5 Best VPNs for Valorant: Low Ping & Global Access (2023)

Valorant is one of my favorite games — unfortunately, it’s not available everywhere. Many countries block access to Valorant or restrict its VoIP feature. Not being able to use the primary communication method in the game limits your competitive advantage.

You may also suffer from high ping and connecting errors because your ISP or network administrator reduces your gaming speeds. Bandwidth throttling can happen if you spend hours playing Val.

Luckily, a top-tier VPN lets you play Valorant anywhere without restrictions. Riot Games blocked many popular (mostly free) VPNs — that’s why my team and I tested 50+ services to find the best VPNs that work with Valorant. They offer fast speeds and global server networks to access the game from any region without interruptions.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for Valorant. It has excellent speeds, reliable worldwide servers, and unlimited bandwidth for unrestricted playtime. Military-grade encryption and automatic obfuscation tech also hide your online activity, preventing speed throttling. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN without risk as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try ExpressVPN for Valorant >>

Best VPNs for Valorant — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest and Most Reliable VPN to Play Valorant Without Restrictions

ExpressVPN has excellent speeds to plant spikes seamlessly. My ping on the nearby servers was only 9ms, which gives me no competitive disadvantage. You can play Valorant as much as you want, thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Overall, I had excellent speeds while testing ExpressVPN. I recorded an average download speed of 102Mbps Mbps — just a 5.5% drop from my baseline connection.

I used Lightway protocol while playing Valorant for the best speeds

An extensive server network lets you play Valorant in any region. For example, simply connect to a US server to play with your American friends. I quickly registered and played Valorant using servers in India and the Philippines. ExpressVPN regularly updates IP addresses, so even if Riot Games blocks some, the VPN team immediately spins up new IPs to take their place.

Military-grade encryption allows playing Valorant on restrictive networks. So, you can collect picks on your school or office WiFi. In addition, the server-wide obfuscation tech automatically kicks in when a restrictive network is detected. It makes your VPN connection look like regular HTTPS traffic, so your ISP can't see what you do online. This is useful for using a VoIP feature in countries like the UAE, Egypt, and Iran.

Using this VPN for Valorant is possible with the default settings — the Windows app is highly intuitive. You can set up split tunneling to always launch Valorant via a VPN tunnel (while other apps use your regular internet connection). ExpressVPN allows using its account on up 8 devices simultaneously. So, you can play Valorant in your preferred region while your family streams shows on Netflix US or Hulu on vacation.

One downside is expensive subscriptions. Luckily, ExpressVPN regularly offers generous discounts to bring the price down. When I opted for the 12-month plan, I got 49% off with 3 additional months for free for the final cost of just $6.67/month. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Port forwarding with a router setup. Consider port forwarding if you have connection issues or disruptions while playing Valorant. Forwarding specific ports (for example, UDP ports 5000-5500) to your gaming device's IP address can improve stability and reduce latency caused by network restrictions or firewall settings.
• Private DNS. This VPN automatically handles your DNS queries to avoid WiFi blocks for Valorant (and other games). It also safeguards your traffic from hackers who often use DDoS attacks in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
• Robust security and privacy features. ExpressVPN secures your connection with Network Lock (a kill switch), IP/DNS leak protection, TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers), and an audited no-logs policy. It’s also based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — international intelligence-sharing agreements.
• Device compatibility. The VPN is also available on operating systems other than Windows, including macOS, Android, and iOS. So, it can be used for restriction-free gaming on macOS via Parallel or on mobile devices via remote desktop software.

Try ExpressVPN for Valorant >>

2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers to Play Valorant Hassle-Free

CyberGhost Windows app has a dedicated "For gaming" section that lists servers optimized for seamless gaming. This convenient feature allows you to easily access gaming-optimized servers located in Frankfurt, London, New York, and Paris. Selecting one of these servers can significantly reduce latency and achieve the lowest possible ping, optimizing your connection for playing Valorant.

You can play Valorant via gaming-optimized servers in the US, UK, France, and Germany

My in-game latency was low while testing CyberGhost’s gaming-optimized servers. I noticed my speeds were the fastest with WireGuard protocol — I averaged 96Mbps. There aren’t any data caps, meaning it’s possible to play Valorant without restrictions.

