I always use a VPN when playing online gameslikeCounter-Strike 2,Call of Duty,Minecraft, andDota 2.

And using a VPN increases my odds of getting into bot lobbies in multiplayer games to improve my skills.

And on top of mobile and desktop apps, theres also a router app.

Private Internet Access

Another option is Aircove, which is the providers own router that comes with the app preinstalled.

ExpressVPN works with popular cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, Amazon Luna, and more.

ExpressVPN also supports cloud gaming.

CyberGhost

PIA also provides great security for gamers.

I had better speeds using these servers duringFortnitematches compared to regular servers.

The only minor complaint I have is that the provider doesnt come with a router app (likeExpressVPNdoes).

NordVPN

Also, its great for securely hosting virtual LAN parties.

I personally think Surfshark is great for AR gaming on Android because its Android app has a GPS-spoofing feature.

You could evenchange your Google Play Store locationto access a different games library.

Surfshark

Surfshark is also great for gaming on other platforms since it provides fast gaming speeds and strong security features.

It also has intuitive apps, but it lacks a router app (likeExpressVPNhas).

It also comes with unlimited speeds, which is rare for a free plan.

ExpressVPN

So, its a great pick if you need a VPN to torrent copyright-free games.

It also supports unlimited connections, so its good if your entire family plays games likeMonopoly GOorAmong Us.

IPVanish provides good P2P support for gamers.

ExpressVPN

IPVanishs apps have intuitive interfaces, so theyre great for VPN beginners, too.

VyprVPN has user-friendly apps on most platforms.

I had no trouble getting it set up to playNHL 25on my PS5.

🥇 1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Gaming in 2025

The provider has anti-DDoS protection on all of its servers.

VyprVPN also works very well with cloud streaming platforms, like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass.

Also, its apps are super simple to use.

Private Internet Access

VyprVPN is a very fast gaming VPN with good security features.

It also has anti-DDoS protection on its servers, 300,000+ IPs, and easy-to-use apps.

And the few prefs that are available come with helpful explanations.

Private Internet Access

PrivateVPN has minimalistic apps for all major platforms that are pretty easy to use for gaming.

And likeSurfshark, TunnelBear allows unlimited connections.

I also like how you get access to split-tunneling, which is called SplitBear in the providers apps.

🥈 2. Private Internet Access — Great Easy-to-Use VPN for Gaming

TunnelBear is great for gamers new to VPNs thanks to its fun-to-use apps.

Its free plan isnt good for gaming.

Luckily, there are setup guides that show you what to do.

CyberGhost

Hotspot Shield provides really fast speeds for gaming.

Yes, but not directly.

Instead, youll need to set up the VPN on your router.

CyberGhost

Can a VPN Help You Circumvent Bans in Games?

Yes, but it mostly depends on the ban youre dealing with.

If its an IP ban, then yes, a VPN will help you circumvent it.

🥉 3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Gaming Servers & Great Automation

That said, many games might use account-level bans.

This means the game developer bans your gaming account.

Its honestly best to just avoid getting banned in the first place.

NordVPN

The best way to do that is to respect the games community guidelines and terms of service.

Do you need a VPN for gaming?

Yes,there are good reasons to use a VPN while gaming.

NordVPN

How do you use a VPN for gaming?

Yes, though keep in mind most free VPNs come with annoying limitations.

For example, they limit how much data you could use or have very slow speeds.

4. NordVPN — Good VPN for Secure Gaming & Hosting Virtual LAN Parties

If you insist on using a free VPN for gaming, tryProton VPNs free versionsince it allows unlimited data.

Whats the fastest VPN for gaming?

But I also had fast speeds with allthe top VPNs on this list.

Surfshark

Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:

Surfshark

5. Surfshark — Great for Playing Augmented Reality (AG) Games on Android

Proton VPN

Proton VPN

6. Proton VPN — Best Free Gaming VPN

IPVanish

IPVanish

7. IPVanish — Good for VPN for Torrenting

VyprVPN

VyprVPN

8. VyprVPN — Very Fast Gaming VPN

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

9. PrivateVPN — Decent Minimalistic VPN for Gaming

TunnelBear

TunnelBear

10. TunnelBear — Good Beginner-Friendly VPN for Gamers

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

Bonus. Hotspot Shield — Really Fast Speeds & Intuitive Apps

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

ExpressVPN

CyberGhost