The Best VPNs for Gaming 2024
Gamers need fast internet speeds to keep up with their skill shots, so here are our top VPNs that offer security but won't get in the way.
Last updated May 26, 2023
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Best Value
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Best for Consoles
4.6
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
ExpressVPN
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
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Best for Fast Speeds
4.9
Learn More
On Proton VPN's website
Proton VPN
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
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A virtual private network (VPN) may not seem a necessity for gaming. After all, even the best-performing VPN can slow down your internet connection a bit. But there are several benefits to protecting yourself with a VPN while you game. It can secure your privacy, prevent bandwidth throttling from your internet service provider (ISP), and protect you from a DDoS attack.
After testing and reviewing several VPNs and testing their connection speeds and latency, or the amount of time it took for data to travel from our device to its destination, we found Proton VPN was best for protecting your PC or console while barely affecting your internet connection. A more budget-friendly option is Surfshark with unlimited devices and great internet speeds. And if you're willing to splurge, ExpressVPN may be a good fit for you.
Let’s dig into these gaming VPNs to find out which one is the MVP.
In this article
The best VPNs for gaming 2024Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
Surfshark: Best value
ExpressVPN: Best for consoles
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
Best VPNs for gaming FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for gaming
How we tested the best VPNs for gaming
How to choose a VPN for gaming
The best VPNs for gaming 2024
- Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
- Surfshark Best value
- ExpressVPN: Best for consoles
Top 3 VPN services for gamers compared
| VPN |  Proton VPN |
 Surfshark |
 ExpressVPN |
| Starting price | Starts at $4.99/mo | Starts at $2.39/mo | Starts at $6.67/mo |
| Server count | 1,900+ | 3,200+ | Servers in 94 countries |
| Max devices | 10 | Unlimited | 5 |
| Router configuration | |||
| Streaming support | |||
| Learn more | See ProtonVPN Pricing | See Surfshark Pricing | See ExpressVPN Pricing |
Prices as of 03/29/2023.
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Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
4.9
Get the Fastest Speeds with Proton VPN
Proton VPN
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Easy to use
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A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Who it’s best for
Proton VPN is a great option for gamers looking for the fastest speeds and premium security. This is also the only VPN on our list with a free subscription plan available — though Proton’s free plan is limited in terms of servers and devices.
What we liked
ProtonVPN had the lowest impact on internet speeds and a minimal rise in latency out of all the VPNs we tested. This may be due to a feature called VPN Accelerator designed to enhance its performance and increase speed.
Proton’s VPN Plus plan also gets you access to its 10 Gbps servers, making it a premier option for gamers who want the security of a VPN without losing their fast internet speed. It's also great to watch Netflix with a VPN abroad.
Speaking of security, it's hard to find fault with Proton VPN. It includes:
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Ad blocker
- Safe file sharing
- Based in Switzerland, a country with strict data privacy laws
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Built-in Tor support
- DNS leak protection
- No personal identifying information is needed to sign up for ProtonVPN
What we didn’t like
Compared to other VPNs, Proton VPN is a bit more expensive with plans starting at $4.99/mo.
Proton VPN does have a free plan, but it's limited in its capabilities. You can only connect it to one device, and it only has over 100 servers in three countries (the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan). You'll need to upgrade to the paid plan to access its fastest servers.
Proton VPN specs
| Feature | Proton VPN |
| Price range | $4.99 to $11.99/mo (Free plan available) |
| Server count | 1,900+ |
| Max devices | 10 |
| Unconnected vs. connected download speed (U.S. server) | 50.11 to 53.11 Mbps (+3 Mbps difference) |
| Unconnected vs. connected upload speed (U.S. server) | 5.15 to 5.02 Mbps (-.13 Mbps difference) |
| Unconnected vs. connected latency (U.S. server) | 12 to 18 ms (+6 ms difference) |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router configuration | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Our ProtonVPN Review |
Prices as of 03/29/2023.
Surfshark: Best value
4.9
Surfshark's VPN Plans are Budget-Friendly
Surfshark
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VPN technology offering stability and speed
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Unlimited simultaneous connections
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Works with Netflix and other streaming services
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Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Who it’s best for
People who are looking for an affordable VPN for gaming without compromising on speed. Because of Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous VPN connections, it's also a great option for large households or people with several devices.
