5 Best Gaming VPNs in 2024: Android, PC, Consoles & More

Choosing the right VPN for gaming can be overwhelming with so many options available. A good gaming VPN helps you play without lag, protects against DDoS attacks, and lets you connect with friends worldwide. It also makes it possible to access region-exclusive games and events.

My team and I tested over 50 providers to find the best gaming VPNs. We analyzed average ping, server networks, and security features to handpick VPNs that ensure safe, lag-free gaming. These VPNs are easy to set up on various devices, including PCs, consoles, and Android smartphones.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It delivers consistently low ping and strong security for safe and smooth gaming sessions. Plus, it’s super easy to set up on routers, thanks to its dedicated router app. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the service, it’s easy to get a full refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Game Safely With ExpressVPN >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Gaming — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds and Low Ping for Lag-Free Gaming

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN has the lowest ping of all the gaming VPNs we tested, with an average ping of 18 ms. On its nearby London server, I played Call of Duty: Mobile on my Android phone with no interruptions. This low latency ensured smooth gameplay even during intense firefights. You can expect similar responsiveness across all your gaming devices.

My ping remained consistently low throughout my gaming sessions on Android

Its excellent performance is largely due to ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lighway protocol, which is designed to deliver fast speeds and stable connections. For instance, its long-distance LA connection gave our team speed tester a ping of under 70ms while other VPNs easily exceeded 90ms. This means you can enjoy lower ping than with most other options, even when playing with friends in far-off locations.

One of my favorite things about ExpressVPN is its easy installation for routers. VPNs don't natively work with game consoles (like Xbox and PlayStation), requiring you to install them onto your router. This process can be a bit complicated. But ExpressVPN offers custom firmware and apps that let you easily set up and use it on your router.

ExpressVPN's pricing is higher than other VPNs on this list. But it offers generous discounts throughout the year to make your plan a bit more affordable. You can test it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn't improve your gaming experience, you can easily get a refund.

Useful Features

• Port forwarding. Installing ExpressVPN on a router gives you port forwarding support and allows you to host games. All you have to do is set up a particular port to accept the incoming traffic.
• APK support. ExpressVPN offers an APK on its website for users who need direct installation. This can be useful if you don’t have access to the Google Play Store or simply don’t want to use it.
• Robust IP/DNS leak protection. Across all my tests, ExpressVPN never leaked my IP address once — gamers couldn’t trace my real location and use it to harass me or send out DDoS campaigns. It protected my connection further with AES 256-bit military-grade protection and an automatic kill switch.
• Aircove router. If you plan to use the VPN for gaming on your consoles, you can get ExpressVPN’s Aircove router. This comes with the VPN pre-installed, so you can use it right out of the box without having to set up anything and risk bricking your existing router.
• Split tunneling. You can optimize your VPN connection for gaming by sending all other traffic through your regular, unencrypted internet connection. This minimizes the load you put on your chosen server and can improve your speeds and ping, particularly if your base speeds without the VPN are already slow.

2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers to Easily Find the Ideal Connection

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's specialized gaming servers make finding the ideal connection a breeze. In the For Gaming tab (Windows only), you'll see servers clearly marked for this purpose. We tested the London gaming server and got a 21ms ping with only a 7% speed drop. This means you can enjoy responsive gameplay in fast-paced games like Fortnite or Warzone without having to hunt for the right server.

I used a Windows VPN hotspot to connect CyberGhost to my Nintendo Switch

If you can't find a gaming-optimized server for your location, CyberGhost's regular servers also perform well for gaming. For instance, I played PUBG Mobile on my iPhone using a standard German server and didn't notice any lag, even during the competitive final circle. You can expect a smooth gaming experience even on regular servers.

CyberGhost's built-in NAT firewall assigns users a unique private IP address and filters out suspicious data packets. This blocks any communication that isn't specifically requested by a device on the home network. This, combined with AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, provides robust protection against DDoS attacks while you’re gaming.

