5 Best VPNs for CS:GO in 2023 (Low Ping + Unblock)

As a CS:GO player you know how important a stable and fast connection to get that headshot. Now, think about leveling up your play with the right tools.

This article is your guide to understanding how a VPN can make a real difference in your gameplay. No more internet throttling or lag to ruin your session. Keep reading to discover which VPNs can give you the edge you need in CS:GO.

Choosing the best VPN for CS:GO isn’t just a shot in the dark. It requires careful consideration of server speed, stability, user-friendly apps, and server location.

These factors can greatly influence your gaming experience. In this article, I’ll explore the top VPN options that address these exact needs. Prepare to learn how you can stay connected and maintain 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. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice
4. PrivateVPN – easy-to-use CS:GO VPN
5. ExpressVPN –  A premium VPN for CS:GO with fast servers

Why do you need a VPN for CS:GO?

When playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a VPN can be useful for several reasons:

• Improved Connection Stability: A VPN can help stabilize your internet connection. It does so by providing a direct path to the game server. This can reduce packet loss and improve your overall gaming experience.
• Reduced Lag and Lower Ping: By connecting to a server closer to the game’s server, a VPN can reduce your ping times. Low ping is crucial in fast-paced games like CS:GO for smoother and more responsive gameplay.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Sometimes, game content or servers may be restricted in certain regions. A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different locations, bypassing these restrictions.
• Avoiding Bandwidth Throttling: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may throttle your bandwidth when you consume a lot of data. Gaming uses significant bandwidth. A VPN hides your activity from your ISP, which can prevent throttling.
• Protection From DDoS Attacks: CS:GO can be a competitive game. This can lead to DDoS attacks by opponents looking for an unfair advantage. A VPN can help protect your network from such attacks by hiding your real IP address.

Secure Gaming on Public Wi-Fi: If you play CS:GO on public Wi-Fi, a VPN encrypts your traffic. This prevents others on the network from snooping on your data or attacking your device.

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

Although there are several methods of switching servers and accessing the desired country, using a VPN is the most straightforward way of doing so.

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 choice for CS:GO players. It pairs excellent performance with strong security. Its dependable speeds and stable service mean that it’s rare to experience connection drops. This is important for gamers who need consistent connection speeds.

Security: When it comes to security, NordVPN has it covered. It uses AES-256 encryption and offers DDoS protection on its servers. This encryption is difficult to break, keeping your data safe while you play.

Privacy: NordVPN also values your privacy. It has a strict no-logging policy and has been independently audited three times. It is based in Panama, which is outside the Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction. This means NordVPN is less likely to be forced to hand over user data.

Performance: Performance-wise, NordVPN delivers. With a download speed of 248.7 Mbps and an upload speed of 126.7 Mbps in the United States, it’s fast. NordLynx, its protocol based on WireGuard, ensures these high speeds while maintaining security.

Other features: The VPN shines in additional features too. NordVPN can unblock popular streaming services and offers specialized P2P servers for fast downloads. This makes it great not only for gaming but also for other online activities. NordVPN allows the use of one account on multiple devices. This means you can share the cost with friends, making it even more affordable.

Pricing: Pricing is competitive. NordVPN’s plans start at $4.99 per month for a one-year plan. They offer a variety of payment options, including cryptocurrencies for added privacy. Plus, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

In conclusion, NordVPN excels in performance, security, and features, making it an ideal VPN for CS:GO players. It stands out against competitors with its fast speeds, advanced security options, and the ability to unblock content across various platforms.

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 stands out as a top VPN choice for players of CS:GO, offering features that enhance gaming experiences and protect user data. With a vast network of over 3500 servers, Surfshark ensures players can find low-latency connections, which are crucial for competitive play in CS:GO.

Security: Surfshark provides robust security measures with AES-256-GCM encryption, which is currently the gold standard for encrypting data. This encryption, coupled with secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and the modern WireGuard, offers a shield against various online threats. The Automatic Kill Switch feature is crucial for gamers, as it prevents their data from being exposed if the VPN connection drops.

Privacy: In terms of privacy, Surfshark commits to a no-logs policy, ensuring user activities aren’t recorded or stored. IP Masking hides the real IP address, making it difficult for adversaries to trace actions back to the user. Additionally, having Private DNS on each server mitigates the risk of DNS leaks.

Performance: Performance-wise, Surfshark exhibits impressive speeds, with a download speed of 235 Mbps and an upload speed of 219 Mbps in the United States. The use of the lightweight WireGuard protocol provides faster connections and increased performance compared to older protocols, making it an excellent choice for gamers who need speed without compromising security.

