A fast VPN for gaming (2024)

FAQs

Which VPN is fast for gaming? ›

Not every gamer needs a VPN, but they can potentially lower latency and help protect your privacy when playing online.

NordVPN is also easily the most stable and consistently speedy VPN we've tested, making it an excellent choice for any gamer looking for first-rate gaming performance on servers in various global regions, even though it doesn't have servers in quite as many countries as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.

FastestVPN is cheaper than services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. However, it lacks their advanced features, large server networks, and speed. It can be a good fit if you're looking for a decent budget-friendly VPN. However, if you want the best that money can buy, there are plenty of better options.

Can a VPN improve Internet speed? Under specific circ*mstances, VPNs can increase speeds for certain services. ISPs sometimes throttle, or artificially slow down, specific types of traffic; for example, several major ISPs have throttled streaming entertainment services like Netflix.

Using a VPN can lower lag and ping rates (latency)

For gamers, however, this location spoofing comes with additional benefits. By connecting to remote servers using your new location, you can avoid busy hosts with high latency, and receive a much smoother and more competitive game experience.

A virtual private network (VPN) can reduce ping if it sets up a more optimized path to your gaming server than your ISP.

Launch your VPN app and log in. Select the location that is closest to your location or your game server and connect. With your VPN connection established, you can now launch your game on your computer to play without lag.

Privacy and security are surely issues, but VPNs can benefit gamers, specifically. For instance, you can potentially spoof your location and access servers in other countries. VPNs may also make it more difficult for rivals to use distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to knock players offline.

What is the fastest free VPN for gaming? ›

Windscribe VPN

Based on the latest tests, Windscribe is hands-down the best free VPN for gaming. Unlike most free VPNs it uses AES-256 encryption, delivers fast connection speeds, and it allows P2P traffic, which means even P2P-based online games will work over its VPN servers.

Yes, just like on any other network, NordVPN works on 5G. And thanks to our lightning-fast NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard®), you'll benefit from VPN encryption while being able to enjoy the greater connection speeds offered by 5G networks.

▶ Try PrivadoVPN: the best free VPN

With its 900 Mbps average download speeds, PrivadoVPN's free servers are just as fast as its paid-for ones. This knocks Proton VPN's free servers to the curb, pulling in only 520 Mbps.

To increase your VPN speed, try changing servers to one physically close to you, adjusting your encryption level, or switching protocols. Also, consider using a premium VPN service for better performance.

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best VPN to Lower Ping and Play Without Lag From Anywhere.

Recent updates. There's been a seismic shift in our overall VPN rankings with NordVPN claiming the top spot over ExpressVPN. NordVPN remains the best option for streaming, too, thanks to its awesome unblocking power and reliable speed.

Speed winner: NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested

In our 2024 tests, NordVPN resulted in an 11.1% average speed loss. While ExpressVPN was slower, with an average 24.8% dip in speeds, it was still plenty fast for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K video streaming, gaming and working from home.