5 Best VPNs for Overwatch in 2023 (Fast Speeds and Low Ping)
Overwatch VPN Key Points
- You can use an Overwatch VPN without getting banned.
- A VPN is an excellent way to reduce ping In Overwatch, but there are other solutions that can help.
- When using an Overwatch VPN, it’s important to pick the right server locations.
Our testing has shown that NordVPN is the best VPN for Overwatch.
The iconic Blizzard FPS game is one of the most exciting online multiplayer games around. It’s fast-paced, team-based, and endlessly entertaining. And, although Overwatch is pretty well optimized, you can still run into a number of issues when gaming.
Problems like lag, high ping, and unreliable network speeds can be very annoying. Especially for players gaming competitively. There’s something even more worrying. Gaming through an unsecured network opens you up to hacker attacks, DDoS attacks, and many other safety concerns.
A VPN can help resolve many connection issues when playing Overwatch. However, not every VPN is capable enough for the task. I’ve done the necessary research to bring you the five best VPNs for Overwatch in 2023. I’ll share with you the key criteria and help you choose the best Overwatch VPN for your needs.
Best VPNs for Overwatch – Our Shortlist:
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Overwatch in 2023.
- Surfshark – Excellent security features and user-friendly service.
- AtlasVPN – A great budget choice.
- PrivateVPN – easy-to-use Overwatch VPN
- ExpressVPN – Top-quality and advanced VPN.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Play Overwatch?
Many gamers will tell you that using a VPN for gaming is impractical. And, to a certain degree, I agree with this notion. But, while it’s true that adding another layer on top of your network will slow down your connection speed, this doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, here are the main reasons why you should use an Overwatch VPN:
- Better Speed and Lower Ping — Connecting to a secure VPN server can even help you speed up your connection and decrease ping, therefore making your online gaming experience better.
- Unblocking VoIP and Servers in Overwatch — Still, for this to be the case, you need to pick a quality VPN that can offer you high-speed global servers. It’s also a great solution if you’re in one of the countries that block VoIP services in Overwatch.
- Added Security and Privacy — Besides being fast and reliable, VPN servers can also provide you with enhanced online privacy and security. By routing your real connection through the VPN tunnel, the service will mask and hide all of your valuable data from your Internet provider and any snoopers. This will maximally reduce the risk of DDoS attacks, malware, and hacking attempts.
VPN for Gaming 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 |
Best VPNs for Overwatch
1. NordVPN
NordVPN supports all of the features you would look for in a VPN for the ultimate gaming experience. With over 5,500 servers in 60 countries worldwide, you can rely on a blazing-fast global server network. Additionally, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers. It also runs its entire server network on RAM disk servers.
But, these are all numbers you can find online by yourself. Why is this secure VPN my top pick? The answer is simple. It delivers the best all-around experience. I’ve regularly used it on both my PC and my PS4 to play Overwatch, and have never had any problems. The overall speed drop-down was generally around 5% and never over 10%.
The speed drop-down is minimal, enabling even competitive Overwatch gamers to play without limitations. With some nearby NordVPN servers, I even managed to lower my ping by about 10% to 15%.
These include advanced security features like a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and much more. You can also use it to avoid DDoS attacks in case you’re worried about this issue. It’s the perfect tool for bypassing ISP throttling and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 46,4 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,3 Mbps |
| Best deal | 63% OFF + Gift |
NordVPN Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest connection speeds for Overwatch | Only 6 simultaneous connections |
| DDoS protection for competitive gaming | No free trial |
| Great compatibility for consoles and all | |
| operating systems | |
| Automatic kill switch | |
| 24/7 live chat support | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee |
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is particularly popular among pro-Overwatch gamers and competitive players. This is because it’s capable of providing some of the best speeds out of all VPN services. The speed dropdown is just around 10% compared to a regular connection. Of course, you might experience slower Internet traffic if you connect to a more remote server.
Moreover, you can conveniently set it up on your router. This means that Surfshark is an excellent pick for gamers who like to play Overwatch on gaming consoles.
Some of Surfshark’s best features include an Internet kill switch and private DNS on each server. Plus, you can set up unlimited simultaneous connections on just one affordable subscription plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you like playing the game with your friends, sharing Surfshark is very convenient.
