8 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024 (Fast Speeds & Low Ping) (2024)

Best Choice

NordVPN is definitely the best VPN for gaming – and a favorite among gamers everywhere!

In fact, during my research, it was the most recommended VPN on Reddit.

And now I know why.

First, during my latency tests, NordVPN scored the lowest ping on all the devices I tested (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android), though it tied with Surfshark for my iOS.

It also had the second-fastest speeds during my speed tests.

Let me stress the importance of this.

I speed-test a lot of VPNs all the time, and NordVPN regularly places behind ExpressVPN and Surfshark, albeit by a small margin.

But this time, the VPN provider shoveled past Surfshark and almost gave ExpressVPN a run for its money!

Throw in the provider’s extremely low ping during my latency tests, and it’s clear the VPN offers the ultimate gaming experience, ensuring a stable connection.

I also experienced no lag when testing NordVPN with FFXIV, Call of Duty, GTA 5, Fortnite, and Minecraft!

Plus, with the provider’s proprietary protocol, NordLynx, you can get even faster speeds while zooming through Los Santos on your motorcycle!

The only other VPN on my list to offer a proprietary protocol is ExpressVPN, so you know you’re in good hands.

As for my latency and speed tests (using Windows as my example), take a look!

Speed Without NordVPN:

Thanks to these blazing-fast speeds, NordVPN is perfect for bandwidth-intensive activities like FPS games.

But if you’re noticing any type of lag or network congestion, you might be interested in the Dedicated IP add-on, as well.

With a Dedicated IP, you’ll have your own VPN IP that stays the same – and no one else can use it, meaning your speeds will be even faster.

Plus, there’s no worry of some hooligan getting the IP banned by violating your favorite games’ ToS!

And considering only three other VPNs on my list offer a Dedicated IP add-on, this is an especially attractive benefit of NordVPN.

However, while a Dedicated IP usually costs around $5/month, NordVPN charges $70/year.

That averages $5.83/month, making it the most expensive Dedicated IP option on my list.

Luckily, there’s more good news.

NordVPN also offers DDoS protection – a necessity for avoiding angry gamers who want to start trouble by launching a DDoS attack against you.

Which is just ridiculous.

You won that match fair and square, right? 🙂

Beyond that, the VPN provider supplies you with a double VPN.

While not a necessity, this feature comes in handy if you want to negate revenge swatting.

It’s happened before!

That said, NordVPN’s Double VPN might cause some speed loss, which isn’t great for CPU-intensive games like first-person shooters.

So, you should only use the feature if you think it’s really necessary.

Moving on, NordVPN is compatible with all devices, though I find it most useful for gaming on Windows and macOS.

Of course, you can also use it to game on your iOS or Android device.

There are also console setups for PlayStation and Xbox, though this requires a supported router or turning your PC into a hotspot.

Lastly, NordVPN offers a massive server network (5,200+ servers in 60 countries), making it perfect for unblocking games and/or accessing them at discounted prices.

NordVPN also offers affordable subscription fees!

But for an even BIGGER DISCOUNT, use our exclusive sign-up link!

Next on my list of the most reliable VPNs for gaming is Surfshark!

One of the reasons Surfshark places second is that it’s my favorite VPN for gaming on my phone – I use it whenever I play Call of Duty: Mobile.

It gives me super-fast speeds and no lag, plus its mobile app offers an intuitive, user-friendly layout.

But beyond that, Surfshark earned high scores all throughout my testing process.

First, it was the third-fastest VPN during my speed tests.

And, during my latency tests, it tied with NordVPN for the lowest ping on iOS, tied with IPVanish for the second-lowest ping on Windows and macOS, and tied with ExpressVPN for the third-lowest ping on Android.

Check out my speed and latency test results (using Windows as my example)!

Speed Without Surfshark:

This means, whether you use Surfshark to game on your PC or smartphone, you’ll enjoy a stable connection with minimal to no lag!

And speaking of gaming with Surfshark on multiple devices, the VPN provider offers apps for all major gaming platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles.

Furthermore, if you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of speed, Surfshark also offers easy DNS setups for PlayStation and Xbox.

Essentially, you’ll get DNS addresses to enter in your console’s network settings, changing your location to that of the DNS address.

This allows you to enjoy stable gaming without resorting to router or PC setups.

But if you’re part of the PC master race, you’ll appreciate Surfshark’s Static IP servers (also available for mobile users).

Despite being shared by other customers, they help you avoid bans on games that don’t like you switching servers too many times (like LoL) by letting you keep the same IP every time you connect.