The downside with CyberGhost is that its short-term plans only offer a shortened money-back guarantee of 14 days. That said, its long-term plans offer an extended 45-day guarantee — longer than any other VPN on this list. The longer plans also offer far better value for money, with prices starting at just $2.03/month.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IP. For a small fee, you can get a dedicated IP address that’s exclusively accessible to you. This can be helpful since some online games may flag you for suspicious activity if you're using an IP address that's shared by other VPN users.
• WireGuard support. WireGuard strikes the right balance of speed and security, making it ideal for gaming. During our tests, we found WireGuard had the fastest download speeds and slightly better ping than the popular OpenVPN.
• Smart Rules. This lets you customize “rules” that automate the VPN in several ways. For example, you can set the VPN to activate whenever it detects an untrusted WiFi network. You can even configure CyberGhost to automatically connect to a server when you launch certain games.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Lots of Customization Options to Optimize Your Connection for Gaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA offers tons of customizations, so you can fine-tune your connection for optimal gaming. For instance, you can choose between WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. With OpenVPN, you can adjust encryption levels between AES-256 and AES-128. During our tests, using AES-128 encryption resulted in speeds 8% faster than AES-256, with only a 28ms ping on nearby servers.

With PIA, you can also switch between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. IPv6 often delivers lower ping due to more efficient routing and the absence of Network Address Translation (NAT). This can be particularly beneficial in fast-paced online games where every millisecond counts. We got a 3% improvement in ping using IPv6.

I had a stable connection with WireGuard, even on distant servers

That said, PIA's customization options might be confusing for new users at first. But don't worry — the app comes pre-set with good default settings. You can start gaming right away and explore the extra features later if you want to.

The VPN is really affordable — you can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month when you sign up for its long-term plan. Plus, you can try it for free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Large server network. PIA offers the largest server network of all the VPNs I tested, with servers in every US state. This extensive coverage means you're likely to find a low-latency server near you or your preferred game servers.
• Ping info. PIA shows you the ping next to each server, making it easy to choose the fastest one for gaming without so many trials and errors.

4. NordVPN — Host Private LAN Parties With Friends Across the Globe

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

If you enjoy hosting private game servers, NordVPN's Meshnet is a great feature. It allows you to connect directly to other devices to create your own virtual local network. With Meshnet, you can easily host private game servers and play with friends from different locations as if they were on the same LAN.

NordVPN strikes an excellent balance between speed and security for gaming. On nearby UK servers, we recorded a speed loss of only 6% and a low ping of 23ms. This translated well to real-world gaming performance. I played Apex Legends on my PS4 for several hours without experiencing any lag or disconnects.

My ping was under 100ms even on long-distance US server

If you want to protect your gaming consoles, you can install NordVPN on your router. But unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t have a dedicated router app, so setup can be a bit tricky. However, it does offer detailed installation guides for several different router models on its website, which makes it a bit easier.

With plans starting at $2.99/month, NordVPN offers good value for your money. I suggest a 2-year subscription as it’s the most budget-friendly choice. If you’re not impressed, it’s easy to get a full refund thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• NordLynx protocol. Just like ExpressVPN has created its own Lightway protocol, NordVPN built its NordLynx protocol which is based on WireGuard. This is a fast, lightweight, and secure protocol, ideal for a smooth and safe gaming experience.
• Threat Protection. This feature blocks ads and malicious sites, enhancing your gaming experience by reducing interruptions and potential security risks. It also scans downloaded files for malware, which is particularly useful when downloading mods or game patches.

5. Surfshark — Camouflage Mode to Game Safely on Restrictive Networks

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark’s Camouflage mode (obfuscation) lets you play games securely, even on restrictive networks, such as those in schools and libraries. It makes your VPN connection look like regular HTTPS traffic, allowing you to bypass VPN blocks and game undetected. There’s also a special NoBorders feature to help you find the best servers to use in your current location if the network you’re using is unstable or problematic.

Obfuscation involves additional algorithms on data, so you may experience some slowdowns

I appreciate that Surfshark has a user-friendly interface. You get a built-in speed test tool, which displays the upload speed, download speed, and latency for each server. This feature helped me quickly find the best servers for gaming. During our tests, we were always able to find nearby Surfshark servers with low ping.

