Without a tool to optimize it, your Web connection's lag and high ping can make your gaming sessions extremely frustrating. You also need to navigate around ISP bandwidth throttling, IP bans, DDoS attacks, and swatting. Also, playing geo-restricted games and getting collectibles available in certain regions is impossible without a VPN. All those are the reasons why you need the best VPN for gaming you can find.
That said, gaming with a VPN comes with many benefits. Aside from fixing all the previously mentioned issues, the best VPN helps you stay secure on any network. Yes, you'll get to play online games even on public Wi-Fi networks. So, if your school or university prohibits gaming on their Wi-Fi, a VPN will let you bypass those blocks without much fuss.
You're also aware that games are becoming more expensive, with new releases now priced at around $70. With a VPN, you can access other countries' marketplaces and get cheaper games. So, investing in a VPN actually helps you save quite a lot in the long run.
That said, know that we've tested over 65 VPNs so far (you can find all those reviews published on TechNadu). Also, we made sure to check their gaming-related capabilities, so we know which VPNs can make your gaming sessions smooth and fluid. And yes, you'll find those gaming VPN services recommended just below.
So, let's use that experience and knowledge to help you uncover truly the best VPN for gaming available right now, shall we?
Top 7 Best Gaming VPNs - Our Shortlist
- ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Gaming in 2023
- NordVPN - Best Option If You Prioritize Privacy
- CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN Servers for Gaming
- Surfshark - Best VPN for First-Time Users
- Ivacy - Best Budget-Friendly Option
- Private Internet Access - Best Gaming VPN for Experienced Users
- IPVanish - Best Fully-Automated VPN
How to Play Games with a VPN Without Lag
Using a VPN for your gaming sessions is quite easy. You just need to be careful when picking a VPN server. So, you'll want to do the following:
- Subscribe to a VPN optimized for gaming (we recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you use to play games.
- Open the VPN app and use your credentials to log in.
- Pick a VPN server based on its location and initialize your VPN session.
- Go ahead and start your gameplay session. That's it!
We have an additional tip. If you want to secure your Internet connection only, you can use the nearest server you can find. However, if you want to unblock a game, pick a server in a country where that game is available. Find more tips in our guide on how to use a VPN for gaming.
The Best VPN for Gaming in 2023
The best gaming VPN should be paired effortlessly with your games. It must bring native apps across the board. You'll also need access to a vast server network, at least a couple of VPN protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard, primarily), and fast-enough performance (with minimal latency and ping). More advanced users will want a kill switch and split tunneling, creating an extra-secure environment for their gaming sessions.
As you can see, gaming-friendly VPNs must meet a whole range of requirements. So, based on our research and tests, these are the 7 best VPNs for gaming available today:
1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Gaming in 2023
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming because it's the most comprehensive VPN out there. Despite being extremely easy to set up and use, ExpressVPN is a hugely powerful VPN with a wide server network, high-end protocols, strong encryption, and impeccable customer support.
To make sure your gaming is uninterrupted, ExpressVPN provides flawless performance. Based on our hands-on tests, this is the fastest VPN for games. On top of that, you can test the speed of individual servers before you connect ("Hamburger" button > Speed Test), which minimizes the chances of encountering an overcrowded server. Learn more about that in our guide on how to use ExpressVPN for gaming.
That option also gives you latency-related estimations, so you'll get a pretty clear picture of what to expect even before connecting to a server. Speaking of servers, this VPN brings 3,000+ units in 90+ countries, all of which are obfuscated. That means you'll get to unblock geo-restricted games, as well as buy games cheaper by unblocking other countries' marketplaces.
We'll also add that all ExpressVPN servers are backed by a no-logs policy, audited many times in the past. You'll also get polished applications for any device out there (you get 5 simultaneous connections, by the way). And if you need the best VPN for console gaming, know that ExpressVPN works on a range of routers.
In terms of protecting your privacy, this is an award-winning VPN service with many years of experience. So, it's safe to say that you'll be covered more than well. But if you need details, know that ExpressVPN is powered by OpenVPN and Lightway protocols, both of which are suitable for gaming and keeping away DDoS attacks.
In the end, we'll mention that ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back policy. You'll also get to count on its 24/7-available live chat customer support. That said, it's obvious why we believe that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming in 2023, and we hope you see that too.
PROS
- Plenty of VPN servers.
- Unblocks geo-restricted games.
- Fast, stable, and reliable performance.
- Keeps your ping and latency in check.
- 24/7-available customer support.
CONS
- 5 simultaneous connections.
2. NordVPN - Best Option If You Prioritize Privacy
No matter where you're located, NordVPN promises excellent privacy and security. This VPN is well-known for encrypting connections flawlessly. That's why we believe this is one of the best gaming VPN services for those prioritizing privacy.
NordVPN's 'DoubleVPN' encryption system is one of the strongest encryptions we have tested on a VPN for gamers, as it's designed so that NordVPN can encrypt both outbound and inbound data using AES-256-CBC twice. In other words, if you want to protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks and prevent online trackers, NordVPN should be your pick.
Still, know that NordVPN might also slow you down a bit, especially once you start using its specialized servers. In that sense, you'll find servers that obfuscate your Web traffic, send it through the Tor network, and plenty more.
NordVPN's obfuscated servers are especially handy for hiding your data, which is why the VPN can unblock even the toughest-to-unblock game marketplaces out here (in addition to evading anti-VPN systems employed by games).
NordVPN also offers standard VPN servers - more than 5,500 units in 60 countries. That means plenty of fine-tuning is available, which is why we recommend this VPN to more advanced users. Besides all that, we'll also mention that NordVPN is a verified no-logs VPN service, which is always good to keep in mind.
Let's not forget to mention that NordVPN brings easy-to-use applications for computers and mobile devices, and it supports routers as well. You'll get up to 6 simultaneous connections, so you can use this VPN for online gaming even on the go.
Lastly, NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you'll be buying its subscription without any risk. There's also 24/7-available live chat support.
PROS
- Polished VPN software.
- Sizeable network of servers.
- Keeps ping and latency in check.
- High-end protocols and encryption.
- 24/7-available customer support.
CONS
- Very remote connections can be slow.
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN Servers for Gaming
CyberGhost VPN is a very interesting VPN for PC gaming because it brings a unique feature - gaming-friendly servers. Those are available on Windows only, ensuring that CyberGhost is a gaming VPN with a lower ping than most other options on the market.
This VPN is known for covering pretty much the entire planet - having thousands of servers on offer (9,000+ servers in 90+ countries). It comes with reliable performance, keeping all your private data out of anyone's hands and guaranteeing complete protection for your data. All those are the reasons why CyberGhost VPN is good for gaming - as well as many other uses.
You can also use it to unblock new digital services, which means you'll get to unblock new gaming marketplaces. In fact, this is one of the best VPNs for digital entertainment, as (aside from giving you gaming-ready servers) it also has dedicated servers for streaming.
Let's not forget that CyberGhost VPN allows you to get an anonymous dedicated IP address (associated with the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Canada). That's not something many VPNs offer and could help bypass even the strongest anti-VPN systems.
CyberGhost VPN gives you 7 simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough. It brings apps for computers, mobile devices, and streaming devices. When it comes to game consoles, you can install this VPN on a router.
Finally, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plans. It also features 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Specialized servers for gaming.
- Lots of fine-tuning.
- Sizeable server fleet.
- Split-tunneling and kill switch on offer.
- 24/7-available customer support.
- Generous money-back policy.
CONS
- Slower than its competitors.
- Gaming servers on Windows only.
4. Surfshark - Best VPN for First-Time Users
Our collection of the best VPN for games wouldn't be complete without Surfshark. This is a powerful VPN that's also very simple to use. It works entirely on its own. So, all you need to do is connect to a server and keep this VPN active in the background while playing games.
Surfshark supports several capable VPN protocols (it recently implemented WireGuard, which usually plays nice with latency and ping), and it promises not to collect your private data. This VPN has been audited many times in the past, so you can rest assured that your sensitive data will never leave your device unprotected.
Surfshark can also unblock any website out there, including some notoriously hard-to-unblock media streaming services. Also, let's not forget to mention that you get unlimited connections with this VPN, so it's clear that it offers plenty for its price.
Surfshark also includes a special "NoBorders" mode, which means it's suited for countries with Internet-related restrictions. Also, it comes with a unique feature called 'Nexus,' which uses multiple servers and rotates your IP every couple of minutes, evading even the most aggressive anti-VPN systems in games.
With all that said, we still haven't mentioned Surfshark's best gaming-related feature, and that would be its speed. This VPN can provide very fast speeds without any optimization, even when using very remote servers. Of course, doing a bit of tinkering with its settings goes a long way, letting you barely notice this VPN running in the background.
No matter if you game on a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS - Surfshark will be there to support you with its easy-to-use app. This VPN also works on routers, making it compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
Like other top-rated VPNs, Surfshark features 24/7-available live chat support. You can also count on its no-questions-asked 30-day money-back policy.
PROS
- Suitable for first-timers.
- Can be fully automated.
- Highly polished interface.
- Sizeable network of VPN servers.
- One of the speedier VPN services.
- 24/7-available customer support.
CONS
- No in-depth customization.
- Can take a while to connect.
5. Ivacy VPN - Best Budget-Friendly Option
Next, we have a Singapore-based VPN service known for its privacy-oriented features. In terms of keeping your Web data private, Ivacy uses a whole range of VPN protocols (led by OpenVPN and WireGuard) and comes with 256-bit AES encryption. That means all your data will be routed through an incredibly secure VPN tunnel, taking away any worries.
In terms of gaming-ready servers, Ivacy covers more than 180 locations in 65+ countries and has 5,700+ servers. There's a big chance you'll find a nearby server providing a smooth experience of gaming with this VPN. However, know that Ivacy is slower than other VPNs in this guide, so it would really help you have a fast Web connection.
Then, keep in mind that Ivacy comes with native applications for any popular platform out there. If you play games on your console (like an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch), you can install this VPN on your router, which is a huge benefit. You get 10 simultaneous connections, making Ivacy not only the best VPN for online gaming - but also one of the most generous ones.
We'll also note that, like our previous recommendation, Ivacy can give you a dedicated IP - in this case, associated with the UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, and Singapore. This gaming VPN treats dedicated IPs as add-ons, but they're quite affordable.
Let's also mention that Ivacy has a 30-day money-back policy for its long-term plans. There's also a comprehensive customer support system, with 24/7-available live chat. Ivacy's agents are typically very responsive and always very eager to help.
PROS
- Fully-automated VPN.
- Very easy to set up and use.
- Wide range of VPN protocols.
- Sizeable server network.
- Suitable for streaming as well.
- Dedicated IPs on offer.
CONS
- Limited fine-tuning.
- Slower than its competitors.
- Not yet audited.
6. Private Internet Access - Best Gaming VPN for Experienced Users
PIA (Private Internet Access) is a long-standing VPN service from the USA, known for implementing high-end features and expanding its set of options quite aggressively. So, if you need a more advanced gaming VPN, Private Internet Access is what you'll want to try.
First and foremost, PIA is for those willing to dive deep into VPN protocols, different types of encryption methods, VPN automation, and more.
It works out of the box just fine, but since it brings a plethora of options and customizations, it really requires you to spend some time working on this VPN. As a result, you'll get the lowest possible ping, making PIA highly suitable for gaming. If you don't tinker with this VPN, you might not get the best speeds, so it's important to check out its settings.
Also, PIA's ultra-tough protocols (led by OpenVPN and WireGuard) can block any DDoS attack. And if you want to take it one step further, you can even get a dedicated IP. PIA offers dedicated IPs that can be associated with the US, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Japan.
Next, know that PIA is one of the VPNs with the highest number of servers. That comes in handy if you want to unblock gaming marketplaces in specific countries. With that said, PIA allows you to play games with minimal ping and latency while getting access to more games, more cloud services, and new game marketplaces.
This VPN for online gaming supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. On top of that, it brings apps for practically any device, including gaming-friendly devices like computers and phones. If you need the best VPN for console gaming, know that this one supports routers (which means it works with PlayStation and Xbox consoles).
In the end, we'll mention that PIA comes with 30-day money-back guarantees. So, there's no risk involved. That said, we really do think that PIA is the best VPN for gaming when it comes to more advanced users. If you like to tinker with VPNs, this one is an excellent pick - especially since it features extra-helpful 24/7-available live chat support.
PROS
- Highly advanced VPN for games.
- In-depth customization.
- Massive server fleet.
- Can lower your ping and latency.
- 24/7-available customer support.
CONS
- Not recommended for beginners.
- Requires some technical knowledge.
7. IPVanish - Best Fully-Automated VPN
IPVanish is a well-known VPN that has been reviewed year after year. Based out of the US, its network of 2,200+ servers spreads over more than 75 locations, giving you plenty of digital freedom. That said, if you are looking for a premium-level gaming experience with top speeds and zero lag, IPVanish has the job cut out for you.
This VPN comes equipped with various protocols, letting you pick from WireGuard (introduced just recently), OpenVPN, IKEv2, and more. You're free to switch between those at any moment, which means that you'll have some influence over your Web connection's speed and its security (useful in terms of DDoS protection during your gaming sessions).
Still, know that IPVanish comes fully automated, so we recommend it to those not wishing to fine-tune their connection. On top of that, IPVanish brings applications for any popular device out there, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It works on routers, so you can use it with game consoles as well.
We'll also mention that IPVanish now supports unmetered VPN connections. That also implies that IPVanish doesn't log your private data. Independent audits were done to prove this VPN's claims, so you can rest assured that your data won't be logged at any point.
IPVanish wouldn't be one of the best VPN for games without a generous money-back policy. So, know that you'll have 30 days to test-drive this VPN. Finally, you'll also get to count on its 24/7-available customer support, in case of any questions or doubts.
PROS
- Fully-automated VPN.
- Strong and leak-free protocols.
- Unmetered connections.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- Handles ping and latency reliably.
- 24/7-available customer support.
CONS
- Doesn't allow in-depth fine-tuning.
- Slower than its competitors.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Gaming?
If you're feeling confused, you'll need some help to find and pick the best gaming VPN. With that said, you'll want to find one that brings the following:
- Sizeable Server Fleet: To get the best possible speed, you'll need a nearby VPN server. If you force your data to travel more, you'll experience more noticeable slowdowns - unless you find a VPN that implements optimizations for remote connections. In short, find a VPN with a sizeable server fleet, as that comes with numerous benefits.
- Customizable VPN Protocols: There's a range of VPN protocols out there, each of them offering a specific set of instructions on handling your data. When it comes to gaming, you'll want a robust protocol that hides your data and protects you against DDoS attacks (such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, for example).
- Native Software: VPNs that force you to create manual server connections are not the best option. To get an enjoyable and lag-free gaming session, you must use native VPN software. That means you need to install your chosen VPN for online gaming on your device and then run it in the background each time you launch any game.
- Reliable & Stable Performance: Remember not to trust any marketing messages out there, as pretty much every VPN says it's the fastest. Instead, find a VPN with plenty of servers and multiple VPN protocols, which is always a good start. And more importantly, pay attention to hands-on reviews and do your research.
- Extra Features (Split-Tunneling, Kill Switch, Dedicated IP): Depending on your needs, there's a set of VPN features to keep in mind when looking for a gaming VPN. For example, split tunneling allows you to create two tunnels for your data. A kill switch will keep you protected if your connection drops. And a dedicated VPN IP helps you bypass even the strongest anti-VPN blocks.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Gaming?
