7 Best VPNs for GeForce NOW in 2023: Lag-free Cloud-Based Gaming

GeForce NOW is a popular gaming platform, but it’s unavailable in all regions, and not all games are available on the platform. 

That’s where a VPN server comes in. Using a VPN service with GeForce NOW, you can bypass geographic restrictions and enjoy your favorite games as if you were in supported server locations.

However, with so many VPN options, finding the right one can take time and effort. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Our tests have shown that NordVPN is the best VPN for GeForce Now and lag-free gaming.

In this article, we’ve tested dozens of reliable VPN services for gaming and compiled a list of the best VPNs for GeForce NOW. Whether you want to access GeForce games or protect your online privacy while streaming games, we’ve got the right VPN for you, so let’s get started!

Best VPNs for GeForce NOW – Our Shortlist:

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for GeForce NOW.
2. Surfshark – unlimited parallel connections and good speeds.
3. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice.
4. PrivateVPN – easy-to-use GeForce Now VPN
5. ExpressVPN – is very secure and has great streaming speeds.
6. Private Internet Access – has the largest server network on the market.
7. CyberGhost – a great alternative choice for GeForce Now

How Does a VPN Improve GeForce Now Performance?

A VPN can enhance your GeForce Now gaming experience in the following ways:

1. Bypass Regional Restrictions: Gain access to restricted games and content by connecting to servers in different locations.
2. Reduce Throttling: VPNs can help prevent ISP throttling by encrypting your gaming traffic.
3. Lower Latency: Connecting to nearby VPN servers can reduce latency for smoother gameplay.
4. Enhanced Privacy and Security: VPNs add security and privacy layers to protect your gaming data.

Choose a gaming-friendly VPN with a large server network and consider server locations for optimal performance.

7 Best VPNs for GeForce NOW  – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN ranks among the top 7 VPNs for GeForce NOW in 2023, providing stable, fast, and secure connections crucial for cloud-based gaming.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN ensures absolute privacy with its strict No Logging Policy, three independent audits, and AES-256 encryption securing player anonymity. Key features include:

• RAM servers maintaining data only for a session duration.
• Kill switch to prevent IP leakage upon sudden disconnection.
• Double VPN servers for enhanced privacy.

Performance and Speed: With download speeds of 248.7 Mbps, NordVPN guarantees lag-free gaming. Its NordLynx protocol reduces latency, ensuring real-time responses during play.

Servers and Apps: Compatibility extends across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, including routers supporting OpenVPN or integrated NordLynx. NordVPN’s dedicated IP servers enable consistent gaming performance.

Features: Beyond gaming, NordVPN unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more. Specialized P2P servers cater to high-speed downloads. Onion over VPN servers, and Split Tunneling enhance usability.

Pricing: Affordable plans starting from $4.99/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Cryptocurrency payments add an extra layer of privacy.

Plan	1-year plan	1-month plan	2-year plan
Standard Plan	$4.99/month	$12.99/month	–
Plus Plan	$5.99/month	$13.99/month	–
Complete Plan	$6.99/month	$14.99/month	$5.49/month

2. Surfshark

If gamers want a seamless GeForce NOW experience, Surfshark is a top-tier VPN. It is affordable and has great performance metrics with a large server network.

Privacy and Security: Surfshark offers genuine confidentiality with its no-logs policy and private DNS servers. Additionally, the IP masking feature provides extra protection against IP bans. To enhance safety Surfshark security features include:

• Automatic Kill Switch
• AES-256-GCM encryption
• Secure protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard

Performance and Speed: Surfshark guarantees high-speed servers and reliable performance, vital for gamers. Notably, its United States servers show 235 Mbps download speed, and 219 Mbps upload speed. This ensures low latency while gaming or streaming.

Servers and Apps: Surfshark supports many devices from Windows, macOS, and Linux, to iOS, Android, smart TVs, and routers. Additionally, browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. The server network is large so it is not a problem to reach geo-restricted content.

Features: Features such as CleanWeb and MultiHop provide gamers a smooth, ad-free experience. Trackers and malicious sites are also blocked by the CleanWeb. It’s also convenient for streaming content on platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Besides, Surfshark has optimized servers for P2P/Torrenting.

