Top VPNs for Gaming in 2025 Revealed

Online gaming is a thrilling experience, but technical issues like high ping and geographic restrictions can be a real downer. Thankfully, a VPN can be your knight in shining armor, providing a more secure and unrestricted gaming environment, especially for popular titles like Call of Duty and Forza Horizon.

As a dedicated gamer, I've spent countless hours testing various VPN services to find the best fit for gaming needs. After extensive testing, I've narrowed it down to the top seven VPNs, with NordVPN emerging as the ultimate choice for gamers. It boasts a global server network perfect for bypassing geographic restrictions and offers lightning-fast speeds to keep your latency low in games like Fortnite, Helldivers 2, and Minecraft. Other notable VPNs like CyberGhost and Surfshark also offer impressive features and are definitely worth considering.

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 MullvadRegardless of which VPN you choose for gaming, you'll benefit from encrypted internet traffic and a hidden IP address. This not only shields you from potential DDoS attacks but also lets you spoof your location to access games and servers that might otherwise be unavailable. Additionally, the best VPNs can even enhance your gaming performance by countering ISP throttling or connecting to servers closer to the game's servers.

1. NordVPN

Best VPN for Gaming

### NordVPN

13See it at NordVPNProduct SpecificationsPricingStarting from $3.09/mo.Simultaneous connections10Servers7,000+Countries118PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVPROSImpressive network of serversMeshnet feature for LAN gamingCONSApps are a little clutteredNordVPN stands out as the top VPN for gaming due to its speed-focused NordLynx protocol, which ensures low latency in games like League of Legends. The innovative Meshnet feature allows for secure private networks for LAN gaming with friends. With over 7,000 servers spread across 111 countries, NordVPN easily bypasses geographic restrictions, making it a favorite for both gaming and streaming.

NordVPN's robust security, featuring 256-bit AES encryption, shields your IP address and protects against DNS and IP leaks. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, and you can extend this by installing it on a compatible router, securing all connected devices, including your PlayStation or Xbox console.

2. CyberGhost

Best Free Trial VPN for Gaming

### CyberGhost

3See it at CyberGhostProduct SpecificationsPricingStarting from $2.03/mo.Simultaneous connections7ServersUndisclosedCountries100PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TVPROSVast server networkGaming-optimized serversCONSStill lacking an Apple TV appCyberGhost, with its extensive server network spanning 100 countries, allows you to connect to a server close to home for reduced latency. Its gaming-optimized servers in key locations like London and New York (Windows) make it a top choice for gamers. Additionally, CyberGhost offers a Smart DNS service, enabling console connections to servers in countries like the U.S.

The ability to sort servers by distance, load, and ping helps you find the fastest server for seamless gameplay, as I experienced with CS:GO. CyberGhost's high-end encryption ensures safety on public Wi-Fi, protecting your connection during high-stakes matches. With a 24-hour free trial for Windows and MacOS, no credit card required, it's the best free trial VPN for gaming.

3. Surfshark

Best Gaming VPN With Extra Features

### Surfshark

4See it at SurfsharkProduct SpecificationsPricingStarting from $1.99/mo.Simultaneous connectionsUnlimitedServers3,000+Countries100PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVSurfshark excels with its consistent performance in fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone. Its split tunneling feature allows you to bypass blocked games while securing other traffic. With over 3,000 servers across 100 countries, all upgraded to 10Gbps, Surfshark ensures you always have a nearby, high-speed server.

Surfshark's Smart DNS feature lets you change your location on devices like Smart TVs, Xbox, or PlayStation consoles, though it doesn't encrypt traffic. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing secure gaming on all your devices. It's more than just a VPN, with added security features like an ad blocker, Double VPN servers, and an antivirus.

4. IPVanish

Best Gaming VPN for Unlimited Devices

### IPVanish

4See it at IPVanishProduct SpecificationsPricingStarting from $2.19/mo.Simultaneous connectionsUnlimitedServers2,400+Countries100PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVPROSSee each server’s ping and loadNumerous new featuresCONSOperates out of the U.S. (a Five Eyes member)IPVanish has made significant strides, now offering some of the fastest speeds for gaming, perfect for competitive titles like Rocket League. Its user-friendly interface includes shortcuts to the fastest servers and displays each server's ping and load. U.S. gamers will appreciate the 1,400+ servers in North America.

