5 Best VPNs for Valorant in 2023

On average, 5.5 million people play Valorant every single day. You can imagine the stress that kind of volume of players puts on the game’s server. So, it’s not that surprising that many have been complaining about frequent lags and high ping. However, there’s a solution for that – and it comes in the form of a VPN for Valorant.

A VPN will re-route your Web traffic, sending it to the nearest Valorant server while keeping your ping and latency in check. That means you’ll end with a more responsive gaming session than ever before, assuring you get more kills in Valorant, rising through the ranks in no time.

However, you shouldn’t use just about any VPN. You need the best VPN for Valorant, which is what we’ll show you. We’ll also teach you how to use a gaming VPN and how to keep your ping under control, and we’ll answer some FAQs. Let’s begin!

Best Valorant VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Valorant
2. NordVPN - Best Valorant VPN for Security & Reliability
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Option for Gaming-Centric Servers
4. Surfshark - Best Valorant VPN for Extra-Fast Servers
5. Private Internet Access - Best VPN for Hardcore Valorant Players

How to Use a VPN to Play Valorant

To play Valorant using a VPN, you must connect to a VPN server on your Windows PC before starting the game. These are the steps you need to follow:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works with Valorant (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download the VPN app on your computer.
3. Install it and open the VPN app, and then log in to access its home screen.
4. Connect to a VPN server by picking a suitable location.
5. Finally, launch Valorant. That's it!

The Best VPNs for Valorant in 2023

Hundreds of VPNs are out there, but not all of them work equally well with Valorant. So, if you're after the best VPN for Valorant, pick one with an extensive server network. What's even more important is that those servers should be distributed evenly across the world. That's because you should be after a VPN that can minimize your ping and latency.

Aside from fast speed and fluid performance, your chosen VPN must have certain privacy and security features. For example, a kill switch will ensure there are no disruptions to your gaming sessions. Also, you'll want robust protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as AES-256 encryption, which hides your data even from your Internet provider.

Valorant is exclusive to PCs, so ensure your VPN has a stellar Windows app. Also, future-proof your purchase by getting a VPN with enough simultaneous connections. Lastly, ensure you get generous money-back guarantees and 24/7 live chat support (so that your gaming sessions don't suffer if technical problems arise).

Keeping the above criteria in mind, these are the 5 best Valorant VPN services:

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Valorant

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Valorant (as well as the best gaming VPN overall), bringing over 3,000+ servers across 90+ countries. That means you'll always find a way to re-route your traffic flowing to and from Valorant servers, resulting in the lowest possible ping and latency.

All its servers provide unlimited bandwidth with fast connections, ensuring smooth gameplay and longer gaming sessions over any network. On top of that, this VPN has RAM-only servers, so none of your browsing/gaming activity gets stored. 

In terms of its security, ExpressVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption to make your data unreadable. And, not to forget, the advanced VPN tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN and proprietary Lightway, are also there to route your incoming and outgoing traffic through a safe passage only.

Worried about leaking your sensitive data while playing Valorant? There's no need for that in this case; ExpressVPN has a system-level kill switch. If something unexpected happens to your VPN connection, this VPN will prevent data leaks by shutting down your Web connection (until it reconnects you, which is usually instantaneous).

This Valorant VPN supports 5 simultaneous connections and offers apps for any platform. Without any surprise, its Windows app is highly polished, straightforward to use, and pairs well with any PC game.

We'll also mention that ExpressVPN comes with 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to change your mind and get your money back with no questions asked. On top of that, 24/7 live chat support is there to help you with any issues or questions.

2. NordVPN - Best Valorant VPN for Security & Reliability

NordVPN is a go-to choice for privacy-conscious players. It has 5,500+ servers in 60 countries, many of which are specialized in privacy-related digital tasks. So, aside from using this VPN to optimize your Valorant gameplay experience, it's a fantastic option for digital security.

This VPN offers a specialized service called Meshnet that enables you to form encrypted private networks and turn multiple devices into VPN endpoints. So, you can play Valorant with friends using a single VPN subscription and expect fantastic speeds on all connected devices.

