Any gamer knows that having the right setup can take your gaming experience to another level. Whether it's a high-level headset, mouse and keyboard or monitor, they can all transform your performance, in online games especially. But there's another bit of kit in the gamer's armory: a top gaming VPN.
Some of the most popular games in the world are online competitive titles and it's here that having one of the best VPNs makes the most sense in games like Valorant, Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite and Overwatch 2. Used correctly, a Virtual Private Network can offer a lower level of latency, a secure connection protected from DDoS attacks and maybe even a few great gaming deals.
I've put all the biggest VPNs through their paces and can now give you a look into the gaming VPNs that are actually worth your time. They're fast, easy to use and super secure. With any of the top three picks, you might never have to say game over again.
The best gaming VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
Earlier in the year, NordVPN rose to the #1 slot to reflect my most recent round of VPN testing. That means ExpressVPN has dropped to #2, with Surfshark remaining steady in #3. There's also a new entry at #5, with PrivadoVPN's rapid server speeds and affordable plans making it a natural fit in my top five.
The five best gaming VPNs in 2024
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1. NordVPN: The best gaming VPN overall
✔️ You want a huge range of servers: NordVPN's current count is over 6,400 in 110 countries – more than ExpressVPN, Surfshark and most others.
✔️ Speed is of the essence: our latest testing showed NordVPN to be among the fastest VPNs.
✔️ You're also a big streamer: NordVPN can unblock streams on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, BBC iPlayer, and many more.
❌ You're a mobile gamer: while the NordVPN smartphone app certainly isn't bad, I find it less intuitive than ExpressVPN's.
❌ You dislike price hikes: NordVPN has great value long-term plans when you sign up, but they shoot up at the end of your term.
NordVPN is a fantastic gaming VPN, and even the negative points I have raised here are relatively minor niggles attempting to find fault with an all-round excellent service. If you're still not sure, you can give it a try and be confident that you can cancel thanks to its no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee.
Topping Tom's Guide's overall list of best services, NordVPN also holds the number one spot in my chart of gaming VPNs.
My NordVPN review found the Panama-based provider delivered some of the fastest speeds we've tested, and you'll have a network of over 6,400 servers in 110 countries to pick from. That means no matter where you are, you're pretty much guaranteed a connection that will work stably on your regular internet line.
Previously, NordVPN suffered from slightly unreliable speeds, but in our last testing it proved to be much more stable. It's proved itself as one of the very fastest VPNs on the market, topping out at a blistering 950 Mbps when its proprietary protocol NordLynx is toggled on. This makes it a brilliant choice as one of the best Warzone VPNs.
I'm always impressed by just how many security tools NordVPN manages to pack into its plans. You'll get battle-tested encryption and Nord's very own NordLynx protocol – which is based on WireGuard. This combination of speed and security means you can avoid bandwidth throttling that some ISPs enforce. Plus its Threat Protection Pro service (for "Plus" and "Ultimate" level subscribers) is a seriously impressive alternative to antivirus, with leading anti-phishing and anti-malware tools.
Nord's apps are very stable, meaning you won't be going back and forth to check on it, and you can also set it up on a router to cover your consoles. Plus, in my testing it was able to unblock every single streaming service I tried it with, so it's perfect when you want to put down the controller, too.
My only real gripe with NordVPN is that the map-based interface on mobiles is a little busy. But I'm willing to admit that this is personal preference, and others don't mind navigating the world map to find their ideal server location.
Finding it difficult to find any other cons to this service, my overall verdict is that NordVPN is the very best gaming VPN you can download right now..
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Combines beginner-friendly design with enough information for more experienced users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Largely straightforward, but the map approach on mobile is divisive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | So fast. Won't slow down your gaming experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Can unblock pretty much any streaming service you might want to watch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Comes with excellent array of security tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Round-the-clock live chat support and thorough online guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great value for long term plans, but price goes up on renewal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2. ExpressVPN: The easiest gaming VPN to use
✔️ You want a router-level VPN: ExpressVPN is really easy to use with your home router and even offers its own AirCove router.
✔️ You want an easy life: no matter the platform, ExpressVPN is a delight to use.
✔️ Streaming is a priority: ExpressVPN has a great reputation for unblocking an array of streaming services around the world.
