Our Pick: VPN for Gaming Fans
Network throttling is the prime nemesis of the multiplayer gaming experience. It’s basically when your internet speed fluctuates in response to your networking activity. It also tends to happen as you’re streaming or torrenting.
To prevent networking throttling, you need to establish a stable internet connection. This can be done with the aid of a reliable gaming VPN. Further, the best VPN for gaming will enable you to unblock geo-restricted servers, establish a solid connection to far-away servers, reduce the risk of DDoS attacks, and remove IP bans (so you can play Warzone in peace).
With numerous options available, selecting a VPN for gaming can be quite challenging, which is why this article attempts to shed light on the fastest and most reliable gaming VPNs today.
VPN Service | Servers | Countries | Router Support |
5700+ | 59 | Yes | |
3000+ | 94 | Yes | |
1700+ | 63 | Yes | |
Hotspot Shield | 1800+ | 80 | No |
1400+ | 51 | Yes |
The 5 Best VPN for Gaming Fans
1. NordVPN - Our Pick as Best VPN for Gaming
If we’re strictly talking about gaming, it’s very hard to beat NordVPN. This isn’t to say that it’s not that reliable with other applications, but it truly shines when it comes to gaming. NordVPN offers 5,700+ servers accessible across 59 countries. You can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee with NordVPN with unrestricted access to all of its premium functionalities.
NordVPN offers unlimited server switching, which means you can switch locations as frequently as you want. This comes in handy when trying to evade a DDoS attack. This VPN offers global networking capabilities at ultra-fast speeds, so you no longer have to worry about lag or latency as you’re enjoying a multiplayer match (read why many people pick NordVPN for Warzone).
When it comes to security, NordVPN is amongst the very best, as it utilizes DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and an automatic kill switch. The latter aids in protecting your internet connection from cyber attacks. To add, this VPN is equipped with CyberSec technology, so you can forget all about pop-up ads and malware.
Worried about your internet provider figuring out that you’re using a VPN? Worry not, as this is a VPN that utilizes special obfuscated servers that obscure the fact that you’re using a VPN. This also comes in handy when trying to avoid throttling. Compatibility-wise, NordVPN is ideal for use with all major devices, including routers.
NordVPN scored 9.5/10 in our rating and is currently ranked the best VPN
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most prominent VPN services today because of its superb versatility. It’s perfect for just about any application, from gaming to streaming. The service features 160 locations across 94 countries, so you’re guaranteed to find a fast server no matter where you are in the world. ExpressVPN truly shines when it comes to stabilizing high-speed connections.
With ExpressVPN, you can forget all about DDoS attacks and other cyber threats, as it features excellent security measures. The service is compatible with a wide range of platforms. It’s super easy to install on PCs and can be set up on Xbox and PlayStation platforms. ExpressVPN is the best when it comes to mobile integration, offering numerous custom apps for iOS and Android.
ExpressVPN can be used to block various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. Geo-restrictions are no threat to ExpressVPN’s might. Further, this is one of the best VPN services in terms of support, offering 24/7 live chat support.
Similar to NordVPN, this VPN service isn’t the most budget-friendly. However, it offers a 1-year plan at a very reasonable price. Opting for this plan will grant you 3 extra months of use. To add, ExpressVPN offers 30-day customer satisfaction, so if you’re not completely satisfied with it, you can request a full refund with no questions asked.
3. Surfshark
There’s no beating Surfshark when it comes to cost-effectiveness. The service is equipped with an impressive suite of security measures and delivers super-fast connectivity. Surfshark flaunts 1,700 servers across 63 countries. If you’re looking to stop IPS throttling without paying a lot of money, Surfshark is the ultimate VPN service for you.
Surfshark is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Chrome, Android, iOS, Xbox, and PlayStation. It’s even compatible with Wi-Fi routers. Also, the service allows for unlimited device connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you want simultaneously without it hindering your connection.
Surfshark works with a good host of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, ESPN, CBS, and more. Surfshark automatically switches to a different server once your current server is compromised by a cyber threat such as a DDoS attack. Note that all Surfshark servers are supported by P2P activity. Surfshark is ideal for beginners, as it’s very user-friendly.
Despite offering subscription plans that are considerably more affordable than its competitors, Surfshark still offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with the service, you can request a full refund with no questions asked.
4. Hotspot Shield - Fastest for Gaming
Hotspot Shield strikes the perfect balance between stability, security, and pricing. Not to mention that it’s one of the fastest VPN services available today. In addition to its premium version, this VPN is available in a free version that doesn’t require registering or any payment details. All you do is download the app and connect to a server.
If you’re using the free version, you receive a daily allowance of 500MB, which equates to about an hour and a half of online gaming. Hotspot Shield is one of the most secure VPN services you can find, as it utilizes the Catapult Hydra protocol as well as 256-bit AES encryption and in-built anti-malware technology. Hotspot Shield works with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Firefox, and Chrome.
If you use the free version of Hotspot Shield, you’ll be limited to the default US server. However, if you subscribe to the premium version, you’ll have access to a better network that covers over 80 countries. The main drawback of using Hotspot Shield is that it’s not compatible with routers, so you won’t be able to use it with gaming consoles.
Hotspot Shield flaunts native apps for both iOS and Android devices. The apps are simple and extremely user-friendly. The service offers a superb annual pricing plan that offers a lot of value. Also, you get to enjoy a 45-day money-back guarantee. We recommend trying the free version first before investing in a monthly or yearly plan.
5. IPVanish - Dedicated Gaming Features
IPVanish is a VPN service dedicated to gamers. What gives it away? Well, the green-and-black interface looks a lot like those Razer mouses. Also, it’s packed with advanced gaming features that help ensure a smooth gaming experience. IPVanish is based in the U.S, so if you live in the states, this service will help you establish extremely fast connections up to 200MB.
IPVanish flaunts unlimited connections, so you can use it on every single device in your house simultaneously without any limitations. This VPN service is compatible with routers as well as an exceptional host of platforms. It’s also compatible with major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube.
If you’re a savvy gamer, you’ll love using IPVanish, as it displays a lot of vital information about each of its servers. However, if you’re a total beginner, you’ll find this information a bit overkill and overwhelming. IPVanish is an excellent service for gamers who are more concerned about their ping than they are about download speed.
IPVanish might be quite complicated and detailed, but it’s backed by 24/7 customer support, so if you have any problems with the platform or you’re having a hard time deciphering the info that it’s displaying, you can simply reach out and the staff will be more than happy to help you.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the absolute best VPN services for gaming today. We’re confident that one of the above-reviewed VPNs will meet your needs and budget. A few honorable mentions include CyberGhost, Windscribe and ProtonVPN. Enjoy a stable and secure gaming experience.
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