You can confidently play Valorant on public WiFi hotspots with CyberGhost. It has a WiFi protection feature that automatically connects you to a VPN on unprotected networks, so you don’t always have to do it manually. Besides, AES 256-bit encryption scrambles your traffic, hiding it from prying eyes, and leak protection prevents data exposure. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is based in a privacy-friendly country (Romania).

I was disappointed to see that the monthly subscription is pricey and offers a limited 14-day money-back guarantee. However, by opting for a long-term plan, you can get CyberGhost for as low as $2.19/month. I chose the 2-year subscription as it’s the most affordable in the long run. It also comes with an extended 45-day refund policy.

Useful Features

• Intuitive apps. The apps are user-friendly and let you sort the servers by distance, load, and ping to quickly find the most suitable server for your Valorant sessions.
• Split tunneling. You can exclude specific URLs from the VPN tunnel, allowing them to use your normal connection instead. This feature comes in handy when you're playing Valorant in another region but still want access to local sites and services.
• An audited no-logs policy. CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy, which means that even if the government were to request user data, there would be no information to provide.

Try CyberGhost for Valorant >>

3. Private Internet Access — Vast Server Network to Easily Play Valorant in Any Region

Thousands of PIA’s globally distributed servers let you play Valorant in many regions, including Syria and Egypt. I experienced no lag while testing PIA’s France servers. You can also enable a Multi-Hop feature that disguises your VPN traffic as a regular internet connection, allowing you to bypass VPN and the VoIP functionality blocks.

I played with European players by signing up for Valorant using a French server

PIA lets you play Valorant with low ping. My average ping on nearby servers was 12ms. It also enables you to organize servers by latency, so it's easy to identify the best server for Valorant near your location. Since PIA is highly-customizable, you can adjust your speeds and security levels. For example, I usually use WireGuard and AES 128-bit encryption to get the fastest gaming speeds, but switching to OpenVPN and AES 256 increases security.

While PIA's apps offer a wide range of customization options, they may seem overwhelming for new VPN users. However, the good news is that PIA comes pre-configured with optimized settings, so you can start using it immediately without needing to adjust any configurations unless you prefer.

You can get PIA for only $2.03/month. I opted for the 2-year plan, which is the most pocket-friendly. Plus, you can test PIA risk-free during its 30-day refund period.

Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections. Everyone in your household can use a VPN from a single account and play Valorant on their own device.
• Advanced kill switch. It works differently compared to the regular kill switch. It ensures that you can’t access the internet unless you turn on PIA, which helps to prevent any accidental leaks of your IP address.
• MACE. This feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers, creating a distraction-free and secure gaming experience in Valorant. It also stops pop-ups on gaming forums.

Try PIA for Valorant >>

4. NordVPN — Speciality Servers to Avoid ISP Throttling While Playing Valorant

NordVPN's obfuscated servers conceal your Valorant traffic to avoid ISP speed throttling. You can easily choose them from the app menu. It’s also possible to route your traffic via two VPN servers (double VPN) to secure your connection with two layers of encryption. Plus, dedicated IP servers assign you a unique IP address. This reduces the chances of your account being flagged for suspicious activity when using a VPN.

Obfuscation reduces speeds, but my ping was still low for playing Valorant lag-free

The Windows app is straightforward to install and use – I set it up on my PC within minutes. Selecting an optimal server for Valorant is quick, thanks to an interactive map. NordVPN also offers a range of settings to tailor your VPN for gaming. For example, you can appoint the Valorant app to always use a VPN via the split tunneling settings.

Unfortunately, I experienced some connectivity issues. The app might take longer to start, and server timeouts can be annoying for gamers. However, switching to another server always resolved the problem, and it only ever took me a few seconds to find a working alternative.

The long-term plans start at just $3.49/month, so I selected the most cost-effective 2-year subscription. Besides, you can test NordVPN without risk during its 30-day refund period.

Useful Features

• NordLynx protocol. NordVPN’s unique protocol is speedy and lightweight, perfect for competitive gaming. It delivers fast speeds while maintaining online security.
• Meshnet. With Meshnet, you can easily host your own private game server and connect with friends from different locations, just as if they were on the same LAN.

