Online gaming can be a fantastic experience, but issues like high ping and geographic restrictions can dampen the fun. That's where a gaming VPN comes in, offering a more secure and unrestricted way to play games such as Call of Duty and Forza Horizon online. As an avid gamer, I've tested numerous VPN services to find the best options for enhancing your gaming experience. After thorough testing, I've narrowed it down to seven top picks, with NordVPN emerging as the best overall VPN for gaming due to its comprehensive features, including a global server network and fast speeds perfect for games like Fortnite, Helldivers 2, and Minecraft. Other notable options include CyberGhost and Surfshark, each offering unique benefits worth exploring.
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
Using a VPN for gaming encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, protecting you from DDoS attacks and allowing you to bypass content restrictions to access your favorite games and servers. In some cases, the best VPNs can even enhance your gaming performance by countering ISP throttling or connecting to a server closer to the game's server.
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 tests. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol prioritizes speed, enabling low-latency gaming for titles like League of Legends. The Meshnet feature is particularly useful for secure LAN gaming with friends. With over 7,000 servers across 111 countries, bypassing geographic restrictions is straightforward. NordVPN's robust security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, protect you from DDoS attacks and ensure no IP or DNS leaks. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, or bypass this limit by installing NordVPN on a compatible router, securing all connected devices, including your PlayStation or Xbox.
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 boasts an extensive server network across 100 countries, allowing you to connect to a server closer to home for reduced latency. Its gaming-optimized servers in cities like London and New York (Windows) enhance performance for games like CS:GO. CyberGhost's Smart DNS service is ideal for connecting your gaming console to servers in countries like the U.S. The ability to sort servers by distance, load, and ping helps find the fastest connection. With a 24-hour free trial for Windows and MacOS requiring no credit card, CyberGhost is the best free trial VPN for gaming.
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
Surfshark excels in fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone with its reliable performance. Its split tunneling feature is handy for bypassing blocked IP addresses while securing other traffic. With 3,000 servers across 100 countries, Surfshark ensures you can always connect to a nearby server. Recent upgrades to 10Gbps servers further enhance speed. Surfshark's Smart DNS service supports location spoofing on devices like Smart TVs, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for multi-device gaming. Its additional security features, including an ad blocker, Double VPN, and antivirus, make it a comprehensive security suite.
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 significantly improved its service, offering some of the fastest VPN speeds ideal for competitive games like Rocket League. Its user-friendly interface includes a shortcut to the fastest server and displays each server's ping and load. With over 1,400 servers in North America across 24 cities, U.S. gamers benefit greatly. Recent additions like a secure browser and cloud storage enhance its offerings. Double Hop servers provide extra encryption but are best for sensitive browsing rather than gaming. IPVanish's tests show no DNS or IP leaks, and it allows unlimited device connections.
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 rapidly expanding network of over 9,000 servers in 117 countries, coupled with its incredibly fast speeds, makes it an excellent choice for gaming. Its VPN Accelerator feature boosts performance, ensuring minimal latency in games like Fortnite. Proton VPN's true no-logs policy, independently audited, guarantees anonymous gaming. While its free tier offers unlimited data, it's not suitable for gaming but great for testing the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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 performance, minimizing lag in fast-paced games like Valorant. Its custom router firmware simplifies setup for consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, and Nintendo Switch. With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN helps bypass censorship and access more games. Its 256-bit AES encryption ensures secure gaming, and its 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
Mullvad's implementation of the WireGuard protocol makes it one of the fastest VPNs for gaming. Its split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps bypass the VPN, useful for reducing ping. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with a strict no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption. Its anonymous signup process and cash payment options make it a truly private choice. Despite a smaller server network, Mullvad's affordability and focus on anonymity make it a top pick for privacy-conscious gamers.
What to Look for in a VPN for Gaming
Choosing the right VPN for gaming involves considering several key factors:
Server speed: Fast and consistent connections are crucial, especially for competitive games. VPNs using the WireGuard protocol and offering unlimited bandwidth are ideal.
Server locations: Connecting to servers near your physical 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 prevent DDoS attacks and hide your IP address.
Compatibility: The best gaming VPNs support all major operating systems and may offer 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, experimenting with different servers to find the best performance.
Best VPNs for Gaming FAQs
Why should I use a VPN for gaming?
A VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP address, preventing ISP throttling and 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 connections due to encryption, they can improve speeds if your ISP is throttling your connection. 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?
Free VPNs are generally too slow for gaming due to limited servers and heavy loads. They also often have speed and data limits, leading to lag and high ping times. Additionally, free VPNs may lack sufficient encryption, risking IP exposure.
