Best VPN for Gaming in 2022

These VPNs will provide you with top-quality DDOS protection from your bitter gaming opponents.

Last Update: April 29, 2022
MOST POPULAR

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Features:
  • Strict No logs Policy
  • AES-256-GCM Encryption
  • Very Secure Protocol
  • Fast Torrent Speed and Unblocking Netflix
  • Unlimited Devices
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • Simple user interface for Android Users
  • Internet Kill Switch
  • Split Tunneling
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Unbreakable Encryption
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • ZERO Data Logging Policy
  • IPv6 Leak Protection
  • 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
  • 6 Simultaneous Connections
  • Anonymous Torrenting / P2P Friendly
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Features:
  • Public WIFI Protection
  • IP Leak Protection
  • No Logs Policy
  • Live Chat Support 24H
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Simple One-Click Connection
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • Torrents Friendly
  • Unlimited Bandwidth and Server Changes
Available on:
 available_devices

5 of the Best VPN for Gaming

Best Android VPN

A slow internet connection can ruin your online gaming experience, especially if the game requires quick reflexes. Unfortunately, ISPs frequently attempt to penalize high-bandwidth customers, such as gamers, by limiting their access.

This is done to ensure that all clients have access to networks of comparable speed. Your own network speed, however, may fluctuate due to connection throttling.

While most gamers attempt to solve the problem by spending more money on optimization, purchasing a good VPN is usually the best option. Your traffic is kept private when you use a reliable VPN. Your internet service provider will have no idea what you're up to. 

As a result, there will be no throttling on your network. You should also be aware that a good VPN protects your computer from DDOS attacks by your ruthless gaming opponents.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the top five VPNs for online gaming. These VPNs will protect you from DDOS attacks while also providing anonymity, allowing you to avoid network throttling.

Surfshark screenshot

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for any online gamer looking for the best bang for their buck. Surfshark has a low ping rate and only a minor slowdown in download speed. They may not be as powerful as other VPNs when it comes to uploads, but they should suffice for your needs.

While Surfshark is one of the most affordable options available, the price isn’t the most appealing aspect of using it. Instead, that would be the ability to use the VPN on as many devices as you want at the same time.

Surprisingly, Surfshark is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, iOS ChromeOS, Amazon Fire TV, and even PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. However, because of the low price, you may be skeptical of Surfshark's functionality.

And if you think you are, you are mistaken! Surfshark has low latency and high bandwidth, allowing you to get the most out of your online gaming and video streaming experience.

Depending on your internet service provider, Surfshark can provide download speeds of up to 100 megabits per second. Unless you intend to download large game files and play them right away, that high speed should suffice for the majority of your internet activities. The kill switch is another useful feature of the app.

If the VPN stops working for any reason, you can disable your connection using this option. There is also the option of creating a whitelist. You can easily allow specific apps, such as banking apps, to bypass the VPN filter by using the whitelist.

Surfshark VPN Features

  • Gives you access to over 30 Netflix libraries.
  • 1 subscription serves unlimited devices.
  • Has an ad blocker to stop intruding ads.
  • Optional Kill switch kills your internet if VPN goes out.
  • Whitelist option to allow selected apps and websites bypass VPN.
  • Strict no-log policy.
  • AES 205 Encryption
  • Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Amazon Fire TV, etc.

Surfshark VPN Servers

Surfshark servers

3200+ servers in 65 countries

Surfshark VPN Support

Surfshark CS

24/7 customer support available

Surfshark VPN Pricing

Surfshark price

Surfshark VPN has the following price plans:

  • 1-month - $12.95 per month
  • 12-months - $6.49 per month
  • 24-months - $2.49 per month
Surfshark logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Visit Surfshark
Expressvpn-screenshot-new

ExpressVPN outperforms several other VPNs on the market today. That is why it is ranked second on our list, and you can rest assured that your network speeds will not be affected while using ExpressVPN. Even better, ExpressVPN can assist you in avoiding throttling on your gaming consoles. As you may be aware, consoles do not natively support VPNs.

Fortunately, ExpressVPN includes a router VPN app. You can use the app to quickly boost your network speed and stay safe while gaming on your console. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, comes with industry-leading encryption and a MediaStreamer Smart DNS service that lets you change the location of your Xbox or PlayStation. 

You will be able to play games that are not available in your area if you do so. Outside of gaming, the utility is equally valuable. You can watch Netflix's regional libraries and search for new content using the MediaStreamer Smart DNS tool.

You'll also have access to websites such as the BBC iPlayer, which are restricted in some areas. The main disadvantage of ExpressVPN is that your subscription can only be used on five devices at once. You can easily get around this by putting the plan on your router.

As a result, the router's coverage extends to any other device that is connected to it. The remaining four plans can then be used to provide security on your phones and laptops from anywhere.

ExpressVPN also provides responsive customer service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, if you have any problems, you can contact them and they will solve them in a matter of minutes.

