5 Best Gaming VPNs for Xbox, PS5, PC, Android & More in 2023

As a gamer, you’re more at risk from online threats than ever before. Whether it’s upset opponents launching DDoS attacks or malicious third parties taking advantage of unencrypted traffic, there are some serious threats that can compromise your security.

Utilizing a VPN provides a dependable means to protect your IP address and personal data. Nevertheless, a multitude of VPNs can result in reduced connection speeds and disruptions while playing online games. This problem arises from their limited server networks, often unable to deliver sufficient bandwidth for gaming needs. The great news is that you don’t need to trade speed for security. The VPNs featured in this compilation enable you to seamlessly enjoy both aspects.”

I’ve tested over 25 VPNs, and found ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming in 2023 — it has a huge server network with fast speeds, top-tier security, broad device compatibility, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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 Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Gaming in (2023)

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 The Best VPNs for Gaming (Tested in (2023))

1. ExpressVPN — Best All-Around VPN for Gaming With Excellent Speeds and Security

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

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Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming due to its vast server network of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, great security features, and lightning-fast speeds. In fact, ExpressVPN provides all the standard and advanced features a gamer needs to enhance their online gaming experience.

ExpressVPN offers lightning-fast speeds thanks to its Lightway protocol. I tested multiple servers and found that my speeds only dropped by about 7%. This, combined with its low ping makes ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs for Call of Duty Warzone and other fast-paced online games like PUBG.

Along with industry-standard security features, ExpressVPN offers the following advanced features:

• TrustedServer technology — uses RAM-only servers, ensuring all user data is wiped with every reboot.
• 256-bit military-grade encryption — keeps your data safe from prying eyes with the strongest encryption standards available.
• Kill switch — disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops by any chance.
• Independently audited no-logs policy — proves that ExpressVPN will never store any of your personal information.
• Split tunneling — lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection.
• IP masking — keeps you safe from DDoS attacks.

I especially like the ease of use and wide device compatibility ExpressVPN offers. You can use it on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Android, Chromebook, etc. The best part is it comes with dedicated firmware for routers, so you can set it up on a router with ease and use VPN on all your WiFi-enabled devices.

ExpressVPN also comes with a MediaStreamer feature, a Smart DNS technology that allows you to connect to the VPN to devices that do not have native VPN compatibility, such as gaming consoles. Connecting to 8 devices with a single VPN subscription also adds more value.

Although ExpressVPN is a bit pricier than other VPNs, its features make it worth the extra cost. You get the best deal with its 1-year + 3 months plan starting at $6.67 per month, and you get a 30 days money-back guarantee.

I tested this guarantee by claiming a refund through 24/7 customer support on live chat. They asked some formal questions, and I got my refund amount in my bank account in the next 5 working days. This means you can try ExpressVPN for gaming completely risk-free.

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2. CyberGhost — Easy-to-Use VPN With Gaming-Optimized Servers

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	9,600+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost is one of the most user-friendly VPNs on my list that comes with a multitude of gaming-optimized servers. With a vast network of 9,600+ servers across 91 countries, it offers a wide range of options for gamers who are looking to optimize their connection.

CyberGhost comes with a Smart Rules feature using which you can set up the VPN to automatically connect whenever you start a gaming session. No more navigating menus or remembering to switch on your VPN — it’s all done for you.

Furthermore, CyberGhost supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. One key to its performance is the WireGuard protocol. When paired with the optimized servers, it supercharged my connection speed by a whopping 30% compared to the standard servers. Even over long distances, my connection remained impressively stable.

CyberGhost comes with:

• RAM-only servers — ensuring all user data is wiped with every reboot.
• 256-bit AES encryption — military-grade encryption keeps your data safe from prying eyes.
• Kill switch — disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops accidentally.
• No-logs policy — a strict policy of not storing any data about your internet activity.
• DNS and IP leak protection — CyberGhost ensures that your DNS queries and real IP address are always secure.

However, unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost does not offer WebRTC leak protection.

CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. It also offers apps for a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Moreover, you can set it up on Wifi routers to connect VPN to your gaming consoles and other VPN-incompatible devices. I found its interface user-friendly and easy to navigate, even if you’re new to VPNs.

CyberGhost offers economical pricing plans. It has 2-year + 3 months plan starting at $2.11/month, and here’s the good news: all of the pricing plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try CyberGhost without the risk of losing any of your money!