❌ Speed is your main focus: our latest testing showed ExpressVPN lagging behind NordVPN and Surfshark.
❌ You're a penny pincher: ExpressVPN has some of the most expensive plans on the market.
It may have dropped out of our #1 slot and the premium pricing will put many off, but ExpressVPN remains an extremely capable gaming VPN. It combines ease-of-use with a slew of handy features, offers genuinely useful 24/7 customer support and you can test it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is another huge name in VPN, and in reality it's only just pipped to the post by NordVPN when it comes to gaming VPN performance.
The thing you'll notice over and over again in my ExpressVPN review is just how intuitive this service is to use. Whether on desktop or smartphone, its apps are ridiculously easy to operate. You're never left in any doubt as to what the clients are up to, how to change server or where to toggle settings on and off. And if you do come across any issues, the 24/7 live chat will be able to sort you out in minutes.
As a gaming VPN, it's set apart by its dedicated router VPN app, which means you'll be able to avoid throttling and stay secure even on consoles that don't natively support VPNs – there's no special treatment for the PC gamer here. Plus, while it doesn't offer encryption, Express's MediaStreamer Smart DNS tool will allow you to switch locations on your PlayStation or Xbox to watch geo-blocked content.
Outside of gaming you'll also be able to unblock pretty much any regional Netflix library, as well as access restricted sites like BBC iPlayer in the States.
So why has it fallen to number two in this chart? For starters, its speeds have now dropped off quite a way below what the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark are able to offer. I switched on Express's Lightway protocol with a 1Gbps line and recorded connection speeds of 410 Mbps. You'll barely notice that during day-to-day use, but it could make a difference in gaming where you want as little latency as possible. By way of comparison, I saw speeds of over 950 Mbps with Nord and Surfshark connected.
And it would be remiss of me not to mention ExpressVPN's biggest downfall, which is its cost. At twice the price of NordVPN, I believe "reassuringly expensive" is the phrase to grope for.
Overall, ExpressVPN is an excellent gaming VPN, especially if you're looking for a no-fuss choice. But I can see why you might end up choosing to go for something a little more affordable.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clean, clever and confusion-free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for beginners and experienced users alike | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast, but lagging behind its main competitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks every streaming service that we tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | No complaints in this department | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Fast and effective 247/ live chat support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than most, but still worth the money | ⭐⭐⭐ |
3. Surfshark: The best cheap gaming VPN
✔️ Money is tight: VPNs don't come much cheaper than Surfshark when you opt for its multi-year plan.
✔️ You're avoiding any slowdown whatsoever: we recorded speeds of over 950 Mbps with WireGuard connected – no other provider is faster.
✔️ You have a lot of devices to cover: a single Surfshark subscription covers unlimited devices, meaning you can confidently install it on all of your and your family's gadgets.
❌ You're worried about privacy leaks: the issues we found with the kill switch are a bit concerning.
❌ Customization is key: Surfshark lacks some of the functions that we see on more comprehensive services.
I'm very fond of Surfshark. I like how the designers have pared everything back to make it so easy to use and understand. Its connection speeds are scarcely believable and the price of a multi-year plan has NordVPN and ExpressVPN licked.
Surfshark is a super effective cheap VPN which works really well as a gaming VPN, and our Surfshark review found the bargain provider very impressive in a lot of areas.
Surfshark has been seriously speedy for a while now, and in my last round of testing, it was out on its own as the fastest provider. Clocking speeds of 950 Mbps and 640 Mbps on OpenVPN, you certainly won't be seeing any slowdown here.
Its network of 3,200 servers is ample (although roughly half of NordVPN's network), but the biggest draw is the combination of unlimited connections plus a sub-$2.50 price tag. While a growing number of providers are now offering the former (Private Internet Access and IPVanish to name two), the pricing is about as good as you'll see. If you pride yourself on getting the best value possible with your tech purchases, then I suspect Surfshark will pique your interest.
Bargain prices don't equal half-hearted security, however – Surfshark is a no-logs, privacy-oriented provider that isn't interested in watching over your shoulder as you go about your gaming and browsing. AES-256 encryption keeps your sensitive data safe from prying eyes and, because Surfshark hides and replaces your original IP address, hackers have a much harder time targeting you with disruptive DDoS attacks. Perfect for those after one of the best Valorant VPNs.
