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Primarily a tool to increase online security and bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services, VPNs are now increasingly used for gaming. Perhaps you want to compete with players from outside your region. Maybe you want access to a game that is only available in another country. Or you are a competitive gamer and worried about DDoS attacks.
Whatever the reason, you should choose a VPN service that is fast, reliable, and ensures your privacy and security. In this article, we will help you choose the best VPN for gaming.
At a Glance: The Best VPNs for Gaming
In this article, we will list the five best VPNs for gaming. But if you want a quick rundown, here’s an overview of our top 3 options:
Best VPN for Gaming: Top 5
1.ExpressVPN
For us, the best VPN for gaming is ExpressVPN. With servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN might be your best chance for a strong, secure, and fast connection if you travel often or want to game with friends abroad.
It’s also secure, so you don’t have to worry about DDoS attacks when fighting in the final moments of a battle royale.
If you’re looking for a gaming VPN that can also be used for streaming, ExpressVPN is a great option. Quickly unblocks Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and other geo-restricted websites so you can watch your favorite content from anywhere in the world.
ExpressVPN also has a dedicated router VPN app, so you can bypass throttling and stay safe even on consoles that don’t natively support VPN. Additionally, Express’s MediaStreamer Smart DNS utility will allow you to view geo-blocked content on your PlayStation or Xbox when changing locations.
This VPN service excels in the mobile space, with apps available for both Android and iOS. It’s also extremely simple to set up on PC, and there are easy-to-follow guidelines for PlayStation and Xbox. Also, if you have a problem with the service, the 24/7 live chat will be able to solve it in minutes.
If we had to pick one flaw, Express only allows five simultaneous connections per plan. But, if you install one of them on your router, any device connected to it will be covered; after that, you can install the other four on the phones and laptops you use.
ExpressVPN should be at the top of your best VPN for gaming list if you’re looking for a VPN that can help you bypass throttling, keep you safe from hackers and trackers, and unblock streaming media. And, if you’re not satisfied with the service, simply contact their customer service within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked.
PROS
- Excellent and reliable speeds
- With servers in 94 countries
- router support
- 24/7 customer service
- 30 days money back guarantee
CONS
- Only up to 5 simultaneous connections
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2. cyber ghost
It’s no surprise that CyberGhost makes the top five on our list of the best VPNs for gaming. Along with helpful Xbox and PS4 VPN solutions, it also provides instructions on how to use their service on your Nintendo Switch.
CyberGhost can defend you from DDoS attacks and hosts several great features that can help increase your security, such as automatically connecting to your preferred server for a nearly instant secure connection.
CyberGhost’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions to unblock US Netflix (although it has issues with other locations), Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus is a boon to anyone using their game console as a media streamer. Plus, you’ll be able to access multiple game store regions and get around IP address blocks set by your school or workplace.
Its speed performance is also respectable, thanks to the WireGuard protocol that is supported by all its applications. With a network of over 8,000 servers spread across 90 countries, all you have to do is connect to the nearest one to start playing.
One thing that CyberGhost still needs, in our opinion, is to improve their customer support. It’s also worth noting that the company has not (to our knowledge) yet hired an independent auditor to confirm its privacy claims and no-logging policy.
PROS
- Extensive network of servers
- Support up to 7 devices
- easy to set up
- Does not keep records
- 45-day money-back guarantee (for plans 1 year and up)
CONS
- Servers are not as fast as other VPNs
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3. Private Internet access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a good all-around VPN. It is one of the simplest and easiest to use VPNs available today. This applies to all steps, including installation and regular use on all platforms and applications.
If you subscribe for more than a year, you can get it for a great price and with additional features designed exclusively for serious gamers.
This VPN will come in handy in allowing you to access games in other parts of the world that are launching early or simply not available where you are. PIA has thousands of servers installed in over 100 locations to help its clients overcome geographic restrictions.
Speaking of IP addresses, getting a dedicated IP address for online gaming is pretty simple with Private Internet Access (for a small additional charge). Every time you log in, you will receive the same IP address that is unique to you and that no one else in the world will use. That should make it less vulnerable to CAPTCHA and IP blocklists and should make games even more reliable when a VPN is enabled.
