In the world of online gaming, VPNs are key for a better experience. The best gaming VPNs protect your privacy and security. They also help with lag, let you play games not available in your area, and stop your ISP from slowing you down.
Our top picks for 2025 are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Each offers special features to make your gaming better.
Table of Contents
Why Use a VPN for Gaming?
Using a virtual private network (VPN) can make your online gaming better. It lets you connect to a VPN server. This unlocks many benefits that can enhance your gameplay and enjoyment.
Reduce Lag and Improve Ping
One big plus of using a VPN for gaming is it can lower lag and improve your ping. By connecting to a VPN server near the game’s server, your internet traffic goes a more direct route. This means less delay and less lag. For competitive games, this is very helpful because quick responses are key.
Play Geo-Restricted Games
Many online games are only available in certain areas. By changing your IP address with a VPN, you can get around these restrictions. This lets you play games not available in your area, expanding your gaming choices.
Evade ISP Throttling
Internet service providers (ISPs) might slow down your internet if they see you’re gaming a lot. A VPN encrypts your internet, making it hard for ISPs to slow you down. This means you can game without interruptions.
With a VPN, you can cut down on lag, boost your ping, play games not available in your area, and avoid ISP slowdowns. All these help make your online gaming smoother and more fun.
Top VPNs for Gaming
When looking for the best vpns for gaming, a few names pop up often. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA) are the top choices. They are chosen after thorough research and testing.
NordVPN is a top pick, with over 6,400 servers in 110 countries. It reaches speeds of up to 950 Mbps, thanks to its NordLynx protocol. It also has a high SecurityScore of 9.7/10, ensuring your gaming is secure and private.
ExpressVPN is another great option, though it’s a bit slower than NordVPN and Surfshark. It has 3,000 servers in 105 countries and supports up to 8 devices at once. This makes it a flexible choice for gamers.
Surfshark is quickly becoming a favorite among gamers. It offers speeds of up to 950 Mbps and a SecurityScore of 9.5/10. Its unique feature is unlimited connections, so you can protect all your devices at once.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget-friendly choice. It has a SecurityScore of 9.4/10 and offers between 10,000 to 35,000 servers in 91 countries. It’s perfect for mobile gaming, thanks to its DDoS protection.
No matter your gaming platform or preferences, these vpns for gaming will improve your online gaming. They offer fast speeds, strong security, and can get past geo-restrictions.
What to Look for in a Gaming VPN
When picking a VPN for gaming, look for one with fast connection speeds. The best ones lose only 25% or less of speed, which is almost unnoticeable. Low latency and ping times are also key for a smooth gaming experience.
Fast Connection Speeds
A good gaming VPN should also have low latency and ping times. These are vital for fast, multiplayer games. High values can cause lag and slow reactions in the game.
Low Latency and Ping
Also, a top gaming VPN must offer robust security and privacy features. This includes strong encryption and a no-logs policy. It should also have a kill switch and DNS leak protection. These features help keep your online identity safe from threats.
Strong Security and Privacy
To sum up, when choosing a VPN for gaming, consider these key points:
- Fast connection speeds with minimal speed loss
- Low latency and ping times for smooth, responsive gameplay
- Strong security and privacy features to protect your online identity
| VPN | Avg. Speed Loss | Latency (ms) | Jitter (ms) | Servers | Simultaneous Connections | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | 13.5% | N/A | N/A | 684 in 44 countries | N/A | N/A |
| IPVanish | 44% | N/A | N/A | 56 countries | N/A | N/A |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | 49% | N/A | N/A | 91 countries | N/A | N/A |
| ExpressVPN | N/A | 34.81 | 44 | 94 countries | 8 | 30 days |
| NordVPN | N/A | 24.94 | 15 | 111+ countries | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | N/A | 32.44 | 31 | 100+ countries | Unlimited | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | N/A | 45.19 | 16 | 100+ countries | 7 | 45 days |
| PureVPN | N/A | N/A | N/A | 65+ countries | N/A | 31 days |
The best gaming vpn: NordVPN
NordVPN is the top choice for gamers. It offers features that enhance your online gaming experience. It’s the best service for serious gamers.
NordVPN’s Key Gaming Features
- It has fast connection speeds, losing only 11% in tests. This is one of the lowest among VPNs.
