In 2018, the global gaming industry generated approximately $138.7 billion in revenue, a Newzoo report indicates. And is expected to reach $196.0 billion in 2022, the company forecasts.
- Unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee
- No activity logs and no connection logs
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices
No matter you’re gaming on a PC, Console, VR or mobile, today gamers can play with anybody, anytime; which is quite remarkable.
As long as there is a stable enough internet connection, it’s gaming time. And therein lies the problem.
With more than 2 billion gamers in the world, it’s no news for raged losers in games to track down opposing players, locate their IP address, and find them in real life.
Similarly, using your PC with open public Wi-Fi in areas like teashops or vehicles may not be safe; either from the operators or other users who may be recording all connections you make.
Other times, Network admins at work and schools characteristically block internet access, throttle gaming ports, block particular sites and limit torrent use.
No matter a game is played offline or isn’t multiplayer, there’s a big chance it accesses the internet time and again. It can be gaming updates or sharing scores. Worse, if you are gaming on your smartphone, apps can send data without your consent, exhausting your data plans, and exposing you to cyber-attacks.
A VPN is a possible solution to all the mentioned problems. It also lets you unlock geo-restricted games, and play them from whichever corner of the globe. For this reason, any gamer determined to beat ISP throttling, stop DDoS attacks, and unlock low-priced international games ought to use a VPN.
Still on the fence about using a VPN for playing games online? With loads of information to research, finding the best VPN for gaming can be overwhelming—from privacy policies to encryption methods, latency, speeds, and network coverage.
Thankfully, we’ve done the tough job for you by ranking some of the very best providers in the gaming industry.
Best VPNs for Gaming
- ExpressVPN:
Offers lightning-fast speeds, military-grade encryption, and lag-free connection regardless where you are. Also works with a full range of devices, including modern gaming consoles. For this reason, it’s the #1 choice for global multiplayers on any platform. - NordVPN:
NordVPN features one of the most extensive networks of servers of any VPN provider. Most importantly, this VPN provider is celebrated for its no-nonsense encryption technology.
Serious gamers may experience minimal loss of speed—although this mostly depends on the switchable servers you are connected to. Thanks to the much-emphasized privacy of security features. - CyberGhost:
Stands out for its user-friendly interface and tailored server profiles which make gaming easy and more fun. Optimized connection speeds, a combo of security protocols, and lots of servers are meant to take your gaming experience to the next level. - IPVanish:
This provider puts a high priority on both privacy and speed. Besides, it packs an awful lot of custom security features for undisputable privacy protection. This along with the VPNs reliable speeds promise an uninterrupted gaming experience for just about y’all. - VyprVPN:
VyprVPN is celebrated for letting gamers choose their speeds and latency. In the gaming world, the quality of connection directly impacts the outcome of a game. In this regard, fast speeds and low latency are necessary. And VyprVPN offers both.
Owned and controlled by the provider, VyprVPN was fashioned from ground zero with maximum performance in mind. Also, it supports native apps for major device platforms. Plus, it’s compatible with VPN routers depending on what you’re gaming on.
To help you pick the top VPN for gaming, we tested and ranked a list of the best performers. And here are the criteria we used to select them:
- Speed and reliability. Unlimited bandwidth and a solid internet connection contribute a great deal in ensuring you play competitively, and enjoy your gaming sessions.
- Security and privacy. A great VPN provider should use the latest encryption technologies, and if possible, avoid logging user-activity.
- Worldwide server coverage. A large selection of servers to pick from across the globe will let you access to additional games and minimal latency. On top of this, some VPNs operate servers optimized for games.
- Native app support. The more gaming platforms a VPN is compatible with, the easier it is for gamers to stay secure. Such platforms include macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and so on.
1. ExpressVPN
Are you looking for a fast, awfully secure VPN with no logs policy? Well, you might want to take ExpressVPN home. Moreover, you can pay anonymously with Bitcoin.
Dubbed “the VPN that works,” ExpressVPN is always ranked among the fastest VPN providers on the market. Speed and latency are consistently incredible, particularly when connected to neighboring servers. This coupled with the provider’s unlimited bandwidth ensures your online gaming is just perfect.
