10 Best VPNs for Minecraft and how to beat IP bans

You may not realize this, but when you join a Minecraft server, the host can see your IP address. This allows them to discover your real location, find out who your ISP is, and target you with DDoS attacks, disrupting your experience and potentially stopping you from gaming at all. The good news is that it’s easy to protect yourself; all you have to do is connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before playing.

There is one small issue: VPNs can also help you beat IP bans, so Microsoft does its best to stop players from using them. Most of the time, you’ll be unable to join online servers and will just see an error reading “Connection lost – You seem to be using a VPN or proxy.” However, I’ve identified 10 high-quality VPNs that still work with Minecraft so you can play wherever you are, whenever you like, with minimal fuss.

I’ll review the best Minecraft VPNs in more detail shortly. For now, you’ll find a brief description of what makes each so special below.

The best VPNs for Minecraft:

1. NordVPN: My top-rated Minecraft VPN. Unblocks virtually every geo-blocked game and streaming I’ve tried. Very large network, high speeds, and an exceptional privacy toolkit. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Minecraft.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Minecraft. A low-cost service with strong security tools, no connection limit, and some of the fastest servers I’ve seen.
3. Total VPN: This speedy, no-logs VPN offers reliable servers all over the world and is a fantastic choice for gaming. 24/7 support and a stealth protocol.
4. ProtonVPN: No-logs with impressive speeds and a truly expansive network. Does’t keep any logs and beats most regional restrictions with ease.
5. ExpressVPN: Great choice for beginners. Offers lots of speedy servers, pre-configured security, and obfuscation so you can play Minecraft anywhere.
6. IPVanish: A quick and versatile VPN with no logs and no connection limit. Offers steady speeds and an ever-growing set of privacy features.
7. CyberGhost: This provider has gaming-optimized servers and works great with Minecraft, Overwatch, and more. Quick, reliable, and great for everyday use.
8. PureVPN: High speeds and strong security make this a great Minecraft VPN. Intuitive apps, 24/7 support, and the ability to secure 10 devices at once.
9. Private Internet Access: Reputable service with customizable security. Reliably unblocks Minecraft and most streaming sites from abroad. No logs.
10. PrivateVPN: Versatile, easy to use provider that works in high-censorship countries like China. Great for gaming and privacy but a tad slower than others.

How to play Minecraft and remove an IP ban with a VPN

VPNs can seem daunting if you’ve never used one before. However, they’re actually very simple to use. Just follow the steps below to reset your IP address, beat your Minecraft ban, and continue playing securely.

Here’s how to use a VPN to bypass an IP ban on Minecraft:

1. Sign up for a quality VPN for Minecraft (I recommend using NordVPN).
2. Download the appropriate version of the VPN client for your operating system.
3. Choose a VPN server that’s close to your location, then connect.
4. Try joining an online world in Minecraft. You should be able to play uninterrupted for as long as you’d like.
5. If you’re struggling to access Minecraft, try clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the page or connecting to a different server. Alternatively, contact your VPN’s customer services team for more help.

How I chose the top Minecraft VPNs

Before you can start playing Minecraft securely, you first have to decide which VPN to use. There are hundreds out there, but I’ve identified the best VPNs for Minecraft by evaluating their performance in five main areas. Here’s what I was looking for:

• Speed: I started by making sure each VPN was fast enough for uninterrupted gaming. Each service’s US servers were tested at three different times of day using a 250 Mbps connection.
• Network suitability: I looked into how many countries each provider’s network covered, then checked to see if they could access Minecraft and popular streaming services from abroad.
• Security and privacy: There’s no point using a VPN that can’t keep you safe, which is why I considered more than a dozen security-related factors such as encryption strength, anti-censorship tools, and what kind of logs are kept.
• Ease of use: The more user-friendly your VPN is, the better. I kept an eye out for features that elevate the user experience, like unlimited connections, gaming-optimized servers, strong streaming ability, and 24/7 customer support.
• Value for money: You don’t have to pay a lot for a quality VPN. I found each VPNs lowest monthly price, checked whether they have student discounts, and looked into their enhanced plans to make sure you get the best possible deal.

You can read about my testing process in the methodology section at the bottom of this post.

Minecraft VPNs compared

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – my #1 choice VPN for Minecraft.

The best VPNs for Minecraft

Without further ado, let’s take a look at my highest-rated VPNs for Minecraft. The reviews below are based on first-hand experiences and extensive real-world testing.

