We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024: Fast Speeds and Low Ping

Akash Deep Updated on 28th March 2024 Fact-checked by Kristina Joshevska Cybersecurity Researcher

Finding a good gaming VPN is harder than you might think. Only the best VPNs can lower your ping, prevent DDoS attacks, and let you play with your international friends. Sadly, many VPNs will increase your latency, while others lack servers in regions where you need them.

That’s why my team and I tested 50+ VPNs to find the best ones for gaming. After analyzing average speeds, server networks, and security features, I handpicked the most reliable VPNs that let you play safely and without lag. Besides, these VPNs are easy to install on all your devices — whether you connect via PC, console, or router.

My top recommendation for gaming is ExpressVPN because of its consistently low ping and fast speeds. Plus, with its extensive server network and strong security features, you can play your favorite games without worrying about potential DDoS attacks and ISP throttling. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Game Safely With ExpressVPN >>

Important! While a VPN can help connect you with global friends, using one to take advantage of regional pricing or access geo-restricted games might violate game developers' or distributors' Terms of Use. We do not support the use of VPNs in ways that breach these terms. Therefore, we strongly recommend reviewing the relevant guidelines or rules of each platform before you decide to use a VPN for gaming purposes.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Gaming VPNs in 2024

  1. Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Lag-free gaming with fast speeds and low ping, plus robust security to play safely.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  2. CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Gaming-optimized servers to help you find the best available connection.
  3. Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Customizable settings for optimized gaming, but navigation may be difficult for beginners.
  4. NordVPN
    NordVPN
    Host private LAN parties with Meshnet, but the router setup can be complicated.
  5. Surfshark
    Surfshark
    NoBorders mode bypasses network restrictions, but some servers connect slowly.

Best VPNs for Gaming — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Gaming VPN With Low Ping and Fast Speeds

Best Feature Lowest ping of all the VPNs I tested, even when gaming with friends on servers thousands of kilometers away
Server Network 3,000+ servers in 105 countries to give you plenty of lag-free connections to secure your gaming
Simultaneous Device Connections 8, so you don’t have to interrupt anyone else’s gaming session
Compatible With PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, iOS, and more

ExpressVPN outperforms every other option on my list when it comes to gaming. Not only does it have strong security features, but it also has the lowest ping of all the VPNs I tested. I recorded an average ping rate of 14ms and a speed loss of only 4%. During my tests, I could play CS: GO and Apex Legends securely on its UK server without being affected by lag.

Screenshot of Apex Legends gameplay with ExpressVPN connectedThe ping remained consistently low throughout my gameplay

Even when I connected to long-distance US locations, the ping was relatively lower compared to other VPNs on this list. For instance, I had a ping rate of 74ms on its New York server, which is impressive considering it’s more than 5000 km away from my physical location. This is largely due to ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol, which is optimized for speed and stability.

One of my favorite things about ExpressVPN is its easy installation for routers. VPNs natively do not work with game consoles (like Xbox and PlayStation), requiring you to install them onto your router. This process can be a bit complicated. But ExpressVPN offers custom firmware and a dedicated router app that lets you easily set up and use the VPN on your router.

The only downside with ExpressVPN is that it’s a bit more expensive than other VPNs I shortlisted. However, it offers generous discounts throughout the year, which makes it more affordable. You can also test ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, getting a refund is hassle-free.

Useful Features

  • Port forwarding. Installing ExpressVPN on a router gives you port forwarding support and allows you to host games. All you have to do is set up a particular port to accept the incoming traffic.
  • Robust IP/DNS leak protection. Across all my tests, ExpressVPN never leaked my IP address once — gamers couldn’t trace my real location and use it to harass me or send out DDoS campaigns. It protected my connection further with AES 256-bit military-grade protection and an automatic kill switch.
  • Aircove router. If you plan to use the VPN for gaming on your consoles, you can get ExpressVPN’s Aircove router. This comes with the VPN pre-installed, so you can use it right out of the box without having to set up anything and risk bricking your existing router.
  • Split tunneling. You can optimize your VPN connection for gaming by sending all other traffic through your regular, unencrypted internet connection. This minimizes the load you put on your chosen server and can improve your speeds and ping, particularly if your base speeds without the VPN are already slow.
ExpressVPN Offer March 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers to Easily Find the Ideal Connection

