5 Best VPNs for FFXIV (Final Fantasy) in 2024 — Play Anywhere

Playing Final Fantasy with a VPN can improve your experience by reducing stuttering, rubberbanding, and disconnects, but finding the right one can be challenging. Many VPNs have limited security features, slow speeds, and can increase latency causing interruptions.

My team and I tested over 80 VPNs and shortlisted the ones that let you play FFXIV without lag or interruptions. The services on this list offer superfast speeds, large server networks, and strong security features to shield you against hackers and DDoS attacks.

My recommendation is ExpressVPN. It provides ultra-fast speeds, access to a worldwide server network so you can play on any FFXIV server, and most importantly, it’s super secure. You can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not the right fit for you, you can claim 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.

Play FFXIV with ExpressVPN Now!

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 FFXIV (Final Fantasy) in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Superfast Speeds to Play FFXIV Without Lag

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

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN has ultra-fast speeds, perfect for playing Final Fantasy with low ping and no interruptions. During my tests, ExpressVPN gave me an average download speed of 146.38 Mbps, while the average upload speed was around 222.18 Mbps. The highest ping I experienced was on a US server (128 ms), but this is understandable, as the location was thousands of miles away from me. On servers closer to my actual location, ping never jumped over 50 ms, which is perfect for lag-free gaming. These results allowed me to play FFXIV without interruptions, and my game never disconnected.

Thanks to the large server network, you can play Final Fantasy XIV with an international team. I tested its locations in the US, UK, Netherlands, and France, and found all of them to be reliable. No server took more than 15 seconds to connect and I didn’t experience any drops. If you don’t have a country preference, you can use the Smart Location feature which will automatically pick a server close to your location — this assures the highest speed and lowest ping.

The VPN has world-class security features which will keep you protected while gaming. It offers several tunneling protocols, along with AES-256 encryption. This is the strongest available, and impossible to hack. Although ExpressVPN doesn’t utilize Wireguard protocol, it has Lightway as an alternative, which is also superfast and secure for gaming. Plus, it offers a reliable kill switch — in case the VPN disconnects, your internet connection will be shut down. This gives you protection from cyberattacks and also keeps your IP address and location hidden.

The problem I could find is the price, which is a little high standing at $4.99/month. However, it currently runs a 82% discount, so you can save quite a lot on your subscription.

If you are not sure whether it’s the right one for you, you can test ExpressVPN with FFXIV completely risk-free. The VPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to cancel your subscription and get a full refund if you are not satisfied. I put this claim to the test and contacted the support team through its 24/7 live chat support to ask for a cancellation. The agent I got in contact with approved my request immediately — I didn’t have to give a reason and he didn’t pressure me to stay. I had my money back within 3 days.

2. CyberGhost — Specialized Gaming Servers to Play FFXIV Without Interruptions

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has an impressive server network that includes specialized servers for low latency gaming. I tested its gaming-optimized locations in the UK, France, and the US. I found them sorted in a separate section in the server menu, which makes them easy and convenient to access. The servers connected in around 15 seconds and provided me with a reliable connection.

Speeds were fast during my tests so I could enjoy lag-free gaming. They never dropped below 130 Mbps and I had an average ping of 72 ms. Speeds like these are enough for playing FFXIV without any interruptions. Even on its US servers, I had more than 150 Mbps — considering the country is thousands of miles away from me, this was impressive. You can expect smooth, hassle-free gaming sessions.

It comes with AES-256 encryption and several security protocols, so you’re protected when you game online. This means that no one would be able to hack your connection, even with the most powerful computer. Plus, it has a kill switch to cut off your internet in case the VPN malfunctions. All this paired with a no-log policy ensures safe and protected gaming sessions.

I only found one problem with CyberGhost. Its short-term plans are expensive and only offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, you can get it for a monthly cost of just $2.03/month when you sign up for the longer-term plans.

You can try CyberGhost completely free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to commit. I messaged the support team through its website on day 45 and told them I wanted a refund. The customer service representative was very nice and approved my request right away — he didn’t pressure me to stay. My money was back in my account in 5 days.

