Best VPN for Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)

Xbox Cloud GamingMicrosoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming is one of the perks of having Xbox Ultimate Game Pass. The feature allows you to play your favorite games through the internet without having to download them. You can stream your favorite games through different platforms like PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Steam Deck, Smart TVs, iOS, and Android. The service is currently in Beta and is only available in select countries. xCloud is only available to play when you have an online connection. A VPN can help gamers in many ways. It helps you reduce lag, improve ping, and protect against DDoS attacks. You can also gain access to this exclusive feature from anywhere and unblock geo-restricted games. Please join me as I share the best VPNs for Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Xbox Cloud Gaming VPN Quickstart

Here is a quick guide to get you started using Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC, Android, or iOS with a VPN.

  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
  2. Download the ExpressVPN app and connect to a server in the region you wish to play in.
  3. Console users can set up the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer feature to change your DNS location. Otherwise you can run the VPN through your router.
  4. Launch the game and enjoy!

Want to fix lag spikes on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One? If so follow these instructions.

  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
  2. Log into Expressvpn.com and go to the “DNS Settings” tab.
  3. Click the button to register your IP address.
  4. You can also set dynamic DNS (more technical users)
  5. Click on the “Dashboard” tab
  6. Look for the “Set up on all your devices” section and click on the “see all devices” link.
  7. Click on the set up guide for your console. ExpressVPN MediaStreamer supports PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. They also have a YouTube video to help Nintendo Switch users get set up.
  8. Make note of the IP address given in the set up box to the right of the screen.
  9. Set the DNS on your console to the IP given on the ExpressVPN site.

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xCloud Gaming Info

The cloud gaming service originally started in 2019. xCloud allows you to play hundreds of games across some of your favorite devices. You can skip the downloading process and start playing. Stream Microsoft Flight Simulator, Fortnite, ARK, Halo Infinite, Sea Thieves, and more. All you need to do to use the service is have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, own a compatible device and controller, and meet the required internet speed. You can use many different types of controllers like Xbox, DualShock 4, Turtle Beach, and more. Those wanting to play on their mobile devices can even download the Xbox Game Pass app. I hope you enjoy streaming games with Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Here are the recommended speeds you must have to play on xCloud:

  • Consoles: 20 Mbps or more
  • Mobile: 10 Mbps or more
  • PC: 20 Mbps or more
  • Tablets: 20 Mbps or more

Game Server Locations

Xbox Cloud Gaming is only available in select countries. These include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. These are the only places where you will have access to this feature. Since Microsoft is the parent company of Xbox, there is a good chance that the games you are streaming are using Azure servers. Based on this and the regional availably, we have come up with some great recommendations on where to connect. We recommend connecting to a VPN server in Washington DC or Los Angeles to play in the United States. Frankfurt, Paris, London, Toronto, Sydney, or Tokyo are also good options for international gamers.

Here are the best VPNs to use with Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming.


1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Logo

ExpressVPN is our favorite provider for gaming online. You will be able to connect to a variety of different places. They have 160 server locations across 94 countries. This will help you unblock games, reduce ping times, improve lag, and find cheaper prices. You will be able to play with friends on different severs throughout the world. ExpressVPN is not only available for PC, but consoles as well. It supports Windows, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, and many more devices. ExpressVPN also helps keep you safe from DDoS attacks but masking your IP address. It will allow you to play games faster, while staying safe.

ExpressVPN app

ExpressVPN can help improve your ping and reduce lag in online games. It will also protect your data through encryption. ExpressVPN has an exclusive discount with our readers that you can take advantage of. You can get a full year of VPN for 49% off with an extra 3 months for free. You will be able to save on your favorite games. Unblock geo-restricted content and get around firewalls at work or school to play anywhere. ExpressVPN gives you a 30 day money back guarantee. You can test out the service for one month and see all the benefits it provides.

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2. NordVPN

NordVPN

NordVPN is another great choice for gaming online. They might not have performed quite as well as ExpressVPN in our test, but they still offer fast gaming at an affordable price. Like many VPN companies, NordVPN prioritizes privacy. They will encrypt your data and protect you from DDoS attacks. NordVPN has servers in 59 countries, which means most of your major gaming regions are covered. They also have an easy to use app for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Those who have a more technical background can run NordVPN through their router to play on consoles like Xbox One, PS4, or Nintendo Switch. It helps to have DD-WRT or Tomato firmware on your router. NordVPN is an excellent choice, but takes a little more technical background for console users.

NordVPN USA

NordVPN is an easy to use VPN service with support for many devices. The service is reasonably priced and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. By connecting to a VPN server location close to where you play, you can experience less lag. You can avoid malware and ads by using the NordVPN CyberSec feature. They also have a browser extension for Firefox and Chrome. NordVPN can be used on up to 6 devices. I hope you enjoy gaming with a VPN.

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3. Private Internet Access

PIA VPN

PIA is our third option for great VPNs to use when gaming online. Private Internet Access will help you avoid ISP throttling. This occurs when a server gives your traffic lower priority. They will also help you gain access to regionally restricted DLC, games, and content. PIA will give you an IP in the location where it is unblocked and keep your identity anonymous. This can also be used to take advantage of regional price differences. Many times countries have limited editions of games that give you extra benefits, while others just simply pay less for titles. Australia is not a good country to connect to for taking advantage of price differences, but its is great for gaining access to games early.

PIA app

Private Internet Access is a United States based VPN company. They have great US and Canadian servers. PIA’s highest priority is your privacy. They do not log user activities, while using the service. Your IP is also cloaked and a VPN encrypts your data. This will increase your protection from DDoS attacks and help keep your identity anonymous. They can block ads and malware. PIA is a great VPN service for keeping gamers safe. They offer a 30 day money back guarantee that will let you test out the VPN service for a full month.

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Why are Games Blocked at School or Work?

Most gamers have experienced the frustration of network restrictions. Whether it’s a firewall at school or work, you will find that popular game servers and social media sites are often blocked. A VPN will hide your traffic so that the network can not detect that you are playing a game or visiting your favorite sites like YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, etc. The VPN will encrypt your data which will stop it from being blocked by your network administrator.

Why is the Game Restricted by Region?

You will find that many games (and streaming sites like Netflix) have set restrictions based on the region of the world you are in. For example, Rainbow Six has servers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Players are restricted to playing in their own region. What if you want to play with friends in another country? The solution is to use a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server in the region you wish to play in. Preferably as close to the game server as possible for the best performance. You can also use a VPN to buy and play games that are not otherwise available in your region.

Not All VPNs Support Fast Online Gaming

It doesn’t help to have a VPN that won’t place you in the proper geographic region or isn’t fast enough for gaming. There are literally hundreds of VPN services that won’t cut it for online gaming. There are very few that support the speeds necessary to fix lag issues and provide the proper IP location. The key is using a leading VPN and making a connection close to the game server you wish to play on. The difference in routing can boost your speed. We recommend using ExpressVPN for the best performance.

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