Counter-Strike: Global Offensive isn’t just a game; it’s a global phenomenon where reaction times and strategy play a crucial role. Dealing with high ping, geo-restrictions, or DDoS attacks can be a nightmare for any CS: GO warrior. That’s where a reliable VPN comes in.
A good VPN for CSGO can reduce lag, protect you from attacks, and even unlock geo-restricted game servers or skins. This article explores the best VPNs to give you an edge in CS: GO, including detailed reviews for each provider. If you’re in a rush, below is a summary of our top picks.
The best CSGO VPNs:
- NordVPN: The best CSGO VPN. Servers in 60+ countries, DDos protection, apps for desktop and mobile, and 24/7 support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: A great budget choice VPN for CSGO. Unlimited device connections, 2000+ servers globally, and solid security credentials.
- ExpressVPN: A large server network and impressive speeds. Servers in 105+ countries, DNS leak protection, and router support.
- CyberGhost: Offers apps suitable for new and advanced users, dedicated gaming servers great for CSGO and other games.
- PrivateVPN: Excellent unblocking ability, Windows, macOS, mobile apps, and 256-bit encryption. Works reliably with CSGO.
- Private Internet Access: Over 30,000 servers worldwide, built-in app kill switch, and WireGuard support.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for CSGO.
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Our criteria for the best CSGO VPNs
We’ve put each provider through the trenches, testing every aspect of their service to ensure the perfect CS: GO experience. Here are some of the areas we test:
- Fast connections are prioritized for smooth, lag-free gaming.
- Essential security features include robust encryption and no-logs policies.
- A large selection of global servers is crucial for low ping and regional access.
- Good customer service and support for multiple devices enhance gaming experiences.
Check out our methodology later for more details.
The best VPNs for CSGO
Here more detail on each of the VPNs we’ve rated as the best for CSGO:
1. NordVPN
May 2024
works with CSGOTested May 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players, thanks to its extensive network of servers in over 60 countries. This global coverage ensures that players can easily find a server with low latency for an optimized gaming experience.
Key to its appeal for gamers is NordVPN’s strong encryption and DDoS protection, which safeguard against potential cyber threats and interruptions during gameplay. Supporting up to 6 devices simultaneously, NordVPN is versatile, allowing players to secure not just their gaming rig but also other devices like smartphones and tablets. It’s compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and even offers router support to cover all devices on your network.
NordVPN enhances your online experience with an ad and malware blocker, ensuring uninterrupted gaming and browsing. Known for its fast speeds, NordVPN is perfect for fast-paced games like CS: GO, ensuring minimal lag and swift server connections.
Around-the-clock customer support is available to assist with any queries, providing peace of mind for gamers at all times. The 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to test the service risk-free to ensure it meets your gaming needs.
Operating out of Panama, known for its strong privacy laws, NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. The VPN service supports P2P activities and is capable of unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and entertainment.
Pros:
- A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting
- Capable of delivering very high speeds
- True no-logs policy
- Free live chat-based support
Cons:
- Stores advertising IDs on mobile
- No app for routers
Our score:
BEST CSGO VPN:NordVPN has a catalog of security tools, operates over 3000+ servers, and offers rapid speeds.
Check out our full NordVPN review to find out more.
2. Surfshark
works with CSGOTested May 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is another top choice for CSGO players looking for a budget-friendly provider with all the bells and whistles. It packs some excellent features, such as split tunneling, allowing you to route your web traffic separately from your gaming traffic. It offers a kill switch, cutting your connection if your internet drops, and further prevents leaks with DNS leak protection and military-grade encryption.
Streaming-wise, Surfshark has no trouble accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or HBO Max from any of its 99+ countries. Speeds are excellent across the board, vital for securing your next win on the battlefield.
Support is available day and night, with an unlimited connection limit, and apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more.
Pros:
- Kill switch included
- Decent speeds for downloading and streaming
- Strong encryption and a no logs policy
- Unlimited connections with a single sub
Cons:
- Some features require Surfshark One, a paid addon
- Some servers have performance lags
Our score:
WALLET-FRIENDLY:Surfshark easily unblocks tight censorship, has an endless device limit, and uses lightweight apps.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
works with CSGOTested May 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a standout choice for CS: GO enthusiasts, boasting servers in over 105 countries. This extensive network ensures smooth gameplay and the ability to unblock streaming giants like Prime Video, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.
Key features include support for seven simultaneous device connections and split tunneling, allowing personalized VPN usage across multiple devices. Security is top-notch, with AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to protect your data in case of connection drops. It has a strict no-logs policy, operating from the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands.
ExpressVPN offers user-friendly apps for desktops, mobiles, and routers, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Its impressive speeds are perfect for fast-paced gaming, reducing lag and latency in CS: GO. Round-the-clock customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee provide additional peace of mind.
Pros:
- Keeps no traffic logs of personal data
- Fast servers are great for high quality streaming and downloading
- Includes powerful security tools
- Works in places like Russia and China
Cons:
- Fewer advanced configuration options than other VPNs
- Quite expensive (use our coupon for a better deal)
Our score:
VAST COVERAGE:ExpressVPN has a seven simultaneous device limit, based in a privacy haven, and includes IPv6 leak protection.
Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
works with CSGOTested May 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a VPN tailored to veteran VPN enthusiasts and beginners alike. It has servers in over 100 countries, capable of tackling any geo-restrictions that may arise with CSGO. It also has a heap of dedicated servers depending on the task at hand, whether you’re gaming, streaming, torrenting, or surfing the web.
All apps are available on PC and mobile and include a kill switch, strong encryption, and a no-logs policy to keep your activities under wraps.
CyberGhost is pretty good at accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other big streaming services. Best of all? It has 24/7 support, and all plans include a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable service
- Minimal configuration required
- Solid privacy and security features enabled by default
- Apps are easy to use and great for new users
Cons:
- No router support
- Could offer more control over advanced functionality
Our score:
NEW USER PICK:CyberGhost includes a 45-day money-back guarantee, specialty servers, and AES encryption.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. PrivateVPN
works with CSGOTested May 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private VPN is an excellent choice for gamers and CSGO enthusiasts, with servers in over 60 countries that break down the walls of frustrating geo-restrictions. Speeds are awesome across our tests, and encryption is watertight.
Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps are standard, and desktop apps include a robust kill switch. It operates a no-logs policy, so nobody can access your data except you.
PrivateVPN includes unlimited bandwidth and beats ISP throttling. It unblocks most streaming services with ease, and support is ready 24/7 when you need it.
Pros:
- Unblocks Netflix US, UK, and others
- Easy to use apps for all platforms
- Reliable encryption and a kill-switch
- 200 servers in over 60 countries
Cons:
- Would prefer 24/7 support
- Doesn’t work with some streaming services
Our score:
KILL SWITCH READY:PrivateVPN has apps for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android. It doesn’t collect logs, and unblocking is superior.
6. Private Internet Access
works with CSGOTested May 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access is a veteran VPN service with a lot going from a customization standpoint, making it ideal for CSGO players who need to tweak advanced settings. It has 30,000+ servers in over 80 countries. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, you can expect epic speeds for streaming and gaming.
PIA uses 256-bit encryption, an in-app kill switch, DNS leak protection, an ad blocker, and a malware blocker. It doesn’t collect logs, and apps are available for iOS and Android, Windows, and macOS. You have the option to adjust your encryption level, giving a boost to gaming or streaming.
A 30-day money-back guarantee is packed in with all plans, and live chat support is available around the clock.
Pros:
- Doesn’t collect logs
- Vast server network
- Has no connection limit
- Built in kill switch
Cons:
- Fails to unblock some streaming services
- It is subject to requests from the Five Eyes Alliance
Our score:
WIREGUARD ON:Private Internet Access has servers in over 80+ countries, operates a no-logs policy, and has apps for desktop and mobile.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
How to use a VPN with CSGO
Using a VPN while playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Here’s a straightforward guide:
- Choose a VPN that meets your gaming needs. We recommend NordVPN for its speed and security, but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also great options.
- Visit your chosen VPN provider’s website or the app store on your device to download and install the VPN application.
- Open the VPN app and select a server. For the best experience, choose a server close to your physical location or the CS: GO server you wish to play on.
- With your VPN connected, start Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. You should experience a more stable connection and bypass any geo-restrictions you might have encountered before.
If you run into any issues, try clearing your cookies and browser cache, then retry. Remember, your VPN’s support team can help if you need assistance.
See also: Best VPNs for gaming
VPN Testing Methodology for CS: GO
When selecting the best VPNs for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, we evaluate several key aspects to ensure an optimal gaming experience. Here’s what we focus on:
- Speed: CS: GO demands quick reflexes and split-second decisions, so we prioritize VPNs that offer lightning-fast speeds to minimize lag and latency.
- Security: Robust security features are crucial. We look for VPNs with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and DDoS protection to safeguard your online gaming sessions.
- Unblocking Ability: A top VPN should be able to bypass geo-restrictions, granting access to different regional servers and exclusive in-game content.
- Device Support: CS: GO players use various devices, so we ensure the VPNs offer wide compatibility with platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Customer Support: Quick and effective customer support is vital, especially for resolving any issues that could interrupt your gaming. We prefer VPNs with 24/7 support via live chat or email.
- Network Size: A large number of servers across various locations is important for connecting to game servers worldwide, reducing ping, and ensuring a stable connection.
- Value: We assess the overall value of the VPN, considering the price, the features offered, and the available subscription plans to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.
By rigorously applying this methodology, we ensure that our recommendations for CS: GO VPNs are based on speed, security, unblocking capabilities, device support, customer service, network size, and overall value. Check out our methodology article for further details.
CSGO VPN FAQs
How will a VPN affect ping in CSGO?
A VPN encrypts data before it leaves your device, routes it through an intermediary server, and decrypts it. These added steps increase ping and can cause lag in CSGO. Under certain circumstances, however, the VPN can bypass bandwidth throttling or improve routing, which lowers your ping and improves latency. All of the VPNs we recommend have fast servers in dozens of locations around the globe, plus money-back guarantees, so you can try them at no risk.
Will my ISP know I'm using a VPN?
Your ISP will be able to see you are using a VPN, but they won’t be able to see what you’re doing, meaning it’s game-on for CSGO.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, but some actively block them. We’d recommend checking the VPN laws and rules in your region before connecting.