Here is my list of the best VPNs for Minecraft:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2026 Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

NordVPN is the best overall Minecraft VPN. In fact, I was able to play fast-paced games like Overwatch, Fortnite, and Warzone with no issues, and accessing major streaming sites was a breeze. There are over DDoS-protected 9,000 servers to choose from, spread across 130+ countries. That’s a larger than average network but NordVPN is exceptional in other ways too: it works in countries with strict online censorship, allows 10 simultaneous connections, and offers 24/7 live chat.

You don’t actually need a superfast connection for playing most online games, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. NordVPN delivered, averaging 202.08 Mbps over three tests on a 250 Mbps connection, with a mere 6 Mbps of fluctuation. Needless to say, you’re not going to struggle with any day to day activity, whether it’s watching live TV, catching up with friends via video call, or gaming. Let’s see the full results:

NordVPN has a great reputation and it’s easy to see why. It’s absolutely packed with security features but since most of them are enabled by default, it won’t overwhelm novice users. Users are protected with unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and anti-leak tools, as well as a combined ad/tracker-blocker. There’s no need to worry about privacy either; NordVPN has been audited to prove it doesn’t keep logs. Want even greater anonymity? In that case, try its Tor over VPN and multi-hop servers, or switch over to the censorship-beating NordWhisper protocol.

This service has Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS apps. Specific routers are also supported but require manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR MINECRAFT:NordVPN is my #1 choice for Minecraft. Good blend of speed, unblocking ability, and privacy. Its new look makes it more novice-friendly than ever, plus there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, meaning you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review here, or check out our video review instead.

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2. Surfshark

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for playing Minecraft. It’s nice and affordable, yet allows you to connect as many devices as you like and works flawlessly in places like China, where the internet is heavily-restricted. You can choose from 4,500 servers in 100 countries and speak with customer support at any time using the live chat system on Surfshark’s website. Better still, I can confirm that this VPN works with tricky streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix.

Surfshark was actually faster than a lot of other services I tried, delivering an average speed of 196.35 Mbps on a 250 Mbps connection. For context, that’s enough for flawless live streaming, playing Minecraft, and video calling, all at the same time. Its speeds only fluctuated by around 10 Mbps too, making it pretty consistent overall.

This provider takes your security seriously while remaining accessible to newcomers. It uses unbreakable encryption to keep you safe, backed up by leak protection, and a kill switch, plus automatic ad and tracker-blocking. Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been repeatedly audited and it now offers a content filter capable of removing various kinds of adult content automatically. If you’d like to sign up anonymously, you can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum. Finally, there’s a NoBorders mode that hides the fact you’re using a VPN at all, which is a huge help in places like China.

Surfshark provides apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It can be manually installed on supported internet routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is my top low-cost VPN for Minecraft. Affordable, with user-friendly apps and no connection limit. Unblocks virtually anything and refuses to compromise where privacy is concerned. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here or check out our video review below.

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3. Total VPN

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

Total VPN is an intuitive, straightforward service that’s ideal for online gaming. You can choose from 1,800 servers in 80+ countries and I can confirm that this VPN works with Minecraft, Overwatch, and Fortnite, as well as streaming services like Amazon Prime Video. With 24/7 support over live chat, you’re never more than a few seconds away from getting help. My only complaint is that the five-connection limit is a little low since most providers allow between six and 10.

Slow speeds cause all kinds of problems including rubberbanding or sudden disconnection from the Minecraft server. Luckily, Total VPN is pretty quick, with an average speed of 182.2 Mbps and just 8 Mbps of variance across three tests. That’s more than enough for gaming, watching TV, or chatting with friends. Let’s take a look at the full results:

Total VPN is pretty impressive from a security perspective. It keeps your online activities hidden using 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (though this last feature isn’t available on Windows just yet). Further, this service follows a strict no-logs policy and even permits split tunneling, meaning you can let certain sites pass through unencrypted. Finally, there’s a stealth protocol named Hydra that was designed to stop anyone monitoring the network from realizing you’re using a VPN at all.

Total VPN apps are available for Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS. At the moment, there’s no router or Linux support.

SAFE ONLINE GAMING:Total VPN is perfect for gamers thanks to its high speeds and strong unblocking ability. Play Minecraft or watch your favorite shows from anywhere. This security-conscious VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee for annual subscribers and a 14-day guarantee for everyone else.

Check out our complete Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

ProtonVPN is known for two things: its colossal network (nearly 20,000 servers in 145 countries) and its strong privacy focus. This service works with services like Netflix, Minecraft, and Hulu, plus it has servers optimized for different tasks. You can even have ProtonVPN open your preferred game when you select the gaming profile! Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously and if you’re having problems, customer support staff are available 24 hours per day over live chat.