Gamers should also make note of Surfshark's Alternative ID technology. Included with all Surfshark subscriptions, this feature lets users generate a new identity and email to use online. If for example, you're a PC gamer, you're probably sick of giving out your email address to every different launcher out there. Steam, Origin, Game Pass, Battle.Net and more all need users to make an account to use. If you're worried about your data on these sites, then use Alternative ID to generate a new persona and fake email that you can link to your real email address. Surfshark also has a similar feature for phone numbers, Alternative Number.
It's worth noting that our rigorous in-house testing did worm out the odd niggle, specifically with the kill switch. This tool – which is mean to protect your identity from being leaked when your internet connection goes down – occasionally misfires on Windows. It's unlikely to affect most users, but shows signs of weakness that ExpressVPN and NordVPN don't.
No, the apps don't have quite as much configuration as others, and yes, the support system is marginally slower. But if you're happy to stick with the recommended settings, evade throttling, access tons of Netflix libraries and more, then this is the best-value way to do it.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | One of the more attractive set of apps on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | We heartily recommend Surfshark to beginners or the less tech savvy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Beats all other providers on sheer speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | As good for streaming as it is for gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Very secure, but loses marks for the above-mentioned kill switch issue | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support is available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Our #1 choice for the best cheap VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You value well designed apps: Proton VPN has some of the best out there, whatever the platform.
✔️ Security is a key concern: the company has a well-earned reputation for watertight security and a focus on privacy.
✔️ You don't want to compromise on speed: with faster speeds than NordVPN and ExpressVPN, you don't have to worry about any lag with Proton VPN.
❌ You like simple apps: I like Proton's apps, but I'm an experienced VPN user. If you're VPN noob, you may find them a little more complex than you're comfortable with.
❌ You require 24/7 support: Proton VPN is the only provider on this list that doesn't offer round-the-clock support.
Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN stakes its reputation on the measures it goes to protect your privacy and general online security. It's fast, too, with some of the fastest server connection speeds we've ever recorded.
Proton VPN delivers more than just a gaming VPN – it's a very private service that's great for streaming, too.
First up, connection speeds are a must, and Proton VPN really excels here. With speeds of over 950 Mbps on WireGuard and a truly impressive 400Mbps when using OpenVPN, whatever you're doing, Proton VPN will be able to keep up. It's not quite as fast as Surfshark, but it's not far off and you won't notice in practice.
If you've run into issues with bandwidth throttling in the past, and want to avoid being slowed down by your ISP, Proton VPN can help you out. In addition to top-notch encryption that'll keep your data and devices safe, the provider is an audited no-logs service – which is good news for anyone looking for a torrenting VPN, too.
Outside of gaming, Proton VPN is still remarkably capable. It matches the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN for the variety of Netflix libraries it can access, and it unblocks just about every other streaming site we test for.
Proton's apps are intuitively designed and the whole service is a pleasure to use. However, if you do ever run into issues, it's worth noting that this provider is a little way behind the rest when it comes to support. Its website has advice guides and helpers, but they're not always that usefully written and seem to target expert users rather than beginners who are likely to need the help more. And the sooner it brings in 24/7 support, the better.
Traditionally, Proton VPN has been priced higher than some of the competition. And while it still can't match Surfshark (very few can, to be fair), the provider has shown signs of making it a more competitive proposition and much more in line with NordVPN's pricing.
In short, it's one of the very best gaming VPN services on the market and we highly recommend it. And if you like what you're reading, you can always give it a try with Proton VPN's unlimited data free tier.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Really well built apps for every platform, especially Windows and Android | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Some may find the apps a tad over-complicated | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Extremely fast connection speeds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Has become one of the most reliable streaming VPNs around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | A strong suit for this privacy-focussed provider | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lacks comprehensive guides. And where's the 24/7 support? | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Prices are becoming more and more competetive. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You're a bargain hunter: the pricing of PrivadoVPN's premium VPN is really eye-catching, and it has the best free tier out there.
✔️ You have a need for speed: PrivadoVPN performed seriously well in our most recent speed testing, clocking up over 950 Mbps on our 1 Gbps line.
✔️ You like streaming foreign shows: Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer – PrivadoVPN unblocks them all, and more.
