Best VPN for Gaming in 2024
One of CNET’s best gaming VPN picks could level up your play by lowering ping, bypassing throttling restrictions or adding an extra layer of protection.
Our Experts
Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Forward-thinking security enhancements
- Excellent for streaming
- Streamlined, easy-to-use app across platforms
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
- DNS leaks detected (but immediately addressed)
- Expensive
- Only eight simultaneous connections
- Apple TV app needs work
If you want the best of the best and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then ExpressVPN is the choice for you. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming, as well as CNET’s Editors’ Choice best VPN overall. Although ExpressVPN’s speeds took a minor tumble in our latest speed tests, it’s still one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. The 25% speed loss we registered with ExpressVPN this year is still fast enough for most gaming conditions. And if you're using ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol -- which is lightweight and built for speed and security -- and connecting to a nearby server, you should have no issues achieving optimal speeds and minimal latency for your gaming sessions.
ExpressVPN also recently expanded its server network to cover 105 different countries, meaning that gamers from all over the world can benefit from having fast, stable connections near game servers regardless of where they’re located. The server network expansion now positions ExpressVPN as the VPN with the largest network of servers in this list. In addition to fast speeds and an impressive global network of servers, ExpressVPN offers top-notch privacy protections, so you can feel confident that you’ll be safe from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks or other threats from malicious gamers. The VPN performs well and is easy to use across platforms, whether you’re gaming on your PC, Mac or mobile device.
The best of the best comes at a price, though. Be prepared to pay more for ExpressVPN than you would for any other option listed here. You’ll pay $13 per month for the monthly plan, $60 every six months for its bi-annual plan or $100 per year for its annual plan. It’s pricey, but if you want the best features and functionality for gaming, ExpressVPN is worth every penny.
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
- Blazing-fast internet speeds
- Strong privacy and transparency
- Great for streaming service unblocking
- User-friendly apps
- Inconsistent pricing structure
- Not as transparent as other VPN rivals
NordVPN currently ranks as the fastest VPN, based on our most recent speed tests, which is good news for gamers who need top speeds. NordVPN is also easily the most stable and consistently speedy VPN we’ve tested, making it an excellent choice for any gamer looking for first-rate gaming performance on servers in various global regions, even though it doesn’t have servers in quite as many countries as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
If you’re into hosting LAN parties with your friends, then NordVPN is a good way to go because of its one-of-a-kind Meshnet feature. With Meshnet, you can set up your own gaming server and host secure, remote LAN parties with your friends, regardless of where anyone is in the world. Meshnet is a real game-changer (pun intended) for remote LAN parties. It’s especially useful if you and your friends are into sandbox games like Minecraft or Roblox.
NordVPN is slightly more budget-friendly than ExpressVPN but still sits squarely in the pricier range for a VPN service. Its monthly plan is the same as ExpressVPN at $13 per month, but its annual plan starts considerably cheaper than ExpressVPN at $69 for the first year. However, bear in mind that the price for the annual plan spikes dramatically to $90 annually after the first-year promotional rate (matching the price of ExpressVPN’s annual plan). A two-year plan is available at $100 for the first two years (which then reverts to an annual subscription at $90 per year), but we don’t recommend committing to a VPN provider for more than a year at a time, given how quickly things tend to shift in the VPN industry.
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
- Lots of unique security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- RAM-only server network
- Inconsistent speed performance
- 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
- No transparency reports
Surfshark is a VPN provider that punches well above its weight class. Its budget-friendly plans begin at $15.45 monthly or $52.35 annually for your first year with Surfshark Starter (subsequently $60 per year). You can sign up for a two-year plan, setting you back $67.23 total for 24 months of service, after which you’ll pay $60 a year. We don’t recommend signing up for more than a year of service upfront because of volatility: The high-performing VPN you sign up for might be slower, less secure, out of business or acquired in a few years.
Despite Surfshark’s low cost, you’ll still enjoy many security features. There’s robust encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation and split-tunneling. Furthermore, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections -- a rare and welcome benefit. With over 3,200 servers in 100 different countries, Surfshark works well for gaming since you’ve got plenty of choices to accommodate your physical or game server location.
We appreciated Surfshark’s graphical user interface Linux VPN client app, which is easier for beginners than navigating the command line. Its intuitive Linux support makes Surfshark a solid option for Steam Deck devotees. You’ll also find several other clients for Windows, MacOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS and the Amazon Fire TV. We tried out Surfshark on several devices -- whether you’re engaged in competitive online play, immersed in cloud game streaming or installing Spider-Man Remastered on Steam, Surfshark usually keeps up.