And there are quite a few to choose from!

In fact, Surfshark is the only VPN on my list that offers free static servers with its standard subscription.

Very generous!

The provider also offers necessary gaming features like DDoS protection so that you can stay protected at all times – even if you wipe the floor with the enemy team and they threaten to grab your IP.

You’ll also have access to Surfshark’s split tunneling feature, Whitelister, so you can choose which apps use your VPN’s connection while gaming.

Additionally, like NordVPN, Surfshark also offers a double VPN feature called MultiHop that helps you avoid revenge swatting.

NordVPN and Surfshark are actually the only VPNs on my list that offer this feature.

Finally, Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 65 countries, which is ideal for unblocking games or accessing discounted prices on platforms like Steam.

Best of all, Surfshark’s long-term plans are very affordable!

Check it out:

ExpressVPN slides into third on my list as the fastest VPN for gaming!

In other words, during my speed tests, ExpressVPN blew every other VPN on my list out of the water!

This isn’t news to me, though.

The VPN provider is almost always the fastest VPN I test – hence why I’ve been using it for years now.

Unfortunately, my latency test results were a different story.

While it had the third-lowest ping for iOS and Android (tied with Surfshark on the latter), it had the fourth-lowest ping for Windows and macOS out of the 8 VPNs on my list.

But that’s not terrible, and I was still able to enjoy lag-free gaming for the most part, including on Fortnite and LoL!

Here are the results (using Windows as my example)!

Speed Without ExpressVPN:

Additionally, if you use ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, you’re sure to enjoy even faster speeds while gaming!

As mentioned earlier, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the only VPNs on my list to offer proprietary protocols, making them stand out from the competition.

Moving on, another reason ExpressVPN places third on my list is its easy DNS setup for gaming consoles called MediaStreamer.

Similar to Surfshark, you’ll get DNS addresses to enter in your PlayStation or Xbox settings.

I’ve been using this method to find American lobbies on Black Ops 3 and 4 on my PS4 ever since moving to Europe (it’s more fun with people who speak English), so I can guarantee it works.

The only catch is that it causes some speed loss, but it’s not enough to make the game unplayable!

In fact, considering Black Ops 3 and 4 are FPS games (which require a lot of power), I’m always impressed with MediaStreamer’s speeds.

After all, if you enjoy first-person shooters as I do, you know lag can cause a major L.

ExpressVPN is also available for other gaming devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

And there’s still more good news!

While the provider doesn’t offer a Dedicated IP add-on or double VPN feature, it does include must-have gaming features.

For example, you’ll have DDoS protection on all devices (save for the DNS setup), so even if you piss someone off in Dying Light Multiplayer, your IP is safe from DDoS attacks!

ExpressVPN also has a split tunneling feature, making it easy to pick and choose which programs are affected by your VPN.

This is especially useful when listening to local content while connected to a server in a different country!

As a final point, the VPN provider offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, making it a great choice for unblocking region-locked games and accessing lower prices.

But there is a downside – ExpressVPN is quite expensive.

Here are its plans:

Luckily, I’m supplying you with aHUGE DISCOUNT.

In fourth place on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for gaming is Private Internet Access (AKA: PIA).

Once upon a time, PIA was very vocal about having one of the largest server networks in VPN history.

However, unfortunately, the provider removed all mentions of its number of servers off its site.

Still, the last known number is 30,900+ servers in 78 countries.

And if you check the PIA app, you’ll still see a massive selection of servers to choose from.

This makes PIA one of the best VPNs on my list for unblocking region-locked games and/or finding the best deals on games.

For example, if you’re in a European country that charges high prices for games on Steam (check our top VPNs for Steam), you might find a better deal by switching to a US server.

In any case, it’s likely thanks to this massive server network that PIA placed fifth during my speed tests!

It also had the fifth-lowest ping on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.

Regardless, these results ensure your gaming experience with PIA is stable with minimal lag.

But to be sure, I tested the VPN with LoL and GTA 5 on Windows as well, and I’m happy to report that my gaming experience was mostly flawless.

Occasionally, I experienced some lag on GTA 5 but adjusting my graphics settings helped.

Here are my speed and latency test results (using Windows)!

Speed Without PIA:

Moving on, PIA is another VPN that offers a Dedicated IP add-on – and, unlike NordVPN, you’ll only pay $5/month for it!

This can further boost your speeds and help you avoid bans due to other players causing trouble on the same IP.

Imagine that, a whole VPN IP to yourself!