This VPN offers several protocols, including 256-bit encryption, L2TP, and PPTP. Therefore, you can be sure your data isn’t accessible to governments, ISPs, or other third parties. What’s more, you can secure up to 5 devices with one account.
Furthermore, it’s located in the British Virgin Islands; a jurisdiction outside the 5/9/14 eyes, this provider isn’t obliged to keep log files. For this reason, gamers delight in their excellent security as ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy.
ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries, providing higher chances that you’ll find a proximate server. Still better, this provider’s app lets you run speed tests across its whole server network.
ExpressVPN works with all major operating systems like macOS and Windows. Also, this VPN supports iOS, Android, and VPN routers, meaning gamers across all platforms can benefit from this service.
Pros
- Arguably the fastest and most secure VPN
- Works on a wide range of platforms
- A no-lagging split tunneling
- Speed test for Mac and Windows
Cons
- A bit expensive than some VPN providers
2. NordVPN
This Panama-based VPN provider boasts of over 5,000 servers located in 60 countries across the world. There are also specialty servers such as double-VPN servers, stealth VPN servers, and Tor-over-VPN. Nevertheless, some serious players often find these options to increase latency somehow.
NordVPN has native apps for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Firefox, Chrome, and Linux. And works with different game consoles and routers.
As far as anonymity and privacy are concerned, NordVPN is the big daddy. With built-in anti-DDoS protection, and servers dedicated to defend you from attacks, be sure your play won’t be interrupted.
Further, it accepts payments via numerous methods including Bitcoin; for full anonymity. Also, this VPN is defined by a verified no-logs policy, military-grade 256-bit encryption, and kill switch protection.
Similarly, its speed doesn’t disappoint. About sheer gaming performance, this VPN lets you immediately see the best servers in terms of speeds and latencies.
Competitively priced, which is a massive plus in our evaluation of NordVPN. Even more, a single account lets you secure up to 6 devices, including your router and smart TV.
Pros
- Dual VPN
- More than 5,000 servers in 60 countries
- Affordable
- Pretty fast connections good for gaming
Cons
- The 3-year subscription is the best plan
3. CyberGhost
With 5957+ servers in over 90 countries, superb connection speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and traffic, Cyberghost is a top-choice VPN to unblock region-locked games.
All the servers feature a built-in NAT firewall and are DDoS protected. A 256-bit AES encryption and a working stern privacy policy that doesn’t log user-activities further secure your data. Another feature, the kill switch automatically ends your gaming session if the VPN connection is interrupted (rarely occurs) for any reason.
Cyberghost stops throttling, and buffering from ISPs, ensuring seamless gaming. Along with this, the provider furnishes you with anti-tracking protection, ad-blocker, and leak protection for both IPV6 and DNS. You also can toggle the VPN’s off or on desirable settings like data compression and extra speed.
Cyberghost’s partners handle purchases, so these providers can’t get your private information. Besides, they allow users to subscribe and pay using Bitcoin. Top it off, a single subscription lets you protect up to 7 devices simultaneously.
Apps are available for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Also, you can customize your connection for Linux, routers, and more devices.
Pros
- Many low-latency speedy servers
- Apps are easily configured depending on the game
- Zero logging policy
- 7 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Limited control over advanced features
4. IPVanish
IPVanish owns more than 1,300 fast secret servers that provide unlimited bandwidth in over 75 locations across the world.
Speaking of speed, IPVanish isn’t the fastest in this list, but far much surpasses the average speed needed to game online.
This service offers different VPN protocols, particularly, the 256-bit AES encryption. And also includes a NAT firewall.
Not only does IPVanish let you see the current ping and load time of all servers but also allows you to filter by country, protocol, and ping me. These search and customization options are meant to smoothen your gaming. On the same note, you can configure this VPN on a Wi-Fi router to cover your game console.
Their zero-logs policy doesn’t allow both the VPN provider and third-parties to collect your information. For this reason, your gaming, as well as non-gaming activities, aren’t stored, meaning, you can’t be tracked.
This service provides apps for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Plus, it’s accessible to Ubuntu and Chromebook. Most good, IPVanish create their own apps and manage their user support internally.
IPVanish features numerous payment options, including iDeal and Bitcoin for anonymous purchase. Not forgetting that one purchase allows you to connect up to 10 gaming devices simultaneously.
