If you’re a gamer, you know how annoying it can be to deal with lag, high ping, bandwidth throttling, IP bans, DDoS attacks, and swatting during gaming sessions. You must use the best gaming VPN to solve these problems and access geo-restricted games.
In addition to fixing these issues, a VPN provides security benefits by allowing you to play games on public Wi-Fi networks without worrying about security risks. Also, using a VPN will enable you to access cheaper games from other countries’ marketplaces and save money in the long run.
We’ve tested over 65 VPNs and evaluated their gaming-related capabilities to recommend the best VPNs for gaming. Our expertise and knowledge allow us to recommend the most reliable and efficient VPN services for gamers.
Let us help you find the best VPN for gaming to ensure your gaming sessions are smooth and seamless.
The Best VPN for Gaming in 2023
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming as it offers a wide range of essential features for gamers. Along with its easy setup and user-friendly interface, ExpressVPN is a powerful VPN with high-end protocols, strong encryption, a vast server network, and excellent customer support.
ExpressVPN is specifically designed to provide uninterrupted gaming performance, and based on our tests, it is the fastest VPN for gaming. You can test individual servers’ speed before connecting, reducing the chances of encountering overcrowded servers.
Additionally, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 90+ countries, all of which are obfuscated. This makes it easier to unblock geo-restricted games and access cheaper games from other countries’ marketplaces.
ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy; all its servers are audited regularly. It provides polished applications for all devices; users can connect up to five simultaneously. If you’re looking for the best console gaming VPN, ExpressVPN works seamlessly with various routers.
Regarding privacy, ExpressVPN is an award-winning VPN with years of experience. It uses OpenVPN and Lightway protocols, which are highly suitable for gaming and protect against DDoS attacks. Overall, ExpressVPN is a reliable and effective VPN service that offers excellent protection and performance for gamers.
Pros
- Abundance of VPN servers
- Unblocks geo-restricted games
- Speedy, durable, and steadfast performance
Cons
- Five simultaneous connections
NordVPN
NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that can provide exceptional privacy and security no matter your location. This VPN service could be your best bet if you prioritize privacy while gaming.
One of the standout attributes of NordVPN is its DoubleVPN encryption system, which encrypts both inbound and outbound data using the AES-256-CBC algorithm twice. This robust encryption system protects against DDoS attacks and online trackers.
However, using NordVPN’s specialized servers may slow down your gaming experience. Nevertheless, the VPN offers a range of servers that obfuscate web traffic and routes it through the Tor network. It is handy for bypassing anti-VPN measures employed by some games. It also has over 5,500 standard VPN servers in 60 countries, allowing for fine-tuning and customization.
In addition to its impressive server network, NordVPN is a verified no-logs VPN service, meaning it doesn’t keep any records of your online activities. Its user-friendly applications are available on various platforms, including computers, mobile devices, and routers, and you can connect up to six devices simultaneously.
Pros
- Polished VPN software
- Sizeable network of servers
- High-end protocols and encryption
- 24/7-available customer aid
Cons
- Very remote connections can be sluggish
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a compelling option for PC gaming due to its unique feature of gaming-friendly servers, only available on Windows. This provides a lower ping than most other VPNs, making it an excellent gaming VPN.
With a vast network of servers, CyberGhost VPN covers almost the entire world, offering over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. It delivers reliable performance and ensures complete protection for your data, making it ideal for gaming and various other purposes.
CyberGhost VPN allows you to unblock new digital services, including gaming marketplaces. Moreover, it provides dedicated servers for streaming, making it one of the best VPNs for digital entertainment.
Another notable feature of CyberGhost VPN is its ability to offer anonymous dedicated IP addresses associated with various countries. This unique feature, not commonly found in other VPNs, could help bypass even the most authoritarian anti-VPN systems.
With 7 simultaneous connections, CyberGhost VPN provides a significant number of connections. It also offers user-friendly applications for computers, mobile devices, and streaming devices. If you’re peeking to install a VPN on a game console, CyberGhost VPN can also be installed on a router.
Pros
- Technical servers for gaming
- Tons of fine-tuning
- Sizeable server fleet
- Split-tunneling and kill switch
- 24/7-available customer aid
Cons
- Slower than its contenders
Surfshark
Another VPN we highly recommend for gaming is Surfshark, which is powerful and user-friendly. Once connected to a server, Surfshark works in the background while you play games, making it effortless to use.
This VPN supports various VPN protocols and has undergone multiple audits, ensuring it doesn’t collect your data. Surfshark has a strong reputation for unblocking any website, including notoriously challenging media streaming services.
One of the standout qualities of Surfshark is its unlimited connections, which is exceptional value for its price. Its “NoBorders” mode is ideal for countries with internet-related restrictions. Furthermore, Surfshark’s unique “Nexus” feature can rotate your IP address every few minutes, making it highly effective at bypassing even the most aggressive anti-VPN systems in games.
Most importantly, Surfshark offers excellent speed without optimization, even when using remote servers. And if you do tinker with its settings, it’s barely noticeable that the VPN is running in the background.
With an easy-to-use app available for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, Surfshark covers you no matter what device you’re gaming on. Additionally, this VPN is compatible with routers, which makes it an excellent option for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
Pros
- Appropriate for first-timers
- It can be completely automatic
- Highly polished interface
- Sizeable network of VPN servers
Cons
- No in-depth customization
Ivacy VPN
Ivacy is a privacy-focused VPN service based in Singapore that offers robust features to secure your web data. It uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols and provides 256-bit AES encryption to guarantee your data is transferred through a highly secure VPN tunnel. With over 5,700 servers in over 180 locations across 65+ countries, Ivacy can offer gaming-friendly servers that could provide a smooth gaming experience.