What we liked
When it comes to speed, Surfshark won't heavily impact your gaming experience. With the VPN turned on, it only bumped up the latency by 17 ms. Download speeds didn't slow significantly, and there was zero difference in upload speed.
Surfshark also includes split-tunneling with its Bypasser feature. This means you can turn the VPN on for your game, but let other apps like your browser use an unencrypted Wi-Fi connection.
We're also pleased that Surfshark has finally completed an independent audit by Deloitte to verify its no-logs policy [1]. As long as you're using the VPN, Surfshark can't track your online activity. The VPN also has other premium security features to protect your data, including an ad and malware blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, and two-factor authentication.
Surfshark lets you quickly connect to the fastest VPN server with the click of a button. Just choose "Fastest location" when picking your server.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial only for Android, iOS, and macOS devices. This means you can't try it out on your PC or router before handing over your credit card information. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark specs
| Feature | Surfshark |
| Price range | $2.39 to $12.95/mo |
| Server count | 3,200+ |
| Max devices | Unlimited |
| Unconnected vs. connected download speed (U.S. server) | 205.9 to 173.4 Mbps (-32.5 Mbps difference) |
| Unconnected vs. connected upload speed (U.S. server) | 5.5 to 5.5 Mbps (0 Mbps difference) |
| Unconnected vs. connected latency (U.S. server) | 124 to 151 ms (+17 ms difference) |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN UDP/TCP |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router configuration | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review |
Prices as of 03/29/2023.
ExpressVPN: Best for gaming consoles
4.6
ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer Makes Secure Gaming Easy
ExpressVPN
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Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
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Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
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In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Who it’s best for
ExpressVPN is great for gamers looking for a reliable connection for their consoles without compromising on speed. With server locations in nearly 100 countries, you can easily play games with anyone in the world. (And using a VPN is legal in most locations.)
What we liked
ExpressVPN rounds out our top three in terms of speed. It didn't lower download speeds as much as Surfshark did, and it just barely lagged in latency. You may find ExpressVPN’s internet speeds to be comparable with Surfshark’s.
A big perk of ExpressVPN is it gives gamers plenty of options to secure their consoles, such as an Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Compared to other VPN apps, ExpressVPN has the most thorough guides to installing the VPN onto your router. You can choose the exact router model you want to connect, and ExpressVPN has a step-by-step guide to install the VPN.
Alternatively, you could purchase an Aircove router with ExpressVPN already installed. You can also choose to use its MediaStreamer feature to spoof your location for devices not able to directly install the ExpressVPN app. However, the latter option does lack the security features of a VPN.
What we didn’t like
ExpressVPN is easily one of the most expensive options, with plans starting at $6.67 per month. That's nearly double the cost of Surfshark's cheapest subscription. While ExpressVPN is reliable and fast, there are cheaper long-term subscriptions available.
ExpressVPN specs
| Feature | ExpressVPN |
| Price range | $6.67 to $12.95/mo |
| Server count | Servers in 94 countries |
| Max devices | 5 |
| Unconnected vs. connected download speed (U.S. server) | 203.8 to 177.7 Mbps (-26.1 Mbps difference) |
| Unconnected vs. connected upload speed (U.S. server) | 5.7 to 4.9 Mbps (-.8 Mbps difference) |
| Unconnected vs. connected latency (U.S. server) | 134 to 156 ms (+18 ms difference) |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router configuration | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN Read Our ExpressVPN Review |
Prices as of 03/16/2023.
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. During our review, we made speed and latency the top priority, and these VPNs weren't quick enough to make our list.
IPVanish
IPVanish has many benefits including unlimited devices, an optimized app experience, and all of the necessary security features you expect from a VPN. And while it doesn't have specific gaming servers, it does let you filter servers by latency so you can avoid rubberbanding.
Sadly, it was the slowest VPN during our speed tests with significantly reduced download and upload speeds. The latency also rose and made our overall connection slower.
CyberGhost
One of the most affordable VPNs is CyberGhost. It's a secure VPN with plenty of servers, but our experience left a lot to be desired.
CyberGhost had the most reduced download speed during our tests, and the latency ranked toward the bottom. Gamers may find this VPN too slow for their needs.
4.6
Save 84% on 2 years + 4 months free
CyberGhost
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Cheaper than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark
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Optimized servers for regional streaming
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No split tunneling feature
Best VPNs for gaming FAQs
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Does a VPN help with gaming?