❌ You're a Mac gamer: strangely, PrivadoVPN doesn't offer the WireGuard protocol on Macs, and its OpenVPN speeds are much slower.
❌ You're impressed by tons of features: compared to other providers in this list, PrivadoVPN is wanting of some basic features.
PrivadoVPN goes from strength to strength, building on the reputation it has developed with its impressive free option. It features extremely fast WireGuard speeds and its apps are nice to use. But we'd like to see the developers start to work on some of the gaps in its settings menu.
PrivadoVPN has developed a large, loyal user base thanks to its excellent free option – indeed, it currently sits at the very top of our best free VPN rankings.
As explained above, one of the priorities when searching for gaming VPN is connection speed – you don't want anything that may slow down your connection and interrupt your sessions. And this is one area in which PrivadoVPN excels, with WireGuard speeds up around the 950 Mbps-mark when I measured them on my 1 Gbps line.
OpenVPN speeds are, of course, significantly slower – more like 200 Mbps. That's by no means sluggish, but may mean you start seeing the effect if you live or work in a crowded building where lots of other people are using the internet or your rig is a distance from your router. And, for Apple users, that's what you'll be stuck with, as PrivadoVPN doesn't make WireGuard available on Macs.
Testing its unblocking prowess for my PrivadoVPN review, I found that it has come on leaps and bounds in recent times. It now gets you access to a huge range of overseas streaming content, including foreign Netflix catalogs, Prime Video shows, and local services like BBC iPlayer in the U.K. and 10 Play in Australia.
It's plain to see the work that has gone into producing an attractive, intuitive set of mobile apps. So it's a bit disappointing that the provider doesn't make all of its tools available across all of its platforms. Aside from the lack of WireGuard on Mac mentioned above, it's also noteworthy that there is no kill switch on either of its the Android or iOS app. And features like split-tunnelling, multi-hop and auto-connect that are staples of other providers are absent from PrivadoVPN's list of options.
That lack of basic functionality may put some VPN hunters off. But if they seem like trivial niggles to you, we suggest that you give this VPN a try with that impressive PrivadoVPN Free plan.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Great apps but lacking some features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Powerful, usable apps across the board | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | WireGuard speeds are up there with the fastest, but OpenVPN lets it down | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Solid performance here | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Generally good, but mobile apps have no kill switch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support will help you get out of any tangle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Really affordable and with a superb free option to try | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose the best gaming VPN
If you’re planning on using your chosen service as a gaming VPN, speed will be a priority – but you shouldn't neglect privacy, either. The best gaming VPN today is NordVPN, thanks to its excellent speeds, low ping times, plus strong security features and powerful apps for all sorts of devices. That's a winning combination.
If you want to access geo-blocked games or play on different regional servers, making sure your VPN has a wide network is essential. NordVPN's 6,000+ servers across a total of 111 countries is unmatched by the competition.
However, some other providers might prove to be a better fit for you. ExpressVPN is a close second, and we think it's marginally better if you've never used a VPN before and want the most straightforward experience possible. It has excellent router suability, too, meaning that it's handy if you want your games console to channel your VPN connection.
Surfshark is another terrific alternative, and has that eye-catching price tag and simultaneous use on as many devices as you wish. NordVPN is by no means expensive, but Surfshark is probably the best value provider around.
How we test
Testing VPN services is a complex process and takes up a significant portion of the VPN team's time here at Tom's Guide. We've got a full explainer on how we test VPNs, but here's a quick overview.
We always get hands-on with the VPNs we review and never take marketing claims at face value. We test on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, and dig into the settings and code to find any faults that could put you at risk.
We also test connection speeds a minimum of 120 times per provider, and test the streaming performance with dozens of sites including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, 10 Play, and many more.
We make sure the support system is useful too, and then we take into account any additional features outside the core VPN product that might be of interest.
VPN speed testing – my results
Nobody wants to invite more lag and slowdown into their life, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice speed to shore up your security. Performance is a massive influencing factor in my rankings, and I make sure to check all of the top VPN services regularly (using different servers and protocols) to see just how quick they really are.
