Best VPN for Gaming (2025): Which performs best?

Best VPN for Gaming The Role of a VPN for Online Gaming In an era where remote entertainment reigns supreme, online gaming has seen explosive growth. Gamers require a secure, stable, and responsive internet connection—attributes not guaranteed in many VPN services primarily designed for streaming or browsing. A proper gaming VPN enhances user safety, minimizes latency, and unlocks geographically restricted content. In short, the right VPN can elevate your multiplayer experiences, protect against cyber threats, and grant global access to games.

What is a gaming VPN?

Technically speaking, a Gaming VPN (Virtual Private Network), would be a specialized type of VPN designed specifically for online gaming. Its primary purpose would be to provide a secure, fast, and stable internet connection for gamers, allowing them to enjoy their favorite games without interruptions or security concerns.

What Makes a VPN Ideal for Gaming

Not every VPN is ready for real-time gaming. Gamers have unique needs:

1. Ultra-Low Latency (Ping) – Real-time responsiveness is essential; even minor delays can ruin gameplay.
2. High-Speed Throughput – Fast downloads, uploads, and streaming without bottlenecks.
3. Global Server Coverage – Access to international game servers and ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
4. Consistent, Reliable Connections – No dropouts, downtime, or throttling.
5. Versatile Device Support – Compatibility with PCs, consoles, and even routers.
6. Expanded Privacy & Security – Protection against DDoS, ISP throttling, and safeguarding personal data.
7. Multi-Purpose Use – Good for streaming, torrenting, browsing, and more.
8. Solid Support & Warranty – Responsive live chat, support channels, and money-back guarantee.

Best VPN for Gaming 2025

When choosing a gaming VPN, it is crucial to evaluate and test different VPN providers to ensure optimal gaming performance and privacy. These are the best VPNs for gaming that we have personally tested and reviewed:

1. ExpressVPN – User-friendly gaming VPN, but expensive
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for gaming. Fastest speeds, secure and reliable applications, with a large server network to optimize performance (76% off coupon)
3. IPVanish – Reliable and secure VPN app with excellent in-game performance (81% off coupon)
4. Surfshark – Fast and affordable VPN for gaming, also with a large server network
5. Proton VPN – A fast, secure alternative for gamers

Ranking the Best VPN for Gaming 2025

These are the criteria we looked for when selecting the best VPNs for gaming:

1. Low latency (ping), which allows you to respond fast with no lagging.
2. A fast network, to keep the data flowing.
3. A large and reliable network to keep you connected anywhere in the world.
4. Apps that work with your gaming hardware or router.
5. The ability to evade geo-blocking, so you can play games that may otherwise be locked.
6. The ability to work as a high-quality VPN for other use cases (aside from gaming).
7. 24/7 tech support so you can quickly solve all technical difficulties.

Next let’s do an in-depth overview of each recommended VPN.

ExpressVPN – User-friendly Best VPN for Gaming 2025

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market – and it’s also one of the best gaming VPN services you’ll find. This VPN has a well-deserved reputation for performance and reliability across virtually every category. It performed very well in our tests that focused on security, features, and reliability.

ExpressVPN – Great Simplicity & Flexibility

• Protocol and Performance: Lightway protocol ensures stability; ~330 Mbps tested, strong yet not elite speedwise.
• Network & Device Support: 3,100+ servers in 105 countries, router compatibility, and MediaStreamer DNS for console use.
• Interface & Usability: Minimalist, reliable apps across every major platform, plus split tunneling.
• Security & Support: Proven no-logs audited, RAM-only servers, Active kill-switch (Network Lock). 24/7 chat, 30-day refund.

ExpressVPN offers secure and reliable VPN apps for gaming.

Third-party audits confirm the security and privacy of the service. ExpressVPN is a verified no-logs VPN that runs its entire server network in RAM-disk mode. It provides its users with a solid kill switch, called Network Lock, which ensures traffic remains encrypted at all times. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and a 30 day money-back guarantee. While it is a very polished and reliable service, it does not have as many features as its competitors.

Pros

• User-friendly and secure apps for virtually any operating system or device
• Proprietary Lightway VPN protocol for advanced performance
• Split tunneling feature (for macOS, Windows, and routers)
• Works with Netflix and most streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support
• Passed independent third-party audits for security and no-logs
• Extensive server network of diskless servers

Cons

• Above average prices
• Fewer features than other leading VPNs

Low Pricing of ExpressVPN 2025

• 1 month: $12.95
• 12 months: $6.67/month
• 24 months: $4.49/month (+4 free months)

Features for secure online gaming with ExpressVPN:

Compatibility with Gaming Devices and Services

ExpressVPN has an app or a way to connect to virtually every gaming platform. For example, you can download apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers. With the MediaStreamer feature, you can easily connect gaming consoles and other devices that don’t natively support VPNs.