Pros
- Owns and operate their own servers
- Reliable speeds and connections
- Connects up to 10 devices
- Can choose server by ping time, which is good for gaming
Cons
- 7 days money-back warranty
5. VyprVPN
This VPN provider owns and operates all its servers in 70+ countries across the globe. As a consequence, gamers enjoy massive bandwidths with minimum lag.
The PC app allows you to see the ping time for all servers so you can choose the one with the tiniest lag. What’s new, this provider is working on an “optimized gaming network” meant to reduce the ping time further, decongest traffic, and minimize lag.
With protocols like Chameleon 256-bit to unblock gaming sites, apps, and for untroubled streaming, this VPN offers nothing but impressive security. As for the botnets and hackers, they are taken care of by an in-built NAT firewall.
VyprVPN adheres to strict no-log policy. To mean, they won’t share your information with third parties. It also secures and protects your activities with several encryption protocols, reliable DNS, and customized kill switch. Kill switch upsurges your connection if it drops.
VyperVpN doesn’t boast of its speeds, yet it scored so well in our tests—scored over 85% of ISP’s speed.
All said…well, VyprVPN features apps for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and routers.
Pros
- Uses tier1 networks, ideal for gaming
- Fast and stable speeds, particularly in regions associated with average speeds
- Lots of compatible devices
- Strong DDoS protection
Cons
- No Bitcoin payment
Why You Need a VPN for Gaming
If you often experience break downs, and slow connection speeds, you might want to use a VPN for gaming. Game barred in your country? There are so many reasons to use a VPN as you game. Here are the top 5:
1. To Hide Your Identity
Some players get angered easily, especially after losing a game. Such players might use your IP address to look up your location, find your real name, and troll you on social media. Worse, they might come to your house.
A good VPN doesn’t let your identity compromised since it conceals your IP address by substituting it with an altered non-local IP. So if a raged player tries to find your identity, they can’t. If anything, they’ll get a server run by your VPN provider.
2. For Affordable Regional Availability
With the global digital market in place, anyone can access shops across the world. But with regional blocks preventing players from accessing DLC packs, and downloading certain games, the playing field isn’t fair.
Moreover, publishers artificially blow up prices based on your location. Thankfully, a VPN lets you switch virtual positions, duping marketplaces and online games.
3. To Grasp Early Release Games
A VPN can allow you to download particular games, and updates before they’re officially launched in your country. It no secret that developers delay releases in various regions; in most cases, publishers push games out in America, then the rest of the world. So if you don’t intend to wait for your time to come, use a VPN to duck this restraint, and download games immediately they are released.
4. To Bypass Speed Barriers
ISPs are known to throttle speeds if they notice an enormous amount of traffic cruising through their servers. This occurs when playing games online or downloading files via torrents. But worry not. The best VPNs easily circumvent ISP throttles using their encryption and switch-port services.
5. For Protection against DDoS Attacks
A direct DDoS attack is one of the scariest things to hit an online gamer. DDoS works by uncontrollably feeding your connection with rapid-fire packets of information, obstructing data from reaching the server, thus expelling you from the game.
Note that DDoS attacks rely on your IP address. Meaning, a good VPN can protect you from DDoS attacks by putting them out once they start.
How to Speed up Slow VPN for Gaming
Speed is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to online gaming. And VPNs are known to be somewhat slower than ISP connections. Lucky you, here are quick tips to fix a slow VPN connection and reduce lag on your gaming machine.
- Change servers
- Turn off the VPN and switch it on later
- Change ports
- Deactivate security software. Antiviruses and firewall keep your device protected, but are known to create significant lags, especially if you’re gaming on a PC.
Conclusion
VPNs for gaming reduce ping and lag by using faster server connections. With the right VPN, you can crush geo-blocks and securely play games often unavailable when traveling. As well, you can purchase, download, and play games from wherever you are.
Want a VPN that ticks all the boxes, and more? ExpressVPN is a verified ultra-fast, reliable VPN for gaming. And over, it doesn’t keep logs and features premier privacy options.
Are you on a budget? Take advantage of their 30-day full access, especially if you want to protect yourself for a short while. For example, when traveling. Plus, you can cancel this subscription (anytime) for a full refund.
