7 Best Gaming VPN for Smooth Gameplay and Security (2024)

7 Best Gaming VPN for Smooth Gameplay and Security (1)

Gaming VPNs will allow you to easily access geo-restricted games, prevent DDoS attacks, lower your ping, avoid throttling, and have a superb gameplay experience.

While playing a game seriously you might lose your game right in the middle due to connectivity issues. Furthermore, playing games continuously for hours may lead to lags, poor internet connection, and other issues.

A reliable gaming VPN will help you stay on top of players and win every level. You can also hide your IP address and access the latest online games released in other countries by changing your server location.

You see, there are plenty of benefits of using a gaming VPN. But finding the right gaming VPN for smooth gameplay can be tough, as some VPNs may not work the way you desire.

This is why I’m going to discuss some of the best gaming VPNs offering the best service.

If you would like to know more about gaming VPNs are and why you should use one, you may scroll down to the section on “Why you need a gaming VPN“.

Best Gaming VPNs

IPVanish

Enhance your security, increase your gaming experience, and minimize lag with IPVanish VPN. It hides your IP address which prevents your online game from attackers. The quickest way to destroy a gaming session is the powerful DDoS attacks. IPVanish has your back, so you will never face such situations while playing.

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IPVanish enhances the game server proximity and makes things smoother. Your data are always protected from thefts with IPVanish encryption. Lag is the question when you are playing online games, especially if your upload speeds are inconsistent. IPVanish VPN servers stabilize your connection so that you can play a smooth game.

Reduce the risk of bandwidth throttling by tunneling IPVanish servers. If you are looking for industry-leading speed, IPVanish is the best option due to its WireGuard protocol. It also protects you from stealing personal information and activity monitoring by hiding your gaming activities.

For setting up a gaming VPN, you can set up IPVanish on devices that run macOS, iOS, Windows, and more. You can also install IPVanish on the selected routers to protect all the devices connected to the routers. Choose a plan now and take a 30-day risk-free trial in a yearly plan.

Try IPVanish

ExpressVPN

Experience minimum lag, low pings, high availability of your internet connection, and enhanced connectivity with ExpressVPN. Having ExpressVPN by your side will help you a lot if you are an online gamer. It will help you mask your IP address to avoid DDoS attacks.

ExpressVPN features a kill switch, split tunneling, leak protection, 256-bit AES, and more so that you can have a unique experience while playing your favorite game online. It offers 94 VPN servers across 94 countries so that you can enjoy premium and unlimited bandwidth.

Bypass throttling to limit your ISP from slowing down your internet connection. With ExpressVPN, data can’t be gathered; hence, no bandwidth will be throttled. Wherever you are across the globe, you can access even early launch games and the latest DLC.

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ExpressVPN allows you to play on any device, such as Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, phone, tablet, and PC and protects you from unwanted risks and attacks. Do not limit your borders when you have ExpressVPN in your routine list. Play together with your friends and switch between regions easily.

Get easy-to-use applications that can enhance your gaming experiences on a range of major platforms. This includes security against powerful DDoS attacks, protection against ISP throttling, and optimization for stability and speed.

It doesn’t matter what platform you are using for your online games; ExpressVPN is perfect for improving your cloud gaming experience, which means access to any games without worrying about the choices of devices.

You may read our full review of ExpressVPN for more details.

Select the best plan for you at a starting price of $8.32/month if billed annually. You will get supported applications for Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. If you are unhappy with the service, get a full refund within 30 days of registration.

Try ExpressVPN

CometVPN

Enhance your gaming experience with brand-new CometVPN servers. This VPN just flew in and is already an excellent choice for gamers. CometVPN global server coverage and military-grade encryption will protect your device from DDoS attacks and IP leaks.

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Right now, it offers servers in all major regions with regular new additions. Because it just entered the VPN industry, the servers work lightning-fast and can fix gaming latency issues. Moreover, connecting to one of its servers can bypass ISP speed throttling and prevent disconnects.

CometVPN joins the list of genuine no-log VPNs. It is located outside the 14-eyes countries and is under no obligation to collect user data or share it with governmental institutions. Your online activity will remain private and protected by the latest encryption algorithms.

The app is yet to be filled with additional features and benefits, but it is comfortable and straightforward to use. We connected to their servers and got a unique regional IP address every time. CometVPN is currently available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, covering all the most popular devices. It’s a VPN that’s suited for mobile and PC gaming.

Try CometVPN

PureVPN

If you are looking for the best VPN for your smooth gaming experience, PureVPN is something you are looking for. Now, you can play in any region or server of your choice without restrictions. It will also prevent your connectivity from ISP throttling and protects your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks.

PureVPN allows you to play region-restricted games. It connects with hundreds of servers across the world and gives you instant access to the games, DLCs, pre-orders, and more. No need to pay for additional bandwidth; PureVPN prevents ISP throttling so that you get better connectivity despite intense activities.

