A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is commonly associated with two things: pretending you're in a different country and online security. But that's not the limit of a VPN's potential. No, A VPN can actually be a bit of a game-changer for online gamers, with a good one offering smoother connections, lower ping, and access to region-locked titles.
By routing your connection through a secure server, a VPN hides your IP and encrypts your data, keeping your gaming sessions private and protected, and that's a solid enough reason in our eyes to subscribe to one.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best VPNs for gaming based on their delivering the right mix of speed, security, and value, allowing you to focus on your performance witghout worrying about lag or restrictions.
Best Overall
Most Servers
Free VPN
Budget-friendly
Mid-tier Price
What Makes a VPN Good for Gaming?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The perfect VPN depends on your specific needs, including:
- Your preferred game servers and regions
- Budget for monthly or yearly subscriptions
- Device compatibility (PC, console, or mobile)
- Desired balance between speed and security
Below are five top VPN options, each catering to different gaming priorities.
Why we chose ExpressVPN
Considered one of the top VPNs, in general, ExpressVPN is a strong choice for gaming due to its combination of speed, reliability, and wide server coverage.
I personally use it, so I can confirm it delivers fast connections and low-latency performance to really minimize mid-game lag. Meanwhile, its network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries ensures you can connect close to your game server for optimal performance and minimal delay.
Security is another of ExpressVPN's strongholds, featuring AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and TrustedServer technology that wipes all data on every reboot. You can also benefit from multiple secure protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and WireGuard, which maintain stable connections even during extended play sessions.
Perhaps the best part about ExpressVPN is how easy it is to use, though. The app is extremely straightforward to use, both on mobile and on a computer if you're a PC gamer. Plus, alongside MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN is compatible on console to, as per the video above.
ExpressVPN is really an all-rounder when it comes to speed, security, and server locations, and a top-tier VPN option for gaming as well as video streaming, content creation, and just generally being online.
Why we chose NordVPN
Rated highly by us here at Gfinity, NordVPN is particularly strong for gaming thanks to its massive server network and fast, reliable connections. With over 8,300 servers across 165+ locations, it’s easy to find a server close to your game’s servers, reducing lag and improving ping for smoother online play.
NordVPN also has a slew of security features in place. Its AES-256 encryption, strict no-logs policy, and Threat Protection Pro tools help protect against DDoS attacks, malware, and intrusive ads, which all play a critical role in maintaining a safe and uninterrupted gaming experience.
Switching servers is simple within the app, letting you quickly access region-locked games or play on servers in different countries. Plus, NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support if any connection issues arise.
Inexpensive subscription options make it accessible for all, with plans starting as low as $2.99/month. As a result, NordVPN combines security, speed, and server variety to deliver a VPN experience well-suited for gaming.
Why we chose PrivadoVPN
For gamers who want to try a VPN without paying, PrivadoVPN is an excellent choice. Crucially, it has a free tier that offers 13 server locations and 10GB of monthly data, making it ideal for casual gaming or testing how a VPN affects your connection before committing to a paid plan.
Despite being free, PrivadoVPN doesn’t compromise on security or speed. Every connection is protected with AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, keeping your gaming activity private. Of course, paid plans expand access to servers in 50 countries, allowing you to connect closer to game servers for lower latency and smoother multiplayer sessions.
PrivadoVPN also offers features ideal for gaming. Take split tunneling, for example, which lets you route only your game through the VPN for maximum speed while other apps connect directly. There's also threat protection to block malware and phishing attempts during online play.
Its paid plans are affordable, starting at $1.33/month with an annual plan, making it easy to upgrade if you want unlimited server access. But even its free tier is a great choice, just to try while gaming if nothing else.
Why we chose VeePN
VeePN is a budget-friendly VPN that puts forward a strong gaming case, thanks to its secure and reliable connections without breaking the bank. With over 2,600 servers in 85 countries, it provides plenty of options to connect near your game servers, helping reduce lag and maintain smooth online play.
Despite its low price, it still offers AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch to prevent data leaks — essential for protecting your gaming accounts and personal data during online sessions.
Multi-device support ensures you can protect your PC, console, or mobile device simultaneously, and its intuitive interface makes switching servers or adjusting settings quick and easy.
Based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside major intelligence-sharing alliances, VeePN also provides an extra layer of peace of mind for gamers who value anonymity. But, of course, the best thing is that its plans are extremely affordable, starting at just $1.99/month, making it accessible for casual gamers or anyone wanting a low-cost VPN solution.
Why we chose Surfshark
Surfshark is a strong mid-range (price-wise) VPN, with a network of over 4,500 RAM-only servers across 100 countries to virtually access. RAM-only servers also ensure no user data is ever stored permanently, adding an extra layer of privacy for your gaming sessions.
Surfshark delivers excellent security on top of this, with AES-256-GCM encryption and support for modern protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, protecting your connection without slowing down gameplay.
Additional features like a Kill Switch and CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware, help keep your gaming experience safe and uninterrupted.
Unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can protect all your devices at once — PC, console, or mobile — without needing multiple subscriptions. And its pricing, starting at just $1.69/month for the Starter plan, makes it a compelling option for gamers seeking a reliable VPN in the mid-tier range.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN for Gaming
When selecting a VPN, focus on:
- Low latency & fast speeds – To minimize lag
- Server locations – More options near your gaming servers improve performance
- Bandwidth limits – Unlimited bandwidth prevents interruptions
- Device compatibility – PC, console, or mobile support
- Security & privacy – AES-256 encryption without slowing gameplay
- Reliability – Stable connections to avoid mid-game disconnects
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