Best Feature Dedicated gaming servers available in the US, UK, Germany, and France for the best connection to your game’s regional servers
Server Network 11,690+ servers in 100 countries to prevent lag from overcrowded servers
Simultaneous Device Connections 7 to cover your PC, consoles, and more at the same time
Compatible With PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, iOS, and more

CyberGhost is one of my longtime favorites because it offers specialized servers for gaming. This makes it really easy to find the ideal server for gaming, as they’re clearly marked in the For Gaming tab. When I connected to its gaming server in London, I had a ping rate of 18ms and a speed drop of only 6%, which wasn’t even noticeable.

Screenshot of CyberGhost VPN working well with Super Smash Bros. UltimateI used a Windows VPN hotspot to connect CyberGhost to my Nintendo Switch

Its regular unoptimized servers also work well for gaming. This means that you’ll still have reliable connections even if you can’t find a specialized gaming server for your desired location. In my tests, I connected to its nearby regular UK server and didn’t experience any lag while playing PUBG Mobile on my Android device.

CyberGhost's built-in NAT firewall assigns users a unique private IP address and filters out suspicious data packets. This blocks any communication that isn't specifically requested by a device on the home network. This, combined with AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, provides robust protection against DDoS attacks while you’re gaming.

The downside with CyberGhost is that its short-term plans only offer a shortened money-back guarantee of 14 days. That said, its long-term plans offer an extended 45-day guarantee — longer than any other VPN on this list. The longer plans also offer far better value for money, with prices starting at just $2.03/month.

Useful Features

  • Dedicated IP. For a small fee, you can get a dedicated IP address that’s exclusively accessible to you. This can be helpful since some online games may flag you for suspicious activity if you're using an IP address that's shared by other VPN users.
  • WireGuard support. WireGuard strikes the right balance of speed and security, making it ideal for gaming. During my tests, I found WireGuard had the fastest download speeds and slightly better ping than the popular OpenVPN.
  • Smart Rules. This lets you customize “rules” that automate the VPN in several ways. For example, you can set the VPN to activate whenever it detects an untrusted WiFi network. You can even configure CyberGhost to automatically connect to a server when you launch certain games.
March 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Lots of Customization Options to Optimize Your Connection for Gaming

Best Feature Customizable security features for tech-savvy gamers that’ll help you get the perfect balance of speed and security
Server Network 29,650+ servers in 91 countries — the largest number of servers out of our best gaming VPNs
Simultaneous Device Connections Unlimited, so everyone in the household can play games securely
Compatible With PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, iOS, and more

PIA is one of the most customizable VPNs out there. You can configure your VPN connection for optimal gaming performance by adjusting the encryption level and switching between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols to balance speed and security. While testing, I used AES 128-bit encryption with OpenVPN connections for faster gaming speeds.

During my tests (using the above configuration) on its nearby servers, I recorded a speed loss of only 7% with only 32ms of ping. This is 8% faster than what I got with 256-bit encryption through OpenVPN. I didn’t experience any lag when playing BGMI on my PC.

Screenshot of BGMI gameplay with PIA connectedI had a stable connection with WireGuard, even on distant servers

I also like that the app displays the ping on each server, making it easy to find the right one for gaming. That said, PIA’s apps could be overwhelming for new users since there are so many customization options. However, it comes pre-configured, so you don’t necessarily have to tweak its settings unless you want to. You can start playing straight away.

The VPN is really affordable — you can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month when you sign up for its long-term plan. Plus, you can try it for free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy, it’s easy to get a full refund.

