Using a Warzone VPN is the perfect way to protect yourself from DDoS attacks and hacks, but it'll also get you around SBMM and potentially help speed up your connection. This page will take you through how to be at peak performance by using a VPN.
I've tested dozens of the best VPN services, focusing on speed, security and ease of use, and here I'm ranking the very best when it comes to VPNs for Warzone. What's more, as well as protecting you from hackers, they can also help you avoid COD's near-mythical skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). The better you play, the harder opponents you'll face, but if you just want to boost your K/D and melt n00bs, using a VPN to evade SBMM is the perfect solution.
Here, I'm going to tell you exactly how to use a Warzone VPN, why you might want to use a VPN with Warzone, and the best Warzone VPNs on the market. If you just want our recommendations, though, pick from the top 3 just below.
The best Warzone VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
With NordVPN becoming our overall favorite provider, it also leapfrogs ExpressVPN as the best Warzone VPN. All of the facts and figures coming out of our latest mega test have been included with this update, while the trusted IPVanish makes its way into my top 5.
Why use a VPN with Warzone?
Although neither Infinity Ward nor Activision have ever officially confirmed it, it's quite clear that Warzone uses SBMM, meaning you will be matched with players of your skill level. This is most evident for the very strongest players, who often face the same elite names and successful hackers far more often than you’d expect.
However, matchmaking isn’t just based on skill – location and time of day are also important factors. To take advantage of this, a Warzone VPN can virtually change your location, and with a little research, you'll have a better chance of facing easier opponents every time you play.
Plus, even if you don't want to change your location, using a VPN can help evade network throttling and speed up your online gaming. This is when your ISP slows down high-bandwidth users (streamers, torrenters and gamers, usually) by monitoring what they're doing online. A VPN masks this activity from your ISP, meaning they can't make a decision to slow you down.
How to use a Warzone VPN to get easy lobbies
There are a couple of simple things to consider here, and knowing exactly how the game functions is essential for getting an easy lobby.
Matchmaking is partially led by wait time, meaning that if there are fewer players available at any one moment, they'll all be lumped together into the same match rather than making everyone wait for a 'fairer' game.
By using a Warzone VPN, you can connect to a server in a country with fewer players (this article suggests Egypt is a good option), which means you'll be thrown into a much more mixed game, rather than a seriously difficult pro lobby.
In combination with this, it's worth considering the time of day you're playing. Evenings are traditionally busy – meaning more players, and more effective SBMM – while mornings are quiet and will deliver easier lobbies.
Setting your Warzone VPN to a time zone that is roughly 8 hours ahead of yours is a good rule of thumb. For example, evening in the US is early morning in most of Europe and Africa. Speeds will obviously vary, however, so test a few servers before trying to play a match.
My list of the very best Warzone VPNs of 2024
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The Tom's Guide VPN team have tested and reviewed all the following VPN providers, and I'm comfortable recommending them as safe, effective tools for improving your privacy and enhancing your Warzone experience. Simply keep scrolling to read what our testing showed us, and pick the one that suits you best.
NordVPN: the best Warzone VPN
✔️ You're worried about lags: NordVPN clocked up some of the fastest speeds we've witnessed.
✔️ Streaming is another key interest: From Netflix and Amazon Prime to BBC iPlayer and 9Now, NordVPN unblocks them all and more.
✔️ You're also concerned about privacy: NordVPN has some of the strongest security smarts around.
❌ You want an easier router set-up: Not even the mighty NordVPN can compete with the ease of ExpressVPN's router VPN app.
❌ You hate big price hikes on renewal: Nord's initial pricing is eye-catching, but goes northward when you reach the end of your term.
It's close between the top two in my rankings, but NordVPN just wins out as the best Warzone VPN. It's the sheer speed that swings things Nord's way, along with cheap pricing options and outstanding privacy tools. The king of Warzone VPNs.
