Best VPN for Gaming in 2024
One of CNET’s best gaming VPN picks could level up your play by lowering ping, bypassing throttling restrictions or adding an extra layer of protection.
Our Experts
Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Forward-thinking security enhancements
- Excellent for streaming
- Streamlined, easy-to-use app across platforms
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
- DNS leaks detected (but immediately addressed)
- Expensive
- Only eight simultaneous connections
- Apple TV app needs work
ExpressVPN is currently CNET’s pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. It’s a veteran VPN provider that consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It’s also excellent for streaming and gaming and the easiest VPN app to use on any platform. But for the best, you’ll need to pay a premium -- ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN providers currently on the market. The service costs $13 a month, $60 every six months or $100 per year, which is considerably more expensive than the $11 per month or $60 per year that Surfshark charges. NordVPN is more in line with ExpressVPN on price at $13 a month or $100 annually (after a promotional $60 price for the first year).
Though it's fast enough for most any online activity, ExpressVPN’s speeds are not quite as fast as some of its competitors, based on our latest speed tests. In 2024, we measured a 24.8% average speed loss with ExpressVPN. This is still fast, considering that many VPNs can slash your internet speeds by 50% or more. However, we saw substantially better speeds from NordVPN (11% speed loss) and Surfshark (17% speed loss). Still, ExpressVPN’s speeds were largely consistent and aligned with our expectations across protocols and server locations. Overall, we registered the fastest speeds through ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol on MacOS (7% speed loss). If you want to minimize lag, we recommend Express’s Lightway protocol, which will minimize disruptions regardless of your base internet speed.
When we most recently evaluated ExpressVPN for privacy and security, we uncovered an alarming bug in its Windows app that sent our DNS requests to our ISP instead of to ExpressVPN’s dedicated DNS servers when we had the split tunneling feature enabled. This meant that our true IP address, general location and the websites we visited were exposed. We notified ExpressVPN, which immediately disabled split tunneling from its Windows app as a temporary solution while engineers got to work on a permanent fix. We were impressed with the transparency with which the company acknowledged the situation, promptly publishing a blog post and a comprehensive troubleshooting guide. Shortly thereafter, ExpressVPN was able to roll out a fix to its Windows app that resolved the DNS issue and reinstated the split tunneling feature. During our tests with the updated app, we detected no leaks with or without split tunneling enabled. The DNS leaks were concerning, but the decisive response from ExpressVPN was illustrative of the company’s commitment to transparency and user privacy. In addition to its transparency efforts, ExpressVPN’s privacy protections are top-notch and forward-thinking.
In addition to offering excellent privacy protections, ExpressVPN delivers the most consistent and streamlined VPN app experiences across platforms. Its minimalist interface is simple to use, whether you’re an advanced VPN user or if you’ve never used one before. The app settings are easy to navigate and finding a server location is straightforward, which is particularly helpful for gamers seeking specific geographical servers. We like how the app always connects in a snap, which isn’t always the case with other VPNs -- like Surfshark -- which often struggle to connect immediately on the first attempt. If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can request your money back within 30 days of your purchase.
Most reliable VPN for gaming
NordVPN
- Reliable, competitive speeds
- RAM-disk servers
- Feature-rich software
- Visual server map could use additional functions
- Discounts steeper for longer contracts
- Only six simultaneous connections allowed
Another reason gamers should consider NordVPN: It solidified itself as the fastest VPN in our 2024 speed tests. Using its NordLynx VPN protocol, CNET Labs measured an average internet speed loss of just 3.2% with Windows and 12.6% on MacOS. On OpenVPN, we clocked blazing-fast internet download speed averages of 10.1% on MacOS and 18.8% with Windows. With apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV, Nord runs on almost any platform you can think of.
We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption, a 2023 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. While zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices.
At $13 a month, $60 annually or $96 total for two years, NordVPN sets you back less initially than premium VPN rivals like ExpressVPN, but more than budget-oriented companies like Surfshark and PIA. However, subsequent price hikes drive the price to $100 a year, which aligns with many other VPN providers, including Express. Overall, NordVPN sports advanced privacy features in an intuitive service.
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
- Lots of unique security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- RAM-only server network
- Inconsistent speed performance
- 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
- No transparency reports
Surfshark is a VPN provider that punches well above its weight class. Its budget-friendly plans begin at $13 monthly or $48 annually for your first year with Surfshark Starter (subsequently $60 per year). You can sign up for a two-year plan, setting you back $60 total for 24 months of service, after which you’ll pay $60 a year. We don’t recommend signing up for more than a year of service upfront because of volatility: The high-performing VPN you sign up for might be slower, less secure, out of business or acquired in a few years.
Despite Surfshark’s low cost, you’ll still enjoy many security features. There’s robust encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation and split-tunneling. Furthermore, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections -- a rare and welcome benefit. With over 3,200 servers in 100 different countries, Surfshark works well for gaming since you’ve got plenty of choices to accommodate your physical or game server location.
