Cyberattacks are on the rise and hackers, cheaters, and sore losers are always looking for new ways to ruin your session. So, how can you fight back? A gaming VPN has you covered.
The best VPN services have become invaluable tools for gamers, from protecting against DDoS attacks to accessing region-locked games and saving money in international game sales. Whether you're joining forces with friends across the globe or just looking to protect yourself online, VPNs are a go-to solution for anyone seeking unrestricted access and enhanced privacy.
TechRadar's team has over 300 years of expertise between them, and our experts use and test VPNs every day. I've rounded up the best services (ideal for PC, or your PS5 and Xbox) and ranked them based on their speed test results, server network, and security tools. So, keep reading to check out my shortlist of the best gaming VPNs in 2024.
As a digital privacy advocate and expert, he's spent the past four years leveraging his master's degree to research VPNs, cryptography, and other cybersecurity topics.
The three best gaming VPNs at a glance
A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of VPNs—and figuring out which services are worth your time (and cash) can be a daunting task. I've compared the speeds, security toolkits, ease of use, and price of the industry's top dogs, so you can find the VPN of your dreams and shore up your digital security.
In a hurry? Take a look at the three best gaming VPNs around below:
Andreas is our in-house digital privacy expert and an avid gamer. As well as VPNs, he's previously written research about the Dark Souls series, wireless gaming headsets at PCGamesN, and reviewed games on StartMenu.
The best gaming VPNs in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Let's take a deeper look at the best VPNs for gaming, and see how each of them faired in my latest round of testing.
The best VPN for gaming online
✔️ You want low latency: keeping your ping low is vital when playing competitive matches. ExpressVPN offers fast, reliable connections for uninterrupted gameplay.
✔️ You like the ability to bypass region locks: for accessing international game libraries and snagging the best game deals.
✔️ You appreciate strong protection: cloaking your real location can help prevent DDoS attacks (and keeps snoopers off your back.)
❌ You need a budget-friendly VPN: ExpressVPN's prices match its quality. If you need a cheap gaming VPN, I'd recommend Surfshark or PIA.
❌ You need a dedicated IP: static IPs are great for unblocking services abroad. While ExpressVPN regularly rotates its IP addresses, you'll want to use Nord or Surfshark if you need a dedicated IP address.
🔒ExpressVPN, while pricier, excels in performance, security, and accessibility, making it our top choice for enhancing your gaming experience.
Check out our ExpressVPN review for an in-depth look at why we think it's the best VPN around, not just for gaming.
ExpressVPN tops our list of the best gaming VPNs because it offers reliable, super-fast speeds around the globe, and can be installed on almost any device you can think of. Its sheer attention to detail and high-quality apps and network means it regularly tops our charts for the best VPN.
With servers in over 160 locations across 105 countries, ExpressVPN makes globe-hopping a breeze, so you can play with your friends, no matter where you are. Plus, it makes getting games, DLC, and other services cheaper—saving you money by letting you access game store sales in other countries. Our tests showed ExpressVPN easily accessed sites around the world and even unblocked Netflix in every region we threw at it.
▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
With the proprietary Lightway protocol, you get fantastic speeds (averaging from 720 Mbps to 750 Mbps), kicking lag, latency, and packet loss out the window, and even counteracting bandwidth throttling from your internet provider. What's more, Lightway offers the latest and greatest in encryption, meaning you're always protected from cheaters who might try to DDoS you and kick you out of a match for showing them how the game is meant to be played. Oh, and Lightway smashed its most recent third-party audit (which took place in late 2022), proving ExpressVPN's commitment to transparency.
ExpressVPN's 3,200 RAM-only servers mean data is never stored, and every boot wipes any short-term data clean. While NordVPN and PIA both offer a much larger network of servers, ExpressVPN opts for quality over quantity and has a considerably higher number of server locations.