NordVPN has made a name for itself through aggressive marketing, and your favorite streamer might even plug the brand. As my NordVPN review testifies, though, it's not all hot air, and the service really delivers. Indeed, it now tops my chart of the very best overall VPNs.
As a Warzone VPN specifically, it hits all the right notes – great speeds, reliable connections, simple setup and plenty of server locations worldwide.
> Grab the best deal on my #1 Warzone VPN
In my testing, NordVPN was among the fastest VPNs, which is what you want to hear when it comes to gaming. Topping out at 950 Mbps while using its proprietary NordLynx protocol, no other providers can beat it.
Standout features include Onion over VPN (not great for gaming, but super secure), multi-hop server selection and excellent apps that work on a wide range of devices. I personally prefer the layout of ExpressVPN's apps, but Nord's are also straightforward for a plug-and-play experience.
If you're a console gamer, though, Nord might not be the best bet. It's perfectly possible to set it up on a router, but be aware that ExpressVPN is much simpler.
However, with its great streaming support and excellent speeds, as a Warzone VPN NordVPN is sure to deliver.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Mostly excellent with a couple of minor quibbles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Map interface is divisive, but otherwise sound | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Outstanding speeds on NordLynx and OpenVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unmatched excellence in unblocking overseas streamers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Onion Over and Double VPN contribute to all-round watertight security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Very useful customer assistance around the clock | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Some great pricing to grab on multi-year plans | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: multi-featured Warzone VPN
✔️ Privacy and security are a priority: With a glut of privacy protection tools and additional features, ExpressVPN has your privacy at its heart.
✔️ Consoles are where you play Warzone most: The quality and ease-of-use of ExpressVPN's router VPN app is unparalleled.
✔️ You'll also be streaming: ExpressVPN is a match for NordVPN when it comes to unblocking.
❌ Speed is of the essence: ExpressVPN's Lightway speeds are falling behind what the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark can now manage.
❌ You're on a tight budget: ExpressVPN is reassuringly expensive, although you do get three months free with an annual plan.
It's only really ExpressVPN's relatively sluggish connection speeds that have allowed Nord to surge to the top. It's super simple to use, extremely secure and is a better choice if you're planning to hook the VPN up to your router.
In my testing for my ExpressVPN review, the British Virgin Islands-based provider excelled in just about every area including as a Warzone VPN, and for gaming in general.
If you play on a console, router setup is one of the only ways to get access to VPN connections. ExpressVPN has streamlined the whole procedure by developing an app for routers, and it's far simpler to get up and running than the competition. Plus, its Aircove router is the first hardware offered by a VPN.
When you're not blasting n00bs into oblivion in your new-found easy Warzone lobbies, ExpressVPN also does a great job at unblocking geo-restricted content on Netflix, iPlayer, Prime and more. No matter where you are, you'll be able to watch whatever you want. Perfect if you're heading on holiday or want to watch US-exclusive Netflix shows.
Speed is a slight issue with ExpressVPN. Don't get us wrong... the 410 Mbps we recorded on a 1 Gbps Internet connection certainly isn't what we'd call slow. But compared to what the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN can now achieve, Express is just slipping behind.
In terms of price, ExpressVPN does come in at the higher end of the scale, and its 8-device policy is a little stingy compared to some others – although it's a great improvement over the previous limit of five. In this case, though, you really do get what you pay for. The app is simple, effective and, most importantly of all, totally unnoticeable once you've switched it on. What more could you want?
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean, intuitive design that just makes sense | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Nobody does it better than ExpressVPN, especially when using on a router | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Quick, but not as fast as others on this list | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Superb all-round streaming VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Plenty of security smarts to inspire confidence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat supports backs up excellent online guidance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | One of the pricier VPNs on the market | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap Warzone VPN
✔️ Cost is a key consideration: Surfshark is an excellent VPN for less than $2.50/month.