My only problem with Surfshark is that some of its servers can take a long time to connect, which can be a bit annoying. However, once connected, I never faced any stability issues — performance is smooth for gaming despite the brief waiting time.

Surfshark truly offers great value — you can sign up for as low as $1.99/month. But if you don’t want to commit, you can try it for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Good speeds and low ping. During our tests on its nearby servers, it gave a speed drop of only 11%, and its ping was always below 50ms. This let me play my favorite online games securely without lag.
• GPS spoofing. Surfshark's Android app offers a GPS spoofing feature, which lets you change your virtual location to match the VPN IP. This is particularly useful for AR games that use your GPS location — you can access more events and features. As always, make sure you check your game’s T&Cs to make sure you’re not breaking any rules by using this.

Quick Comparison Table: Gaming VPN Features

The table below provides a quick overview of the top VPNs for gaming. It covers essential aspects like the lowest monthly price, server network size, average speeds, and the number of simultaneous device connections allowed.

I’ve also included information on whether each VPN offers a dedicated router app. This makes it super easy to switch servers or change VPN settings.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

The Benefits of Using a Gaming VPN

Gaming VPNs can significantly enhance your online gaming experience:

• DDoS protection. By masking your IP address, a VPN shields you from potential DDoS attacks.
• Access geo-restricted content. A VPN makes it possible to play region-locked games or access content not available in your area. But it’s important to check if the platform you’re using permits VPN use and access to region-specific games in order not to break any terms.
• Bypass ISP throttling. A VPN can help maintain consistent speeds by preventing your ISP from throttling gaming traffic.
• Play with international friends. By connecting to servers in different countries, you can play games with your friends abroad.
• Potentially find easier lobbies. Connecting to less populated regions might lead to less competitive skill-based matchmaking. For instance, if you connect to a region like Egypt, you can enter bot lobbies in Warzone.
• Overcome network restrictions. A VPN allows you to play games on restrictive networks that block gaming platforms.

What a Gaming VPN Can’t Do

• Guaranteed lower ping. A VPN doesn’t always reduce ping. In some cases, they might increase it slightly due to the encryption process.
• Cheating prevention. A VPN can't stop other players from cheating or using hacks in games.
• Completely eliminating lag. While VPNs can help with some connection issues, they can't fix all sources of lag, especially those caused by your base internet speed or hardware limitations.

Our Methodology for Testing Gaming VPNs

When testing VPNs for gaming, we focus on factors that directly impact your gameplay. We measure ping rates, connection stability, device compatibility, and speeds across global servers, with emphasis on those near popular game data centers. We also test each VPN's security features, including DDoS protection and encryption strength, to ensure your gaming sessions stay safe.

Our team puts these VPNs through real-world gaming scenarios, playing popular titles to verify their performance. If you want to run your own tests, focus on the factors we mentioned. For more details on our testing process, check out our VPN testing methodology page.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on the Best Gaming VPNs

Will a VPN lower my ping?

Usually, no, but in rare cases, it can. VPNs re-route your traffic through an encrypted server to provide you with a safer gaming experience, which in turn can increase your latency. But, if your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) network is congested, connecting to a VPN server can potentially improve your connection by forcing your traffic to take a more direct path. This can result in a faster connection and lower ping times.

Some ISPs purposely throttle bandwidth, which can contribute to a higher ping rate. However, since a VPN encrypts your traffic, it makes it difficult for your ISP to detect and throttle your gaming activity.

What's the best gaming VPN for Android?

All the VPNs on this list are excellent choices for gaming on Android. Aside from that, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a VPN. Our top VPN’s proprietary protocol is optimized for the best speeds and to preserve your Android’s battery life, so it’s great for extended play away from home.

Some other options include a VPN with optimized gaming servers, so you don’t have to guess which server is best for Android gaming. Another offers GPS spoofing, which is ideal for AR players who want to take part in region-specific events. But make sure to check if your game’s ToS allow that.

Which VPN server is best for gaming?

