Are you tired of laggy connections and frustrating ping times ruining your gaming experience? Well, fret no more, because we’ll give you the best gaming VPNs!
In this ever-evolving world of online video games, having a reliable and secure connection is crucial. With these virtual private networks specifically designed for gamers, you can say goodbye to latency issues and hello to smooth gameplay.
Related: Best Free Antivirus Software
What is the Best Gaming VPN in 2023?
After carefully testing many VPN services on the market, it’s clear that NordVPN takes the throne as the best VPN for gaming in 2023.
NordVPN’s stellar reputation is well-deserved. With its robust network of servers scattered across the globe, NordVPN ensures a smooth, lag-free, and fastest gaming experience.
List of the Best Gaming VPNs in 2023
We’ve tested many VPNs but so far, here are nine of the best VPNs for gaming that you can choose from.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a reputable and highly regarded gaming VPN that offers gamers an array of impressive features to enhance their online gaming experience. With its strong performance and commitment to privacy, ExpressVPN has earned its spot among the top choices for gamers worldwide.
ExpressVPN offers various subscription plans, including monthly, biannual, and yearly options. They also offer a 30-day moneyback guarantee.
- 1 month – $12.95/month
- 6 months – $9.99/month
- 12 months – $8.32/month
2. SurfShark
Surfshark is a popular gaming VPN that offers a range of impressive features to enhance the online gaming experience. With its extensive server network, strong security measures, and user-friendly interface, Surfshark has gained recognition as a reliable option for gamers looking to optimize their gaming sessions.
Surfshark offers different subscription plans, including monthly, yearly, and multi-year options. The pricing is competitive and provides excellent value for the features offered. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing gamers to test the service risk-free.
- 1 month – $12.95/month
- 12 months – $3.99/month
- 24 months – $2.39/month
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is a leading player in the gaming VPN arena, renowned for its exceptional performance and robust security measures. With an extensive network of servers worldwide, NordVPN promises gamers a seamless and protected online gaming experience.
NordVPN offers several subscription plans, including monthly, yearly, and multi-year options. Pricing varies based on the selected plan, with discounts available for longer-term commitments.
- Standard ($3.29/mo) – secure, high-speed VPN with malware protection, tracker and ad blocker
- Plus ($4.49/mo) – all in Standard + cross-platform password manager and data breach scanner
- Complete ($5.99/mo) – all in Standard + 1 TB cloud storage and next-generation file encryption
4. PureVPN
PureVPN is a versatile gaming VPN that caters to the needs of gamers seeking reliable performance, advanced security, and a seamless gaming experience. With its feature-rich offering and commitment to user privacy, PureVPN has gained recognition as a top choice for gamers around the world.
PureVPN provides various subscription plans, including monthly, yearly, and multi-year options. The pricing is competitive, and they often offer discounts and promotions. They also provide a 31-day money-back guarantee, allowing gamers to try the service risk-free.
- Standard ($2.29/month) – full-featured, high-speed VPN
- Plus ($3.33/month) – all in Standard + secure password manager, end-to-end file encryption
- Max ($4.99/month) – all in Plus + personal privacy manager
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a feature-packed gaming VPN that caters to the needs of gamers seeking enhanced performance and security. With its user-friendly interface and strong focus on privacy, CyberGhost VPN has garnered popularity among gamers worldwide.
CyberGhost offers different subscription plans, including monthly, yearly, and multi-year options. The pricing is competitive and provides value for the features offered. Additionally, they offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing gamers to test the service without risks.
- 1 month – $12.99/month
- 6 months – $6.99/month
- 2 years – $2.11/month (+3 months free)
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a reputable gaming VPN known for its robust features and commitment to user privacy. With its high-speed connections, advanced security measures, and proprietary technology, VyprVPN offers gamers a reliable and secure gaming experience.
VyprVPN offers various subscription plans, including monthly and yearly options. While the pricing may be slightly higher, the reliable performance, advanced features, and privacy-focused approach make VyprVPN a worthwhile investment for serious gamers. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee for users to test the service.
- 1 month – $10.00/month
- 12 months – $5.00/month
7. IPVanish
IPVanish is a popular gaming VPN that offers a range of features designed to provide gamers with enhanced performance and security during their gaming sessions. With its impressive server network, strong encryption, and user-friendly interface, IPVanish has become a trusted choice for gamers seeking improved online experiences.
IPVanish offers different subscription plans, including monthly, quarterly, and yearly options. The pricing is competitive and provides good value for the features offered. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing gamers to try the service risk-free.
