Why Use Vpn For Gaming
Should I use a VPN for gaming? – AVG
What’s the best VPN for gaming?
The best VPN for gaming is one that gives you a stable and fast connection while letting you access a choice of servers across the world.
Here’s what to look for in a good VPN for gaming:
Stable connection: Look for a VPN provider committed to consistent server maintenance and improvement.
Reputable: You’re entrusting your data to your VPN provider, so pick one you trust.
Fast: While a gaming VPN might not improve ping times, a fast VPN is better than a slow one. Find a VPN with fast servers both near your location and in other areas where you might need an IP address.
Secure: There’s no point in using a VPN for gaming if it’s going to leak your data. Don’t settle for anything less than super-secure AES-256 encryption — the same type of security used by banks and governments around the world.
Is a VPN good for gaming?
By encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address, using a VPN for gaming can potentially help you in several ways — granting access to different servers, improving ping and reducing lag, or even protecting you against DDoS attacks.
Many people use VPNs (virtual private networks) to unblock websites, access streaming content, or tap into their work networks. And many VPN companies have started pitching their services to gamers as a new market.
You may see VPN providers make bold claims about improving latency, letting you access unreleased games or games outside of your region, or generally having “the best VPN for gaming. ”
As gamers, we’ve decided to examine these claims to find out whether they’re legitimate, or whether gamers are being taken for a ride. So do you need a VPN for gaming? It turns out the answer is somewhere in the middle — while VPNs and gaming aren’t always the best match, you can still benefit from using a VPN for gaming in certain situations.
Does a gaming VPN lower ping?
Since all VPNs route your internet traffic through a remote proxy server, a VPN is unlikely to lower ping times or reduce lag times. So why do some VPN providers suggest that gaming with a VPN will help lower ping?
Multiplayer gaming has been around for more than two decades and continues to reach new heights with battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), or team-based shooters such as Overwatch.
A screenshot from the game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
As an online gamer, there’s one thing that counts: a stable connection with low latency. Some VPN companies claim that by connecting to a server close to your gaming server, their gaming VPN can lower ping times when playing the likes of Dota 2, or Counter-Strike.
Using a VPN for gaming won’t reduce ping
We tested this theory and didn’t find that gaming on a VPN lowered ping or improved lag times. Your data still needs to travel from your computer to a VPN server and back — and the longer that journey is, the slower things may feel. The best VPNs for gaming will introduce minimal lag into your connection, but some lag is still more than none.
If you’re looking for ways to boost your gameplay in Ark: Survival Evolved and other multiplayer games, a VPN for gaming isn’t likely to work. Instead of using a gaming VPN to help with ping, many gamers note increased connection issues and lag introduced by the VPN server — which means that the VPN actually slowed down the gaming experience.
Can a gaming VPN overcome P2P blocking?
A gaming VPN may help you get around P2P (peer-to-peer) connection blocks by your ISP (internet service provider). The idea makes sense in theory, but we haven’t found that using a VPN for gaming here was necessary.
Many multiplayer games use a server-client model, where the game is hosted on a central server and all players connect to it. Other games — such as those that want to minimize server costs — will instead use a P2P model, where players host games directly.
Some ISPs may block P2P connections, which can affect certain games like PUBG. That’s why you may have seen VPN providers claiming that using a VPN for gaming will help.
You likely won’t need to use a gaming VPN to get around P2P blocks
In our research on some of the most popular games and ISPs across the world, we didn’t find any instances of ISP-based P2P blocking that affected multiplayer gameplay. In extremely rare cases, an ISP might block some P2P connections — and we did note a handful of reports in which using a VPN for gaming fixed ISP-related connection woes.
Will using a VPN for gaming evade IP bans?
In addition to account bans, IP address bans allow gaming publishers to eject troublesome players from their games. If you’ve been banned for using mods, cheating, or otherwise violating the terms of service, a VPN might help you get around an IP ban.
