Gaming VPN lets you route your internet connection through a secure server to improve online gaming performance by offering low latency, access to geo-restricted games, and protection against DDoS attacks. A gaming VPN is specifically designed for gamers, keeping gaming needs like speed and performance in mind, making it most suitable.
Gaming specific VPN offer 5 key benefits to gamers as listed below.
- Bypass geo-restrictions to access games and servers that are unavailable in your region.
- Protect against DDoS attacks, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay.
- Avoid ISP throttling to maintain consistent gaming speeds and improve matchmaking by connecting to different regional servers.
- Secure personal data when gaming on public Wi-Fi networks and minimize lag spikes with low latency offered by gaming-optimized servers.
- Access early releases or game updates that are available in specific regions.
Geekflare has researched and listed the top gaming VPNs based on factors like the number of server locations, platform compatibility, latency, region unblocking, etc.
- 1. IPVanish – Best for Low Latency
- 2. ExpressVPN – Best for Wide Compatibility
- 3. CometVPN – Best for Budget Gamers
- 4. PureVPN – Best for Global Server Coverage
- 5. NordVPN – Best for Privacy Features
- 6. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices
- 7. OctoVPN – Best for User-Friendliness
- 8. ProtonVPN – Popular Swiss-based VPN Provider
- 9. CyberGhost Gaming VPN – Best for Optimized Gaming Servers
- 10. hide.me Gaming VPN – Best for Speed and Simplicity
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1. IPVanish
Best for Low Latency
- Server Locations90+
- No. of ConnectionsUnmetered
- Customer SupportEmail
About IPVanish
IPVanish stands out as one of the best VPNs for gaming because of its curated tools and features, which were developed to offer low ping times.
IPVanish safeguards IP addresses and personal data during online gaming as most game servers tend to be unsecure, preventing theft and exposure. During competitive gaming, DDoS attacks can turn concerning, and IPVanish addresses it by hiding IP addresses to maintain normal traffic.
The best part of IPVanish is that it addresses ISP throttling, a common issue faced by every gamer, where ISPs throttle their connection during high-traffic gaming times. With the split tunneling capability, the gamer can further enhance stable connection by allowing specific applications to route through the ISP or VPN.
While IPVanish offers features helpful to gamers, if you are new to VPNs, it is important to be clear about what is a VPN prior to going into the specific types for a better decision.
IPVanish Features
Offers a wide selection of servers globally spread across 90+ locations with unlimited bandwidth focused on reducing lag.
Ensures that the gamer is always secure while playing online games, irrespective of the network connected to, through pairing with the WireGuard protocol for further online gaming privacy.
Provides compatibility with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
IPVanish Pros/Cons
Improve your gaming experience with reduced lag.
Maintain consistent speeds for uninterrupted gameplay.
Enjoy secure gaming across multiple platforms.
Doesn’t support routers and gaming consoles.
May have fewer servers in some regions.
Can be slightly more expensive compared to other VPNs.
2. ExpressVPN
Best for Wide Compatibility
- Server Locations105+
- No. of ConnectionsUp to 8
- Customer SupportLive Chat
About ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN addresses the issue of lack of compatibility that gamers face with a VPN by offering support not just for prominent operating systems but also for various gaming consoles, hardware, and platforms.
ExpressVPN masks gamers’ IPs. With this, the DDoS attacks are prevented, and gaming turns stable due to normal traffic. Since there is unlimited bandwidth offered, gamers experience minimal ping and lag while having the flexibility to early access to DLCs and new releases.
The best part of ExpressVPN is the detailed guides, where a gamer can refer to and change server regions, optimize settings, and resolve common gaming issues with ease.
ExpressVPN Features
Has unlimited bandwidth through its optimized gaming servers spread across 105 countries.
Ensures safety of gamers by masking their IP with 256-bit AES encryption and the Lightway protocol.
Offers ISP Throttle bypass and Split Tunneling to let the gamer address the issue of slower speeds, especially when connecting to game servers, making gaming private and secure.
ExpressVPN Pros/Cons
Experience smooth gameplay with minimal lag.
Stay protected from online threats while gaming.
Easily optimize your settings with detailed guides.
Higher price point compared to other VPNs.
Limited to five simultaneous connections.
