Online gaming can be incredibly rewarding, but technical issues like high ping or geographic restrictions can really dampen the experience. Fortunately, a VPN can transform your gaming sessions by providing a more secure and unrestricted environment. Many gamers, including myself, have found that using a VPN enhances their gameplay, especially for popular titles like Call of Duty and Forza Horizon.
After testing numerous VPN services, I've narrowed down the top choices to seven, with NordVPN emerging as the best VPN for gaming. It offers a comprehensive global server network, ensuring you can bypass geographic restrictions, and boasts fast speeds that keep your latency low for games like Fortnite, Helldivers 2, and Minecraft. Other notable options include CyberGhost and Surfshark, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
TL;DR: These Are the Best VPNs for Gaming
### NordVPN
13See it at NordVPN
### CyberGhost
3See it at CyberGhost
### Surfshark
4See it at Surfshark
### IPVanish
4See it at IPVanish
### Proton VPN
7See it at Proton VPN
### ExpressVPN
6See it at ExpressVPN
### Mullvad
4See it at Mullvad
No matter which VPN you choose, you'll benefit from encrypted internet traffic and a hidden IP address, safeguarding you against DDoS attacks and allowing you to access games and servers that might otherwise be blocked in your region. Additionally, if your ISP throttles your connection or you connect to a VPN server closer to the game's server, you might even see an improvement in your gaming performance.
- NordVPN
Best VPN for Gaming
### NordVPN
13See it at NordVPN
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Starting from $3.09/mo.
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Servers: 7,000+
- Countries: 118
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros
- Impressive network of servers
- Meshnet feature for LAN gaming
Cons
- Apps are a little cluttered
NordVPN stands out as the top choice for gaming in my testing and review. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol is optimized for speed, allowing for low-latency gameplay in titles like League of Legends. The Meshnet feature is particularly useful for creating secure private networks for LAN gaming with friends. With over 7,000 servers in 111 countries, bypassing geographic restrictions is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for streaming as well.
NordVPN's robust security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, protect your IP address and prevent DNS and IP leaks. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, and you can extend this by installing it on a compatible router to secure all your devices, including your PlayStation or Xbox console.
- CyberGhost
Best Free Trial VPN for Gaming
### CyberGhost
3See it at CyberGhost
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Starting from $2.03/mo.
- Simultaneous connections: 7
- Servers: Undisclosed
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV
Pros
- Vast server network
- Gaming-optimized servers
Cons
- Still lacking an Apple TV app
CyberGhost's extensive server network spans 100 countries, making it easy to find a server close to you for reduced latency. Its gaming-optimized servers in cities like London and New York are a significant advantage, as I found in my review. The Smart DNS service also allows you to connect your console to servers in countries like the U.S.
With the ability to sort servers by distance, load, and ping, CyberGhost makes it simple to find the fastest available server. I experienced no lag while playing CS:GO. The high-end encryption ensures your safety on public Wi-Fi, preventing any interference with your connection. CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial for Windows and MacOS with no credit card required, making it the best free trial VPN available.
- Surfshark
Best Gaming VPN With Extra Features
### Surfshark
4See it at Surfshark
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Starting from $1.99/mo.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Servers: 3,000+
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
In my Surfshark review, I found that it performs exceptionally well with fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone. The split tunneling feature allows you to bypass game-blocking IP addresses while securing the rest of your traffic. With 3,000 servers across 100 countries and a recent upgrade to 10Gbps servers, Surfshark ensures fast connections.
Surfshark's Smart DNS service enables you to change your location on your Smart TV or Xbox and PlayStation consoles, though it doesn't encrypt your traffic. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark doesn't limit simultaneous connections, allowing you to game securely on any device. It also offers additional security features like an ad blocker, Double VPN servers, and antivirus protection.
- IPVanish
Best Gaming VPN for Unlimited Devices
### IPVanish
4See it at IPVanish
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Starting from $2.19/mo.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Servers: 2,400+
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros
- See each server’s ping and load
- Numerous new features
Cons
- Operates out of the U.S. (a Five Eyes member)
IPVanish has made significant strides in improving its service, now offering some of the fastest speeds for low ping in competitive games like Rocket League. Its user-friendly interface includes a shortcut to the fastest server and displays each server's ping and load. U.S. gamers will appreciate the extensive coverage with over 1,400 servers in North America.
