5 Best VPNs for CS:GO in 2024 (Low Ping + Unblock)

As a CS:GO player, you know how key a stable and fast connection is for that perfect headshot. Now, imagine taking your game to the next level with the right tools.

This article will show you how a VPN can change your gameplay. Say goodbye to internet throttling and lag ruining your game. Keep reading to find out which VPNs can give you the edge you need in CS:GO.

Choosing the best VPN for CS:GO isn’t random. You need to think about server speed, stability, user-friendly apps, and server location.

These elements can really impact your gaming experience. In this article, I’ll look at the top VPN options that meet these needs. Get ready to learn how to stay connected and keep the upper hand in your next match.

In my testing, I discovered that NordVPN is the best VPN for CS:GO.

Best VPNs for CS:GO – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – The best VPN for CS:GO
2. Surfshark – Offers a massive selection of VPN servers worldwide
3. PrivateVPN – easy-to-use CS:GO VPN
4. ExpressVPN –  A premium VPN for CS:GO with fast servers
5. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice

Why do you need a VPN for CS:GO?

Playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive can be better with a VPN for many reasons:

• Improved Connection Stability: A VPN can make your internet connection more stable. It does this by giving you a direct path to the game server. This can cut down on packet loss and make your gameplay smoother.
• Reduced Lag and Lower Ping: Connecting to a server near the game’s server can lower your ping times. Low ping is key for fast games like CS:GO, making your gameplay smoother and more responsive.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Sometimes, game content or servers might be blocked in certain areas. A VPN lets you connect to servers in different places, getting around these blocks.
• Avoiding bandwidth theft: Internet service providers (ISPs) might slow down your internet connection if you use a lot of data. Gaming uses a lot of bandwidth. A VPN hides your activity from your ISP, stopping them from slowing you down.
• Protection From DDoS Attacks: CS:GO is a competitive game, and DDoS attacks by opponents can happen. A VPN can protect your network by hiding your real IP address.
• Secure Gaming on Public Wi-Fi: Playing CS:GO on public Wi-Fi? A VPN encrypts your traffic. This keeps others on the network from seeing your data or attacking your device.

How to Play CS:GO With a VPN Step-By-Step

Switching servers and accessing different countries is easy with a VPN.

Here’s how to use a VPN for CS: GO:

1. Sign up and install a VPN (NordVPN recommended)
2. Open up the VPN app
3. Connect to a server that is closest to the gaming server.
4. Relaunch Steam if you’re using it
5. Launch CS:GO and play with a VPN on.

Best VPNs for CS:GO – detailed list

1. NordVPN – overall the best CS:GO VPN

NordVPN is a top pick for CS:GO players. It offers great performance and strong security. You’ll rarely see connection drops, which is key for gamers.

Security: NordVPN keeps your data safe with AES-256 encryption and DDoS protection. This encryption is hard to break, protecting your data while you play.

Privacy: NordVPN values your privacy. It has a strict no-logging policy and has been audited three times. It’s based in Panama, which means it’s less likely to share your data.

Performance: NordVPN is fast. It has download speeds of 248.7 Mbps and upload speeds of 126.7 Mbps in the United States. Its NordLynx protocol ensures these speeds while keeping your data secure.

Other features: NordVPN also has cool features. It can unblock streaming services and has P2P servers for fast downloads. You can use one account on many devices, making it affordable for sharing.

Pricing: NordVPN’s prices are good. Plans start at $4.99 per month for a year. It offers many payment options, including cryptocurrencies, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

In summary, NordVPN is great for CS:GO players. It’s fast, secure, and has many features. It’s a top choice compared to other VPNs.

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 – affordable next-gen VPN for CS:GO

Surfshark is a top VPN for CS:GO players. It offers great gaming experiences and protects your data. It has over 3500 servers for fast connections.

Security: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also has an Automatic Kill Switch to keep your data safe.

Privacy: Surfshark keeps your activities private with a no-logs policy. It hides your IP address and prevents DNS leaks. This makes it hard for others to track you.

Performance: Surfshark is fast, with download speeds of 235 Mbps and upload speeds of 219 Mbps in the United States. Its WireGuard protocol makes it even faster.

