Top VPNs for Gamers in 2025 Revealed %v

Online gaming can be a fantastic experience, but technical issues such as high ping or geographic restrictions can hinder your performance and enjoyment. A VPN can be a game-changer, allowing you to bypass these issues and enhance your gaming experience. Many gamers are now using gaming VPNs to enjoy a more secure and less restricted experience when playing popular games like Call of Duty and Forza Horizon.

As a dedicated gamer, I've tested numerous VPN services and narrowed down the best options to seven top choices. After thorough testing, I've found that NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for gaming. It offers everything a gamer needs, including a global server network to bypass geographic restrictions and fast speeds to keep latency low when playing games like Fortnite, Helldivers 2, and Minecraft. Other notable VPNs like CyberGhost and Surfshark also offer impressive features and are worth considering.

TL;DR: These Are the Best VPNs for Gaming

### NordVPN

13See it at NordVPN### CyberGhost

3See it at CyberGhost### Surfshark

4See it at Surfshark### IPVanish

4See it at IPVanish### Proton VPN

7See it at Proton VPN### ExpressVPN

6See it at ExpressVPN### Mullvad

4See it at Mullvad

Regardless of the Virtual Private Network you choose for gaming, you can expect your internet traffic and IP address to be encrypted. This not only protects you from DDoS attacks but also allows you to spoof your location to access your favorite games and preferred servers. The best VPNs for gaming can even improve your performance if your ISP throttles your connection or if you connect to a VPN server closer to a game's server.

NordVPN

Best VPN for Gaming

### NordVPN

13See it at NordVPN

Product Specifications

Pricing: Starting from $3.09/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 10
Servers: 7,000+
Countries: 118
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS

Impressive network of servers
Meshnet feature for LAN gaming

CONS

Apps are a little cluttered

NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming based on my extensive testing and review. Its proprietary VPN protocol, NordLynx, is designed for speed, allowing you to play games like League of Legends with minimal latency. A standout feature is Meshnet, which enables secure private networks for LAN gaming with friends. With over 7,000 servers in 111 countries, bypassing geographic restrictions is effortless. This makes NordVPN an excellent choice for streaming as well.

NordVPN's security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, protect you from DDoS attacks and hide your IP address from potential threats. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, but you can bypass this limit by installing it on a compatible router, securing all connected devices, including your PlayStation or Xbox console.

CyberGhost

Best Free Trial VPN for Gaming

### CyberGhost

3See it at CyberGhost

Product Specifications

Pricing: Starting from $2.03/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 7
Servers: Undisclosed
Countries: 100
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV

PROS

Vast server network
Gaming-optimized servers

CONS

Still lacking an Apple TV app

CyberGhost no longer discloses its server count, but it boasts a vast network covering 100 countries, allowing you to choose a server closer to your location for reduced latency. What sets CyberGhost apart as one of the best VPNs for gaming, as confirmed by my review, are its gaming-optimized servers in cities like London and New York (Windows). It also offers a Smart DNS service for connecting your console to servers in countries like the U.S.

The ability to sort servers by distance, load, and ping helps you find the fastest available server. I experienced no lag while playing CS:GO using CyberGhost. Its high-end encryption safeguards your connection on public Wi-Fi, preventing attackers from disrupting your gameplay. With a 24-hour free trial for Windows and MacOS, requiring no credit card, CyberGhost is the best free trial VPN available.

Surfshark

Best Gaming VPN With Extra Features

### Surfshark

4See it at Surfshark

Product Specifications

Pricing: Starting from $1.99/mo.
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Servers: 3,000+
Countries: 100
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

In my Surfshark review, I found that the service performs exceptionally well with fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone. If you encounter a game blocking Surfshark IP addresses, you can use its split tunneling feature to bypass it while securing the rest of your traffic. Surfshark's 3,000 servers across 100 countries ensure you always have a nearby option. Recent upgrades to 10Gbps servers enhance speed even further.

Surfshark includes Smart DNS, allowing you to change your location on your Smart TV, Xbox, or PlayStation console without encrypting your traffic. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark doesn't limit simultaneous connections, enabling secure gaming on any device. It also offers additional security features such as an ad blocker, Double VPN servers, and an antivirus, making it more than just a VPN.

IPVanish

Best Gaming VPN for Unlimited Devices

### IPVanish

4See it at IPVanish

Product Specifications

Pricing: Starting from $2.19/mo.
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Servers: 2,400+
Countries: 100
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS

See each server's ping and load
Numerous new features

CONS

Operates out of the U.S. (a Five Eyes member)

IPVanish has significantly improved its service over the past year. Its speeds are among the fastest of any VPN, ensuring low ping when playing competitive games like Rocket League. New users will appreciate the shortcut to the fastest available server and the ability to view each server's ping and load. U.S. gamers benefit from over 1,400 servers in North America across two dozen cities.