3. IPVanish — Unlimited Connection to Play Final Fantasy XIV on All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.ipvanish.com

IPVanish has unlimited device connections allowing you to play safely on all your devices. I could play on my Windows computer, PS5, and Xbox One without increased latency. There were no interruptions or slowdowns, and it was no different than using the VPN only on one device. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite online games on all your devices.

The speeds are really fast — but not as fast as ExpressVPN’s. I could enjoy the game without interruptions. When I tested its servers, I got an average download speed of 132 Mbps, and a ping of around 70 ms. The fastest servers were the ones closest to me, but even on distant servers, the gameplay was smooth, without any delays in the on-screen action.

The VPN has military-grade encryption which protects you from DDoS attacks and hackers. It has recently upgraded its servers to improve overall performance, and has WireGuard configuration to boost speeds. Moreover, it has a dedicated IP/DNS leak protection system, which keeps your private information secure as you play. In combination with the no-logs policy, your FFXIV experience will be protected.

IPVanish’s downside is that it doesn’t offer a money-back period for its monthly plans. However, you can get one of its long-term plans for as little as $2.19/month and see if you like it.

Thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test IPVanish completely free and see if it’s the right one for you. To get a refund, I only had to access my account’s settings on its website and cancel my subscription. I had to provide a brief reason for ending my subscription, but it only took me 10 minutes to fill in the form and send it. I had my money back 6 days later.

4. Private Internet Access — Large Server Network to Play FFXIV From Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access has one of the biggest server networks and allows you to easily find a low-ping location for smooth gaming. I tested PIA’s servers in the UK, US, France, and the Netherlands, and got an optimal connection in seconds. You can play on any Final Fantasy server no matter where you play from.

Speeds are fast enough for lag-free gaming. While testing, I got an average of 129 Mbps, and ping around 80 ms. The overall results were a little inconsistent compared to ExpressVPN’s, but it had a good performance overall. This allowed me to play on most servers without lag or interruptions.

The VPN has strong security features including a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and military-grade encryption to keep you safe. PIA also has split tunneling, so you can choose which parts of your traffic you want encrypted. These features ensure your identity and location won’t be leaked or hacked while gaming.

The sole drawback I found with PIA is its location in the United States, where stringent data sharing regulations exist. Nonetheless, since it maintains no activity records, users can expect a fully private browsing and gaming experience.

The VPN is very affordable. You can get a subscription for only $2.03/month when you sign up for the 3-year plan.

If you are not ready to make a long-term commitment, you can still try PIA for 30-days with its money-back guarantee. If it’s not right for you, you can get a full refund. I decided to contact support via live chat and ask for my money back after using the VPN for 25 days. The refund was issued within 5 minutes and the support agent only wanted to know why I was canceling. My money was back in my account in less than a week.

5. PrivateVPN — High-Speed Servers for Uninterrupted Gaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN offers high-speeds and unlimited bandwidth that can support online gaming. During my tests, I tried different servers located in the UK, US, France, and the Netherlands, and my download speed averaged 122 Mbps. The ping rate is displayed in the server list, so it is easy to identify the best servers for a hassle-free gaming experience.

The powerful security features protect you while gaming. The VPN has military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your location and traffic hidden from hackers. You’ll never be forced out of a game because of a DDoS or another cyberattack.

The only drawback of PrivateVPN is its limited server network. However, the positive aspect is that all the server locations I evaluated were dependable, enabling me to enjoy FFXIV without any disruptions.

The VPN is reasonably priced and you can get the cheapest plan at $2/month. All its plans offer the same features, so to get the most for your money, a long-term subscription will provide the most value.

You can try PrivateVPN free for 30 days. It’s backed by a money-back guarantee so if you don’t like it, you can ask for a full refund. I tested this policy by contacting support via live chat after using the VPN for 20 days. After a brief chat, the representative approved my request. I received my money back in a week.