Surfshark Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 39,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,8 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 81% |
Surfshark Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very reliable at unblocking voice chat in | Not a suitable pick for playing on remote Overwatch servers |
| Overwatch | No free version |
| Above-average speeds and low ping | |
| Split tunneling and an Internet kill switch | |
| No-log policy and robust security features | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| 24/7 live chat support |
3. AtlasVPN
Being a budget-friendly service provider, Atlas is one of the best VPN options for Overwatch. It has a good amount of fast speed and high-quality servers and a Wireguard protocol which means good speeds and less ping for your gaming experience. Add to the mix a killswitch and you’re all set, as it makes sure that your IP address does not leak online.
Atlas VPN is a bit slower than the previous two Overwatch VPNs. More specifically, if you want a low ping and high performance, I recommend using this provider only to access local game server options. Plus, as it has a smaller server network, it’s a less favorable pick
AtlasVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | AtlasVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | AtlasVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 35,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 34,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 29,9 Mbps |
| Best deal | 83% OFF |
AtlasVPN Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid speeds on nearby servers | Very slow remote servers, not suitable for |
| Low ping, great for Overwatch | Overwatch |
| Helpful against an ISP throttling your connection | Relatively small server network |
| Unlimited connections | |
| Military-grade encryption and strong security features | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee |
4. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN provides more than 200 server locations across 63 countries worldwide. One aspect that I particularly liked is that it offers a 99.98% uptime. And, when I put this into practice, it was absolutely true. I never had a connection drop and always had reliable speed with low ping.
PrivateVPN does relatively slim apps in terms of any advanced privacy or security features.
Still, its security infrastructure makes it a good pick for Overwatch players. It includes security features such as a kill switch and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Because of this, I recommend it to everyone looking for a simple and reliable VPN for playing Overwatch and unblocking its voice chat feature.
PrivateVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 43,6 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45.9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 85% |
PrivateVPN Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use and reliable Overwatch VPN | Not as many servers as other VPN providers |
| Unblocks voice chat in Overwatch from anywhere | Lacks sophisticated features |
| Great speeds for playing Overwatch on remote servers | |
| Excellent uptime for long-form Overwatch sessions | |
| 10 simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee |
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers more than 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 94 countries in all corners of the globe. It also employs a TrustedServer technology and runs all of its servers entirely on RAM instead of hard disks.
It’s a superb service for both hiding your activity from your Internet Service Provider and unblocking Overwatch voice chat when playing the game.
The service doesn’t keep any user activity logs. What I like about this Overwatch VPN is that it excellently maintains speeds even across long-distance connections. I’ve used it to connect to servers in Asia from Europe and still experienced stable connections when playing Overwatch.
ExpressVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 42,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 40,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 38,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | +3 months FREE |
ExpressVPN Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliably unblocks Overwatch voice chat | Expensive subscription plans |
| Maintains great gaming speeds across its entire network | Only 5 simultaneous connections |
| TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers | |
| 24/7 live chat support | |
| No-logs policy | |
| Premium security features | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee |
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Testing Methodology: How We Picked The Best Overwatch VPNs
To ensure you’ve picked the best Overwatch VPN, you need to carefully sift through VPN providers and only focus on the top performers.
As a VPN expert and gamer, I would be remiss to withhold this information. This is why I want to share the testing methodology and VPN parameters I used when evaluating the best VPNs for Overwatch:
- Internet Connection Speed — To separate a good Overwatch VPN provider from the “best VPN for Overwatch”, I always perform speed tests using a tool such as Speedtest.net, before and after connecting to the VPN. Additionally, I closely check ping times when gaming. Ping times are critical for online gaming, including Overwatch.
- Unblocking Power — Naturally, one of the most important ones is the VPN’s ability to unblock Overwatch and other games in the region you’re interested in playing. Some VPNs may not work in certain regions due to government restrictions or other factors.
- Server Network Size — The size of the VPN’s server network is also a crucial factor to consider. More servers often mean more options for connecting to game servers around the world. A large server network can also help reduce latency and improve overall performance. I favor providers that offer dedicated servers, as these servers generally ensure slightly faster connections.
- Compatibility With Gaming Consoles — Overwatch is available on Windows, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Its successor, Overwatch 2, is available on all of these platforms, plus PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The five best VPNs for Overwatch I featured above all offer excellent compatibility, so you can game on your favorite device without much thought.
Can a VPN Reduce My Ping in Overwatch?
Yes, using a VPN for Overwatch can help you lower your ping. A VPN can improve your internet speeds by bypassing network congestion or routing issues. This could potentially lead to a lower ping time in Overwatch. The best VPN for overwatch will enable you to efficiently route your connection to the game servers and minimize packet loss.
