Best gaming VPNs for smooth, low latency gameplay in 2025

As of May 2025, NordVPN remains the best VPN for gaming, as it has 7400+ servers in 118+ countries, the fastest VPN speeds available, and can put you in new matchmaking lobbies around the world. With robust unblocking power and obfuscation software, it can also help you unblock gaming or streaming services around the world, undetected.

You need a gaming VPN to bypass geo-restrictions that prevent you from playing a game, avoid ISP speed throttling, and reduce ping and lag, while also protecting you from DDoS attacks that can impact your fun. However, choosing the right VPN is important to ensure that you have access to a broad network of countries that’ll let you change your IP address in an instant while offering robust security.

If you don't have time for reading reviews and comparing different gaming VPNs, simply choose one of the five options below:

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Top 5 VPNs for gaming: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best overall and fastest VPN for gaming
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Budget-friendly gaming VPN
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium VPN for game PC
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest gaming VPN available
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   VPN for gaming on unlimited devices
   8.4

What does a VPN do for gaming?

Using a reliable VPN for gaming will protect you against common threats like DDoS attacks and swatting, while letting you play games safely on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. It'll also help you to avoid speed throttling by your ISP, unblock region-restricted games, allow you to play new releases early, and can in some cases reduce your ping and lag.

Fortunately, a VPN can bypass such blocks, but there are other benefits for gamers too. Here’s a summary of the key reasons to use a gaming VPN when you connect to sessions:

• Get a gaming IP address. If a game is region locked and inaccessible in your location, you’ll need to change your IP address to play it. However, getting a new IP address can also help you to dodge long queues or get you into less-populated bot lobbies in Modern Warfare III, for example.
• Boost privacy and security. Without protection for your IP address, third parties can track your location and device, which is how people fall victim to DDoS attacks during online gaming sessions. A VPN obscures your IP and stops this from happening.
• Secure public Wi-Fi sessions. If you regularly connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi, you’re exposing your data on a network that, in the vast majority of cases, has no security protection. A VPN encrypts your data so that nobody can snoop on the network and your connection.
• Get fast and reliable speeds. VPNs can stabilize your connection speeds and ping. While they’ll have a small impact on your speed, they also stop your ISP from throttling your connection due to overuse of data, such as during online gaming. That’s why many gamers use a gaming VPN to fix Roblox lag or lag in other sessions.

For the best security features, complete anonymity, and access to gaming content restricted in your area, use NordVPN. With a network of 7400+ VPN servers and the fastest speeds I saw during my test circuit, it’s your best bet for securing a lag-free session that protects you from DDoS attacks and speed throttling.

Best gaming VPNs in 2025: detailed list

1. 🥇NordVPN – best overall and fastest VPN for gaming in 2025
2. 🥈Surfshark – unlimited connections and data gaming VPN
3. 🥉Proton VPN – freemium gaming VPN with extensive server fleet
4. TotalVPN – gaming VPN with the cheapest subscriptions
5. IPVanish – unlimited connections from a gaming VPN

To find the best VPN services for gaming, I selected over 20 of the best VPNs, putting each service through comprehensive in-house testing. After this extensive testing process, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and IPVanish stood out as the best gaming VPNs to choose.

🥇1. NordVPN – best VPN for gaming overall

The best VPN for gaming is NordVPN thanks to an expansive worldwide server fleet that lets you access gaming lobbies worldwide. It also offers the fastest VPN speeds and robust security features to protect you against DDoS attacks and doxxing.

NordVPN server network

NordVPN boasts an extensive network of 7400+ VPN servers in over 118 countries, including popular gaming locations like the US, UK, and Japan. It’s perfect for jumping into region-specific lobbies and finding matches faster in your favorite games. Its obfuscated servers can help you to avoid restrictions in regions that have more stringent internet blocks too. What’s more, getting yourself a new gaming IP address will stop your ISP from throttling your speeds. Thanks to the lightning-fast NordLynx protocol, I saw speeds of up to 468 Mbps on a 500 MB baseline connection – it’s the fastest VPN I’ve seen during speed tests for a stable gaming connection and lag-free ping.

Gaming with NordVPN

With NordVPN’s IP cloaking technology, you can unblock gaming platforms worldwide. For example, I playtested Monster Hunter Frontier that’s typically only available as a Japanese release, simply by connecting to a VPN server in Tokyo. While connected with NordVPN’s powerful NordLynx protocol, I never saw issues with lag or high pings. In fact, in tests with Counter Strike 2, it was able to reduce my ping. I also purchased a dedicated IP address, which meant that I didn’t share my server with anybody else – ideal for avoiding congestion, potential blocks, and adding further identity protection.

