Best VPNs for Gaming: Playing and Hosting Online Games

Using a gaming VPN is a great way to improve your game-playing and hosting experience. Online gaming requires a fast and consistent connection. If your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, you’re likely to experience high ping, which makes for a frustrating gaming experience. Online gaming also comes with some security risks in the form of DDoS attacks and swatting. The good news is that a VPN can help you bypass these issues to play online games without performance and security-related interruptions.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, works by routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in your preferred location. The encryption of data prevents your ISP, hackers, and snoopers from intercepting data. Furthermore, your real IP address and location are hidden, which protects your privacy and helps prevent DDoS attacks. It also allows you to spoof your location – an easy way to access games not available in your location!

We extensively tested all the VPNs on the market that claim to be great for gaming and hosting, and we’ve put together this list of the ones we’ve found to be the best. In this article, we’ll review them for you and explain how to use them. We’ll start with a quick summary of their top features, but keep reading if you want more detailed reviews.

Best VPNs for online gaming:

1. NordVPN: Our top recommended gaming VPN. Extremely fast, servers in 60+ countries, strong security and privacy standards. Prevents ISP throttling and lag. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget alternative. Solid choice for gaming. Reliable servers, great multi-platform support, a wide range of privacy features, and no device limits.
3. ExpressVPN: Operates reliable servers in 94 countries. Fast connections and works with a wide range of devices. Quality customer support around the clock.
4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN. Solid provider with plenty of useful features for gaming online. Extensive server network. Allows up to seven simultaneous connections.
5. IPVanish: Fast servers in more than 75 locations. Tier 1 network. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections for gaming on multiple devices.
6. PrivateVPN: Excellent speeds and strong privacy and security. Offers free remote help and installation and accepts anonymous payment in Bitcoin.
7. AtlasVPN: Provides fast WireGuard connections to let you play games or stream uninterrupted. Unlimited connections and includes a malware blocker.

The best VPNs for gaming: 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 gaming.

Best VPNs for online gaming

Interested to know how we came up with our list of the best VPNs for online gaming? Our rigorous testing and analysis process helps us only to recommend the VPNs that provide the best service for online gaming and meet our speed, privacy, and security standards. In order to be selected, the VPNs had to fulfill the following criteria:

• Fast and unthrottled VPN connections for low-ping online gaming
• Servers in countries worldwide for bypassing blocks
• Military-grade encryption to keep your data secure
• Privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy
• Live chat and email support around the clock
• Money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial

If you’d like to know more about our testing and decision-making process, take a look at our methodology section below the full VPN reviews. For now, let’s get into the reviews of the ones that made the cut.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for gaming:

1. NordVPN

Oct 2023

NordVPN is our first choice for a gaming VPN. It boasts more than 5,500 servers in 60 countries, including some optimized for additional privacy. We found it to have some of the fastest speeds we’ve tested, and with no bandwidth limits whatsoever, this VPN is ideal for games where a fast connection is essential.

Next to each server listed in the app is the server load and the number of miles between yourself and the server, which should give you some indication of ping time. You can “favorite” a server to find it quickly later on. NordVPN supports split tunneling on Chrome and Firefox browser extensions and on mobile apps.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. If you want to connect to a game console, NordVPN’s website includes dozens of tutorials on setting up the VPN on several types of Wi-Fi router. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR GAMERS:NordVPN is our #1 choice. With a vast range of servers dotted around the globe, including dedicated gaming servers, NordVPN sets the standard for gamers. Also hard to beat on privacy and security features. Allows up to six simultaneous connections from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try them risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a low-cost provider that offers a premium service. This great value provider operates more than 3,200 servers in a whopping 100 countries, which means you’re effectively guaranteed a low-latency connection wherever you are in the world. It also allows you to automatically connect to the fastest available server and to see each server’s current load at-a-glance. You can also connect unlimited devices simultaneously.

With decent speeds and plenty of security features (including 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch), this VPN is well worth your time. Note that Surfshark also operates a strict no-logs policy, so your privacy is very much protected.