IP bans can be temporary — 24 hours, a week — or permanent. If you’ve committed a bannable offense, the decision to ban you was probably the right one. But sometimes, IP bans can happen for no apparent reason.
A VPN for gaming may help get around IP bans (but it’s a bad idea)
Since a VPN lets you hide your IP address, you might be able to get around an IP ban by using a VPN for gaming. But we don’t encourage anyone to void the service terms in any games they play — and gaming with a VPN to get around a ban is definitely a violation of those terms.
Some publishers ban the use of VPNs for gaming altogether, so if you aren’t banned yet, you might be after gaming with a VPN. These publishers likely have already banned any known IP addresses associated with leading VPNs, which means that using a VPN for gaming won’t help at all.
Can a gaming VPN unblock geo-restricted games?
By letting you change your IP address to one in another country, a VPN can let you access content that’s not available where you are. Many people use a VPN to get around geoblocks — when something is available only to IP addresses in certain parts of the world.
Due to licensing agreements, streaming platforms often have location-based content restrictions on the movies and TV shows you can access online. Similarly, many multiplayer games group players into region-based servers. If your preferred server is in Europe, and you’re abroad in the US, you might not be able to connect.
A screenshot from the game Dying Light
A VPN for gaming can get you around content restrictions
Setting up a VPN lets you choose which server to play on — no matter where you are — by giving you a new IP address in the same region as your preferred server. If you’re worried about accessing a certain game, gaming on a VPN won’t be particularly useful, since most games can be played from anywhere in the world.
Most multiplayer games can be played in the US, Europe, and most parts of Asia. But sometimes, gaming publishers based in one country might not be allowed to operate in others. And some governments may block certain games within their borders. In these rare cases, knowing the best countries to connect to via VPN can help.
Can a VPN for gaming prevent ISP throttling?
Since a VPN prevents your ISP from seeing exactly what you’re doing online, some VPN providers claim that this will also stop them from throttling, or limiting, your internet speed. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
Internet throttling typically happens based on one of two things: your online activity or your bandwidth use. ISPs may throttle users who play a lot of games, stream a lot of shows, or torrent a lot of files — anything that consumes large amounts of data. A VPN will stop your ISP from seeing exactly what you do, but it can’t hide your data consumption.
A VPN can’t completely prevent your ISP from throttling your connection
The claim that a VPN can prevent your ISP from throttling your internet is based on the VPN’s ability to hide your internet activity. A VPN encrypts your connection, which conceals your online activity from your ISP (and everyone else). But your ISP can still see that you’re connected to a VPN, and it can see how much bandwidth you’re using.
If you hit or exceed the data cap on your internet plan, your ISP can throttle your internet connection in response. A VPN is an extra layer of protection, but it can’t prevent internet throttling completely.
Will gaming on a VPN get you early access to games and DLC?
In some cases, gaming with a VPN can get you early access to games and DLC (downloadable content) that aren’t yet available in your area. For example, if a game is released in the US but not yet in Europe, you can set your server location to the US, purchase the game, and play before anyone else can. This applies to DLC content as well, in some cases.
Gaming with a VPN can sometimes get you early access (but you might get banned)
In rare situations, gaming on a VPN can get you around location-locked release dates, but we can’t promise that you won’t get banned by the publisher.
Take the example of Fallout 4 from back in 2015. People tricked the gaming platform Steam into thinking that they were in New Zealand, where Fallout 4 was available almost a day earlier than in the US due to time differences. But instead of getting early access, these players were blocked on Steam — which meant they couldn’t play the game at all.
A screenshot from the game Fallout 4
Rather than impulsively getting a VPN to access new games, just wait and buy the game when it comes out in your region. A few hours of early access are not worth the risk of getting banned by Steam, another gaming platform, or game publishers themselves.
Do gaming VPNs prevent DDoS attacks?
