5 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2023: Fast Speeds and Low Ping

Finding a good gaming VPN is harder than you might think. Only the best VPNs can lower your ping, prevent DDoS attacks, and help you access region-locked games. Sadly, many VPNs will increase your latency, while others lack servers in regions where you need them.

That’s why my team and I tested 50+ VPNs to find the best ones for gaming. After analyzing average speeds, server networks, and security features, I handpicked the most reliable VPNs that let you play safely and without lag. Besides, these VPNs are easy to install on all your devices — whether you connect via PC, console, or router.

My top recommendation for gaming is ExpressVPN because of its consistently low ping and fast speeds. Plus, with its extensive server network and strong security features, you can play region-locked games without worrying about potential DDoS attacks and ISP throttling. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Gaming VPN With Low Ping and Fast Speeds

ExpressVPN outperforms every other option on my list when it comes to gaming. Not only does it have the strongest security features, but it’s also the fastest VPN we’ve tested. During my tests on its nearby servers, I recorded an average download speed of 121.51 Mbps (a 4% drop from my baseline connection), and my ping remained below 30 ms. I could competitively play CS:GO on its Frankfurt server without being affected by lag.

Even when I connected to long-distance US locations, the ping was relatively lower compared to other VPNs on this list. For instance, I had a ping rate of 74 ms on its New York server, which is impressive considering it’s more than 5000 km away from my physical location.

I used its Lightway protocol while playing Fortnite to keep my speeds fast

ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is largely responsible for its excellent performance. This innovative protocol is designed to provide stable and secure connections, while keeping speed loss to a minimum. This makes it ideal for gaming.

One of my favorite things about ExpressVPN is its easy installation for routers. VPNs natively do not work with game consoles (like Xbox and Playstation), requiring you to install them onto your router. This can be a highly technical process — and if done incorrectly, you risk bricking your router entirely. ExpressVPN offers automated router installation that can be done in minutes. You even get a dedicated router app that lets you easily switch servers and configure other settings from any browser.

The only downside is that the plans are expensive, especially if you choose a short-term subscription. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts to make it more affordable. I subscribed to the long-term plan and got 49% off, for a final price of only $6.67/month. You can also test ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, getting a refund is hassle-free.

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.
• 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. ExpressVPN protected my connection further with AES 256-bit military grade protection and an automatic kill switch.
• Built-in speed checker tool. Using this tool, you can sort servers based on speed index, download speed, and latency. This helps you find the best possible connection for gaming.
• Worldwide server network. ExpressVPN offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. This lets you access region-locked games from anywhere in the world. Plus, certain games and in-game items can be cheaper in specific regions.

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

CyberGhost is one of my longtime favorites because it offers specialized servers for gaming. This makes it really easy to find the ideal server for gaming as they’re clearly marked along with the ping and load of each server. You can find them listed under the “For Gaming” tab.

When I connected to its gaming-optimized servers in London and Paris (both are relatively close to me), I had a ping rate of 33 ms and a speed drop of only 6%. This makes CyberGhost ideal for online gaming — I experienced minimal lag, even on fast-paced games. Its regular unoptimized servers also work perfectly well for gaming. I connected to the closest server to my location and didn’t experience any lag while playing PUBG Mobile on my Android device.

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

CyberGhost's built-in NAT firewall assigns users a unique private IP address and filters out suspicious data packets. This is particularly helpful for gamers as it 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 malicious attacks and harassment.

It can be set up on a router, although this isn’t nearly as easy to do as it is with ExpressVPN. Still, I found a tutorial for this on CyberGhost’s website and had it set up in under 20 minutes.

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 $2.19/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 gaming franchises 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 my tests, I 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.

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3. Private Internet Access — Lots of Customization Options for Tech-Savvy Gamers

PIA is one of the most customizable VPNs out there. This means you can configure your VPN connection for optimal gaming performance. For example, it’s possible to adjust the level of encryption and switch between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols to balance speed and security. I usually go with AES 128-bit encryption and WireGuard for faster speeds while gaming.

There was no lag during the entire 2 hours that I played

During my tests (using 128-bit encryption) on its nearby servers, I recorded a speed loss of only 7%, and my ping never rose above 45 ms. This is 8% faster than what I got with 256-bit encryption. I experienced only minor lag when playing COD Warzone on my Windows PC.