Security and privacy features

NordVPN offers some of the most robust security features I’ve seen during tests. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to ensure that your data can’t be tracked and your internet browsing history remains hidden from your ISP and other third parties. Built-in Threat Protection adds an additional layer of privacy, preventing you from connecting to malicious gaming sites that could steal your financial or Steam login credentials, while also blocking ads, malware, and trackers. All of this is wrapped up in a strict no-logs policy that means none of your data will ever be stored.

Compatibility and price

NordVPN offers broad compatibility, covering Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS – you can use it on up to 10 simultaneous gaming devices. However, I recommend installing NordVPN on your router to bypass this limit and protect every device connected to your network with a single installation. This is particularly important for PS5 and Xbox VPN users, as you can’t install the native app on your console. Pricing for NordVPN starts at $12.99/month, but you can use it free for up to 37 days by combining the 7-day NordVPN free trial for mobile with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

🥈2. Surfshark – budget-friendly and unlimited gaming VPN

Surfshark’s the best VPN for gaming thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections that’ll let you connect multiple smartphones, gaming PCs and laptops, and other devices. It’s also extremely budget friendly, with some of the cheapest gaming VPN subscriptions around.

Surfshark server network

Surfshark offers a broad network of 3200+ gaming VPN servers across 100+ countries, and it also offers the ability to get a dedicated IP address for an extra charge. With a dedicated IP, you won’t share your IP address with other gamers, reducing the risk of blocks or server congestion that can impact speeds. During in-house tests with my Playstation 5, I saw Surfshark VPN achieve average download speeds of 466 Mbps across 10 international VPN servers. This was using the highly secure and fast WireGuard protocol.

Gaming, streaming and torrenting with Surfshark VPN

Surfshark’s unblocking power is excellent and performed well during my tests. I connected to a VPN server in Argentina and scored region-exclusive discounts on Steam. When testing my VPN with GTAV on the PS5, I was also able to switch lobbies to the Asia region and get a whole new roster of teammates. Surfshark is a solid teammate to have on your side if you live in restrictive countries, as features like Camouflage Mode help obscure your location and connect you to games that may be restricted or blocked entirely.

Security and privacy features

Surfshark uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your gaming and other data, plus a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. I was particularly impressed by CleanWeb 2.0, which blocked ads on every site I visited during my tests. It can also stop malware, block phishing links, and prevent you from stumbling onto a malicious website. This is especially useful if you’re downloading DLC or new games from websites.

Compatibility and price

Surfshark works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, and even supports browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox – perfect for browser-based game fans. You can also use Surfshark with your smart TV and router. However you choose to install it, you get unlimited simultaneous connections and can protect your entire household. Pricing starts at $1.99/month, making it an extremely affordable gaming VPN, but there's also a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

🥉3. Proton VPN – freemium gaming VPN

Proton VPN is the best gaming VPN for gamers that want a balance of privacy and performance. While the free tier isn’t best-suited to gaming, its high-speed “Plus” servers make it a competitive choice for low-latency gaming across a huge server network.

Proton VPN server network

Proton VPN offers 9900+ servers in 117+ countries, with high-speed “Plus” servers available in major gaming regions like the US, UK, and Japan. These optimized servers are well-suited to finding matchmaking lobbies abroad – I had no trouble jumping into region-specific Valorant lobbies with a very low ping at peak times. During games of Warzone, Smite 2, and DayZ, I retained a low enough ping and fast enough connection that I saw zero lag or rubberbanding.

Gaming, streaming and torrenting with Proton VPN

In my in-house tests, Proton VPN easily unblocked international gaming lobbies when testing the VPN with my PS5. It also delivered lag-free, high-speed connections during online multiplayer sessions. Bear in mind that for such speeds and robust unblocking power, only the premium subscription will do. I then connected to a South Korean server to try an exclusive MMO beta – Throne and Liberty – and Proton’s secure connection kept my speeds stable during the download.

Security and privacy features

Proton VPN offers AES-256 encryption, Secure Core multi-hop servers, and Perfect Forward Secrecy – all of these lend themselves to an anonymous connection that can’t be tracked. This helps guard against DDoS attacks as your location and individual device can’t be pinpointed by a disgruntled opponent. The VPN is based in Switzerland too, a privacy-first country with strict data retention laws, and it’s backed by a strict no-logs policy. As an added bonus, NetShield will block ads, trackers, and malware to keep your credentials and in-game accounts safe online.

Compatibility and price

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers, and you can connect up to 10 simultaneous devices on the premium plan. Paid plans start at $2.99/month. While there’s a free version, the speeds aren’t as good and you can’t choose your server location – this makes it less than ideal for gaming, but it’s still a solid alternative if you simply want to protect yourself when downloading game files from third-party sites. The premium plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a chance to test full functionality risk free.

4. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for gaming

TotalVPN is a no-frills VPN for gaming that offers a decent selection of servers in the most popular gaming regions, though it’s less advanced on security than other gaming VPNs. While not the absolute fastest nor most advanced, it offers powerful speeds that guarantee a lag-free session, low pings, and sufficient security to guard you against DDoS, Swatting, and doxxing – for a low price.