Pricing: Surfshark offers varied plans, starting from $2.30/month for a 2-year to $12.95/month for a month-to-month basis. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Plans	2-year price	1-year price	1-month price
Starter	$2.30/month	$3.99/month	$12.95/month
Surfshark One	$3.22/month	$4.49/month	$17.95/month
Surfshark One+	$5.99/month	$8.29/month	$22.95/month

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN ranks among the best VPNs for GeForce NOW for its stable performance and robust security.

Privacy and Security: PrivateVPN security features include:

• No Logs Policy guaranteeing anonymity
• Sturdy protection, efficient in bypassing IP bans
• AES 256-bit encryption for enhanced security
• Protection against IP and IPv6 leaks
• Stealth VPN mode (disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic)

Performance and Speed: Ensures swift gaming with a download speed of 148 Mbps and a low ping rate. Offers stable connections critical for gaming.

Servers and Apps: PrivateVPN works on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Though Linux requires a manual OpenVPN setup. The server network might not be the largest, but it covers all strategic locations to access geo-blocked content.

Features: PrivateVPN supports P2P traffic as well as has Dedicated IP address servers. It is one of the few VPNs that allow port forwarding which might come in handy for some gamers. It can unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms like Netflix as well.

Pricing: Offering various cost-effective plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is competitively priced at $2.00/month for a 36-month.

PrivateVPN Plans	Price per Month
1-Month Plan	$9.90
3-Month Plan	$6.00
36-Month Plan	$2.00

4. AtlasVPN

Atlas VPN ranks as one of the best GeForce NOW VPNs. For gamers who need lag-free gaming experiences, it’s one of the most affordable picks. Its privacy and security features enhance gameplay by maintaining high levels of anonymity.

Privacy and Security: Atlas VPN ensures users can game securely, hiding real IP addresses. Here are key features:

• Shield for Malware and Ad-Free Browsing
• Data Breach Monitoring
• IP Rotator (SafeSwap)
• MultiHop+ for Enhanced Privacy
• No-logs policy
• Kill switch

Performance and Speed: AtlasVPN uses WireGuard protocol for high-speed connectivity vital for GeForce NOW. It tested for download speeds close to 183 Mbps and upload speeds of 309 Mbps in the United States. This allows uninterrupted play and swift in-game actions.

Servers and Apps: Atlas VPN’s compatibility extends to a host of platforms, including Android and Windows. It is well-suited for Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick, making it adaptable for a variety of gaming setups. Abundant servers across varied locations grant access to games restricted in certain regions.

Features: Beyond gaming, Atlas VPN excels in streaming. It can unblock major services like Netflix and Hulu. P2P-friendly servers cater to gamers and downloaders alike.

Pricing: Atlas VPN offers competitive pricing on long-term plans for $1.82/month on a 2-year plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows for a risk-free trial, and a free version is available for intermittent gamers.

AtlasVPN Plans	Pricing	Additional Benefits
Free Version	0.00$/month	5 GB data limit Access to 3 locations
1-Month Plan	11.99$/month	30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan	3.29$/month Billed $39.48 annually	30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan	1.82$/month Billed $43.68 biennially	30-day money-back guarantee

5. ExpressVPN

GeForce NOW gamers need low latency and stable connections for seamless cloud-based gaming. ExpressVPN as a premikum VPN service excells in that. With a vast network of fast servers and robust privacy features, it’s a top choice among the best VPNs for GeForce.

Privacy and Security: ExpressVPN is dedicated to user privacy and security. It is crucial for bypassing IP bans and ensuring secure gaming sessions. The security features include:

• No-logs policy
• Independent audits by PwC and Cure53
• Private DNS on every server
• Split tunneling
• Stealth servers
• Threat Manager

Performance and Speed: ExpressVPN optimizes the gaming experience with fast download speeds and low ping. It achieved download speeds of 137 Mbps and low latency, as tested in the United States. Lightway protocol ensures quick connection times and sustained performance. Stable connections reduce the risk of lag or disconnect during gameplay.

