Best VPN for Gaming 2025: Low Ping, DDoS Protection & Fast Speeds

NordVPN stands out as the best overall VPN for gaming in 2025, offering an exceptional balance of speed, security, and gaming-specific features. With over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, NordVPN provides extensive coverage for accessing game servers worldwide and reducing ping through optimized routing.

What makes NordVPN particularly excellent for gaming is its NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard technology. In our tests, NordLynx delivered consistently low latency with ping increases of only 10-15ms compared to unprotected connections. We tested NordVPN across multiple competitive games including Valorant, CS:GO, and League of Legends, and experienced smooth gameplay with no noticeable lag.

For gamers concerned about DDoS attacks, NordVPN offers robust protection by masking your real IP address. This is especially valuable for streamers and competitive players who are frequent targets. The service also includes a Threat Protection feature that blocks malware and trackers, adding an extra layer of security while gaming.

NordVPN supports all major gaming platforms including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. While consoles don't have native apps, you can easily set up NordVPN on your router or share your PC's connection. The service allows 10 simultaneous connections, perfect for protecting your entire gaming setup.

ExpressVPN earns its reputation as the fastest VPN for gaming with its proprietary Lightway protocol. Designed specifically for speed and reliability, Lightway consistently delivers the lowest ping increases we've measured—typically just 5-10ms on nearby servers. For competitive gamers where every millisecond counts, ExpressVPN is the premium choice.

With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN provides excellent global coverage for accessing game servers and early releases in different regions. The network is optimized for high-bandwidth activities, making it ideal for gaming while streaming or downloading updates. In our speed tests, ExpressVPN maintained over 400 Mbps on a 500 Mbps connection—more than enough for lag-free 4K streaming and gaming simultaneously.

ExpressVPN excels in user experience with intuitive apps for all platforms. The MediaStreamer feature allows you to use ExpressVPN on devices that don't normally support VPNs, including PlayStation, Xbox, and smart TVs, without router configuration. This makes console gaming setup significantly easier than competitors.

The service includes Network Lock (kill switch) to prevent IP leaks if your VPN connection drops during gaming, and split tunneling to route only gaming traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on your regular connection. ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 live chat support if you encounter any issues.

Surfshark delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers without sacrificing performance. At just $2.49/month, it's one of the most affordable premium VPNs, yet it includes features typically found in more expensive services. The standout feature for gamers is unlimited simultaneous connections—protect your PC, console, phone, and tablet all at once without restrictions.

Surfshark's WireGuard protocol provides excellent gaming performance with ping increases of 15-20ms in our tests. While not quite as fast as ExpressVPN, it's more than adequate for most gaming scenarios and significantly better than many competitors. The service maintains over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, ensuring you can find nearby servers for optimal ping.

For console gamers, Surfshark offers Smart DNS functionality similar to ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer, making PS5 and Xbox setup straightforward. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware, which is particularly useful when downloading game mods or visiting gaming forums. Surfshark also includes a built-in kill switch and split tunneling for advanced users.

One unique advantage for gamers is Surfshark's Bypasser (split tunneling) feature, which lets you route specific games through the VPN while keeping others on your regular connection. This is perfect if you want DDoS protection for competitive games but maximum speed for single-player titles.

CyberGhost takes a unique approach to gaming VPNs with dedicated gaming-optimized servers. These servers are specifically configured for low latency and high bandwidth, making server selection simple—just choose a gaming server near your location and you're set. This beginner-friendly approach makes CyberGhost ideal for gamers new to VPNs.

With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks available. This extensive coverage means you're likely to find a nearby server for optimal ping, regardless of your location. In our tests, CyberGhost delivered ping increases of 20-25ms—slightly higher than NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but still very playable for most games.

CyberGhost's user interface is exceptionally intuitive, with one-click connections to gaming servers. The service automatically selects the best protocol (WireGuard or OpenVPN) based on your connection, removing the guesswork. For console gamers, CyberGhost offers detailed setup guides for router configuration and supports 7 simultaneous connections.