Useful Features

  • Servers in all US states. If you’re in the US, you can always find a nearby server for lag-free gaming with PIA. And if one doesn’t work well for you, there are many others to choose from, which also helps to avoid overcrowding.
  • Ping info. PIA shows you the ping next to each server, making it easy to choose the fastest one for gaming without so many trials and errors.
March 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

4. NordVPN — Host Private LAN Parties With Friends Across the Globe

Best Feature NordVPN’s Meshnet lets you play with your friends via a virtual LAN connection
Server Network 6,305+ servers in 111 countries — plenty to help you play with international friends
Simultaneous Device Connections 6 so you can protect all of your gaming devices
Compatible With PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, iOS, and more

If you enjoy hosting private game servers, you’ll appreciate NordVPN's Meshnet technology. This lets you directly connect to other devices to form your own virtual local network. With Meshnet, you can easily host your own private game server and connect with friends from different locations, just as if they were on the same LAN.

I also liked that NordVPN strikes the right balance of speed and security, which makes it an excellent choice for gaming. On its nearby UK servers, I recorded an average download speed of 119.3Mbps (a 6% drop) and a ping rate of 23ms, similar to my results with CyberGhost. I never experienced any lag while playing Apex Legends on my PS4 while testing.

A screenshot of NordVPN's speed test results on servers in Germany and the USI had a decent ping rate of 78ms, even on its long-distance US server

If you want to protect your gaming consoles, you can install NordVPN on your router. But unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t have a dedicated router app, so setup can be a bit tricky. However, it does offer detailed installation guides for several different router models on its website, which makes it a bit easier.

With plans starting at $3.09/month, NordVPN offers good value for your money. I suggest a 2-year subscription as it’s the most budget-friendly choice. If you’re not impressed, it’s easy to get a full refund thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • NordLynx protocol. This is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, which is built upon WireGuard. It’s NordVPN’s default protocol and is fast, lightweight, and secure, so you’ll have a smooth and safe gaming experience.
  • Threat Protection. This feature not only blocks ads and malicious sites, but it scans downloaded files for malware. This reduces the risk of malicious gaming files infecting your device.

5. Surfshark — Camouflage Mode to Game Safely on Restrictive Networks

Best Feature Camouflage (server obfuscation) to bypass firewalls that block VPNs and games so you can enjoy your downtime even on restrictive public networks
Server Network 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, helping you to find speedy nearby connections for gaming
Simultaneous Device Connections Unlimited — great for large households of gamers
Compatible With PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, iOS, and more

Surfshark’s Camouflage mode (obfuscation) lets you play games securely, even on restrictive networks, such as those in schools and libraries. It makes your VPN connection look like regular HTTPS traffic, allowing you to bypass VPN blocks and game undetected. There’s also a special NoBorders feature to help you find the best servers to use in your current location if the network you’re using is unstable or problematic.

Screenshot of Warzone 2.0 gameplay with Surfshark connectedObfuscation involves additional algorithms on data, so you may experience some slowdowns

I also appreciated Surfshark’s user-friendly interface during my tests. The app has a built-in speed test tool, where you can see the upload speed, download speed, and latency on each server. I also liked its Quick-Connect feature, which automatically finds and connects to the fastest available server.

My only problem with Surfshark is that some of its servers can take a long time to connect, which can be a bit annoying. However, once connected, I never faced any disconnects, so you get a stable connection for gaming despite the brief waiting time.

Surfshark truly offers great value — you can sign up for as low as $2.89/month. But if you don’t want to commit, you can try it for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • Good speeds and low ping. During my tests on its nearby servers, I experienced a speed drop of only 11%, and my ping was always below 50ms. This let me play my favorite online games securely without lag.
  • GPS spoofing. Surfshark's Android app offers a GPS spoofing feature, which lets you change your virtual location to match the VPN IP. This is particularly useful for AR games that use your GPS location — you can access more events and features. As always, make sure you check your game’s T&Cs to make sure you’re not breaking any rules by using this.

Quick Comparison Table: Gaming VPN Features

This table compares the features of my top-recommended VPNs. It covers the lowest monthly price, countries the VPN has servers in, and average long and short-distance speeds. Note that the average long and short-distance speeds are based on our base speed of 127Mbps.

I’ve also included whether or not each VPN offers a dedicated router app. This makes it super easy to switch servers or change VPN settings.