TotalVPN server network

TotalVPN has 50+ servers in around 35+ countries. It’s a much more modest server network than other gaming VPNs provide, but it covers key regions like the US, UK, and parts of Europe. If you’re not picky about the countries in which you want to access lobbies, TotalVPN’s server selection is enough for casual, low-ping gaming with enhanced protections against common anti-gamer attacks, such as doxxing and swatting. Download speeds averaged 417 Mbps during my tests with 10 international servers.

Gaming with Total VPN

TotalVPN can help unlock geo-restricted gaming content, early access betas, and region-exclusive games. However, it can falter with platforms known for strict anti-VPN measures. In my tests, it worked for accessing game lobbies and websites in other countries, but struggled sometimes with services that are against VPN use, like Steam's regional discount offers. With a small server network, it’s more prone to overcrowding, which can cause noticeable lag or higher ping during peak gaming hours.

Security and privacy features

TotalVPN uses standard 256-bit encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2. Unfortunately, it lacks WireGuard right now – most likely the reason why speeds, while good, didn’t quite live up to the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark. TotalVPN also doesn’t have extras like ad-blockers or kill switches, which could be a dealbreaker for privacy-conscious users wanting extra functionality. However, it is a solid all-round budget gaming VPN.

Compatibility and price

This VPN’s available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You’re limited to five simultaneous devices at once, though a bit of a trick involves upgrading to TotalAV, which includes TotalVPN, for only $29.00/month – this gets you 8 simultaneous device connections. Otherwise, pricing starts at $5.99/month. Unfortunately, there’s no free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free.

5. IPVanish – VPN for gaming on unlimited devices

IPVanish is the best gaming VPN if you’ve got a house full of devices and need unlimited data for extended gaming sessions and downloads. It also brings fast speeds and solid unblocking power to the table, though it lacks some premium features seen in competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark.

IPVanish server network performance

IPVanish has 2400+ servers in over 109 countries worldwide, including the US, UK, Japan, and swathes of Europe. While the fleet is smaller than some, it offers sufficient coverage to get you into quieter bot lobbies with fast speeds. My in-house tests showed consistently fast speeds averaging 459 Mbps across 10 locations, giving the leading gaming VPNs a run for their money.

Gaming with IPVanish

During testing, IPVanish allowed me to access different gaming lobbies in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Smite 2. Support for torrenting is solid, which is useful for gamers – I had no issues torrenting large game files like the latest Elden Ring DLC. IPVanish also allowed me to snag Humble Bundles from Steam in different regions to take advantage of local pricing.

Security and privacy features

IPVanish employs powerful 256-bit AES encryption, along with a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy – so your data and credentials are in safe hands. It also offers a multi-hop feature and obfuscation for added privacy, though currently there are no dedicated IP addresses available.

Compatibility and price

IPVanish provides apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. However, I was most impressed by the unlimited device support – something that’s rare among providers except for Surfshark. This feature perhaps benefits gamers the most, offering protection for every gaming PC, console, smartphone, and other device in the household. Prices start at $2.19/month, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.

Best gaming VPNs compared

I tested 25 VPNs to find the fastest, most secure, and gaming-friendly services. Below, you’ll find a quick comparison of the top picks based on speed, server access, price, and free trials.

How I tested and selected best VPNs for gaming in May 2025

To determine the best VPNs for gaming, I evaluated key performance areas like server fleet size, speed, and security to ensure you can achieve fast, reliable connections without compromising your device security. Here’s a summary of my approach:

• Server network (25% weighting): A large server network in key gaming regions is essential for reducing lag and accessing region-specific lobbies. I looked for VPNs with servers in popular locations like the US, UK, Japan, and South Korea, as well as looking for VPNs with dedicated servers that support high-data-consumption activities.
• Connection speeds (30% weighting): Speed is an essential aspect of a VPN for gaming, so I used Ookla’s Speedtest.net to baseline my connection, before measuring download and upload speeds, and ping.
• Security (20% weighting): Strong encryption and advanced security protocols are vital to protect yourself against malicious gamer tactics like DDoS attacks and swatting. I made sure that each VPN uses AES-256 encryption at a minimum and that secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard are available. A strict no-logs policy was also a must.
• Unblocking Capabilities (25%): I tested how well each VPN could bypass geo-restrictions on gaming platforms and streaming services to give you a broad range of options, not just for gaming but overall entertainment options.

Following these gaming VPN tests, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN scored the highest marks, with NordVPN clearly leading the pack on speed, server availability, and security.

Get NordVPN – the best VPN for gaming

Is a gaming VPN legal to use?

