The Best VPNs for Gaming in 2025: Boost Your Online Play
If you’re serious about online gaming — whether you’re diving into CS2, EA Sports FC, or League of Legends — using a dedicated gaming VPN can transform your experience. A gaming VPN can help reduce your ping, open access to easier lobbies, speed up downloads, shield you from DDoS attacks, and unlock region-locked content. While VPNs are sometimes thought to slow down your internet, they can actually improve performance if your ISP throttles gaming traffic by masking your activity.
Not all VPNs are created equal, so we tested seven top options on a 70 Mbps fiber connection using Windows. We measured latency and jitter (using Nperf), where latency under 50 ms is ideal for gaming and anything above 150 ms can cause serious lag.
Here are the best gaming VPNs for 2025, based on speed, features, price, and overall value:
1. NordVPN – Best Overall Gaming VPN
NordVPN stands out as the fastest VPN we tested, thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which encrypts data rapidly with minimal impact on speed. It’s available on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac, and routers, and offers a unique Meshnet feature perfect for hosting private game servers with friends anywhere in the world. Although it’s not the cheapest option, its speed, reliability, and growing server network make it a top choice for gamers.
2. ExpressVPN – Premium Option
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted VPNs, known for its solid speeds and broad server presence across 94 countries. It doesn’t have gaming-specific features but performs excellently with an average latency around 35 ms. While it’s pricier, its reliability, frequent IP refreshes, and 24/7 support justify the cost.
3. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices
If you want to protect all your devices at once, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s budget-friendly, simple to use, and delivers latency under 50 ms, making it great for gaming. Though slightly slower than some top contenders and with fewer servers, its excellent value and ease of use make it ideal for households or gamers with multiple devices.
4. CyberGhost – Best Money-Back Guarantee
CyberGhost offers servers optimized specifically for gaming, helping reduce lag and jitter. While it’s not the fastest and has a limit of seven devices connected simultaneously, its standout 45-day money-back guarantee allows you to try it risk-free. It’s a solid option for casual and mid-level gamers who want broad game compatibility at a good price.
5. PureVPN – Best for Privacy-Conscious Gamers
PureVPN is notable for its rigorous third-party privacy audits and strong device support. It offers gaming-optimized servers, though performance is somewhat mixed with occasional latency spikes on Windows. If privacy is your priority alongside gaming, PureVPN is worth considering, especially as it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
6. ProtonVPN – Best Free Gaming VPN
ProtonVPN offers a free tier with decent gaming performance, but for the best speeds and features like P2P support, their paid Plus plan is recommended. In tests, ProtonVPN had a latency just under 50 ms and impressively low jitter, thanks to its VPN Accelerator feature. Based in Switzerland, it’s a good pick if you want privacy and don’t mind a slight trade-off in speed.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Gaming
When picking a gaming VPN, first check if it supports the games you play and has servers in the regions you want to connect through — this is important for accessing region-locked content or servers. Pricing is another key factor: VPNs often charge upfront for a year or more, so compare monthly rates with total costs carefully.
Consider the number of devices you need to connect simultaneously — some VPNs like Surfshark allow unlimited connections, while others limit this. Also, look for gaming-friendly features like split tunneling, which lets you route only your game traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on your normal connection.
| VPN | Pros | Cons | Latency (ms) | Jitter (ms) | Simultaneous Connections | Price (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fastest VPN with NordLynx protocol, Meshnet LAN for gaming | Slightly expensive, fewer connections than some | ~30 | Low | 6 | $3.39 (annual billing) |
| ExpressVPN | Servers in 94 countries, fast Lightspeed protocol | Pricier, higher jitter | ~35 | Moderate | 5 | Premium pricing (around $8.99) |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, easy setup, budget-friendly | Slightly slower, fewer server locations | <50 | Low | Unlimited | $1.99 (annual billing) |
| CyberGhost | 45-day money-back guarantee, gaming-optimized servers | Slower speeds, fewer connections | ~45 | Moderate | 7 | $2.19 (annual billing) |
| PureVPN | Strong privacy audits, 10 connections | Higher latency, less consistent performance | ~60 | Moderate | 10 | $2.14 (annual billing) |
| ProtonVPN | Great free plan, privacy-focused | Slower speeds, limited free plan bandwidth | ~46 | Excellent | 1 (free plan), more on paid | €4.49 (paid plan) |
Common VPN Questions for Gamers
Can a VPN reduce gaming lag?
Sometimes yes — if your ISP throttles gaming traffic, a VPN can help avoid this by encrypting your data. However, if you already have a fast, stable connection, a VPN might add a tiny bit of latency instead.
Are VPNs legal for gaming?
VPNs are legal in most countries, though some restrict or ban their use. Always check local laws before using one.
Will a VPN increase my ping?
If you use a well-optimized VPN with servers close to your game servers, it can actually lower your ping by providing a more direct route. But poorly configured VPNs or distant servers can increase lag.
Is it safe to keep a VPN on all the time?
Yes, but some services like online banking or streaming may flag logins from different countries as suspicious. You can turn off the VPN when needed or use split tunneling.