How to Use ExpressVPN on PS4: Step By Step Guide (2024)
Some people might consider it odd to talk about VPNs and PS4 in the same vein. That is quite understandable, but rest assured they are very relevant to each other. Many PS4 users will be familiar with sometimes steep costs of acquiring a game they like. The more popular the game is, the higher the price tends to be.
This is a simple exercise in the laws of supply and demand. And as such, these same laws play out across borders, as much as within them. Apparently, the popularity of certain games in different countries varies so much that providers have decided to charge different prices based on that.
If you as a gamer happen to be in a market that is charged a higher price for the game, you would much prefer if you could purchase the game at the lowest possible price. In an era of price sensitivity, people are always looking to save some money here and there.
On top of that, there are some games that for some reason are offered only in certain markets and not others. This practice is baffling so some, but nonetheless if you run across a game you believe you might enjoy, but cannot purchase it simply because you are in a country they choose to neglect, you might feel quite a bit left out.
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Use a VPN For PS4
This is where having a VPN can help out immensely. This help comes from the features VPNs offer. The one that is most relevant here is the provision of alternate IP address. Users can choose from the array of alternative IP address the VPN service has and all exchanges will be routed through the VPN using that IP address, giving the impression to outside observers that the user is somewhere other than where he/she actually is.
Not only is this important for online security and hacking prevention, this also enables users to pretend that they are in more favorable markets that offer the game in question at the lowest price or even offer the game at all. This can be quite beneficial for people who reside in peripheral markets that might not be the best catered to.
When it comes to protecting the identity and location of users, ExpressVPN is well known throughout the industry as a leader in quality of service. ExpressVPN’s support system is able to provide the anonymity users need to bypass any commercial barriers placed in their way so they can enjoy the games they want at the best possible prices.
Game providers have caught on to this phenomenon and have started implementing preventive measures in order to catch would be bargain hunter and penalize them in order to deter such activities in the future. With ExpressVPN, you will BE two steps ahead of these providers.
Finding The Right VPN For PS4
In such a diverse and competitive market, not all VPNs are made equal. Some VPNs try to be the jack of all trades, striving to be decent in all criteria. Others have opted to become an expert at a few features, in order to appeal to specific market segments. Read more about the best free VPNs for PS4 here.
For example, some VPNs have decided to focus on online security and have devoted most of their resources to this end. As a result, they have the best security apparatus imaginable, but have a relatively slow bandwidth. Since they appeal to the security conscious crowd, but not to gamers, this is a good tradeoff to make if need be.
Some other VPNs that specialize in bandwidth maximization have even designed some of their servers to cater specifically to high bandwidth streaming. Having devoted most of their resources to catering for video and movie streaming, some VPNs necessarily have to short change other things such as variety of server choices and alternate IP addresses.
In the case of PS4 players, the main focus when researching VPNs should be the dual combination of security and bandwidth as a secondary priority. This is because protecting your whereabouts and especially your location is of paramount importance.
Game providers are very keen on catching customers purchasing games in markets they should not be a part of. This is why security is priority number one, as any lapse in security will expose netizens to these providers. This is especially true when you are playing the game and need constant IP address routing in order to continue playing the game.
It just so happens that ExpressVPN fit this mold very well. Not only does ExpressVPN have top notch encryption systems, but it also has a wide array of servers designed to handle high bandwidth traffic so that gamers can enjoy gaming with the privacy they deserve.
How Do You Setup ExpressVPN For PS4?
Setting this connection up is quite simple. You will first need to make sure your PS4 has the ability to connect to the internet, which most of them do. After you have signed up for an ExpressVPN subscription, you will then create a DNS host name. Do make sure it is a name that you can remember. Now, it is to be noted that this will require a third party service which works best with ExpressVPN.
Once you have an account with them, you will need to register your hostname with ExpressVPN, and ExpressVPN has a very straightforward way of doing so. You will then need to configure your DNS with your PS4. You can do this by heading to the DNS configuration icon on the main page after you have signed in to your account, and the process after that will be apparent.
Once your ExpressVPN account is synced with the DNS system you have selected, it is time to setup your PS4. Simply go to the network settings on your PS4, and connect it to the internet. You will then have the choice of going on the local network or Wi-Fi. The best choice depends on your circumstances, so it is entirely up to you.
It is important that you choose the option of customizing your internet connection when prompted by your PS4 device. Be sure to enter your DNS manually, and put down your IP address as the primary one. Select the automatic option for MTU settings, and do not use any proxy servers.
The next thing you will want to do is check the internet connection the same way you check your mic settings before a Skype call. Your PS4 should show the option of testing, and it is just a matter of clicking the option and letting the program do the rest.
Lastly, restart your PS4, and the device will be fully configured and ready to be used together with your ExpressVPN subscription. Your connection will be secure, and you will be able to avail the best possible international bargains you can find.
How Good Is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is known throughout the industry as a stalwart of quality service that gives customers bang for their buck. Not only are they the master of several VPN trades, but they treat their customers better than just about any other player in the business.