I tested ProtonVPN’s American servers in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon using a 250 Mbps connection. This VPN performed admirably, with an average speed of 141.31 Mbps. It was remarkably consistent too, meaning it’s suitable for gaming, streaming, and more. Just be aware that the free plan limits you to slower servers; for the best experience, you’ll want to upgrade.

So, what makes this service a good choice for gamers? Well, it supports multiple connection protocols, uses uncrackable encryption, and includes a wide range of safeguards such as a kill switch and automatic tracker-blocking. Experienced users can even set up split tunneling or port forwarding (which may be needed to host servers on games). ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy in place and has verified this via an external audit. There are even Secure Core servers for maximum privacy, though I wouldn’t recommend these for games where low ping is required.

ProtonVPN offers apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on most routers (check the website for setup instructions).

HIGH-SPEED VPN:ProtonVPN delivers outstanding performance and gives you lots of ways to stay safe while playing Minecraft. Pays close attention to your privacy and blocks trackers automatically. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our complete ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

ExpressVPN is a novice-friendly service with a network spanning 105 countries. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, it works anywhere in the world and can reliably evade detection by major streaming platforms. You shouldn’t have any problems connecting to Minecraft but support staff are ready to help at any time over live chat. What’s more, ExpressVPN now has a higher connection limit than ever before, with 10 permitted on the Basic plan and up to 14 if you sign up for a Pro subscription.

This service was extremely consistent, with only 4 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results. ExpressVPN’s average speed was 136.92 Mbps, which is well above what’s needed for streaming 4K video, playing games, and torrenting. It’s clear that the multi-lane Lightway protocol is doing something right, though at the moment, there are still providers delivering higher speeds.

One of the things I really liked about ExpressVPN was that it handles the security side of things for you. Its encryption, kill switch, and leak protection features are all enabled by default and the only things you really need to activate is the ad and tracker-blocking tool and adult content filter. What’s more, ExpressVPN has an audited no-logs policy and automatically obfuscates your data when it realizes you’re in a country with strict digital censorship.

ExpressVPN now uses a tiered pricing system. Basic plans cost $3.49 per month, with Advanced plans costing $4.49 monthly and Pro plans costing $7.49 monthly. There are apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, plus this is the only VPN with its own custom firmware for routers.

PLAY SAFELY ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is great for gamers who just want to get started as quickly as possible. It’s secure and quick, with powerful privacy and anti-censorship features. Best of all, ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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6. IPVanish

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

IPVanish provides access to 3,200 self-owned servers in 100 countries. Whether you’re hoping to play Minecraft, spoof your location, or unblock your favorite streaming platforms abroad, this VPN can help. In fact, this is one of the only providers that lets you connect as many devices as you like at the same time. If you need help, customer support is available 24 hours per day over live chat. There’s even a built-in obfuscation feature so you can game in high-censorship countries.

I was impressed by IPVanish’s performance. With an average speed of 161.62 Mbps, it sits firmly amongst the fastest VPNs on the market. Its consistency could be slightly better, but overall, you’re unlikely to notice any slowdown even during peak times. Even bandwidth-heavy activities like playing online games, hanging out in video calls, or torrenting won’t pose a problem. Here are IPVanish’s full test results:

IPVanish boasts a strong set of privacy tools, starting with unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a kill switch, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and split tunneling support, plus a verified zero-logs policy. Just recently, this provider added multi-hop servers and a tool that checks if links are safe to open. The only real downsides are that it’s based in the US (a Five Eyes country) and doesn’t accept any anonymous payment options.

This service now offers an Advanced, bundling the VPN with 1 TB of online file storage and a remotely-accessible, privacy-focused browser. IPVanish has its own apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Routers require manual setup.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish can protect every device you own and works flawlessly with most games, including Minecraft. This versatile VPN takes your security seriously and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full IPVanish review here.

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7. CyberGhost

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

CyberGhost is a fantastic choice for gamers. To begin with, its network covers more than 100 countries and there are servers specifically optimized for gaming so securely playing Minecraft won’t be an issue. I was impressed by its profile system and Smart Rules features since when combined, these allow you to create your own custom setup, connecting and launching your favorite game automatically. There’s a seven-connection limit and 24/7 support is available over live chat.

To find out what kind of speeds CyberGhost can deliver, I tested its American servers multiple times during a typical day. This VPN achieved an average speed of 129.98 Mbps, which should be plenty for most users, especially if you’re just trying to play online games or watch TV. With 23 Mbps of fluctuation though, I’d like to see IPVanish improve where consistency is concerned. Let’s take a closer look:

So how exactly does CyberGhost keep you safe? For starters, it uses uncrackable ChaCha20 encryption backed up by leak protection, a kill switch, and an independently-verified no-logging policy. Additionally, this VPN offers a malware scanner and a tool that blocks ads and trackers automatically. There is a basic form of obfuscation included too, but this won’t be enough to beat China’s Great Firewall unfortunately. On the plus side, CyberGhost accepts Bitcoin, making it possible to sign up without providing any genuine personal information.