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Fast And Budget Friendly Gaming VPN

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out as a fast, affordable, and reliable VPN for gaming. I tested it on multiple servers and was impressed by the high speed and low ping. On local servers, my speed didn’t drop more than 5% percent. On distant servers, the speed drop was less than 10% which was quite impressive.

PIA specifically stands out with its SOCKS5 “Squid” proxy servers, designed to deliver faster response times for a smoother gaming experience. However, while the SOCKS5 proxy offers increased speeds, it doesn’t provide the same level of encryption as a standard VPN connection.

I was impressed by the extensive server network offered by PIA, boasting over 35,000+ servers across 84 countries. Each server is designed to provide stable connections with low ping rates, a vital aspect of a smooth gaming experience.

In my testing, I found PIA’s speeds to be commendable. Even when connected to distant servers, my speed dropped by a minimal percentage, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience.

Aside from speed, PIA comes with the following security features:

• 256-bit military-grade encryption — ensures your gaming activities remain private.
• A kill switch — automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
• No-logs policy — a strict policy of not storing any of your online data.
• DDoS protection — protects your device from DDoS attacks.
• IP cloaking — masks your real IP address with one from a different location.

However, PIA may struggle to bypass internet restrictions in some countries with heavy censorship.

PIA offers economical pricing plans with a 2-year + 3 months plan starting at $2.11 monthly. Also, PIA allows unlimited device connection options which adds to the overall value of the VPN. So, even those on a budget can try PIA risk-free.

And to top it all off, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. To test this guarantee, I contacted PIA’s customer service to request a refund. The process was simple, and I got my money back within a few days, no questions asked. Also, I found the 24/7 customer support to be very cooperative and quick.

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4. NordVPN — Unique Meshnet Feature for Easy LAN Party Set-ups

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	5,700+
📱Devices	6
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN stands out with its Meshnet feature, allowing gamers to host virtual LAN parties. Ideal for games like League of Legends or World of Warcraft, Meshnet allows you to easily connect up to 50 devices. Additionally, NordVPN’s vast network of 5,700+ servers across 60 countries ensures minimal ping rates and server congestion.

NordVPN also offers a suite of bonus features that gamers will find useful. These advanced features include Threat Protection to prevent malware attacks, obfuscated servers to hide your VPN connection, and Dark Web Monitor which will alert you in case your accounts have been hacked.

NordVPN also offers:

• Encryption & a kill switch — ensures secure gaming and data safety.
• No-logs policy — doesn’t store any user activity data.
• Double VPN & RAM-only servers — enhances security and limits data exposure.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy — generates new encryption keys per session.
• Leak protection — safeguards IP address and DNS requests for gamers.

It’s easy to install across multiple devices, and the intuitive interface makes it simple, even for VPN beginners. I had it up and running on my devices within minutes, and switching between servers was a breeze. It also offers 6 simultaneous connections with one subscription so that you can use NordVPN on multiple devices with a single subscription.

NordVPN offers different pricing tiers that cater to various needs, but all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 2-year + 3 months price plans start at $2.99 per month. Although NordVPN isn’t the best budget VPN option, all the advanced features justify its premium price tag.

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5. Surfshark — Wide Server Distribution Helps You Access Your Favorite Games

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark has a huge network of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. This provides a broad range of connection options, ensuring you can always access your favorite games no matter where you are. Also, the wide server distribution allows you to play with multi-national gamers.

I was impressed by Surfshark’s ability to reduce lag and latency. This is a direct result of their expansive server network, offering a robust connection for multiplayer games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and many more.

Surfshark offers great security features such as:

• AES 256-bit encryption — to ensure secure online gaming sessions.
• Kill switch — disconnects your device if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
• CleanWeb feature — blocks ads and malware for an uninterrupted gaming experience.

With easy setup across multiple platforms and devices, even a novice can navigate Surfshark’s user-friendly interface. I found the app intuitive and could connect to my preferred gaming servers easily. Surfshark, like PIA, offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure all your gaming devices simultaneously.

Surfshark offers a competitive pricing structure, with the 2-year + 3 months plan starting at $2.21 monthly. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which allows you to test Surfshark for yourself and experience the difference in your gaming sessions.

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 Quick Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for Gaming

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 Warning! Don’t Download Any of These VPNs for Gaming

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 Do You Really Need a Gaming VPN? (Yes!)

A VPN isn’t just a tool for privacy and security; it’s also a gamer’s best friend. Here’s why:

Avoid Skill-Based Matchmaking

Skill-based matchmaking can sometimes ruin the fun of gaming, especially when you’re constantly matched with players who are way out of your league. A VPN allows you to match with players of different skill levels globally.