Internet speeds were fast, with a modest 17% average internet download speed loss that puts it up there with NordVPN (11%) and ExpressVPN (25%). Considering how well Surfshark maintains your internet connection -- all VPNs throttle your speed somewhat -- it's a great virtual private network for gaming. It’s tough to beat Surfshark’s value. With a bevy of server locations, an advanced feature set and stable internet speeds over the Wireguard or OpenVPN protocols, Surfshark is an affordable VPN for gaming.
Best Open-Source VPN
Proton VPN
- Highly transparent
- Open-source
- Unlimited free plan
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Split tunnelling only available on Android and Windows
Proton VPN hails from the Swiss-based Proton AG, whose other offerings include Proton Mail, Proton Drive and Proton Calendar. Its reputation for privacy makes Proton VPN an excellent option for security-conscious gamers. Whereas most free VPNs are underwhelming, Proton Free bucks that trend as a high-performing, zero-cost option. It touts over 240 servers in five countries, no ads and excellent connection speeds. However, you’ll enjoy over 4,800 servers in over 90 countries with Proton’s paid tiers.
With just around 21% average speed loss, Proton’s virtual private network won’t hurt your Diablo IV or Valorant performance. Sporting over 4,800 servers in more than 90 countries, chances are you can connect to a location that’s right for your gaming needs with the paid premium plan. Shockingly, Proton VPN’s free servers featured minimal speed loss, making it a rare no-cost VPN tier that’s actually worth using. Proton VPN packs a respectable server network that's nearly on par with rivals like Nord and ExpressVPN.
Condolences, Linux and MacOS users: Proton’s split tunneling is available only on Windows and Android. Especially for gaming, split tunneling is useful since you can route a game through your VPN while excluding other apps -- like Twitch -- from using your virtual private network. Additionally, Proton VPN lacks live chat support. We did appreciate Nord’s comprehensive troubleshooting guides, but beginners or folks with questions about accounts and billing might be disappointed.
Proton Plus costs $10 monthly, $60 for the first year, or $108 total for the first two years of service (the one- and two-year plans spike to $80 annually after your introductory term). As pricing goes, that’s middle of the pack; providers like PIA undercut Proton, while ExpressVPN and NordVPN charge a premium. On the whole, Proton VPN caters to privacy-minded users, and with its low speed loss -- even on the free plan -- it’s fantastic for gaming.
About VPNs for gaming
VPNs -- which stands for virtual private networks -- can be used for a number of reasons, mainly keeping one's online activity and streaming behavior private. When you use a VPN, websites and apps are unable to view your physical address. The location they see is the location of the server you're connecting to. You may be staying in a place like New York City, but with a virtual private network on a Spanish server, websites and apps will see your internet traffic coming from Spain.
A VPN can also level up your gaming sessions by decreasing your latency, or ping, with the desired result of a more responsive online play experience. Your IP address will be masked and your ISP will be prevented from throttling your connection. There are flaws associated with using a VPN for gaming, like possible terms of service violations and lagging connection speeds.
Our experts at CNET have spent years thoroughly testing VPNs to cut through all the marketing noise in order to highlight the best software options to fit your needs. While selecting the top VPNs, we mainly considered PC gaming -- on Linux, Windows and MacOS. That said, nearly all VPN providers offer Android and iOS apps for mobile gaming. You’ll even find streaming boxes and apps, including Apple TV, Android TV and the Amazon Fire Stick. Consoles like the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch don’t usually come with their own VPN apps -- instead, you’ll need to use a host PC or configure your internet set-up for a whole-home VPN.
Whether you want to reduce ping while connected to a game server, boost online protection or circumvent throttling limits, a virtual private network can take your game to the next level. But you’ll need to check specific game's terms of service to ensure you’re not violating subscriber agreements. Let’s dive into the best VPNs for gaming so you can keep playing your favorite titles.
What is the best VPN for gaming right now?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming right now, thanks to its impressive speeds, excellent privacy protections and expansive global network of servers.
NordVPN is another top VPN for gaming because it’s one of the most reliable VPNs available, delivers on speed and privacy, and includes unique features that can enhance your gaming experience.
Surfshark is a solid alternative for anyone on a budget, because its WireGuard speeds are lightning fast, it’s easy to use, has a wide selection of servers all over the world and is cheaper than most of the competition.
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for gaming, with its zero-cost tier that doesn't sell your data or plaster your screen with ads. Additionally, Proton offers a superb premium plan, which boasts a large server network and top-notch privacy.