Rotating IP addresses and proactively monitoring its unblocking capabilities means ExpressVPN's network almost never struggles to access content, and if it does, a 24/7 support team is on hand to help you get through, offering expert advice, friendly support, and a wealth of articles to help you to game anywhere, anytime, whatever your platform.
This does mean, however, that you won't have a static or dedicated IP address. If having a VPN which is singularly yours is important to you, then NordVPN or Surfshark are a better option.
It's also worth noting that ExpressVPN's Threat Manager recently landed on Windows and Mac—which is great news for PC gamers looking to shore up their malware protection. The solution also puts a stop to websites and apps passing your details on to dodgy third parties without your knowledge.
All-in-all, ExpressVPN is a high-quality service that delivers on all fronts—giving genuine internet freedom, privacy, and security while you game online. That's why it's the best VPN for gaming in 2024.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best gaming VPN with antivirus
✔️ You need comprehensive protection: NordVPN comes with built-in ad-blocking, antivirus, dark web monitoring, personal data removal, password management, and even secure cloud storage.
✔️ You need a dedicated IP address: static IP addresses are readily available, making it easier and faster to unblock sites around the globe.
✔️ You want to host game servers: NordVPN's Meshnet feature is free to all users, giving up to 60 devices of your choosing access to your network, so you can host a local server and play with friends anywhere in the world.
❌ You want a simple interface: NordVPN's map-style interface offers fun novelty, but if you want an app with a big central connect button, you're better off with ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
❌ You need to connect more than six devices: it's becoming increasingly common for providers to offer more than eight simultaneous connections—Surfhark and PIA even offer unlimited connections.
🔒NordVPN is a trusted ally for gamers, providing rock-solid security and super-fast servers that make online gaming a breeze.
Check out our NordVPN review to see how it compares to ExpressVPN, and why it currently ranks as our best VPN for Netflix.
NordVPN makes a great gaming VPN as it understands gamers' needs, and is very aware of the dangers of DDoS attacks. With its proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), you get reliable protection with speeds of over 950 Mbps—that's 38 times more than you need to stream in 4K and more than double what we saw from PIA. Unless you're running more than a gigabit broadband bandwidth, you're unlikely to see any slowdown from connecting to Nord's servers—making lag, latency, and high ping a thing of the past.
On top of that, NordVPN's Meshnet feature makes hosting game servers easy, allowing up to 60 devices of your choosing to access your network, meaning you can play local multiplayer games with your friends even if they're halfway around the world. It could even provide a solution to the Netflix password-sharing ban, since it allows different devices to use the same IP address without being physically present in the same location. Best of all, NordVPN recently made the Meshnet feature totally free to use—so you don't need a paid subscription to share the love.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN's robust encryption and wealth of security features protect you from potential DDoS attacks, ensuring a secure and uninterrupted gaming experience. In fast-paced, competitive games like World of Warcraft or EVE Online, having peace of mind that no one can cheat and unexpectedly kick you from the game's server is well worth its weight in gold (and Inter-Stellar Kredit).
Personally, I quite like the map-oriented interface—it's fun and offers differentiation from the usual VPN app designs. However, I appreciate the layout and amount of customization can be a bit overwhelming for VPN beginners. If you're after something with a big one-click connect function dominating the screen, I'd recommend ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or CyberGhost VPN instead.
NordVPN offers servers in 60 countries, which will be plenty for most users, but is significantly less than every other provider on this list. Still, these servers are reliable, and great for accessing international discounts, and accessing games before they're available in your country. For example, you can download the latest JRPG as it's released by connecting to servers in Japan, rather than having to wait until it's globally available.
With a whole suite of cybersecurity tools available to keep you safe online, NordVPN also has your back when you're not gaming, too. For example, the service set up NordLabs, a digital testing ground where developers can try out new solutions to evolving cybersecurity issues.