Lowest Monthly Price # of Servers Average Ping/Download Speed — Short Distance (Same Country) Average Ping/Download Speed — Long Distance (UK to US) Dedicated Router App?
🥇ExpressVPN $6.67/month 3,000+ servers in 105 countries 14ms/121Mbps 74ms/116Mbps Yes
🥈CyberGhost $2.03/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries 18ms/119Mbps 93ms/98Mbps No
🥉Private Internet Access $2.03/month 29,650+ servers in 91 countries 32ms/118Mbps 91ms/82Mbps No
NordVPN $3.09/month 6,305 servers in 111 countries 23ms/119Mbps 78ms/109Mbps No
Surfshark $2.89/month 3,200+ servers in 100 countries 43ms/113Mbps 92ms/111Mbps No

Gaming VPNs That Didn’t Make the Cut

In my testing, I found some additional VPNs that are decent for gaming but didn't quite match up to my top picks. These VPNs are reasonable choices and offer good performance. However, they either lack some advanced features or have less stable ping compared to my top shortlisted VPNs. Let’s take a look:

  1. IPVanish. It offers fast speeds and low ping on nearby servers. Plus, the app displays the ping and load on each server, making it easy to find a speedy connection. However, the speed dropped by up to 70% on faraway servers.
  2. PrivateVPN. Similar to PIA, it offers lots of customization and is budget-friendly. Thanks to its Stealth VPN obfuscation, it works well on restrictive public networks. However, its speeds are inconsistent — I lost up to 50% on nearby servers.
  3. Proton VPN. It offers fast speeds and a user-friendly interface. But its high cost doesn’t deliver as much value as our top picks.

What a Gaming VPN Can (and Can’t) Do

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding gaming VPNs across the internet. Gaming VPNs do have great benefits — but I’m not one for false promises. Here’s exactly what a gaming VPN can and can’t do:

What a Gaming VPN Can Do

  1. Avoid Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) and find easier lobbies. When you connect to a server in a region with a smaller player base, the matchmaking algorithm will prioritize filling the server over matching players based on skill level. This can help you find easier lobbies in games like Warzone, PUBG, and more.
  2. Prevent DoS attacks. A gaming VPN can protect against denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on your IP address. By assigning you an IP address of a secure server and hiding your own, the VPN will shield you against such attacks.
  3. Bypass IP bans. If your IP address has been banned by an online game, a VPN lets you circumvent this restriction by assigning you a new IP. However, this will almost certainly be against the game’s ToS. If you’re caught, your entire account may be banned. VPNs cannot help you get around account bans, so be aware of this.
  4. Avoid ISP throttling. A gaming VPN can prevent your internet connection from being throttled by hiding your activity and location from your ISP. This can help maintain consistent internet speeds and prevent sudden lag spikes while gaming.
  5. Bypass local firewalls. A VPN encrypts your traffic and redirects it to a secure, remote server, allowing you to bypass local firewalls that may be blocking access to certain online games or platforms. VPNs with server obfuscation are particularly effective at getting around network restrictions.
  6. Play more games. By changing your IP and DNS location, you can theoretically access more games and DLC from anywhere. Keep in mind that this may not work with every platform, as some lock your account to a certain region upon creation. PlayStation is an example of this — the content you see is determined by the region and address you entered when creating your PSN account. It’s also important to check if the platform you’re using permits VPN use and access to region-specific games in order not to break any terms.
  7. Get better deals on games. Some platforms offer games and DLC at generally lower prices in certain regions. Depending on the platform, you may be able to use a VPN to switch store regions and access cheaper prices. Again, this is against the ToS of most gaming platforms and could lead to a permanent account ban, so please keep this in mind. We don’t condone breaking any rules.