Installing ExpressVPN on your PC or smartphone takes approximately 2 minutes, but setting up the router is a bit more complicated. Some routers ship with a pre-installed ExpressVPN, making it easier to protect your household.

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs offering support for official cloud gaming services. ExpressVPN can unlock platforms like the PlayStation Store, GeForce Now, xCloud, Amazon Luna, and Steam. The VPN also enables users to bypass any geo-blocking of these services in specific regions worldwide.

The Best VPN Services of 2025

NordVPN – Best VPN for gaming in 2025

NordVPN – Top-Tier Choice for Gamers

• Latency & Speed: Featuring the proprietary NordLynx (WireGuard-based), tests show download speeds up to 755 Mbps with ultra-low ping.
• Meshnet Feature: Enables secure peer-to-peer LAN-like gaming without performance loss—perfect for classic LAN-style multiplayer.
• Global Reach: 6,300+ RAM-only servers across 111 countries, eliminating data storage risks and enabling quick server switching.
• Security: Panamanian jurisdiction, no-logs audit confirmed, AES-256 encryption, kill-switch, plus Threat Protection tools.
• Interface & Support: Intuitive apps, 24/7 chat, and 30-day money-back guarantee with 10 device license.
• Use Cases: Ideal for low-latency gaming (e.g., Call of Duty, Dota 2) and bypassing geo-blocks with SmartDNS.

Best VPN for LAN Gaming NordVPN

With its huge network of reliable, super-fast servers, NordVPN ticks all the boxes for a great gaming VPN. It automatically protects you against DDoS attacks and does an excellent job getting around any kind of blocks or geo-restrictions. It also comes packed with an impressive list of features while still being very affordable. They’ve even come out with a way to revive LAN parties without requiring everyone to be on the same LAN!

NordVPN Pricing plans

• 1 month: $12.99
• 1 year: $5.99/month
• 2 years + 3 months: $3.99/month

Features for secure online gaming with NordVPN:

The return of the LAN party?

While cloud gaming is where most of the action is today, OG’s remember LAN parties. Someone would call a LAN party, and we would all haul our computers to their place and connect them all to the same physical LAN to play together. It worked, but it was a real pain in the butt. Then cloud gaming became practical, and most of us moved that way. 

Meshnet – A virtual LAN ideal for gamers

Meshnet is a system that lets you make a secure, direct internet connection between two or more devices without using a VPN. It creates a virtual LAN that uses WireGuard to deliver high-speed, secure connections between the devices you want to connect. Meshnet avoids the overhead of a VPN connection, providing you with a smooth gaming experience.

NordVPN servers and more

NordVPN uses a network of 6,300+ servers spread across 111 countries. This gives you more than enough servers to find an ideal location for your gaming needs. Another benefit of NordVPN is that all servers run in RAM-disk mode. This makes it impossible for any server to store data, which improves privacy and security for all users.

NordVPN doesn’t cut any corners with security and privacy. It has completed many third-party audits, from regular pen tests to those focusing on its no-logs policy. This service is based in Panama, which is a great jurisdiction for privacy. As such, all NordVPN apps come with built-in leak protection (kill switch) settings to keep traffic secure.

NordVPN apps come packed with features and a massive server network that is ideal for gaming.

Here is a list of advanced privacy and security features that NordVPN delivers:

• Dedicated IP servers for a private, static IP address protected by NordVPN.
• Double VPN servers encrypt traffic over two different locations.
• Obfuscated servers to conceal VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption
• Onion Over VPN servers add an additional layer of encryption with the Tor network. This is one of the safest ways to browse the Internet, but it is also very slow and unsuitable for gaming.
• P2P servers for optimized file transfers.
• Threat Protection feature to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains
• Leak protection settings (VPN kill switch) are built into all NordVPN apps.
• Meshnet is good for more than just gaming. It is great for fast, secure file sharing as well as getting direct access to your home or business network while on the road.
• SmartDNS allows you to use NordVPN on gaming consoles and similar devices that aren’t compatible with VPN apps.

Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro

Threat Protection shields your devices from ads, malware, and web trackers. This is the kind of protection that other VPN ad blockers provide. However, Threat Protection Pro takes things further. It adds the ability to, “Scan files downloaded files and delete the harmful ones before they do damage” and other capabilities. Even better, Threat Protection Pro can protect all internet traffic on your device, even when that traffic is not following through the VPN network.