Try NordVPN for Valorant >>

5. Surfshark — NoBorders Mode to Play Valorant in Restrictive Locations

Surfshark stands out as a gaming VPN thanks to its NoBorders feature. It disguises your VPN connection as regular internet traffic, allowing you to bypass firewalls that might block VPNs. This means you can enjoy playing Valorant even on restrictive networks, such as those in schools, workplaces, or countries with heavy censorship. I didn’t encounter geoblocks while testing Surfshark for different Valorant regions.

You can easily enable it in the Surfshark VPN settings

Another thing I like about Surfshark is its easy-to-use interface. The app also has a handy speed test tool built in, so you can check the upload and download speeds as well as latency for each server. Similar to PIA, you can use Surfshark on unlimited devices at the same time.

Surfshark is the slowest VPN on the list. However, it’s still suitable for lag-free gaming. My average ping on the nearby servers was 21ms (with WireGuard protocol).

Long-term subscription for Surfshark starts at only $2.30/month. I opted for the 2-year plan because it offers the best value for my money. Surfshark's money-back policy allows you to test it risk-free for up to 30 days.

Useful Features

• Camouflage mode (obfuscation). Setting your protocol to OpenVPN enables Camouflage mode, which helps prevent ISP speed reduction when playing Valorant.
• Reliable customer support. If you ever get stuck, you can easily contact customer support via 24/7 live chat or email. There are also many installation guides and an FAQ section.

Try Surfshark for Valorant >>

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Valorant

I tested over 50 VPNs to find the best ones to access Valorant from anywhere and play it lag-free. However, if you want to do your own tests, here are the key features to keep in mind:

• Global server network — VPNs with global networks help you play Valorant in other regions, access different in-game store items, and bypass VoIP restrictions.
• Fast speeds — Choose a VPN with high-speed connections and low ping to avoid lag while playing Valorant. Any VPN with a speed drop of over 50% and a ping higher than 100ms on nearby servers isn’t good.
• High-grade security and privacy features — AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch hide your private data from prying eyes.
• Easy-to-use apps — Intuitive apps for Windows help you play Valorant hassle-free.
• Reliable customer support. Look for a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and a vast knowledge base to promptly resolve any issues you may have.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — A reliable refund policy gives you an opportunity to test a VPN without risk.

Try ExpressVPN for Valorant >>

Why You Need a VPN for Valorant?

Valorant imposes geoblocks that bind you to a certain region. These geo-restrictions prevent you from teaming up with friends, buying region-exclusive items in the in-game stores, or competing against international communities.

You might also notice your ping increases if you play for too long. That’s because ISPs tend to throttle (slow down) your gaming speeds if they see high traffic consumption.

Reliable VPNs solve these issues. A VPN reroutes your traffic via a secure server and assigns you a new IP address. This means you appear as if you're in a different region. So, you can register an account in an area you want to play and freely use the Valorant VoIP functionality. In addition, your ISP can’t identify your activity and throttle your speeds for Valorant because VPNs encrypt your data.

Some WiFi networks may monitor your activities and block certain games. VPNs let you play Valorant on office or school WiFi. It’s also crucial to secure your online data when traveling abroad. By connecting to a VPN tunnel, your internet traffic is encrypted, adding a layer of protection against hackers and eavesdroppers attempting to steal your private information.

Try ExpressVPN for Valorant >>

FAQs on VPNs for Valorant

Is VPN allowed and legal to use in Valorant?

Riot Games doesn't ban users from using a VPN unless you’re suspected of cheating or exploiting the game. So, you can legally use VPNs to protect your privacy and prevent speed throttling. However, the developers block some VPNs from accessing their services to avoid latency problems caused by users who play across regions. So, you might have to switch to a reliable VPN to play in another area.

Some countries (like Iran and Syria) have outright banned Valorant, and others block its VoIP feature. My team and I don’t condone using a VPN to break the law, and you should inform yourself of the local laws and regulations.

Will using a Valorant VPN lower my ping or cause lags?

