Best VPN for Gaming
Reduce lag, protect against DDoS attacks, and access region-locked games.
What to Look for in a VPN for Gaming
Low Latency
Minimal ping increase for competitive gaming
DDoS Protection
Shields against attacks during online play
Server Coverage
Servers near gaming servers for best performance
No Bandwidth Limits
Unlimited data for long gaming sessions
Top 5 Best VPNs for Gaming
Based on our testing specifically for gaming, these VPNs performed best. Each has been evaluated for the features that matter most for this use case.
ExpressVPN
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 8 Devices
Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds with Lightway protocol
- Best-in-class streaming unblocking
- User-friendly apps on all platforms
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to competitors
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
NordVPN
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Double VPN
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 10 Devices
Pros
- Industry-leading security features
- Massive server network in 111 countries
- Excellent streaming unblocking capabilities
Cons
- Occasional server connection delays
- No free trial available
Surfshark
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Double VPN
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- Unlimited Devices
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Best value for money in the market
- Strong security with CleanWeb ad blocker
Cons
- Speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
- Relatively newer provider
Private Internet Access
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Double VPN
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- Unlimited Devices
Pros
- Massive network with 35,000+ servers
- Proven no-logs policy in court
- Unlimited device connections
Cons
- Based in United States (5 Eyes)
- Inconsistent streaming unblocking
CyberGhost
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 7 Devices
Pros
- Largest server network with 11,500+ servers
- Specialized servers for streaming and torrenting
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- No obfuscation for restricted countries
Quick Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
A VPN can slightly increase ping, but premium VPNs minimize this impact. In some cases, VPNs can actually reduce ping by providing more direct routes to game servers.
Yes, a VPN hides your real IP address, making it impossible for attackers to target you directly with DDoS attacks during gaming sessions.
Connect to a server in a region where the game releases first (often New Zealand or Australia), then launch the game store to access it early.
Yes, since your ISP can't see your gaming traffic, they can't throttle it. This can improve performance during peak hours or on bandwidth-limited plans.
WireGuard is ideal for gaming due to its low latency and fast speeds. NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway are excellent gaming protocols.
Consoles don't support VPN apps directly. You can use a VPN through your router or share your PC's VPN connection with your console.
Yes, connecting to servers in different regions allows you to play with friends in other countries or access region-specific game servers.
Free VPNs are not recommended for gaming due to server congestion, data caps, and higher latency. Premium VPNs offer the speed and stability needed for competitive gaming.
A VPN can provide a new IP address, but using it to evade legitimate bans may violate game terms of service and risk permanent account suspension.
Install your VPN, select a server close to game servers, use WireGuard protocol for lowest ping, and ensure your VPN has gaming-optimized servers.