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Enjoy an ultra-fast gaming experience with the best VPN*
Enjoy a fast VPN for online gaming on your PC and mobile phone.
Connect to thousands of VPN servers across 178 locations.
Bypass ISP throttling of your bandwidth for gaming activities.
Get additional protection for your gaming accounts.
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Information related to “Best VPN” is supported by multiple sources (unless specific ones are mentioned), including, but not limited to, editorially independent evaluations and insights, as well as statements from media articles, some of which were published through paid partnerships.
What is a gaming VPN?
What is the best VPN for gaming?
The best VPN for gaming is the one that keeps ping low — look for WireGuard support, plenty of nearby servers, and DDoS protection.
Speed is everything when you’re gaming — snappy controls, fewer lag spikes, and no stutter from high jitter means your shots, inputs, and voice chat land exactly when they should.
When choosing a gaming VPN, make sure it supports fast protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway, and look for consistent VPN speeds above 50 Mbps so you can game and stream without a hitch. Keep in mind that a VPN can add some latency, but a good one keeps it minimal or unnoticeable.
What does a VPN do for gaming?
A gaming VPN routes your internet connection through secure servers to protect your IP address and encrypt your online traffic while you play. Let’s break down how gaming with a VPN is good:
Secure your gaming sessions with NordVPN.
Reduce the risk of DDoS attacks.
Hide your IP and keep every match uninterrupted.
Setting up your gaming VPN
With just a few clicks, better your connection and protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks.
1. Install the VPN app
Download and install the VPN app on your PC, smartphone, or tablet. For consoles, configure the VPN on your router.
2. Connect to the nearest VPN server
To connect to the nearest VPN country or city server, hit “Secure my connection.”
3.Enable performance settings
For the smoothest gameplay, pick a fast protocol like NordLynx and turn off nonessential VPN features.
4. Test your connection
With the VPN on, run a speed test to check ping. Then play a few rounds to confirm smooth performance and minimal lag.
Open Speed Test is a third-party tool, so we do not control it and cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Can a VPN reduce ping?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. If your ISP’s route to the game server is unstable or the network is congested, a VPN might find a cleaner path and reduce your ping a little.
Use a gaming VPN for all your favorite games
The trademarks displayed are for illustration purposes only. NordVPN does not endorse or encourage purchasing products or services associated with them and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by their owners.
LAN gaming with Meshnet
There’s no party like a LAN party — and NordVPN’s Meshnet safely brings all your friends right to your room, no matter where in the world they are. Powered by NordLynx, our flagship technology based on WireGuard®, Meshnet lets you directly connect to other devices to form your own secure virtual LAN. This gives the best option for online gaming between friends: Better internet connection speed and less lag.
Best games to play over Meshnet
The trademarks displayed are for illustration purposes only. NordVPN does not endorse or encourage purchasing products or services associated with them and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by their owners.
Is NordVPN good for gaming?
Yes, NordVPN is a great choice for online games. It’s a high-speed, low ping option. Plus, it keeps your connection secure, which is great for preventing DDoS attacks. Our big server network allows you to choose the best server for the smoothest gaming experience.
| Covered locations | 178 |
|---|---|
| Servers | 8,900+ |
| Protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec (manual connection) |
| Security | Strong AES-256 encryption |
| VPN bandwidth | Unlimited |
| Average download speed* | USA: 2964 Mbps UK: 2760 Mbps Japan: 2820 Mbps |
| Data privacy | No logs of your activities |
| Active devices per account | 10 |
| Extra security features | Threat Protection Pro™, Kill Switch, Dark Web Monitor, Meshnet, split tunneling |
| Specialty servers | Obfuscated, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, P2P |
| Account security | NordVPN Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans include NordPass password manager that generates strong passwords and sends breach alerts. |
*Average download speeds are based on NordVPN’s internal tests, averaging data from August to October, connecting from the USA to our USA, UK, and Japan servers.
Game account security and digital safety
Follow these simple tips to make sure no stranger gets into your gaming account and messes with your progress:
What do gamers say about NordVPN?
Millions of gamers trust NordVPN to protect their gaming sessions. Don’t take our word for it — here’s what everyday users and influencers think of NordVPN.
As VPN services go, it's hard to beat NordVPN. It has a large and diverse collection of servers, an excellent collection of advanced features, strong privacy and security practices, and approachable clients for every major platform.
Max Eddy
Software analyst, PCMag
PCMag Magazine
Editors' Choice 2024
CNN Underscored
Editors' Pick 2024
PewDiePie
1.1M subscribers
Browse the internet safely, but most importantly, freely. A VPN is one of those things that are just good to have. I recommend NordVPN.
Try the fastest¹ gaming VPN risk-free
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