Servers and Apps: Compatibility with consoles and apps boosts ExpressVPN’s usability for GeForce NOW gamers. Native apps are available for key gaming platforms including Windows and macOS. Supports router installations to cover gaming consoles without native VPN support. Extensive server networks with locations beneficial for GeForce NOW users.

Features: ExpressVPN includes several features that enhance the gaming and entertainment experience. MediaStreamer allows the use of VPN on devices that do not support native VPN apps. P2P support enables hassle-free game updates and downloads. It is capable of unblocking major streaming services for off-gaming entertainment.

Pricing: ExpressVPN pricing reflects its premium features. Monthly rates start at $12.95, with discounts for longer commitments. All plans offer up to 5 simultaneous connections, ensuring gaming device coverage. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

ExpressVPN Plans	Price per Month	Simultaneous Connections
1-Month Plan	$12.95	5
6-Month Plan	$9.99	Up to 8
1-Year Plan	$6.67	Up to 8

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) ranks among the best VPNs for GeForce NOW. It allows lag-free cloud-based gaming and has a vast server selection. Strong privacy tools ensure optimal performance for constant gaming connectivity.

Privacy and Security: PIA stands out with robust privacy features ideal for gamers. These features include:

• AES-256 encryption
• SHA1 and SHA2 hashing algorithms
• No activity logs
• Split Tunneling
• MACE: Ad, tracker, and malware blocker
• Kill Switch

Performance and Speed: PIA is known for its impressive speed crucial for gamers. It uses the WireGuard protocol, offering low latency for GeForce NOW users. Download speeds are around 111 Mbps and upload speed at 168 Mbps in the U.S.

Servers and Apps: PIA operates a vast network of 35,000+ servers in 77 countries with extensive coverage. Cross-platform support for major operating systems allows gaming on a variety of consoles. PIA has NextGen servers that all run on RAM.

Features: Beyond gaming, PIA excels with P2P support. It can also unblock Netflix US, enhancing the user’s streaming experience. The addition of port forwarding favors gamers and P2P users, offering improved connection.

Pricing: Competitive pricing with a 2-year plan at $1.98/month is one of the best deals available. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering the opportunity to test it.

PIA is suitable for users who need fast, secure, and uninterrupted gaming. It is also one of the top VPNs recommended for xCloud.

7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a good VPN for GeForce NOW. Due to its stable connections and security features, it allows a seamless gaming experience.

Privacy and Security: CyberGhost ensures gamers are free from IP bans and online threats. Notable features include:

• No Logging Policy (audited by Deloitte)
• Based in Romania (outside of Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction)
• AES-256 encryption
• Automatic Kill Switch
• Dark Web Monitoring (via Privacy Guard)
• DNS and IP leak prevention

Performance and Speed: Gaming on GeForce NOW with CyberGhost is enhanced by stable connections. It is using protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN for consistent performance. Benchmark speeds show 146 Mbps download and 174 Mbps upload speeds. This may not be the fastest, but definitely enough.

Servers and Apps: It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles. Dedicated servers in gamer-centric locations support optimal access to GeForce NOW. With a large selection of servers, you can bypass any IP ban.

Features: CyberGhost’s specialized streaming servers unblock various content platforms. Additionally, P2P support enhances file-sharing for gaming content, mods, and updates.

Pricing: CyberGhost offers competitive pricing with tiers, such as $2.11/month for a 2-year plan. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee and support for seven simultaneous connections.

CyberGhost Plans	Price per Month	Money-Back Guarantee
1-Month Plan	$12.99	14 Days
6-Month Plan	$6.99	45 Days
2-Year Plan	$2.11	45 Days

Testing Methodology: How did we choose these VPNs for GeForce NOW?