Ultimately, NordVPN is a great option for gamers looking to save money on an all-in-one security suite. Rather than buying lots of individual services, Nord lets you have a single, budget-friendly subscription that leaves more money for the latest Steam sale.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun design that can be a little busy for some people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Everything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of our fastest VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Every bit as strong as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly, supportive and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap gaming VPN
✔️ You need a budget-friendly VPN: Surfshark offers serious value for money without sacrificing quality. It's a win/win.
✔️ You need unlimited device connections: protect every device you own, and those of everyone you know, all on a single subscription.
✔️ You want the fastest gaming VPN: the VPN soared to the top of our fastest VPN rankings after our most recent round of tests.
❌ You need physical servers nearby: many of Surfshark's servers are virtual instances, which can be both a blessing and a curse depending on where you are.
❌ You need a reliable kill switch: while Surfshark generally performs great, our tests revealed kill-switch issues on Windows under extreme stress.
🔒Surfshark offers budget-friendly pricing, unlimited connections, and strong security features to keep gamers protected.
Check out our Surfshark VPN review to see why this cheap VPN punches so far above its own weight.
Surfshark is one of my long-term favorites for gaming, and it currently tops our charts as both the fastest VPN around and the best cheap VPN. For as little as $1.99 per month, you get unlimited connections, lightning-fast speeds, and watertight security.
If you're sceptical about the quality of a gaming VPN at such a low price point, then rest assured - Surfshark promises an absolute bank for its buck and absolutely does not sacrifice quality despite being so budget-friendly. While it may be lacking on the server side unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it still covers a huge amount of world as it has servers in over 100 countries. Plus, much like Nord, it offers a full security toolkit to keep you protected online no matter what.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark's intuitive interface lends itself well to gamers, so if you're new to the world of VPNs, Surfshark will ease you in gently with its clean apps and clear installation guides.
Recently Surfshark launched Dedicated IP addresses, giving you a fixed IP that is yours and yours alone—catching up with NordVPN and PIA. This boosts connection stability, particularly when accessing IP-sensitive online gaming portals.
While swatting and doxing continue to wreak havoc on gamers' and streamers' lives, Surfshark's advanced WireGuard encryption makes masking your identity simpler. By encrypting your online activities and masking your IP address, Surfshark provides a fortified defense against these malicious activities, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Our stress tests revealed some minor kill-switch issues on Windows under extreme circumstances, however.
On top of that, Surfshark is undeniably awesome at unblocking streaming services. Our latest round of testing showed it unblocked every service in every region we tried—so whether you're binging old favorites or checking out new international releases, you're not going to run out of shows anytime soon. Plus, its global coverage makes Surfshark a great option for unblocking Steam libraries.
Overall, Surfshark offers a high-quality, low-cost VPN that punches way above its weight. It may not have the best Windows kill-switch, but with when you consider the value for money, it's still an impressive service.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Elegant, simple, and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for beginners, and seamless connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than all of our top picks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocked everything we threw at it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues, and the built-in ad blocker and antivirus wasn't as good as we were expecting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate to when you need help on the fly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The best cheap VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You want access to a wide server network: CyberGhost VPN offers 9524 servers in 90 countries, with dedicated gaming servers to choose from.
✔️ You value a user-friendly interface: incredibly easy to set up, and works from the get-go, so you don't have to worry about technical customizations.
❌ You want a cheap dedicated IP: CyberGhost VPN's dedicated IPs will cost you at least $4 per month if you're on a 2-year subscription.
❌ You want to install it on lots of devices: a seven-device limit means you have to remove a registered device from the Web Control Panel—most other providers limit by connections instead.
🔒 CyberGhost VPN is a decent choice for beginners, but struggles to compete with the overall performance of leading providers.
Check out our CyberGhost VPN review to see how it compares to ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
CyberGhost VPN's dedicated gaming servers make it no surprise it's in the top five. Alongside this, you can use CyberGhost's handy Xbox and Playstation VPN workarounds, as well as guidance on reaping the benefits of its service on your Nintendo Switch, to make sure you get the absolute most out of your console(s).
