The gaming industry is vast (especially online gaming). There have been several DDOS attacks that even the most famous online gamers have faced and have fallen victim to these malicious activities. So, hunting for the best gaming VPN is something one should not take for granted. It will protect you in other areas of your online activities and secure you from DDoS attacks from your (gaming) adversaries.
Here are some of the top gaming VPNs you can use for some added protection to your online gaming.
Best Gaming VPNs
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the most reliable, easiest, and fastest VPN for streaming videos and Disney Plus Original Films/Movies.
Get ExpressVPN Read The Review
SurfsharkVPN
Its apps are easy to use, and it will block almost everything with its Shadowsocks technology.
Get Surfshark Read The Review
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most accessible VPNs out there. It will allow you to access all kinds of streaming sites.
Get NordVPN Read The Review
IPVanish
IPVanish offers its users access to advanced security features that allow them to browse the internet in complete Anonymity.
Get IPVanish Read The Review
CyberGhost
With CyberGhost VPN, you can stay untraceable and anonymous online.
Get CyberGhost Read The Review
HotSpot Shield
HotSpot Shield is one of the best VPNs to help you defeat ISP throttling.
Get HotSpot Shield Read The ReviewThe biggest enemy of any online gamer is the connection speed that person is getting. Most of the gamers, streamer heads, or people overall who use a lot of data over the internet get punished by their local ISP (internet service provider) as they target those connections who have high-bandwidth usage and discourage their use by performing something called “ISP Throttling.” The purpose of doing this is to dispatch an equal bandwidth speed to all of the customers of that local ISP to treat everyone equally.
Based on this argument, one can say that “We are already facing ISP throttling issues, and using a VPN slows down your internet speed much more, so why should we go, and integrate our devices with a VPN?”. Well, one aspect of using a VPN that you may not be familiar with is “Defeating ISP Throttling.”
You see, once you install one of the best VPNs (overall) on your device, your chosen VPN will eliminate ISP throttling by anonymizing your traffic. This way, your local ISP will have no idea what you are doing, and thus they can’t throttle your internet speed.
User's Guide for the Best Gaming VPN
Even though speed is a significant factor while gaming online, your priorities should assemble by keeping privacy & security at the top. Your chosen gaming VPN should have:
- Great speeds.
- Robust built.
- Functional features for ultimate privacy and security.
- Variety of applications.
- Low ping times.
- Access regional servers and unblock geo-blocked content (games).
Secondly, your chosen VPN should allow you to use various servers and log on to unblock geo-restricted online games which are otherwise not available in your geographical location.
The gaming VPN you’ll select should also have a wide range of applications, especially for your routers, so you can protect all your gaming devices by connecting to the VPN-holding router. Also, the VPN should support PS4, Xbox, Switch, and many other famous gaming platforms.
Most of the top-ranked VPNs not only help you play your online games securely and with protection but also will unlock several streaming sites with ease like Netflix (and its libraries), Disney Plus, Hulu, Kodi, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
1. ExpressVPN
Overview
ExpressVPN is placed at the top for the best gaming VPN for two reasons, i.e., privacy protection & speed optimization. An online gamer requires both of these things, and ExpressVPN is delivering it.
Specifications
- Defeat ISP Throttling
- Lower Pings Levels
- Lagging Prevention
- Split Tunneling
- TrustedServer Technology
- Kill Switch (Network Locked)
- Private DNS
- AES-256 bit Encryption
- Zero-Logs Policy
- Public WiFi Safety
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Network Lock Kill Switch
- Advanced Leak Protection
Free Trail?
Yes!
Start your ExpressVPN journey with a 30-Day money-back Guarantee. Start your ExpressVPN journey with a 30-Day money-back Guarantee.
Benefits
- Ping levels are very low.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content easily.
- Speed is great.
- A great value for money VPN.
- A huge number of servers.
- Great functionality of apps
Drawbacks
- A bit pricey
App Available on
ExpressVPN consists of 3,000+ servers spread across 94+ countries of the world, making it easy to make fast connections and unblock various geo-restricted websites you are looking to access.
