How a VPN can help Xbox users

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are quickly becoming an essential companion for avid internet users, primed for navigating the online world. They can increase security, bypass regional content restrictions, and in some cases, even improve network performance. However, without native VPN support on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, overcoming these challenges can be daunting. Here's how to start using a VPN on your Xbox console with fast and simple steps, using one of our picks for the best Xbox VPN options.

Why use a VPN on Xbox?

With games and entertainment more connected than ever, using one of the best VPNs is incredibly valuable for any Xbox owner. In short, a VPN service is comparable to an encrypted tunnel, shuttling your internet activity between your device and a host server, which masks and anonymizes your digital footprint.

For most Xbox users, the principal advantage of a VPN is to bypass geographical restrictions, overcoming locks enforced upon select websites. It can open your console to regional content otherwise unavailable, including video services, apps, games, and more. VPNs are especially renowned for video streaming, allowing you to access different Netflix libraries, bypass blocked YouTube videos, or tap into international programming.

The same applies to blocked content, where a VPN can overcome limitations enforced on your local network. This is most common at workplaces, colleges, and other locations with managed networks limiting the content accessible over the internet.

Using a VPN may also improve security, and while rare, can help those counter several emerging trends. Users can obtain IP addresses when playing with others online, which, while not a huge security risk on its own, can increase the chance of more nefarious practices. That includes denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, network attacks to knock players offline, which could happen with heated online matches against the wrong crowd. While it's not a reason to get a VPN, the added layer never hurts.

And while a VPN can slow connectivity by routing data farther, it can also increase speeds under the right conditions. A VPN can achieve lower multiplayer gaming latency in some instances, dependent on a service's servers. You can also overcome bandwidth throttling, where internet service providers (ISPs) might limit your speed on select sites for personal gain. Bypassing this can lead to a smoother browsing and streaming experience on Xbox consoles.

These are just some of the benefits of a VPN for a more secure, hassle-free approach to the web. We have a full breakdown of why Xbox owners might want a VPN, if you're weighing the benefits against that cost.

How to set up and use a VPN on Xbox

Without native VPN support or formal VPN apps on Xbox, using them on the console isn't exactly easy. To establish a connection without affecting the full network, we recommend using a VPN-enabled Windows PC to share the benefits over an Ethernet cable. It means you'll have to use a Windows PC with a spare Ethernet port, mandatory for sharing while maintaining a stable internet connection. VPN newcomers will first need to set up a VPN service via a service's respective app or manually in Windows 10. We recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN, due to its strong collection of features and privacy-focused policies.

With a Windows PC geared for VPN use, you need to share your connection with your Xbox console. After linking your PC and Xbox over an Ethernet cable, follow the below steps to share your existing PC VPN.

1. Connect an Ethernet cable between your Xbox and VPN-ready PC.
2. Right-click the Start button.
3. Click Settings.

4. Click Network & Internet.

5. Click VPN.
6. Click Change adapter options.

7. Right-click on your VPN icon. In our example we're using Private Internet Access VPN.

8. Click Properties.
9. Click the Sharing tab.
10. Check the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection box.
11. Click the Select a private network connection box.
12. Choose your Xbox's Ethernet connection.

13. Press OK.

14. Press the Xbox button on your Xbox controller.
15. Press the RB button three times.
16. Select Settings.
17. Select the Network tab.
18. Select Network settings.
19. Select the Test network connection tile. Your console should connect to the internet.

To use your VPN on Xbox, your Windows PC must remain running with an active VPN connection. Your Xbox Live traffic will be routed through your PC as a result, with the benefits of its VPN. From now on, you can now browse with added ease and peace of mind.

Our top Xbox VPN picks

To complete the steps laid out above, you'll need to invest in a quality VPN.

Premier VPN service

ExpressVPN

From $7/month at ExpressVPN

The absolute best VPN option for most people

ExpressVPN is our top pick for any Xbox user looking to get set up with a VPN. Its balanced speed, reliability, ease of use, and customer service make it a great option for most people.

ExpressVPN tops most best VPN lists, and with very good reason — it's one of the best, most reliable, and speediest offerings currently available.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, it heads up a huge number of global servers while automatically connecting to the best available option for optimum speed and performance.

If you use your Xbox as a living room PC for web browsing and media, you'll be pleased to hear that ExpressVPN will unblock the likes of Facebook, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Twitter, Spotify, and much more. Beyond content unlocking, you can also feel reassured that your activity is safe and secure, thanks to 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy, zero-knowledge DNS, and a kill switch for any dropped connections.

Hardwired

AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet patch internet cable

$5 at Amazon

Hooked up and ready

This budget 5-foot Ethernet cable ensures a high-speed connection between your Xbox and PC for VPN use.

More great VPN services

Not buying what ExpressVPN is selling? Check out these other great VPN services we recommend.