VPNs might increase your ping because they encrypt and reroute your data through another server. Luckily, VPNs with fast networks and top-grade tunneling protocols let you maintain a low ping for Valorant. More importantly, VPNs can help prevent ISP throttling for high-bandwidth activities like gaming.

Where does Valorant have servers?

Valorant has many servers across the globe, including North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In particular, there are many servers in the US, Brazil, France, Hong Kong, and South Korea. You can quickly connect to a VPN in the respective region to play with your friends or minimize latency. Here’s a list of where Riot has Valorant servers:

Can I play Valorant on mobile devices?

Valorant is only available on Windows 10 and 11, but you can play it on mobile devices. Although there’s no iOS or Android version, remote desktop services like Parsec can stream Valorant on your smartphone via your PC. Remember to use a VPN with top-grade security to protect your devices and avoid geo-restrictions. Notably, the game blocks cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Shadow.

Will I get banned for playing Valorant with a VPN?

Valorant doesn’t actively block VPN users. While Valorant doesn’t support regional transfers, there doesn't appear to be any system specifically identifying users who utilize VPNs to connect to remote servers. A premium VPN lets you easily change your region and play with your friends from other countries.

However, it's important to note that if you use a VPN for cheating or violate Riot's Terms of Service, you may face the consequences such as an IP ban or HWID ban. It also might be risky to enter Valorant tournaments using a VPN — a popular Syrian player was banned because of that.

Can I turn off Vanguard?

You can turn off Vanguard in a few easy steps if you don't want it to keep running in the background on your computer when you're not playing Valorant. Vanguard is a program that prevents cheating, and it doesn’t collect your gaming data. However, if you want to be sure your sensitive information is safe, use a reliable VPN with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy.

Riot has provided a way to turn off Vanguard. Here are the steps:

1. Look for the system tray on your computer (usually located at the bottom-right corner of the screen).
2. Right-click on the Vanguard icon in the system tray.
3. Select the option to exit Vanguard.
4. When prompted, confirm that you want to exit Vanguard.
5. Keep in mind that if you want to play Valorant again, you will need to restart Vanguard.

Some users choose to uninstall Vanguard whenever they're not playing Valorant to ensure it doesn't run on startup. Most players may see this as excessive, but it's the only way to completely prevent Vanguard from running because it’s deeply integrated into the operating system (kernel).

Why is Valorant not working with my VPN?

Riot Games may have blocked your VPN to prevent people from playing between regions. In that case, you can switch to a VPN with reliable servers and regularly updated IP addresses. If this doesn’t work, try the solutions below:

• Connect to another server. Switching to another location can help if Valorant blocks a specific VPN server IP address.
• Change VPN settings. Try changing tunneling protocols (for example, to the UDP option) and disabling extra security features like Threat Protection or other ad blockers.
• Clear your system cache and cookies. Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R), enter %temp%, and delete all its contents. Repeat the process with %appdata% and %localappdata% folders, and restart your PC.
• Update your VPN software. Delete and reinstall the VPN app and restart your computer.
• Disable firewall or antivirus. Some anti-malware software may block your VPN or gaming traffic. Disable your antivirus or firewall entirely to see if you can connect (add exceptions for Valorant and your VPN if it works).
• Contact 24/7 support. The best providers can help you find a reliable server or configure the app to work with Valorant; otherwise, you can request a refund.

Can I use a free VPN for Valorant?

It’s doubtful — Riot Games block many free VPNs, making them unsuitable for playing Valorant. It's better to use a premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Besides, free services often have slow speeds and capped bandwidth, leading to in-game lags and limited playtime. Many of them also sell your personal data to ad networks.

Get the Best VPN for Valorant

The best VPNs let you play Valorant in all regions with minimal impact on your usual speeds. Besides, high-grade encryption and obfuscation help avoid ISP speed throttling and firewalls on school and office WiFi. A VPN also protects your actual IP address and other personal data against online snoops.

ExpressVPN is my favorite Valorant VPN, thanks to its impressive speeds and global server network. You can safely play ranged games and tournaments with players across the globe while retaining competitive speeds. Additionally, all of its servers have obfuscation to avoid speed reduction and avoid geoblocks in restrictive countries. Even better, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best Valorant VPNs…