The best VPN for gaming can make a huge difference, whether you’re a pro gamer or an amateur gaming enthusiast looking for a secure way to play online. Gaming VPNs can help you improve your experiences by enhancing connection speeds, online security, and privacy and unblocking geo-restricted video games and streaming content. VPNs can also block DDoS attacks and help prevent internet service provider throttling.
We’ve reviewed and compared the best gaming VPNs for various use cases for this comprehensive guide so you can find the best solution for your needs.
Best Gaming VPNs at a Glance
- Surfshark – Best VPN for gaming in gamer households
- PureVPN – Top gaming VPN for port forwarding and playing multiplayer games
- ExpressVPN – User-friendly gaming VPN compatible with consoles
- NordVPN – Fastest gaming VPN for competitive gamers
- CyberGhost – Good gaming VPN with a high server count
- Show Full Guide
Best VPNs for Online Gaming Reviewed
We’ve rounded up the best VPNs for gaming online after thoroughly assessing testing criteria such as speed retention, server locations, device compatibility, and more. Keep reading to find the ideal option for your needs.
1. Surfshark – Best Gaming VPN for Large Gamer Households
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, iPad, Android, browsers, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, gaming consoles, and routers |
---|---|
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
Starting Price | From $2.19/month |
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- WireGuard protocol and high-speed servers
- Wide device compatibility
Cons
- No free plan
2. PureVPN – Best Gaming VPN for Hosting Multiplayer Games
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, iPad, Apple TV, Android, consoles, browsers, and routers |
---|---|
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries |
Starting Price | From $3.19/month |
Pros
- Port forwarding for enhanced multiplayer gaming
- Large server fleet
- 20Gbps server ports
- Split tunneling
Cons
- Port forwarding is a paid add-on
- No free plan or trial
3. ExpressVPN – Best Gaming VPN for Usability and Consoles
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Fire Tablet, Fire TV, Apple TV, gaming consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox One), browsers, and routers |
---|---|
Max Devices | 8 |
Server Network | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries |
Starting Price | From $6.67/month |
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Console support with Aircove
- High Internet speed retention
- Additional security features
Cons
- Expensive pricing
- No dedicated IP or multi-hop VPN
4. NordVPN – Fastest Gaming VPN for Competitive Gamers
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, gaming consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, smart TVs, Chromebook and Kindle, browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge), and routers |
---|---|
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries |
Starting Price | From $3.09/month |
Pros
- 90% speed retention
- Advanced security features
- Unique Meshnet creates a virtual network
- Browser malware protection
Cons
- Clunky interface on mobile apps
- Steep price hikes on renewal
5. CyberGhost – Best Gaming VPN with a High Server Count
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, consoles like Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, smart TVs, browsers, and routers |
---|---|
Max Devices | 7 |
Server Network | 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries |
Starting Price | From $2.19/month |
Pros
- Optimized servers for gaming
- Self-owned and self-operated NoSpy servers
- App customizations through the Smart Rules feature
Cons
- Gaming-optimized servers are Windows-only
- Limited device connections
Best Gaming VPNs Compared
This comparison table highlights the main differences between the top VPNs for gaming, allowing you to quickly find the best solution for your needs:
Best VPNs for Gaming | Surfshark | PureVPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | CyberGhost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simultaneous Connection | Unlimited | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7 |
Server Fleet | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries | 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 6,400+ servers across 111 countries | 11,500+ servers in 100 countries |
Speed Retention | 86% | 67% | 77% | 90% | 67 to 86% |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free trial | 7 days (on Android, iOS, and Mac) | No | 7 days (on Android and iOS) | No | 24 hours (Windows and Mac), 3 days (Android)7 days (iOS) |
Starting Price | $2.19/month | $3.19/month | $6.67/month | $3.09/month | $2.19/month |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Games?
A VPN provides several benefits for gaming:
- Enhanced Security – VPNs encrypt your online activity, protecting your personal information from hackers and various types of cyber threats. This means you can safely play your favorite games online and on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) Attack Protection – Since VPNs hide your real IP address, DDoS attacks can’t trace your network.
- Access to Geo-Restricted Games – Some games are only available in specific regions. With a VPN, you can log in via a region where the game is available so you can get access to it. You can also find easy bot lobbies for Warzone and other games.
- VPNs Reduce Ping and Latency – You can reduce latency for a more responsive gaming experience by selecting a server geographically closer to your location or the game’s servers.
- Avoid Bandwidth Throttling – ISPs throttle internet speeds to manage network traffic, but slow speeds negatively impact gaming. A VPN can help avoid ISP throttling by hiding your activity from your internet service provider so they can’t single you out based on your data usage.
- Bypass IP Bans – A VPN will give you a new IP address, which you can use to bypass any IP bans imposed on you in games.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Gamers
Here are some of the key factors to consider when selecting the best VPN for gaming, whether looking at premium providers or alternatives like Atlas VPN:
Speed Retention – VPNs with excellent connection speeds will ensure a smooth, lag-free online experience, which is crucial for competitive games. VPN speed testing is a useful way to compare services, as connection speed is critical.
Server Locations – A VPN with servers close to both your geographical location and the servers of the games you play online will minimize latency.
Server Distribution – If you travel frequently or seek access to multiple regions to bypass geo-blocking, you’ll want a VPN with servers across many countries. Some of the best VPNs on our list have servers in over 100 countries.
