Quick decisions are everything in Dota 2. However, if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has poor routing, the resulting lag could cost you the match. When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and sent through the VPN’s servers instead of your ISP’s. This not only hides your real IP address, but it could also reduce your latency, giving you smoother, more responsive gameplay.
That’s not all a VPN can do: they also allow you to shrug off DDoS attacks and access region-locked services from anywhere. Thinking about streaming your online games or looking to play Dota 2 in countries where it’s not available? A VPN lets you do both of these things without having to worry about hackers or snoopers.
We’ll go into more detail on each of our recommended services below. But if you’re in a rush, here are short summaries of the best VPNs for Dota 2.
Best VPNs for Dota 2:
- NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for Dota 2. Boasts a network of 5,000+ high-speed servers, customizable security features, and a no-logs policy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for Dota 2. - Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Dota 2. Fast enough for lag-free gaming. With a strong commitment to your security and no connection limit, Surfshark is ideal for Dota 2 players.
- IPVanish: High speeds, strong security, unlimited bandwidth, and a total lack of connection limits make this a great VPN for gaming.
- ExpressVPN: A consistently high-speed service with powerful security features and more than 3,000 servers worldwide.
- CyberGhost: Offers a wide range of privacy and security protections, very fast connections, and access to over 7,000 servers in 90+ countries.
- PrivateVPN: A very fast service that keeps no logs and puts your security above all else. Free remote help and installation available.
Many VPNs claim to work with Dota 2 but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Dota 2 and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
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How we found the best VPNs for Dota 2
With so many VPNs on the market, choosing one can be a daunting experience. However, we find that the best VPNs tend to be the most versatile. In other words, they can do more than just let you play Dota 2. For this reason, we decided to only recommend services that meet all of the criteria below:
- Offers access to a large network of reliable, high-speed servers
- Uses effectively uncrackable encryption (and various other security features) to keep your traffic secure
- Unblocks a wide range of popular region-locked services
- Does not log any information that could identify you
- Provides apps for all of the most popular operating systems
This is just an overview. You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend later, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.
Best VPN for Dota 2: at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Dota 2.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Dota 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Streaming reliability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Total number of servers | 6,000+ | 3,200 | 2,200+ | Undisclosed | 11,000+ | 200+ | Activity logs | No identifying data | No identifying data | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPN for Dota 2
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Dota 2:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice for a Dota 2 VPN. It has one of the largest networks on the market, with over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. This makes it a prime choice for people who want to play Dota 2 free from any noticeable lag. That’s not all; NordVPN is extremely fast and boasts exceptional streaming ability, so once you’re done playing, you can use services like Netflix US and Prime Video regardless of your geographical location.
This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks to keep your traffic safe at all times. There’s also an ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, and special servers you can use if you’re in a country with strict internet restrictions. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all which means that your activities cannot be traced back to you. Customer support is available via 24/7 live chat.
NordVPN provides easy-to-use apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. NordVPN works with select network routers via manual configuration.
Pros:
- Works with all kinds of services including Dota 2
- Strong security and privacy credentials
- Operates a network of more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries
- Has a strict no-logs policy
- Apps for all major operating systems
Cons:
- Desktop app can be slow to connect to servers
Our score:
BEST DOTA 2 VPN:NordVPN is our first choice. It offers a wide range of advanced security features, a huge network of high-speed servers, and a zero-logs policy. Further, all of its plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has over 3,000 servers throughout 100 countries and is fast enough for lag-free gaming and streaming. What’s more, this service boasts excellent streaming ability, letting you securely access major platforms like Netflix US and Hulu from abroad. There’s no connection limit, meaning you can secure every device you own with a single account.
Using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, Surfshark keeps your online activities private. There’s also automatic ad and malware-blocking, as well as a traffic scrambling feature that lets you bypass VPN blocking. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and provides 24/7 live chat-based support in case of any issues.
Surfshark has excellent multi-platform support, with apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. It even works with home routers (manual setup required) and has Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
Pros:
- Takes privacy and security very seriously
- Fast enough for flawless gaming and streaming
- Connect as many devices as you like
- Keeps no logs
Cons:
- Sometimes slow to connect when switching servers
Our score:
BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark provides decent speeds and uses cutting-edge security and privacy features to keep you as anonymous as possible online. Additionally, this VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish provides fast and reliable connections and unlimited bandwidth without any data limits. As such, it’s a highly versatile service that lets you play Dota 2 without any noticeable lag, but you’re also free to torrent or stream videos on platforms like Netflix US or ITV Hub. IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is more than most of its competitors.