✔️ You use your VPN on lots of devices: A single subscription can be used on unlimited devices simultaneously.
✔️ You need to avoid lags: The current fastest VPN, Surfshark boasts WireGuard speeds in excess of 950 Mbps.
❌ A faultless kill switch is crucial: After putting significant strain on it, I found a chink in Surfshark's kill switch.
❌ You object to big price hikes: Nobody could quibble at the initial pricing, but that all changes when your first term is up.
Surfshark's eye-catching pricing and friendly branding make it the ideal starting point for many new VPN users. But it has the speed, security and user-focussed design to back that up.
As my favorite cheap VPN, in my Surfshark review I found the Netherlands-based provider to be as good as, if not better than, some of its far more expensive rivals.
Great speeds mean you'll be able to dominate in Warzone without any slow-down, and one-touch connection is a great user-friendly feature. In fact, our latest round of testing saw Surfshark go back to the top of our speed charts – we witnessed WireGuard speeds over 950 Mbps and OpenVPN at 640 Mbps. That's seriously fast.
With over 3,200 servers worldwide, there's plenty to pick from (although it's significantly smaller range than NordVPN's 6,000+), so selecting an uncrowded server in your desired location shouldn't be an issue.
However, the biggest draw will be that sub-$2.99/month price tag. It's perfectly understandable that to gain an advantage in a game that's free to play such as Warzone, you'll want to spend as little money as possible on add-ons – and Surfshark fits the bill perfectly.
While the apps aren't quite as in-depth as NordVPN and ExpressVPN (although it's steadily improving in this area), for quick and easy access to easy Warzone lobbies and additional online privacy, Surfshark is an excellent choice for the savvy gamer.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | The approachable branding is a huge plus for this all-business VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | We can't think of a competitor that makes life easier than Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest provider on test | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A match for Nord and Express on its levels of unblocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | But for a slightly suspect kill switch, everything is shipshape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | You can contact customer service around the clock | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Superb pricing is an obvious draw | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You revel in lots of features: Proton VPN's apps and clients are absolutely packed with features and the ability to customize.
✔️ Streaming is also your goal: Proton VPN's unblocking game is seriously strong – we couldn't find a service that will stop it.
✔️ You want to try before you buy: The free version means you can see what all the fuss is about before you pay for the full package.
❌ You feel intimidated by VPNs: There's so much in the way of settings and features with Proton VPN, that you may not know where to get started.
❌ You rely on 24/7 support: Proton has fallen behind its key VPN competitors by not offering round-the-clock support.
You can be confident with Proton VPN that you're getting watertight protection of your privacy and anonymity, and you can toggle and tweak to your heart's content. Speeds have recently improved, too, now making it one of the fastest around.
Proton VPN is well known for its free VPN service, but in my most rcenet Proton VPN review, I found that the Swiss provider has upped its game... again. It's now no longer just a privacy tool, and its range of servers and excellent connection speeds mean it's great as a Warzone VPN, as well as a torrenting VPN.
When gaming, you won't find yourself lagging, even if you've chosen to use a server in a different country. That's thanks to Proton VPN's VPN Accelerator. This sends your traffic through multiple cores of multiple CPUs, effectively supercharging your connections and negating any slow-down you might otherwise feel.
In addition, Proton has recently joined the ranks of my favorite streaming VPNs. It does a fantastic job of accessing exclusive content on foreign Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video catalogs, as well as providing access to overseas streaming platforms like the BBC iPlayer, ITVX and 10 play.
One of the few downsides to Proton VPN is the fact that the support system isn't quite up there with the best. While the live chat agents are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, they're not available 24/7. So, if you're fragging out at midnight on Sunday and you have an issue, you might be waiting a few hours for a response.