What a Gaming VPN Can't Do

  1. Speed up your internet connection. While a gaming VPN can help avoid ISP throttling and provide consistent speeds, it can't inherently speed up your internet connection. The speed of your internet connection is largely determined by your ISP and other factors that a VPN has no control over.
  2. Lower your ping and remove lag. If you're experiencing high ping or lag while gaming, using a VPN might not always help. On rare occasions, though, a gaming VPN may be able to help by routing your traffic through a more direct and less congested path, resulting in lower ping.
  3. Offer full protection against swatting. Swatting is when a malicious person calls emergency services and alleges that a dangerous situation is happening at your address in the hopes that a SWAT team will breach your home. While a VPN does hide your IP (and your approximate location), most swatting attempts gain your address via combing through social media or by purchasing your leaked information on the dark web.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Gaming

A high-quality VPN for gaming should give you smooth gameplay, protect you from online threats, and help you access international gaming servers. All of the VPNs in this list have been selected using the following criteria:

  • Low ping and fast speeds. This is necessary for smooth online gaming and quick game downloads. I’ve only recommended VPNs that can deliver a ping no higher than 60ms on nearby servers. Plus, the download speed loss should ideally be less than 30% over short distances.
  • Extensive server network. With a large server network, you'll have access to more opponents. Plus, you'll always be able to find a low-latency and uncrowded connection. All of the VPNs in this list have servers scattered across the globe.
  • Powerful security features. Your VPN should be equipped with military-grade encryption and offer DNS/IP leak protection to safeguard you from DDoS attacks. I ensured that the listed VPNs offer these features to keep you safe while you game.
  • Customizable connection settings. A VPN should provide options to configure your connection, including changing your protocol, setting up a SOCKS5 proxy, and port forwarding. The VPNs on this list provide customizable settings to help you improve your connection speed.
  • Device compatibility. Ensure your VPN works on your gaming devices, including Windows PCs, consoles, macOS, iOS, and Android, and offers enough simultaneous connections to protect all of them at once. I made sure that my recommended VPNs can be used on many devices at once. I also made sure each VPN was installable on routers so that you can game securely on your console.
  • Trustworthy money-back guarantee. This will allow you to test the VPN with all of your favorite games and gaming devices without risk. All the VPNs I’ve listed come with a dependable money-back guarantee. And they all offer great value for money.
  • Reliable customer support. Having access to a team of qualified experts will help you solve your VPN problems more effectively. The VPNs in this list offer 24/7 live chat, so you’ll get an answer at any time, regardless of your time zone.

How to Set Up a Gaming VPN on Your Router

All the VPNs on this list can be installed on a router. However, you will need a router that is compatible with the VPN firmware. Brands like Asus, Linksys, and Netgear offer models that are compatible. Keep in mind the setup methods will differ depending on your router model and the VPN you choose.

Here’s a short tutorial using ExpressVPN’s router app setup on an ASUS router as an example:

  1. Download the VPN's router firmware. Visit ExpressVPN's website, go to the device setup page, and choose Router. Locate the appropriate firmware for your router model. Select Download Firmware, and keep this browser window open since you'll need the activation code.
  2. Log in to your router. I just typed “router.asus.com” (“192.168.1.1” works, too) into my browser and logged in to my router settings. If you haven’t created personal login details, just enter “admin” for both your username and password.
  3. Install the VPN firmware and save the settings. On the left column, select Administration. Then choose Firmware Upgrade. Click Upload next to Manual firmware upload and select the firmware you downloaded in step 1 (it’s a.trx file). When the firmware upgrade is complete, reboot your router.
  4. Save your settings. After reconnecting to your router, the router firmware should pop up on your screen. Click Get Started and follow the prompts. Take note of the WiFi name and password, as well as the router password you’re given, and click Save.
  5. Start gaming. Go to your console’s network settings and connect it to your new VPN router connection. Now you can enjoy fast and secure gaming through the VPN.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up a Gaming VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Sign up for a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN since it's impressively fast, has a huge server network, and is easy to install on almost any gaming device.
  2. Download the VPN. My listed VPNs all offer downloadable apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more. To install it on a gaming console, you can set it up on your router or connect it to a VPN hotspot from your PC.
  3. Start gaming. Connect to a server in the region you wish to game. For the fastest speeds and low ping, I recommend using the closest connection to your location.

FAQs on the Best Gaming VPNs

Will a VPN lower my ping?

Usually, no, but in rare cases, it can. VPNs re-route your traffic through an encrypted server to provide you with a safer gaming experience, which in turn can increase your latency. But, if your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) network is congested, connecting to a VPN server can potentially improve your connection by forcing your traffic to take a more direct path. This can result in a faster connection and lower ping times.