VPNs conceal your IP address, so in theory, a gaming VPN can prevent others from obtaining your IP address and using it to initiate a DDoS attack against you. A DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack happens when a hacker uses a botnet to overload an IP address or server with requests, eventually shutting it down.
As a massive industry, competitive gaming is prone to DDoS attacks by hackers. Some VPN providers claim that your opponents may target you with one — causing you to lose the game — and they’ll suggest VPNs and gaming together as an effective tool for countering these attacks.
Gaming on a VPN can prevent DDoS attacks — in theory
There’s nothing wrong with hiding your IP address with a VPN to prevent DDoS attacks. It’ll work — but if you’re just a regular gamer, your odds of being targeted by a DDoS attack are extremely low.
But if you’re running a dedicated championship Minecraft or League of Legends server, you’re a much bigger target for DDoS attacks. If you’re into that sort of business though, you’re likely not looking at consumer-tier gaming VPNs for protection.
Can using a VPN while gaming prevent swatting?
It’s been suggested that gaming on a VPN can prevent swatting since your VPN hides your IP address — but that’s not enough to stop a swatting attack.
Swatting happens when someone places a fraudulent emergency call and fools the police into sending a response team to the target’s address. Swatters — the people behind the attacks — may view it as a prank, but swatting has resulted in at least one real-world death.
Swatting is an especially serious concern for streamers, as people may try to swat them mid-stream. Do gaming VPNs work to prevent swatting?
Gaming with a VPN won’t block a swatting attack
When VPN providers tell you that gaming on a VPN will prevent swatting, the explanation is as follows: swatters use your IP address to figure out where you live, and a VPN will prevent anyone from finding your IP address.
The problem is that your IP address doesn’t reveal your street address — only your general location. Many swatting attacks happen when the swatter uses spoofing software to mimic the victim’s phone number, then places an emergency call that appears to be coming from the victim’s home. A VPN can’t do anything against that type of attack.
Can a gaming VPN be used to create a LAN?
Remember the good old days of LAN gaming? They haven’t passed — many games still allow you to connect PCs and laptops over a local area network (LAN) and play together in one room. When you’re traveling, things become a bit more difficult.
Certain tools like Hamachi let you create a LAN over the internet using VPN technology. If everyone in your gaming group is using one of these tools, you can make a virtual LAN and let your friends connect to it, no matter where you are. Something like this may be the best VPN for your gaming group.
Most gaming VPNs don’t offer LAN capability
If you find a VPN for gaming that lets you create virtual LANs, then you and your gaming group will be golden. But the majority of consumer VPNs don’t offer any sort of LAN mode. In that case, VPNs and gaming won’t bring back the halcyon days of LAN sessions.
Do gaming VPNs work?
When gaming with a VPN, you’ll enjoy all the benefits your VPN gives you: an encrypted internet connection, a hidden IP address, and a new IP address somewhere else in the world. But will a gaming VPN improve your gaming experience? Let’s find out with a few FAQs about VPNs and gaming.
Does a VPN slow down gaming?
At best, your gaming VPN will be exactly as fast as your internet connection. But in most cases, it’ll be slightly slower than that. You’re still using your physical internet connection when you connect to a VPN, and it’s impossible for a VPN to speed up your internet.
Since a VPN connection directs all your traffic through a remote server, it’s common for VPNs to be a bit slower than your normal internet connection. If you need a gameplay boost in GTA V or another one of your favorite games, a VPN might not help — look into boosting your gaming rig instead.
You can also try overclocking your CPU and overclocking your GPU for increased gaming performance. Or, if all else fails, check our detailed guide to speeding up your computer.
Will a VPN improve your connection?
VPNs introduce an extra connection point in the journey from your computer to your game server. That’s one more opportunity for a connection to drop, especially if you’re using a crowded VPN server. You may experience service drops and packet loss — when some of your traffic doesn’t reach its destination.
When it comes to VPNs and gaming, stronger connectivity isn’t one of the benefits you’ll enjoy.