Recent additions to IPVanish include a secure browser and cloud storage, along with Double Hop servers for extra encryption. My tests confirmed no DNS or IP leaks, and the unlimited device support is a major advantage.
Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.
- Proton VPN
Best Gaming VPN With a Free Tier
### Proton VPN
7See it at Proton VPN
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Starting from $4.49/mo.
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Servers: 9,000+
- Countries: 117
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV
Pros
- Excellent server speeds
- True no-logs policy
Cons
- Live chat isn’t 24/7
Proton VPN's extensive network of over 9,000 servers in 117 countries and incredibly fast speeds make it a standout choice for gaming. The 10Gbps server network and VPN Accelerator feature enhance performance, ensuring no noticeable latency in games like Fortnite.
Proton VPN's commitment to privacy is evident in its independently audited no-logs policy, offering anonymous gaming, browsing, and streaming. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its free tier, while not suitable for gaming, is a great way to test the service.
- ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming Games
### ExpressVPN
6See it at ExpressVPN
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Starting from $4.99/mo.
- Simultaneous connections: 8
- Servers: Undisclosed
- Countries: 105
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros
- Consistent unblocker
- Custom firmware for routers
Cons
- A more expensive option
ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol ensures consistent speeds, minimizing lag in fast-paced games like Valorant. Its custom router firmware makes setup straightforward for consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, or Nintendo Switch.
With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN helps you access more games, particularly in regions with strict censorship. The 256-bit AES encryption keeps your gaming sessions secure, and the user-friendly apps are complemented by excellent 24/7 support.
- Mullvad
Best Gaming VPN for Anonymity
### Mullvad
4See it at Mullvad
Product Specifications
- Pricing: Flat rate of €5/mo. (~$5.65)
- Simultaneous connections: 5
- Servers: 700+
- Countries: 44
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Pros
- WireGuard protocol for fast speeds
- Anonymous signup
Cons
- Smaller server network
Despite its smaller server network, Mullvad's implementation of the WireGuard protocol makes it one of the fastest VPNs for gaming. The split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps bypass the VPN, which can be useful for lowering ping.
Mullvad prioritizes privacy with 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. It doesn't require an email address for signup and accepts cash payments, ensuring anonymity. At a flat rate of €5 per month, Mullvad is also highly affordable.
What to Look for in a VPN for Gaming
When selecting a VPN for gaming, consider the following factors:
- Server speed: Fast and consistent connections are crucial, especially for competitive games. VPNs using the WireGuard protocol, with unlimited bandwidth and plenty of servers, are ideal.
- Server locations: Connecting to servers near your location or the game server can improve speeds. A global server network is essential.
- Security and privacy: High-level encryption and leak protection are necessary to hide your IP address and prevent DDoS attacks.
- Compatibility: The best gaming VPNs offer apps for all major operating systems and may include router compatibility or Smart DNS services for consoles.
How to Use a VPN for Gaming
Using a VPN for gaming is straightforward:
- Choose your preferred gaming VPN and sign up.
- Download the VPN app compatible with your gaming device.
- Follow the installation instructions.
- Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server, preferably one near your location.
- Start gaming securely with unlimited bandwidth. You may need to experiment with different servers to find the best performance.
Best VPNs for Gaming FAQs
Why should I use a VPN for gaming?
Using a VPN for gaming offers several benefits, including encrypting your data, hiding your IP address, preventing ISP throttling, and protecting against DDoS attacks. It also allows you to access geo-restricted games and content.
Can a VPN improve gaming speed and reduce ping times?
While VPNs typically slow your connection due to encryption, they can improve your gaming speed if you're experiencing ISP throttling. In some cases, connecting to a VPN server closer to the game server can reduce ping times.
Can I use a free VPN for gaming?
Most free VPNs are too slow for gaming due to limited servers and high loads. They often have speed and data limits, leading to lag and high ping times. Additionally, free VPNs may lack sufficient encryption, potentially exposing your IP address.