To evaluate the VPNs for use with Nvidia GeForce NOW, we used a set of criteria designed to measure their performance and suitability. We tested each VPN on the following aspects:

• Speed and reliability: We tested the connection speeds of each VPN and assessed their reliability to ensure that they are fast and stable enough for gaming GeForce servers.
• No lag when gaming: We evaluated the VPNs to see if they can provide a seamless gaming experience with no lag or delays.
• Gaming support: We looked for VPNs that are optimized for gaming and have dedicated now servers for the best gaming platforms.
• Strong encryption and security: We assessed each VPN’s encryption protocols and security features to ensure that they can protect users’ online privacy and data.
• Privacy and logs policy: We examined the VPNs’ privacy policies to ensure they have a strict no-logs policy and do not collect users’ personal information.
• Large server network: We evaluated the VPNs’ server networks to ensure they have many servers in different countries and regions.
• Compatibility with devices and platforms: We assessed the VPNs’ compatibility with different operating systems and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and routers.
• Price: We evaluated the pricing plans of each VPN to ensure that they offer good value for money.
• Extra features: We looked for additional features that could enhance the VPNs’ performance and usability, such as split-tunneling, DDoS attacks’ protection, and dedicated servers for gaming platforms.

Hence, we have identified the best VPN providers for Nvidia GeForce NOW using these criteria.

GeForce Now VPN Comparison

	NordVPN	Surfshark	AtlasVPN	PrivateVPN	ExpressVPN
Website	NordVPN.com	Surfshark.com	AtlasVPN.com	PrivateVPN.com	ExpressVPN.com
Ranking for Gaming	5/5	4.8/5	4.6/5	4.6/5	4.8/5
Avg. Speed	46,4 Mbps	40,1 Mbps	35,9 Mbps	43,6 Mbps	42,2 Mbps
Server count	5400+	3200+	750+	200+	3000+
Logs	No-logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No logs	No identifiable logs
Suitable for Games	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Devices supported	Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles SmartTVs	Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles SmartTVs
P2P Traffic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Best Deals	63% OFF + Gift	Save 81%	83% OFF	Save 85%	3 months FREE

How to Use a VPN App with Nvidia GeForce NOW

Let’s dive into the world of VPNs and Nvidia GeForce NOW. In this section, we’ll guide you through setting up a VPN for GeForce NOW and share some tips for optimal gaming service performance.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using a VPN app with Nvidia GeForce NOW:

1. Update GeForce Experience: Before we start, ensure you have the latest version of GeForce Experience installed on your device. You can download it from Nvidia’s website.
2. Choose a VPN: Many VPN services are available, but not all are suitable for gaming. Choose a VPN with fast speeds, low latency, and a large server network to get the best performance with GeForce NOW. We recommend NordVPN.
3. Install the VPN: Install the best VPN for GeForce software on your device, and log in to your account.
4. Connect to a server: Choose a server location that is close to the GeForce NOW server you want to connect to. This will help reduce latency and improve performance.
5. Launch GeForce NOW: Open the GeForce NOW app or website and log in to your account.
6. Start gaming: Once connected to the VPN and logged in to GeForce NOW, you can enjoy your favorite gaming service.

How to optimize GeForce NOW for the best performance?

Use the best optimization settings for GeForce NOW: Go to the settings menu in the GeForce NOW app, and choose the “Optimize for the best experience” option. This will help reduce lag and improve performance.

Use VPN settings to get the best speeds: Connecting to a VPN can help bypass network congestion and get better speeds with GeForce NOW.

Unblock GeForce NOW with Free VPNs: If GeForce NOW is unavailable in your country, or if certain games are unavailable in your region, you can use free VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions to access the games you want to play.

What to do if  GeForce NOW Not Working With VPN?

If you’re using a VPN with GeForce NOW and experiencing some issues, don’t worry! We’ve got some troubleshooting tips for you.

When it says “This game is temporarily unavailable on GeForce NOW”

If you’re getting an error message that says, “This game is temporarily unavailable on GeForce NOW,” it might not necessarily be because of your VPN. 

Sometimes, games get removed or added to the platform or might be undergoing maintenance. It’s best to double-check if the game is available on GeForce NOW.

When it says “GeForce NOW is not currently available in your region”

If you’re still seeing the “GeForce NOW is not currently available in your region” error message, even though you’re using a VPN to unblock GeForce. It could be because of a few things. 

Firstly, ensure you’ve connected to server locations where GeForce NOW is supported.

Secondly, check if your VPN leaks your IP address, as this can reveal your real location and cause the error message to appear.