Are gaming VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in many countries, but others restrict their use or ban them outright. Check to make sure VPNs and gaming are legal where you live before using one. And note that it’s always illegal to conduct criminal activity over a VPN.
Will I get banned if I use a VPN?
Some gaming publishers, like many content platforms, don’t permit VPN connections. If you use a VPN for gaming to breach the terms of use in a game you play, you can expect a ban.
Can I install a VPN on my gaming console?
While setting up a VPN on your PC is as easy as installing a reliable VPN app, console gamers likely won’t have that option. If you prefer game consoles to PC gaming, you’ll need to either install a VPN on your router, or connect your console to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
Game safely with AVG Secure VPN
AVG Secure VPN is the best way to secure your internet connection, hide your IP address, and prevent anyone — especially your ISP — from knowing what you’re doing online. It’s got all the hallmarks of the best VPN for gaming: lightning-fast servers around the world, military-grade encryption, and the backing of a world leader in cybersecurity.
Make your gaming sessions more private and more secure with a 7-day free trial of AVG Secure VPN.
Do high-profile gamers use VPNs? | The Brag
The fast-emerging eSports industry is one of the best examples of the growing number of uses for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The huge tournament prize pools offered to the world’s best video gamers mean that security and connection speeds have to be at their very ’s why the world’s leading eSports events utilise VPNs to guard against the threat of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks which can overwhelm a gamer’s internet connection, causing it to grind to a frustrating eSports contestants have also been known to give their opponents a DDoS attack too, preventing them from being able to compete online in the leading eSports events. This is where some of the best free VPN download options can safeguard the connection of eSports players from DDoS attacks as follows: When a VPN is active, the application is designed to mask your connection’s actual IP address. That’s because a VPN routes your internet connection via an alternative, shared IP not only makes it virtually impossible for cyber-hackers to plan a DDoS attack on your true IP address, but it can also make your address appear to be somewhere you are not, which can also be useful for security of the most high-profile examples of a DDoS attack on a major eSports competition came back in 2015. The International Dota 2 Championships were wholly affected, with a DDoS attack crippling the entire tournament for more than an hour before connectivity could be restored for gamers. A DDoS attack can cripple an entire tournament Some gamers also have difficulties logging into particular online games, particularly those that travel regularly around the world for eSports events. VPNs can assist those that may be ‘geo-blocked’. This means that access to an online game may be prohibited in the country you are in. Using a VPN can make it easy to gain access to games that would not otherwise be possible. Love Gaming? Get the latest Gaming news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more It has also been known for eSports gamers to utilise a trusted VPN to improve their connection speeds. That’s because some internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘throttle’ a user’s web traffic to limit bandwidth, often without informing them. That’s where a VPN can come into its that play online using a VPN service can stop their ISP from seeing the websites they visit. They will acknowledge that you are using a VPN, but that’s about it. Subsequently, ISPs cannot tell when you are gaming and accessing vast amounts of content that would ordinarily be throttled, resulting in far lower ping some instances, eGamers will let the tensions of live tournament gameplay get the better of them. They might curse, use unwarranted language or engage in harmful or aggressive conversations with competitors; we’re all human after that have been unjustly banned from a game server can use a VPN to regain access and circumvent game administrators. Typically, when a player is blocked from a game server, it is their IP address and user handle that is logged. By altering your virtual IP address you can come back as a new player and regain access to your favourite games.
3 Best (FASTEST) VPNs for Gaming in October 2021 – vpnMentor
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The reviews published on vpnMentor are written by experts that examine the products according to our strict reviewing standards. Such standards ensure that each review is based on the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, and takes into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users, which may also affect the product’s ranking on the website.
Table of Contents
Quick Guide: Top 3 VPNs for Gaming
Why Do You Need a VPN for Online Gaming?