ExpressVPN Features

  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • Available on Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, AppleTV, Amazon Fire TV, Console
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • In-class encryption
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN Servers

Expressvpn servers

160 server locations available in 94 countries

ExpressVPN Support

Expressvpn cs

24/7 Live chat

ExpressVPN Pricing

ExpressVPN pricing

The ExpressVPN prices are as follows:

  • Monthly subscription - $12.95
  • 6 months subscription - $9.99 per month
  • 15 months subscription - $6.67 per month

ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Visit ExpressVPN
Privatevpn screenshot

Unlike most other VPN services, PrivateVPN takes pride in being a simple VPN service. The program does not have many extra features aside from the ability to hide your IP address and protect your data.

The app, which is available for Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV, enables secure file sharing. PrivateVPN can also be used to stream videos and play games. The app works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and the BBC iPlayer.

However, when compared to other VPNs, it has a limited number of servers. As a direct consequence, some of its servers may become overburdened, making HD streaming impossible.

The VPN can also be used for peer-to-peer file sharing. On the desktop version of the app, you can access dedicated torrent servers, port forwarding, and a kill switch. Furthermore, the Swedish VPN adheres to a zero-log policy, which means that no information or web data is stored on its servers.

Although PrivateVPN lacks some of the features of the other options on this list, it is by far the most affordable, with monthly plans starting at $1.98. Furthermore, despite the fact that it only has a few servers, PrivateVPN makes every effort to provide its users with global coverage.

It's one of the few VPN alternatives available to Chinese and other heavily censored citizens. The only disadvantage of using this VPN is that customer support is not always available.

Worse, they don't have set hours when they're available; instead, they appear and disappear at random times during the day. So, if you want a VPN that can provide good gaming capabilities while remaining reasonably priced, PrivateVPN is your best bet.

PrivateVPN Features

  • Zero data logging policy ensures 100% privacy
  • AES 205 encryption
  • Allows up to 6 devices on one subscription
  • Available on Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, AppleTV, Amazon Fire TV, Console
  • Unlimited bandwidth and internet speed
  • Anonymous P2P file sharing and torrenting friendly
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

PrivateVPN Servers

Privatevpn servers

100 servers in 63 countries

PrivateVPN Support

Privatevpn cs

Live chat and remote assistance available at specified hours during the day.

PrivateVPN Pricing

PrivateVPN Price
PrivateVPN logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Visit PrivateVPN
CyberGhost screenshot

One of the main reasons for CyberGhost's inclusion on this list is that it is one of the few VPNs that can be used with consoles. If you own a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, CyberGhost may be the VPN you require to play anonymously.

In addition to providing secure gaming, CyberGhost enables its customers to improve their online gaming performance. CyberGhost has a plethora of excellent security features to ensure a secure and safe online gaming experience.

One of them is that you won't have to worry about DDOS attacks if you use CyberGhost. Furthermore, the software allows you to automatically connect to your preferred servers as soon as you open the app.

As a result, your VPN connection will always be quick and secure. Furthermore, when streaming media from your gaming console, CyberGhost makes it simple to avoid geo-restrictions. Besides that, if you use the program, you will be able to access all foreign libraries of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and a slew of others that aren't available in your area.

It also means that you'll be able to access games and products that are only available in specific regions through your console's store. CyberGhost performs admirably in terms of speed and gameplay.

You should be able to play your games without lag if you use the software. All you have to do is connect to one of its servers, which are located in 90 countries around the world, and you can begin playing your game without any problems. In addition, the program includes the WireGuard protocol, which allows you to get around 300mbps in most US states if you need more bandwidth.

CyberGhost Features

  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • DNS leak protection
  • Kill switch option
  • One subscription serves up to 7 devices simultaneously
  • Strict no-log policy
  • High-speed internet connection

CyberGhost Servers

Cyberghost servers

7,300 servers available in 91 countries

CyberGhost Support

Cyberghost features

24/7 Live chat available

CyberGhost Pricing

Cyberghost pricing

CyberGhost offers an excellent VPN product with a strong focus on privacy, a robust network, and a generous number of simultaneous connections. However, CyberGhost is on the expensive side.

  • 1-month - US$12.99 per month
  • 3-year plan - $2.75 per month
CyberGhost logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Visit CyberGhost VPN
Hotspot Shield Screenshot

HotspotShield is a major player in the VPN market when it comes to speed. The app is simple to use and useful in a variety of situations. Furthermore, HotspotShield includes native Android and iOS apps that are identical in terms of usability and gaming performance.

To use the VPN, simply click the power button in the center of the application. Even if you use a long-distance server, you will barely notice a slowdown when using the HotspotShield. The Catapult Hydra Protocol, which is part of the VPN, is responsible for the software's speed.

Although most devices support the OpenVPN protocol, you will not use it. Unfortunately, you will be limited to their clients and will be unable to use a VPN without using HotspotShield.

While the program is suitable for the majority of people, technologically savvy individuals may encounter some difficulties. The first is that Hotspot Shield explicitly states in its privacy policy that it stores some of your data.