Surfshark comes with apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV, Looking to use a VPN on your games console? Surfshark’s website even offers step-by-step guides to installing its software on your home router. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET GAMING VPN:Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you like, which means you can game, browse, or stream safe in the knowledge that no one is watching. This security-conscious VPN keeps no logs and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in 94 countries around the world. The VPN consistently scores well in our speed tests, offering more than enough bandwidth to keep up with opponents online. Split tunneling is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and ExpressVPN’s router firmware.

If you’re a console gamer using a PlayStation or Xbox that doesn’t support VPN apps, ExpressVPN sells pre-configured routers and makes free router firmware for certain models that will let you route all the traffic connected to them through the VPN. This is far more user-friendly than trying to flash an open-source firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato onto your router and manually configuring a VPN, which is also a pain whenever you need to switch servers.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Fire TV, and certain wifi routers. It also has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

ExpressVPN speed test data

TICKS ALL THE BOXES:ExpressVPN is a strong choice for gamers. A fast and reliable VPN for playing. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. Pricier than others on this list. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an easy-to-use VPN that comes packed with all sorts of features that can help you tailor the service to your gaming needs. Our speed tests show CyberGhost is among the fastest VPNs out there. It’s reliable, too, offering stable connections to over 9,000 servers in over 90+ countries.

All of the servers available on CyberGhost’s network are DDoS-protected, and a NAT firewall comes built-in. You can toggle on useful settings like extra speed and data compression. 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection ensure your data is secure. There’s also a strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. Split tunneling is available on Windows and Android. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions can also be downloaded.

CyberGhost speed test data

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is easy to use. and excellent value for money. Vast server network in 90 countries is perfect for gaming. Stores no logs and works to stream HD video platforms, including Netflix and Hulu, reliably. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish runs approximately 2,000 servers in over 50 countries and exclusively uses Tier 1 servers. It’s one of the very few providers that actually owns its servers rather than renting them. It also provides WireGuard in all of its apps. So, if your priority is to play on a VPN without lag, IPVanish is an excellent choice.

The IPVanish apps allow you to see the current load and ping time of each server and even filter by ping time, protocol, and country. The service includes a NAT firewall. The Android app supports split tunneling. With just one account, you’ll have an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. IPVanish can also be configured on Wi-Fi routers, which will cover your game console.

IPVanish speed test data

GREAT GAMING VPN:IPVanish has a large network of servers which makes it solid for gaming. An uncongested network that achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a Swedish VPN that is fast enough for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Servers are available in 63 different countries. Further, this VPN can provide secure access to around 20 different Netflix regions, Hulu, iPlayer, and just about any other international streaming platforms you can think of.

True to its name, PrivateVPN has a watertight no-logs policy. You can also expect military-grade encryption as well as a kill switch and DNS leak protection. It is also lightning-fast for playing multiplayer games and has everything you need to compete in tournaments without fear of DDoS attacks.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded and installed for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. It can also be manually configured to work with Linux as well as VPN-compatible routers for use with PlayStation and Xbox games consoles.

PrivateVPN speed test data

USER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN has fast servers that are great for gaming. Solid privacy and security features. Servers are available in 60+ countries. Apps provide plenty of advanced features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a provider we often recommend for streaming. However, due to its excellent speed and reliability, it is also a superb option for playing online games. The VPN provides optimal speeds for gaming thanks to its superb Wireguard implementation. Atlas VPN provides access to streaming platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and HBO Max.

Despite the fact that this is a relatively new VPN, the apps are feature-rich. Users get access to a kill switch, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, and split tunneling. It is also a no-logs VPN. It has IKEv2 with robust AES-256 encryption, which is secure for privacy and security purposes.

To use Atlas VPN, download apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV. Note that it doesn’t provide any support for routers, however.

