Gaming

7 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024

By Novak Bozovic / February 2, 2024

Without a tool to optimize it, your Web connection's lag and high ping can make your gaming sessions frustrating. As a gamer, you also need to navigate around ISP bandwidth throttling, IP-based bans, DDoS attacks, and swatting. Also, playing geo-restricted games and getting collectibles available in certain regions is impossible without a powerful VPN.

However, what you need is truly the best VPN for gaming, featuring ultra-fast speeds, plenty of server locations, and gaming-friendly features. That’s how a VPN will minimize your ping, eliminate latency, bypass throttling, unblock games, protect your privacy, and plenty more.

That said, this guide will show you the 7 best gaming VPNs. We’ll also show you how to use a VPN for gaming, explain why you need a VPN, how a VPN affects your ping, which VPN location to pick for gaming, how to fix technical issues, avoid potential VPN bans, answer some FAQs, and more.

Top 7 Best Gaming VPNs - Our Shortlist

  1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Gaming in 2024
  2. Surfshark - Best Gaming VPN If You Prioritize Privacy
  3. ExpressVPN - Beginner-Friendly VPN for Games
  4. CyberGhost VPN - VPN for Online Gaming with Tons of Servers
  5. Private Internet Access - Good VPN for Gaming On-the-Go
  6. Ivacy - Robust Budget-Friendly Option with Many Servers
  7. IPVanish - Fully-Automated VPN That Works on Most Devices

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

To use a VPN for gaming, you need to subscribe to a suitable VPN, and then download its app on your gaming device. Install the app, log in, and connect to a server - like so:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN optimized for gaming (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you use to play games.
  3. Open the VPN app and use your credentials to log in.
  4. Pick a VPN server based on its location and initialize your VPN session.
  5. Go ahead and start your gameplay session. That's it!

If you want to secure your Internet connection and get the lowest ping, can use the nearest server you can find. If you want to unblock a specific 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 VPNs for Gaming in 2024

Finding the best gaming VPN requires you to follow certain criteria based on your goals and the types of games you play. For example, if you play online shooters, you'll want a VPN that gives you access to bot lobbies, helping you rise through the ranks quickly. You'll also want a sizable server network covering as many VPN locations as possible.

Let's not forget about performance and speed, as your VPN must have the ability to minimize ping and keep latency under control. You'll also want to avoid potential VPN bans, which is why you'll want a VPN with a kill switch, protecting you against data leaks.

Next, gamers should go for a VPN with high-end security, which covers strong protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard) and robust encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20). Of course, ensure there are enough simultaneous connections as well as native apps for all your devices (you'll want to install a VPN on a router to get it to work on your console or use its native software on a computer).

You'll also want a VPN that brings a fair price and plenty of value. Then, make your purchase risk-free by getting a VPN that has a money-back policy. Most reputable VPNs give you 30 days to change your mind and ask for a refund. Also, you'll need 24/7 live chat customer support for those times when technical issues arise.

Based on the criteria explained just above, here are the 7 best VPNs for gaming in 2024.

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Gaming in 2024

Editor's Pick
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Windows
Android
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Kindle
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
Chromecast
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming for those prioritizing privacy while giving you access to bot lobbies and gaming-centric VPN features. This VPN is known for encrypting connections flawlessly. That's why we believe it's one of the best gaming VPNs for those prioritizing privacy.

In terms of its server network, you'll find 6,000+ servers across 60+ countries. On top of that, it's among the fastest VPN providers right now, managing to bring fast speeds across nearby and remote servers. That kind of performance comes without any fine-tuning, which is always a plus.

NordVPN's 'DoubleVPN' encryption system is designed so that it encrypts 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.

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. You also get a kill switch to prevent data leaks, as well as strong protocols (OpenVPN, NordLynx).

Despite its high-end privacy-protecting features, this VPN can help lower your ping, which means you'll ensure minimal latency. This makes NordVPN suitable even for fast-paced online shooters.

Let's not forget to mention that NordVPN brings easy-to-use applications for computers and mobile devices, and it supports routers as well, so you can use it on your Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. You'll get up to 6 simultaneous connections, so you can use this VPN for online gaming even on the go.

Lastly, know that NordVPN comes priced at $3.39/month for its 2-year plan. It also 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.
  • Access to bot lobbies.
  • High-end protocols and encryption.
  • 24/7-available customer support.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Specialized servers increase ping.

2. Surfshark - Best Gaming VPN If You Prioritize Privacy

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Windows
Android
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iOS
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Chrome
Firefox
Amazon Fire TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Our collection of the best VPN for gaming wouldn't be complete without Surfshark. This is a powerful VPN that's also very simple to use. It works entirely on its own. All you need to do is connect to a server and keep this VPN active in the background, and you'll get to use bot lobbies in any online shooter and optimize your gameplay experience.

Surfshark supports several protocols (it recently implemented WireGuard, which usually works great for controlling latency and ping) and 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.

Also, let's not forget to mention that you get unlimited connections with this VPN. It also includes a special "NoBorders" mode, which means it's suited for countries with Internet-related restrictions. And speaking of its server network, you'll gain access to 3,200+ servers in around 100 countries.

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.

Surfshark is also compatible with a huge number of devices. No matter if you game on a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS - Surfshark will be there to support you. This is also the best VPN for console gaming as it works even on routers, making it compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch consoles.

Like other top-rated VPNs, Surfshark features 24/7-available live chat support. All that comes priced at $2.29/month for Surfshark's 2-year plan. Lastly, 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.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Can take a while to connect.

3. ExpressVPN - Beginner-Friendly VPN for Games

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is one of the most comprehensive VPNs out there. It gives you access to bot lobbies in any game, including Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, PUBG, and more. Also, it has a wide server network, high-end protocols, strong encryption, and impeccable customer support.

Based on our hands-on tests, this is among the fastest VPNs for games. On top of that, it offers several ways to minimize your ping and eliminate the latency, regardless of the server you pick. Learn more about that in our guide on how to use ExpressVPN for gaming.

This VPN also has the best VPN servers for gaming - 3,000+ units in 105 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.

You'll also get polished applications for any device, as well as 8 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous. And if you need the best VPN for console gaming on an Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, 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.

Everything listed above is available for $6.67/month, which is how much this VPN's annual plan costs. 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.

PROS

  • Unblocks geo-restricted games.
  • Can access bot lobbies in games.
  • Fast, stable, and reliable performance.
  • 24/7-available customer support.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Limited customization.

4. CyberGhost VPN - VPN for Online Gaming with Tons of Servers

Servers
Countries
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Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Samsung Smart TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

CyberGhost VPN is a very good VPN for gaming on a PC 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 in games than most other options on the market.

This VPN is known for covering the entire planet - having thousands of servers on offer (11,500+ servers in 100 countries). It comes with medium-fast yet reliable performance, keeping your private data out of anyone's hands and guaranteeing complete protection for your data.

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 (associated with the US, UK, Germany, France, and Canada). That's not something many VPNs offer and should help bypass anti-VPN systems as well as access bot lobbies in online shooters.

CyberGhost VPN gives you 7 simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough. It has apps for computers, mobile devices, and streaming devices. When it comes to Xbox and PlayStation consoles, you can install this VPN on a router. In other words, it supports practically any gaming device out there.

Finally, this VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plans, and there's a 15-day money-back policy on its monthly plan. Speaking of its plans, you can get started for $2.19/month if you get CyberGhost's 2-year plan. It also features 24/7 live chat support, in addition to written and video tutorials, FAQs, and more.

PROS

  • Specialized servers for gaming.
  • Lots of fine-tuning.
  • Sizeable server fleet.
  • Split-tunneling and kill switch on offer.
  • 24/7-available customer support.
  • 45-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Not the fastest option.
  • Gaming servers on Windows only.

5. Private Internet Access - Good VPN for Gaming On-the-Go

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Windows
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Chrome
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Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
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Live Chat

PIA (Private Internet Access) is a long-standing VPN for gaming from the USA, known for high-end features and expanding its set of options quite aggressively. So, if you need a more advanced gaming VPN that gives you access to bot lobbies even in anti-VPN games, Private Internet Access is what you'll want to try.

It works out of the box just fine, but since it brings a plethora of options and customizations, it requires you to spend some time working on this VPN. As a result, you'll get the lowest possible ping, making PIA the best VPN for cloud 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. 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.

Know that PIA is one of the VPNs with the highest number of servers (in 90+ countries). That comes in handy if you want to unblock gaming marketplaces in specific countries. That said, PIA allows you to play games with minimal ping and latency while getting access to more games, more game-streaming services, and new game marketplaces.

This VPN for online gaming supports unlimited 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, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles).

This VPN is available for $2.19/month for its 2-year subscription. In the end, we'll mention that PIA comes with 30-day money-back guarantees. So, there's no risk involved. 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.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Not the fastest option.
  • Best for more experienced users.

6. Ivacy VPN - Robust Budget-Friendly Option with Many Servers

Servers
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Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

First things first, Ivacy covers more than 100 locations in 60+ countries and has 6,500+ servers. There's a big chance you'll find a nearby server providing access to bot lobbies when gaming with this VPN. However, know that Ivacy is somewhat slower than the other VPNs found in this guide, so it would really help to have a fast Web connection.

Also, since it's not the fastest option out there, we recommend using Ethernet when connecting to Ivacy's servers. That's the best way to ensure low latency and control your ping, leading to a much more pleasurable gaming experience overall.

Next, Ivacy uses a whole range of VPN protocols (led by OpenVPN and WireGuard) and comes with 256-bit AES encryption. That means your data will be routed through an incredibly secure VPN tunnel, taking away any worries. Of course, a fully functional kill switch is there as well.

Then, keep in mind that Ivacy comes with native applications for any popular platform. If you play games on your console (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 5-year plan priced at only $1.00/month, as well as 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

  • Very easy to set up and use.
  • Wide range of VPN protocols.
  • Sizeable server network.
  • Dedicated IPs on offer.
  • 30-day money-back policy.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • Limited fine-tuning.
  • Slower than its competitors.
  • Not yet audited.

7. IPVanish - Best Fully-Automated VPN That Works on Most Devices

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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 access to bot lobbies, 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, 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, IPVanish is slower than most of the gaming VPNs recommended in this guide, so use it if you have a relatively fast Web connection. Using an Ethernet connection will also ensure that your ping and latency stay in check.

Still, IPVanish comes fully automated, so we recommend it to those not wishing to fine-tune their connection. On top of that, it brings applications for any popular platform out there, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also works on routers, so you can use it with game consoles, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

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.

You can subscribe to IPVanish for $3.25/month by opting for its 2-year plan, and you'll also have 30 days to test-drive this VPN based on its money-back policy. Finally, you'll also get to count on its 24/7-available customer support, handy in case of any questions or doubts.

PROS

  • Fully-automated VPN.
  • Unmetered connections.
  • Audited no-logs policy.
  • Handles ping and latency reliably.
  • 24/7-available customer support.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Doesn't allow in-depth fine-tuning.
  • Slower than its competitors.

Best Gaming VPNs: Compared

NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN CyberGhost VPN PIA VPN Ivacy VPN IPVanish
Jurisdiction Panama Netherlands British Virgin Islands Romania United States Singapore United States
Data Logging No logs (audited) No logs (audited) No logs (audited) No logs (audited) No logs (audited) No logs (not audited) No logs (audited)
Servers 6,000+ in 60+ countries 3,200+ in 100 countries 3,000+ in 105 countries 11,500+ in 100 countries Unknown; in 90+ countries 6,500+ in 60+ countries 2,200+ in 50+ countries
Access to Bot Lobbies YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 8 7 Unlimited 10 Unlimited
Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2/IPsec OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP/IPsec OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec
Speed Ultra-fast Fast Ultra-fast Fast Medium Medium Medium
Supported Devices Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles) Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles) Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles) Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles) Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles) Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles) Computers, phones, tablets, routers (game consoles)
Features Kill switch, split tunneling, specialized servers, MeshNet, anti-tracking, and more Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS, ad-blocking, anti-malware, IP rotation, and more Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS, anti-tracking, and more Kill switch, split tunneling, specialized servers, ad-blocker, anti-malware (Windows), and more Kill switch, split tunneling, in-depth fine-tuning, adjustable encryption, ad-blocking, private DNS, and more Kill switch, split tunneling, ad-blocking, and more Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS, IPv6 leak protection, and more
Customer Support 24/7 live chat support 24/7 live chat support 24/7 live chat support 24/7 live chat support 24/7 live chat support 24/7 live chat support 24/7 live chat support
Money-Back Guarantees 30 Days 30 Days 30 Days 45 Days 30 Days 30 Days 30 Days
Price $3.39/month (2-year plan) $2.29/month (2-year plan) $6.67/month (1-year plan) $2.19/month (2-year plan) $2.19/month (2-year plan) $1.00/month (5-year plan) $3.25/month (2-year plan)
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get ExpressVPN Get CyberGhost Get PIA VPN Get Ivacy VPN Get IPVanish

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:

Should I Use a VPN When 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. Here's more info:

Yes, it's legal to use a VPN for gaming. However, know that specific games might ban VPNs or block VPN traffic 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 commercial 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.

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.

What Are the Best VPN Servers for Gaming?

The best VPN servers for gaming depend on what your ultimate goal is. For example, if you want DDoS protection or to bypass ISP throttling while getting the fastest possible performance, 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. This is different for each game, so let's give you some examples of the best VPN country to connect for gaming:

Game Best Servers for Gaming
Overwatch Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France (Paris), UK (London), South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, US (Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, LA).
CoD Warzone US, Egypt, Singapore.
Apex Legends US, UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, Belgium.
Roblox US (California, Florida, New York), Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Japan.
Genshin Impact US, UK, France, South Korea, Japan.
Fortnite US, Middle East, Brazil, and Oceania (Australia).
FFXIV US, Germany, Japan, Australia.
Pokemon Go US, Japan, Singapore, Australia.
PUBG US, Europe, Singapore, South Korea, Japan.
GTA V US, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Australia.
Rainbow Six Siege US, Brazil, UK, France, Japan, Australia.
Minecraft US, UK, France.
Elden Ring US, Brazil, Portugal.
Lost Ark US, UK.
Valorant US, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Canada.
League of Legends US, South Korea, Brazil, China, Southeast Asia.