Also able to protect you against DDoS attacks, CyberGhost plays host to a number of great features which will help boost your security, including auto-connecting to your favorite server at launch for an almost-instantaneous secure connection.
▶ Try CyberGhost VPN with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
If you use your console(s) for streaming Netflix, you'll be glad to know CyberGhost can bypass geo-restrictions and unblock US Netflix and Prime Video, although it did struggle to access Disney Plus in our latest round of testing. This means you'll be able to access different regions of your gaming stores and get around blocks IP address blocks put in place by your school or workplace, but not as reliably as you would with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
While CyberGhost's apps are easy to use, its support site could do with some TLC. It isn't always easy getting VPNs to play nice with consoles or for streaming—and other providers on this list have spent more time and effort developing a library of handy articles to help where you need it.
Previously, we raised concerns about CyberGhost not having a third-party audit of its no-logs policy, but in March 2023, CyberGhost was audited by Deloitte. Giving privacy purists like myself greater faith that the service does exactly what it says on the tin.
CyberGhost is a robust service that offers good console support, and with a 45-day money-back guarantee, you get longer than any other service to try it out.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, intuitive, and easily customizable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting a simple experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds that are great for torrenting, streaming and gaming online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers, but struggled to unblock Disney Plus | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust and reliable with a third-party audit from Deloitte | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Agents are helpful, but the on-site content could be better | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value and competitive pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You're a Linux or Steam Deck gamer: a long-time favorite of the Linux community, PIA has a reliable and dedicated app.
✔️ You prioritize security and privacy: PIA is one of the only services to have proven its no-logs claims in court, not once, but twice.
❌ You need a fast VPN: with speeds of 360 Mbps, PIA is fast enough for streaming and gaming, but if you're planning on streaming while you play, you'd be better off with Surfshark.
❌ You're new to VPNs: PIA is targeted towards advanced users looking to tweak their service. Because of this, it can be off-putting for beginners.
🔒Private Internet Access is lauded for its proven security and privacy and offers a wealth of features for a budget-friendly price.
Check out our Private Internet Access VPN review to see how it compares to other leading VPN services.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an industry veteran, and an excellent alternative to more expensive services, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. I love that PIA's dedicated Linux app makes it a great Steam Deck VPN. This allows you to unblock your favorite games and even take advantage of global game sales to save money, all while integrating seamlessly.
In fact, with more servers than any other VPN provider we recommend, PIA makes bypassing geo-restrictions a breeze. It flew through every content-unblocking test we threw at it, and with dedicated streaming servers, it's even easier to watch your favorite shows no matter where you are.
▶ Try Private Internet Access with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PIA comes with a bunch of security features built-in, including malware and ad-blocking capabilities through its MACE feature. This gives gamers additional layers of protection, especially if you're downloading and installing lots of mods.
Where PIA comes unstuck is its speed. With WireGuard download speeds peaking at 360 Mbps (down from 510 Mbps in our previous tests), it's another clear example of quantity not equalling quality. I'm hopeful it'll reclaim some speed in future tests, but for now, it's the slowest service on our list.
All things considered, PIA is a reliable and proven VPN service that's been popular among privacy purists for a long time, and for good reason. With unlimited simultaneous connections, a proven track record, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, it's well worth putting to the test and seeing how it compares to our other recommendations before you commit to one in particular.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lots of customization, but could do with some attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not the best for beginners, but great for advanced users | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds, but generally underwhelming compared to industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers and an enormous global network help you unblock anything and everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The latest and greatest in VPN tech, and a proven no-logging policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | A mass of knowledge online and expert support on-hand at all times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget-friendly and offering plenty of value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) works by creating a secure tunnel between your device and a remote server to encrypt your data and bypass web censorship. Apowerful ally for gamers seeking online protection from hackers, cheaters, cybercriminals, and oppressive governments alike, VPNs offer a range of benefits that empower users to reclaim control of their online experiences.
