Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S can use a VPN, but not by installing a native VPN app on the console. You need to route the Xbox through a VPN-configured router or a computer sharing its VPN connection. For region-based streaming, Smart DNS is another option on supported services, but it does not encrypt the console’s traffic.
There is no single winner for every Xbox owner: published tests used different locations and workloads, and their results point to different choices for nearby gaming, distant servers, cloud gaming, and setup convenience.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which VPN is best for Xbox?
Among the five providers compared in 2026, the best fit depends on what you want to do:
- ExpressVPN: Security.org’s Xbox Series X gaming test selected it as its top pick. The publication reported 25–40 ms average ping on its closest server in its Apex Legends test, along with 223 Mbps download and 201 Mbps upload on that server. These are Security.org’s results, not a guarantee for another home connection.
- NordVPN: Gizmodo reported the lowest ping to Japan among providers in its comparison, at 215 ms. That may matter when connecting to a distant region, but a faraway server can still mean substantial latency.
- Surfshark: Gizmodo recorded the lowest cloud-gaming stream latency in its Vienna test, at 63 ms.
- Proton VPN: It was included in Gizmodo’s five-provider comparison; the cited results do not establish it as the leader for the specific categories above.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): It was also included in both comparisons and offers an official Smart DNS setup guide for Xbox One. Smart DNS is a region-switching option, not an encrypted VPN tunnel.
These are not interchangeable rankings. A VPN’s performance varies with your location, the chosen server, home connection, protocol, and workload.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Rapid OpenVPN & Wireguard speed】Wireguard VPN and OpenVPN speeds both up to 680Mbps, giving you complete control over your gaming, streaming and working bandwidth. Actual speed may differ depending on internet service provider, network environment, VPN server location, VPN service provider, etc.
- 【AdGuard Home Supported】Enabling the use of a DNS server for blocking unwanted tracking and offers a convenient web interface for filtering selected digital advertisements. Users can take full control of their online experience and enjoy a clutter-free browsing environment with ease.
- 【Mass device connectivity】Experience enhanced online connectivity with our higher storage capacity, catering to over a hundred devices and fulfilling the requirements of DIY users seeking to install additional plugins. Enjoy stable and reliable connections, ensuring seamless performance and accommodating a wide range of digital needs.
- 【Easy Setup】Follow the Initial Set-up video tutorial on Amazon or Connect BE9300 to your computer via Ethernet cable to access the web Admin Panel, easy connect to wireless internet.
- 【MLO Technology】Flint 3 represents the future of wireless technology, delivering ultra-fast speeds, significantly reduced latency, and improved connectivity in high-density environments through cutting-edge innovations like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enhanced OFDMA, 4K QAM, and preamble puncturing.
What the Xbox VPN tests actually measured
Security.org says it tested five VPNs on an Xbox Series X through a Windows virtual router, using Apex Legends, Fortnite, Forza Motorsport, and the Xbox network speed test. Its article was last updated September 10, 2026. Its ExpressVPN figures describe its own setup and closest-server test; the results should not be combined with another publisher’s measurements.
Gizmodo’s September 28, 2026 comparison reported a 10 ms Vienna baseline and these VPN ping results in its test:
Rank #2
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
| Provider | Vienna ping reported by Gizmodo |
|---|---|
| Surfshark | 20 ms |
| Proton VPN | 21 ms |
| Private Internet Access | 22 ms |
| ExpressVPN | 24 ms |
| NordVPN | 38 ms |
For cloud gaming, Gizmodo reported stream latency of 63 ms with Surfshark, 68 ms with ExpressVPN, 69 ms with PIA, 70 ms with Proton VPN, and 72 ms with NordVPN. The cloud-gaming test took place in a European country where the service was not offered. These stream figures are not the same as ordinary ping: Gizmodo’s cloud-stream results were higher than its reported 20–38 ms Speedtest ping range.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTop10VPN says it tested 59 VPNs across three generations of Xbox consoles and assesses speed, compatibility, geo-unblocking, privacy, security, and ease of use. That is the publisher’s stated methodology, not an independent validation of each result.