Features: Surfshark is not just for gaming. It can unblock streaming services and supports P2P file sharing. It also has Whitelister for split tunneling and supports unlimited devices.

Pricing: Surfshark’s extended plans are very affordable. The Starter plan starts at $2.30/month for two years. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark is a great choice for CS:GO players. It offers fast speeds, strong security, and good prices. It’s a top competitor in the VPN market.

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 – CS:GO VPN with security in mind

PrivateVPN is perfect for CS:GO players who want security and performance. It’s designed for gaming and keeps your data safe.

Security:PrivateVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption for top security. It also has a kill switch and protects against leaks. This keeps your gaming safe from hackers.

Privacy:PrivateVPN doesn’t log your activities. Its Stealth VPN mode hides your VPN traffic. This keeps your online activities private.

Performance:PrivateVPN is fast, with speeds up to 148 Mbps and 190 Mbps. It uses OpenVPN and WireGuard for speed and security. WireGuard is promising for even faster connections.

Features:PrivateVPN is good for streaming and P2P sharing. It unblocks content like YouTube and Netflix. It also supports torrenting with dedicated servers.

Pricing:
PrivateVPN is priced well, starting at $9.90 for a month. The 36-month plan is just $2.00/month. It offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN has a large server network and customization options. It’s a strong choice for CS:GO players. But, it lacks browser extensions and independent audits. Despite this, its strong unblocking and performance make it a top pick.

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

4. ExpressVPN – a premium VPN for CS:GO players

ExpressVPN is a top pick for CS:GO players. It offers fast connections and strong security. This is perfect for the game’s quick action.

Security: It uses AES 256-GCM encryption and SHA-512 hash function authentication. This keeps your data safe. The Network Lock feature also keeps your privacy if the VPN connection drops.

Privacy: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy. It’s been audited by PwC and Cure53. It also has private DNS, split tunneling, and stealth servers.

Performance: ExpressVPN is fast, with download speeds of 137 Mbps and upload speeds of 162 Mbps in the United States. Its Lightway protocol is great for gaming. It supports OpenVPN and IKEv2, too.

Other Features: It unblocks major streaming platforms. This makes it perfect for gaming and entertainment. It also supports P2P and torrenting on all servers.

Pricing: ExpressVPN is a bit pricier. A 1-month plan is $12.95, a 6-month plan is $9.99 per month, and a 1-year plan is $6.67 per month. It offers 5 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

5. Atlas VPN – user-friendly CS:GO VPN with a free version

Atlas VPN is a top pick for CS:GO players. It offers fast connections and strong security. This means you can play without worries and access more content online.

Security: Atlas VPN uses AES-256 encryption and a kill switch for safety. It also has IP rotation for extra privacy. The WireGuard protocol ensures fast and secure gaming.

Privacy: Atlas VPN keeps your data safe with a no-logs policy. It blocks trackers and monitors data breaches. The Privacy Pro feature adds more protection.

Performance: Atlas VPN is fast, with download speeds of 183 Mbps. It supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 for stable gaming.

Features: Atlas VPN is great for unblocking content. It works well with Netflix and other streaming sites. It also supports peer-to-peer activities and allows unlimited devices on premium plans.

Pricing: Atlas VPN costs $1.82/month on a two-year plan. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also try the free version with a 5 GB data limit.

Atlas VPN is a great choice for CS:GO gamers. It’s affordable, fast, and secure.

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

Testing Methodology: How I selected and tested VPNs for CS:GO

Choosing the right VPN for CS:GO is key. I looked at several important factors. Here’s what I considered:

• Server Locations and Availability: I picked VPNs with many server locations. This helps find a server near the game server.
• Connection Speed: I checked the speed with and without the VPN. This shows how it affects your internet speed.
• Ping Time: I tested the ping time to game servers with the VPN on. Lower ping times mean better gaming.
• Stability: I checked how stable the VPN connection was during gaming. A stable connection is essential for competitive play.
• Easiness of Use: I looked at how simple it is to set up and use the VPN.
• Security and Privacy Features: I checked the VPN’s security features. Good encryption protects against DDoS attacks.
• Pricing: I compared the cost of the VPN service. I looked at monthly and yearly plans, and any discounts for longer commitments.

