9 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024 (Fast Speeds and Low Ping)

Using a VPN for gaming might sound counterintuitive when you first think of it. However, there are many reasons why you should consider doing so. Some gamers use it to protect their devices from DDoS attacks and maintain their online privacy when playing online. Others use it to reduce ping and improve online performance. Many players even employ it to avoid server geo-blocks or their ISP throttling their connection speed. Most VPN services allow you to access geo-blocked games, too.

No matter what your main gaming concern is, this page will help you resolve it. We’ve tested all of the best VPN companies for gaming and summed up a detailed guide on everything you need to know when using a VPN for gaming. Let’s get right into it.

Best Gaming VPNs – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – the best gaming VPN in 2022.
2. Surfshark – extremely fast servers.
3. PrivateVPN – best VPN for beginner users.
4. ExpressVPN – excellent balance of speed and security.
5. Private Internet Access – a great budget choice.
6. CyberGhost – is good for gaming.
7. IPVanish – alternative choice.

Is a VPN Good for Gaming?

Many casual online gamers could argue that they don’t specifically need a VPN to enjoy gaming. That said, the long list of VPN benefits includes excellent gaming features. Most notably, these cover DDoS attacks and swatting protection, reduced lag and ping, and unrestricted server access. 

You can make sure you access all gaming servers privately and safely, regardless of your physical location. Some VPNs will even help increase your network speed and reduce overall ping.

Of course, you need to pick a reliable and proven VPN that works well for gaming activities for all of this to be true. It should have all of the necessary security and performance features. Also, it should be light and streamlined enough so that it doesn’t slow down your network or increase in-game lag. This brings us to the next important point of the topic.

Best VPNs For Gaming

1. NordVPN

After checking out the top VPNs, we picked NordVPN as the best for gaming. It has everything you need for a great gaming VPN. NordVPN has DDoS protection, CyberSec, and split tunneling for your security.

NordVPN has over 5300 servers in 59 countries. It uses a special protocol called NordLynx. This protocol is fast and secure, perfect for gaming.

NordLynx is super fast and doesn’t sacrifice security. It’s great for games that need quick responses. It helps lower ping and reduce lag.

NordVPN can unblock any site and has easy apps. It’s perfect for competitive gamers and streamers.

You can connect up to six devices at once. It works on PCs, mobiles, and even Nintendo Switch. You can also use it with NordLocker for safe storage.

NordVPN is very affordable with long-term plans. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

All these features make NordVPN a favorite. It also has 24-7 live chat support for any issues.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark says, “Stick to gaming, we’ve got security”. It’s fast and reliable for gaming.

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Each server has private DNS for gaming. It also supports P2P-friendly servers and useful modes like NoBorders Mode and Camouflage Mode.

These features are great for streaming and torrenting too. You can access Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and more with Surfshark.

Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices at once. This is perfect for playing multiplayer games with friends.

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a top choice for online gaming. It’s fast, secure, and easy to use, all at a lower price than many others.

It has over 200 server locations across 63 countries. It keeps your gaming safe with DNS and IPv6 leak protection, strong encryption, and a kill switch.

PrivateVPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth or server switching. This makes it perfect for gaming, ensuring smooth HD gaming without lag. You can enjoy great download speeds all month.

It’s also great for other online activities. It can unblock major streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Plus, all servers are P2P-friendly. There’s also port forwarding support for downloading large files from torrenting sites.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top choice for fast speeds and strong security. It has over 3,000 servers in 160 locations and 94 countries. It’s great for reducing ping times and allows up to five connections at once.

It offers 256-bit encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, DDoS protection, and split tunneling. These features make it very popular, and you can find exclusive deals with trusted partners.

One thing to note is that ExpressVPN is more expensive than most. This is important to consider if you plan to use it for a long time. But if you can afford it, it’s hard to beat.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has a huge number of servers. It offers over 35,000 servers in 101 locations across 78 countries. This makes it the only service to do so. If you’re always looking for more servers, PIA is the best choice.

Each server supports the WireGuard protocol. Private Internet Access VPN apps also have many great features. These include a kill switch, split tunneling, the PIA Mace feature, port forwarding, and custom DNS. These features are great for advanced gamers who want to customize their VPN.

Private Internet Access is based in the US, but it’s safe to use. It has a 100% zero-log policy, so it can’t share your info. It’s one of the best VPN choices for all gamers worldwide.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is known as the best gaming VPN. It has over 6,900 servers worldwide with unlimited bandwidth. It also supports high VPN connection speeds.

It’s great for streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. CyberGhost has all the security and performance features you need. It includes a smart DNS feature and IP leak protection and 256-bit encryption.