Atlas speed test data

FANTASTIC CONNECTION SPEEDS:AtlasVPN is ideal for playing games and streaming. The VPN lets you connect to its servers using an unlimited number of devices. Fast WireGuard protocol servers in dozens of countries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for gaming: Our methodology

Deciding which VPN to use for gaming can be tricky. After all, they’re fairly complex pieces of software, and the choices are almost limitless, with new providers popping up all of the time. To determine which VPNs are best, we need first to identify which aspects have the biggest impact on gaming and then set a base standard for each. Here are the criteria we used to separate the best from the rest:

• Speed: The most important consideration for a gaming VPN. Low speeds often result in lag, stuttering, and sporadic disconnections. To prevent this, all of the services we recommend must provide above-average speeds in our most recent speed tests.
• Network size: Generally, the closer your chosen server is, the lower your latency (although other factors impact this as well). It’s important that a gaming VPN has solid global coverage so that you always have access to a nearby server. Our recommendations all cover at least 55 countries.
• Security features: Gamers come up against all kinds of threats, from DDoS attacks to targeted harassment (including particularly dangerous types such as SWATTING). The best VPNs for gaming must include a variety of tools (like encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection) designed to keep your true identity and location anonymous.
• Bandwidth limit: Some services restrict the amount of data you can use each month. Others reduce your speeds after a certain allowance. To ensure you can game as much as you like, our top VPNs for gaming must offer unlimited bandwidth and must not throttle your speeds under any circumstances.
• Logging policy: For maximum anonymity, these services must not log any data that could identify you. Ideally, they’d keep no logs at all since this prevents them from divulging any user info at any time. Find out more about each VPN’s logging policy here.
• Unblocking ability: If your game isn’t available worldwide, doesn’t let you switch regions manually, or holds region-exclusive events, you may have to bypass its geographic restrictions using a VPN. Our top VPNs must be able to evade detection to reduce the chance of any consequences, such as a temporary ban.

Of course, this is just the first step. These tests form part of the VPN testing and analysis our team performs as part of our wider research process.

Best VPNs for hosting games online

Now you know which VPNs to choose from if all you want to do is play a game online. But if you want to host one? That requires a couple more criteria to consider:

• Port forwarding. Games often only operate on certain ports. Game servers and older LAN games will require a VPN equipped with port forwarding. This allows other gamers to find and connect to your public IP address through the forwarded port. Note that it’s not necessary or even recommended to port forward your router and the VPN at the same time. Only the VPN requires port forwarding, or else risk opening yourself up to attack.
• Static IP addresses are also sometimes referred to as dedicated IPs, though the two differ slightly. A static IP address will allow you to run a reliable game server that won’t change IPs all the time. They can also allow friends to connect to your host computer via LAN apps like Hamachi and Evolve without constantly updating your IP address.

With those criteria in mind, here are a few VPNs for hosting online games:

• NordVPN: Offers a handful of static IP servers at no extra cost. Port forwarding is not yet supported, but the company says it plans to implement it in a forthcoming update.
• AirVPN: Each Air VPN server has one static exit-IP address with which clients connected to that server are “visible” on the internet. No specific setup is necessary. Users may forward up to 20 ports simultaneously from the client area dashboard on AirVPN’s website. Private dedicated IPs are available and can be requested by contacting AirVPN.
• TorGuard: You can add dedicated server IPs to a list in the TorGuard app in the settings menu under the Servers tab. It will then appear at the top of the server selection list on the main client. To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to request it on the TorGuard website. Processing is usually instant. Go to My Services > View Details >> Management Actions >> Port Management.

Why you should use a VPN for online gaming

A VPN service encrypts a device’s internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of the user’s choosing. The encryption and re-routing process can slow down connections and increase lag. Since online gamers want the fastest connection to a game server they can get, it might seem counter-intuitive at first to use a VPN, but there are benefits.

Why you should use a VPN for gaming:

• Access geo-locked games inaccessible from your country of residence. Is your favorite game limited to South Korea or Japan? No problem! Just connect to a VPN server in those countries and brush up on your language skills.
• Bypass IP bans. Did you get unjustly IP banned from a game that you love? A VPN will change your IP address so you can get back in the action.
• Access to Steam and other marketplaces when traveling abroad. Steam and other online game stores may not accept payment if your IP address does not match up with the country in your profile. A VPN can help you get around this.
• Protection from DDoS attacks. If you’re a competitive gamer and the other team is using dirty tactics to target your IP address with a denial-of-service attack, many VPNs have built-in protections against that.
• Protection from hackers and snoops. Leaving your connection open to a game for long periods of time can be a security risk. The encryption and IP masking a VPN offers will help keep you safe.
• Play games not yet released in your country. If you live in Europe and want to get your hands on a game only available in the US, a VPN can help you get earlier access. Just make sure you’re not breaking any terms of service.
• Access to other regions’ game servers. If you have a friend in another country you want to play with, but the game’s servers are split up by region, a VPN can let you play together.
• Unblock Discord. Discord is blocked in some countries and certain environments. All of the VPNs we recommend support split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. You can unblock Discord with a VPN while at the same time using a direct connection for games.
• Access to game streaming services. Game streaming services like Google Stadia and XCloud are only available in certain countries. You can unblock them with a VPN.