3. CometVPN
Best for Budget Gamers
- Server LocationsMajor
- No. of ConnectionsMulti-device
- Customer SupportLive Chat
About CometVPN
CometVPN, like other prominent gaming VPNs, isn’t limited to a VPN for gaming and extends further by offering support for video streaming, social media browsing, and video conference calling.
CometVPN ensures you’re all covered by offering support for mobile devices and prominent operating systems like Windows and macOS.
CometVPN Features
Offers a network of high-speed unlimited bandwidth servers worldwide, allowing gamers to access game servers in different regions while having the flexibility to access new releases and DLCs.
Uses UDP protocol, which ensures faster connection speeds and lower latency, enhancing the private and secure gaming experience, especially during online games.
Provides encryption that is focused on securing online activities and maintaining a stable network, creating an ideal environment for gamers without security risks like DDoS attacks
CometVPN Pros/Cons
Enjoy faster connections for a better gaming experience.
Keep your online activities safe and private.
Access your games on various devices seamlessly.
Doesn’t support routers and gaming consoles.
Smaller server network compared to top competitors.
Lacks advanced features found in other VPNs.
4. PureVPN
Best for Global Server Coverage
- Server Locations80+
- No. of Connections10
- Customer SupportLive Chat
About PureVPN
PureVPN is yet another VPN with optimized servers that are ideal for different purposes, specifically for gaming and streaming.
PureVPN is spread across 80+ locations with 6000+ servers, and while not every server is gaming-compatible, the 20Gbps are optimized for gaming. With this, the gamer can efficiently play competitive games on different servers and access new releases and DLCs without restrictions.
PureVPN Features
Optimizes gaming with 20Gbps servers, allowing efficient gameplay on different servers and access to new releases and DLCs without restrictions.
Enhances security and privacy with PureVPN’s protocol and encryption, ensuring a secured identity, stable network, and prevention of DDoS attacks.
Improves gaming speeds and reduce ping times with split tunneling and leak-proof features, routing traffic through a masked IP without ISP tracking and throttling on specific gaming software or online games.
PureVPN Pros/Cons
Play games smoothly with low latency.
Game securely with enhanced privacy.
Maintain stable speeds for consistent gameplay.
Doesn’t support routers and gaming consoles.
Some servers may be slower during peak times.
Not all features in the base plan, and too expensive monthly plan.
5. NordVPN
Best for Privacy Features
- Server Locations111
- Device Connections10
- Customer SupportEmail
About NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best conventional VPNs with exclusive features. To address the needs of different users, NordVPN offers various types of VPNs, including gaming VPNs.
NordVPN is spread across 111 countries with 6300+ ultra-fast unlimited bandwidth servers, offering gamers the flexibility to access different game servers and newer releases, including DLCs.
NordVPN Features
Eliminates bandwidth throttling and ensure gamer privacy by masking IP and allotting a VPN IP address, supported by NordLynx and standard encryption to prevent DDoS attacks.
Provides Meshnet for seamless multiplayer LAN gaming without lag or jitter, eliminating the need for a complicated setup.
Offers exclusive tools like Kill Switch, Dark Web Monitor, and Threat Protection, ensuring a secure and uninterrupted gaming experience.
Ensures compatibility with prominent operating systems, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and routers for a versatile gaming setup.
NordVPN Pros/Cons
Keep your gaming sessions secure and private
Access exclusive features for a superior gaming experience
Enjoy low latency for seamless multiplayer games
Can be more expensive than other VPNs
Distant servers may have inconsistent speeds
Lacks yearly plans
6. Surfshark
Best for Unlimited Devices
- Server Locations100+
- Device ConnectionsUnlimited
- Customer SupportChat
About Surfshark
Surfshark stands out as one of the best VPNs for gaming because of its exclusive support and features, as well as simultaneous unlimited device connections.
Surfshark offers 3200+ gaming-ready servers with unlimited bandwidth, allowing gamers to play without limitations while having access to geographically locked DLCs and newer releases, and provides matchmaking on different region game servers.
Surfshark Features
Bypasses ISP throttling to prevent network drops and lags during gaming sessions caused by ISP throttling or DDoS attacks, using powerful encryption and VPN protocols to mitigate cyber threats and risks.
Ensures low ping times to provide the best gaming experience with the most popular online games, reducing latency and improving gameplay.
