Decide On Which Firmware To Use
Once you access your router’s admin panel, take a look around. Do you see a group of options that let you create a VPN connection? Are there any notes on its compatibility with custom firmware? We’re asking that because you need to decide on which firmware to use, as explained below.
- Option #1 Use the Original Firmware: If your router already comes equipped to handle VPNs, you should see VPN-related options when you access its admin panel. Since you have everything you need already built-in, you can proceed to create a new VPN connection as per your chosen VPNs technical documentation.
- Option #2 Use Your VPNs Custom Firmware: Some VPNs make it easy to install them on a router by offering custom firmware . Those VPNs are ideal for beginners, as they make it very easy to install and run custom firmware, which takes no more than five minutes of your time.
- Option #3 Use DD-WRT Firmware: More advanced users will want to install DD-WRT, a type of custom firmware that supports all kinds of VPN connections. Make sure to learn more about DD-WRT while also checking our list of the best DD-WRT routers. Just keep one thing in mind DD-WRT works only on supported routers.
- Option #4 Use Tomato Firmware: As an alternative to DD-WRT, you have Tomato. This custom firmware works on a smaller range of routers. And also, it brings all you need to run VPN connections. Check out the best Tomato routers available now.
Set Up A VPN For Ps4 Or Ps5 Via Your Mac
If you don’t own a Windows PC, another option is to use a Mac and an Ethernet cable, if youve got both to hand. Make sure that your Mac has an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi, and is in range of your console.
Oh, and sign up to a VPN provider if you haven’t already weve got a list of the best Mac VPNs if you need help choosing.
Choose From Thousands Of Servers
Looking for digital privacy and some extra security when gaming? With thousands of servers in 60 countries, you can enjoy a smooth play with robust security.When you connect to one of NordVPNs 5200+ servers around the world, it hides your IP address, making any service or website think youre connecting from where the VPN server is. Additionally, your online traffic is encrypted, so no snoopers, not even your ISP, can eavesdrop on your activities. This way, you can enjoy true privacy and powerful security wherever you are.
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The Best Ps4/ps5 VPN Available
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service in an increasingly crowded market.It is located in the British Virgin Islands, and offers user-friendly apps that are secure for all types of devices.
ExpressVPN is also a top VPN service for security and privacy.Real-world testing with a server seizure at Turkey has confirmed their no logs policies. All customer data was kept secure.ExpressVPN apps use strong AES256-bit encryption, and the most stringent standards of leak protection the Network Lock kill switch feature.
ExpressVPN is also a top PS4 VPN that allows streaming and blocks booter attacks.ExpressVPN is a great VPN app for Netflix and Kodi.
They offer 24 hour live chat support as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscription plans.ExpressVPN is the best VPN available, regardless of whether you are looking for VPN to protect your privacy, stream, or browse the internet.
Set Up Expressvpn For Ps4 Via Ethernet Cable
Lastly, if you wish to try the third method, youll need a Windows computer with an ethernet port thats connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.
Heres how you can get started:
Step 1: Just as I showed you earlier, start by right-clicking the network icon. When you see a small popup tray, click on Open Network & Internet settings.
Step 2: After that, click on Change adapter options to see a new pop up window.
Step 3: Right-click on the network adapter of ExpressVPN and click on Properties.
Step 4: Click on the Sharing tab and click on the check box besides the option that says: Allow other network users to connect through this computers Internet connection. After that, select the name of the ethernet network that you wish to share. Once everythings done, click on OK.
Step 5: Lastly, using an ethernet cable, connect your PS4 to your computer. Finally, you can launch the ExpressVPN app on your computer to start using unrestricted internet.
You can use this method to set up and use ExpressVPN with Smart TVs, Xbox, and other devices.
Also Check: Download 911 VPN Setup For Laptop
How To Install A VPN On Ps4 Using A Router
The fastest and easiest way to use a VPN with a PS4 console is to use a VPN router.
Connecting to a VPN server at the router level automatically protects all the devices in your home. This includes your PS4.
Not all routers are compatible with VPNs
Not all routers are VPN compatible, so you will need to ensure that your router is suitable. If it is, but it does not have a VPN client, it might be possible to flash it yourself with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware.
If you dont currently have a VPN compatible router, you can choose from our list of the 5 best VPN routers. In 2021, our favorite is the Vilfo because it is a low-cost VPN router that will work with a massive cross section of VPN providers.
Follow these steps to set up a PlayStation to work with your VPN router:
Sign up to one of the best PS4 VPN services.
We recommend ExpressVPN because it is fast and secure.
On the main PS4 menu screen, click on Settings > Network Settings.
Click Set up Internet Connection> Use WiFi.
Select Easy as the connection method.
Select your WiFi network from the list and connect with the relevant login details.
Make sure the Do Not Use a Proxy Server box is ticked.
Confirm the settings and save.
Click on Test Connection to confirm everything works properly.
How To Use A VPN On A Ps4 With A Mac
To use a VPN on your console with your macOS, you can set up a virtual router. This method will share your computers VPN connection with your PS4 console.
