Best VPN for Gaming

Stop opponents from seeing your real IP, and stop your ISP from throttling you mid-match.

22 VPNs scored · Updated Oct 4, 2026How we score

A gamer in a headset mid-match at her desk at dusk

Question 1 of 3

What made you look for a gaming VPN?

65,890 VPN picks made through VPN.com in the last 30 days

Before you choose

The three questions everyone asks

  1. Why do you need a VPN for gaming?

    Other players can see your real IP address, and gaming is one of the industries most targeted by DDoS attacks. A VPN shows them the server’s address, not your home’s.

    See what your connection shows

  2. Not sure what to pay?

    Month to month, most VPNs cost about $11. Longer plans cost less: NordVPN is $3.49 a month (plan: 2 years), billed up front.30-day money-back guarantee

    See how paid compares with free

  3. What does the FBI say?

    “Consider paying for a VPN service. Many VPN apps are free to you because they make money by sharing your information with third parties.”
    Portland Field Office · The FBI publishes criteria and does not endorse any provider.
    Learn more

What your connection shows

Your IP is visible to everyone you play against.

A VPN hides it before a match starts, not after a DDoS attack forces you offline.

VPN off
IP address
···.···.···.···
Location
···
DDoS attacks
Vulnerable

Read live from your own connection. Nothing is stored or sent.

Setup guide

How to set up a VPN for gaming

Protecting a gaming PC

Your PC runs the VPN app itself, so nothing else on your network has to change.

  1. Install the desktop appDownload it for Windows or macOS, then sign in.
  2. Connect to a nearby, low-load serverThe closer the server, the less delay it adds; most apps show server load.
  3. Test your ping both waysPlay a match with the VPN on and off, and keep the server that plays best.
Install the app on your PC
Connect to a nearby, low-load server

Protecting a PlayStation, Xbox or Switch

Consoles cannot run a VPN app, so the router protects them instead.

  1. Install the VPN on your routerUse a VPN-compatible router. No router access? Share a VPN-protected connection from your PC instead.
  2. Connect the console to that networkWired or Wi-Fi, it is covered the moment it joins, with no setup on the console.
  3. Run the console's network testIf it reports a strict NAT type, try another nearby server before you play.
Install the VPN on your router
Every console on the network is protected

Protecting the whole home network

One install on the router covers every device that joins your home network.

  1. Check your plan supports routersNot every plan includes router setup, so confirm it before you buy.
  2. Install the VPN on the routerFollow your provider's guide for your router model.
  3. Reconnect your devicesConsoles, PCs and phones are covered as one connection, with no app on each.
Install the VPN on your router
Every device at home is covered

Side by side

A paid VPN is not a free VPN with ads

The difference shows up mid-match, not on the pricing page.

What you are comparingPaid VPNFree VPN
Server loadDedicated capacity, less congestionShared and often congested
Data capsUnlimitedOften capped per day or month
Your home IPHidden behind a nearby, uncrowded serverHidden, often behind a distant, crowded one
LoggingA published no-logs policy, which several top providers say was independently auditedOften sells usage data

Our verdict

Play under your own IP, not a target

Our take: A gaming VPN keeps your IP private, so nobody in your lobby can find your city or knock you offline. On a nearby server, the added delay is small.

  • Your real IP never reaches other players, so a lobby dispute cannot turn into a DDoS attack.
  • A nearby, low-load server keeps the added delay small in most matches.
  • Access to regional stores and early launches, where the terms allow it.
  • Look for a no-logs policy with a named audit report, not a promise on a marketing page.
NordVPN
4.664.59

NordVPN's privacy and security record is strong on process and mixed on proof

94 out of 100, built from two weighted parts

Trust & Value30% of the score26/30
VPN Performance70% of the score68/70

Researched Oct 3, 2026Claims checked: 31Separate source groups: 23Scores updated Oct 4, 2026

How we scoreRead the research

We gather third-party evidence and score it editorially. VPN.com does not run a testing lab.

  • Hides your real IP
  • Stable under load
  • Harder to throttle

Why NordVPN is our pick for gaming:

  • NordLynx protocol built for low overhead
  • Meshnet for private LAN-style play over the internet
  • Trust Score rank #1 of 22, drawing on published third-party test results

Getting NordVPN onto everything you play on:

  • Desktop and mobile apps, plus router support
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux
  • A kill switch if the connection drops mid-match

How NordVPN plans work:

  • Monthly and multi-year plans
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Cancel inside the money-back window for a full refund
Get NordVPNRead our NordVPN review

The full guide

The detail behind our pick

Why use a VPN for gaming?