PIA also has DDoS protection on all of its servers, keeping you safe from sore losers and cybercriminals looking to have a heyday with your IP.

And you’ll enjoy the app on most gaming platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

For PlayStation and Xbox, however, you’ll need to do a router setup or connect your console to your PC via an Ethernet cable.

Now for some mixed news.

PIA offers a split tunneling feature, making it easy to choose which programs are covered by your VPN.

However, some Reddit users claim the feature isn’t reliable – so don’t expect a flawless experience.

Finally, PIA is one of the few VPNs on my list that offers port forwarding on all of its apps.

The only other VPNs on my list to offer such a feature are ExpressVPN (via its router setup only), TorGuard, and PrivateVPN.

And as a quick bonus, you’ll appreciate PIA’s affordable monthly plan:

But if you opt for a long-term plan, don’t miss out on this deal to help you save big!

IPVanish surprised me during my tests!

I always knew the provider was one of the faster ones on the market, but it even gave some of my top VPNs a challenge.

First, during my speed tests, it came in fourth.

This already had me reeling – I love a good surprise, especially when it’s VPN-related.

But what truly surprised me was IPVanish’s performance during my latency tests.

It had the second-lowest ping on Windows, macOS, and Android (tying with Surfshark for the first two) and the fourth-lowest ping on iOS.

That’s a really impressive feat for IPVanish and the primary reason it’s fifth on my list.

These results are likely thanks to the provider partnering with Lag Assassin (back in 2014), a company dedicated to lowering your ping by “avoiding unnecessary traffic paths.”

This makes IPVanish ideal for playing a wide range of games, such asWoW, LoL, CoD, and many others.

Here are my speed tests results (using Windows)!

Speed Without IPVanish:

As you can see, this helps guarantee that your gaming experience with IPVanish stays stable at all times.

Plus, you’ll appreciate minimal lag!

Moving on, IPVanish also offers DDoS protection, so you can flaunt your skills at Call of Duty without worrying that your opponents will retaliate with a DDoS attack.

IPVanish also offers a split tunneling feature, but there’s a caveat: it’s only available for Android and fireOS.

This is disappointing, as most other VPNs on my list that offer split tunneling don’t limit the feature to certain apps.

But, on the bright side, this means IPVanish is another VPN that’s perfect for gaming on your Android phone!

So, if you’re a fan of PUBG and CODM, you’re in luck.

Next, IPVanish is available for all major gaming platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, PlayStation, and Xbox – though PlayStation and Xbox require a router or PC setup.

And while not the most extensive server network on my list, IPVanish also offers 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations.

Finally, IPVanish offers affordable plans (though it places somewhere in the middle when compared to the other VPNs on my list):

Don’t worry, though.

You can unlock an exclusive discount by clicking here!

Sixth place for the best VPNs for gaming goes to CyberGhost – a provider I wanted to place higher but ultimately couldn’t.

Let’s discuss why.

First, CyberGhost is the only VPN on my list that offers dedicated gaming servers.

These are extremely nifty and include options in the US, the UK, Germany, and France.

Unfortunately, there’s a catch.

I’ve been testing CyberGhost’s gaming servers a lot lately, and they’re almost always useless – either the speeds are terribly slow, or I can’t connect to the server(s) at all.

This is really disappointing, as what’s the point of having dedicated gaming servers if they don’t work?

That said, on the rare occasion that I get a gaming server to work and the speeds aren’t terrible, I do enjoy my gaming experience while connected.

But, sadly, that’s not to say CyberGhost is a fast VPN.

On the contrary, it’s pretty slow.

During my speed tests, it actually scored last.

And during my latency tests, it had the highest ping on iOS, the second-highest ping on Windows and Android, and the third-highest ping on macOS.

Here are the results from my Windows tests!

Speed Without CyberGhost:

This is why the provider places sixth on my list.

However, it’s worth mentioning that CyberGhost is still fast enough to enjoy games like Fortnite, FFXIV, LoL, and PUBG with minimal lag.

And, luckily, there’s more to CyberGhost than its speeds and gaming servers!

For example, you’ll also enjoy a massive server network with 6,900+ servers in 90 countries.

That’s the second-largest selection on my list!

CyberGhost also offers DDoS protection and a Dedicated IP add-on (at $5/month).

In other words, you can enjoy your favorite games without concern for DDoS attacks – which is especially helpful if you get the Dedicated IP add-on, as you’ll be restricted to one server!

CyberGhost also offers a split tunneling feature – but only for its Android app.