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.

In other words, the best server to choose while using a VPN for gaming to get the best IP address for gaming will be as close as possible to both your location and the location of the game’s server itself. 

Does VPN Reduce Ping in Games?

Yes, a gaming VPN can reduce ping - which is crucial when playing action-packed online games. Still, to reduce ping in games, 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 in games values while encrypting your Web traffic.

What Is the Fastest VPN for Gaming?

The fastest VPN for gaming right now is NordVPN. According to the tests we’ve conducted, NordVPN provides the best speeds on the market. It will only slow down your Web connection on average, making it ideal for high-quality gaming with low ping and no lags.

Furthermore, when you connect to longer-distance servers with NordVPN, 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. 

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 NordVPN for gaming is our #1 recommendation.

Gaming VPN Not Working - How to Fix?

If your gaming VPN doesn't work, you can try using a different server or another VPN protocol, and even something as simple as restarting your device can help at times. Here's what you can do:

Can You Use a Free VPN for Gaming?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for gaming, but you'll encounter a very limited experience. We don't recommend free VPNs because they come with various restrictions that can ruin your gameplay experience and even leave you with a banned/blocked account.

The biggest limitation of free VPNs is they can come with a daily/monthly data allowance, ranging from 200MB/day up to 10GB/month. That means you'll get to use them for a limited time. Also, they come with tiny server networks that typically span across a handful of countries.

Next, free VPNs are very slow. Most of them can't handle your ping and latency, so the games you play will be laggy. We've even seen free VPNs that log sensitive information and serve malware, which means you'll put your privacy at risk, as well as the safety/security of your gaming devices.

Nothing can really replace a capable premium VPN. If you wish to go risk-free, you can go with a free VPN trial. That's how you'll get premium features for a limited time, experiencing how a true gaming VPN should work. We recommend NordVPN's free trial, which can be activated on Android - but this VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that applies to all other devices.

Final Thoughts

Your online gaming experience is influenced by multiple factors. For example, you'll experience a lot of latency if your ping is high, which can be caused by ISP-induced throttling. You'll also be at risk of DDoS attacks and swatting while fighting against high-end players who block your progress. However, a VPN helps with all that while also giving you access to both lobbies and high-end privacy.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for gaming. In a single package, you'll get fast performance, a whole slate of protocols, solid encryption that deters DDoS attacks, and the ability to unlock new games and gaming marketplaces. Most importantly, gamers will appreciate NordVPN's ability to keep their ping low, resulting in an extra-responsive experience.

FAQ

What Is the Best VPN for Gaming?

NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming as it gives you immunity against DDoS attacks, keeps your ping and latency in check, and lets you unlock new games.

What Does a VPN Do for Gaming?

A does a lot of things for gaming, such as - accessing bot lobbies, minimizing your ping and latency, bypassing ISP throttling, unblocking new games, and plenty more.

Does a VPN Help with Gaming?

Yes, a capable VPN helps with gaming in a big way. A VPN can re-route your traffic and lower your ping, which means you'll get more responsive gameplay. It can also bypass IP bans and help you reach bot lobbies, among other things.

Which VPN Do Gamers Use?

Most gamers use NordVPN, which has a pristine reputation in the gaming world. It is known for its fast speed, ease of use, and minimal ping and latency.

What Is the Best VPN for PC Gaming?

The best VPN for PC gaming is NordVPN. The VPN provider’s lightning-fast connection speeds and overall stability make NordVPN the top gaming VPN on the market.

Is NordVPN Good for Gaming?

Yes, NordVPN is good for gaming. It provides a solid gaming experience with its reliable servers delivering stable connections. As such, NordVPN is our #1 recommendation.

Is ExpressVPN Good for Gaming?

Yes, ExpressVPN is good for gaming. As explained in this guide, we strongly recommend you become a subscriber to ExpressVPN if you need a capable all-in-one VPN.

Does VPN Affect Gaming?

Most VPNs affect gaming because they can't keep your ping and latency in check. Make sure to pick a VPN that's optimized for gaming with high-speed servers strategically placed across the world.

Can You Get Banned for Using VPNs While Playing Games?

No, you can't get banned for using a VPN while playing games - unless you decide to cheat, of course. So, make sure your use of a VPN is limited to lowering your ping, improving latency, and accessing bot lobbies.

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.

Which VPN Protocol Is Best for Gaming?

The best VPN protocols for gaming are IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN. WireGuard is typically the fastest option (it offers low ping and latency), while OpenVPN is typically the most secure option when accessing bot lobbies.

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!



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