Rank #3
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
Can you install a VPN on Xbox One or Series X|S?
No native VPN app is available for these Xbox consoles in the reviewed guides. Security.org and Top10VPN describe using an intermediary: configure a compatible router with a VPN, or share a computer’s VPN connection with the Xbox. Both methods route console traffic through the VPN. A router can serve other devices and avoids leaving a computer in the connection path; computer sharing uses existing hardware but requires that computer to stay connected and sharing.
Choose a setup method
VPN-enabled router
- Check that your router supports the VPN service and configuration you intend to use.
- Set up the VPN on the router according to the router and provider instructions.
- Connect the Xbox to that router’s network, by Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
This makes the router the intermediary for the console and can cover other devices on the network. Security.org identifies ExpressVPN Aircove as a dedicated VPN-router option; verify current model details and compatibility before buying.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Share a VPN connection from a Windows PC
- Connect the Xbox to the PC with an Ethernet cable.
- In Windows, enable sharing on the VPN network adapter and select Ethernet as the home-network connection.
- Connect the VPN, then use the shared connection for the Xbox.
Gizmodo describes this approach; exact Windows labels can vary by version. The PC must remain on and connected for the Xbox to use its shared VPN route.
Share a VPN connection from a Mac
- Open macOS Internet Sharing settings.
- Set the VPN connection as the source and Ethernet as the destination.
- Enable Internet Sharing, connect the Xbox to the Mac by Ethernet, and connect the VPN.
As with PC sharing, the Mac remains part of the network path. Gizmodo describes the method; available sharing options can depend on the Mac and macOS configuration.
Best Value
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Smart DNS for supported region-based services
PIA’s official support guide, dated July 7, 2026, explains: “Smart DNS works differently from a VPN connection. It changes how some DNS requests are handled, but it does not encrypt your internet traffic or provide the same privacy and security protections as the PIA app.” PIA’s Xbox instructions cover Xbox One and Xbox 360; they do not explicitly establish Series X|S support.
- Generate the Smart DNS address in your PIA account panel.
- On Xbox One, open Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > DNS settings.
- Select Manual, enter the generated address as Primary DNS, and leave Secondary DNS blank.
- Restart the console and test the network connection.
Smart DNS is intended for supported services that use DNS-based region handling. Do not treat it as an encrypted connection or assume it will work with every app or service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Will a VPN lower ping on Xbox?
Usually, adding a VPN route adds latency because traffic travels through an additional server. It can sometimes change the route to a game server, but the cited tests do not establish that a VPN will improve ping for your connection. Security.org reported 25–40 ms average ping on ExpressVPN’s closest server in its Xbox Series X Apex Legends test. Gizmodo’s separate Vienna test found a 10 ms baseline and VPN ping readings between 20 and 38 ms.
Recommended Free Tools
Use those numbers as examples of publisher-reported results under particular conditions, not predictions. For competitive play, try a nearby VPN server and compare the same game, console connection, and time-of-day conditions with and without the VPN. For cloud gaming, evaluate stream latency separately from a game-server ping.
Should you change Xbox DNS instead?
Gizmodo lists Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1, and Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, as public DNS examples for Xbox network settings. Public DNS may affect DNS lookup speed, but Gizmodo says it does not change ping to a game server. It is not a VPN and is not a reliable way to bypass region restrictions.
Quick Recap
What to check before choosing
- Your goal: Choose around nearby competitive play, a distant server, cloud gaming, or supported region-based streaming; the published comparisons do not produce one universal winner.
- Your hardware: A compatible router avoids a PC-sharing setup. Computer sharing can work with equipment you already own, but the computer must remain in the connection path; Ethernet is used in the described sharing methods.
- Your privacy requirement: Use a router or computer VPN route when you want console traffic carried through a VPN. Smart DNS does not encrypt that traffic.
- Service rules and access: A VPN does not guarantee access to geo-restricted content, prevent every DDoS attack, or ensure compliance with every game or streaming service’s terms.
- Current details: Confirm subscription terms, router compatibility, and hardware availability with the provider before signing up or purchasing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