The speed scenario that we have discussed in our complete ExpressVPN review speaks for itself. It is one of the fastest VPNs in the industry, and not only is it famous for its speed, but it also delivers stable and reliable services. You can expect those speed factors and connectivity on all of the servers owned by ExpressVPN. Your ping rates will also drop if you connect your gaming devices with ExpressVPN.
Not only speed, but ExpressVPN also comes with robust security features, which you can check out in the specifications table above. The type of security delivered by ExpressVPN will protect you from all kinds of DDoS attacks, even in the middle of your online gaming. The use of the VPN makes your entire internet traffic encrypted; that’s why there is not even a single loophole that can be used against you.
The applications of ExpressVPN are engaging custom applications across all types of devices. Starting from the setup of the VPN app to using it is all very easy. Also, on their support site, there are complete detailed guides that you can go through and start setting up your ExpressVPN app step-by-step on your selected device like Xbox or PlayStation.
Once you get tired of playing games and want to relax after your hectic gaming sessions, there is no need to switch off your VPN. You can use that same gaming VPN to unblock streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Kodi, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. It unblocks various Netflix libraries also and helps you explore TV series and movies based on geo-restrictions. Netflix bans VPNs like Avast Secureline VPN as Netflix’s algorithms can detect VPNs easily and blacklist those VPNs and even the users using those VPNs.
ExpressVPN is available for all devices and operating software like PlayStation, Xbox, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and several others.
2. Surfshark VPN
Overview
Surfshark VPN has the best Kill Switch in the market, along with great DNS and IP address leak protection. The speeds are incredible, and the overall functionality is outstanding.
Specifications
- Beats ISP Throttling
- Zero-logging policy
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections.
- DNS and IP leak protection
- CleanWeb
- OpenVPN & IKEv2 security protocol
- WireGuard protocol
- AES-256 bit encryption
Free Trail?
Benefits
- Fast and reliable connection
- Kill Switch feature works effectively
- Unblocks geo-restricted content with ease.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections at one given time
Drawbacks
- Customer support needs improvement
Surfshark VPN is cheap, practical, slender, lean, and a user-friendly VPN. It has one of the most excellent lists of features even in comparison to NordVPN or ExpressVPN. It is highly optimized to prevent and protect your online browsing activity by encrypting your entire internet traffic via AES-256 bit encryption, military-grade encryption used by substantial financial institutions, sensitive agencies, militaries, and corporate businesses.
Surfshark VPN will allow you to game online safely even if you are connected to public WiFi. In our detailed Surfshark VPN review, we looked at its speed and performance, and we were blown away by the stats it placed on the board as it is a relatively newer VPN.
It used both the WireGuard and OpenVPN security protocol in its VPN product. The most speedy protocol is the modern WireGuard protocol, which helps you establish security and speed while being online.
Surfshark VPN has a network of more than 3,200+ servers in 65+ locations globally, which makes it almost impossible for you to suffer from a connection loss. It’s a fantastic thing to witness when such a robust and stringent VPN product can be easily accessed at such lower prices.
It unblocks streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Kodi, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer with ease and transfers consistent speeds with minimum lagging and latency. You can forget about hacking attacks, Malware, and malicious software crawling over your device just because some unhappy gamer is mad at you. Surfshark VPN protects you from all of that with features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, etc.
Surfshark VPN is available on all the major platforms like Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Mac, and various gaming platforms.
3. NordVPN
Overview
NordVPN utilizes its very own NordLynx security protocol (based on WireGuard tech) to maintain consistent speeds while maintaining a robust online security layer around their customers.
Specifications
- Onion over VPN
- IP servers (dedicated)
- Kill Switch
- Obfuscated Servers
- Double VPN
- No-Logs
- CyberSec
- Server filters
Free Trail?
Generally No!
NordVPN does not have a FREE Trial.
Benefits
- It’s affordable and user-friendly.
- Unblock content easily, free of censorship.
- Unblocks Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more.
- Very good at replacing your IP address.
- Unblock streaming websites easily like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, etc.
- The Network Kill Switch is the best in the market.
- DoubleVPN (multihop features are pretty amazing).
Drawbacks
- The open configuration of NordVPN in all of its apps is pretty difficult to deal with.