One standout feature is CyberGhost's 45-day money-back guarantee—the longest in the industry. This gives you plenty of time to test the service with your favorite games and ensure it meets your needs. The service also includes automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and ad blocking.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is the power user's choice for gaming VPNs, offering extensive customization options and advanced features that tech-savvy gamers will appreciate. While it requires more setup than plug-and-play options like CyberGhost, PIA rewards advanced users with superior control over their gaming experience.

The standout feature for gamers is port forwarding support, which is crucial for hosting game servers, improving P2P connections in games, and achieving open NAT types on consoles. This makes PIA particularly valuable for gamers who host Minecraft servers, play peer-to-peer games, or need the best possible connection quality for competitive gaming.

PIA offers WireGuard protocol with extensive customization options including encryption level, handshake settings, and MTU size adjustments. Advanced users can fine-tune these settings to optimize for either maximum security or lowest latency based on their priorities. In our tests with optimized settings, PIA achieved ping increases of just 15-20ms.

With servers in 91 countries and support for unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA provides excellent value at $2.19/month. The service includes MACE ad blocking, split tunneling, and a proven no-logs policy that's been tested in court. PIA's open-source apps also allow security-conscious users to verify the code themselves.

✅ Low Latency and Fast Speeds

Look for VPNs with modern protocols like WireGuard or Lightway that minimize latency. Aim for ping increases of less than 20ms and speeds above 100 Mbps for smooth gaming.

✅ Extensive Server Network

More servers in more locations means you're more likely to find a nearby server for optimal ping. Look for VPNs with servers in your region and in regions where you want to play games.

✅ DDoS Protection

Essential for competitive gaming and streaming. The VPN should effectively hide your IP address and protect against connection attacks.

✅ Console and Router Support

If you game on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, ensure the VPN offers router support or Smart DNS features for easy setup.

✅ No Bandwidth Limits

Avoid VPNs with data caps or bandwidth throttling. Gaming, especially with large updates and downloads, requires unlimited data.

✅ Kill Switch and Leak Protection

A kill switch prevents IP leaks if your VPN connection drops during gaming, maintaining your privacy and DDoS protection.

Does a VPN reduce ping in gaming?

A VPN can reduce ping in specific scenarios. If your ISP throttles gaming traffic or routes your connection inefficiently, a VPN can provide a more direct route to game servers, potentially lowering ping by 10-30ms. However, VPNs add encryption overhead, so results vary. Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have gaming-optimized servers that minimize latency.

Can I use a VPN on PS5 and Xbox?

Yes, you can use a VPN on PS5 and Xbox through two methods: 1) Install the VPN on your router to protect all connected devices, or 2) Share your PC's VPN connection via Ethernet or WiFi hotspot. Most gaming VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer detailed setup guides for console gaming.

Will a VPN slow down my gaming?

Premium VPNs typically add only 5-15% speed overhead due to encryption. With a fast internet connection (100+ Mbps) and a quality VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, you'll still have plenty of bandwidth for gaming. The impact on ping is usually minimal (5-20ms increase) with nearby servers.

What is the best VPN for Warzone and Fortnite?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the best choices for Warzone and Fortnite. Both offer low-latency servers, DDoS protection, and fast speeds for competitive gaming. NordVPN is more affordable at $3.39/month, while ExpressVPN offers slightly faster speeds at $6.67/month.

Is using a VPN allowed in competitive gaming?

Using a VPN is generally allowed in most competitive games and esports. However, some tournaments may have specific rules. VPNs are commonly used by pro gamers for DDoS protection and privacy. Always check the specific game's terms of service and tournament rules to be sure.

Are free VPNs good for gaming?

Free VPNs are not recommended for gaming. They typically have slow speeds, high ping, data caps, and limited server options. Free VPNs may also sell your data or inject ads. For reliable gaming performance and DDoS protection, invest in a premium VPN like NordVPN ($3.39/mo) or Surfshark ($2.49/mo).

Can I use a VPN for mobile gaming?

Yes, all major gaming VPNs offer mobile apps for iOS and Android. Mobile gaming VPNs are useful for games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact. They provide DDoS protection, access to different regional servers, and protection on public WiFi.

Does a VPN protect against DDoS attacks in gaming?

Yes, a VPN protects against DDoS attacks by hiding your real IP address. Attackers can't target your connection if they don't know your IP. This is especially important for streamers and competitive gamers. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost all offer strong DDoS protection for gaming.