How to Install a VPN For Gaming
Install a VPN on Your WiFi Router
Set Up a VPN on Your PC (Windows)
Set Up a VPN on MacOS
The Best VPNs for Gaming – Full Analysis (Updated October 2021)
ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds for Lag-Free Gaming
CyberGhost – Simple Apps, Easy to Configure for Gaming
Private Internet Access – Top Class Security for a Low Price
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Gaming VPNs
Should You Try a Free VPN for Gaming?
FAQ
Updated on 21st August 2021
Are you tired of inconsistent connection speeds ruining your gaming session? How about lag spikes that get you killed when playing intense online multiplayer matches? Trust me, I have been there myself, but before you rage quit, keep reading for a solution.
Whether you’re looking to unblock geo-restricted games, remove an IP Ban from your favorite game server, get a better connection to distant servers, or avoid throttling/DDoS attacks, a good VPN will be the most valuable player on your team.
I have tested dozens of VPNs to find the 3 fastest VPNs for gaming. My top choice is ExpressVPN, which has excellent security features to protect you from attacks, and large server networks so you can unblock any game you want.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Now!
ExpressVPN Is our top pick thanks to its fast speeds, excellent security features, and large worldwide server network.
CyberGhost makes gaming easy with its user-friendly interface and customized server profiles.
Private Internet Access (PIA) gives gamers the privacy they need with some of the best prices offered by a premium VPN service.
At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive to use a VPN, because the service encrypts data by sending it via an intermediary server. You might assume that this will slow your connection down, but you’ll discover that the opposite can be true.
VPNs offer several advantages for gamers, making the investment a no-brainer. Here is a summary of why you should use a VPN for gaming:
Access region-locked game servers: Some game developers split up servers based on region, but VPNs allow you to play games with friends located in other countries. You can choose the region you want to access with a premium VPN that has servers around the world.
DDoS attack protection: While playing, other gamers could target your IP address using denial-of-service attacks. A good VPN can protect you by moving you between servers.
Play geoblocked games: Is the game you want to play restricted to specific countries like Japan or South Korea? You can use a VPN with servers in those countries to bypass the block.
Protection from hackers: VPNs provide IP masking and encryption. These are important when having an open connection while gaming, to avoid hacking attempts.
Play while traveling: Marketplaces may not process payments if your current IP address doesn’t match up with your profile. You can bypass this inconvenience by selecting a server in the country your profile was created in.
Play on streaming services: VPNs can help you play on streaming services like XCloud and Google Stadia if they are not available in your country.
Use Discord: You can use a VPN to access Discord if it’s blocked in your country. All you have to do is choose a server in a country where Discord is available.
Remove IP bans: Getting blocked from your favorite games because of IP bans can be frustrating. You can bypass the ban by using a VPN to change your IP address.
Play unreleased games: Some games are released at different dates around the world. You don’t have to wait weeks, months, or years to get your hands on a game – instead, you can use a VPN to access the game as soon as it’s available.
You can see now why a VPN is essential for gaming safely. The next thing you need to know is how to install one on all your gaming devices. This is where things get a little bit tricky. While installing a VPN on a laptop, desktop, or smartphone is super easy, many game consoles are not directly compatible with VPN software.
To help you out, I’ll show you the three easiest ways to connect your Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and other game consoles to your VPN. Follow these quick steps and you’ll be protected in no time.
By far the simplest method for using a VPN on your game console, this will also automatically protect every device connected to your WiFi network at once. You can buy a specialized router dedicated to working with VPNs or purchase one built by your VPN provider. While easy to set up, these are expensive options, and not all VPN providers sell their own routers.
Alternatively, you can manually install your VPN on your router. Click here for an easy guide.
Before you set up your VPN, make sure to have an Ethernet cable. Check if your PC also has an Ethernet port and a WiFi adapter and is compatible with your console.
Download and install your chosen VPN service on your PC.
Plug an Ethernet cable at the back of your PC and console.
Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center. Click Change Adaptor Settings on the window.
Right click your VPN’s icon and select Properties.
Open the sharing tab and be sure to select ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection. ’
Select Home Networking Connection and afterwards, click the ‘home internet connection’ option from the drop-down menu.