Although they claim to collect data anonymously and without revealing your identity, for those seeking complete anonymity, this may be a turn-off. Nonetheless, if speed is critical, this is the app to use because it has the fastest gameplay speeds.

You'll have a lightning-fast gaming session if you use HotspotShield in conjunction with a high-speed internet connection. What's more, the developers claim that in the event of a DDoS attack while online gaming, they can assist you in quickly changing your server location.

Hotspot Shield Features

  • Offers military-grade encryption
  • Link up to 5 maximum devices
  • DNS leak protection
  • Trustworthy privacy with zero data logging policy
  • Allows you access content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu in restricted areas.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee.

Hotspot Shield Servers

Hotspotshield servers

Over 1,800 virtual servers in 115 locations in the world

Hotspot Shield Support

Hotspotshield cs

24/7 Live chat available

Hotspot Shield Pricing

hotspot shield price
Hotspot shield white
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Visit Hotspot Shield

Is VPN Good for Gaming?

Yes, using a VPN while gaming is beneficial. However, if you choose a good VPN provider, you will reap even more benefits from VPN in gaming.

If you choose a bad VPN provider, you risk using an app that exposes your weaknesses, does not provide anonymous connections, and simply slows down your internet connection.

On the other hand, if you use a reputable VPN service, such as one of the ones listed above, you will see immediate results. You can be confident, for example, that your data will be kept secure and encrypted.

Besides that, a good VPN service can assist you in avoiding network throttling by your internet service provider, which will most likely improve the speed of your online gaming.

There's also a chance you'll have access to gameplay features that online gamers in your server's location don't have.

Gaming VPN that Pro Players Use

A VPN is preferred by professional gamers. Gaming VPNs are intended to assist gamers in achieving specific goals. However, many people use VPNs for a variety of reasons, including cost. As a result, finding a VPN that most professional players prefer may be difficult.

When playing games, a VPN must provide the highest level of security and safety. Online gaming entails risks that necessitate security and privacy safeguards. For example, players can easily target you for DDoS if you aren’t secure.

Pro gamer

A distributed denial-of-service attack can take down unknown players in a specific area. This causes game lag, giving other players an unfair advantage. By using a VPN, you can avoid this type of attack because the hacker will not know where you are.

Gamers also prefer VPNs that do not slow down their equipment. In any game, but especially in online games, speed is essential. You don't want to miss anything when playing online!

VPNs, on the other hand, can reduce ping, resulting in faster download and upload speeds, which most people do not consider. As a result, your ping rate will decrease, but only slightly.

The majority of the VPNs listed above will assist you in doing so. Professional gamers prefer VPNs that work on multiple devices and platforms, so if you need a VPN that checks all of these boxes, consider any of the VPNs listed above.

Free VPN for Gaming - Does it exist?

The most direct answer is that there isn't one. If you require a VPN that works flawlessly or nearly flawlessly, you should expect to pay a monthly subscription fee. Even though there are many software and websites that claim to provide free virtual network connections, you will be charged in some way.

Some of these "free software" companies sell your personal information to pay for the free service they provide, which is counterproductive for most VPN users who value privacy.

Others are concerned about data breaches, which result in users having limited bandwidth, making gaming and streaming impossible due to the incredibly low bandwidth restrictions. You may be irritated enough to pay for their premium service anyway.

Surfshark can be used as a free VPN alternative. It's dependable, adaptable, and, most importantly, inexpensive.

Moreover, all of the VPNs mentioned above provide free trials with no limitations on server selection or bandwidth usage. So go ahead and give it a shot and see for yourself the numerous advantages of using premiums.

Gaming with VPN - Is it Good for your Ping

Many factors influence whether or not a VPN will reduce your ping. Remember that one of the benefits of using a gaming VPN is having a more stable and reliable network, so a VPN should slightly increase your ping at peak speeds compared to your regular connection.

Ping, on the other hand, may be reduced if you connect to a VPN server near your location.

For example, if your typical connection has a ping of 10ms, throttling from your internet service provider could increase the ping to more than 300ms, which a VPN cannot handle.

However, if you use a good gaming VPN, you can keep your ping in the 20ms range, or even as low as 10ms if you're lucky. One of the main benefits of using a gaming VPN is that the ping number stays constant throughout the game, ensuring a stable connection.

PC speedtest

Conclusion

If you're a gamer, you simply don't have a complete setup unless you have a gaming VPN. However, if you use an excellent gaming VPN, such as one of the ones listed above, you can be confident that you will have a safe online gaming experience.

You'll also have access to more games, including previously inaccessible ones.

We've done our part by identifying some of the best gaming VPNs available in 2022. It’s now up to you to decide which one best meets your needs.

By: Michael Miller
Michael is the CEO of VPN Online, one of the fastest-growing media companies in the cyber-security space. VPN Online was started in 2019 after Michael consulted with many Fortune 500 companies and saw the lack of understanding about cybersecurity many of their employees had.