Best VPN for Gaming in 2024 – Top VPN for Gamers and Beginners

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and the speedy WireGuard protocol, which retains over 86% of the original internet network speed and connects to high-speed servers.

It has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, with a minimum of 1Gbps port connection and 10Gbps servers in 93 countries. Large server port sizes have greater bandwidth, ensuring smooth, lag-free connections. Alternatively, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have 10Gbps servers in only 24 and 31 countries, respectively.

For additional safety, Surfshark includes an automated kill switch, which cuts off your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. However, if in-game performance is a priority, you can deactivate it.

Surfshark unblocks servers for popular competitive games like Valorant, Warzone, and Fortnite. It can also be used with the Steam and Epic Games libraries. It’s compatible with all major operating systems (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) and works with gaming consoles by configuring a VPN on the router.

Its four protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP) cater to different user needs regarding security, speed, and device compatibility. Additional security features include an audited no logs service, split tunneling, multi-hop/double VPN, and Camouflage Mode (hides that you’re using a VPN).

Surfshark has three plans, with the cheapest option starting at $2.19/month. All plans work on unlimited devices and have a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android.

Surfshark’s high speed, reliable server fleet, and unlimited device connections make it an appealing option for large households with gamers. In addition, its cybersecurity features will help further fortify your online and local/on-device security.

PureVPN offers port forwarding as an add-on, which is handy for hosting stable multiplayer game servers. Port forwarding channels traffic directly from the game port to your server so your friends outside your local network can join your game and play without lag. You can use it to play popular multiplayer games like Minecraft, Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.

PureVPN retains close to 67% of the original connection speed, which isn’t as swift as Surfshark or NordVPN, but it’s fast enough. Although it’s only in 65+ countries, its 6,500 servers are more than Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer. In addition, it has 20Gbps servers in three key locations (London, Manchester, and Washington, DC) for increased speed and minimal congestion.

PureVPN also has an Always-On Audit no-log policy, a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, and multiple protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN).

It works with most operating systems (desktop and mobile) and gaming consoles using VPN routers and has a dedicated router applet for easier configuration. It also unlocks different regions for video game stores, like Steam and Epic Games.

PureVPN has three fairly affordable plans, with the cheapest one retailing for just $3.19/month. All plans have a 31-day money-back guarantee and allow for up to 10 simultaneous connections. While there is no free plan or trial, you can test the service for $0.99 for seven days.

PureVPN is ideal for gamers who host multiplayer game servers for a seamless, lag-free co-op playing experience.

ExpressVPN is excellent for beginners with its neat app interface that’s easy to use across all supported platforms. With its Aircove Wi-Fi 6 router, you get VPN on all devices at home, including ones that lack native VPN support. So, if you enjoy competitive gaming on your PlayStation or Xbox gaming console, you can use ExpressVPN (and Aircove) to play with gamers globally.

Retaining approximately 77% of its original network speed, ExpressVPN comfortably meets demanding speed requirements. With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, 80% of which are 10Gbps servers, you won’t have issues with reliability or speed in most regions. Plus, it unblocks most game servers, including League of Legends, PUBG, Minecraft, Call of Duty, GTA V Online, FIFA, and Destiny 2.

ExpressVPN’s robust security features include DDoS and DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, parental controls, no-log policy, and a password manager. It also has three versatile protocols for speed, stability, and security: Lightway, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.

ExpressVPN offers a single tier, with monthly rates starting at $6.67. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free Android VPN and VPN for iPhone app trial.

The Aircove routers are available separately – Aircove costs $189.90, and the portable Aircove Go costs $169.90.

ExpressVPN is best for beginners or users seeking a user-friendly interface and competitive console gamers striving to play in other regions.

NordVPN’s global network of 6,400 VPN servers eliminates gaming restrictions and reduces high ping by linking you to a server geographically close to your target destination. Moreover, those playing quick-paced games will appreciate its fast and stable connection speeds, which considerably outpace competitors.

It supports up to 10 devices across various operating systems. However, mobile users may find the apps’ interface slightly clunky.

Regarding security, NordVPN offers AES-256 encryption, an independently audited no-log policy, double VPN, and obfuscated servers, which disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic to bypass heavy censorship.

For multiplayer gaming, NordVPN’s Meshnet feature allows players to establish private virtual networks for direct communication – enabling high-speed, secure connections with low latency. Moreover, frequent changing of IP during online gaming sessions could lead to blacklisting. Therefore, NordVPN offers a dedicated IP assigned exclusively to one user to lower this risk.

It’s compatible with major operating systems, like Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, and works with gaming consoles connected to a VPN-configured router. Additionally, NordVPN provides threat protection that scans for malware, blocks ads and prevents online tracking.

NordVPN has three plans, with prices starting at $3.09/month. And while there is no free trial, you can test the service by using its standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for games that prioritize blazing server speeds during competitive gameplay and fortified security to protect their online presence without sacrificing performance.

IvacyVPN’s wide distribution of servers – 5,700+ VPN servers in 70+ countries, ensures flexible server switching to bypass geo-blocked content. However, speed retention drops by 50% when connecting to distant servers, leading to noticeable ping.

IvacyVPN includes a kill switch that automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. However, it’s unavailable for Mac and iOS devices, making it slightly less secure.

This VPN gives you access to favored games like Minecraft and Fortnite and works with the Steam gaming platform. It’s also compatible with common operating systems, smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles (by configuring the VPN on a router).

You can choose between three protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard) depending on your security needs. It lacks a double or multi-hop VPN, but DNS and IPv6 leak protection enhance online anonymity. There’s also split tunneling, 256-bit AES encryption, and port forwarding (as an add-on).

IvacyVPN has a single pricing plan with different subscription terms, the cheapest starting at just $1.17/month. All subscription terms include a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Although limited, IvacyVPN also provides a free tier, including a no-logs policy, peer-to-peer file sharing, access to geo-restricted content, and wide device compatibility. There’s also a 7-day paid free trial for $0.99.

IvacyVPN is ideal for budget-conscious gamers seeking an affordable and feature-rich VPN service.

Unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, CyberGhost includes gaming-optimized servers that maintain low ping. However, currently, they’re limited to Windows only. For additional privacy, CyberGhost also hosts NoSpy servers, which eliminate third-party access to hardware and are exclusively managed by CyberGhost’s internal staff.

This VPN retains between 67% and 86% of its original internet speed, meeting the demands of most fast-moving games. However, its seven simultaneous connections may not suffice for larger gaming households. CyberGhost unblocks games like Valorant, CS:GO, Fortnite, Minecraft, League of Legends, and more.

All packages include a kill switch, DDoS protection, AES 256-bit encryption, and split tunneling. It also supports multiple protocols (IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec) and, similar to NordVPN, has a dedicated IP. Additionally, CyberGhost includes a Smart Rules feature for customizing your connection settings.

It’s compatible with major operating systems and routers. By configuring the VPN on a router, you can use it with gaming consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

CyberGhost has a single-tier plan with the most affordable option retailing for $2.19/month. There’s also a generous 45-day money-back guarantee and different free trial options: 24 hours for Windows and Mac, three days for Android, and seven days for iOS users.

There’s also a premium add-on, Security Suite for Windows (additional $1/month), which includes an integrated ad-blocker and antivirus.

CyberGhost is perfect for gamers seeking swift connections with the least crowded servers. It’s also the only provider on our list with gaming-optimized servers.