To obtain the lowest possible ping, make sure to connect to VPN server locations close to your real physical location. In the same breath avoid connecting to gaming servers halfway around the globe. The closer the servers are to your real location, the faster and more stable your connection will be.
Other Ways to Fix High Ping in Overwatch
Most of this guide is dedicated to providing you with information on how to pick the best VPN for Overwatch and obtain secure and reliable performance. However, using a VPN provider isn’t the only thing that can help you fix high ping in Overwatch.
As a hardcore gamer, I’ve applied all of the tips I’ll share below and have seen a noticeable improvement in performance. With that in mind, here are a few useful tips for fixing high ping in Overwatch without using a VPN:
- Close Unnecessary Programs — Running multiple programs or applications on your computer while playing Overwatch can consume your network resources, leading to higher ping. Close any programs that are not essential to the game to reduce network usage.
- Use a Wired Connection — Wi-Fi connections can be less stable than wired connections, leading to higher ping. If you’re playing the game on a desktop computer or laptop, try connecting to your router using an Ethernet cable to reduce ping.
- Restart Your Modem and Router — Sometimes, simply restarting your modem and router can fix high ping issues. Power off both devices for 30 seconds, then power them back on and wait for the network to fully reboot.
- Switch to a Different Server — If you’re playing on a server that’s far away from your location, this can lead to higher ping. Try switching to a different server that’s closer to you to reduce latency.
- Upgrade Your Internet Plan — If you have a slow Internet plan, this can contribute to high ping. Consider upgrading your plan to a faster speed to reduce latency.
- Check for Network Congestion — Network congestion can also cause high ping. Check your network speed during peak hours to see if this is causing the issue. If so, try playing during off-peak hours to reduce congestion.
Can a VPN Help You Bypass an Overwatch Ban?
If you’ve been banned from playing Overwatch, using an Overwatch VPN service can help you access the game. Simply by using one of the best VPNs for Overwatch, I shared above, you can bypass the ban and play Overwatch and other online games without any restrictions.
That said, I should note that it’s important to remember that Overwatch likely issued the IP ban for a good reason. It might have evidence that you’ve violated their policies or have engaged in some form of misconduct.
So, if you try to use a VPN to circumvent the ban, you may be in violation of their policies again. In return, this could lead to further sanctions, including permanent account suspension.
Can I Get Banned for Using a VPN on Overwatch?
Blizzard Entertainment, the company behind Overwatch, allows the use of VPNs to play their games. However, they do have some policies in place to prevent cheating and fraudulent activities, which could result in a ban if violated.
Specifically, if are using a VPN to play Overwatch and are not violating any of Blizzard’s policies, such as using third-party software to modify the game or engaging in any form of cheating, then you should not face a ban. But, if you’re engaging in any activities that could be construed as a violation of their policies, the company might take action accordingly.
How to Use a VPN to Play Overwatch
Using a VPN to play Overwatch is very simple. And, with the steps I’ve prepared for you below, you’ll have no problem setting up a VPN for Overwatch, even if you don’t have much technical knowledge. Here’s how to use a VPN to play Overwatch:
- Pick one of the best VPNs for Overwatch from above (I recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Choose one of the available server locations.
- Wait for the connection to establish.
- Launch Overwatch.
- Test Your Connection. You can use a popular tool like Speedtest by Ookla.
- If you find that your connection is stable and fast enough, you can start playing Overwatch!
How to Fix Overwatch 2 “Unexpected Server Error Occurred”
When you sit down to play Overwatch 2, the last thing you want to see is an error popping up. A common prompt some Overwatch 2 players encounter is the “Unexpected Server Error Occurred” message. While annoying, there are a few simple fixes to this issue. Here’s what I’ve found works:
- Restart your Game client — Sometimes, simply restarting the game client can help resolve the issue. Try closing the game and restarting the game to see if the error persists.
- Check your Internet Connection — Make sure your Internet connection is stable and fast enough to play Overwatch 2. If you’re on a wireless connection, try switching to a wired connection or resetting your router to see if that helps.
- Verify Game Files — A more complex solution is to try verifying the game files to make sure everything is up-to-date and there are no corrupted files. You can do this through the Battle.net app by selecting Overwatch 2, clicking on Options, and then selecting Scan and Repair.
- Clear cache and cookies — Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can also help resolve server issues. Try clearing your cache and cookies and then restarting the game client to see if that helps.
If the error persists, it may be due to server network maintenance. Check the Overwatch 2 Twitter account or the Blizzard Customer Support website to see if there are any ongoing server issues.
Fixing The “Time Out Communicating” Error in Overwatch 2
Another relatively common problem is the “Time Out Communicating” message. I’ve found that the solution for this issue is identical to the one for the previous one. This is because the root cause of the problem is the same — your device is having trouble communicating with the Overwatch game servers.
How Can I Unblock Overwatch Voice Chat Using a VPN?
If you purchased Overwatch, being unable to access VoIP services is an issue that limits your experience. Fortunately, I’ve prepared proven tips on how to enable Overwatch voice chat on the device of your choice.
To unblock VoIP services, just follow the setup steps from above. If you’re playing on Windows, this is super simple, as all you have to do is open the companion VPN app and connect to the VPN server.
Then, once you connect to one of the Overwatch servers, press P to see whether voice chat is available. If you’re playing Overwatch on gaming consoles, the process is a bit lengthier and more complex.
As you can’t install a VPN on an Xbox One or PS4, you will have to set up the VPN Internet connection on your router or virtual router. The latter involves setting up a virtual WiFi router on your computer using software instead of a standard hardware router.
Can I Use Free VPNs to Unblock Overwatch?
If you’re gaming on a budget, using free VPNs might sound tempting. However, there are many reasons why I advise you to avoid using free VPN services when playing Overwatch. From a gaming perspective, free VPN services perform much worse than their premium counterparts.
They often have limited server options, slow speeds, and will limit how much data you can use over a certain period. What’s more, these are the least of your problems when it comes to free VPNs. Many free VPNs are scams set up just to harvest your data and sell it to the highest bidder.
Best Free VPN for Overwatch
There is one exception to the rule I recommended above. After testing the best free VPNs in the market, I’ve found one service to perform well and offers stable connections for playing games. If you regularly read the gaming VPN pages on our site, you might’ve guessed what Virtual Private Network I’m talking about. It’s Atlas VPN.
Not only is Atlas VPN a great premium VPN service, but it’s also the best VPN you can use for free. I’ve tried playing Overwatch on one of its servers and the results were pretty solid, considering that I was using the service free of charge. As you can see in the image below, the ping and frame rate were within the standard range and close to the numbers I got with the premium VPNs:
However, Atlas VPN isn’t a be-all and end-all solution for using a free VPN for Overwatch. There are some negatives to consider. If you use this free VPN, you will only have 5 GB of data per month. This can run out pretty quickly. Moreover, you can only pick from three servers. Two of them in the US and one in Europe. If you’re located in Asia, this isn’t an ideal solution.
With that in mind, Atlas VPN is a great free VPN provider you can use to test how online gaming feels with a VPN app. However, if you want to play Overwatch competitively, I advise you to go with a premium VPN service.
Using a VPN with Overwatch FAQs
Can You Use a Virtual Private Network on Overwatch?
Yes, you can use a VPN for Overwatch. You can also use an Overwatch VPN to access the game’s servers in other locations. However, I should note that using a VPN may introduce additional latency or reduce your connection speed.
Can You Play Overwatch 2 with a VPN?
Yes, you can play Overwatch 2 with a VPN. Like with Overwatch, using a VPN can help protect your privacy and security while playing the game, and help you play in a different region. I recommend choosing a reputable VPN that offers fast and stable servers.
Which Countries Blocked Overwatch Voice Chat?
Government regulations change over time, so it’s impossible to give a definitive list of the countries that block Overwatch voice chat. However, this feature is unavailable in a number of locations. This includes countries like China, Iran, UAE, and Egypt.
How to Fix Latency and Ping Issues on Your Overwatch VPN?
Here are some steps you can take to try and improve your connection:
- Choose a VPN server that is geographically closer to the Overwatch server.
- Switch to a wired Internet connection.
- Close other apps running in the background.
- Try using a different VPN protocol.
How do I use a VPN on my Xbox One or PlayStation 4?
Here’s a guide on how to use a VPN for Overwatch on Xbox One or PS4:
- Sign up with a VPN.
- Set up the VPN on your router.
- Configure your console’s network settings.
- Test your connection and tweak settings if necessary.
- Load up the game and enjoy playing Overwatch!
Can an Overwatch VPN Protect Me Against DDoS Attacks?
A VPN can help provide some protection against DDoS attacks. However, for full protection, I recommend taking other measures. You can use a router with DDoS protection and use anti-malware software. Additionally, consider playing on a console instead of a PC.