This VPN packs a surprising number of security features, given how lightweight its apps are. There’s 256-bit encryption and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, for instance, as well as a kill switch.IPVanish follows a strict no-logging policy, so once connected, you’re effectively anonymous. If you run into any problems, you can reach customer support via 24/7 live chat.
IPVanish offers Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV apps. If you’d prefer, you can also manually configure it to work on your Linux system or wireless router.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Impressive speeds
- Secures your traffic and keeps no logs
- Easy-to-use apps
- Popular with Kodi users and Torrenters
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
- Based in the US
Our score:
LAG-FREE GAMING:IPVanish boasts consistently high speeds, lightweight apps, a no-logging policy, and a strong focus on your security. Best of all, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has roughly 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. This means it’s ideal for Dota 2 players since no matter where you are in the world, it’s easy to get a high-speed, low-latency connection. ExpressVPN allows you to do far more than game without lag; it works with major services like Netflix and Prime Video. This VPN service permits up to five simultaneous connections so you can protect all of your devices.
With ExpressVPN, your security is taken seriously. It features DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch that immediately stops all traffic whenever your connection drops. There’s also a split-tunneling feature in case you’d rather that only certain traffic is encrypted. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, although you can sign up almost anonymously using Bitcoin. Live chat-based support is available 24/7.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It also has Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions. ExpressVPN has custom firmware to simplify the process of installing it on your home router.
Pros:
- Consistent, speedy connections
- Top-class security and privacy protection features
- Anonymous payment option (Bitcoin) available
- Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- One of the more expensive VPNs on the market
- Lack of advanced configuration options
Our score:
SECURITY-FIRST PROVIDER:ExpressVPN is a solid choice It offers the perfect combination of connection speed, security, and cloaking ability, so it’s an ideal VPN for gaming and playing Dota 2. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN that’s perfect for Dota 2. It offers access to more than 9,000 fast and reliable servers across 90 countries, so you don’t have to worry about lag. It’s also capable of securely accessing platforms like Hulu and BBC iPlayer, so Steam doesn’t pose much of a problem. Additionally, this service allows you to have up to seven simultaneous connections.
This VPN includes numerous security features, and as they’re all enabled by default, very little setup is required. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, an always-on kill switch, and even a feature that blocks malware and ads. CyberGhost doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you. If you need any help, you can reach support 24/7 over live chat.
CyberGhost has apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are available to download for Chrome and Firefox. CyberGhost can be manually installed on supported internet routers.
Pros:
- All security features enabled by default
- 9,000+ high-speed servers worldwide
- Accepts Bitcoin
- Novice-friendly apps
Cons:
- Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN FOR Dota 2:CyberGhost provides high speeds, powerful pre-configured security features, and excellent unblocking ability, meaning it’s perfect for anyone looking to play Dota 2 safely. This service even includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has fewer servers than some of the services higher on our list (roughly 200 in 60+ countries) but it helps make up for it by providing better-than-average speeds. In fact, this service is fast enough for flawless 4K streaming, so you should be able to play Dota 2 without lag (assuming your base internet speeds are high enough). With up to 10 connections allowed, PrivateVPN lets you secure all of your devices simultaneously.
This service keeps your online activities hidden from snoopers using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in the Windows app), and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a stealth mode that lets you bypass VPN-blocking and play on any network you like. PrivateVPN is a completely logless service, so your privacy is in good hands. Customer support is available via live chat.
PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV devices. This service can be manually installed on Linux-based platforms and supported routers.
Pros:
- Faster than many other providers
- Privacy and security are top-notch
- Gaining reputation for their growing list of sites it unblocks
Cons:
- A small number of servers to choose from
- Live chat isn’t available 24/7 (up to 22 hours per day)
Our score:
VERY HIGH SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, but it also takes your security and privacy very seriously, meaning it’s perfect for anyone looking to play Dota 2 anonymously. All of this service’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
How to unblock Dota 2 abroad
In a country where Dota 2 (or perhaps Steam) is unavailable? Don’t worry: it’s simple to unblock Dota 2 abroad with the right VPN. Just follow the steps below.
Here’s how to play Dota 2 from anywhere:
- First, choose a VPN from the list above (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
- Next, download the appropriate version of the app, install it, and log in.
- Connect to a server in a country where Dota 2 is available. American servers are a strong choice, but you may find that choosing servers closer to your physical location helps reduce your latency.