Whether you're concerned about online security, want to access geo-restricted content, or simply browse the web with anonymity, a VPN can be your trusty companion in the digital realm. Stay tuned as we delve into the inner workings of VPNs and explore how they can enhance your online life and gaming.
How to pick a gaming VPN
At TechRadar, our team is made up of VPN experts who are constantly using, testing, and reviewing the industry's main players and promising newcomers—but a lot of us are avid gamers, too. So, pooling our combined knowledge of the cybersecurity industry, 10 years of experience reporting on everything in the VPN world, and our combined passion for all things gaming, we've determined that these are the key features to keep in mind when choosing a VPN:
Speed: a top-tier VPN for gamers must offer blazing-fast connections, minimal latency, and stable performance. Whether you're engaging in high-octane battles or exploring vast virtual landscapes, a VPN that can keep up with your gaming demands is crucial.
Server locations: gaming knows no borders, and the best VPN for gamers must transcend geographical limitations. Look for a VPN with a vast server network, strategically placed across the globe. Unlock restricted content, access region-specific game releases, and connect to servers closest to gaming servers to minimize ping and maximize your gaming potential.
Security: pick a VPN that offers robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security features. Shield your gaming sessions from potential DDoS attacks, safeguard your personal information, and game with peace of mind in a secure environment.
Take a VPN into your gaming toolbelt, and you'll stop cheaters in their tracks. Masking your IP and unblocking your speeds helps beat unexpected lag, packet loss, and sudden disconnections.
Device compatibility: nowadays, you can play games on pretty much any gadget with an internet connection. Whether you prefer to play via your fancy PC rig, a console, your mobile, or a tablet, you'll want a VPN that works with your chosen platform. Most of today's top services offer intuitive apps for pretty much all devices, as well as multiple simultaneous connections that'll allow you to share the love with friends and family.
Ease of use: finding a VPN that seamlessly integrates with your gaming setup is key. Look for a VPN that supports multiple platforms and devices, ensuring compatibility with your gaming rig, consoles, or mobile devices. A user-friendly interface, easy installation, and intuitive controls are essential for a hassle-free gaming experience—but I've whipped up a guide that'll show you how to use a VPN if you need a helping hand.
Customer support: if things go wrong in the heat of battle, having quick and reliable support is crucial. Make sure you consider the customer support available. Is it email only, or does it offer a 24/7 live chat with a human and not a robot that sends you in circles? Responsive assistance, troubleshooting guides, and an active user community can make a significant difference when you encounter any obstacles along your gaming journey.
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, choosing the best VPN can elevate your gaming experience to unprecedented heights. Speed, global reach, security, compatibility, and reliable support are the cornerstones of a VPN fit for gamers.
Remember: the best VPN is the one that aligns with your gaming needs, empowering you to unlock new horizons, transcend boundaries, and conquer virtual realms with unrivaled precision. We can show you which services are worth considering, but only you will know which one is best for you. Stay connected, secure, and always ready to embark on new gaming adventures with one of our best VPNs by your side.
Gaming VPN FAQs
Why do I need a VPN for gaming?
Simply put, the internet is a shady place inhabited by shady people—present company excluded, of course. Hackers are always on the hunt for your personal data, malware can devastate your gaming PC or console, and sore losers can even target your network with DDoS attacks to spoil your fun. A gaming VPN can put a stop to these threats—and help you unblock content (like streaming platforms and even region-specific deals) from overseas.
Our tests show that ExpressVPN is the best service out there. It boasts tonnes of server locations, reliably fast connection speeds, and military-grade security features (including its very own Lightway protocol). It's easy to use, and fantastic at unblocking online TV services when you want to relax after a series of ranked matches.
Can I get games cheaper with a VPN?
