In the fast-paced world of online gaming, ensuring that your connection is secure and reliable is paramount. While many gamers focus on graphics cards and internet speeds, they often overlook the importance of using a VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy, prevent ISP throttling, and grant you access to geo-restricted games and content. This article delves into the best VPNs for gaming in 2024, evaluating their speed, security, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- ExpressVPN offers the best combination of speed, low latency, and solid security for gaming.
- NordVPN is known for its super-fast speeds and built-in security features.
- Surfshark provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
- Mullvad stands out for its commitment to privacy and straightforward pricing.
- CyberGhost is ideal for accessing region-locked games with its specialized gaming servers.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is renowned for its exceptional speed and ease of use. With over 3,000 servers in 160 locations, it ensures a smooth and fast gaming experience. The best reddit vpn supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, and even offers custom firmware for routers.
Key Features
- Speed: Up to 750 Mbps
- Simultaneous Connections: 8
- 24/7 Customer Support: Yes
- Streaming Services Unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Pricing
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, with plans starting from $6.67 per month. Signing up for a 12-month plan gives you an additional 3 months free.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very good speeds
- Custom firmware for routers
Cons:
- No anonymous payment options
ExpressVPN is a bit on the pricey side, but its performance and features make it a top choice for gamers looking to protect themselves online.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a top-tier choice for gamers looking for a reliable and fast VPN service. With over 6,400 servers in 110 countries, it offers one of the largest networks available. This extensive network ensures that you can always find a server close to your location, minimizing latency and providing a smooth gaming experience.
Key Features
- Speed: NordVPN is known for its incredible speeds, thanks to its NordLynx technology. Our tests showed speeds exceeding 950 Mbps.
- Security: It includes built-in malware and ad blockers, ensuring a secure gaming environment.
- Streaming: Unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more.
- Support: 24/7 customer support is available to help with any issues.
Pricing
| Plan | Price per Month |
| 2-Year Plan | $3.39 |
| 1-Year Plan | $4.99 |
| 1-Month Plan | $12.99 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive server network
- High-speed connections
- Strong security features
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- App UI can be clunky
- Limited simultaneous connections
NordVPN is an excellent choice for gamers who need a fast, secure, and reliable VPN service. While the app interface can be a bit cumbersome, the overall performance and features make it a worthwhile investment.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is an excellent choice for gamers who want robust privacy features without breaking the bank. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices.
Key Features
- Pricing: $2.49 per month for the two-year plan
- Servers: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Speed: Over 950 Mbps
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
- Streaming Services Unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very low latency
- Well-organized server list
- Smart DNS for use with game consoles
- Servers in two dozen US cities
Cons
- Expensive monthly plan
- Makes canceling difficult
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t compromise on speed or features, Surfshark is a top contender.
4. Mullvad
Mullvad is an independently owned and open-source VPN provider that prioritizes user privacy and security. Despite not being as well-known as some other VPNs, Mullvad offers a polished and user-friendly experience.
Mullvad employs industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption and supports both the OpenVPN protocol and ChaCha20 on WireGuard to secure user connections. The VPN includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection, both enabled by default and non-disableable. During testing, the kill switch performed flawlessly, and no leaks were detected. Mullvad also maintains a strict no-logs policy.
One of Mullvad’s standout features is its straightforward pricing. The service costs approximately $5 per month, regardless of the subscription length, and there are no long-term commitments. Users can also request a refund within 30 days if they are not satisfied.
Pros
- WireGuard protocol for fast speeds
- Anonymous signup
- No user data storage
- Very fast
- Affordable
Cons
- Smaller server network
- Not feature-rich
Mullvad’s bare-bones UI may not offer much in terms of features, but it covers the basics exceptionally well.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a solid choice for gamers looking for a VPN that offers both speed and security. With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, it provides a vast network that ensures low latency and high-speed connections. CyberGhost is particularly known for its user-friendly apps, making it easy to set up and use on various platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Key Features
- Speed: Up to 630 Mbps
- Servers: 11,000+
- Locations: 100 countries
- Simultaneous Connections: 7
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Streaming Services Unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Pros
- Vast server network
- Gaming-optimized servers
- User-friendly apps
- Affordable pricing starting at $2.03 per month
Cons
- Limited router support
- Parent company has a questionable reputation
CyberGhost offers a comprehensive suite of features that make it a strong contender for gamers. However, its parent company’s history and some privacy concerns may be a drawback for some users.
6. Windscribe
Windscribe is highly regarded as one of the best free VPNs due to its generous free data allowance and robust security features. It’s an excellent option for those needing reliable protection without breaking the bank. Windscribe is a versatile VPN service that offers both free and paid plans, making it accessible for gamers on a budget. The free version provides 2GB of monthly data, which can be increased to 10GB if you provide your email address. For those looking for more, Windscribe offers three paid plans:
- Windscribe Pro: $9.00 per month
- Windscribe Pro: $5.75 per month for a yearly subscription
- Windscribe Pro Build A Plan: $1.00 per location per month
Features
- Build-a-Plan subscription option
- Server network spanning 69 countries and 134 cities
- Built-in IP and ad blocker
- Unlimited device connections
Pros
- Customizable plan that lets you select specific server locations
- Free version available
- Can protect multiple devices at no additional cost
Cons
- VPN speed can be spotty at times
- Lack of published independent security audit
In our hands-on review, Windscribe VPN received a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Its Build-a-Plan subscription is particularly beneficial for gamers who need specific server locations to unblock geo-restricted games.
Windscribe’s flexibility and affordability make it a strong contender for gamers looking to protect their online activities without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a VPN for gaming in 2024 is not just a smart move for protecting your online privacy, but it also enhances your overall gaming experience. By preventing ISP throttling, safeguarding against DDoS attacks, and allowing access to geo-restricted content, a VPN ensures that you can game without interruptions and with peace of mind. Whether you choose ExpressVPN for its excellent speeds and security, NordVPN for its fast connections, or Surfshark for its ease of use, any of these top VPNs will provide the protection and performance you need. Don’t compromise on your security—get a VPN and game on with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a VPN for gaming?
A VPN hides your activity, preventing your ISP from throttling your connection. Additionally, by masking your real IP address, a VPN protects you from being targeted in DDoS attacks. Finally, a VPN lets you spoof your location and access geo-restricted games and content.
Can a VPN improve gaming speed and reduce ping times?
While a VPN can sometimes improve your gaming speed and reduce ping times by providing a more direct route to the game server, this is not always guaranteed. It largely depends on the VPN provider and the server you connect to.
Is a VPN better for gaming?
A VPN provides added protection to your connection when you’re gaming, keeping it private and away from prying eyes. It can also help you avoid ISP throttling and access geo-restricted content.
Which is the best VPN for gaming?
Thanks to a combination of excellent speeds, low latency, and solid security, ExpressVPN is often considered the best VPN for gaming.
Should I use a free VPN for gaming?
Free VPNs often come with limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, and fewer server options. For a better gaming experience, it’s generally recommended to use a premium VPN service.
Can a VPN help me access region-locked games?
Yes, a VPN can help you access region-locked games by allowing you to connect to servers in different countries, thereby spoofing your location.
