Using a VPN for gaming will help you avoid unpleasant DDoS assaults from malicious individuals who want to disrupt your game. Aside from security, a VPN can reduce ping and remove latency if your ISP intentionally throttles your bandwidth and reduces speeds.
However, not all VPNs are appropriate for PC gamers. It is critical that the service offers a large server fleet, fast speeds, and other security features. NordVPN was our top choice due to its superior security and fast speeds, followed by Surfshark.
But that’s not all – we tested dozens of other contenders and picked 7 best VPNs for gaming. We chose the services that can help effortlessly prevent cyberthreats, maintain great performance, and offer the best gaming experience overall.
How do you pick the best VPN for gaming?
With so many VPNs on the market, it might be tough to choose the best one. Here are some pointers on how to select the best VPN for gaming:
| Fast tunneling protocols: | WireGuard (or contemporary variants such as NordLynx or Lightway) |
| Servers: | Obfuscated, RAM-only |
| DDoS protection: | ✅ |
| Multiple device support: | 5 or more simultaneous connections |
| Compatibility: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and more |
| Features: | SmartDNS, proxy servers, port forwarding, and split tunneling are all options. |
- Speeds. While each VPN affects speeds to some amount, it should not be noticeable. Choose VPNs that feature WireGuard, which is currently one of the fastest protocols available. Our tests with NordLynx (a contemporary WireGuard variant) revealed that NordVPN is one of the fastest services in the market right now.
- Compatibility. A good gaming VPN should provide high-quality software for a wide range of desktop and mobile devices. If you’re using a gaming console or a device that doesn’t support VPN connections, opt for a VPN that includes SmartDNS or a router software.
- A sizable server fleet. If a VPN has an insufficient number of servers in a limited number of locations, it may get congested, resulting in poor speeds and excessive ping. As a result, it’s preferable to look for a provider that has many servers all over the world. CyberGhost boasts one of the largest server networks on the market, with over 9,400 servers in 91 countries.
- Additional features. Proxy servers increase privacy without sacrificing performance, while port forwarding and other related capabilities can make hosting servers conceivable with a VPN. Split tunneling is particularly useful because the ability to route only the traffic of a specific software – or game – through a VPN tunnel is always useful.
Our comprehensive list of the best VPNs for gaming in 2023:
When choosing a gaming VPN, consider the influence on performance, the size of the server fleet, privacy to avoid assaults and ISP throttling, and other things. As a result, we filtered out services that, according to our tests, provide you with the finest gaming experience. Here’s what survived:
1. NordVPN – best VPN for gaming in 2023
| Servers/countries: | 5,700+ servers in 60 countries |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get NordVPN with 68% OFF + 3 months FREE!🔥 |
For a variety of reasons, NordVPN is the best gaming VPN. For starters, its lightning-fast speeds will hide the fact that you’re utilizing a VPN while gaming. Furthermore, you have strong security features that will keep you safe from DDoS attacks. All just $3.19 each month.
Speed: NordVPN offers a variety of tunneling protocols, including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The NordLynx protocol, which was developed in-house, is where the company excels. NordVPN maintained up to 84% of initial connection speeds during our COD: Warzone tests, with no lagging.
Servers and apps will appreciate the handy map-based interface. You can choose from over 5,700 servers in 60 countries by just clicking on them. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. However, if you configure the VPN on your router, you can use it on gaming consoles, including your new PS5.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection function will keep you safe from annoying advertisements. Our studies indicated that it filters the vast majority of disruptions, including YouTube advertising. There are also specialized servers, such as P2P, that are ideal for torrenting. Furthermore, the Meshnet feature will allow you to have an endless remote LAN party with your gaming buddies from all around the world.
Security and privacy: NordVPN’s privacy policy has been independently audited, ensuring online anonymity. Furthermore, the program employs next-generation encryption, and you may enable a kill switch in the event of an unexpected VPN connection failure.
2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for gaming on multiple devices
| Servers/countries: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE🔥 |
Surfshark is another contender for the best gaming VPN title. This is due to its extensive feature set and competitive speeds for a relatively low monthly fee of $2.30.
Surfshark covers all the basics with WireGuard, ShadowSocks, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 tunneling technologies. WireGuard speeds aren’t all that different from your first connection; when we tested it, it averaged around 81%. We discovered a somewhat larger dip when playing Warzone, but other games performed admirably. The latency gains are also not spectacular, especially if you connect to a nearby server.
Servers and apps: The Surfshark VPN apps are among the most user-friendly we’ve come across. There are plenty of non-overcrowded servers thanks to over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Surfshark is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, or it may be installed on your router.
Features include a simple Whitelister option for PC and mobile users. You’ll be able to use it to route your favorite games over a VPN. Meanwhile, the GPS spoofing feature makes it simple to change your location in Pokemon Go or any other game.
