Setting up a VPN on a console isn’t as simple as installing an app the way you would on a phone or laptop — neither PlayStation nor Xbox support native VPN apps. Here’s how to actually get it working in 2026, and which providers make it easiest.
Why Console VPN Setup Is Different
Since consoles don’t support installing VPN client software directly, you have two realistic options: run the VPN on your router (covering every device on your network, including your console), or use a VPN-enabled travel router / dedicated VPN router device that sits between your console and your main network.
Best Option: ExpressVPN’s Aircove Router
ExpressVPN remains the most straightforward option for console gamers thanks to its Aircove router — a WiFi 6 router with the VPN built directly into the firmware. You simply connect your PS5 or Xbox to the Aircove’s network like any other WiFi router, and the VPN protection applies automatically, with no manual configuration required on the console side. This is by far the least technical route to a working console VPN setup.
Alternative: Router-Level VPN Configuration
Both NordVPN and Surfshark support manual installation on compatible routers (including many ASUS and other DD-WRT/Tomato-compatible models), which effectively puts every device on your home network — including consoles — behind the VPN. This route requires more setup effort but works with routers you may already own.
What to Expect Performance-Wise
Console gaming, particularly for online multiplayer, is more latency-sensitive than casual browsing. Stick to providers with strong protocol support (WireGuard-based connections) and choose the closest available server to your actual game server region for the least noticeable impact on ping.
What a VPN Actually Helps With on Console
The most common console-specific use cases are: protecting against DDoS attacks in competitive lobbies, accessing games or DLC that release earlier in other regions, and getting around ISP throttling during peak online play hours.
Bottom Line
If you want the simplest possible setup, ExpressVPN’s Aircove router is purpose-built for exactly this use case. If you already own a compatible router, installing NordVPN or Surfshark at the router level is a more budget-friendly path to the same result.
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