- The application gets laggy sometimes
NordVPN has been marketed repeatedly by the company and major advertising agencies as one of the world’s most potent VPN service providers. There is no doubt that the privacy policies adopted by NordVPN, in addition to outstanding security features, make it a pretty full VPN service, but is it good enough for online gaming, and can it be considered to be a gaming VPN?
In our detailed NordVPN review, we have discussed the speed and performance offered by NordVPN, and it did not disappoint us. The two significant VPN aspects which make a VPN a gaming VPN are:
- Speed optimization
- Security from external online threats
NordVPN provides you with both of the above. It makes you impossible to track, masks your IP address, and hides you from the world. You become utterly anonymous in the world of the internet, thereby protecting you from all types of DDoS attacks and phishing situations. It mitigates your total internet traffic.
If you draw a line of comparison with ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN, NordVPN easily beats them in the network of servers category. Right now, NordVPN has 5,400+ servers in 62+ countries globally and makes you connect to all types of servers via its server filtration system.
For instance, you need a server for online gaming. NordVPN will assist you in identifying the best services which you can use to play online games without any lags or latency issues. Suppose you are in the mood of binge-watching something on a streaming website of your choice, like Netflix, Hulu, Kodi, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. In that case, you can again utilize their server filter to extract the list of best servers following your geographical location for max speeds.
NordVPN is available on a wide range of devices like Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Mac, and even routers. NordVPN is pretty straightforward to set up and use. It’s also available on various gaming platforms and works quite well with them.
4. IPVanish
Overview
IPVanish allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices for added protection and offers a set of one of the most powerful security features one can ask for.
Specifications
- Safe WiFi Access
- Anonymous Internet Browsing
- Location & IP Address Privacy
- Advanced Network Encryption
- Ad Tracking Protection
- Encrypted Cloud Backup
- Automatic Syncing
- Remote Data Wiping
- Full Sharing Controls
- In-app File Editing
Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content with ease
- P2P activity is great.
Drawbacks
- Unblocking of sites is limited (like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video cannot be accessed).
IPVanish is a tech VPN, and this makes it an ideal VPN for gaming. The user interface of all of its apps is pretty impressive and easy to use. Gamers are mostly quick and have good reflexes, so they always look for a user-friendly product or service following their standards.
The speed factors of IPVanish are fantastic, and it clocks a speed of 90% compared to your actual internet speed without a VPN. It gives you the liberty to install IPVanish on your router, and based on its unlimited simultaneous connections policy. You can protect every device in your home or business under the umbrella of the VPN. It is supported on several machines and has completely functional applications on all of those devices.
IPVanish is a VPN heaven for those people who like tech and technology-friendly software. IPVanish displays a very detailed set of information on all of its servers, which can be exciting for gamers looking to get a gaming VPN. If you have strong concerns concerning ping timing, then IPVanish is the VPN you can go for and make a long-term commitment.
Besides gaming, IPVanish also helps unblock streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and several other major streaming platforms. However, it does not unblocks Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
5. CyberGhost
Overview
CyberGhost protects your devices by DNS and IP leak protection while delivering incredible speeds.
Specifications
- OpenVPN
- WireGuard
- Seven (7) Devices Simultaneous Connections.
- No-Logs Policy.
- AES-256 Encryption.
- IP Leak Protection.
- DNS Leak Protection.
- Unlimited Bandwidth and Traffic.
- Kill Switch (Automatic).
Free Trail?
Benefits
- Works best for unblocking Netflix and withholds the upload speeds.
- Huge Network of Servers.
- Allows Multi-Platform Connections.
- Has a good combination of features.
Drawbacks
- Relatively expensive
- Several servers are slow
App Available on
CyberGhost VPN has console VPN strategies/clients for PlayStations and Xbox gaming consoles and helps you guide step-by-step in setting up the VPN on your device. You can also set up your CyberGhost on Nintendo Switch, making your online gaming more secure with incredible speeds.
This makes your devices protected from all types of DDoS attacks from which you can suffer from as without the shield of a VPN, and you are unprotected when you are online. CyberGhost is integrated with a great set of features to enhance your security.
It has 6,000+ servers spread across 88+ countries of the world. This wide variety of servers helps you auto-connect to the most suited server to meet your online security needs with fast online connections.
