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PS5 Surfshark setup needs a workaround, because PlayStation consoles cannot install VPN apps. Surfshark’s support names two routes for devices without an app: a VPN router or a VPN hotspot from a Windows PC. Smart DNS, which older guides still recommend for the PS5, closed on 2 February 2026, Surfshark’s support confirms.
This guide covers both routes, the settings that matter for gaming, and the common problems with NAT and ping. The same steps apply to a PS4.
Why Use Surfshark on a PS5
A VPN hides your home IP from other players, which makes DDoS attacks harder. It also protects the console on shared networks, such as a dorm or hotel, and lets streaming apps on the PS5 see another country.
A VPN rarely lowers ping. It adds a step between you and the game server, so the nearest server matters most. Our gaming VPN guide explains what to expect.
PS5 Surfshark Setup Through a Router
A router running Surfshark covers the PS5 and every other device on the network. Our Surfshark router guide explains the setup, and our Surfshark WireGuard guide covers the manual key pair for routers that support WireGuard.
Once the router connects, plug the PS5 in by cable or join its Wi-Fi. The console needs no extra settings. Every device on that router shares one location.
PS5 Surfshark Setup Through a Windows PC
Without a VPN router, a Windows PC can share its Surfshark connection. VPNAlert reports that Surfshark’s support confirmed the virtual router method works only from Windows. Install Surfshark on the PC and connect to a nearby server. Then open Settings, Network and Internet, Mobile hotspot, and turn it on.
On the PS5, open Settings, Network, Settings, Set Up Internet Connection, and choose the PC’s hotspot. Surfshark’s Xbox page also describes sharing over an Ethernet cable, which works the same way for a PS5. Our Surfshark Windows guide covers the desktop app.
Smart DNS Is Gone
Older PS5 guides tell you to enter Surfshark’s Smart DNS addresses in the console’s DNS settings. Surfshark’s support says the service stopped on 2 February 2026, citing low demand. If your PS5 still has those addresses, set DNS back to automatic, or the console may lose internet access.
Our Smart DNS vs VPN page explains what Smart DNS did and why a full VPN protects more.
NAT Type and Party Chat
Behind a VPN, a PS5 can show a strict NAT type, which limits who you can join and can break party chat. Surfshark does not offer port forwarding, so the VPN cannot open ports for the console. VPNAlert’s Xbox advice applies here too: on routers with custom firmware, enabling UPnP and restarting the router and console can help.
If NAT problems persist, keep the PS5 outside the VPN for online play. A guest network without the VPN on the same router makes that easy.
Kill Switch on the Sharing PC
When a PC shares its connection, the Surfshark app on the PC protects the tunnel. Turn on the kill switch there, so the PS5 loses internet rather than falling back to your real address if the VPN drops. Our kill switch guide explains the trade-off.
Checking the Connection
After setting up the router or hotspot, check the public IP from a phone on the same network with our VPN test page. If it shows a Surfshark address, the PS5 uses the tunnel too. Then run the PS5’s own connection test, which reports the NAT type.
The same router covers smart TVs and other devices without apps, as our Surfshark smart TV guide explains.
Ping and Server Choice
Pick the Surfshark server closest to you, not one near a particular game region. Measure ping in the game with and without the VPN. If the difference is small, keep the setup for protection; if it is large, try another nearby city.
Streaming Apps on PS5
Through a router or hotspot, streaming apps on the PS5 see the Surfshark server’s country. Close an app fully and reopen it after changing servers, since console apps cache location. Our Surfshark Netflix guide covers the proxy error.
What Surfshark Costs
On 25 September 2026, the Starter 2-year plan cost $67.23 for the first 27 months. Renewal sits at about $79 a year, according to Security.org and VPNOverview. Surfshark sets no device limit, so the PC, router and PS5 add nothing to the count. Our Surfshark price breakdown covers the plans.
| Provider | Renewal price | Per month | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $139.08/yr | ~$11.59 | Basic |
| Surfshark | ~$79/yr | ~$6.58 | Starter |
| ExpressVPN | $99.95/yr | ~$8.33 | Basic |
| CyberGhost | $56.94/yr | ~$4.75 | 2-year |
| PureVPN | $47.95/yr | ~$4.00 | Standard, 2-year (1-year renews $57.95) |
| IPVanish | $89.99/yr | ~$7.50 | Essential |
| Windscribe | ~$69/yr | ~$5.75 | Pro |
| Proton VPN | ~$83.88/yr | ~$6.99 | VPN Plus |
| Mullvad | ~$65/yr | ~$5.40 | flat, no tiers |
| Norton VPN | $79.99/yr | ~$6.67 | Standard |
| Hotspot Shield | ~$95.99/yr | ~$8.00 | Premium annual |
| Astrill | $300 every 2 yrs | ~$12.50 | 2-year, same at renewal |
Related Guides
Our Surfshark Xbox guide covers the other console, and our PS5 VPN guide compares providers. Surfshark belongs to Nord Security, which also owns NordVPN.
Surfshark on PS4
The PS4 works the same way as the PS5. Neither console has a VPN app, so the routes are identical: Surfshark on your router, or a Windows PC sharing its Surfshark connection as a hotspot. Smart DNS is no longer an option on either, since Surfshark closed it on 2 February 2026.
The PS4’s network settings sit under Settings, Network, Set Up Internet Connection. Choose the Wi-Fi network from your router or PC hotspot there. NAT type and party chat behave the same as on the PS5, as the sections above explain.
How We Research
This page draws on Surfshark’s support articles on smart TVs and its Xbox page, VPNAlert’s Surfshark console guides, and pricing from Surfshark, Security.org and VPNOverview. We cross-checked these sources against each other, and where they conflict or something can’t be verified, we say so in the text rather than guessing. We checked time-sensitive figures, including prices in US dollars, on 6 October 2026. Surfshark’s renewal table did not load, so renewal figures come from Security.org and VPNOverview. The main source we relied on is Surfshark’s console page. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
PS5 Surfshark FAQ
No. PlayStation consoles cannot run VPN apps. Use a router or a Windows PC sharing its connection.
No longer. Surfshark ended Smart DNS on 2 February 2026.
VPNAlert reports Surfshark’s support confirmed the virtual router method only on Windows.
Surfshark has no port forwarding. Try UPnP on custom router firmware, or keep the PS5 outside the VPN.
Yes. The PS4 has the same limits and the same router and PC routes.
The Verdict
PS5 Surfshark setup runs through a router for daily use or a Windows PC for quick sessions. Remove old Smart DNS settings, expect a small ping cost, and keep the console outside the VPN if NAT gets strict.