A VPN doesn't usually help with gaming in terms of speed. However, it can help protect your privacy and prevent threats like doxxing or distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. A VPN is also useful to prevent bandwidth throttling from your ISP.
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What’s the fastest VPN for gaming?
The fastest VPN for gaming is Proton VPN. While testing it, we experienced only a minimal latency increase, and you could potentially connect to a server faster than your own. Some other fast VPNs include Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Whichever VPN you choose, it's best to choose a server near your physical location to get the quickest internet speeds.
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What VPN do most streamers use?
Most streamers use a VPN that successfully masks their IP address without slowing down their internet connection. A VPN can protect against DDoS attacks or doxxing attacks. It can also prevent ISP throttling for using a large amount of bandwidth. Some popular VPN choices for gaming include Proton VPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
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What’s the best free VPN for gaming?
The best free VPN for gaming is Proton VPN. While it does have fast speeds, the free plan limits your server choices and doesn’t provide the same lightning-fast results as the paid version. Check out other free VPNs to ensure you have the best experience. Carefully do your research and pick a provider that doesn't secretly collect your data and sell it to third parties.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for gaming
The best VPNs for gaming all provided the quickest speeds and lowest latency among the VPNs we tested, and all three also made our list of the best VPNs overall. But Proton VPN was the clear winner with minimal impacts on download speeds and latency.
If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, then Surfshark can easily protect you without affecting your online gaming. If you don't mind paying extra for reliability and help with a router VPN, then ExpressVPN has your back.
Some runner-ups were close to providing the highest internet speeds for gaming but didn't quite make the cut. They may still be good alternatives if you find the other VPNs don't meet your standards. These include:
- Private Internet Access: An affordable VPN with all the features you need for privacy
- NordVPN: A VPN with over 5,000 servers and its own NordLynx protocol means you'll have easy access to fast servers
3 best VPNs for gaming
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
Proton VPN |
Starts at $4.99/mo (Free plan is available) | Best for fast speeds | See Proton VPN Pricing Read ProtonVPN Review |
Surfshark |
Starts at $2.39/mo | Best value | See Surfshark Pricing Read Surfshark Review |
ExpressVPN |
Starts at $6.67/mo | Best for consoles | See ExpressVPN Pricing Read ExpressVPN Review |
Prices as of 03/16/2023.
How we tested the best VPNs for gaming
While testing and reviewing VPNs for gaming, we focused on a few key features to ensure we recommended the best of the best. These include:
- Speeds and latency: Our top priority was maintaining a fast internet speed. All three of our top VPNs had the least impact on speeds and latency out of all the VPNs we tested.
- Unlimited bandwidth and data: Nothing ruins a game like a cap on data or bandwidth. We only chose VPNs with unlimited bandwidth and data.
- Quick connect: A high-quality VPN makes it easy to connect to the fastest server near you with a click of a button.
- Router connection: Consoles can't install VPNs, so you'll need to install it on your router to cover all devices connected to it. We made sure our chosen VPNs offered this option and provided instructions on how to install a VPN on your router.
- Overall security: Security is essential to masking your IP address and preventing data leaks as well as other security risks like DDoS.
How to choose a VPN for gaming
When choosing a VPN for gaming, consider these questions to find the right fit for you:
- How much does it cost? Affordability is important, but don't forget to consider any extra security features you may get which could justify a higher price.
- What devices are compatible with the VPN? If you want a VPN for more than one device, be sure to check if the VPN is compatible with your operating system.
- Is there a free trial or money-back guarantee? Sometimes you don't know if you'll like a VPN before you try it. A free trial or money-back guarantee can help you test the speeds of the servers before committing to the purchase.
- Does it offer a large number of servers? More servers mean more opportunities to connect to a fast server.
- Is there support to install a VPN on a router? Some providers provide step-by-step instructions while others take a more simplified approach. If you need to install a VPN on a router, you may want to consider the support you can get along the way.
- Does it have a no-logs policy? A no-logs policy ensures your data is encrypted and the VPN provider doesn't store any of your data.
- Does it use secure protocols to encrypt traffic? Some VPN protocols are more secure than others. WireGuard and OpenVPN tend to be the most popular choices.
4.9
Limited-time offer: 82% off + 4 months free
Surfshark
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VPN technology offering stability and speed
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Unlimited simultaneous connections
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Works with Netflix and other streaming services
-
Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Author Details
Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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