From specialty servers to military-grade encryption (AES-256), all security measurements are there to provide anonymity, irrespective of your location. You can also use its obfuscated servers to play Valorant on public Wi-Fi hotspots without letting the network admin know. Needless to say, this VPN can keep your ping and latency in check quite easily.

On top of all that, NordVPN comes with an easy-to-set-up kill switch, letting you add Valorant to the list of apps that shut down if your VPN connection drops. However, don't expect that to happen often, as OpenVPN and NordLynx (highly reliable protocols) power NordVPN.

You also get 6 simultaneous devices and apps for computers, phones, streaming devices, and even routers. NordVPN's Windows application is a joy to use and works on any PC - so your Valorant sessions won't take a performance hit.

Like any reputable Valorant VPN, NordVPN gives you 30 days to request a refund. However, if you face any issues, make sure to first contact this VPN's support through live chat, which is available 24/7.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Option for Gaming-Centric Servers

CyberGhost is another capable VPN for Valorant that comes with native support for Windows and offers a smooth gaming experience on all servers. And speaking of its servers, this VPN has 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries. CyberGhost's servers are spread evenly worldwide, giving you many options when creating low-ping connections to Valorant servers.

Another fantastic feature of this Valorant VPN is something available on Windows only. We're talking about gaming-ready servers optimized for the fastest possible performance and the lowest possible ping. You can also sort those servers by distance, load, and ping, helping you minimize packet loss when playing Valorant.

This isn't just a gaming-first VPN, though. It covers the basics well, using strong protocols (led by OpenVPN and WireGuard), AES-256 encryption, and a system-level kill switch. The only downside is that CyberGhost isn't the fastest option (it's still ahead of most of its competitors, though), so it would help to have a relatively fast Web connection.

Moreover, CyberGhost's servers offer dedicated IPs to ensure you can access your Valorant account on any device without getting banned. And also, it supports 7 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous. And, yes, there are apps for any platform.

Unlike other Valorant VPN services, this one has a 45-day money-back policy, which applies to its long-term plans. And aside from installation guides, FAQs, and an often-updated blog, this VPN also comes with 24/7 live chat support.

4. Surfshark - Best Valorant VPN for Extra-Fast Servers

Surfshark is a well-known VPN service provider that serves a global user base. It comes with high-speed servers in all countries where Valorant is available. More precisely, you'll find 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, which makes Surfshark the most expansive Valorant VPN service.

All its servers are bare metal and RAM-only, so your complete activity gets removed after your VPN session ends. They're also strong enough to protect your device from any DDoS attack that pro players and streamers often face. And, of course, Surfshark is an ultra-fast VPN service that has no problem minimizing your latency and ping.

You get complete security from the hackers, your network admin, and your ISP as your data gets encrypted with AES-256 bit keys. In addition, the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols offer a safe route to your gaming traffic. A kill switch is included as well.

Surfshark allows unlimited parallel connections, which no other Valorant VPN services offer. Hence, you get to play Valorant on the go with complete VPN security while keeping your home gadgets secured simultaneously. And, aside from Windows, this VPN works on practically any device or platform out there.

Lastly, Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for Valorant due to its money-back policy, which is valid for 30 days. So, you'll have a month to test this capable VPN. It's also no surprise that 24/7 live chat support is there, alongside a rich library of customer support resources.

5. Private Internet Access - Best VPN for Hardcore Valorant Players

Private Internet Access is a US-based VPN for Valorant. It is one of those advanced VPNs with the largest low-latency server network connecting all the countries with the most Valorant players and more. It has thousands of servers in 80+ countries, including every single US state.

All these servers offer unlimited bandwidth and ultra-fast performance. So, you get the best reach when bypassing the overcrowded game servers during busy hours and accessing one in a different location when it’s early morning or late night to have the lowest ping time (<15ms).

Also, this VPN uses AES-128 and 256-bit encryption keys to safeguard your gaming traffic and personal details online. You can change the security level depending on your requirements. When you need speed, use the 128-bit encryption, and choose the maximum encryption level when using a public Wi-Fi hotspot zone.