Other VPNs we tested
IPVanish
IPVanish is a OK for VPN for casual users, but its high 44% average internet speed loss makes it unsuitable for serious gamers. The monthly plan sets you back $13 per month. You’ll pay $42 for 12 months of service on the annual plan, then $90 per year after that. A two-year subscription goes for a fairly cheap $72 for 24 months of service and renews at $90 per year billed annually. While many VPN providers restrict the number of devices you can use at once, IPVanish flaunts unlimited simultaneous connections.
IPVanish’s apps are uncomplicated, working equally well for beginners and seasoned tech enthusiasts alike. With a VPN enabled, IPVanish’s speed loss is significantly higher than ExpressVPN and NordVPN -- its unpredictable speeds make it a tough sell for video gamers who demand low lag. Likewise, IPVanish’s servers pepper 56 countries, which is well below providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton and Surfshark. Once promotional pricing runs out after a year or two (depending on your plan), IPVanish's prices are underwhelming, considering its uneven upload/download speeds and comparatively modest server network. With its uneven connection speeds, average pricing and smaller server contingent, other VPN providers outstrip IPVanish for gaming -- and general use.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a capable budget-friendly alternative to Surfshark. If you’re looking for something even cheaper than Surfshark, but still a decent option for most gaming situations, then PIA is a good way to go. PIA’s speeds were slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN -- we measured a 49% average download speed loss in our testing -- but it's hard to complain for the price. You’ll get access to a robust network of servers spanning 91 countries -- which is slightly fewer than ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark.
We also like how customizable the PIA app is. If you like to tinker with software and customize your experience to your exact specifications, you’ll be right at home with PIA. You can customize how much information related to your connection you want the app to display. But what’s even more useful to gamers is that you can customize the level of encryption for your connection, so you can dial in the perfect balance of speed and security for your gaming session. PIA works well across all major platforms and costs only $12 per month or $40 per year.
How we test VPNs for gaming
Though we ran a series of hands-on gaming tests for this list, our evaluation of the best VPNs for gaming was based predominantly on our extensive research and previous testing of the services listed above. The scope of the online gaming universe is simply far too vast for us to be able to develop a testing protocol that would do justice to every little corner of online gaming. We’ve spent years testing VPNs and researching what they can accomplish for virtually any online activity, so we’re confident in our capacity to deliver a sound and trustworthy evaluation of gaming VPNs. We took into account each provider’s speeds, usability and features, platform compatibility, server network, privacy protections, and customer support to come up with our list of the best VPNs for gaming.
Factors to consider in a VPN for gaming
Based on our years of experience in the VPN field and our understanding of what online gamers need from a VPN, these are the most important factors to consider in a VPN for gaming:
Speed
VPN speeds are the No. 1 factor to consider when choosing a VPN for gaming, because slow speeds and high latency can ruin your gaming experience. Your VPN needs to be fast enough to deliver the speeds necessary to keep you in the game, especially in competitive settings. A fast VPN can even help you potentially lower your ping, depending on the VPN server you’re connecting to and the network you’re on. And if you’re experiencing inadequate speeds for gaming, there are things you can try to speed up your VPN connection.
Privacy
A major consideration for any VPN, regardless of the activity, is privacy. It’s important to have a VPN that can provide the necessary privacy protections to ensure your activity remains hidden and you’re safe from DDoS attacks and other threats from malicious actors while gaming. Make sure the VPN you choose has strong encryption standards and essential privacy features like DNS leak protection, a kill switch and a no-logs policy.
Network
If you want to fully optimize your gaming experience, you’ll want a VPN that has servers in a wide selection of regions around the world. This will help ensure you have a speedy, stable connection regardless of where you are in the world. At the very least, you should make sure that the VPN you choose has servers located near your physical location and close to the servers of any games you play online.
Device compatibility
Of course, you want to make sure that the VPN is compatible with the platform(s) you’re gaming on. All of the VPNs we’ve listed above are compatible with and work well on all major platforms, so either one is a solid option whether you’re gaming on your PC, Mac or mobile device. If you’re a console gamer, you’ll need to make sure that your VPN works well on a router setup because gaming consoles don’t natively support VPN apps.
Help guides/customer support
If you’re having trouble with your VPN or have questions on how to optimize your VPN connection for gaming, it’s helpful to have a VPN that offers a robust help section along with accessible and knowledgeable customer support. Look for a VPN that has easy-to-follow setup guides for multiple platforms (including routers) and 24/7 customer support via live chat. Make sure that you have the appropriate help on hand when you need it, because responsive customer support and helpful guides can help ensure that your gaming session is not unnecessarily impeded upon.