Yes, a gaming VPN is legal to use unless you live in a region where VPNs are banned in general. These are few and far between, but China and Russia are examples of countries that only permit state-sanctioned VPNs that won’t protect your privacy. Otherwise, you’re entirely free to use a VPN for gaming. Just bear in mind that it might break the terms of service on certain gaming platforms, so make sure you read any terms related to the game you’re playing. What’s more, a VPN doesn’t legitimize illegal activities, so I recommend avoiding illegal activities while connected just as you usually would – don’t use your VPN to download pirated copies of games, for example.

If you're using a VPN on your router, consider using split tunneling to only route your gaming traffic through the VPN, leaving other network traffic on your regular connection. This helps you avoid blockages on your day-to-day services by keeping your original IP address for services you use most commonly, as well as reducing server load on your VPN and ensuring the highest, lag-free speeds.

Gaming VPN not working: step by step fix

If your VPN isn’t working for gaming, don’t panic — most issues can be easily resolved. Follow these steps to get back online and start gaming again:

1. Restart your device and VPN application. This can help clear up any configuration issues and ensure your gaming app recognizes your connection.
2. Switch VPN servers. Your server could be blacklisted by the service you’re trying to access, or the server may be overloaded if you’re experiencing any lag.
3. Use a different VPN protocol. Check that you’re connected with WireGuard – it’s typically fastest. Otherwise, consider trying OpenVPN.
4. Flush your DNS cache. Open Command Prompt as administrator, then input ipconfig /flushdns, and hit Enter. This can solve some routing problems.
5. Contact customer support. If all else fails, customer support solves any other issues in my experience. NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support to get you up and running again.

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Can I use a free VPN for gaming?

It’s technically possible to use a free VPN for gaming – Proton VPN is one such example, as it offers unlimited data for the free tier so you won’t get cut off for gaming excessively on a Proton VPN connection. However, speeds on the free tier are limited and may get even slower when all the other Proton VPN free users connect to the same servers. For these reasons, you’re very likely to experience lag, rubberbanding, and a high ping.

Look outside of Proton VPN and you’ll encounter the same problem, but worse. All the other free gaming VPNs I tested have data caps – you’ll simply be cut off or throttled to an unplayable level if you try to use them for gaming. Some even collect and sell your data, making them an unsafe choice.

The solution? Use a leading gaming VPN like NordVPN free for up to 37 days to see how it can benefit your playstyle. NordVPN gives you a 7-day free trial for Android, but you can get a 30-day money-back guarantee to test all premium features without data limitations, speed throttling, or the risk of a data privacy breach that could see your Steam account compromised.

Conclusion

You need a gaming VPN if you want to play on a stable, secure connection with a low ping and particularly if you want to access games or gaming lobbies in other regions. With the rise of gamer-on-gamer DDoS attacks, swatting, and doxxing, you also need a VPN if you want to hide your IP address and location, thereby protecting you from these kinds of malicious tactics.

NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming, offering a large enough server network that you can easily find a connection in any country around the world that geo-restricts services or servers you’d like to access. It offers the fastest and most stable connections for gaming, and while connected, you and your login credentials will enjoy full privacy and anonymity, keeping you safe from disgruntled gamers.

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FAQ

How can I get a gaming VPN?

To use a VPN for gaming, choose a reliable VPN provider and install their software on your preferred gaming device. Alternatively, install it on your router for consoles that don't support native VPN apps. After that, connect to a VPN server close to your game server's location for the best ping results. Finally, you can launch your game, which will utilize your new VPN connection.

What is the best VPN for gaming?

NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming, with the fastest connections available that enabled lag-free sessions during my tests with Smite 2, Modern Warfare III, and Valorant. It offers robust security tools that let you unblock and access gaming servers in other regions, while protecting you from DDoS, swatting, and doxxing.

Is there a free VPN for gaming?

Yes, Proton VPN is a free VPN for gaming that offers robust security and fast speeds – though the free tier isn’t really good enough for gaming. You’ll find the same issue with other free gaming VPNs, and most won’t offer unlimited data like Proton VPN does. Instead, I recommend trying a VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark free for up to 37 days by stringing together their free trial and money-back guarantee.

How does a VPN affect online gaming performance?

It's possible that a VPN can negatively affect your online gaming session by increasing ping and latency, which could in turn lead to lag. However, in some situations a VPN can improve gaming by preventing your ISP from being able to throttle your speeds. A gaming VPN can also help you to get a stable connection closer to your assigned gaming server, improving your ping. Finally, it can also unblock geographically restricted servers and services, giving you access to games or features that wouldn’t ordinarily be available to you.

Which VPN location is best for gaming?

The best VPN location for gaming tends to be the one that is geographically closest to your assigned gaming server when you’re playing online games. It reduces the routing distance between your VPN server and the game’s services, which can improve your speeds and ping, consequently reducing lag.