I put VPNs to the test on a 1 Gbps line and record speeds with a variety of tools, like the Ookla SpeedTest website and CLI, nPerf, Netflix's Fast, and others. I'll then take the average (median) of each VPN's results to generate a clearer picture of their performance. To keep things as accurate as possible, I'll run these tests again in the morning and evening. Below, you'll find the most recent results as per my latest round of testing:
| VPN Provider | WireGuard or proprietary | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Surfshark | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 640 Mbps |
| 2. Mullvad | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 410 Mbps |
| 3. Proton VPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 400 Mbps |
| 4. Windscribe | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 240 Mbps |
| 5. PrivadoVPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 220 Mbps |
| 6. NordVPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 110 Mbps |
| 7. Norton VPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 240 Mbps |
| 8. PureVPN | 880 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
| 9. Atlas VPN | 785 Mbps | N/A |
| 10. IPVanish | 770 Mbps | 230 Mbps |
| 11. CyberGhost | 760 Mbps | 360 Mbps |
| 12. FastestVPN | 730 Mbps | 170 Mbps |
| 13. AirVPN | 710 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
| 14. Hide.me | 690 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
| 15. Hotspot Shield | 600 Mbps | N/A |
| 16. VyprVPN | 590 Mbps | 145 Mbps |
| 17. TunnelBear | 480 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
| 18. ExpressVPN | 410 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
| 19. StrongVPN | 395 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
| 20. Astrill VPN | 390 Mbps (unstable speeds) | N/A |
| 21. Private VPN | 350 Mbps | 125 Mbps |
| 22. Private Internet Access | 330 Mbps | 270 Mbps |
| 23. Mozilla VPN | 360 Mbps | N/A |
| 24. Google One | 345 Mbps | N/A |
| 25. UltraVPN | 300 Mbps | N/A |
Best gaming VPN FAQ
Why do I need a gaming VPN?
There are a couple of reasons why you might want a gaming VPN.
Firstly, if you find your internet connection fluctuating, that could quite possibly be because your ISP is throttling your connection due to your activity. A VPN helps you avoid this by anonymizing your activity, meaning your ISP can't single you out as someone to throttle.
Secondly, privacy. Anyone is vulnerable, but gamers especially experience DDoS attacks and run a higher risk of being hacked. A VPN can protect anyone – not just gamers – from a whole load of the inherent risks on the web, plus it'll stop Google tracking you, too.
Is it legal to use a VPN for gaming?
Simple answer: yes.
However, what you use your gaming VPN for might not be – remember that while it may make illicit activities possible or easier, it does not make them legal.
If you're using your VPN to spoof your location and buy games at a lower price, that's probably against the developer or distributor's T&Cs, and if you're caught you may have your account suspended or worse.
But, if you're just using it to make sure your ISP isn't throttling you, you don't have anything to worry about.
Will a VPN increase my ping?
This is a tricky one. Compared to your standard connection at peak speeds, a VPN is likely to slightly increase your ping – but, if you're very near one of your VPN's server location it could possibly decrease it if you're lucky.
Really, though, what you're using a gaming VPN for is to stabilize and make your connection more reliable. So, on your regular connection you might peak at a 10ms ping, but when you're being throttled that might increase to a difficult-to-manage 300ms.
By using the best gaming VPN, you can make sure your ping will stay at a usable speed – perhaps 20ms or better if you're used to 10ms – but you can be sure that it will stay that way for as long as you play.
To learn more about this, see how to use a VPN to speed up your internet.
What should a gaming VPN have?
The most important feature of any gaming VPN is excellent connection speeds. You'll want to be able to get as close as possible to your regular connection speeds as possible, so having a speedy VPN is a good start.
Then, you should also ensure that your gaming VPN has excellent privacy credentials. While it might not be top of your priority list, seeing as so many services deliver excellent speeds as well as great security, there's really no reason to sacrifice either.
Finally, do your research and make sure that your chosen service is reliable – it's not good if your VPN will be constantly cutting out, and if it has a kill switch activated you'll see your whole connection die in this situation.
What kind of games will a VPN help with?
There's no real point in using a VPN for single-player games, but some of the most popular titles in the industry are competitive multi-player efforts. In hardcore shooters like Valorant and Counterstrike, for example, having a low latency could be the difference between victory and loss, and particularly salty opponents have been known to DDoS the opposition.
Even if you're not uber-competitive but want to play games with friends in other regions, using a VPN to assume an IP address closer to the game's servers could bring a massive reduction in lag and increase in playability.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