CyberGhost has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Manual installation is required for use on network routers.

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost provides high speeds and strong security at a very reasonable price. A strong choice for anyone hoping to protect themselves while playing on public Minecraft servers. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Find out more in our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

PureVPN is a versatile, well-respected service with more than 6,500 servers in 65 countries. Notably, it works in places most other VPNs don’t, such as China and the UAE, so if you’re worried about censorship or surveillance, it has you covered. I’ve had great results using PureVPN both for playing Minecraft and unblocking streaming services like Amazon Prime Video. Users are allowed to connect 10 devices at once and there’s around the clock support over live chat.

I wanted to make sure PureVPN’s servers in the US were actually quick enough to keep up, so I tested them in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. This resulted in an average speed of 130.97 Mbps, which is significantly higher than you’ll need for any day top day activity. In other words, you can play Minecraft, listen to music, and be take part in video calls all at the same time with no slowdown (provided your base internet connection is reasonably quick — mine was 250 Mbps).

Although this VPN doesn’t offer as many advanced features as some of its rivals, it does have all of the basics. For instance, there’s uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Equally important, PureVPN has been externally audited, proving beyond all doubt that it’s telling the truth about its no-logs policy. Best of all, this VPN now allows all users to take advantage of its tracker-blocker, rather than just those on the more expensive plans.

PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. It provides manual setup guides explaining how to install this service on routers.

GAME SAFELY ANYWHERE:PureVPN makes it as easy as possible to play games securely, regardless of your location. Delivers consistently high speeds, a solid security toolkit, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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9. Private Internet Access

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

Private Internet Access has servers in more than 90 countries and excels at evading detection. In other words, it’s more than fast enough for Minecraft, Fortnite, Call of Duty, or anything else you might want to play. Plus, it’s a solid option for streaming since it works with major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and more. It’s also one of the only major providers with no connection limit.

Nobody wants to deal with rubberbanding, glitching, or constantly getting kicked from game servers due to sluggish speeds. Thankfully, PIA doesn’t have these issues, averaging 69.16 Mbps in my latest testing. Is it the quickest VPN around? No, but it’s certainly enough to handle competitive gaming, live streaming, and torrenting.

Let’s talk about security. Private Internet Access uses unbreakable encryption, backed up by DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. That’s a great start, but there’s more, including a SOCKS5 proxy, a tool that blocks trackers and ads, split tunneling, and the ability to connect automatically in certain situations. Unlike most of its rivals, PIA even throws in port forwarding support free of charge. If you want a secure, customizable VPN, this one is hard to beat.

PIA has its own apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, it can be manually installed on routers to help you play Minecraft safely on consoles.

GOOD EVERYDAY VPN:Private Internet Access offers a blend of speed security, and versatility that makes it a solid choice for gamers, no matter which platform they’re on. What’s more, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not check out our full PIA review?

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10. PrivateVPN

Works with MinecraftTested Apr 2026

PrivateVPN has 200 self-owned, self-managed servers in 63 countries. While that’s not the largest network, I do like seeing providers go the extra mile to prevent your data falling into the wrong hands. This VPN excels at beating regional restrictions, so it’s perfect for anyone hoping to use geo-blocked streaming sites or hide their real IP address on Minecraft. There’s a 10 simultaneous connection limit and thankfully, customer support is now available around the clock via live chat.

I put PrivateVPN’s American servers to the test, keeping a close eye on their speed and consistency throughout the day. This provider achieved an average speed of 59.98 Mbps with just 5 Mbps of variability, which is a pretty solid result. Simply put, it’s quick enough for playing online games, watching live streams, or torrenting. That said, if your base connection is on the slower side, you may want to look elsewhere.

This provider takes the stress out of staying safe online. All of your activities are secured using unbreakable AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. PrivateVPN also boasts a stealth mode capable of beating China’s Great Firewall and a no-logs policy (though this has yet to undergo an independent audit at the time of writing). Better still, it comes with split tunneling and port forwarding functionality as standard!

PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android systems. It can be manually configured to work with Linux-based platforms and supported routers.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN works great with Minecraft as well as major streaming apps. Strong on security and able to beat even the toughest digital limitations. This zero-logs VPN comes with 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Playing Minecraft with a VPN: FAQs

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