There are also two types of kill switches, letting you decide how the VPN behaves when you lose your connectivity. And regarding its protocols, you can use OpenVPN and WireGuard. As you can see, PIA is a highly advanced VPN with lots to customize.

PIA VPN now comes with unlimited simultaneous connections and can be installed on all widely used platforms, including the ones supported by Valorant. And it comes with a strict no-logs policy to protect all your personal details.

To master PIA's in-depth customization, you can turn to its 24/7 live chat support. And if you decide that PIA isn't a good option for you, there's a 30-day money-back policy that comes with no questions asked.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Valorant?

You need a VPN for Valorant to reduce your ping and latency, prevent DDoS attacks, get around IP bans, and stop ISP throttling. All of that leads to worry-free gaming sessions, where your VPN works in the background to ensure there are disruptions. Here's more info:

• Reduce Your Ping and Latency: Most ISPs don't use the most efficient methods of routing Web traffic, which can negatively affect your gameplay experience. By using an optimized Valorant VPN, you can decide how your data is routed. So, pick a VPN server near your local Valorant server, and you'll get to minimize your ping and latency.
• Prevent DDoS Attacks: DDoS attacks aim to disrupt your connectivity by targeting your IP address. But once you hide behind a VPN server, those attacks become futile. So, no more frozen screens or getting kicked out of your Valorant session.
• Get Around IP Bans: Valorant, like most other online games, issues temporary bans based on IP addresses. Connecting to a VPN server allows you to change your IP, which means you can get around IP bans.
• Stop ISP Throttling: It's no secret that many ISPs throttle their customers' connections during peak hours, helping them save bandwidth and cut their costs. A VPN will hide what you do online, so your ISP won't see that you're playing Valorant. So, it would be impossible for selective throttling to happen.

Is Valorant Safe?

Yes, Valorant is a safe game for PCs, as it’s made by Riot Games, a reputable company that’s been in the gaming industry for years (since 2006, more precisely). 

Valorant takes the security and safety of its players very seriously, and as such, it employs an anti-cheating system to prevent hackers from ruining the game for other players. 

The first anti-cheating software Riot deployed for Valorant had security vulnerabilities. However, Riot’s team of developers has improved the software over time, constantly monitoring and fixing bugs and vulnerabilities. 

Which VPN Server Location Is Best for Valorant?

The best VPN server locations for Valorant are - Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, Korea, and America. Therefore, you must pick a VPN with multiple servers in most of these locations.

Then, connect to the server nearest to your physical location to ensure low ping and high-speed gameplay. You can also connect to any server in these locations during the morning or late at night to get bot lobbies in Valorant. 

We have provided a table mentioning all the best server locations to connect to for playing Valorant. So, check it out just below.

No matter what VPN you’re using, test your connection speed on these servers with a speed test tool and connect to the one with the fastest speed (we recommend ExpressVPN servers for all the regions mentioned above).

How Fast Should My Internet Be to Play Valorant?

Valorant requires at least 30 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed. Otherwise, you will face issues downloading the game's characters, maps, and camos, along with frequent lags. 

While using a VPN, you may sometimes face a speed loss as VPNs route your traffic through their servers before it reaches the game server. In that case, check our guide on how to speed up a slow VPN and try the troubleshooting steps found there.

Why Is My Ping So High in Valorant?

Your ping is high in Valorant likely due to Internet connectivity issues. Ping, also known as latency, is the time it takes for a data packet (your gaming input) to go between its origin (your computer) to its destination (the game server) and vice versa. 

High ping causes your game to lag. To fix it, you need to restart your router or switch to a faster Internet connection if you can. 

Another reason why you have high ping in Valorant might be because you’re too far away from your router. If you and your router are separated by a few walls, doors, or floors, your Wi-Fi will be slower because the signal is weaker. 