It also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee. You can get a full refund within the first 45 days, no questions asked.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish is great for gamers. It offers advanced encryption, unblocking, and a zero-traffic logs policy. All servers support fast speeds with no data limits.

It has over 1,600 servers in more than 75 locations. You can switch between over 40,000 unique IP addresses. IPVanish also offers a secure 500GB storage plan.

This plan is perfect for gamers who need to share data. IPVanish works on many devices, including PCs, Macs, iOS, Android, and consoles.

9. VyprVPN

VyprVPN has 700+ servers in over 70 locations. It offers 300,000+ unique IP addresses. It has DDoS protection and a NAT Firewall.

VyprVPN has great features like VyprDNS and VyprVPN Cloud. It also has the high-performing Chameleon protocol. It’s easy to use on all major devices and platforms.

Gaming VPNs Quick Comparison

Choosing the right VPN can be tough and confusing. That’s why we made a handy table. It shows the main points of the top 9 VPNs clearly. Here’s a quick table comparison of the best gaming VPNs:

VPN Service	DDoS Protection	Number of Servers	Average Download Speeds	Average Upload Speeds
NordVPN	Yes	5,400+	24.30 Mbps	6.49 Mbps
PrivateVPN	Yes	200+	22.78 Mbps	6.59 Mbps
Surfshark	Yes	3,200+	24 Mbps	6.43 Mbps
ExpressVPN	Yes	3,000+	22.26 Mbps	6.08 Mbps
Private Internet Access	Yes	35,000+	23.45 Mbps	6.45 Mbps
IPVanish	Yes	2,000+	22.41 Mbps	6.04 Mbps
CyberGhost	Yes	8,000+	21.79 Mbps	6.26Mbps
VyprVPN	Yes	700+	21.54 Mbps	5.99 Mbps

*Average download and upload speeds on a home network suitable for one to two users.

What to Look for in a Good VPN for Gaming

Not all VPNs are good for gaming. You need a VPN that has special features for gaming. Here are the essential features to look for in a good VPN for Gaming:

• DDoS Protection – DDoS attacks are common in online gaming. A good gaming VPN should have DDoS protection. This keeps your IP address hidden and your internet safe from attacks.
• Global Server Access – game servers are often in specific regions. A VPN lets you connect to any server you want. Just pick a server in the region of the game server you want to play on.
• Dedicated IP Options – a dedicated IP address is unique to you. It helps avoid getting banned from game servers. It also prevents problems caused by other users.
• Split Tunneling – this feature lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN. It’s great for gaming and streaming at the same time.
• Fast Speeds – fast speeds are key for competitive gaming. A slow VPN can ruin your experience. Look for a VPN that reduces lag and ping.
• No Logs Policy – a private internet connection is important. Make sure your VPN doesn’t log your activities. A strict no-logs policy is essential.

The best gaming VPN services have all these features. They work well for all online games. You can play many games safely and without restrictions.

• PUBG
• League of Legends
• Fortnite
• Minecraft
• Roblox
• Call of Duty

Why Do You Need a VPN for Gaming?

Thinking about using a VPN for online gaming? You might not know all the good things a gaming VPN can do. Here are the top reasons to use a VPN for gaming:

• Protect yourself from swatting – online gaming can get very toxic. Gamers sometimes track down others’ real locations, stalk them, or even call the police. This is a big reason many gamers use a VPN for safety.
• Stay safe from DDoSing – DDoS attacks happen when someone floods your system with requests. A VPN hides your IP address, making it hard for someone to DDoS you while you game.
• Avoid bandwidth throttling – a VPN can also boost your Internet speeds. If your provider is slowing you down, a VPN can help you get the speeds you pay for.
• Lower your lag and ping – a VPN can also reduce ping times and lag. By connecting to a VPN server near the game’s server, you’ll enjoy smoother gaming.
• Access any region – many games are only available in certain regions. But, with a VPN, you can play with players from other countries by connecting to a server outside your region.

Quick VPN Setup Guides for Gaming

After reading about the benefits of gaming VPNs, you might be ready to pick one. But first, you need to set it up. Here’s how to set up a gaming VPN on your device:

How to Set Up VPN on Windows

Setting up a VPN on a gaming PC is easy. Here’s how to install, set up, and use a VPN service for online gaming on your Windows PC:

1. Sign up with a VPN and download the Windows app.
2. Install the app, open it, and log in.
3. Choose a server in a country you want to play from.
4. Start your game and enjoy the VPN benefits!