We appreciated Surfshark’s graphical user interface Linux VPN client app, which is easier for beginners than navigating the command line. Its intuitive Linux support makes Surfshark a solid option for Steam Deck devotees. You’ll also find several other clients for Windows, MacOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS and the Amazon Fire TV. We tried out Surfshark on several devices -- whether you’re engaged in competitive online play, immersed in cloud game streaming or installing Spider-Man Remastered on Steam, Surfshark usually keeps up.
Internet speeds were fast, with a modest 17% average internet download speed loss that puts it up there with NordVPN (10%) and ExpressVPN (18%). Considering how well Surfshark maintains your internet connection -- all VPNs throttle your speed somewhat -- it's a great virtual private network for gaming. It’s tough to beat Surfshark’s value. With a bevy of server locations, an advanced feature set and stable internet speeds over the Wireguard or OpenVPN protocols, Surfshark is an affordable VPN for gaming.
Open-Source VPN
Proton VPN
- Highly transparent
- Open-source
- Unlimited free plan
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Split tunneling only available on Android and Windows
Proton VPN hails from the Swiss-based Proton AG, whose other offerings include Proton Mail, Proton Drive and Proton Calendar. Its reputation for privacy makes Proton VPN an excellent option for security-conscious gamers. Whereas most free VPNs are underwhelming, Proton Free bucks that trend as a high-performing, zero-cost option. It touts over 100 servers in three countries, no ads and excellent connection speeds. However, you’ll enjoy over 2,900 servers in over 65 countries with Proton’s paid tiers.
With just around 17% speed loss, Proton’s virtual private network won’t hurt your Diablo IV or Valorant performance. Sporting over 4,400 servers in more than 90 countries, chances are you can connect to a location that’s right for your gaming needs. Shockingly, Proton VPN’s free servers featured minimal speed loss of just around 7.64%, making it a rare no-cost VPN tier that’s actually worth using. Proton VPN packs a respectable server network, but it’s not quite as comprehensive as rivals like Nord and ExpressVPN.
Condolences, Linux and macOS users: Proton’s split tunneling is available only on Windows and Android. Especially for gaming, split tunneling is useful since you can route a game through your VPN while excluding other apps -- like Twitch -- from using your virtual private network. Additionally, Proton VPN lacks live chat support. We did appreciate Nord’s comprehensive troubleshooting guides, but beginners or folks with questions about accounts and billing might be disappointed.
Proton Plus costs $10 monthly, $72 per year, or $120 total for two years of service. As pricing goes, that’s middle of the pack; providers like IPVanish undercut Proton, while ExpressVPN and NordVPN charge a premium. On the whole, Proton VPN caters to privacy-minded users, and with its low speed loss -- even on the free plan -- it’s fantastic for gaming.
What is the best VPN for gaming right now?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming right now, thanks to its impressive speeds, excellent privacy protections and expansive global network of servers.
NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested, with a best-in-class 11% average internet download speed loss. Because a fast internet connection is paramount for gaming, Nord is a solid VPN solution that includes beefed-up privacy amenities and unique features that can enhance your gaming experience.
Surfshark is a solid alternative for anyone on a budget, because its WireGuard speeds are lightning fast, it’s easy to use, it has a wide selection of servers all over the world and is cheaper than most of the competition.
About VPNs for gaming
A virtual private network (or VPN, for short) is a security tool that helps to keep your online experience safe and your streaming activity private. A VPN will mask your IP address using encryption, which blocks your physical address from being discovered by websites and apps. Instead, they'll see the location of the remote server you're connecting to. If you live in Los Angeles, California, a virtual private network can connect you to a French server. The result is a mobile app or website seeing your internet traffic coming from France.
As a gamer, putting a virtual private network to use can improve your gaming sessions by decreasing lag and latency, which makes for a more enjoyable play experience. For example, you can connect to a VPN server geographically close to a game server in, say, Helldivers, for lower ping (the time it takes to transmit data from your PC to a server and back). With your IP address masked by way of the encryption process we explained above, your ISP will be blocked from stifling your connection. Take note, using a VPN for gaming does come with a collection of risks, including slowed connection speeds and TOS violations.
Our experts at CNET have spent years putting VPNs to the test, with the goal of silencing all the marketing noise to shine a spotlight on the best software options to fit your needs. While selecting the top VPNs, we mainly considered PC gaming -- on Linux, Windows and MacOS. That said, nearly all VPN providers offer Android and iOS apps for mobile gaming. You’ll even find streaming boxes and apps, including Apple TV, Android TV and the Amazon Fire Stick. Consoles like the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch don’t usually come with their own VPN apps -- instead, you’ll need to use a host PC or configure your internet set-up for a whole-home VPN.