Prevent DoS/DDoS Attacks

Gamers are often targets of DoS and DDoS attacks, which can slow down your connection or even disconnect you from your game. A VPN can help protect you from DDoS attacks by masking your IP address and providing an extra layer of security.

Bypass IP Bans

If your IP is banned from a game, a VPN can help you get back in by giving you a new IP address.

Avoid ISP Throttling

Some ISPs may throttle your bandwidth when they detect heavy gaming traffic, causing lag and latency issues. A VPN can help you avoid ISP throttling by encrypting your traffic, making it harder for your ISP to detect what you’re doing.

Changing a Strict NAT Type

A strict NAT type can limit who you can play with and cause issues with voice chat. A VPN can help you change your NAT type to moderate or open, improving your gaming experience.

Bypass Local Firewalls

Some networks may block gaming traffic, but a VPN can help you bypass these local restrictions and return to your game.

Access Region-Locked Games

Some games or game content may be locked to certain regions. So, you might be unable to access your favorite regional games while traveling. A VPN helps you access your games anywhere on the globe.

Security

In addition to gaming, a VPN provides security benefits, such as encrypting your data to protect you from hackers.

Access to Steam, Discord, and Game Streaming Services Like Google Stadia & XCloud

Some countries or networks may block access to gaming services like Steam, Discord, Google Stadia, or XCloud. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access your favorite gaming services.

What a Gaming VPN Can’t Do

While a VPN can significantly enhance your gaming experience, there are a few things it can’t do:

• Improve your base internet speed: A VPN can help avoid ISP throttling but can’t increase your base internet speed. If your internet connection is slow, a VPN won’t be able to make it faster.
• Eliminate lag completely: While a VPN can reduce lag caused by distance or ISP throttling, it can’t eliminate lag caused by other factors like poor server performance or issues with your device.
• Guarantee access to all games: While a VPN can help bypass region locks, some games or platforms have strong VPN detection systems and may still block access.
• Protect against all forms of attack: While a VPN can protect against DDoS attacks, it can’t protect against malware or phishing attacks. You’ll still need to use good security practices and consider using antivirus software.

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 How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Gaming

Here is how I tested all the VPNs I tested and found the best VPN for gaming:

• Server network — A wide and diverse server network is crucial for a global gaming experience. It ensures reliable connectivity to different regions and home country access while traveling.
• Security — Strong encryption, a kill switch, and solid leak protection are paramount for private gaming sessions. DDoS attack prevention is a bonus for competitive gaming.
• Device compatibility — Broad compatibility, including support for gaming consoles through router configuration and Smart DNS features, is essential.
• Speed — A VPN must deliver high-speed connections and stable ping for a seamless gaming experience.
• Customer support — Reliable and responsive support can quickly resolve any gaming hiccups.
• Value for money — A balance of top-notch features and reasonable pricing is key for a worthwhile investment. In fact, I shortlisted only the best monthly VPNs.
• Advanced Features — Gaming-optimized servers, protocol choice, and customization options can fine-tune the gaming experience.

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 How to Set up a Gaming VPN on Desktop (Windows & Mac) in 3 Easy Steps

Before setting up your VPN, connect your desktop to the internet via an ethernet cable. This will ensure you get the most stable connection possible. Once you’ve done that, continue with the steps below.

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 How to Set Up a VPN on PlayStation, Xbox & Nintendo Switch

Setting up a VPN on your gaming console can enhance your gaming experience by improving your connection, reducing lag, and giving you access to games and content from other regions. You can also use these methods to set up your VPN on Smart TV. Here are three methods you can use:

Set Up Smart DNS

A Smart DNS service allows you to manually alter your DNS settings, enabling you to access geo-restricted content. However, unlike a VPN, Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your data, meaning it doesn’t provide privacy or security benefits. Its primary use is for bypassing geo-restrictions without affecting internet speed, making it useful for gaming and streaming.

Pros:

• Easy to set up on gaming consoles.
• Doesn’t affect internet speed.
• Help you access your regional games anywhere on the globe.

Cons:

• Doesn’t encrypt data or protect privacy.
• Not all VPN providers offer Smart DNS.
• Does not bypass firewalls.

Instructions:

1. Sign up for a VPN service that offers Smart DNS, like ExpressVPN.
2. Follow the provider’s instructions to set up Smart DNS on your console.
3. Connect to the Smart DNS server.
4. Start gaming!