Some ISPs purposely throttle bandwidth, which can contribute to a higher ping rate. However, since a VPN encrypts your traffic, it makes it difficult for your ISP to detect and throttle your gaming activity.

What's the best gaming VPN for Android?

All the VPNs on this list are excellent choices for gaming on Android. Aside from that, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a VPN. Our top VPN’s proprietary protocol is optimized for the best speeds and to preserve your Android’s battery life, so it’s great for extended play away from home.

Some other options include a VPN with optimized gaming servers, so you don’t have to guess which server is best for Android gaming. Another offers GPS spoofing, which is ideal for AR players who want to take part in region-specific events. But make sure to check if your game’s ToS allow that.

Which VPN server is best for gaming?

The best VPN server for gaming is typically the one closest to your physical location. That’s why it’s important to choose a VPN that offers a global network with servers in your country, so you can always find a speedy nearby connection.

The reason behind this is related to how data travels over the internet. When you connect to a server that's geographically nearer to you, the data has less distance to travel. This shorter distance generally results in faster speeds and lower ping, which is important for a smooth gaming experience.

Can I use a VPN for PUBG, BGMI, and CoD?

Yes, you can use a VPN for PUBG, BGMI, and CoD, along with other online games. A VPN can be especially useful for accessing game servers in different regions and securing your gameplay. But it’s important to choose a VPN with large server networks and low ping for a seamless gaming experience.

That said, some game developers or platforms may have policies against the use of VPNs. Using a VPN might be a violation of their terms, potentially leading to restrictions on your gaming account. So be sure to check the Terms of Service or community guidelines of the specific game you're playing to ensure compliance with their rules regarding VPN usage.

Does every gamer need a VPN?

Not all gamers need a VPN, but I recommend using one for several reasons. A reliable VPN can secure your connection to prevent DDoS attacks, lets you play on different game servers worldwide, and might improve your ping, especially if your ISP throttles your internet connection.

Can I host a game server using a VPN?

Yes, but you’ll need a VPN with port forwarding support. To host your own game server, you can easily set up port forwarding on your router through the VPN. For convenience, you can also get a static IP address (many VPNs on this list offer this for a small fee). This way, your friends won’t have to change server addresses each time they want to log in.

Is it legal to use a VPN when gaming?

In most countries, yes. However, some countries, like China and the UAE, restrict or ban VPNs. Even if VPNs are legal in your country, using one still may go against the game's Terms of Service. In my experience, as long as you’re not using a VPN to gain an unfair advantage or cheat, VPN use is usually OK. The VPNs in this list worked just fine with the games I tested them with and were not detected or blocked.

That being said, my team and I don't condone using a VPN to break any rules or regulations. So I recommend checking your local law and the game's rules to avoid getting penalized.

Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

Some might work, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You're better off getting a low-cost premium VPN that offers fast speeds, a large server network, and strong security. Most free VPNs have severe limitations, such as capped speeds, overcrowded servers, and data limits. This can make it difficult to do much gaming at all.

On top of this, free VPNs are usually not safe. They lack key security features (like strong encryption and DNS/IP leak protection) that are necessary for protecting you against hackers and DDoS attacks.

In addition, some free services have even been known to sell user data to third-party advertisers. This can pose a threat to your online privacy.

Get the Best VPN for Gaming

Finding a gaming VPN that protects you from DDoS attacks without increasing latency by a lot can be challenging. But the VPNs on this list offer low ping, fast speeds, and strong security, so you can game securely and without slowdowns.

My favorite is ExpressVPN because it has the lowest ping of all the VPNs I tested. Plus, its robust security and worldwide server network mean you can compete against a new player base without worrying about DDoS attacks. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

To summarize, the best VPNs for gaming are…

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 49%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 83%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 82%!
4
9.4 /10
9.4 Our Score
Save 67%!
5
9.3 /10
9.3 Our Score
Save 81%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Akash is a writer at vpnMentor dedicated to providing readers with unbiased and expert advice on online security and privacy. He specializes in analyzing the latest cybersecurity trends and providing up-to-date information to help readers make informed decisions.