Fastest VPN for gaming

If you are looking for the best gaming VPN, then speed is a big consideration. NordVPN fully supports the WireGuard VPN protocol, which delivers the fastest speeds along with cutting-edge security. In our tests, we hit speeds of 755 Mbps while using WireGuard (NordLynx) on a nearby US VPN server.

NordVPN provided us with one of the fastest VPN connections yet.

And like our other top-recommended VPNs for gaming, NordVPN gives you 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. By subscribing, you will be able to hold 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros

• User-friendly and reliable apps
• Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers
• Passed numerous 3rd-party audits
• Strong encryption standards with full support for WireGuard
• Works with Netflix and many streaming sites
• Threat Protection feature to block ads, trackers, and malware
• Professional 24/7 live chat support
• Consistently fast speeds
• Dedicated RAM-only servers with 10 Gbps bandwidth channels
• Post-quantum encryption

Cons

• Best discounts only available with 2-year plans

Surfshark – A fast and affordable gaming VPN

Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Performance

• Speed & Latency: Solid WireGuard speeds (750+ Mbps tested) with stable ping performance.
• Cost & Connections: At ~$2.19/month (with coupon), and unlimited devices—huge value.
• Features: CleanWeb blocks ads and malware; offers double-VPN, split tunneling, and obfuscation.
• Device Support: Router installation available (but slightly limited).
• Security & Support: Audited no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, 24/7 chat, and 30-day refund.

Pros

• Unlimited connections
• User-friendly apps for all devices and operating systems
• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware
• Works great with Netflix and many other streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support
• Strong encryption and security features (audited)

Cons

• Limited support for VPN routers
• Above-average monthly prices

Surfshark Pricing plans 2025

• 1 month: $15.45
• 12 months + 3 extra months: $3.19/month
• 24 months + 3 extra months: $1.99/month; billed annually after 27 months

Surfshark’s compatibility with gaming devices and services:

Proton VPN – A fast, secure alternative for gamers 2025

Proton VPN 2025– Powerful Privacy & Performance

• Network Size: 8,000+ servers in 112 countries—biggest on this list. Many support 10 Gbps speeds.
• WireGuard & Accelerator: Great ping improvements, though on par or slightly behind NordVPN in download speed.
• Unique Features: Secure Core, Tor-over-VPN, VPN Accelerator, Profiles to optimize gaming setups.
• Support & Price: 24/7 support (chat windows exist), 30-day guarantee, priced at ~$3.59/month with discount.
• Security & Privacy: Swiss jurisdiction, no-logs, AES-256, split tunneling, and ad/malware blocking (NetShield).

Proton VPN for Windows

This VPN service currently has a network of over 8,000 servers in 112 countries. This is the biggest network among gaming VPN services. Most of their server locations have 10 Gbps connectivity, which greatly reduces the chances that your connection will be slowed down by network congestion.

Pricing plans

• Proton Free: free forever
• VPN Plus: $4.49/month; billed $107.76 for 24 months
• Proton Unlimited: $7.99/month; billed $191.76 for 24 months

Proton VPN is fast, with a generally low ping.

Proton VPN does not have as many features as NordVPN or Surfshark. But it does have important features and capabilities such as:

• Secure Core (double VPN) servers that utilize servers in hardened data centers to protect your internet connection from snoops and hackers.
• VPN Accelerator technologies that reduce latency and improve performance.
• NetShield, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.
• P2P and BitTorrent support for file sharing.
• Tor over VPN servers that add anonymity to Proton VPN’s privacy and security.
• Stealth protocol that lets you evade internet censorship.
• Ability to unblock geo-restricted games and other content.
• Split tunneling to control which traffic goes through the VPN for enhanced security and privacy, and which goes directly to your internet connection for the greatest speed.
• Profiles are a way to easily manage your different connections.

Proton VPN’s Profiles let you configure the VPN for your favorite gaming situations.

Proton VPN pricing is very good when you use our exclusive discount coupon. Your subscription gets you access to all features of the service and its fastest servers while supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections. It provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to see if Proton VPN is for you. The company provides 24/7 support, although live chat is only available from 09:00 AM to 00:00 AM Central European Summer Time (CEST).

Pros

• Useful privacy features (no leaks)
• Secure server network
• Good privacy jurisdiction and data protection policies
• WireGuard VPN support
• Above-average speeds
• Transparent company with a good track record

Cons

• Above-average monthly prices

Compatibility with Gaming Devices and Services

The good news is that when you purchase a premium plan, you can access Proton’s 11,000+ servers in 117 countries. Premium subscribers can also secure up to 10 devices simultaneously. The best part about buying a Proton VPN premium plan is consistent low pings and super-fast internet speeds. The provider offers apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, and more.