Offers features like Kill Switch and Split Tunneling as standard, enhancing security and allowing you to manage your internet traffic efficiently.
Provides exclusive compatibility by supporting different gaming consoles alongside prominent operating systems and streaming devices, including routers.
Surfshark Pros/Cons
Avoid slowdowns and cyber threats while gaming
Experience low ping for a smoother gaming experience
Connect multiple devices for gaming without limits
Some features could be presented in an easier way
Expensive plans when compared to other gaming VPNs
7. OctoVPN
Best for User-Friendliness
- Server Locations40
- Device ConnectionsBased on plan
- Customer SupportLive Chat
About OctoVPN
OctoVPN is one of the emerging VPNs and is expanding to serve as a different type of VPN, including a gaming VPN.
OctoVPN is spread across 40 countries, featuring high-speed servers with unlimited bandwidth. With these, a gamer can connect with different players on various game servers and enjoy early access to DLCs and new releases.
OctoVPN Features
Enhances privacy and security while gaming and surfing the web with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols paired with standard encryption.
Receives immediate alerts if your IP is under a DDoS attack, allowing for quick response and minimal disruption during competitive gaming.
Stays private while gaming and surfing websites by masking your IP address with a private dedicated IP.
Uses VPNs on different platforms to play with low ping times, thanks to OctoVPN’s cross-device compatibility.
OctoVPN Pros/Cons
Respond quickly to threats with instant alerts
Enhance your privacy and security while gaming
Play with low latency across different platforms
Doesn’t support routers and gaming consoles
Smaller server network compared to other VPNs
Limited to three simultaneous connection
8. ProtonVPN
Popular Swiss-based VPN Provider
- Server Locations107
- Device Connections10
- Customer SupportEmail
About ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is known for its free plan and is recognized as one of the best VPNs. For gamers, ProtonVPN offers curated features through its new version of VPN for gaming.
ProtonVPN offers gamers a global high-speed server network with unlimited bandwidth paired with a VPN accelerator to ensure low ping times and a stable connection, allowing matchmaking on different game servers, live stream, and access to geo-locked games, new releases, and DLCs.
ProtonVPN Features
Ensures gamers can play securely irrespective of the network with the WireGuard Protocol paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, while also saving battery and boosting performance.
Bypasses ISP throttling and potential DDoS attacks to ensure privacy and security by masking IP addresses and the activity associated with them through dedicated VPN IP addresses, preventing network lags during gaming and improving the overall gaming experience.
Offeres compatibility with prominent platforms, including mobile devices and several browsers, to provide flexibility and convenience for gamers across different devices.
ProtonVPN Pros/Cons
Enjoy stable connections for smooth gameplay
Protect your gaming sessions from online threats
Access your games on various platforms easily
Doesn’t support routers and gaming consoles
Free plan has limited features
9. CyberGhost Gaming VPN
Best for Optimized Gaming Servers
- Server Locations100
- Device Connections7
- Customer SupportLive Chat, Email
About CyberGhost Gaming VPN
CyberGhost stands out as one of the best VPNs for gaming and is known for its optimized gaming servers, making it ideal for gamers looking for a stable connection and lower ping times. It is spread across various countries, and its servers are located in 100 countries, reducing network congestion and enhancing the gaming experience.
CyberGhost Gaming VPN Features
Ensures gamer activity is kept private and secure with the WireGuard protocol paired with 256-bit AES encryption.
Addresses IP bans, allowing players to play their favorite games even in regions where they are banned, and include key features from the standard version of CyberGhost for multiple purposes beyond gaming.
Enhances usability by allowing gamers to connect to servers in various ways without complexity.
Supports all gaming platforms, including consoles and routers, ensuring broad compatibility for gamers.
CyberGhost Gaming VPN Pros/Cons
Experience low ping for better gaming performance
Stay secure while accessing restricted games
Connect effortlessly to multiple gaming platforms
Can be slower on some servers
Affordable pricing only in certain regions
Lacks a yearly plan
10. hide.me Gaming VPN
Best for Speed and Simplicity
- Server Locations90
- Device Connections10
- Customer SupportLive Chat, Email
hide.me Gaming VPN Description
hide.me emerges as one of the most efficient gaming VPNs because of its curated features that are capable of enhancing the gaming experience while being secure and private. It allows gamers to connect to over 89 server locations worldwide, significantly reducing ping times and latency for smoother gameplay without interruptions.
hide.me Gaming VPN Features
Bypasses ISP throttling and prevent DDoS attacks by maintaining a stable connection and consistent network traffic.