- The Meshnet feature lets you create a secure network for your game servers. This ensures a smooth gaming experience.
- It has over 6,300 servers in 111 countries. This means you can find servers close to game servers for low latency.
- NordVPN is great at unblocking content and protecting your online activities with advanced security tools.
Pricing and Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN’s prices start at $3.59 per month for a 2-year subscription. You also get 3 months free. The 1-year plan is $4.99 per month, and the 1-month plan is $11.99.
Best of all, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you try it risk-free and see how it improves your gaming.
NordVPN is the top gaming VPN with its speed, security, and global server coverage. It’s perfect for competitive gamers or anyone who wants a lag-free experience. NordVPN has you covered.
Other Top Gaming VPN Options
NordVPN is a top pick for gaming VPNs, but it’s not the only great choice. Let’s look at a few other top VPNs for an amazing online gaming experience.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top pick for gamers. It offers fast speeds, with an average ping of just 18 ms. This makes it perfect for fast gaming. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, so you can find the best server for your games.
ExpressVPN also has strong security, a strict no-logs policy, and easy-to-use apps for many devices.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great, affordable choice for gamers. It has over 29,650 servers in 91 countries, helping you find fast connections. You can choose your encryption, like AES 256-bit or AES 128-bit for gaming.
PIA shows server ping times, making it easy to pick the best server. Plus, it lets you connect unlimited devices with one subscription.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option for gamers. It may not be as fast as the top choices, but it’s still reliable. It offers unlimited connections, so you can protect all your devices with one subscription.
Surfshark also unblocks content and has security features like a kill switch and no-logs policy.
Choosing the best gaming VPN depends on your needs and budget. Each provider has unique features and benefits. By looking at speed, server network, security, and value, you can find the perfect VPN for your gaming.
How to Set Up a VPN for Gaming
Setting up a VPN for gaming is easy and can make your gaming better. It helps with lag, ping, and getting around geo-restrictions. It also keeps your gaming private.
First, pick a good VPN provider for gaming. Look for one with fast speeds, low latency, and strong security. Top picks in 2025 include NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN software on your gaming device, whether it’s a PC, console, or mobile device.
- Sign in to your VPN account and connect to a server near your gaming servers. This cuts down on latency and improves ping.
- After connecting, start gaming. You’ll get benefits like avoiding geo-restrictions, keeping your privacy safe, and protecting against DDoS attacks.
If you use many devices, consider a VPN router. It protects all devices on your network without needing to install anything on each one.
While a VPN boosts your gaming, choose a trusted provider. Also, keep an eye on your connection speeds for the best experience. By doing this, you’ll get the most out of your gaming VPN and enjoy safe, smooth gaming.
Conclusion
Using a VPN can really improve your online gaming. Top VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access offer fast speeds and strong security. They help cut down lag, get around geo-blocks, and keep you safe from online dangers.
By picking the right VPN, your gaming can get a lot better. You’ll enjoy smoother, safer, and more open gaming.
NordVPN has over 6,300 servers in 111 countries. Its NordLynx protocol and Meshnet feature make it fast and reliable for gamers. ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, great for gaming and getting past geo-blocks.
Surfshark has a big server network in 65 countries and lets you connect unlimited devices at once. It’s a top choice for gamers.
Looking to cut down lag, play restricted games, or keep your gaming safe? The best gaming VPNs have everything you need. A good VPN service can elevate your online gaming and make it safer and more open.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a VPN for gaming?
A VPN can make your gaming better by cutting down on lag. It lets you play games not available in your area. It also helps avoid slow internet speeds from your provider.
What are the top VPNs for gaming?
The best VPNs for gaming are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA). They offer fast speeds, low latency, and strong security. They also help you get around geo-restrictions.
What should I look for in a gaming VPN?
Look for a VPN that keeps your speeds up and has low latency. It should also have strong security to keep your online activities safe.
Why is NordVPN considered the best gaming VPN?
NordVPN is our top choice for gaming. It has fast speeds, low latency, and top-notch security. Its Meshnet feature lets you create a secure network for your game servers.
How do I set up a VPN for gaming?
To set up a VPN for gaming, download the app, log in, and connect to a server. Most VPNs have easy-to-use apps for many devices.