Surfshark VPN maintains no logs of your activities and employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption. You also get an unlimited number of concurrent connections to cover all of your devices.
To learn more, read our comprehensive Surfshark VPN review or compare it to the best alternative in our Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.
3. IPVanish – secure and private VPN for gaming
| Servers/countries: | 2,200+ servers in 52 locations |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get 75% OFF IPVanish!🔥 |
IPVanish is a trustworthy gaming VPN with fast connection speeds, a huge server fleet, valuable security features, and easy-to-use tools. All of this for $3.33 each month.
Speed: Because IPVanish utilizes the WireGuard tunneling technique, the VPN kept up to 79% of the initial connection speeds in our tests. Not as fast as NordVPN, which has an 84% speed retention rate, but just as stable. We tested the speed results while playing CS:GO, Overwatch 2, and League of Legends – and experienced a smooth, buffer-free gaming experience.
Servers and apps: Although the design of IPVanish apps appears to be more difficult to navigate than Surfshark, don’t be put off. It’s actually just as easy to use and offers over 2,200 servers in 52 countries.
IPVanish servers offer P2P connections, and you may even use split tunneling. This allows you to use an encrypted VPN connection just on selected apps. Not to mention traffic obfuscation, SOCKS5 proxy, and other features.
Security and privacy: IPVanish encrypts your traffic and data with the AES-256 cipher, which cannot be cracked using brute-force methods. Leviathan Security Group has also independently audited the application. Furthermore, you get an infinite number of simultaneous connections, allowing you to use it for gaming and security on as many devices as you need.
Learn more about IPVanish’s features by reading our review.
Pros
Cons
4. VyprVPN: Unlocking Gaming Potential with Chameleon Protocol
| Servers/countries: | 96 Worldwide Server Locations |
| WireGuard® VPN Protocol | Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Monthly Price $5.00🔥 |
VyprVPN is a robust VPN service that stands out in the gaming community due to its proprietary Chameleon protocol. This innovative technology not only ensures a secure connection but also assists in overcoming network restrictions and deep packet inspection. Particularly advantageous for gamers in regions with stringent internet censorship, VyprVPN brings a suite of features that cater to both security and performance needs.
Speed, Servers, and Apps:
- VyprVPN offers impressive connection speeds, reducing lag and latency during gaming sessions.
- The service boasts an extensive network of servers strategically located around the world, enhancing options for connecting to game servers.
- Available on various platforms, VyprVPN provides user-friendly apps for easy installation and use across devices.
Features:
- Chameleon Protocol: VyprVPN’s proprietary protocol is designed to bypass network restrictions and offer enhanced privacy, crucial for gamers in restricted regions.
- No-Log Policy: VyprVPN is committed to preserving users’ privacy by maintaining a strict no-log policy, ensuring your gaming activities remain confidential.
- Kill Switch: The built-in kill switch adds an extra layer of security by disconnecting you from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing potential data leaks.
- NAT Firewall: The NAT firewall feature helps protect against cyber threats by blocking unwanted incoming traffic.
Security and Privacy:
- VyprVPN employs strong encryption protocols to secure your gaming data and personal information.
- The service offers DNS leak protection and a variety of encryption options to ensure your online activities remain private.
- VyprVPN’s audited no-log policy reinforces the commitment to user privacy and data protection.
Pros:
- Chameleon protocol for bypassing network restrictions in censored regions.
- Impressive connection speeds for smooth gaming experiences.
- No-log policy ensures your gaming activities remain confidential.
- User-friendly apps for a seamless setup and usage.
- Extensive server network for optimal connectivity.
Cons:
- Pricing plans might be slightly higher compared to some competitors.
- The number of simultaneous connections allowed can be limited on certain plans.
VyprVPN is a dependable VPN service for gamers looking for both security and speed. With its Chameleon protocol and user-friendly UI, it enables gaming in areas with high internet censorship while protecting your data and actions. VyprVPN has the capabilities to maximize your gaming experience, whether you’re playing action-packed multiplayer games or exploring enormous virtual worlds.
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5. CyberGhost – secure gaming VPN with impressive speed
| Servers/countries: | 9,400+ in 91 countries |
| Money-back guarantee: | 45 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get CyberGhost VPN, now 83% OFF + 2 months FREE 🔥 |
CyberGhost is a VPN that is both dependable and reasonably priced. To deliver the finest online gaming experience, the service combines excellent speed with a big fleet of servers. It is also inexpensive. It costs only $2.19 each month.
Speed: CyberGhost, which supports the WireGuard protocol, is extremely fast. Our testing revealed that the service maintains an average speed of 84% and provides a steady connection, even for game streams.
CyberGhost enhances your gaming experience by providing dedicated gaming servers with reduced latency. Furthermore, the entire fleet is highly solid – the company offers over 9,400 servers in 91 countries globally. The app choices is equally diverse. Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android are all available for testing. You may even configure it on a router.