- Finally, restart Steam and try loading Dota 2 again. You should be able to play without any issues, but if not, we’d recommend trying a different server or contacting customer support for further assistance.
Disclaimer: Comparitech does not encourage or condone using a VPN to access content illegally. We advise researching your country’s laws and the terms of use for specific platforms before using a VPN to access their content.
Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Dota 2
There are a few things to look out for if you’re thinking about gaming with a VPN connected. It might surprise you to learn that speed, while very important, is only one part of the equation. Below, we’ll cover the key areas we focused on while researching the best VPNs for Dota 2:
- Server options: Usually, the closer your server is, the better your connection will be. However, there may be times when you want to use a distant server (for instance, if you’d like to play exclusively with users in a different region). As such, we looked for VPNs with plenty of servers to choose from, ideally spread across at least 50 countries.
- Performance: There’s no worse feeling than losing an online game because of lag. To ensure you don’t experience any rubberbanding or random disconnections, we prioritized VPNs that performed well in our most recent speed tests.
- Cloaking ability: Some games simply won’t let you play if they realize you’re using a VPN. That’s why we looked for those with either a toggleable stealth mode or some form of traffic obfuscation built-in. As a bonus, this same functionality can help you access Dota 2, even in places where it might not usually be available.
- Security: Other players don’t always have your best interests at heart. As such, we required our top VPNs to secure your connection with 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A no-logs policy is a must-have too. Note that this is just a starting point; we strongly prefer providers with more advanced features.
- Pricing: Some VPNs try to get away with charging more without actually providing any features that could justify a higher price tag. Our top VPNs are all fairly priced, and to help save you money, we’ll always let you know if there is a discount code available.
Interested in learning more about how we put services through their paces? We have a detailed post explaining exactly how we test VPNs at Comparitech.
Playing Dota 2 with a VPN: FAQs
Can I play Dota 2 with a free VPN?
Although free VPNs can be tempting, overall, they’re a poor choice for gaming. These services often have more users than their (usually very limited) networks can support, which leads to extremely slow speeds — not exactly what you want when playing a fast-paced game like Dota 2. Additionally, free VPNs often have strict data limits, which means that you could be kicked out partway through a match. Too many disconnects will result in you being forced into the low-priority matchmaking queue alongside a mix of trolls, griefers, and rage-quitters.
You should also know that free VPNs tend to be less secure than paid ones. In one study, researchers examined more than 280 free VPNs and discovered that almost 40% contained malware. Even the ones that didn’t weren’t necessarily safe, as 18% used no encryption at all, meaning their users were completely exposed. Finally, free VPNs are not always upfront about how they handle your data. Many paid services refuse to log identifiable information, but in contrast, free VPNs rarely have any problems with selling details of your activities to advertisers.
To keep your online activities private, we recommend using a reputable VPN provider that has a user-first logging policy and a strong track record on privacy.
Will I get into trouble for using a VPN with Dota 2?
There seems to be some confusion as to whether you’re allowed to play Dota with a VPN. This stems, at least in part, from the following overly-restrictive paragraph in Steam’s subscriber agreement:
“You agree that you will not use IP proxying or other methods to disguise the place of your residence, whether to circumvent geographical restrictions on game content, to purchase at pricing not applicable to your geography, or for any other purpose. If you do this, Valve may terminate your access to your Account.”
However, Steam has since clarified its stance, saying that simply playing a game while connected to a VPN is not grounds for a ban. You should note that using a VPN to buy games at a lower price is still a violation of the subscriber agreement, though Dota 2 is a free-to-play game, so you shouldn’t have any issues installing it while connected.
How does Dota 2 know I'm using a VPN?
Dota 2 can detect when players are using a VPN by looking at the user’s IP address. When a player connects to the game through a VPN, their IP address will be different from what it usually would be, and Dota 2’s servers can detect this. This means that if you’re using a VPN while playing Dota 2, your opponents may be able to tell you’re not in your usual location (though it’s unlikely).
Why should I use a VPN with Dota 2?
We’re of the opinion that there are three main reasons to use a VPN with Dota 2:
- Unblock and play Dota 2 regardless of your location
- Bypass bandwidth throttling from your ISP
- Secure yourself from threats such as DDoS attacks
A VPN hides your real IP address so you can spoof your location and bypass geo-blocking. The best VPNs for Dota 2 all use fast protocols such as WireGuard and offer unlimited bandwidth for low ping online gaming. All data is encrypted and unreadable to hackers and snoopers so you don’t need to worry about them ruining your gaming session.