There is no border if you are using a VPN server. You can access any region’s content easily without being caught. Online gaming is great fun until you face lags, so PureVPN offers a DDoS protection add-on in order to let you play non-stop games with your friends without compromising data.

You will get a network of over 6,500 servers in more than 78 countries with PureVPN. So, enjoy unlimited server switching without worrying about game stops. It supports all popular platforms, such as PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and more.

Select any plan from the available options starting at $1.99/month if billed for 24 months. Every plan you see offers a 31-day refund policy.

Try PureVPN

NordVPN

Get the fastest gaming VPN for your smooth online gaming experience with NordVPN. It provides high-level security with protection from DDoS and malware. Also, you can experience non-stop gameplay along with unlimited bandwidth.

NordVPN’s powerful gaming VPN protects your PC from becoming a victim of DDoS attacks. If somehow you become a target, immediately connect to another VPN server and skip the attack. It supports all platforms, including Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Android TV, and more.

Install NordVPN on the router to active always-on protection on the consoles. A VPN router can protect all the devices connected to the router with bulletproof encryption.

Check out some of the best VPN routers.

It secures your gameplay from bandwidth throttling, reducing lag in your gaming process.

If you like multiplayer games, you can bring all your friends to a single room no matter where they are. NordVPN’s Meshnet lets you and your friends connect to other devices directly from a secure virtual LAN. This gives your friends the same security while playing the same game but with more speed and less lag.

NordVPN offers state-of-the-art encryption for your online traffic and allows you to play in privacy and security. You will also get extra features, including Threat Protection so that you can evade trackers, dangerous websites, ads, and malware.You can follow three ways to get secure gaming activities with NordVPN, including:

  • VPN application on your gaming device
  • Install NordVPN in your router
  • Set up your VPN connection manually

Grab the deal today and avail yourself of a 30-day money-back guarantee. You are just one step left to start a secure online game.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark

Play your favorite game on your preferred device and let Surfshark handle the privacy and security part for you. It also helps you hide your IP address in Discord or other chats.

Surfshark can protect your online gaming from DDoS attacks, so you never have to see the blindside in the middle of the game. It stops your Internet Service Providers from throttling your Internet data. When you are involved in intense activities like playing multiplayer games online, Surfshark will stop the attacks and never let you compromise with the speed.

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Not only security, but also you can get early access to the latest games by switching to other locations where it is available. When you are connecting via Surfshark, you can hide your exact location so that no cheaters can track your location and steal information.

You can start using the benefits with just three steps:

  • Pick a plan that is best suited according to your needs
  • Download the application on the device you want
  • Log in

Now, you are ready to play online games. It supports Xbox, PlayStation, and other platforms. Choose a plan from the available options. You can also choose extra security features like alert, search, and antivirus.

If you are not satisfied with the service, ask for a full refund within 30 days of account creation.

Try Surfshark

OctoVPN

Get the amazing DDoS-protected VPN for an incredible gaming experience OctoVPN, which comes with over 38 DDoS-protected locations. It offers a lot more fun with its gaming VPN than an ordinary VPN and is available for Android and iOS devices.

Play your favorite games online without the fear of losing a game just because of poor connectivity. OctaVPN protects your internet connection from DDoS attacks. It also masks your physical location so that no one can track your exact location.

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OctaVPN regularly updates its anti-DDoS rules and a custom firewall so that you will be protected from unwarranted attacks. Your privacy is OctaVPN’s priority, and hence it provides a respectable privacy policy and military-grade encryption.

You will get Discord, email, and push alerts immediately when OctaVPN detects any attack on your game server. It is the only gaming VPN provider that doesn’t have any IP bans on the PSN.

Learn what is an IP Address Ban and how to fix it.

You can choose between a normal VPN or private VPN servers and secure your gaming experience.

Whether you have a single device or multiple devices, you will get the same benefits in every plan. The price for a fantastic gaming experience with high-level security starts at $4.99/month.

Let’s now discuss why you need a gaming VPN and what are the features to look out for.

Try OctaVPN

Why do you need a VPN for gaming?

You may enjoy playing the latest games on your PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.

But are you aware of your privacy and security?

Well, you should.

A premium gaming VPN will maintain your security needs and improve your gaming.Let’s find out some of the benefits of using a gaming VPN.

Protection Against DDoS Attacks

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DDoS attacks are common in online games and websites. Hackers send a lot of requests at a time to block the connection, launch their malicious code, and acquire the information they want. When you play with your actual IP address, your information becomes available that hackers can misuse.

Using a VPN will hide your IP address, making it difficult for a hacker to access your exact location.

Secures your connection

Public Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, and many players use this network to play games. But most of the time, this connection is not secure and can result in a lot of threats, such as:

  • Wi-Fi snooping and sniffing
  • Unencrypted networks
  • Malware
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks

A premium gaming VPN will protect you from such risks.

Prevents bandwidth throttling

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Many ISPs slow down or throttle your bandwidth for many reasons. Depending upon your traffic, ISP throttle your bandwidth. But, for a smooth gaming experience, you need better connectivity while playing. A good VPN would be able to prevent bandwidth throttling, letting you play your favorite game without compromising speed.