How to Set Up VPN on PS4 and Xbox

Console gamers also want to know how to set up a VPN. There are a few ways to do it on PS4 or Xbox. We’ll show you both popular options, so you can choose what works best for you.

Set Up a PS4/Xbox VPN Through Your PC

1. Download and install your VPN’s PC app.
2. Connect your console to your PC through an ethernet cable.
3. Open up the Control Panel on your PC and go to “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center”.
4. Choose the option “Change Adapter Settings”. When the window pops up, click on your VPN service’s name. Go to “Properties” then “Sharing”.
5. Select the option “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection”.
6. Staying in the same tab, under the option “Home Networking Connection” choose your console’s connection.
7. Open up the app client and connect to a server of your choice.
8. Turn on your console and navigate to the settings tab in it. Go to “Network” then “Connect to the Internet” and choose “Use a LAN cable – Easy”.
9. This completes the setup process. All that’s left is to load up the game and enjoy gaming on your PS4/PS5/Xbox console!

Set Up a PS4/Xbox VPN Through Your Router

1. Log in to your router’s control panel. You can do so by typing “192.168.1.1.” in your browser’s address bar.
2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab and choose the “Add Profile” option.
3. When prompted, enter all of the necessary details and opt for auto-reconnection in the appropriate tab.
4. Download the OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN’s site.
5. Go back to your router’s control panel and import the files you’ve just downloaded.
6. Activate your VPN connection and start gaming!

Remember, if you set up the VPN on your router, it will cover all devices, not just your gaming consoles. Make sure your router is compatible with your VPN before trying this. Not all routers can handle VPN installations.

There are other ways to set up a VPN for gaming online, like using a smart DNS or Wi-Fi. But these methods are less practical. We suggest sticking with the two main methods we discussed.

How to Set Up a VPN on Android

If you prefer gaming on your Android device, setting up a VPN is easy. Most of the process is automatic. Here are the steps to set up a VPN on Android:

1. Download one of our recommended VPNs
2. Wait for the app to install and then open it
3. Sign up using your account credentials
4. Choose a VPN server and connect
5. That’s it, you can start playing Android games!

Gaming VPN FAQ

Does a VPN help and improve the gaming experience?

Yes, a good VPN can enhance your gaming. It can lower your ping and speed up your network if your ISP is slowing you down. It also lets you access servers that are blocked in your area.

Can I use a VPN for streaming games on Twitch?

Yes, you can use any of the seven VPNs we reviewed for streaming games on Twitch. They offer top security, fast speeds, and a wide server network.

Does a VPN affect gaming, and can it help reduce ping?

Yes, a VPN can sometimes improve your ping and reduce lag. A VPN can make data packets take a shorter route than usual. But, not all VPNs are created equal, and some might actually increase your ping.

Can I use a VPN for League of Legends?

Yes, using a VPN for League of Legends can be very beneficial. It lets you access your favorite servers no matter where you are. It also helps avoid geoblocks, lags, and bandwidth throttling, making your game smoother.

Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

No, it’s best to avoid free VPNs for gaming. Free gaming VPNs lack the security and performance of paid VPNs. They can’t protect you from DDoS attacks or hackers.

Also, many free VPNs sell your data for money. So, using a free VPN for privacy is not a good idea. Instead, consider affordable paid plans that offer better security.

Atlas VPN offers a free version that’s good for trying out. It has some limited features. This is a great way to see if a VPN works for gaming before you buy a premium plan.

The free version of Atlas VPN has only three servers. They are in New York, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam. If you’re far from these places, your ping might go up instead of down.

Are VPNs fast enough for gaming?

Yes, the best VPNs are fast enough for gaming. But, not all VPNs are the same. Some can slow down your network. So, choose one of our top picks for the best gaming speeds.

Which VPN should I pick for competitive gaming?

For competitive gaming, you need a strong VPN. NordVPN or ExpressVPN are great choices. They have all the features a competitive gamer needs for the best results.

Is a VPN legal for gaming?

Yes, using a VPN for gaming is legal. Just make sure it’s for the right reasons, like improving your network speed. Using a VPN to buy games cheaply might not be allowed by all game developers.

Best VPNs for Gaming – Which VPN Service Should You Choose?

We’ve tested and compared many VPNs for gaming. We looked at speed, server performance, security, and more. You can’t go wrong with any of our nine top picks. They all offer a fast and smooth gaming experience.

Now you know which VPN is best for gaming. If you want more details, check out our in-depth reviews. They cover monthly prices and other important factors.

If you’re unsure about the best VPN for gaming, we suggest NordVPN as your top pick. It boasts fast download speeds and is the top choice for gamers. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without worry.