Lastly, if you’re getting a VPN error even when your VPN is disabled, it might be because of some cached data or DNS settings. To troubleshoot this, try clearing your browser cache and DNS cache, or switch to a different browser.

How to Speed Up GeForce NOW VPN Connections?

Looking to increase your GeForce NOW VPN speeds? Well, there are some things to keep in mind. 

First off, GeForce NOW requires a faster internet service provider than most streaming sites. To enjoy high-quality streaming games with 720p quality and 60 FPS, you’ll need at least 15 Mbps. 

If you want to get even better quality with 1080p at 60 FPS, you’ll need at least 25 Mbps. It’s also worth noting that if you’re using WiFi, you’ll need a 5 GHz router instead of a 2.4 GHz one.

However, the problem with VPNs is that they may slow down your online speeds due to the encryption of data packets. This can be especially frustrating if your ISP speeds need to be faster. 

But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to increase your GeForce NOW VPN speeds. 

Here’s what we recommend:

Use a wired Ethernet connection.

Use an Ethernet connection instead of WiFi, as GeForce NOW recommends. Even with a 5 GHz router, speeds can be slower if the WiFi signal needs to be stronger. This is especially true if you’re in a different room than the router.

Use lightweight protocols.

Use lightweight protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec instead of OpenVPN for the best internet speeds.

If you must use OpenVPN, use it over UDP instead of TCP, as it’s faster. If the VPN allows, you can also downgrade the AES encryption from 256 bits to 128 bits.

Connect to a nearby server

Connect a VPN server closest to your location, such as a neighboring country. This will help data packets travel faster between your device and the VPN server.

Use split-tunneling

Use split tunneling if available. This will allow the VPN only to route traffic from the GeForce NOW app or browser you’re using GeForce NOW on. The less data to encrypt/decrypt and route, the faster your speeds will be.

Disable background apps 

Disable background apps that use the internet to free up more bandwidth for GeForce NOW.

GeForce NOW VPN FAQs 

Can a VPN improve GeForce NOW lag and ping?

Yes, a VPN can improve GeForce NOW lag and ping by connecting to a server closer to the gaming server, reducing the distance data travels and improving connection stability.

Do I need a graphics card to run GeForce NOW?

No, you don’t need a graphics card to run GeForce NOW, as the games are streamed from the cloud-based gaming service.

How much internet bandwidth does GeForce NOW use?

GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service allowing Android and iOS users to stream games to their devices. The bandwidth used by GeForce NOW will vary depending on the game being played and the quality of the stream. 

Generally, Android and iOS users can expect to use between 5-15 Mbps for a 720p resolution stream and up to 50 Mbps for a 4K resolution stream.

Will I still access my games library when I use a VPN? 

Yes, you can still access your games library when using a VPN if you select a server location that supports the game and has low latency.

Which countries don’t have GeForce NOW available? 

GeForce NOW is currently unavailable in China, Russia, and other countries for various reasons, including government regulations and licensing agreements.

What happens if I use a free VPN  to play GeForce NOW?

Using a free VPN with GeForce NOW can negatively impact your gaming experience due to the limited number of servers, slow connection speeds, and potential data leaks.

Can I use a VPN for GeForce NOW in India?

Yes, you can use a VPN for GeForce NOW in India as long as the VPN provider has servers in a location that supports GeForce NOW and has low latency.

Can I use a VPN for GeForce NOW in Brazil?

Yes, you can use a VPN for GeForce NOW in Brazil as long as the VPN provider has servers in a location that supports GeForce NOW and has low latency.

Which VPN is Best for GeForce NOW?

The best VPN for GeForce NOW depends on your specific needs and preferences, but some top options include NordVPN and Surfshark.

Final Thoughts

Based on our research and testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for GeForce NOW. Its fast speeds, lag-free sessions, and ability to unblock GeForce games make it a top choice for gamers.

Using a VPN with GeForce NOW can improve your gaming experience by reducing lag and ping times. Choosing a VPN provider with fast speeds, low latency, and a strong network of servers in countries where GeForce NOW is available is important. 

With the right VPN, you can unlock the full potential of GeForce NOW and enjoy seamless gaming sessions from anywhere in the world.