Another huge advantage you get for using CyberGhost VPN is its unblocking capabilities in streaming websites. It unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Kodi, and Disney Plus seamlessly and delivers latency-free streaming. Also, it unblocks various Netflix libraries and console libraries which you can otherwise not access easily.
CyberGhost utilizes the WireGuard security protocol, which was invented in 2019. It is only made up of 4,000 lines of code, which are made to beat OpenVPN technology. It has already exceeded the more tested OpenVPN protocol in the speed sector. CyberGhost has integrated its VPN tech with WireGuard to deliver a modern VPN service to its customers. So, you can expect incredible speeds while you are gaming online with friends and foes.
CyberGhost is available on Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Mac, Router, Gaming Consoles, etc.
6. Hotspot Shield
Overview
The downloading and uploading speeds on Hotspot Shield VPN are incredible. It hides your IP address with efficiency and helps you in P2P file transfers.
Specifications
- Military-Grade Encryption (AES-256 & AES-128).
- Hydra VPN Protocol.
- Unlimited Bandwidth.
- Premium VPN Servers.
- Ad-Free.
- Malware Protection.
- Privacy Browsing.
- No-Logs.
- Kill Switch.
Benefits
- Works best with Netflix & P2P.
- It’s very fast, and the speeds are very reliable.
- Protection from Malware like an antivirus.
- The application’s design is user-friendly and is very interactive.
- Unblocks all types of streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc
Drawbacks
- Limited data (500MB/Day).
- Customer Support needs improvement
Hotspot Shield delivers great downloading and uploading speeds and is one of the most known VPNs as it can also be attained Free, but the free version has limited capabilities. The sheer speed of Hotspot Shield makes it an ideal gaming VPN.
The premium version of Hotspot Shield has unlimited data bandwidth, and you can game all day long with this VPN without breaking a sweat. It comes integrated with their very own Catapult Hydra security protocol, which is based upon WireGuard technology. Its sole purpose is to deliver incredible speeds, beat ISP throttling, and create a secure online network for its users.
When it comes to the no-logging policy of Hotspot Shield, it can be a concern for some people as it does collect some data of its users. However, the data it contains cannot be used to track back to the customer, and one can stay safe in this regard.
Hotspot Shield is available on all major platforms of the gaming world and operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. You can also integrate Hotspot Shield on your router and connect all your home and business devices simultaneously to create a VPN-friendly environment.
Final Say
A gamer might go for a gaming VPN for defeating ISP throttling as one might be facing problems with an unstable internet connection and this is intruding with the online gaming experience.
Using a VPN is completely legal except for a few countries, you can check whether using a VPN in your country is legal or not. The other reason why gamers might go for a VPN shield is to protect themselves from DDoS attacks and avoid getting hacked by a competitor. Also, to stop Google from tracking their activities.
Overall, using a gaming VPN can bring you an additional layer of security (+ other benefits), and by not getting a VPN you are missing out on a lot!
The Best VPN Services (price wise) - Comparison Chart
|
Servers | Location of Servers (Countries) | No-logs | Kill Switch | Unlimited Bandwidth | Jurisdiction | Simultaneous Connections | Encryption | Free Trial | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 5,400 | 62 | Panama | 6 | AES-256-GCM | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ | 94 | The British Virgin Islands | 5 | AES-256 | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
| SurfSharkVPN | 3200 | 65+ | The British Virgin Islands | Unlimited | AES-256 | $2.49/month (1-year) | ||||
| PureVPN | 6,500 | 140 | Hong Kong | 10 | AES-256 | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | ||||
| AtlasVPN | 700+ | 27+ | Delaware, USA | Unlimited | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.99/month(1-Year) | |||
| ProtonVPN | 1,246 | 55 | Switzerland | 4-10 | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | |||
| VPNUnlimited | 500+ | 80 | NewYork, USA | 5-10 | AES-256 | $4.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| CyberGhost | 6,000 | 88 | Romania | 1-7 | AES-256 | $3.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| HotspotShield | 1,800 | 80 | United States | 5 | AES-256 | $7.99/month to $11.99/month(1-Year) |