The best VPN server for gaming depends on your specific needs and location. Generally, you should prioritize servers that offer the lowest ping and most stable connection. A VPN with a large server network typically provides an optimal connection. Here are some guidelines:

1. Proximity. Servers closest to your physical location often provide the best performance due to reduced data travel time.
2. Game server location. If you're playing on specific regional servers, choose a VPN server near those game servers for optimal performance.
3. Server load. Less crowded servers typically offer better speeds. Many VPNs display server load percentages to help you choose.
4. Specialized gaming servers. Some VPNs offer servers optimized for gaming, which can provide better performance.

Remember to test multiple servers to find the best one for your gaming needs. The ideal server may vary depending on the game, time of day, and your internet service provider's routing.

Can I use a VPN for PUBG, BGMI, and CoD?

Yes, you can use a VPN for PUBG, BGMI, and CoD, along with other online games. A VPN can be especially useful for accessing game servers in different regions and securing your gameplay. But it’s important to choose a VPN with large server networks and low ping for a seamless gaming experience.

That said, some game developers or platforms may have policies against the use of VPNs. Using a VPN might be a violation of their terms, potentially leading to restrictions on your gaming account. So be sure to check the terms of service or community guidelines of the specific game you're playing to ensure compliance with their rules regarding VPN usage.

Does every gamer need a VPN?

Not every gamer needs a VPN, but many can benefit from using one. A VPN can be useful if you experience frequent DDoS attacks or are concerned about online security while gaming. It also lets you play with friends in different regions.

If your ISP throttles gaming traffic, a VPN can help bypass these restrictions. Gamers who often use public Wi-Fi networks can benefit from the additional security a VPN provides. Some competitive players use VPNs to potentially find easier lobbies by connecting to different regions.

Can I host a game server using a VPN?

Yes, but you'll need a VPN service that supports port forwarding. This is essential for allowing incoming connections to your server. Not all VPNs offer port forwarding, so check this capability before choosing a provider.

Using a VPN can provide added security for your server, protecting it from DDoS attacks and hiding your real IP address. However, it may introduce some latency, which can potentially affect player experience. Choose a VPN with fast speeds and low ping to minimize this impact.

Will I get blocked if I use a VPN for gaming?

Using a VPN for gaming generally won't get you blocked. While most game developers and platforms allow VPN use, some prohibit it. It's important to check the terms of service for your specific games before using a VPN.

The main risk comes from using a VPN to exploit regional pricing or access content not available in your area. This often violates terms of service and could result in account penalties. Plus, if you're using a VPN to engage in any form of cheating or exploitative behavior, you risk being banned.

Is it legal to use a VPN when gaming?

In most countries, yes. However, some countries, like China and the UAE, restrict or ban VPNs. Even if VPNs are legal in your country, using one still may go against the game's terms of service. In my experience, as long as you’re not using a VPN to gain an unfair advantage or cheat, VPN use is usually OK. The VPNs in this list worked just fine with the games I tested them with and were not detected or blocked.

That being said, my team and I don't condone using a VPN to break any rules or regulations. So I recommend checking your local law and the game's rules to avoid getting penalized.

Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

Some might work, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You're better off getting a low-cost premium VPN that offers fast speeds, a large server network, and strong security. Most free VPNs have severe limitations, such as capped speeds, overcrowded servers, and data limits. This can make it difficult to do much gaming at all.

On top of this, free VPNs are usually not safe. They lack key security features (like strong encryption and DNS/IP leak protection) that are necessary for protecting you against hackers and DDoS attacks.

In addition, some free services have even been known to sell user data to third-party advertisers. This can pose a threat to your online privacy.

Get the Best VPN for Gaming

Finding a gaming VPN that protects you from DDoS attacks without increasing latency by a lot can be challenging. But the VPNs on this list offer low ping, fast speeds, and strong security, so you can game securely and without slowdowns.

My favorite is ExpressVPN because it has the lowest ping of all the VPNs we tested. Plus, its robust security and worldwide server network mean you can compete against a new player base without worrying about DDoS attacks. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

To summarize, the best VPNs for gaming are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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