CS:GO VPN Comparison

How to change CS:GO region with a VPN?

1. Select a VPN provider (I highly recommend NordVPN)
2. Install the VPN software on your device.
3. Open the VPN application.
4. Log in with your credentials.
5. Choose a server from the region you want to play in.
6. Connect to the chosen server.
7. Relaunch Steam
8. Launch CS:GO and start playing in your new region.

Remember, not every VPN can change your CS:GO region. Choose one that works well with the game.

How to Fix if CS:GO is Not Working with a VPN:

It sometimes happens that a VPN can have trouble with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. But, it’s usually easy to fix.

When CS:GO isn’t working with your VPN, try these steps:

• Pick a different VPN server. The server you tried may be down. Connect to another server and try again.
• Check for IP leaks. Make sure that your real IP address isn’t visible.
• Contact VPN customer support. Good VPN services offer helpful support. Tell them your problem.
• Switch VPNs. Some VPNs work better with CS:GO. Change your VPN if needed.

Can a VPN reduce my ping in CS:GO?

Using a VPN might lower your ping in CS:GO, but it’s not a sure thing. Ping is how long it takes for data to get from your computer to the server. If your ISP takes a long or crowded path, a VPN could offer a quicker route.

But, a VPN also encrypts your data, which might add a bit of delay. To know if a VPN cuts your ping, you’ll need to test it while playing.

Learn more about VPN effects on ping.

Can I use a free VPN to play CS:GO?

You can try a free VPN for CS:GO, but it’s not the best idea. Free VPNs often have data limits, slow speeds, and fewer servers. This can cause high ping and lag. They might also be less secure, risking your personal info.

For a better CS:GO experience, it’s usually better to use a reputable paid VPN service.

Which VPNs to avoid while playing CS:GO?

Avoid VPNs that:

• Are known for high latency or slow speeds.
• Have limited server options.
• Lack of strong security features.
• Have been reported to cause issues with Steam or CS:GO.
• Do not have a clear no-logs policy.

Choose a VPN that’s made for gaming. Look for low latency, many servers, strong security, and good reviews from CS:GO players.

Is a VPN Allowed in CS: GO?

Yes, you’re free to use a VPN for CS: GO. Steam doesn’t like VPNs, but many players use them without problems. Just remember, don’t buy other games through Steam when using a VPN.

This is because buying games through a VPN breaks Steam’s rules. You could get banned. But, using a VPN for CS: GO won’t get you in trouble with Valve.

Can you Get Banned for Using a VPN On CS: GO?

No, using a VPN for CS: GO isn’t a ban reason. But, using it to bypass Steam’s region blocks or buy games cheaply is a no-no. This could get you kicked off Steam.

Related Articles:

• Best VPNs for Valorant
• Best VPNs for PUBG
• Best VPNs for Call Of Duty
• Best VPNs for GTA5

Conclusion

Using a VPN for CS:GO can make your gaming better and keep you safe from threats like DDoS attacks. With the right VPN, you can bypass geo-blocks, lower your ping, and play with gamers worldwide.

But, it’s important to avoid free VPNs for gaming. Instead, choose a reliable VPN you can trust. Try one of our recommended VPNs and enhance your Counter-Strike experience in just a few steps!

CS:GO VPN FAQ

Does CS:GO work with VPN?

CS:GO can work with a VPN, but the experience depends on the VPN’s quality and server locations.

What is the best free VPN for CS:GO?

AtlasVPN or ProtonVPN are strong choices for CS:GO.

Does ExpressVPN work with CS:GO?

Yes, ExpressVPN works with CS:GO. Its fast speeds and stability are good for gaming.

Is it illegal to use a VPN with CS:GO?

It is not illegal to use a VPN with CS:GO, but it might be against the game’s terms of service.

What’s the best VPN for CS:GO? Nordvpn

The best VPN for CS:GO is NordVPN, due to its fast speed servers and strong security features.

Does NordVPN work with CS:GO?

Yes, NordVPN works with CS:GO. It offers fast servers that can help reduce ping and lag.

Will my ISP know I’m using a VPN?

Your ISP may detect VPN traffic, but they cannot see your online activities while you’re connected to a VPN.