Best Free VPNs for PS4 in 2024: Full VPN PS4 Review
Just about everyone who has played a PS4 will sing its praises. One thing that many PS4 owners will lament is the fact that games can be priced differently from country to country, sometimes greatly. Many netizens would very much rather avail the lowest possible price of any and all games.
This is where a VPN can come in handy. Not only does a VPN service afford its users the anonymity and privacy so lacking in this day and age, but it can also be used to change official locations. VPNs do this through the use of alternative IP addresses, so it looks as if the netizen is somewhere he/she is not.
This helps when it comes to purchasing things online that are only available in certain markets because you can change your IP address to one provided by the VPN to a location where the item in question is actually available for sale. With gaming companies practicing rampant price discrimination across borders, it pays to pretend to be somewhere you are not.
Recommended Free VPNs For PS4
Free VPNs can also be useful when paired with a PS4. Since some gaming merchants are notorious for penalizing gamers who try to circumvent their price discrimination system, it is very beneficial to complement your PS4 with the privacy of a VPN service so that ISPs do not know if you are here or there.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
When industry pundits think of ExpressVPN, very often they think of superior quality and support service. Indeed, ExpressVPN is keen to devote resources to develop its network by putting quality over quantity, even though it has both. ExpressVPN has a level of network reliability that many in the industry can only dream of.
Located officially in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is not subject to any intelligence umbrella and as such will not be forced by intelligence agencies to spy on its own customers, usually with the express prohibition of even notifying them of this intrusion. This is very important as jumping from IP addresses can inadvertently bring up red flags.
ExpressVPN boats one of the most comprehensive server networks spanning over 160 locations in over 94 countries right around the world. Being active on all six continents has its advantages when looking for expansive markets in the future as well as being able to serve the people who need it most.
Having amassed an array of over three thousand servers, ExpressVPN is able to leverage this massive network in order to ensure reinforcements are always on hand nearby in the rare event of a server going offline momentarily. For those who cannot afford one moment’s disconnection, this is cause for celebration.
When it comes to servicing customers, ExpressVPN shows a quality that is really world class. Not only do they have an impeccable troubleshooting guide that has thought of just about any basic issue imaginable, but ExpressVPN also has a 24/7 live chat feature so that customers will never be left out in the cold.
Although ExpressVPN is more commonly known as a subscription service, it is to be noted that all subscriptions come with a 30-day money back guarantee. This means you could in theory try the service out for free for a month and decide it is not really what you were looking for without taking a financial hit.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 7,000+ in 111 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
With military grade encryption technology on file, NordVPN is really at the top of its game when it comes to privacy protection. This extremely important for people who deal with sensitive information online on a regular basis. This is also very helpful if you wish to skate through the internet anonymously looking for the best global product discounts.
Having their base in Panama provides NordVPN with a distinct advantage, which is the fact that they are well outside any surveillance umbrella and as such are able to legitimately afford their customers online privacy protection without any backdoors with their strict no log policy.
With an astounding 5600 servers worldwide and counting, NordVPN is in the best possible position to avoid any sort of server disruption by having multiple backup servers nearby that can ensure that no security gap ever occurs, very important for certain professions.
What this also means for you is that your alternate IP address will always be maintained, thereby allowing you to play country specific games without a hitch. Unfortunately, there are sub-par VPNs out there that do not have the ability to plug this gap and as a result expose users to being found out and even subject to penalties by game merchants.
If you have a non-pressing service issue or even just have a question out of inquisitiveness, NordVPN is there for you with its array of assistance options such as an email drop box as well as a troubleshoot guide. If that was not enough, NordVPN even has a live chat option so you can talk with an actual person.
Even though NordVPN has a monthly subscription that sets netizens back $11.95, they do have a 30-day money back clause on every one of their subscription packages, which means you technically get to use their services for free for an entire month if you play your cards right.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
ProtonVPN
Features
- P2P support? Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
- Country of origin? Switzerland
- Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
- Simultaneous devices: 5
Pros/Cons
- Professional support
- Modern interface and apps
- AES-256 encryption
- Lesser known provider
The main distinctive feature of ProtonVPN is that it carries an extra layer of encryption. It does so by routing the already encrypted exchanges trough safe jurisdictions in order to reduce the likelihood of any of these massages being intercepted by unwanted parties to as close to zero as humanly possible.
One of the key benefits of having their headquarters in Switzerland is that they are placed outside the Fourteen Eyes security pact encompassing areas on both sides of the Atlantic. This frees ProtonVPN up to focus on its bread and butter, which is protecting the privacy of their customers.