Device Compatibility – The VPN should be compatible with your devices, including computers, mobile phones, and consoles. Gaming consoles don’t support VPNs natively, so you should get a VPN that you can set up on your router.
Simultaneous Devices – VPNs that support numerous simultaneous connections are ideal for large households with multiple gamers. Surfshark’s unlimited connections are a great example of the best the market has to offer.
Privacy and Security – Essential security features for gaming VPNs include strong encryption – such as AES-256 – kill switches, access to multiple protocols, and a no-logs policy.
For additional security features, check out our picks for the best antivirus for gaming PC users.
Ease of Use – Beginners will appreciate VPNs with user-friendly interfaces and simple setups. They should also allow quick switching between servers to optimize gaming performance.
Pricing – Most VPNs have a considerably cheaper monthly rate when you sign up for longer subscription periods. If you’re taking advantage of a discount, remember to check the rate at which the plan will renew.
Are VPNs Legal for Gaming?
VPNs are generally legal for gaming. They can enhance your safety, improve latency, and ensure private internet access and fast and stable connections to gaming servers. However, VPNs face criticism as some individuals may use them for illegal online activities.
Some countries where VPN use is completely illegal include Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Oman.
Countries where VPN use is heavily restricted include Russia, China, Egypt, UAE, and Uganda.
Gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games allow VPN use while gaming but not for purchasing games from other regions at a lower price. If you are caught attempting to do this, your account may be banned.
Will I Get Banned for Using a VPN?
Although gaming VPNs are effective for security, not all games and gaming stores approve of their use. For example, Steam prohibits using a VPN to change your region to pay a lower price for a video game. However, it doesn’t strictly forbid playing games using a VPN.
Check a game or platform’s policies before using a VPN to avoid any risk of account suspension or termination.
Which Games Work With a VPN?
Some popular games that work with VPNs include:
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- League of Legends
- World of Warcraft
- Final Fantasy XIV
When you activate your virtual private network while gaming, it establishes a secure connection from your device to the VPN’s servers. This tunnel encrypts your gaming data, safeguarding the traffic until it reaches the VPN server.
It’s then decrypted and relayed to the game server, giving the impression it originated from the VPN server’s location. The VPN also masks your actual IP address with a virtual one, preventing malicious parties from identifying your location or disrupting your gaming connectivity.
Potential limitations of gaming VPNs include increased latency and speed and gaming account bans due to users bypassing regional pricing restrictions or violating game service terms.
Will a VPN Slow Down Gaming?
Since VPNs reroute your internet traffic via an additional server, the data will have a longer journey to the server and back to your gaming device. This can slightly decrease your original broadband speed, making the connection slower.
However, a good, fast VPN, like NordVPN or Surfshark, will reduce the speed so little – by 10-15% – that a typical gamer will notice no difference.
Can I Reduce Gaming Latency With a VPN Service?
Yes, a VPN can help you reduce latency while gaming. Here are a few ways to speed up your internet connection:
- Choosing a VPN with gaming-optimized servers – Gaming servers can handle higher speeds and are located strategically to minimize travel time.
- Connecting to a less congested server – Switching between different servers to find one with a lighter load may take some trial and error, but it can greatly enhance your internet speed. This can also prevent ISP throttling.
- Enable split tunneling – Split tunneling directs gaming traffic through the VPN server while routing non-gaming traffic through the regular internet connection, optimizing speed.
Which Server Locations are Best for Gaming?
Different games have servers in different locations, so no one server location is best for gaming overall.
The best gaming server for you will depend on your country of residence, the game you’re playing, and the congestion of its servers.
Game | Best VPN Server Locations |
---|---|
Valorant | North America, Brazil, Europe, South Korea, and Asia Pacific |
Fortnite | North America, Brazil, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Asia |
Warzone | Europe, South Africa, Middle East, South Korea, Japan, and Australia |
League of Legends | Brazil, Europe (EUNE and EUW), Latin America (LAN and LAS), Oceania, South Korea, and East Asia |
What Is the Best Free VPN for Gaming?
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for gaming, offering AES 256-bit encryption, 24/7 customer support, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch. However, while a free gaming VPN might sound attractive, it lacks the high speeds and security required for online gaming.
Free VPNs also generally offer fewer resources, cap their data, or, in a worst-case scenario, may collect your browsing data and sell it to third parties. Because of this, we recommend opting for a reliable VPN with a free trial or a long money-back guarantee.
How to Use a VPN for Gaming
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing and using a reliable VPN for gaming.
Buy a Surfshark VPN subscription
Visit the official Surfshark page, choose a subscription, purchase the plan, and create an account.
Download and install the Surfshark app
Download the VPN app for your device, and then either install or launch the app on your device.
Create an account
To start using the Surfshark VPN, you’ll need to create an account. Select “Create an account” to get started.
Choose a VPN server and connect
Once logged in, select your preferred VPN server. We chose one located in the US.
Enjoy a secure online gaming experience
You’re now securely connected to your selected server and can start playing popular online games while staying secure and anonymous.
Conclusion – What is the Best Gaming VPN?
Whether you’re looking for an optimized connection to game servers, protection from DDoS attacks, or to stop ISP throttling, the best VPN apps for gaming will make all the difference.
After evaluating the leading providers, my top pick for the job is Surfshark. It’s among the fastest VPNs I’ve tested, so lag, increased ping, and framerate drops during gameplay are non-existent. In addition, you get robust encryption and IP leak prevention to ensure your identity is protected and your connection is secure.