- 1 month – $11.99/month
- 1 year – $4.50/month
- 2 years – $3.33/month
8. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a reputable gaming VPN known for its emphasis on security and privacy. With its robust features, including strong encryption, no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols, ProtonVPN aims to provide gamers with a secure and seamless online gaming experience.
ProtonVPN offers different pricing plans, including free, basic, and plus options. The paid plans provide access to more servers and additional features.
- 1 month – €9.99/month or
- 1 year – €5.99/month
- 2 years – €4.99/month
9. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is known for its user-friendly interface and whimsical bear-themed branding. Designed with simplicity in mind, TunnelBear offers a range of features to help gamers protect their privacy and enjoy a seamless online gaming experience.
TunnelBear offers both free and paid subscription plans. The paid plans provide unlimited data and access to servers in various locations.
- Free
- Unlimited – $3.33/month
- Teams – $5.75/user/month
What is a Gaming VPN?
A Gaming VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a specialized service designed to optimize and secure your gaming sessions. It works by creating a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the gaming server you’re connecting to.
6 Easy Steps to Use a Gaming VPN
Using a VPN for gaming is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
- Choose a reliable gaming VPN provider. Look for VPN services that are known for their gaming-friendly features, such as low latency, fast speeds, and a wide range of server locations.
- Download and install the VPN application onto your device. Most reputable VPN providers offer applications for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Launch the VPN application and sign in using your account credentials.
- Select a server location. It’s recommended to choose a server that’s geographically close to the game server or in a region where you want to access game content. This helps reduce latency and ensures a smoother gaming experience.
- Simply click the connect button, and the VPN will establish a secure connection. At this point, your IP address is masked, and your internet traffic is encrypted, providing you with an added layer of privacy and security.
- Now you’re ready to launch your favorite game and enjoy the benefits of gaming with a VPN!
Key Features to Look For in a Gaming VPN
It’s essential to understand the key features and functionalities that can significantly impact your gaming experience.
- Server Locations and Speed: Look for a gaming VPN with servers strategically positioned in various regions, especially in locations near popular gaming servers. This ensures lower latency, low ping, and faster connection speeds, resulting in smoother gameplay and reduced lag.
- Dedicated Gaming Servers: Dedicated servers are fine-tuned to provide optimal performance, prioritizing low latency and high bandwidth. These servers can offer a competitive edge, ensuring a stable and reliable connection during intense gaming sessions.
- Strong Encryption and Security: Look for a VPN that employs robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, features like a kill switch, which automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, are crucial for maintaining your privacy and preventing potential disruptions.
- DDoS Protection: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can be a nightmare for gamers. To safeguard against such attacks, choose a gaming VPN that provides DDoS protection.
- Bandwidth and Data Limits: A gaming VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth and data, allowing you to game to your heart’s content without restrictions or interruptions would be pretty great.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure the gaming VPN you choose is compatible with your gaming platform or device. Whether you’re gaming on a PC, console, or mobile device, look for a VPN that supports multiple platforms and offers dedicated apps or configurations for seamless integration.
FAQ
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How does a Gaming VPN reduce lag in online games?
Using a VPN while gaming can help reduce lag by optimizing your internet connection. It achieves this by routing your gaming traffic through dedicated servers strategically located closer to game servers, resulting in reduced latency.
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Can a gaming VPN improve my online gaming experience?
Yes, a gaming VPN can significantly enhance your online gaming experience. You can play your favorite games using a VPN to spoof your location. It provides a secure and private connection, protects against DDoS attacks, and allows you to access game content from different regions.
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Is a free VPN as effective as a paid one?
While free gaming VPNs may seem enticing, they often come with limitations and potential drawbacks. Even the best free VPNs may have slower speeds, data caps, and fewer server options, which can negatively impact your gaming experience.
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Should I use the VPN on my router or individual devices?
It is recommended to use a VPN on your router so that all the devices (desktop, laptop, mobile, or gaming console) connected to your network can benefit from the VPN’s features. However, this may not be possible with all routers and may require some technical know-how.
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Are gaming VPNs good for overall online security?
Yes, a gaming VPN can protect your online security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address from potential hackers or cybercriminals. Gaming VPNs can also protect you from DDoS attacks, which are commonly used by malicious players to disrupt gameplay and compromise users’ personal information.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re battling foes in an intense online multiplayer game or exploring vast virtual worlds, these gaming VPNs are designed to ensure smooth gameplay, reduced lag, and unrestricted access to game content.