Recent enhancements include a secure browser and cloud storage. Newly added Double Hop servers provide extra encryption at the cost of speed, making them better suited for sensitive browsing rather than gaming. My tests showed no DNS or IP leaks, and there's no limit to the number of devices you can secure simultaneously.

Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.

Proton VPN

Best Gaming VPN With a Free Tier

### Proton VPN

7See it at Proton VPN

Product Specifications

Pricing: Starting from $4.49/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 10
Servers: 9,000+
Countries: 117
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV

PROS

Excellent server speeds
True no-logs policy

CONS

Live chat isn't 24/7

Proton VPN stands out with its rapidly growing network of over 9,000 servers in 117 countries and incredibly fast speeds. Its high level of security and privacy protection makes it one of the best VPNs for gaming. A 10Gbps server network and a VPN Accelerator feature overcome CPU limitations and improve forwarding efficiency, boosting speeds. I experienced no noticeable latency while testing Proton VPN with Fortnite.

Proton VPN's unique selling point is its true no-logs policy, independently audited to ensure no logs can identify you as a user, allowing for anonymous gaming, browsing, and streaming. You can try Proton VPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee, and it even offers a free tier with unlimited data, though not suitable for gaming.

ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming Games

### ExpressVPN

6See it at ExpressVPN

Product Specifications

Pricing: Starting from $4.99/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 8
Servers: Undisclosed
Countries: 105
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS

Consistent unblocker
Custom firmware for routers

CONS

A more expensive option

ExpressVPN uses its proprietary protocol, Lightway, which performs well in speed tests, minimizing lag and supporting fast-paced games like Valorant. These speeds make it the best VPN for streaming. ExpressVPN distinguishes itself with custom router firmware, simplifying setup on your PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, or Nintendo Switch.

With access to over 3,000 servers covering 105 countries, you can easily access more games, especially in countries with strict censorship. ExpressVPN's 256-bit AES encryption ensures secure gameplay. The user-friendly apps and exceptional 24/7 support further enhance the experience.

Mullvad

Best Gaming VPN for Anonymity

### Mullvad

4See it at Mullvad

Product Specifications

Pricing: Flat rate of €5/mo. (~$5.65)
Simultaneous connections: 5
Servers: 700+
Countries: 44
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

PROS

WireGuard protocol for fast speeds
Anonymous signup

CONS

Smaller server network

Mullvad's smaller server network is still sufficient for most users. Its implementation of the WireGuard protocol makes it one of the fastest VPNs, ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks like gaming. A split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps bypass the VPN tunnel, useful for reducing ping.

Gamers seeking the highest privacy level will appreciate Mullvad. It offers 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your IP address isn't collected. Mullvad's anonymous signup process and cash payment option make it a truly anonymous choice. Its affordability also makes it the best cheap VPN.

What to Look for in a VPN for Gaming

Not every VPN is suitable for gaming, and the best ones vary based on your needs. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a gaming VPN:

Server speed: Online gaming requires a fast, consistent connection, especially for competitive games. The fastest VPNs use the WireGuard protocol, offer unlimited bandwidth, and have numerous servers for low latency.

Server locations: Connecting to VPN servers closer to your physical location or the game server can improve speeds. A global server network is essential.

Security and privacy: A VPN should provide high-level encryption to hide your IP address and protect against DDoS attacks.

Compatibility: The best gaming VPNs offer apps for all major operating systems and may be router-compatible or include a Smart DNS service for consoles.

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

Using a VPN for gaming is straightforward, even for beginners:

Choose your preferred gaming VPN and sign up.
Download the VPN app compatible with your gaming device.
Follow the installation instructions.
Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server, preferably one near your location.
Start gaming securely with unlimited bandwidth. You may need to experiment with different servers to find the best performance.

Best VPNs for Gaming FAQs

Why should I use a VPN for gaming?

Using a VPN for gaming offers multiple benefits. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address, preventing ISP throttling and protecting against DDoS attacks. Additionally, a VPN allows you to spoof your location and access geo-restricted games and content.

Can a VPN improve gaming speed and reduce ping times?

While VPNs typically slow connections due to encryption, they can improve gaming speed if you're experiencing ISP throttling. In some cases, the fastest VPNs may reduce ping times by providing a more direct route to the game server than your ISP.

Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

Most free VPNs are too slow for gaming due to limited servers and heavy load. They also often have speed and data limits, leading to lag and high ping times. Additionally, free VPNs may lack sufficient encryption, potentially exposing your IP address.