A good gaming VPN can elevate your online gaming experience in popular titles like CS2, EA Sports FC, and League of Legends and more. VPNs offer benefits such as reducing ping, facilitating access to smoother lobbies, enhancing download speeds, safeguarding against DDoS attacks, providing access to region-exclusive content, and above all protecting your identity online.
While some believe VPNs can marginally decrease download speeds, this is not always accurate. Internet service providers often throttle speeds during bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming. VPNs, by masking your activity and data, maintain a fast and stable connection.
Not all VPNs are created equal, and free services may not meet your requirements. We have extensively tested various VPNs, curating a list of top services based on specific needs. We noticed that subscribing for an extended period often offers better value. If you remain unconvinced, take advantage of VPN free trials to experience their features firsthand. We looked into a bunch of gaming communities on Reddit to find out what users think, and based on that, here are the best VPNs for gaming.
1. Surfshark – Best for unlimited devices
Pros:
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- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Offers a week-long free trial
Cons:
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- Slightly smaller server total
- Fewer server locations available
Surfshark stands out with its ability to connect unlimited devices on a single account. While it has a slightly smaller server total and fewer locations, it excels as a versatile VPN for gaming on PC, laptop, iPad, mobile, smart TV, and more. It also offers a week-long free trial, a rare feature in the VPN market. Read our full review of the gaming and streaming performance of Surfshark VPN.
2. ExpressVPN – Best Overall Gaming VPN
Pros:
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- Servers available in 94 countries
- Lightspeed protocol for speedy performance
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- Frequent IP address refreshes
Cons:
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- A little pricier than other providers
- Fewer individual servers than other providers
ExpressVPN is one of the top choices for gaming, providing servers in 94 countries for global gaming and swift connections. Although priced higher, it delivers 24/7 customer support, quick connections, and frequent IP address refreshes. Its lightspeed protocol ensures minimal lag, and a 30-day money-back guarantee adds flexibility.
3. VyprVPN – Best Swiss VPN
Pros:
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- Allows up to 30 simultaneous connections
- Based in Switzerland
Cons:
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- Expensive
- Small server count
- Slower than others
VyprVPN, based in Switzerland, ensures privacy-friendly operations. With up to 30 simultaneous connections, it offers a secure gaming experience. While it may be slower than some competitors, the infinite simultaneous connections allow coverage for various devices in a household.
4. NordVPN – Fastest VPN
Pros:
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- Fastest VPN
- NordLynx encrypts data more quickly than other protocols
Cons:
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- On the more expensive end of the pricing spectrum
- Fewer simultaneous connections than others
NordVPN boasts impressive speed with 5,400+ servers and NordLynx, ensuring rapid data encryption. Despite a slightly higher cost and a limit of six simultaneous connections, it offers reliable performance for gamers. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it suitable for various gaming platforms.
5. PureVPN – Secure, Private Gaming VPN
Pros:
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- Allows ten simultaneous connections
- Third-party privacy audits
- Decent server selection and range
Cons:
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- Limited router support
- Can cause a bit of latency on Windows
PureVPN, in operation since 2007, prioritizes privacy with ten simultaneous connections and regular third-party audits. While it may cause a slight latency increase on Windows, its vast server selection and range, along with third-party audits, make it a reliable choice for privacy-conscious gamers.
6. Private Internet Access – Best Affordable VPN for Gaming
Pros:
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- Low price
- Large selection of servers
- Up to ten simultaneous connections
Cons:
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- No free trial
- A little slower than other picks
Private Internet Access stands out for its low price and robust privacy features proven in legal contexts. With a large server selection, it provides good speed, although slightly slower than top picks. While lacking a free trial, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to test it with minimal risk.
7. IPVanish – Best for Encrypted Storage Space
Pros:
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- Can provide up to 250GB of encrypted storage space
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
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- Smaller server total when compared to others
- Fewer server locations than others
IPVanish differentiates itself with up to 250GB of encrypted storage and unlimited simultaneous connections. Though it has a smaller server count, sorting servers by ping ensures the fastest connections. The offer of 250GB of SugarSync encrypted storage adds value for subscribers, especially for storing game libraries or mods.
8. CyberGhost – Best Money-Back Guarantee
Pros:
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- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Lower price
- Broad streaming service compatibility
Cons:
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- Slower than other top providers
- Middling simultaneous connection allowance
CyberGhost provides an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, making it a low-risk option. While slightly slower than top providers, its broad server selection and stable performance ensure a reliable gaming experience. The longer trial period allows users to evaluate its performance with their favorite games.
How we selected the best gaming VPNs
Our compilation of the best gaming VPNs involved a thorough evaluation of cost, speeds, and features offered by various VPN providers. Consider the following key factors when choosing a VPN provider for gaming:
Pricing:
- VPNs vary in cost, with some being more expensive and others more affordable. A higher price doesn’t always guarantee better service, and budget-friendly options can still provide quality.
Compatibility:
- Not all VPNs work seamlessly with every game. While major VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN are likely compatible, you must research whether other gamers use a chosen VPN without issues.
Server Locations:
- Gamers may prefer a VPN with servers in regions corresponding to their favorite game’s servers. Most major VPNs align with the regions of popular games, but verifying this alignment is advisable.
Server Speeds:
- Opt for a VPN that doesn’t significantly slow down your connection, as this can negatively impact your gaming experience. The recommended VPNs in this list are known for their speed, but it doesn’t hurt to do some research.
Connection Allowances:
- Consider whether you need a VPN for multiple devices. Some VPNs, like Surfshark, allow unlimited simultaneous connections, while others have limitations. Assess your requirements to ensure the chosen VPN meets your connectivity needs.
If you have more questions, refer to the FAQs below:
What is a VPN?
- A virtual private network (VPN) is a privacy tool that ensures anonymity by routing your connection through an encrypted tunnel, masking your IP address with one belonging to the VPN company. This disguises your location, allowing access to geo-restricted services and enhancing privacy.
What makes the best VPN for gaming?
- A speedy and stable connection is crucial for gaming. All recommendations on this list prioritize fast VPNs that maintain connection speed. Multiple server locations are advantageous for finding the best servers and accessing region-specific game deals. Additionally, privacy is key, and the recommended VPNs are no-logs VPNs to safeguard user activities.
Can I use a free VPN?
- No VPN is truly free, as free VPN services often collect and sell user data. Premium VPNs with free trials, such as those on this list, provide better options for testing without bandwidth or server restrictions.
What is split tunneling?
- Many VPNs offer split tunneling, allowing granular control over which apps use the VPN. This feature enables users to select specific games for a secure connection while maintaining normal usage for other applications.
Can you use a VPN on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch?
- Yes, although VPN apps cannot be directly downloaded onto consoles. Alternative methods, such as connecting the console to a gaming PC, using Smart DNS, or utilizing a VPN router, are recommended.
Is it legal to use a VPN for gaming?
- VPN usage is legal in most countries, excluding a few exceptions like Belarus, Iraq, and North Korea. Some countries, including China, Turkey, and Russia, impose heavy restrictions on VPNs, so caution is advised in these regions.
Will a VPN increase my ping?
- There’s a chance a VPN can lower your ping by sending packets through a more direct route, especially when using reputable VPNs.
Hope this guide helps you in choosing a gaming VPN to conquer new levels.