I also like that the app displays the ping on each server, making it easy to find the right server for gaming. Ideally, you should choose a server with a ping rate of less than 80 ms. That said, PIA’s apps could be a bit overwhelming for new users to navigate since there are so many customization options. However, it comes pre-configured, so you don’t necessarily have to tweak its settings unless you want to. You can start playing straight away.

The VPN is really affordable — you can get it for as low $2.03/month when you sign up for its long-term plan. Plus, you can try PIA risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy, it’s easy to get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Massive server network. PIA’s server network is the biggest of all the VPNs I tested. You can access geo-restricted games and downloadable content from anywhere. Plus, you won’t ever have to worry about overcrowded servers.
• SOCKS5 proxy. Although different from a VPN, you can also use PIA's SOCKS5 proxy server. This might help improve latency since the connection is not encrypted.
• Unlimited connections. PIA offers unlimited simultaneous device connections. This means your entire household can game securely on their own devices without interrupting each other’s sessions, all on one subscription.

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

Should you take pleasure in setting up private gaming servers, NordVPN's Meshnet technology will certainly appeal to you. This feature facilitates direct connections with other devices, creating your personal virtual local network. Thanks to Meshnet, you have the ability to host a private gaming server and engage with friends from varied locales, creating an experience similar to everyone being on a shared LAN.

I also like that NordVPN strikes the right balance of speed and security, which makes it an excellent choice for gaming. On its nearby servers, I had really good speed results. I got an average download speed of 119.5 Mbps (a 6% drop from my base connection) and a ping rate of 32 ms. I barely experienced any lag while playing Apex Legends on my PS4.

Powered by NordLynx protocol, Meshnet lets you link 50 devices in a private network

If you want to cover 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 make it a bit easier.

With plans starting at $3.49/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. This is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, which is built upon WireGuard. It’s NordVPN’s default protocol and is fast, lightweight, and secure, so you’ll have a smooth and safe gaming experience.
• Threat protection. This feature not only blocks ads and malicious sites but it scans downloaded files for malware. This reduces the risk of malicious gaming files infecting your device.

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

Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) lets you play games securely, even on restrictive networks, such as those in schools, workplaces, and some countries. 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 Mode designed for heavily-censored regions. It gives you a list of the best servers to use in your current location.

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

I also appreciated its user-friendly interface. Similar to ExpressVPN, the app has a built-in speed test tool, where you can see the upload speed, download speed, and latency on each server. I also liked its Quick-Connect feature, which automatically finds and connects to the fastest available server.

My sole grievance regarding Surfshark is the prolonged connection time required by certain servers, which can be somewhat irritating. Nonetheless, after establishing a connection, I never encountered any disconnections, ensuring a stable gaming experience.

Surfshark truly offers great value — you can sign up for as low as $2.30/month. But if you don’t want to commit, you can try Surfshark risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Good speeds and low ping. During my tests on its nearby servers, I experienced a download speed drop of only 11%, and my ping was always below 50 ms.
• Unlimited connections. Similar to PIA, Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous device connections — which is great value for money considering its low price.

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Quick Comparison Table: Gaming VPN Features

The table below offers a comparison of features from my most highly recommended VPNs. It provides details on the minimum monthly cost, the countries where the VPN servers are located, and the typical speeds for both long and short distances. It's important to remember that these average speeds for long and short distances have been calculated using a base speed of 127 Mbps.

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What a Gaming VPN Can (and Can’t) Do

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding gaming VPNs across the internet. This is because VPN providers, and the “review” sites that choose to cover them, tend to exaggerate the benefits of gaming VPNs. Sometimes they simply make stuff up. All in the hopes that you’ll buy them without ever looking too much into what you’re actually getting.

