If you’ve ever experienced lag or disconnection at a critical moment in your game, you know how frustrating it can be. Suppose you need a fast connection, lower delay, and even games that have never reached your country. However, the solution is to know the best VPN for gaming. However, there is much more than picking any VPN service provider randomly.
In 2024, the stakes are higher, and the right to VPN is all that can distinguish between a victory and a failure. So, read this guide.
Important: Although a VPN can help you stay in touch with friends from around the world, using a VPN to exploit regional pricing or to play games to which you should not have access is against the game terms of use. We also want to state that we do not encourage using VPNs in a manner that violates these terms. Hence, we suggest you read each platform’s guidelines or rules before using a VPN for gaming free.
Advertisement What Does a VPN Do for Gaming?
The best VPN for gaming masks your IP address and encrypts your internet connection, routing it through servers worldwide. But is VPN good for gaming? Yes, of course, this can help in several ways:
- Reduced Latency: The best VPN for online gaming can decrease ping because you connect with one server closer to the game’s server.
- Access to Region-Locked Games: There are many benefits of using a VPN. One of them is to play games that are banned by the country’s legal systems.
- Enhanced Security: A VPN enhances your security so that rampant DDoS cannot attack you in online gaming.
- Bypass ISP Throttling: Some ISPs throttle your connection when they notice you are heavily downloading. For example, using the internet during a game. A VPN can be useful for this situation since it will enable one to avoid throttling.
Our Top 3 VPNs for Gaming in 2024
By 2024, the best VPN for gaming should have a combination of efficiency, speed, security, and server options. In the following sections, we expand upon three options that interest gamers.
ExpressVPN
- Speed: 750 Mbps
- Servers: 3,000+
- Locations: 105
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Router support: Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 8
- 24/7 customer support: Yes
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Using ExpressVPN, it is not surprising that gaming is not an exception regarding reliability and performance. The internet speeds are clocking at 750 Mbps, making it the best VPN for gaming environments. The Lightway protocol is a technology, and its primary advantage consists of a considerably increased connection speed and high security.
Another unique feature that might positively appeal to gamers is an easy-to-navigate app with no unnecessary complexity. It is user–friendly, especially for those who want a quick setup of the game immediately. Furthermore, there is a benefit that comes in the form of router compatibility, where you can extend the protection of your VPN across your entire home network, which covers your gaming devices like PlayStation or Xbox.
Moreover, you can stream with it at high speed without buffering. You can watch Operation Mincemeat which explores a bold British operation. Additionally, you can unblock platforms like Kayo, Peacock TV, and more.
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and performance
- It is also convenient in terms of an interface with the ability to connect with just one click.
- Devices such as routers are also fully supported.
- Provides high level security, including military grade encryption.
Cons:
- Expensive
Speed Test Ratings:
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clean and intuitive interface with everything easily accessible | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simplified setup with auto-connect functionality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Excellent speeds, though slightly slower than some rivals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly bypasses geo-restrictions on major streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Available 24/7, knowledgeable and responsive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Higher cost but justified by premium features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
You can read the ExpressVPN review for more details.
Surfshark
- Speed: 670 Mbps
- Servers: 3,200+
- Locations: 100+
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Router support: Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- 24/7 customer support: Yes
- Streaming services unblocked: CBS, Amazon Prime Video, Discovery Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
Surfshark will probably be the most appreciated by users since it provides an excellent value-for-money service and is also a VPN service oriented, especially for gamers. It supports connection speeds of up to 670 Mbps and is very useful for gamers mainly because of its fast and stable connections. The other benefit of Surfshark VPN service is that it supports unlimited connections simultaneously for users with a single subscription.
The most important part for gamers is that CleanWeb is in Surfshark, making it the best gaming VPN service. It is designed to remove ads, trackers, and malware, resulting in a much better and safer gaming experience. Also, its ‘Camouflage Mode’ feature ensures that your ISP does not even realize you are using a VPN, thereby preventing throttling when gaming at the busiest times.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Its pricing is relatively low, especially given the fact that it offers a lot of features.
- Uses CleanWeb ad-blocker
- Camouflage mode for boosting the privacy level
Cons:
- There are fewer available servers than the best competitors
Speed Test Ratings:
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek and modern interface, easy navigation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple setup, with advanced features for power users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast and reliable, though not the fastest available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Capable of bypassing geo-restrictions on most platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Solid encryption with additional privacy features like CleanWeb | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 support available, though response times can vary | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Very affordable, excellent value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
NordVPN
- Speed: 800 Mbps
- Servers: 5,400+
- Locations: 59
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Router support: Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- 24/7 customer support: Yes
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hotstar, Disney Plus, Bravo TV, Hulu
NordVPN is an industry giant that is especially loved by gamers because of its fast connection and top-notch security measures. Downloading and uploading speeds of up to 800 Mbps make it the fastest VPN network on this list and make it fit for use in online gaming. Thus, the original proprietary technology NordVPN called NordLynx allows having minimal latency, which is ideal for competitive gaming.
NordVPN also has robust security services; it includes DoubleVPN for added encryptions and CyberSec to block advertisements and malware. These features with a wide server network, allow NordVPN to be considered a flexible option for all playing enthusiasts, who would undoubtedly appreciate low latency, high bandwidth, and enhanced security.
Pros:
- Sophisticated speeds, better suited for Gaming, which makes it the best VPN for gaming Android
- Additional features such as DoubleCrypto and a no-logging policy
- Extensive server network
- The service offers a very high privacy level, including a log policy.
Cons:
- Active connections are limited to 6, and the numbers are less when compared to the competitors.