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. It hides your location and protects your connection from outside interference. Here’s why that matters for gaming:

  • Keep lag predictable: A VPN usually adds a little delay, but it stops the peak-hour throttling that causes spikes. On a nearby server running WireGuard or NordLynx, the overhead stays small. If you’re unsure which protocol to use, our WireGuard vs OpenVPN comparison breaks down the speed and security differences.
  • Access region-locked content: Certain games, DLC, or early releases may only be available in specific countries. Publishers like Valve enforce regional store restrictions on Steam[1], and a server in the target region can give you access where the store’s terms allow it.
  • Prevent DDoS attacks: Competitive gamers are frequent targets. According to Cloudflare’s DDoS threat report[2], gaming and gambling remain among the most-attacked industries by volume. A VPN hides your real IP address, so a denial-of-service attack hits the VPN server instead of your home connection.
  • Stop ISP throttling: Some internet providers deliberately slow gaming traffic during peak hours. A VPN hides your activity, so your ISP cannot single out your game traffic.

A VPN won’t help every player equally. If your base connection is already optimal with low ping to nearby servers, you may notice a small amount of added latency from encryption overhead. For most players dealing with throttling, DDoS risk, or region locks, the trade-off is worth it.

What the FBI says about paying for a VPN

“Consider paying for a VPN service. Many VPN apps are free to you because they make money by sharing your information with third parties.”

FBI Portland Field Office, October 29, 2019[3]

The FBI publishes criteria and does not endorse any provider.

Using a gaming VPN on your phone

A phone changes four things about gaming with a VPN. Check each one before you pick a provider.

  • Battery: A VPN encrypts your traffic, which can use more battery. Connect only for play sessions, and plug in for long ones.
  • Wi-Fi to cellular switching: Your connection can drop for a moment when your phone changes network. Turn on the kill switch, so game traffic never leaves your phone unprotected during the gap.
  • Mobile ping: Cellular can be less steady than Wi-Fi, and a VPN adds a little delay on top. Pick a nearby server and test your ping on both networks.
  • Lobby exposure: Other players in a mobile lobby can see your IP address, as they can on PC. A VPN shows them the server’s IP instead, so an attack hits the server, not your phone.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost all have iOS and Android apps, and all four list a kill switch. Surfshark allows unlimited connections, so your phone and tablet take no extra device slots. For app-by-app picks, see our best VPN for Android and best VPN for iPhone guides.

Best VPNs for gaming compared

Our Trust Score rank combines our Trust Score with published results from selected third-party review sites. We don’t run our own speed tests.

VPNTrust Score rankServersConnectionsPrice
NordVPN#1 of 228,900+10$3.49/mo
ExpressVPN#4 of 223,000+10–14 (by plan)$2.99/mo
Surfshark#4 of 223,200+Unlimited$2.49/mo
CyberGhost#4 of 2211,500+7$2.19/mo

NordVPN: best overall

NordVPN holds the #1 Trust Score rank of 22 and runs its own NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard. It operates over 8,900 servers across 129+ countries. Meshnet allows private gaming sessions with friends on a secure network. NordWhisper hides VPN usage from networks that block VPN traffic.

ExpressVPN: best for easy setup

Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, running ExpressVPN’s own Lightway protocol. MediaStreamer, its Smart DNS feature, works on consoles that can’t run VPN apps, though it does not encrypt traffic or hide your IP. Apps cover routers, PC, Mac and mobile.

CyberGhost: best for dedicated gaming servers

Over 11,500 servers, including a gaming category the app can pick from for you. Its simple interface suits people new to VPNs. CyberGhost holds the #4 Trust Score rank of 22.

Surfshark: best budget option

Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries with unlimited simultaneous connections. Your entire household can game on one account. Camouflage Mode hides VPN traffic from ISPs and network administrators.

VPN guides by gaming platform

This page covers general gaming VPN recommendations. For platform-specific setup instructions, server picks, and troubleshooting, see our dedicated guides:

Fixing common VPN problems in games

Having VPN trouble during online matches? Try these fixes:

  • Lag spikes: Pick a server closer to the game’s data center. Switch to WireGuard or NordLynx for lower overhead.
  • Can’t connect: Try a different server or contact your provider’s support team.
  • Slow speeds: Use NordLynx (NordVPN) or Lightway (ExpressVPN). Avoid OpenVPN for real-time gaming.

References

  1. Valve Corporation. n.d. Steam Subscriber Agreement. Retrieved September 30, 2026 from https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/.Archived: Wayback Machine snapshot
  2. Cloudflare. n.d. DDoS threat report for 2024 Q4. https://radar.cloudflare.com/reports/ddos-2024-q4.Archived: Wayback Machine snapshot
  3. Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2019. Oregon FBI's Tech Tuesday: Building a Digital Defense Using Virtual Private Networks. FBI Portland Field Office, press release (October 29, 2019). Retrieved September 30, 2026 from https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/portland/news/press-releases/oregon-fbis-tech-tuesday-building-a-digital-defense-using-virtual-private-networks.Archived: Wayback Machine snapshot

Resources for this page

Charts and reference images from our research, free to view and share.