Being based in the British Virgin Islands is actually extremely advantageous for ExpressVPN, or any VPN for that matter. This is because ExpressVPN is therefore outside any major international surveillance treaty’s jurisdiction, in particular the infamous Five Eyes pact. This means that ExpressVPN’s no log policy can be trusted.
Boasting servers in over 160 locations in 94 countries, ExpressVPN seeks to serve as wide a market as possible. Not only that, but ExpressVPN has an active presence in all six continents, which allows them to cater to underserved and therefore less competitive markets and take advantage of the growth potential there.
Having an arsenal of over three thousand servers allows ExpressVPN to prepare very well for any contingency imaginable. In the unlikely event of a hacking where a few servers are down, there will be more than enough servers nearby that can take on the traffic without it having any effect on customers.
When it comes to customer service, ExpressVPN has an impeccable array of tech support on its help page to assist customers as best as possible. Not only do they have a very comprehensive troubleshoot guide, but there is also a 24/7 live chat feature, so that help is never more than a few moments away.
When it comes to pricing, ExpressVPN is above the industry average, with its annual subscription coming out to $8.32 a month when charged yearly. However, as mentioned many times, this miniscule premium gives users a service that is truly second to none.
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Why Should You Use A VPN For PS4?
There are many reasons to use the services of a VPN when playing on your PS4. The most obvious would of course be online anonymity. When availing international discounts that merchants wish to curtail, it behooves netizens to stay from their prying eyes.
Having a VPN conceal your activities, as well as your actual location, allows you to stay clear away from nosy third parties who wish to get you into some trouble for trying to get what you want. It will look as if you are indeed in the appropriate market for the game, and no one will be the wiser.
It is also important for people to get a VPN service with a very strict no log policy. That is why if a VPN is headquartered in a country that is under a major surveillance treaty or simply has data retention laws, their statement of a no log policy is meaningless.
This is because they can, at any time, be ordered by the courts or an intelligence agency to keep tabs on their customers. To make matters worse, these orders usually also include express prohibition on notifying customers. This means you can have your information recorded not just against your consent, but without your knowledge.
Even if you are not concerned about security, there are plenty of reasons to get a VPN service. The main reason would be to stay clear of the marketing departments of all these companies. When your activities are recorded, that includes your search and product preferences.
Companies love purchasing this information from search engines and bombarding you with targeted ads based on your preferences. Now, if this does not appeal to you, it might make sense to get a VPN service in order to maintain your sanity.
The Importance Of Online Security
In this day and age, the importance of online security cannot be stressed enough. Intelligence agencies are increasing their intelligence gathering operations, and hackers are employing ever more sophisticated techniques.
Unfortunately, when you visit certain sites or use certain free services, your information is being stored and sold to the highest bidder. This will sound quite uncomfortable for many, but the fact is that you are not the customer in that instance, rather, you are the product.
This is why it is so essential for all netizens to protect themselves in this day and age. Not only are you targeted by unscrupulous but small hacking parties that might number just one, but your information is being commodified by some of the largest and most well-known commercial institutions.
With all these parties intent on studying your online persona with a fine tooth comb, it makes all the sense in the world to employ the services of an agency with the resources to combat this onslaught.
As it turns out, ExpressVPN is one such service. With their global outreach, ExpressVPN has the economies of scale to combat all would-be information grabbers in a way that is extremely effective but, because of their large customers base, does not break your wallet.
ExpressVPN recognizes the precarious situation the average netizen is in and as such is dedicated to ensuring they have a peace of mind whenever they browse the internet. With their comprehensive security apparatus, ExpressVPN is able to give their customers a sense of security few in the industry can match.
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Is Using A VPN For PS4 Legal?
It is to be noted that any activities performed by netizens, whilst using a VPN service that can be classified as illegal is entirely the responsibility of the user and the user alone. Good VPNs provide indiscriminate privacy protection and do not expose their customers because of their no log policy, but it is entirely the job of the user to determine the efficacy of his/her actions.
Having said that, the mere act of using a VPN for PS4 is entirely within the bounds of the law. There is nothing inherently illegal about concealing your identity from those you do not want to expose yourself to.
On the question of whether availing international discounts against the wishes of the merchant would count as illegal does depend on the jurisdiction. Some places are quite relaxed on the matter and place the responsibility squarely on the merchant to find the offenders out.
Some jurisdictions on the other hand have very strict protections and might classify these discounts as a breach of commercial law. In these cases, the netizen is responsible for making sure what he/she does online is in accordance with legal standards of conduct.
Regardless, ExpressVPN does protect their users’ activities from being known to anyone, including but not limited to the authorities. Even if a court were to subpoena ExpressVPN in an attempt to build a case against someone, there are no logs that can be used, making the attempt all but futile.
All in all, it seems that ExpressVPN provides a service that any gamer would love to gain access to. With their reliable encryption protection, as well as around the clock technical support, customers can be assured that they will be always well taken care of, whether they use ExpressVPN for PS4 or other functions.