You could also be experiencing high ping issues related to your ISP (Internet Service Provider). ISPs can see when you’re using large amounts of data and slow down your Internet, also known as throttling. You can avoid this problem with a Valorant VPN. 

The game server you’re playing on could also be experiencing technical difficulties. The best VPN for Valorant will solve this issue, as you’ll be able to change your location by choosing a server in a different area. This will adjust the game server you connect to as well.

Can I Change My Location on Valorant?

Yes, you can change your location on Valorant with a VPN. Connect to a VPN server in another country, and the game will automatically detect your new location.

But if you want to change your in-game location manually, you must reach the Valorant support team and change the "Region of Residence" listed on your Riot Account.

For that, follow the below steps:

1. Visit this Valorant support page and log in with your credentials. 
2. Your current region will be displayed; Change it to your preferred location.
3. You'll get a confirmation from the support team as they'll match your IP with the region you're changing to (use this option only after you move).
4. Once they confirm, you're all set to play from the new location. 

However, you can always submit a ticket with the region change request to the support team if the above method doesn't work.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN with Valorant?

Yes, it's legal to use a VPN with Valorant. However, keep in mind that countries such as China, Belarus, Russia, the UAE, Oman, Iraq, and North Korea have either completely banned or regulated VPN usage. 

So, if you're playing Valorant from any of these countries, you need a Valorant VPN that can make you anonymous regardless of location. A VPN will hide your online traffic even from the network admin and your ISP. So, no third party will ever have knowledge of your online activity.

Why Is My Valorant Chat Banned?

Your Valorant chat is banned because you’ve probably broken Valorant’s Community Code. Every player agrees to abide by this code when they first launch the game. The Valorant Community Code doesn’t allow the following:

• Offensive words, insults, threats, or harassment of any kind.
• Abusive language towards players because of their performance or play style.
• Discrimination or hate speech based on race, ethnicity, abilities, gender, etc. 

If you have made such comments in your chat towards a player on your team or the opposing team, they can report you. The longest chat ban lasts for 14 days, and you can also receive a ban that will block you from playing Valorant for 7 days or more. 

Valorant Not Working with VPN - How to Fix

There can be different reasons why Valorant doesn't work with your VPN, e.g., wrong VPN server, system cache, IP leak, etc. Check out the below steps to fix those issues and play Valorant smoothly with a VPN. 

• Clear your system cache and cookies: If Valorant can track your previous location data through the cache or cookies, it will restrict you from accessing the game. So, clear your device's cache and cookies before you set up a VPN connection.
• Change your VPN server: If Valorant has already blacklisted the server IP you're using, you won't be able to access the game. You need to connect to a different VPN server, in this case, to log in and play Valorant smoothly. 
• Perform an IP leak test: Visit websites like ipleak.net and perform an IP leak test to confirm your VPN status is connected and your actual IP address is not leaking. If your IP address is visible to the providers, your access to Valorant will be restricted, as your actual location can be easily tracked. 

Can I Use a Free VPN for Valorant?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Valorant - in theory. However, we don't recommend going that route. That's because, with a free VPN, you will experience many limitations that will make your gaming experience quite frustrating.

For instance, free VPNs don’t have many servers, so the servers you use will be overcrowded, resulting in high ping and lots of lagging. Free VPNs also have strict data caps, which you will surpass within a few hours. After that, your VPN will simply stop working.

If you want a streamlined gaming experience, your only option is a premium VPN. You can use any of our recommendations or check our guide to the best gaming VPNs. If you plan to use your VPN for more than gaming, visit our central best VPN guide - with many extra options.

Final Thoughts

By getting an optimized Valorant VPN, you can take your gameplay experience to a whole new level. Aside from accessing every online feature in Valorant, you'll unblock the game from any network while ensuring your ping and latency are under control.

Of course, that also means you need to be picky when choosing the best VPN for Valorant. We recommend ExpressVPN as it provides the fastest performance and advanced security - while enabling you to bypass geo-restrictions and access Valorant in seconds.

That’s all! Now you know about all the best Valorant VPN services. If you have further queries, drop us a comment through the below button. Thanks for reading!