While Ivacy may not be the fastest VPN in this guide, its native applications are available on popular platforms, including gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, where you can install it on your router. This feature is a significant advantage for gamers. Ivacy offers 10 simultaneous connections, making it one of the most generous VPNs for online gaming.
Moreover, Ivacy provides dedicated IPs associated with the UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, and Singapore, which can be purchased as add-ons at an affordable price.
Pros
- Fully-automated VPN
- Effortless to set up and use
- A broad range of VPN protocols
- Suitable for streaming
Cons
- Fixed fine-tuning
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top choice if you’re looking for a VPN service with a wealth of advanced features. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top choice. This long-established VPN from the US offers plenty of options for experienced users who want to customize their VPN experience for optimal performance.
While PIA works well out of the box, its real strength lies in its many options and settings. By spending time configuring this VPN, you can achieve the lowest possible ping, making it an ideal VPN for gaming. PIA’s robust protocols, which OpenVPN and WireGuard lead, can also block DDoS attacks. PIA also offers dedicated IPs associated with several countries, including the US, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Japan.
With one of the highest numbers of servers among VPN providers, PIA is an excellent choice for unblocking gaming marketplaces in specific countries. Its low ping and latency make it easy to play games and access new marketplaces and cloud services.
PIA supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and provides apps for virtually any device, including gaming-friendly ones like computers and phones. If you’re a console gamer, PIA also supports routers, allowing it to work with PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Pros
- Highly developed VPN for games
- In-depth customization
- Gigantic server fleet
- It can reduce your ping and latency
Cons
- Not recommended for newbies
- IPVanish
IPVanish is a reputable VPN service provider from the US that has been consistently reviewed positively year after year. With over 2,200 servers in 75+ locations, you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy seamless, lag-free gaming sessions with top speeds.
You can select from various protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard (recently introduced), and IKEv2, depending on your desired level of security and speed. This flexibility also enables you to adjust your connection for DDoS protection during gaming sessions.
IPVanish is fully automated, making it ideal for those who dislike tinkering with their connection settings. It offers apps for all popular devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and it works with routers so that you can use it with game consoles too.
Moreover, IPVanish now supports unmetered VPN connections. The service is verified to have a no-logs policy through independent audits, giving you peace of mind that your private data is secure.
Pros
- Fully-automated VPN
- Robust and leak-free protocols
- Unmetered links
- Audited no-logs policy
Cons
- Slower
How to Select the Best VPN for Gaming
To find the best gaming VPN, it’s essential to look for specific features:
- Extensive Server Network: A VPN with a large server network will offer better speeds and lower latency. Look for a VPN with servers close to your location to minimize any potential slowdowns.
- Customizable VPN Protocols: Different VPN protocols offer varying levels of security and speed. For gaming, choosing a VPN with robust protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN is best to protect against DDoS attacks.
- Native Software: Avoid VPNs that require manual server connections, as they can cause lag and make gaming less enjoyable. Look for VPNs with native software that you can install and run in the background while gaming.
- Reliable Performance: Don’t rely on marketing messages alone to judge a VPN’s performance. Instead, read hands-on reviews and do your research to find a VPN with a stable and reliable performance.
- Extra Features: Depending on your needs, consider additional features like split-tunneling, kill switch, and dedicated IP. Split-tunneling allows you to create two data tunnels, a kill switch will protect you in case of a connection drop, and a dedicated VPN IP can help you bypass anti-VPN blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN for Gaming?
Using a VPN for gaming is legal in most countries, as VPNs are designed to protect your online privacy. However, mentioning that some games may have policies against VPN usage is crucial.
As for the legality of VPNs themselves, they are generally considered safe and legal to use. However, some countries have banned VPNs, primarily those with authoritarian regimes. It’s essential to be mindful of the laws in your country regarding VPN usage.
Which VPN location is Best for Gaming?
When finding the best VPN location for gaming, the ideal server location depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for protection against DDoS attacks or to avoid ISP throttling, connecting to a server close to your physical location can help reduce ping.
However, if you’re trying to bypass geo-restrictions to access certain games or game features only available in specific regions, you’ll want to connect to a server in that region.
You are overall, connecting to a server closer to your physical location results in faster connection speeds.
Can you get banned for using VPNs while playing games?
While it’s technically possible to get banned for using a VPN while playing games, it’s unlikely to happen unless you’re using the VPN to cheat. Gaming companies such as Valve, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Epic are primarily concerned with preventing cheating and players using VPNs to bypass game restrictions. Using a VPN for legitimate objectives, such as protecting your privacy or bypassing regional restrictions, is generally acceptable.
Final Thoughts
A VPN suitable for gaming must fulfill several requirements, such as providing low latency and ping while ensuring high-level privacy protection. Unfortunately, many VPNs fall short in these areas, causing frustration during online gaming sessions.
However, one VPN stands out as the top choice for gaming: ExpressVPN. It offers lightning-fast performance, a variety of protocols, robust encryption to prevent DDoS attacks, and the ability to access new gaming platforms and marketplaces. With ExpressVPN, you’ll have everything you need in a single, powerful package.