Smart Rules are a useful feature of CyberGhost. It enables you to automate the app based on your requirements. There are no obfuscated servers, however there are dedicated gaming servers. We discovered that they have the lowest latency, making your gaming experience even more enjoyable.
When it comes to security and privacy, the supplier encrypts your traffic with powerful AES-256 encryption. For added security, CyberGhost includes a strong kill switch mechanism that encrypts your IP address when a VPN connection is lost.
In our Cyberghost review, we go through the provider’s features in further detail.
6. Windscribe VPN: Unleash Gaming Possibilities with Flexibility
R.O.B.E.R.T | Blocks Ads, Trackers and Malware |
| Servers/Countries | Over 69 Countries and 112 Cities |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get Windscribe VPN 🔥 |
Windscribe VPN presents a versatile solution for gamers, catering to both casual players and those seeking premium features. With a free plan for entry-level users and paid options for more enhanced experiences, Windscribe accommodates a range of gaming needs.
Speed, Servers, and Apps:
- Windscribe’s free plan offers limited servers and data, suitable for casual gamers looking for basic protection.
- Paid plans come with faster speeds, ensuring smoother gaming sessions and reduced latency.
- The service provides expanded server options, allowing gamers to connect to servers in various locations for optimized gameplay.
- User-friendly apps are available for different platforms, making installation and setup hassle-free.
Features:
- Windflix: The “Windflix” feature assists in bypassing geo-restrictions, enabling access to games and content from different regions.
- Split Tunneling: Windscribe’s split tunneling feature lets you route gaming traffic through the VPN while keeping other activities on your regular network.
- Ad and Tracker Blocking: Windscribe’s browser extensions offer ad and tracker blocking, enhancing your online gaming experience by reducing distractions.
- Port Forwarding: This feature can be beneficial for hosting game servers or facilitating peer-to-peer gaming connections.
Security and Privacy:
- Windscribe employs strong encryption to secure your gaming data and online activities.
- The service has a strict no-log policy to ensure your privacy remains intact.
- Windscribe’s “R.O.B.E.R.T.” feature enables custom domain and IP blocking to enhance your online security.
Pros:
- Free plan suitable for casual gamers with limited server and data needs.
- Paid plans offer faster speeds and a broader range of servers for enhanced gaming experiences.
- “Windflix” helps unblock geo-restricted content and games from different regions.
- Split tunneling and ad/tracker blocking contribute to a customizable and smoother gaming experience.
Cons:
- Limited server selection and data cap in the free plan.
- Some advanced features might be available only in certain paid plans.
Windscribe VPN brings a well-rounded approach to gaming VPNs, catering to both casual and dedicated gamers. Its free plan serves as an entry point, while paid plans offer features like faster speeds, a variety of servers, and the unique “Windflix” option. With security measures in place and user-friendly apps, Windscribe empowers gamers to explore virtual worlds while keeping their privacy intact.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA): Elevate Your Gaming Experience with Security
| Servers/countries: | 9,400+ in 91 countries |
| Try PIA For Free: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get PIA VPN, 30 Days Free 🔥 |
Private Internet Access (PIA) stands as a robust option for gamers seeking enhanced security and privacy alongside optimized performance. With its wide array of features and server options, PIA caters to gamers with diverse preferences and requirements.
Speed, Servers, and Apps:
- PIA offers commendable connection speeds, ensuring seamless gaming sessions with minimal lag.
- With a vast network of servers spread across numerous countries, PIA provides flexibility in choosing the optimal server for gaming needs.
- User-friendly apps are available for a variety of platforms, making setup and usage straightforward.
Features:
- Kill Switch: PIA’s kill switch feature guarantees that your internet connection is cut if the VPN connection drops, preventing any potential data leaks during gaming.
- PIA MACE: This built-in feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, providing an uninterrupted gaming experience.
- Port Forwarding: Gamers who wish to host game servers or engage in peer-to-peer gaming can benefit from PIA’s port forwarding feature.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: PIA includes a SOCKS5 proxy option, allowing for even faster and more efficient connections during online gaming.
Security and Privacy:
- PIA prioritizes security with strong encryption protocols to safeguard your gaming data and personal information.
- The service maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your gaming activities and personal data remain private.
- PIA allows you to pay with cryptocurrencies, further enhancing anonymity.
Pros:
- Impressive connection speeds contribute to seamless gaming experiences.
- A vast network of servers allows for server selection based on individual gaming needs.
- Kill switch and PIA MACE enhance security and uninterrupted gaming.
- Port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support accommodate advanced gaming requirements.
Cons:
- The user interface of PIA’s apps might be considered less intuitive by some users.
- The service’s higher level of security and privacy might lead to slower speeds in some cases.