In line with its customer base, ProtonVPN has over 498 servers that are nicely distributed over 40 different countries around the world. Do not let the relatively modest server network fool you though. ProtonVPN will almost certainly expand its network in line with their user base and might one day give the big boys a run for their money.
With a bare minimum bandwidth of 1 Gbps, ProtonVPN definitely does not disappoint its stream crazy customer segment. Not only that, ProtonVPN is able to afford most of their customers a 10 Gbps bandwidth which lets them stream in resolutions not even out on the mainstream yet.
Having all major potential issues coupled with a solution link located on a single page, ProtonVPN definitely wants to relive their customers of as much hassle as possible. If the troubleshooting guides do not cut it, there is also a tech support shortcut so that customers get the help they need.
Interestingly, ProtonVPN establishes its subscription tiers based on number of features afforded rather than length of subscription. Fortunately, one of their subscription tiers is absolutely free of charge and does not have an expiration clause.
- Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
- Lowest price: €4
TrustZone
Features
- Complete anonymity? Yes
- Unblocking of all websites? Yes
- Pricing options: 4
- Servers: 164 in 80+ zones
- Free trial: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Bitcoin accepted
- App for mobile devices
- Lesser known provider
One of the things Trust.Zone is very keen on conveying to the public is its commitment to protecting customer privacy and they go to good lengths to remind people of that on their main page. This is quite a relief to netizens, as that is the essence of why people seek out the services of a VPN in the first place.
Trust.Zone has chosen the exotic Seychelles as its home base. That is not because of the tropical scenery, but because this jurisdiction is well known for its secrecy laws. It does not look like it will be entering an international security umbrella anytime soon.
Having over 156 servers in 88 locations around the world enables Trust.Zone to properly cater to its consumer base without any hassle whatsoever. Moreover, having an active presence on all six continents, Trust.Zone has positioned itself ideally to serve markets that are very often neglected by other VPNs.
Trust.Zone allows for any sort of P2P connection and does not have a speed restriction on said connection. If you are one of those who need multiple gigabytes of data every single day, this should be music to your ears.
When it comes to good tech support, Trust.Zone tackles this issue quite well. There is a whole list of FAQs customers can take a look at and there is also a troubleshoot guide for other problems. If you need more assistance, do not hesitate to drop them a line, and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
Trust.Zone carries subscription packages based on the length of time, with longer subscriptions costing less per month. However, Trust.Zone does carry with it a free version that can be used by anybody and can be taken advantage of for up to three days and 1 GB on the house.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Bitcoin accepted; App for mobile devices;
- Lowest price: €3
Windscribe
Features
- Browser extension? Yes
- Pricing options: 3
- Free trial: No
- Unblocking of all websites? Yes
- Locations: Servers in 60 countries
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Available on all major platforms
- App for mobile devices
- Lesser known provider
Windscribe is known widely for having one of the most watertight encryption systems around. This means that if you are playing a game you are not supposed to on your PS4, ISPs and gaming merchants will be none the wiser, especially with Windscribe’s no log policy.
Based in Canada, Windscribe has developed an encryption quality sophisticated enough to bypass the infamous Netflix firewall. Not only that, the encryption is so bullet proof that you are able to play country restricted games on your PS4 without anyone needing to know about it.
Windscribe is active on five continents, with in over 60 countries and 110 cities. Windscribe is able to serve a very wide market, whilst at the same time ensure the quality of their service remains at the top of the heap, especially for those who cannot afford exposure.
One very remarkable feature of Windscribe is that it has a strict no log policy. While not particularly noteworthy, in the case of Windscribe it is because it offers free services to netizens, which is normally a sign that information is being sold. But Windscribe is a very welcomed exception to this rule. Because of this, gaming junkies can rest easy as their discounts from using their VPN will not be leaked.
Windscribe has an extremely minimalist tech support page. This enables users to easily navigate the page in search for help and answers without getting a headache in the process. For the more serious issues, there is an inbox you can send your inquiries to which gets replied to quite promptly.
Although containing subscription categories, Windscribe has made its free version available in 10 jurisdictions spread across Europe, North America, and even Asia. On top of that, Windscribe allows for a full 10 GB of data, instead of the standard for free VPNs of 1 GB. PS4 groupies will definitely be giving Windscribe some high marks.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Available on all major platforms; App for mobile devices;
- Lowest price: $4.08
Can I Buy Video Games Cheaper With a VPN?