ExpressVPN Review

IPVanish – A polished and fast US-based VPN

IPVanish is a highly recommended VPN for online gaming, offering a blend of speed, security, and reliability that gamers will appreciate. With over 2,400+ servers in more than 50 countries worldwide, the IPVanish network is smaller than those of the other VPN providers covered here. that ensures you can connect to a server near your gaming server location. This proximity reduces latency, crucial for real-time games where every millisecond counts. The speed of IPVanish is another key advantage for gamers. 

In conclusion, IPVanish offers a combination of speed, security, and reliability that makes it an excellent choice for online gaming. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive player, IPVanish provides the features you need for a top-notch gaming experience.

IPVanish – Dependable and Fast

• Connection Speeds: Recorded up to 800+ Mbps during performance tests—impressive figure.
• Coverage & Access: 2,400+ servers in 50+ countries; server proximity helps lower ping. Unlimited devices included.
• Security: AES-256 encryption, audit-verified no-logs, kill switch across platforms—even on Firestick.
• Support & Pricing: US jurisdiction, traditional payment accepted, 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing plans

• 1 month: $12.99
• Yearly: $3.33/month
• 2 years: $2.19/month

Pros

• Strong security features, multiple VPN protocols, and a kill switch
• Extremely fast and reliable connection speeds
• Wide range of reliable apps
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Audited, no-logs policy
• Ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer

Cons

• No cryptocurrency payment options
• Based in the United States

Features for Secure Online Gaming

Moreover, in addition to other VPN benefits, IPV’s annual plan includes a VIPRE antivirus feature that provides extra protection against malware attacks on Windows and Mac devices. An all-in-one solution for online and offline security? Why not?

IPVanish’s compatibility with gaming devices and services:

The best VPN for gaming on mobile devices

Mobile gaming is the fastest-growing sector of the gaming world. It only makes sense that all the reasons we discussed for using a VPN for desktop or console gaming also apply to mobile gaming. Yes, you should use a quality VPN for your smartphone.

Rely on advanced VPN Protocols

When using VPNs on mobile devices, we’d strongly recommend using the WireGuard protocol. This offers many benefits for mobile users:

• Much faster speeds
• Seamless transition between networks, such as going from Wi-Fi to mobile data, without dropping your VPN connection
• Near-instant server connection
• Better battery performance than OpenVPN

Frequently Asked Questions 2025

Which is the best VPN for gaming?

ExpressVPN is the obvious choice as the best gaming VPN. It offers an excellent balance of ultra-fast internet speeds, best-in-class security, an audited no-logs privacy policy, and many more awesome features.

Express VPN is one of the few VPNs with servers around the world that might actually reduce your latency compared to your regular connection. Moreover, it has an app for most devices and backs all premium purchases with a no-fuss 30-day money-back guarantee.

How do I use the best VPN for gaming?

• Choose a good gaming VPN.
• Download and install the VPN app on your main gaming rig. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
• Connect to the best gaming server available. We recommend a nearby server to get low ping and faster speeds. Start enjoying real-time gameplay securely and without lag or endless loading screens.

Which is the fastest VPN for gaming?

ExpressVPN is currently the fastest VPN for gaming, which isn’t surprising considering it’s the market leader. We tried its nearby and distant VPN servers and experienced low pings and blazing-fast speeds.

PIA and CyberGhost VPN are also great options. In all our online experiences, game decisions must be made in real-time, and you need minimal latency and reliable connections.

How do I use the best VPN for gaming?

Just follow these three simple steps:

• Choose a good gaming VPN.
• Download and install the VPN app on your main gaming rig. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
• Connect to the best gaming server available. We recommend a nearby server to get low ping and faster speeds. Start enjoying real-time gameplay securely and without lag or endless loading screens.

Choosing the Right VPN for Your Gaming Needs

Pick the VPN that aligns with your priorities:

Additional Tips for Choosing Your Gaming VPN

1. Choose Nearby Servers – Reduce ping by connecting to game servers in nearby host countries.
2. Use Light Protocols – Prefer WireGuard (or Lightway for ExpressVPN) for the best speed-latency mix.
3. Router Installation Saves Hassle – One setup protects all devices, especially consoles.
4. Enable Split Tunneling – Route gaming traffic through VPN for low latency, while other apps use direct internet.
5. Test with Free Trials – All five services offer 30-day money-back guarantees—test latency, speed, and reliability.
6. Stick to Long-Term Plans – Save significantly with longer subscriptions (2+ years).

Conclusion 

A top gaming VPN ensures low latency, fast speeds, strong security, and global server access for an uninterrupted gaming experience. Leading providers like is ExpressVPN excel in performance and privacy tailored to gamers. Choosing the right VPN enhances gameplay, protects personal data, and unlocks geo-restricted content worldwide.