I don’t know what’s up with this trend of limiting split-tunneling to Android devices, but it needs to stop.

Split tunneling is beneficial for all platforms and especially for gamers.

Finally, CyberGhost is available for all major gaming platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles.

And gaming console users will appreciate the easy DNS setup, so they can enjoy unblocking region-locked games without resorting to a router or PC setup!

But, as the last downside, CyberGhost’s plans are pretty expensive, even rivaling ExpressVPN:

But if you decide to purchase CyberGhost, grab this exclusive discount to help you save big!

Next up is TorGuard, placing seventh out of the eight VPNs discussed in my list.

The primary reason TorGuard impressed me was its port forwarding feature.

As mentioned earlier, the only other VPNs on my list that offer port forwarding are ExpressVPN (via its router setup), PIA, and PrivateVPN.

Specifically, TorGuard allows any ports above 2048 when you use the OpenVPN, WireGuard, or OpenConnect protocols.

For gamers, this is great news, as port forwarding can enhance your gaming experience for a beautiful performance.

However, even with port forwarding enabled, TorGuard still placed sixth during my speed tests.

That’s not terrible – but I was hoping for better results.

As for my latency tests, well…TorGuard had the highest ping for macOS, Windows, and Android and the second-highest ping for iOS.

Not great.

Here are my test results for Windows!

Speed Without TorGuard:

On the bright side, while testing TorGuard with games like LoL, GTA 5, WoW, etc., I still enjoyed my gaming experiences with only some lag.

Moving on, the VPN provider offers a Dedicated IP option and DDoS protection.

But there’s a couple of catches.

First, the Dedicated IP is only available with the provider’s “Anonymous Pro” plan, which costs $12.99 for a month and $89.99 for three years.

All in all, that’s not a bad deal – and the Dedicated IP is included for free, which is really awesome, considering every other VPN on my list charges extra for it.

Now for the second, much bigger catch: there’s a huge chance DDoS protection is only included with the Dedicated IP, and this means the rest of TorGuard’s servers might be unprotected.

I say “huge chance” and “might” because the only place DDoS protection is mentioned on the website is on the Dedicated IP blog post.

I submitted a ticket for clarification and will update when I hear back.

Next, TorGuard is available for all major gaming platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

You can also use the VPN on your PlayStation or Xbox through its router or PC setup.

And you get 3,000+ servers in 50+ countries.

One more downside, though.

TorGuard doesn’t offer a split tunneling feature at all.

I’d rather have the provider only offer it for Android than forgo it altogether.

Hopefully, it will introduce the feature in the future.

But I’m at least pleased to reiterate that TorGuard offers reasonable prices:

You can also get a colossal discount by using my sign-up link!

Last on my list of the most reliable VPNs for gaming is PrivateVPN!

This VPN provider wowed me with extremely beginner-friendly apps for most gaming platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Of course, this does leave out PlayStation and Xbox users, who are stuck with a router and/or PC setup if they want to enjoy PrivateVPN on their console.

But if you game on PC or mobile, you don’t need to be a VPN God to easily set up PrivateVPN for a satisfying gaming experience!

As for my speed tests, PrivateVPN, unfortunately, placed second to last.

Like CyberGhost, I experienced some lag when playing games, like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, while connected to the VPN.

My latency tests didn’t fare much better, though PrivateVPN did have the fifth-lowest ping on Windows, iOS, and Android (tied with PIA for all of them).

Here are my Windows test results!

Speed Without PrivateVPN:

Still, besides some lag when playing CPU-intensive games, you’ll enjoy a relatively stable gaming experience.

And the provider offers port forwarding for enhancing that experience even more!

Now for the bad news – and, sadly, there’s more bad news than good for this one.

First, PrivateVPN only offers200+ servers in 63 countries.

This is a very small server network compared to the other VPNs on my list.

And considering PrivateVPN isn’t exactly new to the VPN industry, I expected to see more.

Next, the VPN provider doesn’t offer DDoS protection, split tunneling, or a Dedicated IP add-on.

That’s a lot of missing gaming features to be considered a gaming VPN.

It’s also the reason PrivateVPN is last on my list.

So, unless you’re hoping for a mediocre gaming VPN with cheap plans, I recommend opting for one of the other VPNs on my list instead.

But if you do want cheap, you’ve found it!

PrivateVPN offers the cheapest monthly plan on my list and includes a free 7-day trial.

Plus, to save even more, you can grab this exclusive discount!

Interesting Reads:

Interesting Reads: