Top VPNs for Gamers in 2025 Revealed

Online gaming can be an incredible experience, but technical issues like high ping or geographic restrictions can be frustrating. A VPN can help alleviate these problems, offering a more secure and less restricted gaming environment. Many gamers, including myself, have turned to gaming VPNs to enhance their gameplay in titles like Call of Duty and Forza Horizon.

After testing numerous VPN services, I've narrowed down the top options to seven, with NordVPN emerging as the best VPN for gaming. It excels with its global server network, which helps bypass geographic restrictions, and its fast speeds that keep latency low for games like Fortnite, Helldivers 2, and Minecraft. Other notable VPNs include CyberGhost and Surfshark, each offering unique features that make them worthy of consideration.

TL;DR: These Are the Best VPNs for Gaming

### NordVPN

13See it at NordVPN### CyberGhost

3See it at CyberGhost### Surfshark

4See it at Surfshark### IPVanish

4See it at IPVanish### Proton VPN

7See it at Proton VPN### ExpressVPN

6See it at ExpressVPN### Mullvad

4See it at Mullvad

Using a VPN for gaming encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, protecting you from DDoS attacks and allowing you to spoof your location to access restricted games and servers. The best gaming VPNs can even improve your gaming performance if your ISP is throttling your connection or if you connect to a server closer to the game's server.

1. NordVPN

Best VPN for Gaming

### NordVPN

13See it at NordVPN

Product Specifications
Pricing: Starting from $3.09/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 10
Servers: 7,000+
Countries: 118
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS

• Impressive network of servers
• Meshnet feature for LAN gaming

CONS

• Apps are a little cluttered

NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for gaming due to its speed-optimized NordLynx protocol, which ensures low latency for games like League of Legends. The Meshnet feature allows for secure private networks for LAN gaming with friends. With over 7,000 servers across 111 countries, bypassing geographic restrictions is effortless. This VPN's robust security, including 256-bit AES encryption, also makes it an excellent choice for streaming.

2. CyberGhost

Best Free Trial VPN for Gaming

### CyberGhost

3See it at CyberGhost

Product Specifications
Pricing: Starting from $2.03/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 7
Servers: Undisclosed
Countries: 100
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV

PROS

• Vast server network
• Gaming-optimized servers

CONS

• Still lacking an Apple TV app

CyberGhost offers a comprehensive server network spanning 100 countries, ideal for reducing latency. Its gaming-optimized servers in cities like London and New York are perfect for Windows users. The Smart DNS service enables console users to connect to servers in countries like the U.S. A 24-hour free trial for Windows and MacOS, with no credit card required, makes it the best free trial VPN for gaming.

3. Surfshark

Best Gaming VPN With Extra Features

### Surfshark

4See it at Surfshark

Product Specifications
Pricing: Starting from $1.99/mo.
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Servers: 3,000+
Countries: 100
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Surfshark performs well with fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone. Its split tunneling feature allows you to bypass game blocks while securing other traffic. With 3,000 servers across 100 countries and upgraded 10Gbps servers, Surfshark ensures fast speeds. The included Smart DNS service works with Smart TVs and gaming consoles. Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections and additional security features, such as an ad blocker and antivirus, make it a robust choice for gamers.

4. IPVanish

Best Gaming VPN for Unlimited Devices

### IPVanish

4See it at IPVanish

Product Specifications
Pricing: Starting from $2.19/mo.
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Servers: 2,400+
Countries: 100
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS

• See each server’s ping and load
• Numerous new features

CONS

• Operates out of the U.S. (a Five Eyes member)

IPVanish has improved significantly, offering fast speeds ideal for games like Rocket League. Its server selection tools, including ping and load indicators, make it user-friendly. With over 1,400 servers in North America, U.S. gamers benefit from reduced latency. New features like a secure browser and cloud storage enhance its appeal. IPVanish's unlimited device connections and strong security measures make it a top choice.

Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.

5. Proton VPN

Best Gaming VPN With a Free Tier

### Proton VPN

7See it at Proton VPN

Product Specifications
Pricing: Starting from $4.49/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 10
Servers: 9,000+
Countries: 117
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV

PROS

• Excellent server speeds
• True no-logs policy

CONS

• Live chat isn’t 24/7

Proton VPN's extensive network of over 9,000 servers and fast speeds make it ideal for gaming, as demonstrated with Fortnite. Its VPN Accelerator feature boosts forwarding efficiency, overcoming CPU limitations. Proton VPN's true no-logs policy, independently audited, ensures anonymous gaming. A 30-day money-back guarantee and a free tier with unlimited data (though not suitable for gaming) provide a risk-free trial.

6. ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming Games

### ExpressVPN

6See it at ExpressVPN

Product Specifications
Pricing: Starting from $4.99/mo.
Simultaneous connections: 8
Servers: Undisclosed
Countries: 105
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS

• Consistent unblocker
• Custom firmware for routers

CONS

• A more expensive option

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol ensures minimal lag for fast-paced games like Valorant. Its custom router firmware simplifies setup for gaming consoles. With servers in over 105 countries, ExpressVPN helps access geo-restricted games. Its 256-bit AES encryption and excellent 24/7 support make it a top choice for secure and smooth gaming.

7. Mullvad

Best Gaming VPN for Anonymity

### Mullvad

4See it at Mullvad

Product Specifications
Pricing: Flat rate of €5/mo. (~$5.65)
Simultaneous connections: 5
Servers: 700+
Countries: 44
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

PROS

• WireGuard protocol for fast speeds
• Anonymous signup

CONS

• Smaller server network

Mullvad's WireGuard protocol ensures fast speeds for gaming, while its split tunneling feature allows selective app routing. Its strict no-logs policy and anonymous signup, without requiring an email address, make it ideal for privacy-conscious gamers. Mullvad's affordable pricing and cash payment options add to its appeal.

What to Look for in a VPN for Gaming

Choosing the right VPN for gaming involves considering several factors:

Server speed: Fast and consistent connections are crucial, especially for competitive games. VPNs using the WireGuard protocol, offering unlimited bandwidth, and numerous servers are ideal.

Server locations: Proximity to your physical location and the game server can improve speed. A global server network is essential.

Security and privacy: High encryption levels and comprehensive leak protection prevent DDoS attacks and protect your IP address.

Compatibility: The best gaming VPNs support all major operating systems and some offer router compatibility or Smart DNS for consoles.

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

Using a VPN for gaming is straightforward:

1. Choose and sign up for your preferred gaming VPN.
2. Download the VPN app compatible with your gaming device.
3. Install and log in to the VPN app.
4. Connect to a server near your location or the game server.
5. Game securely with unlimited bandwidth, experimenting with servers to find the best performance.

Best VPNs for Gaming FAQs

Why should I use a VPN for gaming?

A VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP address, preventing ISP throttling and DDoS attacks. It also allows you to access geo-restricted games and content.

Can a VPN improve gaming speed and reduce ping times?

While VPNs can slow connections due to encryption, they can improve speeds if your ISP is throttling you. Connecting to a VPN server closer to the game server can also reduce ping times.

Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

Free VPNs are generally too slow for gaming due to limited servers and data caps. They often lack sufficient encryption, potentially exposing your IP address, so they're not recommended.