Microsoft xCloud is a cloud gaming service that is operated by Microsoft. It was designed to go head to head with Google’s Stadia. One of the big differences you will notice quickly is the lack of information on xCloud. There is no pricing data, internet requirement, and the release date is slated for October. Of course, you can assume users have to have a strong internet connection to support it. As with anything, this could be a hit or miss for Microsoft. It would not be the first time they have come out with a “competing product” and have it fail. Google also has its own service coming out as well. Since the network and games are entirely online, there is a high chance that you will run into lag. When trying to remedy this issue, we suggest you use a VPN. There are several good reasons to do that and we will explain them in a moment. First, take a look at the best VPNs for Microsoft xCloud.
| Rank | VPN Service | Our Score | Server Locations | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.8 | 160 |  |
| 2 |  | 9.4 | 87 | |
| 3 |  | 9.2 | 95 | |
| 4 |  | 9.0 | 110 | |
| 5 |  | 8.8 | 73 | |
One of the reasons to use a VPN when using Microsoft xCloud has to do with access to video games. From time to time, companies like Microsoft release games in different regions before others. Even if they are in the “early access” category, there could be a difference in timing. This practice is common, but we feel that you should not be limited. If you want to play a game that is out in another region, all you would have to do is connect to that region by using a VPN. That will fool the network into thinking you are located someplace else so you can access it as you want to.
Another good reason to use a VPN is to help you avoid lag. Microsoft xCloud makes a number of promises but is still relatively tight-lipped about the details. That said, you can still run into lag. The solution is to connect to a server in a region that is not quite so busy. If you are playing competitively, you know that you can easily die. Using a VPN can definitely make the difference between life and death in your favorite game.
What is the Best VPN for Microsoft xCloud?
As we mentioned, there are a number of different factors to consider when trying to answer this question. In this case, the most important factors have to do with access. After focusing on them, we can tell you what the best VPN for Microsoft xCloud is.
- Strong military grade encryption to help protect your privacy and payment info
- Ability to get around geo-restricted content to gain early access
- High network stability with large and stable networks to help you avoid dropped connections while playing your favorite games
- High-Speed servers in the region to stop your game from buffering
- Strict no-logs policy offered to users
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the best VPNs to use with Microsoft xCloud.
1. Best VPN for Microsoft xCloud: ExpressVPN
Get 3 months free with 12 months of our #1 rated VPN
One of the things that ExpressVPN is good at will allow you to gain access to international libraries of content, such as with Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Both these popular streaming services offer access to different titles depending on your location. From the massive US library to the UK, Canada, or India, we feel you should be able to access all of the content when you travel outside your home region. You can use the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer feature or connect to a VPN server to help break through those barriers.
Since ExpressVPN offers browser extensions for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, they have also included several privacy features to help protect you. That includes re-routing you to a more secure version of the website you entered, location spoofing so that your browser will match the IP address of the area you select, and WebRTC blocking. If you connect to a VPN without this feature, websites can still see where you are. Of course, you could always get another extension to resolve the issue, but having it inclusive is better.
ExpressVPN is our top-rated VPN service of 2023. Regardless of your goals for using a VPN, ExpressVPN combines a robust network with privacy features to keep you protected. We commonly use it to protect our privacy while traveling and to access our favorite streaming services back home. While you can sign up for monthly access, we recommend you take advantage of this exclusive deal that gives you 3 extra months free when you sign up for a year. You can also get a full refund within 30 days if you’re not completely satisfied, so you can test their network with ExpressVPN’s money-back-guarantee.
2. Best VPN for Microsoft xCloud: NordVPN
One reason to use NordVPN is to protect your privacy by blocking malware and ads. Their CyberSec feature will help you avoid sites that host malware and annoying ads. It will also protect your system from becoming part of a botnet attack. If you have ever searched for something random online and have seen the term or item you searched for, continuously come up, that can be a bit unnerving. However, when you use NordVPN, you can help stop that from happening.
Gamers spend quite a bit of time and money on their gaming accounts. However, sometimes players don’t pay enough attention to security. If you are trying to keep your account safe, you’ll want to connect to a server by using NordVPN. By doing so, it will help you ensure that your achievements, finances, time spent, and inventory are safe from harm. Of course, you will want to take other precautions as well, but that is an essential step if you are a gamer.
3. Best VPN for Microsoft xCloud: PIA
If you are looking to protect your entire family with a VPN, you can’t go wrong with Private Internet Access. Unlike some of its competitors, it offers its users the ability to connect on an unlimited number of devices. That is excellent news for families that want to protect everything. If that sounds like a high number, just remember that the figure takes into account all of the mobile devices, laptops, and possibly routers no matter where they are. As you can see, Private Internet Access has you covered.
Since the world now spends more time on mobile devices than desktop computers, WiFi grows ever-more essential. If you are one of the many that does, we suggest that you connect to a VPN server from Private Internet Access to protect your privacy. The truth is, hackers are mostly invisible. They could be across the room or at the next table over. Since using Private Internet Access will encrypt your WiFi data and utilize a firewall, you can make sure that everything you do is protected.
4. Best VPN for Microsoft xCloud: CyberGhost
If you are a gamer, one of the things you can avoid by connecting a VPN server from CyberGhost is what is known as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. If you are not aware, a DDoS attack makes a machine or network unavailable by flooding it with requests in an attempt to overload systems. You should not have to worry about attackers or botnets stopping you from playing your favorite games. When you connect to a VPN, though, it will help you prevent that from happening.
Once you sign up for your VPN service with CyberGhost, the company provides you with seven simultaneous connections. While that will take care of most families or groups, it may not solve the problems of everyone. If you are worried about running out of connections, setting up your VPN through a router may help you. When you do so, you will ensure that all of the devices that you attach to your network are protected. Of course, that will help you free up some connections.
5. Best VPN for Microsoft xCloud: IPVanish
If you are like most gamers, you are aware that lag can cause big problems. Sometimes, that can be a result of a busy game server or a congested network. By connecting to a VPN like IPVanish, you can help stop that from happening. What that will do is re-route your gaming traffic to a less populated server. Doing so may help you get a better experience so that you can enjoy your favorite games. That could make the difference between winning the match, or losing it.
One of the significant advantages of connecting to a VPN server from IPVanish is the ability to help you get around censorship. If you have ever been to a foreign country, you may quickly realize that the government bans some content. For those that visit counties where that happens, you know it can be frustrating. Whether the content you are trying to access is political, social media, news, or others, IPVanish is an excellent choice to make when trying to circumvent it.