On your console, find the network settings, choose a LAN cable option, and connect it to your PC’s network.
You may need to select an option like “Do Not Use a Proxy Server. ”
The steps vary slightly with each console, but you should now be online and connected to the web via VPN. Let the games begin!
Connecting a VPN via Mac is nearly the same as setting it up via PC, only this method uses Mac’s Internet Sharing.
Download and install your preferred VPN.
Plug the Ethernet cable into the back of your Mac and your console.
Go to System Preferences > Sharing. From the left-hand side menu, click Internet Sharing.
From the drop-down menu that says ‘Share Your Connection From, ’ select WiFi.
Tick Ethernet from the ‘to computers using’ list.
Check to the left of Internet Sharing to activate the WiFi sharing between your Mac and your console. Watch out for the green icon that indicates a successful connection.
Open the VPN software you downloaded onto your Mac and connect to a server from the VPN’s list of available servers.
On your console, find the network settings, choose a LAN cable option, and connect it to your Mac’s network.
The steps vary slightly with each console, but if all goes well, you will be connected to the web via VPN in no time.
All that’s left now is picking the best VPN for your gaming needs. Not every VPN is powerful enough for gaming, so we’ve chosen the top 3 absolute best for you.
I have tested all the major VPNs on the market to find the best options for gamers. In the following section you’ll find the 3 best VPNs for gaming based on connection quality, security, and reliability.
1. ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds for Lag-Free Gaming
Top-notch protection with high speeds to match
3, 000 servers in 90+ locations
MediaStreamer feature lets you use your VPN connection on any gaming console that connects to WiFi
All servers support P2P activity
30-day money-back guarantee
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer
Compatible with: Xbox One and 360, PlayStation 3, 4 and 5Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, WiFi routers, Chrome, and Firefox.
As its name suggests, ExpressVPN offers super-fast connectivity speeds. In fact, during my testing I found it to be one of the fastest VPNs. Its consistently low latency means you can use it to enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
There are 3, 000+ servers in over 90 locations. This allows you to access games with region-specific early releases, or ones locked to limited countries. Unblock your favorite games regardless of where you live around the world.
ExpressVPN works on all devices, including consoles, PC, and mobile devices. The service allows you to have 5 simultaneous connections running. It’s ideal if you want to play games while someone else is streaming Netflix.
Try ExpressVPN risk-free and claim a refund within 30 days if you’re not impressed. I tested the refund process and it was one of the smoothest I have experienced.
Start Playing with ExpressVPN!
2. CyberGhost – Simple Apps, Easy to Configure for Gaming
7, 260 servers in 90 countries
A choice of profiles gives you the best settings for different activities
Simple and streamlined interface
Supports torrenting with a dedicated profile that shows countries and number of users.
45-day money-back guarantee
Up to 7 simultaneous device connections
Works with: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Comedy Central, Eurosport, ESPN, and others
Compatible with: Xbox One and 360, Playstation 3, 4, and 5, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, WiFi routers, Linux, and Chrome
CyberGhost is perfect if you need consistent connection quality and security. You can connect up to 7 devices at the same time. I tried this at home and the connection speed for all 7 devices was reliable.
The VPN provides over 7, 260 servers in 90 countries. That’s useful for accessing geo-restricted games or getting a better deal if there is a sale in a specific country. The huge number of servers means you always have a backup option.
CyberGhost has dedicated apps for most devices, including gaming consoles, PC, Mac, and smartphones. The strong security features reduce the chances of DDoS attacks ruining your gaming experience.
To see if CyberGhost is the right VPN for you, take advantage of the 45-day money back guarantee. It’s a risk-free way of checking out the features for yourself.
Start Playing with CyberGhost!