Gaming VPNs do have great benefits — but I’m not one for false promises. Here’s exactly what a gaming VPN can and can’t do:

What a Gaming VPN Can Do

1. Avoid Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) and find easier lobbies. When you connect to a server in a region with a smaller player base, the matchmaking algorithm will prioritize filling the server over matching players based on skill level. This can help you find easier lobbies in games like Warzone, PUBG, and more.
2. Prevent DoS attacks. A gaming VPN can protect against denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on your IP address. By assigning you the IP address of the VPN server, the VPN will conceal your real IP address and shield you against such attacks.
3. Bypass IP bans. If your IP address has been banned by an online game, a VPN lets you circumvent this restriction by assigning you a new IP. However, this will almost certainly be against the game’s ToS. If you’re caught, your entire account may be banned. VPNs cannot help you get around account bans, so be aware of this.
4. Avoid ISP throttling. A gaming VPN can prevent your internet connection from being throttled by hiding your activity and location from your ISP. This can help maintain consistent internet speeds and prevent sudden lag spikes while gaming.
5. Bypass local firewalls. A VPN encrypts your traffic and redirects it to a secure, remote server, allowing you to bypass local firewalls that may be blocking access to certain online games or platforms. VPNs with server obfuscation are particularly effective at getting around network restrictions.
6. Access region-locked games. A gaming VPN can change your IP and DNS location, which lets you access region-locked games and DLC from anywhere. Keep in mind that this may not work with every platform, as some lock your account to a certain region upon creation. PlayStation is an example of this — the content you see is determined by the region and address you entered when creating your PSN account.
7. Get better deals on games. Some platforms offer games and DLC at generally lower prices in certain regions. Depending on the platform, you may be able to use a VPN to switch store region and access cheaper prices. Again, this is against the ToS of most gaming platforms and could lead to a permanent account ban, so please keep this in mind.

What a Gaming VPN Can't Do

1. Speed up your internet connection. While a gaming VPN can help avoid ISP throttling and provide consistent speeds, it can't inherently speed up your internet connection. The speed of your internet connection is largely determined by your ISP and other factors that a VPN has no control over.
2. Lower your ping and remove lag. If you're experiencing high ping or lag while gaming, using a VPN might not always help. Although, if your internet service provider's network is overcrowded, a gaming VPN may be able to help by rerouting your traffic through a less congested and more direct path, resulting in a lower ping, but this is a rare circumstance.
3. Offer full protection against swatting. Swatting is where a malicious person calls emergency services and alleges that a dangerous situation is happening at your home address, in the hopes that a SWAT team will breach your home. While a VPN does hide your IP address (and your approximate location), most swatting attempts gain your address via other methods, such as by combing through social media or by purchasing your leaked information on the dark web.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Gaming

A high-quality VPN for gaming should give you smooth gameplay, protect you from online threats, and help you overcome geoblocks and access international gaming servers. All of the VPNs in this list have been selected using the following criteria:

• Low ping and fast speeds. This is necessary for smooth online gaming and quick game downloads. I recommend VPNs that can deliver a ping no higher than 60 ms on nearby servers. Plus, the download speed loss should ideally be less than 30% over short distances. I tested multiple servers from each VPN to verify that they're reliable enough for lag-free gaming.
• Extensive server network. With a large server network, you'll have access to more opponents and geo-restricted content. Plus, you'll always be able to find a low-latency and uncrowded connection. All of the VPNs in this list have servers scattered across the globe.
• Powerful security features. Your VPN should be equipped with military-grade encryption and offer DNS/IP leak protection to safeguard you from DDoS attacks. I ensured that the listed VPNs offer these features to keep you safe while you game.
• Customizable connection settings. A VPN should provide options to configure your connection, including changing your protocol, setting up a SOCKS5 proxy, and port forwarding. The VPNs on this list provide customizable settings to help you improve your connection speed.
• Device compatibility. Ensure your VPN works on your gaming devices, including Windows PCs, consoles, macOS, iOS, and Android. If you have multiple gamers in your household, look for a VPN that provides multiple simultaneous connections. I made sure that my recommended VPNs can be used on many devices at once. I also made sure each VPN was installable on routers, so that you can game securely on console.
• Value for money. Make sure to choose a VPN that offers good value for money. Many providers often offer generous discounts with their long-term plans, so I recommend signing up for those to get the best value.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. This will allow you to test the VPN with all of your favorite games and gaming devices without risk. All the VPNs I’ve listed come with a dependable money-back guarantee.
• Reliable customer support. Having access to a team of qualified experts will help you solve your VPN problems more effectively. The VPNs in this list offer 24/7 live chat, so you’ll get an answer at any time, regardless of your time zone.