IPVanish's recent updates include a secure browser and cloud storage, along with Double Hop servers for enhanced encryption. My tests confirmed no DNS or IP leaks, and with unlimited device connections, it's a versatile choice for securing all your gaming devices.

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 VPNProduct SpecificationsPricingStarting from $4.49/mo.Simultaneous connections10Servers9,000+Countries117PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TVPROSExcellent server speedsTrue no-logs policyCONSLive chat isn’t 24/7Proton VPN is renowned for its expansive network of over 9,000 servers across 117 countries, delivering incredibly fast speeds ideal for gaming. Its VPN Accelerator feature enhances forwarding efficiency, ensuring no noticeable latency in games like Fortnite.

Proton VPN's commitment to privacy is unmatched, with a true no-logs policy independently audited for user anonymity. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free tier with unlimited data, though the free plan isn't suitable for gaming, it's an excellent way to test the service at no risk.

6. ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming Games

### ExpressVPN

6See it at ExpressVPNProduct SpecificationsPricingStarting from $4.99/mo.Simultaneous connections8ServersUndisclosedCountries105PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVPROSConsistent unblockerCustom firmware for routersCONSA more expensive optionExpressVPN's Lightway protocol ensures minimal lag and fast speeds, perfect for fast-paced games like Valorant. Its custom router firmware simplifies setup on consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, or Nintendo Switch.

With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN helps you access games regardless of censorship. Its 256-bit AES encryption keeps your gaming sessions secure, and its user-friendly apps come with top-notch 24/7 support, ensuring you can resolve any issues swiftly.

7. Mullvad

Best Gaming VPN for Anonymity

### Mullvad

4See it at MullvadProduct SpecificationsPricingFlat rate of €5/mo. (~$5.65) Simultaneous connections5Servers700+Countries44PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, LinuxPROSWireGuard protocol for fast speedsAnonymous signupCONSSmaller server networkMullvad's smaller server network is still adequate for most gamers, thanks to its fast WireGuard protocol. Its split tunneling feature allows you to optimize your connection by bypassing the VPN for certain apps, reducing ping times.

Privacy-focused gamers will appreciate Mullvad's strict no-logs policy and anonymous signup process, which doesn't require an email address and accepts cash payments. It's an affordable and highly private option, making it our top choice for a budget-friendly VPN.

What to Look for in a VPN for Gaming

Choosing the right VPN for gaming involves considering several key factors:

Server speed: Fast, consistent connections are crucial, especially for competitive gaming. The best VPNs use protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and have numerous servers to minimize latency.Server locations: Connecting to servers near your location or the game server can enhance your gaming experience. A global server network is essential for this.Security and privacy: High-level encryption and protection against leaks are vital to prevent DDoS attacks and keep your IP address hidden.Compatibility: The best gaming VPNs are compatible with all major operating systems and often support routers or offer Smart DNS services for consoles like PlayStation or Xbox.

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

Using a VPN for gaming is straightforward, even if you're new to VPNs:

Choose your preferred gaming VPN and sign up.Download the VPN app compatible with your gaming device.Follow the installation instructions.Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server near your location or the game server.Game securely with unlimited bandwidth, and experiment with different servers to find the best performance.

Best VPNs for Gaming FAQs

Why should I use a VPN for gaming?

Using a VPN for gaming offers multiple benefits, including encrypting your data and hiding your IP address to prevent ISP throttling and protect against DDoS attacks. It also allows you to access geo-restricted games and content by spoofing your location.

Can a VPN improve gaming speed and reduce ping times?

While VPNs typically slow your connection due to encryption, they can improve gaming speed if you're experiencing ISP throttling. In some cases, connecting to a VPN server closer to the game server can reduce ping times.

Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

Most free VPNs are too slow for gaming due to limited servers and heavy load, which can lead to high latency and ping times. Additionally, free VPNs often have insufficient encryption, potentially exposing your IP address, so they're generally not recommended for gaming.