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VPN for Xbox One, Series X, Series S, and 360

  • Protection on all Wi-Fi Xbox consoles
  • 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
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30-day money-back guarantee

How to use a VPN on Xbox

Protecting your Xbox with a VPN app is a breeze. Whether you have an Xbox One, Xbox Series X or S, or an Xbox 360, there are two ways to boost your online security with Surfshark.

Get Surfshark

1. Get Surfshark: Subscribe to Surfshark and create an account. Download the app, punch in your VPN login information, and connect to the server of your choice.

Set up a VPN-friendly Wi-Fi router

2. Set up a VPN-friendly Wi-Fi router: most newer routers support VPN connections, but you may need to tinker with the network settings to get yours up and running. For more info, check out how to set up a VPN on a router.

Set up your VPN

3. Set up your VPN: once your VPN connection is active, connect your Xbox console to your Wi-Fi network like you usually would, and you’re all set!

Get Surfshark on your Windows PC

1. Get Surfshark on your Windows PC: download and install the Surfshark app on your Windows computer.

Dive into your PC settings

2. Dive into your PC settings: if you’re using Windows 11, head to the Control Panel, choose Network and internet, Advanced network settings, and finally, More network adapter options

Adjust your VPN connection

3. Adjust your VPN connection: go into your VPN properties. In the Sharing tab, check the box to Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection and pick the network you want to share.

Connect your Xbox

4. Connect your Xbox: grab an Ethernet cable and link your console to your PC. Then, fire up the Surfshark app, connect to a VPN server, and enjoy safer online gaming.  

Bonus tip: You can also share your VPN connection through a mobile hotspot. Just install the Surfshark app, set up a hotspot, and connect your Xbox console.

Use Surfshark VPN on all your Xbox consoles — Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and more.

As an Xbox VPN, Surfshark works on any console that supports a wireless connection, routers, and Wi-Fi hotspots.

Enjoy all-around safety — online & offline

Take care of your browsing, devices, and online identity

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30-day money-back guarantee
Enjoy all-around safety — online & offline

Why you need a VPN on Xbox

A VPN lets Xbox users achieve the following:

A safer online experience

A safer online experience

By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN gives you a secure connection and heightened protection from hackers. Whether gaming or accessing your favorite streaming services, VPN apps mask your IP (Internet Protocol) address to take your privacy a level higher.

Reduced bandwidth throttling

Facing a subpar connection speed? Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) might be throttling your internet connection based on traffic type. VPN software helps you beat ISP throttling and increases your odds of getting smoother gameplay with fewer bandwidth limitations.

Defense against DDoS attacks

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks threaten many multiplayer games. A VPN offers an encrypted connection and a new IP address, making it much more difficult for harassers to target you. Play worry-free with an Xbox VPN by your side.

Greater protection around the house

When you use your Xbox VPN via a Wi-Fi router, you can secure multiple devices in one go. A VPN router setup can cover your whole household, so placing your smartphones, TVs, and gaming consoles on the same network can make a VPN service that much more effective.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

How to choose the best VPN on Xbox

Picking the right Xbox VPN is easier than fragging bots on easy mode. Look out for these features: 

Extensive server count

VPNs work fastest when you connect to an uncongested VPN server close to your physical location. VPN providers with more servers — and server locations — are much more likely to provide the enhanced lag-free experience you’re looking for. With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is a good bet.

VPN service speed

A top-quality VPN won’t slow down your internet connection. Surshark relies on a RAM-only server infrastructure with 10Gbps ports to deliver a reliably speedy connection. This also means it’s equipped to overcome certain kinds of bandwidth throttling, so there’s a smaller chance you’ll have to worry about speed bumps from ISPs, too.

Ease of use

You know how natural holding an Xbox controller feels? That’s exactly what using the best VPN services is like. Find a tool with a simple user interface that’s flexible enough to protect everything from gaming to web browsing. Whether you’re connecting with an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi router, a VPN provider like Surfshark has your back.

Paid vs. free Xbox VPN

Using a free VPN on Xbox isn’t recommended for the following reasons:

  • Security weaknesses: free VPNs usually offer few safety features and may not properly encrypt your data. Many also track and log user data, so you’re not getting private internet access;
  • Speed and bandwidth limitations: free tools often have bandwidth caps and congested servers that slow down connection speeds. Paid tools are far more likely to let you game, stream, and browse with unlimited bandwidth;
  • Unstable connections: many free VPNs don’t offer reliable connections, so you’ll likely face frequent disruptions to your online gaming.
Paid vs. free Xbox VPN

Whether you’re using a Wi-Fi router or an Ethernet cable, even the best free VPN can’t compete with a paid tool like Surfshark, which offers the best value for the price. A trustworthy VPN service will also boast advanced features like:

Modern protocols

Leading VPN services let you connect with fast and safe protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Each VPN protocol is optimized and regularly updated to protect against emerging threats and work with the latest, most popular software. Their speed, safety, and stability make them great for online gaming.

