Best VPNs for Gaming 2026
Stop Lag. Prevent DDoS. Play Anywhere.
Surfshark VPN
#1 BEST VPN FOR GAMING
Tired of rubber-banding in Warzone or dealing with skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) that feels impossible? The VPNs listed here are optimised to lower your ping, prevent ISP throttling, and help you find easier lobbies.
Top 5 VPNs for Gaming Ranked
1. Surfshark: The Gamer's Choice
Surfshark takes the top spot because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect your PC, mobile, and even share the connection with your consoles without paying extra. Their Nexus technology rotates your IP without disconnecting you, keeping you safe from DDoS attacks mid-game.
Why it works:
- Unlimited Devices: One subscription covers your entire household, from your gaming PC to your PS5.
- Bypasser: Allows you to route only the game through the VPN while your browser uses your normal connection.
- Speed: Consistently fast servers ensuring minimal packet loss during competitive play.
2. NordVPN: Pure Speed
NordVPN is famous for its proprietary NordLynx protocol which is built around WireGuard. This makes it incredibly lightweight and fast, often resulting in speeds that rival your base connection. It is the perfect tool for downloading massive game updates without throttling.
Why it works:
- Meshnet: Allows you to create your own private LAN parties over the internet with friends securely.
- Threat Protection: Blocks malicious ads and malware from shady modding sites.
- Server Count: Massive network means you can always find a server near the game host to lower ping.
3. ExpressVPN: Reliability
While slightly more expensive, ExpressVPN offers unmatched stability. Their Lightway protocol is designed to drop fewer packets, which is critical in first-person shooters where every millisecond counts. It works on almost any router, making console gaming a breeze.
Why it works:
- Router App: Easiest custom firmware to install on routers, instantly protecting your Xbox or PS5.
- Global Reach: Servers in 105 countries allow you to unlock games earlier by switching to New Zealand or Australia.
- Support: 24/7 live chat if you ever have trouble with NAT types.
4. CyberGhost: Gaming Optimized
CyberGhost makes life easy by including a dedicated "For Gaming" tab in their app. These servers are specifically optimised to handle high-throughput traffic and display the ping in real-time, so you can choose the best connection before you even launch the game.
Why it works:
- Optimised Servers: You don't have to guess which server is fast; the app tells you.
- Smart Rules: Can be set to automatically launch your VPN when you open Steam or Battle.net.
- Cost: Very affordable for long-term plans.
5. IPVanish: The Customizer
IPVanish is an old favourite among gamers because they own their own infrastructure. This gives them granular control over their network routes, often resulting in lower ping times. The app provides a detailed graph of your connection speed, perfect for tweaking performance.
Why it works:
- Infrastructure: Owning their servers allows them to fix latency issues faster than competitors who rent.
- Interface: The detailed interface appeals to PC gamers who want to see exactly how their connection is performing.
- WireGuard Support: Fully supports the modern standard for fast connections.
Gaming VPNs Compared
| VPN Service | Gaming Feature | Max Speed | Verdict | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | Unlimited Devices | 10Gbps | #1 Gaming | |
| NordVPN | Meshnet LAN | 10Gbps+ | Fastest | |
| ExpressVPN | Router App | Lightway | Console | |
| CyberGhost | Gaming Servers | Optimised | Easy Use | |
| IPVanish | Ping Graph | WireGuard | Detailed | |
| Mullvad | Port Forwarding (Gone) | Standard | Privacy | |
| PureVPN | DDoS Protect | Variable | Add-on | |
| PrivadoVPN | Free Tier | Capped | Free | |
| ZoogVPN | Basic | Standard | Simple | |
| iTop VPN | Game Mode | Average | Option |
Why Use a Gaming VPN?
The Reality: Competitive gaming is brutal on your connection. ISPs often throttle bandwidth when they detect high-data usage like downloading a 100GB patch for Warzone. Furthermore, malicious players can use your IP address to launch DDoS attacks, booting you offline during crucial ranked matches.
The Solution: A VPN hides your true IP address, making you immune to personal DDoS attacks. It also encrypts your traffic so your ISP cannot see what you are doing, preventing them from throttling your speeds. More advanced users can even use VPNs to access "bot lobbies" in games with strict Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) by connecting to regions with lower player populations.
The Truth About Ping
Many people believe a VPN will always increase ping. This is not strictly true. If your ISP routes your data inefficiently to the game server, your ping will be high. A VPN can force a more direct route:
- Distance: Connect to a VPN server that is physically close to the game server, not your home.
- Protocol: Always use WireGuard or light protocols like NordLynx. OpenVPN is generally too slow for fast-paced shooters.
Consoles & Routers
PlayStation and Xbox do not natively support VPN apps. To protect your console, you have two main options:
- Smart DNS: This does not change your IP or encrypt data, but it helps bypass geo-restrictions for streaming apps on your console.
- Router Installation: By installing the VPN on your router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi is protected. This is the only way to get full DDoS protection on a console.
Game-Specific Guides
Looking for the best VPN settings for your specific game? We have tested the most popular competitive titles to find the best server locations and protocols for each.
Don't Use Free VPNs for Gaming
Free VPNs are useless for gaming. They impose strict data caps (often 10GB/month) which you will burn through in minutes. More importantly, their servers are overcrowded, resulting in massive lag spikes that make competitive play impossible. Stick to premium services with money-back guarantees.
Gaming FAQs
Will I get banned for using a VPN?
Generally, no. Most games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends allow VPN usage. However, using a VPN to cheat, bypass bans, or exploit regional pricing can lead to account suspension. Always check the Terms of Service for your specific game.
What is the best VPN protocol for gaming?
WireGuard is currently the industry standard for gaming. It offers the best balance of speed and security with very little CPU overhead. Variations like NordLynx (NordVPN) or Lightway (ExpressVPN) are also excellent choices.
Can I play games early with a VPN?
Yes. By connecting to a server in New Zealand or Australia, you can often unlock games up to 24 hours before they release in the UK or US, as digital releases often roll out by timezone.