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.

However, there are situations where using a VPN can actually lower your ping. If your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) network is congested, this can cause your traffic to take a convoluted and indirect route to the game server, increasing latency. 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.

What's the best gaming VPN for Android?

My favorite for Android is ExpressVPN. I tested several VPNs for Android gaming, and ExpressVPN consistently gave me the lowest ping and fast speeds. Plus, it’s sleek and easy to navigate, making it perfect for VPN beginners.

I never experienced any lag while playing Among Us on my Android using ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol. Lightway is reliable and optimized to preserve battery life, so I could game securely for hours without interruption.

What VPN settings can I change to improve gaming speeds?

Typically, the default settings work best. However, you should always check that you're using the fastest VPN protocol that it offers. For example, I found an instant speed boost when I switched from OpenVPN to WireGuard while testing CyberGhost. Also, using the server nearest to you will usually offer the best download speeds and lowest ping.

Disabling advanced privacy features will also help to improve your speeds. For instance, server obfuscation (disguising your VPN connection as normal internet traffic) and multihop (sending your traffic through 2 VPN servers) will cause major slowdowns while enabled. Plus, you'll usually get a faster connection by using a SOCKS5 proxy connection (if supported).

Remember that disabling these settings or proxies only boosts your speeds because it removes security layers. This can leave you more vulnerable to DDoS attacks and other malicious activity.

How can I set up a gaming VPN on my router?

You can easily install any of these listed VPNs on your router. However, you will need a router that is compatible with the VPN firmware. Brands like Asus, Linksys, and Netgear offer models that are compatible. Keep in mind the setup methods will differ depending on your router model and the VPN you choose.

Here’s a short tutorial using ExpressVPN’s router app setup on an ASUS router as an example:

1. Download the VPN's router firmware. Visit ExpressVPN's website and go to the device setup page and choose “router”. Locate the appropriate firmware for your router model. Select "Download Firmware", and keep this browser window open since you'll need the activation code.
2. Log in to your router. I just typed “router.asus.com” (“192.168.1.1” works too) into my browser and logged in to my router settings. If you haven’t created personal login details, just enter “admin” for both your username and password.
3. Install the VPN firmware and save the settings. On the left column, select “Administration”. Then choose “Firmware Upgrade”. Click “Upload” next to “Manual firmware upload” and select the firmware you downloaded in step 1 (it’s a.trx file). When the firmware upgrade is complete, reboot your router.
4. Save your settings. After reconnecting to your router, the router firmware should pop up on your screen. Click “Get Started” and follow the prompts. Take note of the WiFi name and password, as well as the router password you’re given and click “Save”.
5. Start gaming. Go to your console’s network settings and connect it to your new VPN router connection. Now you can enjoy fast and secure gaming through the VPN.

Which is the best VPN for PES, PUBG, Fortnite, and CoD?

All the VPNs on this list are suitable for these games. But based on my tests, I found ExpressVPN to be the best VPN for FES, PUBG, Fortnite, and CoD.

It offers a proprietary protocol called Lightway to deliver fast speeds and consistently low ping while keeping your gaming sessions secure. It also offers a huge server network, so you can compete against players from other countries. Plus, it's compatible with tons of devices — offering native apps, and a dedicated router app for simple setup on consoles.

Can I host a game server using a VPN?

Yes, but you’ll need a VPN with port forwarding support. To host your own game server, you can easily set up port forwarding on your router through the VPN. For convenience, you can also get a static IP address (CyberGhost, PIA, and NordVPN offer this for a small fee). This way, your friends won’t have to change server addresses each time they want to log in.

Alternatively, you can make use of NordVPN’s Meshnet feature, which allows you to create your own secure virtual private LAN and host games.

Is it legal to use a VPN when gaming?

In most countries, yes. However, some strictly-censored 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 and Conditions. 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) which 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.

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Get the Best VPN for Gaming Today

Finding a gaming VPN that protects you from DDoS attacks without increasing latency 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 I tested. Plus, its robust security and worldwide server network mean you can compete against a new player base without worrying about DDoS attacks. You’ll also have no trouble accessing geo-restricted games and downloadable content. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.

To summarize, the best VPNs for gaming are…