Kill switch

A VPN kill switch automatically cuts your internet connection if your VPN unexpectedly disconnects. This prevents your real IP address and data from being exposed whenever the VPN is down, helping you enjoy reliable protection while gaming and accessing online services.

Split tunneling

With a split tunneling feature, you have the ability to choose what traffic is routed through your VPN and what stays on your regular internet connection. For instance, you can elect to protect only your gaming traffic and reduce the load on your VPN, enhancing your overall gaming experience.

Ad-free gaming

Leading paid VPNs come with built-in ad blockers that can offer smoother, uninterrupted browsing and streaming on your Xbox. By blocking ads, trackers, and links to malicious sites, these features remove some of the biggest online distractions and can even prevent ads from loading, keeping you under any bandwidth limits.

Rotating IP

If you’re worried your IP address may have been exposed, a rotating IP feature is just for you. This maintains your privacy by periodically assigning you different IP addresses without ever disconnecting your VPN. It’ll be harder for third parties to track you, and you’ll have greater protection against DDoS attacks.

VPN obfuscation

VPN obfuscation

VPN obfuscation hides the fact that you’re using a VPN and makes your connection look like regular browsing traffic. Gamers see added privacy, and you have yet another tool under your belt to get around ISP throttling and gain access to numerous Xbox services on restricted networks that might otherwise block VPNs.

Try a risk-free VPN on Xbox for 30 days

Not ready to commit? Give Surfshark a risk-free test drive for 30 days. If you decide it’s not for you, you can request a refund before the 30-day period expires — no strings attached.

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Try a risk-free VPN on Xbox for 30 days

Upgrade your security with Surfshark One

With Surfshark, an Xbox VPN is just the first step. Gain all-around protection with Surfshark One, the cybersecurity suite that lets you take your online freedom to the next level.

VPN

Secure your connection

Browse with peace of mind thanks to 24/7 privacy protection from the award-winning Surfshark VPN.

ALTERNATIVE ID

Keep your details private

Create a brand new online identity using a proxy email, persona, and phone number with Alternative ID and Alternative Number.

ANTIVIRUS

Protect your devices

Secure your whole device — from your webcam to your files — and experience protection you can set and forget with Surfshark Antivirus.

ALERT

Get data leak alerts

email, ID, credit card, or other personal data gets leaked online with Surfshark Alert.

SEARCH

Hide your searches

Surf ad-free without leaving any digital footprints with the Surfshark Search engine.

Get a plan that suits your needs

The world’s buzzing about Surfshark

Haters gonna hate, and the tech world’s gonna review VPN services. At Surfshark, we’re all about giving every gamer, streamer, and internet user a smooth, satisfying experience. But don’t take our word for it — see what everyone’s saying.

Tom's guide

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

Techradar

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

4.5/5 ★

CNET

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

SAM CHUI

SAM CHUI

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

MAX & OCCY

MAX & OCCY

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Surfshark supports an open internet

We believe the internet should be free, accessible, and safe — whether gaming on an Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, you name it. That’s why we support and collaborate with many non-profit organizations that tirelessly promote online freedom and transparency.

internet society
vpn trust initiative
electronic fronter foundation
fight for the future
accessnow

Level up your defenses for more epic wins

Try a risk-free VPN for Xbox today

Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee
Level up your defenses for more epic wins

Frequently asked questions

While you can’t directly install a VPN on your Xbox One, you can connect your Xbox to a compatible router, computer, or mobile hotspot (or any other internet-sharing device that allows VPN protection).

Here are two guides that can provide more assistance:

A free VPN can technically be used for an Xbox One, but cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding free VPNs altogether. These often compromise your security or data and offer limited features and poorer performance, so getting a paid VPN like Surfshark is a better option.

Yes, using a VPN will help protect your data and identity by changing your IP address. This makes it harder for hackers or other players to track your location or personal information. However, it won’t protect your Xbox Live account directly, so strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) are still important for securing your account.

No, a VPN on Xbox One is usually unlikely to boost your gaming speed. Routing your internet connection via a VPN server takes time, so you likely won’t experience a speed boost with a VPN.

However, there are cases where a VPN can positively impact speed. For example, whenever internet service providers throttle internet connections based on traffic type, it’s possible to use a VPN to increase your speed.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of games you can play with an Xbox VPN:

Any VPN you can set up on a Windows PC hotspot or router will work on an Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and Xbox 360. However, you can’t install any VPN app directly on your Xbox console as they don’t have native VPN support.

To use a VPN on Xbox, you can either set up a VPN-protected hotspot on a Windows PC or install a VPN on a Wi-Fi router. After that, just connect your Xbox to the VPN-protected wireless network, making any necessary adjustments to your network settings along the way, and you’re good to go.

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