Bypasses geo-restriction

Premium VPNs have VPN servers in many regions. This allows you to access any region’s resources without showing your identity. For example, if you are in the US and want to connect with UK players, VPN will show you the path.

Furthermore, some games are released in certain areas and later spread across the world. With a gaming VPN, you can access those games by changing your VPN server location.

Features of a Gaming VPN

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While choosing the best gaming VPN for you, consider some important features:

  • OS support
  • Simultaneous connections
  • Bandwidth
  • Split tunneling
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Customer support
  • Payment methods
  • No-logs policy
  • VPN protocols
  • VPN automation
  • Kill switch
  • Encryption types
  • Leaks protection
  • Malware and ad blockers
  • IP address options

FAQs

How do I know if a VPN is compatible with my specific game or gaming platform?

The best thing is to contact support to confirm the compatible games. However, most VPNs come with money-back guarantees, allowing risk-free trials. Still, contacting support upfront is the best way to get started.

How can I optimize my VPN settings for maximum gaming performance?

Choosing the nearest server will reduce the latency. In addition, try to connect to the least crowded server for maximum speed. Besides, one can switch among the available VPN protocols to get the best possible real-life gaming performance.

Can a VPN help me access game content that is blocked in my country?

Yes! Good VPNs can circumvent geo-blocks. However, the best way is to get specific about the game and contact the VPN service provider to see if they have servers in that location and the technology to ensure access.

Can a VPN help me avoid game server downtime or maintenance periods?

Only if the server maintenance is specific to any region. In that case, you can simply connect to other servers by spoofing your geo-location with the VPN. However, if the maintenance is running across all gaming servers, then a VPN can’t help much, and you only have to wait it out.

Conclusion

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are helpful in many online activities, such as browsing the web, playing games, watching videos, and so on. With the rising security threats, VPN is an excellent solution to protect you from online risks like DDoS attacks.

Whether privacy is your major concern or security, or you just want to access online games released in other countries, VPNs are a viable option. Thus, go for the best gaming VPN solution from the above list based on your preference and play your online games unstoppable.

More on VPNs

  • What is a VPN and How Does it Work?
  • Different Types of VPN
  • How to Test Your VPN Speed
  • Proxy vs VPN: What Are the Differences?
7 Best Gaming VPN for Smooth Gameplay and Security (2024)

FAQs

What is the best VPN to use for gaming? ›

ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is currently CNET's pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. It's a veteran VPN provider that consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It's also excellent for streaming and gaming and the easiest VPN app to use on any platform.

What VPN has the lowest ping? ›

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 strong security features, but it also has the lowest ping of all the VPNs I tested. I recorded an average ping rate of 14ms and a speed loss of only 4%.

Is it worth using a VPN for gaming? ›

VPNs are one of the most effective weapons against internet throttling because they have a variety of tools to fight it, mostly revolving around hiding your IP address. Without a VPN, your ISP will see that you're gaming and may throttle your speeds based on your online activity.

Will a VPN help with gaming? ›

It doesn't matter what type of game you enjoy, if any of the games you play (on any platform) connect to the internet, it's a good idea to use a VPN to maintain your privacy and security. A premium VPN may also improve your gaming experience.

How to use VPN for gaming? ›

Launch your VPN app and log in. Select the location that is closest to your location or your game server and connect. With your VPN connection established, you can now launch your game on your computer to play without lag.

Is there a 100% free VPN Proton VPN? ›

We believe privacy should be accessible to all, which is why we have a 100% free VPN with no catches.

Which VPN is very secure? ›

OpenVPN is the most secure VPN protocol and the safest choice thanks to its near-unbreakable encryption, which keeps users' data private even when using public Wi-Fi. Because it's open source, users can check the source code for vulnerabilities and reassure themselves that there are no weaknesses in its security.

What is the number one rated VPN? ›

NordVPN tops my chart as the best VPN in 2024 thanks to its perfect blend of high-quality features, easy-to-use apps, reliable performance, and exceptional prices. Take advantage of one of the best streaming VPNs, and see for yourself why it's my go-to pick right now.

Can you get 0 ping with a VPN? ›

No, using a VPN doesn't guarantee an improvement in ping. While it can help in certain situations, such as providing a more direct route or bypassing throttling, it might also increase ping due to the extra hop through the VPN server.

Which VPN has the lowest latency for gaming? ›

ExpressVPN has the lowest ping of all the VPNs I tested.

This makes it a perfect choice for online gaming. On its nearby UK servers, I recorded an average ping of 6ms, and the speed drop never exceeded 4%. In my tests, I could play PUBG Mobile on my Android phone without any lag.

Is NordVPN fast enough for gaming? ›

Yes! NordVPN offers the fastest connections on the market, so it's easily the best VPN for gaming. More than 6300 servers worldwide also mean that you're sure to find one close by and enjoy smooth gameplay in no time.

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