Let us face it, everyone would like to save a few bucks if they can help it. And if all other things are equal, why not? Fortunately, for the prolific games shopper, VPNs provide them with a way to save potentially hundreds of dollars by availing the lowest price of each game when they switch to the ideal country IP addresses.
Game providers have seen it fit to price their games differently from country to country, even when you take into account the exchange rates. But since having a VPN service would allow you to pretend you are in the country where a particular game is most cheaply priced, a simple solution presents itself with the VPN.
Another worry is that when playing a certain game while using an IP address different from the one you used to purchase the game might bring up a red flag on the provider’s side and could result in you being penalized. Fortunately, having a VPN service solves this problem as well because you can change IP addresses in accordance to which game you wish to play, with the result being you staying out of trouble.
The same concept applies to games that have their sale restricted to certain countries. To gain access to a game not technically available in your country, simply use the IP addresses available from your VPN service, and shop away blissfully. It also should go without saying that you would also need to use the same IP address when playing those games as well.
In our increasingly price-sensitive marketplace, any product sold a little cheaper, or any service that can lower prices for consumers is going to get more than its fair share of attention. And with a reliable VPN service dedicated to security and privacy protection, you will be able to not only protect your online identity but also your wallet.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN Service
As with most purchases, some research is advised before settling on a VPN. Since VPNs have some noticeable differences, some might simply be better suited for your unique situation than others. Here are some guidelines to take into consideration.
Server Selection
Some VPNs are still in their growth stages, or simply cater to niche markets, and as such have a relatively modest server network. In contrast, some VPNs have literally thousands of servers right across the planet that can pick up any slack that might come from an unexpected hiccup.
Connection Speeds
If you are the streaming type, you might want to focus your emphasis on the connection speeds of the VPNs over other factors. Having a beefy bandwidth means you will be able to stream HD movies or shows without any of the buffering we all know and hate. This might be even more important when using a free VPN for PS4.
Data Limit
One thing to keep in mind when looking at free VPNs is that, unlike subscription VPNs, they usually carry a data cap which might not be suitable for certain activities such as movie streaming. If you are doing something beyond just internet browsing, this is something to look out for.
Use a Free VPN for PS4 Today
All in all, PS4 devices are very well complemented by a VPN service. This is because even though international bargain hunting with a VPN connected with your PS4 device will not necessarily get you in any trouble, the issue is that some merchants are not exactly fond of unwanted competition.
If your gaming merchant is one of these types, they cannot actually take you to court most of the time, but they can punish you for trying to circumvent their system in other ways. The main way they go about this is by throttling your ability to purchase games by either banning you from their site for a certain period of time or even barring you permanently.
A VPN prevents this from happening by helping you stay anonymous. By encrypting the exchanges, gaming merchants will not be able to know what exactly you are doing at that very moment and therefore cannot accuse you of anything. VPNs that have a reputation for security can leave even the nosiest merchants in the dark.
All in all, VPNs are an extremely useful service in this day and age. Having peace of mind that what you do in the virtual world stays in the virtual world can be very comforting to people. It is high time that people empower themselves and take matters into their own hands, and VPNs can help a long way in that regard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can VPNs let me play games before they’re available in my country?
Yes. When gaming companies release new games, they often become available in some countries before others. For instance, users in Australia may play a game long before other gamers in the USA can. However, with a VPN, you can avoid the long wait. So, yes, you can access new games before they reach your region.
How can I play a PS4 game restricted from users in my location?
Firstly, you’ll have to research the countries where a new game is available. Then, you can connect to a VPN server in that country. This way, you trick your PS4 into thinking you’re in that location. Now, you can access the game long before others in your actual country.
Is it legal to use PS4 with a VPN?
Generally, using a VPN in many parts of the world is legal. However, VPN usage may become illegal when you use it for illicit activities. Therefore, if VPNs are legal in your country, it shouldn’t be unlawful to use your PS4 with a VPN.
Can VPNs guarantee high-speed gaming?
Yes, you can have a faster gaming experience with a VPN. Frequently, internet service providers (ISPs) intentionally slow your browsing speeds. This activity is called ISP throttling. ISP throttling can make you experience lags while gaming. However, an excellent VPN helps you escape such lags, guaranteeing you fast connectivity and a seamless gaming experience.
How do I select the best PS4 VPN?
All the VPNs above are excellent choices for any PS4 gamer. They can let you buy games at cheaper rates and enjoy other VPN benefits. However, if you want the best, you can try ExpressVPN. This is because, over the years, ExpressVPN has distinguished itself with its stellar services.