Whether you want to reduce ping while connected to a game server, boost online protection or circumvent throttling limits, a virtual private network can take your game to the next level. But you’ll need to check specific game's terms of service to ensure you’re not violating subscriber agreements. Let’s dive into the best VPNs for gaming so you can keep playing your favorite titles.
Other VPNs we tested
IPVanish
IPVanish is a solid budget VPN for casual users -- including gamers. The monthly plan sets you back $13 per month. You’ll pay $42 for 12 months of service on the annual plan, then $90 per year after that. A two-year subscription goes for a fairly cheap $72 for 24 months of service and renews at $90 per year billed annually. While many VPN providers restrict the number of devices you can use at once, IPVanish flaunts unlimited simultaneous connections.
IPVanish’s apps are uncomplicated, working equally well for beginners and seasoned tech enthusiasts alike. With a VPN enabled, IPVanish’s speed loss is slightly higher than ExpressVPN and NordVPN but still competitive and usable for gaming. However, its unpredictable speeds make it a tough sell for video gamers who demand low lag. Likewise, IPVanish’s servers pepper 52 countries, which is decent but less than providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. Once promotional pricing runs out after a year or two (depending on your plan), IPVanish's prices are middling, considering its uneven upload/download speeds. With its uneven connection speeds, average pricing and smaller server contingent, other VPN providers outstrip IPVanish for gaming.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a capable budget-friendly alternative to Surfshark. If you’re looking for something even cheaper than Surfshark, but still a decent option for most gaming situations, then PIA is a good way to go. PIA’s speeds were considerably slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN in our testing with an average 49% internet download speed loss. While its connectivity still should be good enough for your casual gaming needs, PIA isn’t ideal for serious, competitive gamers. You’ll get access to a robust network of servers spanning 91 countries -- which is fewer than ExpressVPN and Surfshark but more than NordVPN, IPVanish and Proton VPN.
We also like how customizable the PIA app is. If you like to tinker with software and customize your experience to your exact specifications, you’ll be right at home with PIA. You can customize how much information related to your connection you want the app to display. But what’s even more useful to gamers is that you can customize the level of encryption for your connection, so you can dial in the perfect balance of speed and security for your gaming session. PIA works well across all major platforms and costs only $12 per month, $40 per year or $79 every three years.
How we test VPNs for gaming
Though we ran a series of hands-on gaming tests for this list, our evaluation of the best VPNs for gaming was based predominantly on our extensive research and previous testing of the services listed above. The scope of the online gaming universe is simply far too vast for us to be able to develop a testing protocol that would do justice to every little corner of online gaming. We’ve spent years testing VPNs and researching what they can accomplish for virtually any online activity, so we’re confident in our capacity to deliver a sound and trustworthy evaluation of gaming VPNs. We took into account each provider’s speeds, usability and features, platform compatibility, server network, privacy protections, and customer support to come up with our list of the best VPNs for gaming.
Factors to consider in a VPN for gaming
Based on our years of experience in the VPN field and our understanding of what online gamers need from a VPN, these are the most important factors to consider in a VPN for gaming:
Speed
VPN speeds are the No. 1 factor to consider when choosing a VPN for gaming, because slow speeds and high latency can ruin your gaming experience. Your VPN needs to be fast enough to deliver the speeds necessary to keep you in the game, especially in competitive settings. A fast VPN can even help you potentially lower your ping, depending on the VPN server you’re connecting to and the network you’re on. And if you’re experiencing inadequate speeds for gaming, there are things you can try to speed up your VPN connection.
Privacy
A major consideration for any VPN, regardless of the activity, is privacy. It’s important to have a VPN that can provide the necessary privacy protections to ensure your activity remains hidden and you’re safe from DDoS attacks and other threats from malicious actors while gaming. Make sure the VPN you choose has strong encryption standards and essential privacy features like DNS leak protection, a kill switch and a no-logs policy.
Server network
If you want to fully optimize your gaming experience, you’ll want a VPN that has servers in a wide selection of regions around the world. This will help ensure you have a speedy, stable connection regardless of where you are in the world. At the very least, you should make sure that the VPN you choose has servers located near your physical location and close to the servers of any games you play online.
Device compatibility
Of course, you want to make sure that the VPN is compatible with the platform(s) you’re gaming on. All of the VPNs we’ve listed above are compatible with and work well on all major platforms, so either one is a solid option whether you’re gaming on your PC, Mac or mobile device. If you’re a console gamer, you’ll need to make sure that your VPN works well on a router setup because gaming consoles don’t natively support VPN apps.
Help guides/customer support
If you’re having trouble with your VPN or have questions on how to optimize your VPN connection for gaming, it’s helpful to have a VPN that offers a robust help section along with accessible and knowledgeable customer support. Look for a VPN that has easy-to-follow setup guides for multiple platforms (including routers) and 24/7 customer support via live chat. Make sure that you have the appropriate help on hand when you need it, because responsive customer support and helpful guides can help ensure that your gaming session is not unnecessarily impeded upon.