Note: some online gaming VPNs will claim they can also lower ping time and lag. However, we recommend you take this claim with a grain of salt. In some cases, a VPN will give you access to a game server that’s performing better or even find a faster route between you and the game server. However, in the vast majority of cases, the encryption process and re-routing a VPN performs will increase your ping time.

VPNs that gamers should avoid

BolehVPN

We like BolehVPN on the whole, but not for gaming. We’re only singling it out here because we’ve seen multiple other sites claiming that BolehVPN offers gaming-optimized servers and game-hosting services. In fact, it never offered gaming-optimized servers and has since quit selling game hosting services. With only 14 countries to choose from, it’s just not great for gaming.

Free VPNs

Free VPNs usually have a limited number of servers, cap data transfers, require queueing to connect, and throttle bandwidth. They also tend to have worse security and privacy policies compared to paid VPN services. All in all, they’re just not suitable for gaming.

Using PPTP for a faster connection

Normally we never recommend PPTP ahead of other protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP. If those options are too slow, however, you may consider using the PPTP protocol when gaming. PPTP tends to be faster than many other options and is still widely supported both by VPN providers and operating systems.

Be warned, however, that you shouldn’t depend on a PPTP VPN connection to keep you secure. The protocol has known security vulnerabilities. This means you shouldn’t use it for any privacy-critical tasks. If you want fast speeds and privacy, your best bet is to use the WireGuard protocol. Most of our recommended gaming VPNs are now offering this protocol.

SOCKS5 proxy for gaming

If all you want to do is access a game that’s geo-blocked in your area, consider using a SOCKS5 proxy. Because SOCKS5 proxies don’t encrypt traffic by default, they tend to be faster than VPNs (not the overloaded free ones, mind you).

Bear in mind, however, that SOCKS5 proxies don’t come with any of the security bonuses of VPNs. The provider can mine your traffic for personal data and inject malware or advertisements. You won’t get a NAT firewall or DDoS protection.

NordVPN subscriptions come with free SOCKS5 proxies and plenty of locations to choose from. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about them abusing your data.

How to keep kids safe when gaming online

Privacy and security are just as important when you game as when you browse the internet. Kids who game online can put themselves at risk of a range of threats, including cyber harassment, malware infection, SWATTING, invasion of privacy, and generally conversing with strangers that you’d rather them not communicate with.

Here are a few precautions you can implement to keep your kids safe online while gaming:

• Always use a VPN. This will mask your home’s real IP address and replace it with that of the VPN server, making it much more difficult for any third party to track your location or identify your device
• Keep your devices and software up to date. Don’t sit on security updates for your computers, smartphones, and game consoles. Likewise, update apps and games as soon as updates are available
• Avoid pirating games and only download games from reputable sites and vendors
• Use the parental controls and filtering built into your game console or Steam to steer kids away from mature content
• Wipe personal details and other data from unused devices
• Disable the voice chat on games that use public matchmaking to team up with strangers
• Don’t use a webcam when streaming on Twitch
• Don’t use a real photo as an avatar
• Don’t use your real name in your gamer handle or profile. In fact, don’t fill out any non-essential information in your profile.
• Configure your account settings so that your child cannot spend money on games or microtransactions without your permission

While all that can help protect your child online, the best protection is awareness. Talk to your child about the risks of divulging personal information to strangers. Here are a few guidelines for kids:

• Never reveal your real age, name, school, or location
• Never arrange to meet someone you met in the game in real life
• If you are bullied or made to feel uncomfortable, tell an adult. Kids should not be punished for confiding in their parents
• Don’t believe what strangers tell you online
• Don’t be a troll

Using a VPN for gaming: FAQs