Overall though, Proton VPN is a seriously powerful VPN for Warzone, and will prove itself useful on and off the battleground.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Smart and jam-packed with fearures | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | I'd like to see things made a little friendlier for VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than ever | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Pretty much unblocks the lot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Well known for its verified privacy policies and security tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Good, but lacking 24/7 live chat support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Long term plans are affordable and there's the free version to try | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You like the idea of unlimited connections: IPVanish doesn't limit the amount of devices you use it on at any one time.
✔️ You want full Internet security in one package: The provider's VIPRE antivirus software is bundled in with your sub.
✔️ Price is at a premium: Formerly relatively expensive, IPVanish's plans have dropped rapidly in price in recent times.
❌ You want your VPN to block trackers: Most providers now do, but IPVanish doesn't.
❌ You want tons of server choice. 2,400 servers may sound impressive, but the number pales in comparison to the other VPNs on this list.
The folk at IPVanish have been doing this for a while now, so it's no great surprise that they have produced a VPN that is straightforward to use, boasts watertight security smarts and manages connection speeds that won't slow down your Warzone sessions.
The name IPVanish goes back pretty much as long as VPNs have been a consumer commodity, and iterations of my IPVanish review over the years have always been full of praise for the company's dedication to privacy and securing its users' anonymity.
So if you like the idea of absolute Internet security while you game, IPVanish is a great option to consider. It brings in independent auditors like the Leviathan Security Group to verify the integrity of its software and even throws in VIPRE antivirus with its VPN subscriptions. So if the notion of getting a U.S. VPN makes you feel slightly cautious, there's really no need with IPVanish.
Sometimes we're critical on other factors of IPVanish, but our latest testing saw great improvements in some areas. Speed, for example, has come on leaps and bounds. Our speed tester ticked all the way up to 770 Mbps when we connected via our 1 Gbps line and used the WireGuard protocol. And even the 230 Mbps OpenVPN speeds impress, and is a better result than NordVPN or ExpressVPN managed.
And if you're also planning to do a lot of varied streaming with your VPN, IPVanish has upped its game in that department, too. It previously struggled with Netflix's various foreign libraries, but this time it gained us access to exclusive content to the U.S, U.K, Canada and Japan (only failing on Australia). It passes with flying colours on other services like Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
To really mix it with the Warzone VPNs kings, we'd like to see IPVanish add more servers. But the 2,400+ across more than 90 countries will be sufficient for the vast majority of users.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Good but sometimes feels a tad over-complicated | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Installation and use is easy enough | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster then ever, with WireGuard speed over 700 Mbps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Getting better all the time with only a couple of ommisions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Audited systems and policies instil a lot of confidence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Excellent live chat support and even an option for telephone calls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Some very attractive long term pricing available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose the best Warzone VPN
While you want your Warzone VPN to be secure (we never recommend services that aren't), other key factors include excellent connection speeds, reliability, and a wide range of server locations. There are a number of services that can do the job, but overall we consider NordVPN to be the gold standard for Warzone.
Alternatively, another excellent gaming VPN is the exceptional ExpressVPN. If you're playing Warzone on a console, you might want to set up a router VPN. ExpressVPN is one of the few providers to offer a dedicated app.
However, if there are other features that you prioritize – perhaps servers in a more 'niche' location or more complex, customizable applications – there's a ton of different options on the market.
Best Warzone VPN FAQ
Can you get banned for using a VPN on Warzone?
The jury's out on this one, but in the Warzone T&Cs, there are no explicit rules stating that you can't use a Warzone VPN. This is due to the fact you may be using a VPN to stabilize your connection, and while getting easier lobbies may be a side-effect of this, it's not an offense, per se.
However, if you're a professional or high-profile Warzone player, we'd recommend researching yourself if there's any risk involved.
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 servers it could possibly decrease it if you're lucky. If you're heading to an overseas server your ping will almost certainly increase, but by being smart about your choice, you should be able to minimize this.
Of course, many people are using a Warzone VPN to stabilize and make your connection more reliable and to avoid throttling. 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 a Warzone 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.
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.