Yes, you can. With a gaming VPN, you can spoof your location to appear in different parts of the world and take advantage of lower prices and ongoing sales that aren't available in your current region. There's always a sale somewhere, and with a VPN, you can maximize your fun, without maxing out your card. Check out the best PC games around right now and you can use a VPN to get them at the cheapest price.
Is a VPN good for gaming?
If you use a good VPN, yes. Opt for a poor VPN service and you risk ending up with a bit of software that slows down your connection and isn't as secure and anonymous as you'd intended. Choosing one of the best VPNs means you get genuine peace of mind and not a false sense of security. Alongside the reduced lag and data loss from reducing bandwidth throttling, you can use features like NordVPN's Meshnet to make the most of server hosting.
If you've got a specific game in mind, take a look at the best Minecraft server hosting services. Alternatively, take a look at the best VPN for Valorant and see how VPNs can protect you in ranked games.
What are DDoS attacks?
Short for distributed denial of service, DDoS attacks are the surge of professional and serious gamers the world over. It's a tactic used to slow down other players, by flooding their IP address with junk traffic that overwhelms the gamer's network and prevents their system from responding at normal speeds and reliability.
That's where a VPN comes in. Because VPN users send all their internet traffic through the provider's third-party IP address, it's extremely hard (although still not impossible) for the malicious actor to target your particular network for any sustained period.
Can you get banned for using a VPN when playing Warzone?
There are plenty of reasons one might use a VPN when playing a battle royale video game, from reducing ping to accessing easier lobbies.
The COD Warzone Security and Enforcement Policy does not state that a Warzone VPN is strictly prohibited. In fact, a VPN can be used in order to stabilize connection and reduce lag, as long as it's not being used in order to gain an unfair advantage. When it comes to using a VPN, however, it seems like the latter would be difficult to prove considering the anonymity a VPN grants a user and their identity.
Should I get a free download for my gaming VPN?
We wouldn't recommend it. We've got nothing at all against free VPNs generally – we think they have a time and place, for sure. But they often come with pretty prohibitive data allowances that mean they'll stop working after a short stint of gaming. Their ads can be pretty off-putting, too. And you'll have far fewer servers to choose from.
Will a VPN slow me down?
The honest answer is that VPNs do have an impact on your speeds—but if you're using one of my top picks, you shouldn't notice it. Your VPN has to encrypt and decrypt your data as it travels from your device to the web and back again, which takes time and resources.
However, you might find that a VPN actually improves your overall speeds. How? By beating bandwidth throttling. If you're streaming, torrenting, or gaming, your ISP might notice that you're using up a lot of bandwidth—and might intentionally slow your speeds to manage network congestion. Luckily, a VPN masks your online activity, meaning your ISP can't keep tabs on what you're doing or hit the brakes on your behalf.
Can a VPN lower ping?
When it comes to gaming, no one wants to be caught out with high ping. Thankfully, the best gaming VPN can help with that and ensure your controller input is illustrated instantly on your screen, avoiding lagging delays, when gaming online.
Ensuring the speediest possible connection, a VPN allows you to hop onto a choice of - in some cases - thousands of servers, which can see an improvement in speed performance. Even if you're not a gamer, ping can be lowered when it comes to downloading files from the Internet, etc.
Which VPN protocol is best for gaming?
This is a subjective choice, but if speed is your priority, you'll want to use WireGuard wherever it's available. WireGuard is the ultimate blend of performance and privacy—and it's only composed of around 5,000 lines of code. Generally, whenever I test VPN speeds, I'll get much better results when using WireGuard.
However, if you'd rather put the focus on security, I'd recommend using OpenVPN. It's an open-source protocol that anyone can vet for themselves, and is massively customizable. It's not as speedy as WireGuard, and is made up of a whopping 70,000 lines of code, but, unlike WireGuard, it does offer obfuscation (cloaking) capabilities that can help you avoid VPN bans and censorship.
January 04, 2024 update notes
We've given the page some TLC in our latest update, and made sure all of the prices, figures, and facts are all up-to-date.
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.
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.