  • Gaming comparison showing stable packet timing outperforming a faster but jittery VPN route.
    Low jitter and consistent timing can matter more to gameplay than the fastest headline ping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these VPNs ranks highest?

NordVPN holds the #1 Trust Score rank of 22. Surfshark, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are ranked in the table above, and providers with the same Trust Score share the same rank. A Trust Score rank is not a latency measurement, and how much latency any of them adds on your connection depends on your own ISP, your distance to the game’s data center and the protocol you pick, so test it on your own network within the money-back window.

Where do the Trust Score ranks come from?

We don’t run our own speed tests. The Trust Score rank combines our Trust Score with published results from selected third-party review sites, including Security.org, Cybernews, All About Cookies, VPN Mentor, Wizcase and Cloudwards. It gives you a relative ordering across 22 providers rather than a throughput figure measured on our hardware.

Can a VPN actually stop DDoS attacks while I’m gaming?

Yes, in most cases. A VPN hides your real IP address behind the provider’s server IP, so attackers who only see that server IP cannot aim a denial-of-service attack at your home connection. Cloudflare’s DDoS threat report lists gaming and gambling among the most-attacked industries by volume, which is exactly why competitive players are frequent targets in the first place.

Does a VPN actually lower my ping, or does it just hide my IP address?

A VPN lowers ping only when it routes you through a server geographically closer to the game’s data center than your default path, not by hiding your IP. Hiding your IP protects against DDoS attacks and stops ISP throttling, but encryption itself can add a small amount of overhead rather than reduce latency directly.

Is it against the rules to use a VPN for region-locked games or early releases?

Using a VPN to connect to a different regional store isn’t illegal, but it can conflict with platform terms. Valve’s Steam subscriber agreement enforces regional store restrictions, and connecting through a server in the target region gives access to region-locked content, DLC, or early releases, though publishers can still enforce their own account rules separately.

Which gaming VPN covers the most devices for a household with multiple consoles and PCs?

Surfshark and PIA both allow unlimited simultaneous connections, covering every console, PC, and phone in a household on one account. NordVPN covers 10 devices, CyberGhost covers 7, and ExpressVPN covers 10 to 14 depending on plan. For a household running several consoles and PCs at once, Surfshark or PIA remove the device-count concern entirely.

What is NAT type, and how do I fix strict NAT for peer-to-peer games?

A stricter NAT type after connecting to a VPN usually signals you need port forwarding for peer-to-peer games to connect properly. Private Internet Access is the only mainstream provider here with native port forwarding support; NordVPN and ExpressVPN don’t offer it. Enable port forwarding through your provider’s settings if you notice strict or moderate NAT after connecting.

How do I use a gaming VPN on a PS5 or Xbox with no native VPN app?

Most consoles can’t run VPN apps, so install the VPN on your router instead. Log in to its admin panel (typically at 192.168.1.1), follow your provider’s configuration guide, then connect your console to that network. Alternatively, run a virtual router: install the VPN on your PC, create a Wi-Fi hotspot, and connect your console to it.

What should I do if I hit sudden lag spikes mid-match?

Switch to a server physically closer to the game’s data center first, since proximity affects latency more than almost any other factor. Also change your protocol to WireGuard or NordLynx if you’re currently on OpenVPN, since older protocols add more overhead. If spikes persist, try a different server or contact your provider’s support team.

What refund window do these gaming VPNs offer if the setup doesn’t work out?

CyberGhost offers the longest window at 45 days, while NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and PIA all back their plans with a standard 30-day money-back guarantee. That gives you enough time to test actual in-game latency and NAT behavior on your own network and console hardware before committing to a longer term.

How much does a dedicated gaming VPN cost per month?

Pricing varies by provider and commitment length. On their longest plans, Surfshark starts from $2.49/month, CyberGhost from $2.19/month, PIA from $2.03/month, NordVPN from $3.49/month, and ExpressVPN from $2.99/month. Longer commitments get the lowest rates across all five providers, while month-to-month pricing runs considerably higher.

Why would a VPN stop my ISP from throttling my gaming traffic?

An ISP can only throttle gaming traffic it recognizes as gaming traffic, and a VPN encrypts and masks that activity, so the ISP has nothing to single out. This applies mainly to ISPs that deliberately slow gaming connections during peak hours, a separate issue from the DDoS protection a VPN provides by hiding your real IP address.