Best VPN for Xbox in 2020

Last updated on January 1, 2020

Whether you’re just gaming or streaming Netflix, depending on your location you could run into some problems accessing content on your Xbox. Many countries block online services and games that users may try to access, in addition to keeping an eye on their internet users.

In this article, we look at why Xbox access experiences content restrictions at times and what are the three best VPNs for Xbox to use.

Our top recommendation above all, however, is that the best VPN For Xbox use is Express VPN.

Top 3 VPNs for Xbox

#1: ExpressVPN

When you start looking for a VPN for your Xbox, one of the most important things is definitely going to be connection speed. With all of the gaming and streaming you’re going to do, you will want a VPN that can keep up so playback and game-play is never choppy. ExpressVPN has one of the fastest connections around, with speeds perfect for gamers.

However, we also like it for these reasons:

Unlimited Bandwidth – Their service plans also come with unlimited bandwidth, so you can use it as much as you want without having to worry about hitting a monthly cap.
Multi Platform Compatibility – Not only is their software compatible with all major operating systems, but ExpressVPN gives users up to three simultaneous connections with their plans. This means you can have the software installed on your Xbox as well as your computer and mobile.
Market Leading Customer Support – ExpressVPN has a customer service department that is hard to beat. This is due to their 24/7 availability, live chat, and email support as well as an average response time of 20 minutes for email inquiries
Long Money Back Guarantee Period – ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money back guarantee, so if you’re worried you won’t like it, you can get a full refund the first month, no questions asked. The best part is that if you do like their service and get a friend to sign up, you both get a month of free service with ExpressVPN’s referral program. This is great for people who have lots of gaming friends out there who also use an Xbox to do so.

For awesome features coupled with unbeatable 256 bit encryption and a reputation for the best customer support money can buy for your Xbox, get ExpressVPN today.

#2: IPVanish

If you’re not able to connect to an Express VPN server, IPVanish is another good one to try. While their service has a few drawbacks, they’re a good one to fall back on if you can’t access Express VPN.

Quick connections – While their connection typically isn’t quite as fast as what you’d get with Express VPN, it’s still very quick. Importantly, it is fast enough to facilitate streaming some Walking Dead or any other boxset you love on your Xbox
Simultaneous connections – Like ExpressVPN, IPVanish also gives their customers simultaneous connections to connect their devices to, so you can secure more than just your Xbox device at any one time.
Round the clock customer support – IPVanish has 24/7 support like ExpressVPN, but unlike them, IPVanish isn’t quite as prompt. It could be that you’ll be waiting at least a few hours to hear back from them on an email inquiry, which is nowhere near Express VPNs response time of under 20 minutes.

IPVanish can be found at this website.

#3: HideMyAss

HideMyAss is a VPN that has a great deal of custom owing to pretty low monthly rates. Plus, the VPN provider offers compatibility with all operating systems, and even allow multiple connections like Express VPN. What we found lacking however was its customer service. Even though their support is supposed to be 24/7, users often complain of incredibly long response times. Plus their live chat and phone channels are often problematic as well, with lengthy waits there too.

However, other reasons we rate HideMyAss are:

Large network – HideMyAss has servers in over 150 countries. That is an enormous number and means that users have many different server possibilities to sign up to. It means that they are assured a connection when they want.
Military grade encryption – As we like to see with all our recommended VPN providers, HideMyAss encrypts a user’s data through the use of AES 256 bit encryption which is the method the US government employs to protect its data.

HideMyAss is here.

So Why Is My Xbox Access Limited?

Xboxes are so much more than gaming consoles. DVD players have quickly become out of date in terms of technology. Instead, the Xbox is a multi-functional gaming system that has so many capabilities it has taken over the entertainment department.

With an Xbox’s ability to play DVDs, access online services, and of course, run games, the interactive operating system has definitely earned its excellent reputation. Like any other device though, all of that connectivity comes at a steep price. There are some serious security risks for one thing – all of that information hovering around through cyberspace is just as susceptible to being stolen if it were on your smartphone.

In addition, Xbox users face challenges with accessibility. In many countries, games, websites, and streaming services are completely blocked by internet censorship programs, making that awesome gaming system a glorified DVD player. This is a great shame, given the amount that an Xbox is capable of to provide entertainment to owners.

If you’re having these problems, there are a few ways to circumnavigate them, but above all, we recommend the use of a VPN. A VPN is one of the quickest and easiest ways to circumvent any restrictions a user experiences due to geoblocking of content, as well as improving online security many times over.

Why A VPN is Needed For Xbox

Disadvantages of using an Xbox without a VPN

Those online gamers that use an Xbox without a VPN are making themselves vulnerable to online attack and highly susceptible to being a victim of identity theft. A VPN is a fantastic way of improving your online security. Without it, the internet connection established over an Xbox is subject to being hacked.

The reason for this is that we all have so much information stored online, particularly when using an Xbox, that is sensitive. It makes good sense to protect it through the use of a VPN. When a user does not have a VPN setup, it means that information like bank details, passwords, addresses, and medical history can all be stolen by online cybercriminals.

This is all information that every internet user will have at some point transmitted online and, without encrypting over a VPN’s safe tunnel, it can be intercepted and read. The possibilities for a hacker or fraudster to then use this information are endless.

Advantages to using a VPN with Xbox

One of the most popular reasons to use a VPN, regardless of provider, is to unblock all the content on the internet that has restrictions placed on it for geographical reasons. While this could be down to a country’s own censorship laws, it can also be due to the licensing agreements that some video streaming services like Netflix or iPlayer have. A VPN will allow users to access this content freely by giving the appearance of being in a country where access is unrestricted.

Laws and Regulations When Using a VPN with Xbox

In the main, whatever country you reside it, having a VPN on your Xbox or employing the use of a VPN with your Xbox is legal.

VPN users are still required to abide by the law of the country however in terms of what content they view and what activity they get up to online through their Xbox. For instance, in censorship-heavy countries like Saudi Arabia, citizens or anyone visiting the country at any moment in time, are breaking the law if they try to access gay pornography.

Additionally, any fraudulent online activity like hacking remains illegal wherever a user is, even if they use a VPN to protect their identity.

The Bottom Line

Xboxes are meant for so much more than video games.

While online game-play is a huge part of the appeal for devoted Xbox users, the device is also incredibly popular for streaming movies and music, and of course, playing DVDs.

As emphasized above, the problem with using an Xbox is that a user’s information can be stolen over this device just like any other. Plus, users in countries with network censorship may never even be able to utilize a lot of the added features of an Xbox, simply due to content restrictions that limit access to sites like Netflix and Hulu.

With ExpressVPN, you can completely bypass these content restrictions, and give yourself an incredibly secure connection that’s both private and anonymous. ExpressVPN comes with a fast, reliable connection that can keep up with games and stream movies without missing a beat. They have incredible customer support and are backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.