You need the best VPN for gaming if you want to enhance your Web connection, protect your sensitive information, and hide your IP address, among other things.
If you check our guide that explains what does a VPN do, you'll see that they boost your security and privacy online. That said, here are a few gaming-related benefits:
- Secure Any Web Connection: Since VPNs encrypt your data and keep it within a secure tunnel, they come as a solution to securing any Web connection type. So, if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks or play games on the go, know that a VPN will come in handy.
- Bypass ISP Throttling: Your ISP imposes certain limitations on your connection in relation to bandwidth-hungry activities like gaming and streaming. A VPN helps bypass ISP throttling, giving you better speeds and lower ping.
- Protection Against Hackers & DDoS Attacks: Since VPNs hide your IP address (you can even hide your VPN IP address), you'll make it harder for malicious individuals to reach your device. That means that you can forget about DDoS attacks.
- Unblock New Types of Gaming Content: A new IP address gives you access to new types of online content. So, if you pick a Brazilian IP (for example), you'll get to access the Brazilian version of various gaming e-stores (and save money along the way). A VPN will also help you grab new skins/freebies that might be available in select countries only.
A reliable gaming-friendly VPN helps you elevate your gaming sessions to a new level. To learn what to expect and whether you need a VPN for gaming, use the provided link.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Gaming?
Yes, it's legal to use a VPN for gaming. However, know that some games might ban VPNs as a precautionary measure.
In terms of their legality, VPNs are 100% on the safe side. They protect your right to privacy, so you can feel free to pick any VPN service out there. Still, know that there's a very small group of countries where VPNs are illegal, and those are primarily countries with authoritarian regimes. So, be aware of your country's laws.
Then, also know that some online games (MMORPGs mostly) may prohibit the use of VPNs, as per their Terms of Use and other legal documents. Since VPNs can give you a competitive edge, they could be considered a way of cheating. In that case, you'll see a message that you need to turn off your VPN to continue.
Which VPN Location Is Best for Gaming?
The best VPN location for gaming depends on what your ultimate goal is. For example, if you want DDoS protection or to bypass ISP throttling, pick any nearby server to minimize ping.
If you want to bypass certain geo-restrictions (like getting into bot lobbies or unlocking skins only available in particular regions), connect to a server where you want to appear to be located.Â
In general, the closer the server you connect to, the better the connection speeds you’ll enjoy. Another factor that can impact your gaming experience is the location of the game server you want to play on. The best server to choose while using a VPN for gaming will be as close as possible to both your location and the location of the game’s server itself.Â
Can You Get Banned for Using VPNs While Playing Games?
In theory, you can get banned for using a VPN while gaming. However, in practice, that most likely won't happen - unless you decide to cheat, of course.
The biggest problem that companies like Valve, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Epic have regarding gaming VPN services is related to cheating systems, as people typically use VPNs to bypass certain limitations. Of course, that is against many games' Terms of Use and could lead to a ban.
Still, there are practically no reports online about someone being banned only for using a VPN. And if something like that happens, the reason will be in your VPN's IP address. Since they're shared, you could end up getting an IP previously used to cheat, which draws attention to your account.
Does a Gaming VPN Lower Ping?
Yes, a gaming VPN can reduce ping - which is crucial when playing action-packed online games. Still, to reduce ping, you must pick a VPN server carefully.
VPNs allow you to connect to servers from all around the world. So, if you connect to an overly remote server, that can increase your ping and latency. With that said, you should always go for the nearest server you can find (based on your physical location).
Also, you can find a VPN for online gaming with specialized servers, like CyberGhost VPN. Those are optimized for speed and performance, so you should prioritize those over standard servers.
To learn more, check our guide that explains how VPNs reduce ping in games, giving you valuable tips on interacting with your VPN during gaming sessions.