Private Internet Access (PIA) stands as a reliable option for gamers who prioritize both security and performance. Its robust features, including kill switch, PIA MACE, and port forwarding, contribute to a secure and optimized gaming environment. With a comprehensive server network and user-friendly apps, PIA empowers gamers to enjoy their favorite titles while maintaining their privacy.
At a glance: top 5 VPN providers of 2023
How we selected and tested these gaming VPNs
On an AMD Ryzen 12-Core 4.0GHz processor, we evaluated more than a dozen VPN providers. We chose the best VPNs for gaming based on the following criteria:
- The server network. Overcrowding and less suitable locations come from a lack of VPN servers, resulting in decreased connection speed, excessive ping, and lag. We made certain that each VPN on our list offers thousands of servers in convenient places.
- Increase retention rates. We tested these best gaming VPNs with a variety of video games that require fast speeds and selected only those that decreased the baseline speed the least and had the lowest latency. You can see the VPN speed comparison table below.
- Additional functions. We chose VPNs with features that make gaming with a VPN easier, smoother, and more pleasurable overall. Meshnet, port forwarding, split tunneling, and the fastest tunneling protocols are examples of such functionalities.
- Security and privacy. All of the gaming VPNs on our list were tested for DNS and IP leaks, as well as encryption techniques. We also made sure to include VPNs whose privacy policies have been independently verified and approved.
- Price. We made certain that all the VPNs for gaming are likewise economical. Free versions, free trials, and money-back guarantees are all appealing and make VPNs more inexpensive without sacrificing security, performance, or features.
Why do I need a VPN for gaming
You may believe that a gaming VPN will only impede your gaming experience. But we have reasons to disagree.
VPNs, for instance, aid in the prevention of DDoS attacks. These types of attacks are fairly common among gamers, and a VPN for games will allow you to play safely. It will conceal your IP address and render you impenetrable in the face of the great evil that is DDoSing.
Another advantage is that VPNs can assist in accessing games that are restricted in certain regions of the world. A gaming VPN will also let you avoid bans if you are thrown out of your favorite community server. You only need to alter your virtual location.
Furthermore, the best gamer VPN will significantly improve your gaming experience by reducing slowness caused by ISP throttling.
Another thing to keep in mind is that online game markets frequently practice price discrimination based on area. As a result, using a VPN may allow you to find better gaming deals. For example, some games are cheaper in Brazil than in the United States, so connect to a server in Brazil to enjoy lower prices.
Finally, some VPNs have features that let users to connect to LANs (local area networks) remotely without physically being in the same location. This provides an ideal setting for online gaming gigs with friends from all around the world.
Can a VPN reduce ping while gaming?
Yes, a gaming VPN can help you reduce ping when your internet connection speed is throttled. This could be due to your ISP or other restrictions and/or difficulties.
Under typical circumstances, however, a VPN will undoubtedly slow down your connection speed and raise your ping. That is why it is critical to select the best VPN for gaming that has the least impact on your internet speed. NordVPN, for example, is now recognized as the fastest VPN on the market, owing partly to its proprietary NordLynx tunneling algorithm.
Another technique to avoid a significant rise in ping while gaming with a VPN is to select the VPN server nearest to your actual location.
Fastest VPNs for gaming compared
You can rapidly compare the download and upload speeds of the VPNs on our list using the table below. It also contains ping, which is essential for a good online gaming experience.
- Baseline: 1ms ping/462 Mbps download/437 Mbps upload
| Provider | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |
| Ping | 101 ms | 118 ms | 121 ms | 101 ms |
| Avg. download speed | 389 Mbps | 372 Mbps | 369 Mbps | 248 Mbps |
| Avg. upload speed | 288 Mbps | 246 Mbps | 200 Mbps | 326 Mbps |
| Prices start from | $3.19 | $2.30 | $3.33 |
Can I use a free VPN for gaming?
You can use a free VPN to play games, but we don’t suggest it.
Many VPNs that provide free services make money by displaying in-app advertisements and collecting and selling user data to other parties. They also have fewer features than paying carriers and only allow for a certain amount of data use. Furthermore, free VPN speeds are frequently very poor, which is not suitable for gaming.
There are, however, freemium VPNs for gaming – VPNs that feature free versions as well as paid subscriptions. Atlas VPN is one of the top freemium VPNs. They will not log your data, and you can always subscribe to a paid service if you want more features.
However, for the ideal gaming experience, we recommend giving paid gamer VPNs a try by taking advantage of their free trials and money-back guarantees.
- NordVPN offers a free 7-day trial for Android smartphones (may be used on other devices after initial setup) as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – With Surfshark’s 7-day trial for Windows, macOS, and iOS, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can experience lag-free gaming and zero cyberthreat threats.
Product Name: Top VPNs for Gaming in 2023
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