficulties can contact the PrivateVPN customer service team and receive remote control assistance.

Connection speeds are fast enough for Xbox One users to game without lag, and secure enough to keep them safe. Features include app-specific and system-wide kill switches and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks.

PrivateVPN has servers in 63+ countries and allows users to adjust the level of encryption used on their traffic – dropping the level of encryption can provide a speed boost if needed. Unlike many of its larger competitors, it works with numerous streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney+, and Hulu.

Subscriptions allow up to 10 simultaneous device connections, and provide access to a stealth mode that can bypass Chinese censorship, as well as SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies. Port forwarding is allowed, which makes for more efficient torrenting. This is aided by P2P-optimized servers that are ideal for coping with large file transfers. 

PrivateVPN has an easy-to-understand privacy policy and has never had a data breach. It’s based in a country – Sweden – with strong data privacy laws, though this is slightly undermined by Sweden also being a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance. 

STEALTH MODE: Offers hands-on assistance with router configuration and provides secure and stable connections for Xbox One users. It has servers in 63+ countries and an effective stealth mode. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Proton VPN provides access to servers in 71+ countries and has options for extra secure communication using servers that route traffic through Proton VPN data centers in Iceland, Switzerland, and Sweden.

The service is a good option for Xbox One users seeking online security, as it works with any router that supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 as a client. The company provides detailed instructions for configuring a connection on routers running the following firmware: AsusWRT, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and FreshTomato. 

All Proton VPN apps are open-source and include strong encryption, leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch. Users can connect to the Tor network in a single click and maximize connection speeds using the VPN Accelerator tool.

Port forwarding is allowed, which enables torrenters to connect to more peers in a swarm and improve download and upload speeds. Proton VPN works with numerous streaming platforms, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Peacock, and HBO. 

The company has a transparent no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. Subscribers’ traffic is protected using 256-bit AES encryption for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols and ChaCha20 for WireGuard.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN works with routers running a range of firmware. The service offers Xbox One users secure and private connections as well as access to servers in 71+ countries as a strong VPN for gaming. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

IPVanish owns the majority of its network hardware and allows subscribers unlimited device connections. Its extremely fast connection speeds ensure Xbox One users can game lag-free. 

The service can be configured on routers running AsusWRT or Asus-Merlin firmware. Routers flashed with DD-WRT or Tomato are also supported. IPVanish provides step-by-step instructions for setting these up correctly. 

Although the provider is able to access many streaming platforms, there are some notable exceptions – including BBC iPlayer. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and FireTV. There’s no Linux app, but a connection can be configured manually if desired. Features common to all apps include built-in DNS leak protection, split tunneling, automatic start-up, a kill switch, and access to a SOCKS5 proxy.

IPVanish protects its subscribers’ data using a combination of 256-bit encryption, SHA512 for authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange. It has an audited no-logs policy, which is just as well given its previous owners’ oversights.

In 2016, while under the ownership of Highwinds Network Group, IPVanish provided the US Department of Homeland Security with the data logs of one of its customers – despite publicly claiming to store no user data. This company has changed hands several times since this incident and now forms part of J2 Global’s NetProtect business.

FAST SPEEDS: IPVanish has detailed guides for configuring router connections. Its connection speeds are extremely fast and ideal for Xbox One gaming. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for Xbox One

The sheer number of available VPNs makes choosing between them tricky – especially for those who may never have used the software before. To find the best providers, we use our testing methodology to test each likely candidate. These are discussed below. 

• Compatible with routers: Because the Xbox One doesn’t natively support VPN software, you’ll need to configure a router connection in order to include the console in a VPN tunnel. Unfortunately, relatively few VPNs are compatible with routers. We’ve sought out those that make configuring a connection relatively straightforward. As such, it should also work with an Xbox 360, or any other gaming console while using a Wi-Fi router.
• Fast connection speeds: If you’re using your Xbox One for online gaming or streaming, you’ll want the fastest available internet connection. We regularly test VPN providers to weed out the poor performers in terms of speed. We look for those that can provide lag-free gaming and bufferless streaming.
• Large server network: The best VPNs have thousands of servers spread around the world. These enable users to, for example, choose alternative IP addresses when trying to access region-locked Xbox One apps, or find a server near to a gaming server for improved speeds.  
• Strong privacy and security features: If you game online with an Xbox One it’s prudent to protect your identity and data. To do this, you need a VPN that offers – as a bare minimum – a transparent no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch. Ideally, they should also provide access to MultiHop servers, obfuscation, split tunneling, and port forwarding for a secure online gaming experience.
• Helpful customer support: Configuring a VPN connection on a router can be a little intimidating – so it’s reassuring to have someone on hand to help if things go awry. We look for providers that offer 24/7 live chat, with email support and detailed knowledge bases answering router-related questions.
• Ability to access streaming services: With a VPN connection configured on a router, you can use an Xbox One to access geo-restricted content from a variety of streaming platforms. Choose your provider carefully, though – as not that many VPNs actually work with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. We perform regular tests to find out which VPNs provide ongoing access to which platforms. 

