5 Best Free VPNs for Gaming: Low Ping & Fast Speed (2025)

Most free VPNs make online gaming nearly impossible. They often have high ping rates that cause lag, strict data caps that cut your gaming sessions short, and weak security that leaves you vulnerable to DDoS attacks. Some even collect your data or install malware on your device.

My team and I tested over 40 free VPNs to find ones that actually work for gaming. While these VPNs maintain strong security standards and decent speeds, they still have limitations like fewer server locations and data allowances. For unrestricted gaming without compromised performance, a premium VPN is going to be your best option.

We've found a few free VPNs that work for specific games, and we also offer information on the best premium option. The most important thing is that the free VPNs we recommend are truly safe and have proven that they won’t record or sell your data. Still, they all come with various limitations, so read ahead to see which one fits your play style.

Best Free VPNs for Gaming — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds and Low Ping for Gaming Without Lag

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is ideal for gaming, especially on mobile apps, since it’s lightweight. With its slim codebase, Lightway can quickly connect to WiFi and mobile networks. The lightweight design also helps save battery. During tests, we enjoyed games of Free Fire on Android phones without any noticeable lag between our button presses and actions. Plus, its speeds were always twice as fast as any free VPN while we played PC games.

ExpressVPN gave us a ping rate in the single digits

Its global network of 3,000 servers across 105 countries makes it possible to access different game regions and find better matches. Servers in the US, UK, and Japan are fast and offer many options in some of the most competitive regions. Unlike most free VPNs that limit you to a few locations, ExpressVPN gives you plenty of server options to optimize your gaming experience.

Your gaming data stays protected with military-grade encryption and a reliable kill switch. The encryption shields you from DDoS attacks without adding noticeable latency - I maintained a 20-30ms ping while playing Overwatch 2 on nearby servers. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch prevents your real IP from being exposed mid-match.

While not free, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee* so you can test it risk-free with your favorite games. I requested a refund through 24/7 live chat after testing it extensively for gaming. The agent processed my refund immediately, and I had my money back in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Smart Location feature. Automatically connects you to the fastest gaming server based on distance and server load, saving you time searching manually.
• Split tunneling. Route only your game traffic through the VPN while other apps use your regular connection for optimal performance.
• Router app. Protect all your gaming devices at once by installing ExpressVPN directly on your router with its custom firmware.
• Threat Manager. Blocks malicious gaming servers and phishing attempts that target gamers through in-game chat.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Uninterrupted Gaming Sessions

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN's free app stands out by offering unlimited data for gaming, which is rare among free VPNs. The VPN maintained stable ping rates around 92ms, allowing me to play with only minor delays. During our tests, we played Hearthstone for over 6 hours without hitting any data restrictions or getting disconnected. Unfortunately, its crowded free servers are much slower than ExpressVPN, so it’s not suitable for first-person shooters.

You'll likely encounter some lag with faster paced games

The free version provides access to servers in the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania. While you can't manually select locations, Proton VPN's Quick Connect feature automatically connects you to the fastest available server based on your location.

Your gaming sessions stay private with Proton VPN's robust security features. Its open-source apps use AES-256 encryption and perfect forward secrecy to protect your data from DDoS attacks while gaming. The kill switch also prevents IP leaks if your VPN connection drops suddenly. Once again, this is the type of security most free VPNs can’t provide.

However, the free plan limits you to 1 device connection and doesn't support P2P traffic, so you'll need to upgrade for features like port forwarding that can improve gaming performance. However, the VPN works perfectly fine with standard game servers and matchmaking systems.

Useful Features

• Hardware acceleration. Reduces CPU load while gaming by optimizing data processing, leading to better frame rates and extended battery life on laptops.
• Alternative routing. Dynamically reroutes your traffic through different paths when it detects network congestion, helping maintain stable connections during gaming sessions. This also makes it possible for the VPN to bypass network restrictions.
• Smart protocol. Automatically switches between protocols if it detects gaming traffic being throttled by your ISP.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Free Mobile Apps Can Connect to a Wide Variety of Servers for Gaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN offers many server locations on its mobile apps, giving you more options for gaming on your phone or tablet. This helped me reduce ping when playing mobile games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile. During our tests, we could connect to servers in gaming hotspots like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. On desktop, though, you can only use 1 location (using the Nearest Location feature), which automatically picks the closest server.