Quick Comparison Table: FFXIV (Final Fantasy) VPN Features

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.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPNs for FFXIV (Final Fantasy)

When you choose a VPN for FFXIV, you need to take into consideration a few aspects, so it doesn’t affect your gameplay:

• Speeds: The VPNs I shortlisted provide you with superfast speeds and low ping rates for the best gaming experience.
• Server network: The VPN you choose needs to offer servers in multiple locations around the world, so you can easily find a low-latency connection.
• Compatibility: You need a VPN that can be used on all the devices your game is compatible with, so you can seamlessly switch them with no interruptions. All of my recommended VPNs are also router-compatible, so you can configure them to your gaming consoles.
• Security: In order to avoid DDoS attacks and hackers messing with your gameplay, your VPN needs to offer the highest level of encryption, along with IP and DNS leak protection and a reliable kill switch.
• Privacy: A zero-logs policy assures that all your traffic is private. This way, you won’t have to worry about the VPN recording data about you and the servers and apps you access.

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Gaming Console to Play FFXIV (Final Fantasy)

Setting up a VPN on your gaming console is easy, and there are 2 ways of doing it.

Through Your PC

1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its lightning-fast speeds and reliable server network.
2. Connect ExpressVPN to a server location. Press the server menu button, select the “All Locations” tab, and pick a country for the FFXIV world you want to join. If you don’t have a location preference, then choose a server near your location to get faster speeds and lower ping. FFXIV has 3 official server data centres, located in North America, Europe, and Japan.
3. Open your PC’s Network settings. Find the “Mobile Hotspot” option and turn it on.
4. Change your adapter options. Once you click the option, it will take you to the Network Connections window, where you will see a network called Local Area Connection #.
5. Access ExpressVPN’s network connection. Locate a connection with an “ExpressVPN Wintun Driver” description and right-click to open its “Properties.”
6. Allow sharing. In the sharing tab, check the box for “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
7. Select the network to share. Under “Home Networking Connection”, select the name of the mobile hotspot (Local Area Connection #) you just created and click OK.
8. Connect your console.

Through Your Router

Although this technique is the most dependable, it will result in the cancellation of your router's warranty due to the installation of third-party firmware.

1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its superfast speeds and excellent security.
2. Download the VPN firmware. Check your router’s model and download the correct firmware from ExpressVPN’s website.
3. Copy the activation code. Copy the provided activation code or leave the page open.
4. Access your router’s settings. Go to your router settings using the default gateway written on its back and open the “Firmware Upgrade” tab in the administrator options.
5. Install the firmware. Look for the firmware you downloaded earlier and upload it to your router. Keep in mind that this will void your router’s warranty.
6. Connect to the router. After finishing the installation, connect your computer to the router.
7. Finish the setup. Look for ExpressVPN’s router setup page and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
8. Connect your console and start playing.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for FFXIV (Final Fantasy)

Can I use a free VPN for FFXIV?

Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs usually offer a very small number of servers and limited bandwidth. This means that you’d only be able to play for a limited time before being locked out. The servers are usually highly detectable - if the Mog Station recognizes you’re using a VPN, you won’t be able to buy anything from the shop, including game time. Plus, a lot of free services record and sell your data to make an income, putting you and your device at risk. I’d recommend you stick to the tried and tested VPNs on this list instead for the best protection and performance.

Will I be banned for using a VPN with FFXIV?

Using a VPN with FFXIV is technically allowed, as it doesn’t have any regulations banning VPN use. However, you may get banned if your IP address suddenly changes during game time. To avoid this, use a VPN that provides a reliable kill switch — like the ones on this list. This way, your internet connection will be shut down in case the server disconnects, so the game won’t be able to identify the network change.

Can I play FFXIV with a VPN in China or Australia?

Yes, you can play FFXIV from anywhere with a VPN. All VPNs from the list will allow you to play FFXIV from anywhere. Keep in mind that some countries don’t legally allow the use of VPNs, so you’ll need to check the government’s regulations to stay on the safe side.

Get the Best VPN for FFXIV (Final Fantasy) Today!

Using a VPN with FFXIV can greatly improve your gameplay, but it’s difficult to find the right service. The ones I shortlisted will provide you with fast speeds, servers around the world, and strong security features for smooth gameplay.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has a reliable global network, top-tier security, and blazing-fast speeds making it the best choice for FFXIV: A Realm Reborn. Plus, it’s backed by30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free. If you don’t like it, you can ask for a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for FFXIV 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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