Set Up a Virtual VPN Router on Your PC

Setting up a virtual VPN router on your PC allows you to share your VPN connection with your gaming console. This method requires technical knowledge but can be a good option if your VPN doesn’t offer Smart DNS.

Pros:

• Allows you to share your VPN connection with devices that don’t support VPNs.
• Provides the full benefits of a VPN, including encryption and privacy protection.

Cons:

• Requires some technical knowledge to set up.
• It can slow down your internet speed due to encryption.

Instructions:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN and install it on your PC.
2. Launch the Command Prompt as an admin and type a series of commands to set up a hosted network.
3. In your network settings, allow other network users to connect through your ExpressVPN connection.
4. Connect your gaming console to the new virtual router.
5. Start your game! If you experience lag, try switching ExpressVPN servers.

Install a VPN on Your Router

Installing a VPN directly on your router allows you to protect all devices connected to your network, including your gaming console. This method requires a compatible router and some technical knowledge.

Pros:

• Protects all devices connected to your network.
• Only need to set up the VPN once.

Cons:

• Requires a compatible router.
• It might be difficult to set up.

Instructions:

1. Sign up for a VPN that offers router support such as ExpressVPN.
2. Setting up a VPN on a router can be difficult and not every router supports VPN installation. I always recommend that you check your router’s compatibility and the instructions for setup before getting started.
3. Once the VPN is set up on your router, any device that connects to this network will be protected, including your gaming console.

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 How to Change VPN Settings for Faster Gaming Speeds?

If you have slow download speeds or high latency, you can make a couple of simple changes to your VPN settings to fix the problem. However, neither of these options provides the encryption or security of a standard VPN connection — you should only use these options if you really need to improve your speed.

PPTP — Get Higher Speeds Without Lag

Even though it’s one of the oldest and fastest VPN protocols, PPTP is not often used with VPN connections because it’s not secure. In fact, its encryption has repeatedly been cracked since it was developed!

Here is how to set up PPTP with ExpressVPN on Windows PC.

1. Sign in to ExpressVPN. Using your browser, sign in to the VPN and find the manual configuration options for PPTP.
2. Go to add VPN connection option. In your taskbar, click the Internet icon and choose “Network & Internet Settings.” A new window will appear. On the right side menu, click “VPN” and then “Add a VPN connection.”
3. Fill out the following details: VPN provider (Windows), connection name (pick a name associated with the server you’re connecting to), server name or address (choose a server name from the available list in the manual configuration options), VPN type (choose PPTP), type of sign-in information (username and password), and username and password (provided by ExpressVPN).
4. Connect. To connect to your chosen PPTP server, click the name of the connection and then “Connect.”
5. You’re ready to start using your PC with PPTP!

SOCKS5 — Reduce Ping When Gaming

Private Internet Access (PIA) has useful SOCKS5 “Squid” proxies to decrease your latency for online gaming. These servers are less heavily encrypted than a normal VPN connection but provide a faster gaming response time. So, you need to note that this is not recommended to use where your sensitive information or activities are involved.

You can easily set up a SOCKS5 proxy with PIA. It has plenty of SOCKS5 locations you can use for free, as they’re included with your subscription. PIA has Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera browser extensions that automatically route your connection through a proxy server.

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 FAQs: VPNs and Gaming

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 Enjoy Fast and Secure Gaming With a Quality VPN

As a gamer, I’ve realized the importance of a VPN for a secure and seamless gaming experience. It helps in maintaining speed, reducing lag, and protecting against DDoS attacks. Among the many VPNs I’ve tried, ExpressVPN stands out as the best choice for gaming. It offers excellent speeds, robust security, and a wide range of servers, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

What enhances ExpressVPN’s value is its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. I decided to test this guarantee myself. I contacted their customer service to request a cancellation and was met with a swift, hassle-free response.

Within five working days, the refund was processed and the money was back in my account. This experience reassured me of ExpressVPN’s commitment to customer satisfaction. So, if you’re a gamer looking for a VPN, you can try ExpressVPN without any risk! If you’re not satisfied, you can easily claim a full refund.

Summary — The Best VPNs for Gaming in (2023)

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Choice

1.

9.8

         

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

         

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$2.11 / month Save 84%

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3.

9.4

         

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$2.11 / month Save 82%

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4.

9.4

         

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$2.99 / month Save 77%

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5.

9.4

         

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$2.21 / month Save 45%

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