CyberAdvises editors independently select and review products. When you purchase through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission, which supports our product testing efforts.

Best VPN for Gaming (2025): Fast, Secure, and Lag-Free Picks

Using a VPN for gaming may seem counterintuitive—why add a layer between you and the game server? But with the right VPN, it’s not about slowing down; it’s about gaining control. A well-optimized VPN can enhance your gaming experience by improving security, avoiding ISP throttling, bypassing regional restrictions, and even reducing ping in certain scenarios.

Whether you’re a competitive gamer looking to protect against DDoS attacks or a casual player trying to access early game releases from another region, a gaming VPN can be a powerful tool. In this guide, we highlight the best VPNs for gaming in 2025, based on real-world performance, low latency, server reliability, and features specifically tailored to gamers.

Why Gamers Use a VPN

Gaming and VPNs might not seem like a natural match at first—after all, low latency and fast connections are crucial. But a high-performance VPN can offer distinct advantages that go beyond privacy. Here’s why more and more gamers are turning to VPNs in 2025:

1. Bypass Geo-Restrictions

Some games or downloadable content (DLC) are released earlier in certain regions. A VPN allows you to virtually change your location and access games before they become available in your country. It also enables players to connect to servers in other regions—useful for finding less crowded servers or playing with friends abroad.

2. Protection Against DDoS Attacks

Competitive gamers and streamers are often targeted by DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks, which flood your IP address with traffic and cause disconnection or high latency. A VPN hides your real IP address, acting as a buffer and neutralizing most DDoS attempts.

3. Prevent ISP Throttling

Some internet service providers throttle—or deliberately slow down—gaming traffic during peak hours. A VPN encrypts your traffic, preventing your ISP from identifying and throttling it. The result: smoother gameplay and more consistent speeds.

4. Access to Region-Exclusive Content

Certain in-game items, servers, or events are restricted by location. A VPN can help unlock region-locked features, giving players access to promotions, cosmetics, or betas not available in their region.

5. Secure Gaming on Public Wi-Fi

If you’re gaming on the go—at a hotel, airport, or public hotspot—VPNs provide an encrypted tunnel that keeps your data safe from man-in-the-middle attacks. This is particularly important for mobile gaming or using cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud or GeForce NOW.

6. Play Banned or Censored Games

In some countries, certain games are restricted due to political or cultural reasons. A VPN allows players to access these games by connecting through a country where they are available, enabling full access to the global gaming catalog.

7. Lower Ping to Specific Servers (in Some Cases)

Though VPNs typically add a small amount of latency, some gamers have reported lower ping when routing their connection through optimized VPN servers—especially if their ISP uses inefficient routing or if they’re connecting to servers in faraway regions.

Key Criteria for a Gaming VPN

For a VPN to be truly effective for gaming, it needs to offer more than just basic encryption. Low latency and consistently high speeds are critical, which is why a global server network with fast, stable infrastructure is essential. A wide selection of servers not only improves performance but also gives gamers access to international game servers and region-specific content. Built-in DDoS protection adds an important layer of security—particularly for streamers and competitive players who are more likely to be targeted. Finally, broad device compatibility ensures that the VPN works seamlessly across platforms, including Windows PCs, gaming consoles (via router setup), and mobile devices, providing a flexible and secure experience for every type of gamer.

Top 3 VPNs for Gaming in 2025

1. NordVPN – Best Overall for Gaming

Speed: Excellent thanks to NordLynx protocol.
DDoS Protection: Included with every subscription.
Server Network: 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries.
Special Features: Meshnet for LAN-like gaming with friends.

NordVPN stands out for its excellent speeds and security. It also offers Meshnet, which lets you set up a virtual LAN party with friends across the world. With solid apps and router support, it’s a versatile choice for all platforms. Click here to check out NordVPN.

2. ExpressVPN – Best for Console Gaming

Speed: Very fast, with consistent performance.
DDoS Protection: Not advertised, but solid encryption helps.
Server Network: 3,000+ servers in 94 countries.
Special Features: Easy router setup, MediaStreamer for consoles.

ExpressVPN is a great choice for console users. While consoles don’t support VPN apps directly, ExpressVPN’s router app or DNS-based MediaStreamer makes it easy to set up. It’s especially good for accessing international game content. Click here to check out ExpressVPN.

3. Surfshark – Best Budget Gaming VPN

Speed: Competitive speeds with WireGuard.
DDoS Protection: No, but decent security overall.
Server Network: 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries.
Special Features: Unlimited devices, GPS spoofing on Android.

Surfshark offers good gaming performance at a lower price. It’s a solid pick for casual gamers who don’t need advanced features but still want fast, global access and protection from throttling. Click here to check out Surfshark.

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

1. Select the Optimal Server Location
After installing your VPN, always connect to a server close to the game server’s region. This helps reduce ping and ensures stable connectivity. Some VPNs offer built-in latency indicators—use them to compare server performance before choosing one.

2. Stick to High-Performance Protocols
Use modern VPN protocols such as WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway. These are specifically built for speed and low latency, making them ideal for gaming. Avoid older protocols like OpenVPN unless required for compatibility.

3. Set Up a Router-Based VPN for Console Gaming
If you play on a console (e.g., PlayStation or Xbox), configure the VPN on your home router or a virtual router via PC. This ensures all network traffic from the console is protected, even if the console doesn’t support VPN apps directly.

4. Create Server Shortcuts for Faster Access
Most VPN apps let you save preferred or recent server locations. Create shortcuts for your go-to gaming regions to streamline access and avoid manually searching every session.

5. Monitor Performance and Adjust as Needed
Check latency and packet loss regularly, especially before online matches. If you notice lag, try switching servers or protocols. Many VPNs offer built-in diagnostics or connection logs to help with this.

6. Keep VPN Software Updated
VPN providers regularly improve speed and stability. Make sure your VPN client is always updated to benefit from the latest protocol enhancements, bug fixes, and performance optimizations.

7. Use Split Tunneling When Needed
For optimal performance, enable split tunneling (if supported). This allows you to route only your game traffic through the VPN, while other apps (like streaming services or downloads) use your regular internet connection.

8. Disable Background Downloads While Gaming
Even with a VPN, your gaming connection can be affected by bandwidth-heavy apps. Pause software updates, downloads, and streaming services on other devices during play sessions to preserve low ping and fast response times.