Speed is a crucial factor when it comes to gaming VPNs, and that is what puts PIA at the bottom of this list. It is not as fast as ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark. While still not bad, this could make a world of difference for dedicated or professional gamers who can’t afford to lose any advantage.
PROS
- Extensive network of servers
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Easy to use
- cheap VPN
- 30 days money back guarantee
CONS
- Not as fast as other VPNs
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4. NordVPN
This Panama-based provider offers fast speeds, plus you’ll have a network of over 5,500 servers in 60 countries to choose from. So no matter where you are, chances are you’ll find the server you’re looking for.
Previously, there was some talk that NordVPN’s speeds might not be reliable, but now it has redeemed itself and, based on our tests, is one of the fastest VPNs on the market today.
Nord apps are stable (which is good if you intend to use them for gaming). Also, you can configure it on a router. But unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN does not have a dedicated router app, so setting it up can be tricky.
Although not as reliable and polished as ExpressVPN, NordVPN is still a close match and worth considering if you are looking for a gaming VPN. This VPN service is a high-performance option if you are concerned about upload and download speeds. It is also a good VPN for torrenting.
NordVPN offers impressive ping performance. It uses the latest WireGuard VPN protocol called NordLynx, which is fast and helps it perform well on a consistent basis.
PROS
- Fast upload and download speeds
- Decent ping performance
- Clear privacy policy
- Extensive network of servers
- 30 days money back guarantee
CONS
- The app requires a lot of updating
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5. Surfer Shark
Surfshark is effective, affordable, and works great as a gaming VPN. It is inexpensive and is quite excellent in several categories.
Although Surfshark isn’t as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, you can trust that it won’t bring your Wi-Fi to a halt.
In addition to having a sizeable network of 3,200 servers, the combination of unlimited connections and a low price is what attracts users the most. In the VPN industry, neither is very common, making that combination unbeatable. This VPN is for you if you want a quality VPN but don’t want to spend too much.
That said, the support system is a bit slower compared to others and the apps don’t offer as much configuration as other apps. But if you’re willing to use the suggested settings, bypass throttling, access a bunch of Netflix libraries, and more, this is the most cost-effective method of doing it.
PROS
- Unlimited connections
- Simple and easy to use
- maintains good speeds
- Economic
- 30 days money back guarantee
CONS
- Customer service is not the fastest.
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Additional FAQs
Why would you need a VPN to play?
There are many reasons why people use a VPN to play games. Many games group players based on their region. So if you want to play with other players from other parts of the world, you can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.
Also, if your internet connection fluctuates, your ISP may be throttling your internet speed or bandwidth without letting you know. By making your activities anonymous, a VPN can help you get around this so your ISP can’t attack you for throttling.
Lastly, privacy. Everyone is susceptible, but gamers, in particular, are subject to DDoS attacks and are at high risk of being hacked. A good VPN can protect anyone, not just gamers, from the risks inherent in using the web.
What features should a gaming VPN have?
Fast connection speed is one of the most important features a gaming VPN should have. You’ll want to get as close to your regular connection speeds as possible, so having a fast VPN is essential.
The best VPN for gaming should offer excellent speeds and great security. When choosing a VPN for gaming, you should also make sure that it can protect your privacy. Last but not least, do your homework and check the reliability of the service you will choose. It’s bad if your VPN keeps disconnecting, and if you have a kill switch on, this will cause you to be disconnected from the game.
Will a VPN increase your ping?
A VPN is likely to slightly increase your ping compared to your standard Internet connection at maximum speeds. But if you choose a VPN server near your location, you might lower it (if you’re lucky).
One of the purposes of a gaming VPN is to stabilize and make your internet connection more reliable. Your usual connection can have a maximum ping of 10ms. If you’re used to 10ms, your ping may be 20ms or more if you use the best VPN for gaming, but you can be sure it will stay that way throughout your gaming session.
What are DDoS attacks?
DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks are on the rise among serious and professional gamers around the world. It’s a strategy that slows down other players by flooding their IP addresses with unwanted traffic, overloading your network and preventing the system from responding normally.
A VPN is helpful in this situation. Because VPN clients route all of their Internet traffic through the provider’s third-party IP address, it will be very difficult for a malicious person to target your specific network for an extended period of time.