Is a VPN Good for Gaming?
Yes, a VPN can be quite good for gaming - based on your goals. If you want to secure your Web connection and minimize latency, the best VPN for games can be your most powerful ally.
With that said, know that you shouldn't use just about any VPN. Very few of them are useful for gaming, as they don't come with optimized servers. So, if you're not careful (or picky) enough, you could end up with a VPN that makes your gaming session less enjoyable.
As mentioned earlier, go for a VPN with plenty of servers and protocols. Also, we recommend using a VPN that lets you fine-tune its settings and parameters, letting you achieve low ping values while encrypting your Web traffic.
What a Gaming VPN Doesn't Do?
A gaming VPN doesn't really help you if you're into cheating. It can protect your IP, but you'll always be exposed to a possible ban if you're caught.
Then, speaking of what a VPN does not do, they don't protect you from malware (they provide the base layer of protection, though), stop cookies from identifying you (unless you delete that type of data), and they don't keep you 100% anonymous online (but they make it much harder to someone to track your whereabouts).
What Is the Fastest VPN for Gaming?
The fastest VPN for gaming right now is ExpressVPN. According to the tests we’ve conducted, ExpressVPN provides the best speeds on the market. It will only slow down your Web connection by around 12.4% on average, making it ideal for high-quality gaming with low ping and no lags.
Furthermore, when you connect to longer-distance servers with ExpressVPN, you get much better performance and speed compared to other VPNs. So, it won’t matter if you want to play on servers in countries thousands of miles away - you’ll still enjoy a great gaming experience.Â
A suitable gaming VPN will reduce ping in games and offer a much better connection than your ISP alone can provide because your traffic won’t experience any network congestion. That said, using ExpressVPN for gaming is our #1 recommendation.
What's the Best VPN Protocol for Gaming?
At the moment, the best VPN protocols to use when gaming are IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPsec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN.
In general, IKEv2, IPsec, and L2TP are secure-enough protocols that help you maintain your Web connection's performance (without any fine-tuning). Then, we have WireGuard, which is still a new protocol and works amazingly well in most cases. However, because it's still new and used by default by many VPNs, its performance can vary.
And then, OpenVPN is the protocol of choice for many VPNs because it's incredibly secure. As such, it's not the fastest option out there unless you're willing to dive into your VPN's settings.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Gaming?
Sadly, no - because free VPN services simply aren't suitable for any bandwidth-intensive activities, such as gaming.
There's a small group of free VPN services that bring unlimited bandwidth. However, all of them limit your access to their servers, which are typically overcrowded. That translates to severe speed, latency, and ping limitations. That's why we recommend free VPNs only to those who need them for quick Web browsing sessions.
If you insist on trying a free VPN for games, we can help (but keep in mind our advice from just above). With that said, here's the best free VPN for gaming.
What Are the Most Popular Games Available Right Now?
We're sure you'll want to take your chosen VPN for online gaming for a test ride. There's no better way to do that than by testing it with a hugely popular multiplayer game. With that said, here are some of the most popular titles at the moment:
- CoD Warzone
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Fortnite
- PUBG
- Apex Legends
- Overwatch
- Destiny 2
- FFXIV (Final Fantasy XIV)
- Dying Light 2
- Valorant
- Lost Ark
- Genshin Impact
Final Thoughts
The best VPN for gaming should handle many different things perfectly. It must provide minimal ping and latency - while providing high-end privacy protection. That's why most VPNs aren't good enough for gaming and can make your online gaming sessions quite frustrating.
That said - if you want an ultra-powerful VPN for gaming, your pick should be ExpressVPN. You'll get extra-fast performance, a whole slate of protocols, solid encryption that deters DDoS attacks, and the ability to unlock new games and gaming marketplaces. So, you'll get practically everything you could expect from a gaming VPN - in a single package.
That would be all on the best VPN for gaming. If you have any questions or doubts, let us know via the comments section below. Lastly, thanks for reading!