Features: Surfshark isn’t just for gaming; it’s also capable of unblocking popular streaming services and allows P2P file sharing on its servers. With Whitelister (split tunneling), users can choose which apps go through the VPN. Surfshark supports unlimited devices and provides 24/7 customer support, enhancing its overall usability.

Pricing: Though the monthly subscription plan may seem high, Surfshark’s extended plans are extremely cost-effective. For example, the Surfshark Starter plan begins at $2.30/month for a two-year commitment, providing an excellent price for the service’s value, including a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

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

In comparison to competitors, Surfshark offers a balance of performance, security, and price, making it a competitive option, particularly for CS:GO players seeking a reliable VPN.

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

Atlas VPN stands out as an optimal choice for CS:GO players seeking both performance and privacy. With its rapid connectivity and strong security measures, Atlas VPN ensures smooth and protected gameplay. Its features also allow players to bypass geo-restrictions, enabling access to additional content and online marketplaces.

Security: Atlas VPN provides robust security with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP rotation for added anonymity. The service employs the WireGuard protocol, known for both speed and security, making it an excellent fit for gaming. Additionally, the MultiHop+ feature routes your traffic through several servers, doubling the encryption and providing an extra layer of protection.

Privacy: Privacy is paramount with Atlas VPN’s strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store user data. Features including a tracker blocker, data breach monitoring, and system-wide kill switch further enhance user privacy. With the Privacy Pro feature, users enjoy increased privacy through SafeSwap and MultiHop+.

Performance: Atlas VPN delivers impressive speeds with a download velocity of 183 Mbps, facilitating quick response times crucial for CS:GO gameplay. Its support for modern protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2 also contributes to stable and efficient performance.

Features: Atlas VPN excels in content unblocking with consistent access to Netflix and other streaming platforms, making it useful for more than just gaming. For peer-to-peer activities, Atlas VPN offers optimized servers, and with its unlimited device connections policy on premium plans, it caters to households or friends wanting to secure multiple devices.

Pricing: At $1.82/month on its two-year plan, Atlas VPN provides an affordable solution with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Those hesitant to commit can start with the free version, which includes a 5 GB data limit and access to three server locations.

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

As an affordable VPN with excellent speeds, strong security, and comprehensive privacy features, Atlas VPN is a competitive option for CS:GO gamers.

4. PrivateVPN – CS:GO VPN with security in mind

For dedicated CS:GO players seeking a competitive edge and secure online gaming, PrivateVPN stands out as an optimal choice. This VPN provides both strong security measures and high performance, which are crucial for gaming.

Security:
PrivateVPN focuses on security. It uses robust AES 256-bit encryption to shield your data. This is a high level of security, protecting you from hackers and surveillance. The reliable kill switch feature ensures that your real IP address remains hidden, even if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It offers protection against IP and IPv6 leaks, adding to the safety of using this VPN while gaming.

Privacy:
Privacy is equally well-addressed with PrivateVPN’s strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are not recorded. The Stealth VPN mode is a significant privacy tool as it helps disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic, preventing servers from detecting VPN usage.

Performance:
In terms of performance, PrivateVPN offers high download and upload speeds, peaking at 148 Mbps and 190 Mbps in the U.S. respectively. With a variety of protocols like OpenVPN and the newer WireGuard, it provides a balance between speed and security. Even in beta, WireGuard shows promise for faster connections and improved performance.

Features:
For those interested in streaming and P2P sharing, PrivateVPN delivers. It unblocks geo-restricted content, including YouTube, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer, without compromising on speed or quality. Moreover, it supports P2P traffic, with dedicated servers for torrenting, providing good speeds for these activities.

Pricing:
PrivateVPN is competitively priced, offering a 1-month plan at $9.90, and reducing the monthly price significantly with longer commitments. The 36-month plan, at $2.00 per month, offers substantial savings. It allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections and provides a 7-day free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering ample time to assess the service.

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

In comparison to its competitors, PrivateVPN’s large server network and customization options make it a strong choice for CS:GO players. However, the lack of browser extensions and independent audits could be seen as drawbacks. Despite this, the strong unblocking capabilities and consistent performance in gaming and streaming give PrivateVPN a competitive edge.

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

ExpressVPN is a top choice for CS:GO players looking for high-speed connections and strong security. This VPN can manage the quick reflexes and fast-paced action of the game due to its rapid network. It also provides a wide choice of servers, which can be especially useful for finding the best connection for your gaming needs.

