Unlock Netflix & BBC iPlayer on your PlayStation 5, dodge regional blocks, and keep your data safe. Tested on PS5 via Router & SmartDNS.
Tested via UK router setup & PS5 browser SmartDNS on 250 Mbps connexion
ℹ️ Key point: The PS5 does not have a native VPN app. To use a VPN with your PlayStation 5, you either configure it on your router (covers all devices) or use a VPN that provides SmartDNS (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) which allows you to proxy only your streaming traffic directly on the console, without changing your whole network.
These three VPNs are the most reliable for PlayStation 5 users in the UK. They work with router installation and offer SmartDNS options for easy setup on your console.
NordVPN is our top pick for the PS5. Its SmartPlay (SmartDNS) feature allows you to use VPN services for streaming on your PS5 without installing any app or affecting your entire network. This means you can set your PS5's DNS to NordVPN's SmartDNS servers and instantly access US Netflix, BBC iPlayer or DAZN via your console -- without altering your router or sacrificing gaming performance.
Your gaming stays fast: Because SmartDNS doesn't change your main internet connection, your ping stays just as low as before (normally around 0-2ms extra). For games like FIFA, Call of Duty, or Fortnite this is crucial. Additionally, if you want to protect your entire home, NordVPN's dedicated router app is available for selected routers, or its manual setup guide for many others.
Surfshark offers the best value because of its unlimited simultaneous connections plus the same SmartDNS feature. If you're on a budget and want a VPN that works on your PS5, PC, iPhone and more all at once, Surfshark is unbeatable. We've verified its SmartDNS works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) is excellent for PS5 owners who want extra speed stability and the highest reliability. With very high speeds and robust DNS stability, it’s a strong pick if you prioritise uninterrupted streaming alongside your gaming sessions. MediaStreamer is particularly reliable with region-locked content on platforms like Netflix® and DAZN for International Sports.
| VPN | PS5 Set-up | Extra Gaming Ping | SmartDNS | Unlocks | Price/mo | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 NordVPN | Easy (SmartDNS) | 0ms | Yes (SmartPlay) | Netflix, iPlayer, DAZN, etc | £2.99 | 6 |
| Surfshark | Easy (SmartDNS) | 0ms | Yes | Netflix, iPlayer, DAZN, etc | £1.69 | Unlimited |
| ExpressVPN | Easy (MediaStreamer) | 0ms | Yes | Netflix, iPlayer, DAZN, etc | £5.52 | 5 |
| Proton VPN | Hard (Router only) | Variable | No | Limited | £3.99 | 10 |
| CyberGhost | Hard (Router only) | Variable | No | Limited | £1.99 | 7 |
| Free VPNs | ❌ No option | ❌ | No | None | £0 | - |
Important: The PS5 console itself doesn't support VPN apps. To use the VPN for any website/app on the PS5, you either use SmartDNS (works for streaming apps only, with minimal effect on distance or the datacenter used for the game) or you run the VPN on your router. SmartDNS is best if you want to keep gaming low-ping and just unblock different libraries; a full router VPN, by contrast, changes your gaming IP address and might reduce game matchmaking quality, although still playable. For daily use, SmartDNS (for streaming) + VPN on PC/Mobile is the most effective combo.
Here’s how to configure your PS5 to use NordVPN SmartDNS in under 5 minutes. The process is identical with Surfshark & ExpressVPN but the details shown are for NordVPN.
Subscribe here. The SmartDNS feature (SmartPlay) is included free with all plans – no settings to enable.
Log in at my.nordaccount.com → Dashboard → SmartDNS. The address is displayed here. It will be unique to you (e.g., “1.2.3.4”).
On your PS5: Go to **Settings** → **Network** → **Settings** → Set Up Internet Connection → choose **Manual** (don’t select Easy).
In the DNS settings section, set Primary DNS = 1.2.3.4 (your SmartDNS address from step 3), and secondary DNS = 8.8.8.8 (or any public DNS such as 1.1.1.1). Leave other settings (IP, DHCP) to Automatic.
Open Netflix, iPlayer, or any app. That’s it! Content is now unblocked and your gaming traffic remains normal, low ping. Your games will continue to use your old local DNS for matchmaking – only your streaming apps use the SmartDNS.
Some lesser-known apps won’t be supported by SmartDNS. For those, use the router method below to put the entire console behind the VPN. Or use the DNS services listed by NordVPN for all entertainment such as Now and BT Sport.
NordVPN provides a list of supported routers (Asus, Netgear, Linksys). If your router doesn’t support it, you can buy a pre-configured router from NordVPN recommendations.
Download OpenVPN or WireGuard config from NordVPN’s site, and upload it in your router’s admin panel (often at 192.168.1.1). Follow the official guide.
Once your router is connected to a UK/US server (or any area you choose), your PS5 automatically goes through that route. You’ll be protected for gaming, downloading, and streaming.
It’s the top reason. With a PS5, you can watch Netflix, Prime, DAZN… On your console. Simply change your DNS to get into the US library or another region. Especially when travelling abroad, to watch UK Netflix, a SmartDNS to LE Umbrella is essential.
Some games are cheaper in other PS Stores (e.g., India, the US, or Turkey). Using a VPN on your router allows you to create a new account (be careful with region-restricted payments), but many players use VPN to get better online in account country-specific in-store deals.
If you use your PS5 to play in hotels or during a LAN event via unprotected Wi-Fi, having your router set up with VPN encrypts all your connection. Public Wi-Fi on a PS5 can be a safety risk — a VPN makes it safe.
Imagine going on vacation to the US and you want to watch the BBC’s own player or play games with your UK friends on servers with low lag. A UK VPN lets you appear that you're back home. Set your router to London server while on vacation - all your devices work in many regions (some apps still block, but that's rare).
⚠️ E-Safety: When using a VPN on PS5, the VPN only affects your connection. It does NOT hide your actions from other players – it simply encrypts the transport. Don't get circumventing game bans. Always use reputable VPNs (the ones we list above) for reliable performance.
Get the best VPN for PS5 in the form of NordVPN – SmartDNS, protect your console without extra setup. Or choose ultimate value with Surfshark if you need unlimited devices.
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