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top three positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the features below:

• Access from China: For over a decade, China has been refining its techniques for detecting and blocking VPN traffic. Only a handful of VPN services now work in the country. These providers are particularly valuable as they can also circumvent restrictions in countries such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, and Turkmenistan.
• Diskless servers: The best VPN providers exclusively use RAM-only servers within their networks. These servers operate solely on volatile memory, which cannot retain customer information long-term. By contrast, servers using traditional magnetic disk drives or solid-state drives require periodic data wiping, leaving them vulnerable to attack or seizure between wipes, and unavailable while the wiping process takes place.
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: Numerous countries are members of intelligence-gathering alliances, such as the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes. Individual countries share information between alliance members so that they don’t have to directly carry out surveillance of their own citizens – which is often illegal. Instead, they can ask other members of the alliance to do it for them. It’s a sorry business and one that the better VPN providers try to distance themselves from. They do this by incorporating their companies beyond the reach of any known alliances – in countries such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: Consumers have to place a lot of trust in VPN providers – particularly regarding their no-logs claims. Unfortunately, this trust has been eroded by some unscrupulous companies secretly keeping logs while advertising themselves as log-free. To rebuild trust in the industry, some VPN providers engage third-party companies to conduct audits of their software and infrastructure. These audits not only confirm the absence of user logs but also pinpoint any vulnerabilities in the VPN providers' applications and server networks.

How to use a VPN with an Xbox One

The specific steps for configuring a VPN connection on a router differ between VPN providers and between routers. All of our recommended providers have detailed instructions on how to configure connections for particular routers. Some routers have an OpenVPN client, which makes it much easier to configure a VPN connection. The process typically involves the following stages: 

1. Sign up to a VPN service. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Open the router’s control panel. To do so, enter either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into your browser’s address bar from a device connected to the router’s network.
3. Enter your login credentials when asked for them. If this is your first visit to the control panel, the default credentials can often be found through a quick Google search of the router model. Check the back of your router for alternate login information if this doesn’t work. 
4. Follow your chosen VPN provider’s instructions for setting up a VPN profile. 
5. Go back to the router control panel and import any files specified by the VPN provider.
6. Enable the newly created connection.
7. Find the option for “devices” and choose to route your Xbox One through the VPN tunnel.

If your router doesn’t support VPN connections, look into replacing the firmware with an open-source alternative that does, such as DD-WRT or Tomato.

Can I use a free VPN for an Xbox One?

The majority of free VPNs don’t support router connections. Even if you find one that does, it’s highly unlikely it’ll be fast enough for gaming online. Free VPNs tend to be heavily oversubscribed which, combined with their small server networks, results in sluggish connections only suitable for rudimentary browsing. As VPNs can be used to bypass bandwidth throttling, free providers tend to defeat the purpose. 

Free VPNs perform poorly with regards to security and privacy. Most have some form of logging policy and may sell your data to advertisers or data brokers. Others fail to encrypt traffic, which could result in your ISP throttling your connection, or leak your IP address – which opens you up to DoS or DDoS attacks. 

If you can’t afford to pay for a VPN subscription, some of the good quality VPN companies offer pared-back versions of their main product for free. Some of these – such as the free version of Proton VPN – can be configured with routers. Unfortunately, they tend to suffer slow connection speeds due to their popularity. This makes them unsuitable for online gaming. 

Best VPNs for Xbox One FAQs

Can you DDoS on Xbox one?

A denial-of-service (DoS) or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack occurs when an attacker uses the IP address of an Xbox One to flood its network with communication requests. The sheer number of requests significantly slows down the network connections – causing interruptions in gameplay for other online players. 

DoS or DDoS attacks are sometimes used to gain advantage in overly competitive online games. DoS and DDoS attacks are a criminal offense under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) in the US and the Computer Misuse Act (1990) in the UK. 

Using a VPN can prevent DoS or DDoS attacks on the user by allowing the VPN server to absorb the brunt of the request flood. They can also help provide alternative IP addresses if your current one is under attack. However, your VPN will do nothing to stop a DDoS attack on a remote game server, such as the cloud servers used to host many online games.

Will a VPN make gaming slower?

It depends. If your ISP is throttling your bandwidth when using your Xbox One to game online, using a VPN can help. VPNs encrypt your traffic so that your ISP cannot tell when you’re visiting gaming sites. They are thus less likely to limit your bandwidth.

In general, all VPNs slow traffic to some extent due to the extra routing needed to reach the VPN server. When using the best VPNs, the reduction in speed is negligible – you’ll still be able to game without lag if you have a good base connection speed. However, many VPNs struggle to provide the speeds needed for gaming online – which is frustrating to say the least.

When choosing a VPN provider, take their speed claims with a pinch of salt. Instead, consult independent reviews. All of the providers in our recommended list are fast enough for use with an Xbox One.  

What does swatted mean in gaming?

Swatting is an illegal harassment tactic used by some gamers to threaten others. It involves making a hoax call with the purpose of sending the police – or SWAT team – to the victim’s address. In 2017, a man was killed in the US as a result of swatting. 

Xbox One users who game online can protect themselves from swatting by using a VPN. This hides their true IP address, which could otherwise be used as a jumping-off point for determining their location. 

Can you put a VPN on Xbox One?

VPN software cannot be installed directly on an Xbox One. However, this can be sidestepped by configuring a VPN connection on the router to which the Xbox One is connected. This ensures the Xbox One is included in the VPN tunnel so that its IP address is hidden and traffic encrypted. Your Xbox can use the VPN connection whether on WiFi or ethernet.

Can I buy a router with a VPN already on it?

Yes, companies like FlashRouters sell routers pre-configured with NordVPN, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN. Elsewhere, the InvizBox 2 VPN Router is offered pre-configured with Surfshark, Proton VPN, or NordVPN for those with existing subscriptions. 

The ExpressVPN Aircove comes with the VPN pre-configured and with the company’s own easy-to-use firmware, but it still requires a subscription.