Speed Test Ratings:
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive design, though with a slight learning curve for advanced features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Quick setup, with features that cater to both beginners and power users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Top speeds make it the best option for high-demand games | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortless access to geo-restricted content worldwide | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Industry-leading security features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Reliable support, though some advanced queries take longer to resolve | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Reasonable pricing for premium features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What VPN Server Should I Use for Gaming?
Choose the VPN server you wish to connect to from the list, then select the one that is closest geographically to the game’s server to which you intend to connect. This helps reduce latency and makes the game more fast for the player.
Also, selecting the server in a specific location with a stable and fast internet connection will benefit your gaming. Choose the servers with fewer users playing so as not to overload the server, and take time to ping locations to the game server to find the shortest reaction time.
Here is the list of the servers for different games:
| Game | Best server locations |
| Overwatch 2 | Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Paris, London, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco |
| Modern Warfare 3 (COD) | Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Cambodia |
| Warzone (COD) | US servers, Egypt, Singapore |
| Apex Legends | Australia, UK, US, Japan, Germany, Belgium |
| Counter-Strike 2 | Singapore, Poland, US, Brazil |
| Minecraft | UK, US, France |
| Elden Ring | US, Brazil, Portugal |
| Lost Ark | US, UK |
| Valorant | Brazil, US, Japan, South Korea, Canada |
| League of Legends | US, South Korea, Brazil, China, Southeast Asia |
The Benefits of Using a Gaming VPN
Using a VPN for gaming comes with several advantages that can improve your online experience:
- Enhanced Security: A VPN protects your data, making it hard for hackers to get your information while playing online games.
- Access to Global Content: By using a VPN, you can overcome some geographic restrictions and get access to some games, DLCs, or even gaming services that are unavailable in the given area.
- Improved Connection Stability: There is, of course, the potential that some VPNs might reroute your internet traffic through a less crowded path, thus resulting in a more stable connection.
- Anonymity: A VPN conceals your original IP address, thus making you anonymous when gaming. This is advantageous since it helps to hide users identity and location from fellow players or hackers.
All That a Gaming VPN Can’t Do!
While VPNs offer many benefits, there are certain things they can’t do:
- Eliminate Lag: For example, if your Internet connection is poor from the start, a VPN cannot make it faster. It can lower the amount of lag by connecting to the nearest server, though it will not change a bad connection to a fast one.
- Increase Your Internet Speed: A VPN can assist in routing issues, but it cannot go beyond the maximum speed of the ISP.
- Make You Invincible: Even when you use a VPN, your safety is improved, but it does not mean you are invulnerable to other cyber threats. Online security practices, however, cannot be fully compromised.
- Bypass All Geo-restrictions: While some games or services are still terrible at blocking VPNs, others seem to be improving at the task or, at least, have become more consistent in their approach. Thus, using a VPN to bypass the restrictions is not universally effective.
Unique Considerations for the Best VPN for Gaming
Gaming-Specific Features to Look For
When choosing a VPN specifically for gaming, you might want to consider features that aren’t always discussed in general VPN reviews:
- Dedicated Gaming Servers: Some VPNs contain gaming-optimized servers, which shows that a company has a group of servers specially created for gaming.
- DDoS Protection: Try to select VPN, which says they protect from Distributed Denial of Service attacks often aimed at gamers.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your gaming equipment –desktops and laptops, video game consoles, smartphones, tablets, etc.
- Gaming Mode: There are VPNs with a gaming mode that boosts bandwidth and ensures the connection is well-suitable for gaming.
The Impact of VPN Protocols on Gaming
Different VPN protocols can have a significant impact on your gaming experience:
- WireGuard: Very fast and efficient, it is used for gaming, among other Virtual Private Network services.
- OpenVPN: It can be less fast than WireGuard, providing up to higher ping.
- L2TP/IPsec: Somewhere between security and speed, but nothing as fast as the WireGuard protocol.
- IKEv2/IPsec: Ideal for mobile gaming, especially where you have to switch between networks to ensure continuity of the connection.
FAQs
A VPN can benefit gaming, especially if you are concerned about low ping or DDoS Protection or want to get into a specific data region. This means you must ensure the VPN provider you settle for has the proper speeds and low latency rates.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand that no one-size-fits-all solution exists, as the specified factors, including server options, security, and compatibility, will determine the best VPN.
As much as some free VPNs out there, they are/will always be limited in speed, number of available servers, and data allowance. As expected, the best gaming experience is expected from a paid VPN service to avoid any hitches during the game.
An added disadvantage of a VPN is that it can have some latency compared to a direct connection because of encryption. However, this stress is unimportant when using a good VPN close to the game’s server host. Some VPNs are designed to enhance gaming since they can reduce ping and guarantee a stable connection.
According to many sources, ExpressVPN is one of the safest VPN services for gaming as it has a strict no-logging policy, and uses military-grade encryption.
These are the ways through which VPN may help you enhance your online gaming experience by mitigating ping, making access to different regional servers, and protecting you from DDoS attacks.
Yes, you can play PUBG while using a VPN. It can help you switch on different regional servers and provide some extra layer of security to your data, possibly a lower ping. However, ensure that you opt for a VPN with servers near the game’s servers to enjoy the best results.
Private VPN is suitable for gaming. It provides great security and speed on a budget.
You download the VPN, choose a server close to the server of your game, and connect. Once connected, start your game in the usual manner as if nothing is happening in the background.
Conclusion
When deciding which VPN to use in 2024, the main criteria you may think of, mainly when it’s aimed at gaming, is not limited to speed alone. It is about speed, reliability, security, and optimal balance.
Depending on your needs, whether it is faster latencies, defense against attacks, or accessing geo-restricted content, an ideal VPN will enhance your experience in gaming. You have many options to choose the best VPN for gaming, from ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN, to provide you with the optimum gaming experience. Of course, user must select the VPN that suits your needs and yields the best possible gaming results.