To set this up, youll need an Ethernet cable, and your Mac needs an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi card to make all the connections. Heres how to set it up:
Also Check: How To Get Free VPN On Mac
Why Would I Use A VPN On My Ps4 Or Ps5
Before we explain the various methods, lets talk about why you might want to use a VPN on a games console. First off, it can reduce your ping, which means a reduction in lag when online gaming, and it’ll also protect you from potential DDOS attacks if you’re a streamer.
Aside from an improvement in online gaming performance, you may also be able to play new games before theyre released in your region. Games that are released on the same day typically become available to download and play in Australia hours before those in the UK and the US. But, using a VPN, you can trick your console into thinking youre in Australia and get early access to the latest PlayStation titles.
Oh, and using the console’s streaming apps, you can access geo-locked content from around the world. Did somebody say US Netflix?
As we’ve alluded to, big problem is that you can’t configure a VPN service or install an app directly on the console. This means the process is a little involved, but there are three main options open to you.
Better Alternate To Expressvpn For Ps4
ExpressVPN is without a doubt a super powerful and versatile VPN service. However, it is quite expensive compared to other VPNs. As an alternative, you can try Surfshark which costs only $2.21/mo . But despite costing so less, Surfshark offers 1700+ servers, unlimited multi logins, and a 30-day refund policy.
If you can afford the expensive monthly cost, ExpressVPN is perfect for you. But if youre on a budget, Surfshark will fit your needs perfectly.
I hope you now know how to setup ExpressVPN on a PS4. If you have any questions, leave a comment below.
Check out other VPNs for PS4 in our best VPN for PS4 blog.
Abdul Rehman
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How To Use A VPN On Ps4 Or Ps5
For added privacy, or a chance to access region exclusive content, we’ve got four different methods for using a VPN with your PS4 or PS5
As gaming consoles become more advanced, we find ourselves using them for more things beyond simple gaming. With built-in browsers and apps allowing us to do most things that we might also do on a gaming PC, the need for cybersecurity becomes more pertinent. But its not exactly easy to use a VPN on PS4 or PS5 especially if youre looking to play games in a different region and thats why we made this guide.
Annoyingly, Sony prohibits VPN apps from being distributed through the PlayStation Store, so its not a simple case of downloading it and switching it on like you can on Windows. Fortunately, though, it hasnt made it completely impossible to do so.
There are four different methods through which you can use your virtual private network on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 and weve detailed them all here in this guide. Before long, youll be able to enjoy the extra privacy and security that a VPN provides, while also gaining access to content that is not normally available in your region.
Here are the four different ways of doing it:
Reduce Ping Latency Spikes & Lags
Although latency is a real issue and something you expect when you set up a VPN for PS5 or PS4, however, in reality, a PlayStation VPN can actually sometimes help in this situation.
One method that works for reducing lag is setting up a VPN connection to a physically closer to the gaming server you are trying to play in. This can provide better ping than your regular internet. However, there is no guarantee that this method would always work.
This is why it is a good idea to check out the best VPNs with a free trial for their ability to reduce pings before you decide to pay for one. You might be thinking about using a free proxy server for PS4 and PS5, but it will not give you premium results as a VPN does. If youre looking for more VPNs for gaming, you can check out this list.
Read Also: Can I Install VPN On My Router
How To Connect Your Ps4 To A VPN With Pc And Mac
Connecting your PS4 to a VPN may not have crossed your mind or even seem like something for concern. However, with the rise of online attacks in recent years, no device is safe.
By utilizing a VPN, youll be able to keep yourself more protected when online with PS4.
Plus, there are many other benefits to using a VPN with PS4, including early access to new games, lower prices, and faster gaming speeds.
Setting up a VPN on your PS4 is easy and only requires a few simple steps that we walk you through below.
Are Free VPNs Safe To Use On Ps4 And Ps5
Only a few free VPNs are safe to use on gaming consoles. I discovered that a lot of free VPNs are dangerous because they share your private information and browsing history with third parties. Some of the free services I tested came with harmful malware packaged with the app. However, all the free VPNs in this list have been tried-and-tested on PlayStation and are safe to use. I read each ones privacy policy as well and none of them store any data that can identify you personally.
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Which Is The Best Free VPN Service For A Playstation 4/5
If something is free, its you who are the product.
This famous quote is true for VPNs that are free. Youre likely paying for it with your personal data which is sold to third parties.
Free VPN services, just like Google and Facebook will provide a product that collects data to make a profit.These are five reasons why you should not use free VPN services.
People who are not familiar with VPN services often look for free VPNs to save money rather than looking for the best VPN to protect their data.
- AirVPN
- Witopia
A Quick Way To Use VPN On Ps4
Let me clear you first, any type of VPN is not available on the PlayStation store. That means searching the VPN on the Playstation store will be a waste of time. It is not that simple procedure where you install an app on your mobile phone from Google play store or Apple store. Still, there are 3 ways you can easily connect a VPN on your PS4 easily which is as below:
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Option 3 Wired Connection
If you use a desktop PC without a Wi-Fi module, there is an option to connect your game console via cable. The settings are very similar.
Connect Your Ps4 To A VPN Today
Installing a VPN on your router or using a crossover cable to connect your console to your computer might seem complicated, but the benefits are worth it. Your traffic will be protected, you’ll be able to dodge region blocking, and you may even get better pings online—as weird as it may seem!
Looking for a VPN to use with your PlayStation 4? Check out list of the best VPNs for gamers.
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