Security: ExpressVPN boasts advanced security features that include AES 256-GCM encryption and SHA-512 hash function authentication, ensuring your data remains secure. The Network Lock (kill switch) feature maintains your privacy even if your VPN connection drops. Additionally, all servers run on RAM with TrustedServer technology, making it harder for data to be compromised.

Privacy: This VPN has a strict no-logs policy verified through independent audits by PwC and Cure53. It provides private DNS on every server and also features split tunneling and stealth servers. ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager blocks online trackers, enhancing user privacy when browsing the web.

Performance: In terms of speed, ExpressVPN performs well with a download speed of 137 Mbps and an upload speed of 162 Mbps in the United States. The Lightway protocol offers fast connection times which are ideal for gaming. ExpressVPN supports several protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, allowing users to choose the best option for their needs.

Other Features: This VPN unblocks major streaming platforms, making it great for gaming and entertainment. The MediaStreamer feature aids devices not typically supporting VPNs. ExpressVPN allows P2P and torrenting on all servers, and there are no specialized streaming servers required to change Netflix regions.

Pricing: ExpressVPN’s pricing is higher compared to some competitors. 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, offering 5 simultaneous connections. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee offered.

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

ExpressVPN’s support for routers, multiple operating systems, and browser extensions makes it versatile.

However, it does have some minor downsides, like fluctuating speeds when torrenting and limited features on certain operating systems.

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

When selecting and testing VPNs for CS:GO, it is crucial to focus on features that can impact the gaming experience. Here are the factors I considered in my testing methodology:

• Server Locations and Availability: Selected VPNs with a wide range of server locations. This maximizes the chances of finding a server close to the game server.
• Connection Speed: Measured the connection speed with and without the VPN connection to gauge the impact on internet speed.
• Ping Time: Tested the ping time, or latency, to the game servers with the VPN enabled. Lower ping times can lead to a more responsive gaming experience.
• Stability: Evaluated the stability of the VPN connection over multiple gaming sessions. An unstable connection can result in disconnections and negatively affect competitive gameplay.
• Easiness of Use: Assessed how easy it is to set up and use the VPN.
• Security and Privacy Features: Checked the security features of the VPN, such as encryption standards, to protect from potential DDoS attacks while gaming.
• Pricing: Analyzed the cost of the VPN service. Compared monthly and yearly plans, and any discounts for longer commitments.

CS:GO 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 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 particular VPN can face some difficulties with compatibility with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. That’s not a huge problem, though, as it can be quickly and easily fixed in most cases.

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

• 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 may reduce your ping in CS:GO, but it’s not guaranteed. Ping is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the server. If your ISP routes your traffic through a congested or long path, a VPN might help by providing a more direct route.

However, because a VPN also encrypts your data, it could add slight delays. To see if a VPN reduces your ping, you’ll need to test it during gameplay.

Read more on how VPNs affect ping.

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

You can use a free VPN to play CS:GO, but it’s not recommended. Free VPNs often have data limits, slower speeds, and fewer servers. This can lead to high ping and lag. They may also be less secure, which puts your personal information at risk. If you want to use a VPN for CS:GO, it’s usually better to go with a reputable paid 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.

It’s important to choose a VPN that’s optimized for gaming. Look for low latency, a wide server network, strong security, and good reviews from other CS:GO players.

Is a VPN Allowed in CS: GO?

Yes, you’re entirely free to use a VPN for CS: GO. Although using a VPN is frowned upon by Steam, many CS: GO players have been doing so for years problem-free. The only thing you should be mindful of is that you shouldn’t buy any other games through Steam when connected to a VPN. 

This is because doing so is a direct breach of Steam’s T&C, and you can get banned for it. Other than that, you’ll be flying under the radar, and Valve won’t restrict your profile for using a VPN for CS: GO.

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

No, as we mentioned above, using a VPN to play CS: GO isn’t in itself a reason for a ban. But, if you’re using it to bypass Steam’s region blocking for games or purchase other games at lower market prices, you’ll be violating the platform’s VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) rules and putting yourself in danger of getting removed by 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 to play CS:GO can better your online gaming experience and protect you against security threats such as DDoS attacks and other potential dangers. When playing CS:GO through the most reliable and fastest VPN, you’ll be able to go around geo-blocks, reduce your ping, and enjoy playing against gamers from any region of the world. 

But, for that to be true, you should always stray away from using a free VPN for gaming and be sure that you pick a reliable VPN that you can trust. Try one of our recommended VPNs and improve your Counter-Strike experience in just a few simple 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.