Allows play irrespective of the network and ensure security and privacy standards are met by masking your IP address and replacing it with a dedicated VPN IP address.
Provides compatibility for all prominent operating systems, including gaming consoles.
hide.me Gaming VPN Pros/Cons
Play with reduced latency for smoother gameplay
Avoid interruptions from slowdowns or attacks
Keep your gaming sessions private and secure
Doesn’t support routers and gaming consoles
Limited server network and features compared to competitors
The free plan is limited to one device connection
Top Gaming VPNs to Use in 2024 Comparison Table
Gaming VPN | Price (monthly) | Rating Geekflare’s editorial team determines ratings based on factors such as key features, ease of use, pricing, and customer support to help you choose the right business software. | Platform Compatibility | Free Trial | Console Support | Go to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IPVanish | $12.99 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon, Chromebook | ❌ | ❌ | ||
ExpressVPN | $12.95 | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, routers, etc. | ❌ | ✅ | ||
CometVPN | $9.99 | iOS, Android, Windows | ❌ | ❌ | ||
PureVPN | $12.95 | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, etc | ✅ (on Windows) | ❌ | ||
NordVPN | $3.59 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge | ❌ | ✅ | ||
Surfshark | $15.45 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, TVs, or routers | ❌ | ✅ | ||
OctoVPN | $6.99 | Cross-device compatibility | ❌ | ❌ | ||
ProtonVPN | $9.99 | Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, Chromebook, Android TV | ✅ | ❌ | ||
CyberGhost | $12.99 | iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, FireTV, Chromebook, Firefox | ❌ | ✅ | ||
hide.me | $9.95 | Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Linux | ❌ | ❌ |
What is difference between Gaming VPN and Regular VPN?
A gaming VPN is curated for gaming by offering specialized servers and features that focus on improving online gaming performance by reducing lag and providing stable connections, while protecting privacy and enhancing security.
On the other hand, regular VPNs does arguably the same, but with features focused on privacy and security for various needs. Thus, gaming VPNs are more focused on game experience.
How does a Gaming VPN improve online gaming performance?
A gaming VPN improves online gaming by reducing lag, lowering ping times, and preventing ISP throttling. It can provide more stable connections by routing your traffic through optimized servers closer to the game server, leading to smoother gameplay.
How to choose the best gaming VPN for your needs?
Choosing the best gaming VPN is crucial as it is responsible for the gaming experience. Here are 5 key factors to consider.
- Select a VPN that bypasses geo-restrictions to access games and servers with unlimited connections.
- Ensure the VPN offers protection against DDoS attacks for uninterrupted gameplay.
- Choose a VPN that prevents ISP throttling to keep your gaming speeds consistent.
- Opt for a VPN that secures your data when gaming on public Wi-Fi networks whether you play video games or mobile games.
- Pick a VPN with gaming-optimized servers that offer stable connections and low ping times with AES-256 encryption.
Apart from these, most VPN providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is an added bonus.
How to test the speed and latency of a gaming VPN?
To test the speed and latency of a gaming VPN, connect to a server and use online tools like Speedtest or Pingtest. Now, decide by comparing the results with and without the VPN to see the difference in ping, download, and upload speeds.
When using gaming VPNs, users should ensure they do not infringe the rights of others or cause compromise to the integrity of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
All VPNs listed in the compilation are ideal for gaming. However, Express VPN, Surfshark VPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost tend to offer more than the rest.
Yes, a VPN is good for gaming as it can reduce lag, protect against DDoS attacks, and bypass geo-restrictions.
Gamers prefer VPNs based on their region and requirements. If you’re looking for a gaming VPN, check out the VPNs listed in this compilation
All VPNs listed in this compilation offer promising gaming experience. It is your turn to try each and find what best fits your gaming needs.
Yes, using a gaming VPN is legal. However, it’s important to follow the terms of service of the games you play, as some may have policies against using VPNs to bypass regional restrictions.