3. Private Internet Access – Top Class Security for a Low Price
29, 650+ servers across 70 locations
Budget-friendly pricing
Simple installation and configuration
Up to 10 simultaneous device connections
Works with: Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Crunchyroll, CBS, Showtime
Compatible with:Xbox One and 360, Playstation 3, 4, and 5, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, WiFi routers, Linux, and Chrome
Private Internet Access is a fan favorite among gamers and offers attractive features based on my testing. There are nearly 29, 650+ servers across 70 countries, which is the highest in this top 5 list of VPNs for gamers.
Private Internet Access masks your IP address so your ISP can’t monitor your traffic. It greatly reduces the chances of bandwidth throttling – one of the most frustrating ways a gaming session can come to an end.
I tested the connection speeds on my PC and they were competitive with the top gaming VPNs on the market. While playing multiplayer games, I did not experience lags.
If you’re looking for reliable connectivity speed, advanced security, and easy set up process you might want to give this VPN a closer look. Give Private Internet Access a try with the hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Start Playing with PIA!
I tested dozens of VPNs to find the best ones and ranked them based on criteria useful for gamers. Here are the ranking factors I used to find the best VPNs for gaming:
Speed: VPNs should reduce lag to provide a fast gaming experience
Large network: Servers across the globe allow you to access more geo-restricted games
Security: Strong encryption prevents DDoS attacks and ISP bandwidth throttling
Devices: VPNs should work on multiple devices like PC, mobile, and consoles
No data cap: Unlimited bandwidth and data transfer means you don’t have to worry about your gaming session being cut short
A free VPN might sound like an appealing choice, but there are a number of reasons why free VPNs just aren’t worth it. For starters, many free VPNs aren’t truly free. Some make you pay by collecting and selling your data or constantly showing you ads. Others will slow your connection speed, which makes gaming difficult.
The VPNs that are truly free and secure generally enforce strict bandwidth limits. These range from 500MB of data per month to 500 MB per day. You simply won’t have enough data to play your game of choice.
This is why a premium VPN is your best option. The best services have no data limits, hold strict no-log policies, won’t throttle your connection speed, and most importantly, they use high levels of encryption to keep you safe and secure.
Does a VPN affect gaming?
VPNs can affect gaming performance positively and negatively. It depends on how the VPN manages its servers. Ideally, you should choose a VPN with low ping servers for an optimized gaming experience.
What VPN do pro gamers use?
The most popular VPN among pro gamers is ExpressVPN, thanks to its fast connection speeds and huge global network of servers.
Which VPN is good for PUBG?
You can’t go wrong by choosing any of the VPNs on my list to play PUBG. ExpressVPN is the best choice for PUBG. But you can also try CyberGhost because it’s super easy to use or Private Internet Access for its top-class security.
Can VPNs reduce ping?
Yes! VPNs like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or Private Internet Access (PIA) maintain low ping servers, which are ideal for gaming. They are an effective alternative to ISPs that don’t provide a consistently low ping connection.
To summarise, the best VPNs for gaming are…
Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN
About the Author
Ariel Hochstadt, Formerly Gmail Marketing Manager globally for Google, and today web entrepreneur. Ariel is a successful international speaker and author of 3 published books on computers and internet. He is the co-founder of vpnMentor and an advocate of online privacy.
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Frequently Asked Questions about why use vpn for gaming
Do pro gamers use a VPN?
The fast-emerging eSports industry is one of the best examples of the growing number of uses for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The huge tournament prize pools offered to the world’s best video gamers mean that security and connection speeds have to be at their very best.Jan 30, 2019
Is VPN faster for gaming?
Yes! VPNs like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or Private Internet Access (PIA) maintain low ping servers, which are ideal for gaming. They are an effective alternative to ISPs that don’t provide a consistently low ping connection.Oct 19, 2021
Why is VPN banned in games?
Geographical Restrictions Governments usually have a limited number of services approved as a smaller number is easier to monitor. Hence, when a government has restricted the use of a certain VPN, getting banned from its use in games or otherwise is a possibility even if you’re not doing anything illegal.Feb 25, 2021