The VPN protects your gaming data with strong security features, including AES 256-bit encryption and automatic WiFi protection. This can automatically connect the VPN when I play online at my local gaming cafe. However, unlike with Proton VPN, there's no kill switch on the free version.

You don't even have to enter an email address

With the free version, you only get 500MB of monthly data, but this increases to 1GB if you register with your email. While testing Valorant, I used about 300MB per hour, so the free allowance won't last long for serious gaming. That said, Avira's speeds were decent, and it could last for up to 8 hours a month with puzzle games or RPGs.

Useful Features

• Block malicious sites and content. The free desktop VPN comes with a content blocker that can get rid of intrusive ads and malware on popular gaming sites.
• Bandwidth monitoring. Tracks your data usage so you can manage the free allowance effectively during gaming sessions.
• Fast installation. Whether you’re setting it up on a desktop or a mobile, it won’t take longer than 5 minutes to get started.

4. hide.me — Customizable Free VPN for Optimized Online Gaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

This VPN offers extensive customization options so that you can prioritize speed, safety, or reliability with your gaming connection. You can choose from multiple protocols and several auto-connect options. I also found the MTU size adjustment feature particularly useful. In our tests, we lowered the MTU size from 1500 to 1400 to improve our connection stability while playing Valorant.

We recommend OpenVPN for security and WireGuard for speed

The free version provides access to servers in 8 locations, including the US, Germany, and Singapore. During my tests, this allowed me to connect to a nearby US server that offered a ping rate of 100ms, which worked well for casual gaming. I wouldn’t recommend this VPN if there isn’t a server in your country, though, because the ping rates will be super slow.

While hide.me limits free users to a single connection, its router compatibility means you can protect all your gaming devices through one connection. I configured it on my TP-Link router and could simultaneously use my gaming PC, mobile phone, and Nintendo Switch.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data allowance. This VPN used to restrict data usage, but it now lets free users enjoy secure online gaming for as long as they want.
• 24/7 live chat support. Technical assistance is always available if you encounter connection issues while gaming, even for free users.

5. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol Makes It Possible To Play Online Games Over Restricted Networks

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

The VPN works well even on restricted networks like school and college WiFi. Its Hydra protocol makes VPN traffic look like regular web traffic, making it possible to bypass network blocks that might prevent gaming. It’s an excellent fit for students who need a gaming fix in the dorms.

Jitter measures how much the ping rate fluctuates over time

All security features are available on the free version except protocol selection. You get AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling capabilities at no cost. Using its free servers, we never detected any IP leaks while testing.

However, free users can only connect to servers in Singapore, the UK, and the US. While this limits options for safely accessing different game regions, these locations still provide decent coverage for popular gaming servers.

Useful Features

• Auto-unblock function. You can automatically launch the VPN when you start specific games, providing protection without manual activation. This is currently only available with its Android app.
• Auto-connect feature. This will instantly connect you with the fastest server available based on your distance from the location, so you can start playing right away.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Gaming VPN Features

The table below compares essential gaming-specific features of my recommended free VPNs. I've included key metrics like speeds and server locations that directly impact your gaming experience, along with data allowances and registration methods. Every option in the list has also been proven trustworthy since these VPNs all follow strict no-logging policies.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Gaming

We extensively tested each free VPN's performance impact on popular online games like Valorant, PUBG, and CS:GO. Our primary focus was measuring ping rates and latency across different server locations to ensure stable gaming sessions. We also verified that the VPNs could maintain consistent connections without disconnections that could disrupt your gameplay.

Security was another crucial factor, so we evaluated each VPN's protection against DDoS attacks and IP leaks that could compromise your gaming experience. The data allowances offered by free VPNs were particularly important — we calculated how many hours of gaming you could get from each provider's limits based on typical game data usage. While these aren’t the best VPNs for gaming overall, we’re confident you won’t find anything better for free.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Gaming Aren't Safe

Free VPNs can seriously impact your gaming experience and compromise your security while playing. We’ve thoroughly tested each VPN on this list to verify they maintain proper security standards and won't put your gaming data at risk. While these recommended options have some limitations, they won't jeopardize your privacy or gaming performance like many other free VPNs.

Here are the main risks of using untested free VPNs for gaming:

• Data collection and selling. Many free VPNs log your gaming activity, chat messages, and other sensitive data to sell to third parties. This is especially dangerous for competitive gamers who could have their strategies and gameplay patterns exposed.
• High latency and packet loss. Free VPNs often use overcrowded servers with poor optimization, leading to unstable connections that can cause lag spikes and disconnections during crucial gaming moments. Some even intentionally throttle gaming traffic to push users toward paid versions.
• DDoS vulnerability. Most free VPNs lack proper DDoS protection, leaving you exposed to attacks during competitive matches. Some have even been caught leaking users' real IP addresses, making them easy targets for malicious players.
  Malware risks. Several free gaming VPNs have been found bundling malware that can steal your gaming accounts and payment information. For example, SuperVPN was discovered to contain trojans that specifically targeted gaming credentials.

Free Gaming VPNs to Avoid

• Hola VPN. This peer-to-peer network shares your IP address with other users, meaning someone could use your connection for cheating or toxic behavior, which could get your gaming accounts banned.
• TouchVPN. Known for extremely high latency and frequent disconnections that make gaming impossible. It also lacks basic security features needed for protecting gaming traffic.
• VPN Gate. While community-driven, its servers are often unstable and lack the speed optimization needed for gaming. Some nodes have been caught monitoring user traffic.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Gaming

Which free VPN has the lowest ping for gaming?

Proton VPN offers the lowest ping rates among free VPNs. During tests, it performed well for slower-paced card games and turn-based RPGs. However, like all free VPNs, server congestion during peak hours can increase latency. On the plus side, it offers unlimited data usage, and all you have to provide to sign up is an email address.

Can I use a free VPN for PUBG/Valorant?

While free VPNs technically work with these games, they often cause performance issues that can hurt your gameplay. The limited server networks mean you'll likely connect to distant locations, resulting in high ping. Additionally, free VPNs lack features like DDoS protection that are crucial for competitive gaming. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable alternative.

How much data does online gaming use with a VPN?

A VPN adds approximately 5-10% overhead to your regular gaming data usage. Popular games like PUBG Mobile use about 20MB per hour normally, so expect around 22MB with a VPN. Most free VPNs offer limited data, typically 500MB-10GB monthly. Proton VPN, hide.me, and Hotspot Shield are among the few free VPNs that offer unlimited data.

Are free VPNs safe for competitive gaming?

Free VPNs provide basic security but lack crucial features for competitive gaming. While they offer encryption and IP protection, most free services don't include DDoS protection or specialized gaming servers. Server overcrowding often leads to disconnections, which could result in match penalties. Premium VPNs offer more reliable protection with gaming-optimized features.

Can I use a free VPN on gaming consoles?

Free VPNs rarely work directly on gaming consoles since PlayStation and Xbox don't support native VPN apps. The only way to use a free VPN with consoles is by installing it on your router. However, this requires a VPN that supports router configuration — a feature most free services don't offer. ExpressVPN remains the most reliable option for console gaming since it offers impressive speeds and an actual router app with a UI and all its security features.

Can I use a free VPN for cloud gaming services?

Free VPNs work with cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, but they're not ideal. Cloud gaming requires stable, high-speed connections with minimal packet loss. During testing, it’s common for free VPNs to introduce stuttering and quality drops. Proton VPN performed best among free options, but you'll still get better results with a premium service designed for streaming.

Which free VPN works best for college networks?

Hotspot Shield works best on college networks because its Hydra protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular web browsing. During testing, it could successfully hide VPN use while maintaining decent speeds. Proton VPN also performed well on college WiFi, though you might need to switch between different protocols if one gets blocked.

Do free VPNs protect against DDoS attacks?

Most free VPNs provide basic DDoS protection by hiding your real IP address. However, they lack the advanced filtering that premium services offer. During testing, it’s common for free VPNs to prevent direct IP-based attacks, but they don't always handle sophisticated DDoS attempts. ExpressVPN's advanced Threat Protection offers much more substantial DDoS mitigation for competitive gaming.

Get the Best Free VPN for Gaming

Most free VPNs add lag and high ping rates that ruin your gaming experience. While I found a few trustworthy options that work for casual gaming, they all have significant limitations — data caps that cut your sessions short, few server locations that increase latency, and weak security that leaves you vulnerable to DDoS attacks during competitive matches.

That's why I recommend ExpressVPN for gaming, even though it isn't free. It consistently delivers low ping rates on nearby servers, provides DDoS protection on all servers, and lets you game without worrying about data limits or speed restrictions. Plus, it has automatic obfuscation on all its servers, so it hides VPN use on restrictive networks.