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A reliable VPN for gaming provides a stable and secure internet connection, offering several benefits that can enhance your gaming sessions. However, not all VPNs are suitable for gaming. To help you make the right choice, we at blix.gg have tested and selected the best gaming VPN services. We monitored the performance of each VPN service by switching between servers and tracking ping, latency, overall gameplay, and other metrics.
Highlights
- Review of the best VPN for gaming
- Tips on choosing a VPN service for gaming and what to look out for
- Benefits of using VPN services for gaming
Why Every Gamer Needs a VPN
In today’s world, a secure internet connection is more than just a requirement for gamers. A gaming VPN offers several benefits that every gamer should consider:
Better Security
Hackers and scammers often target online gaming platforms to steal passwords and account details. Using a VPN can help protect you from such threats by encrypting all your data.
Improved Privacy
Playing games on a public network can expose your unencrypted data to interception by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government agencies, or malicious hackers. In some countries, government censorship can also be an issue. By using a VPN for gaming, you can encrypt all your data and protect yourself from ISP monitoring and government censorship.
Higher Speed
A slow internet connection can ruin the gaming experience. A VPN for gaming can help improve your internet speed by connecting you to a server located in the same country as the gaming server. This reduces unnecessary data transfer and increases your internet speed.
Improved Online Gaming Performance
In online gaming, even a millisecond delay can make a difference between victory and defeat. A VPN can provide you with a stable and reliable connection, improving your online gaming performance. This is especially useful in games like PUBG, where every second counts.
Access to Geo-Restricted Content and Better Gameplay
A VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that is not available in your region. By connecting to a VPN server in a country where the content is available, you can unblock websites and enjoy a better gameplay experience. Additionally, a VPN can help reduce latency, further enhancing your gaming experience.
How to Choose the Right VPN for Gaming
With so many high-quality VPNs available, choosing the right one can be challenging. Here are some must-have elements to consider when selecting a VPN for gaming:
1. Fast Tunneling Protocols
Look for a VPN that supports fast tunneling protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway. These protocols ensure minimal impact on your internet speed while providing a secure connection.
2. Servers
Choose a VPN service that offers physical servers, preferably with RAM-only storage. Gaming-optimized servers can also provide a better gaming experience.
3. DDoS Protection
DDoS attacks can disrupt your gaming sessions. Make sure the VPN you choose offers DDoS protection to keep your connection secure.
4. Multi-Device Support
Ensure that the VPN allows multiple simultaneous connections. Look for a VPN that supports at least five or more devices, so you can protect all your gaming devices with a single subscription.
5. Compatibility
Check if the VPN service is compatible with your gaming platform. Look for VPNs that support Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, gaming consoles, and routers.
6. Features
Consider additional features like SmartDNS, proxy servers, port forwarding, and split tunneling. These features can enhance your gaming experience and provide more flexibility in managing your internet traffic.
7. Privacy and Security
A VPN for gaming should have strong encryption and an emergency shutdown feature to protect against DDoS attacks. Ensure that the VPN service has a strict no-logs policy to safeguard your privacy.
Top VPNs for Gaming in 2024: Our Picks
After extensive testing, we have selected the following VPNs as the best options for gaming in 2024:
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Gaming in 2024
NordVPN has proven to be the best VPN service for gaming. It offers low ping, minimal impact on download speed, and security features that protect against DDoS attacks. NordVPN retains up to 90% of the original speed when connecting to the nearest server. The apps are user-friendly, and NordVPN is the only VPN that offers the Meshnet feature. With threat protection and a price starting at $3.39/month, NordVPN is an excellent choice for gamers.
2. ExpressVPN – VPN Best for Accessing Global Servers
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for gaming due to its efficient speed, excellent security, and extensive global coverage. However, it is the most expensive option on our list, starting at $6.67/month. ExpressVPN offers a private protocol called Lightway, which provides low ping and an average retention rate. The service also offers special Aircover routers for easy use on gaming consoles and devices without built-in VPN support.
3. Surfshark – Affordable VPN for Online Games on Multiple Devices
Surfshark is an affordable gaming VPN known for its competitive speed and low prices. With an average speed of around 86% using WireGuard, Surfshark offers low ping and negligible latency increase. The service includes features like an optional Emergency Internet Disconnect and Surfshark CleanWeb to block ads. With unlimited simultaneous connections and a price starting at $2.29/month, Surfshark is a popular choice among gamers.
4. IPVanish – Zero-Lag and Secure Gaming
IPVanish offers fast connection speeds, a sufficient server fleet, helpful security features, and user-friendly applications. With up to 80% retention of the original connection speed using WireGuard, IPVanish provides a low ping and high speeds. The service supports unlimited device connections and offers a reasonable price starting at $2.75/month.
5. ProtonVPN – Best VPN with Free Version
ProtonVPN is the only free VPN on our list, offering unlimited traffic. While the free version has limitations, such as servers in only three locations, it still provides robust protection and split tunneling. ProtonVPN offers full router compatibility, allowing secure gaming on both PC and consoles. The paid version starts at $4.99, providing additional features and more server options.
FAQ
Does Using a VPN Affect Gaming Performance?
In most cases, using a VPN has little to no effect on actual in-game performance or frames per second. VPNs typically use a minimal amount of system resources and do not significantly impact game software performance.
How Can a VPN Reduce Lag in Games?
A VPN can effectively reduce latency by routing your device’s game data traffic through optimized international servers before accessing game servers. This reduces the physical distance the data must travel and can help alleviate network congestion and protect against DDoS attacks, two common causes of latency.
Can I Access Region-Locked Games with a VPN?
Yes, by using a VPN, you can mask your actual IP address and make it appear as though you are in a different country or state. This allows you to bypass region blocks and access games that are not available in your region.
In conclusion, choosing the right VPN for gaming is crucial for a secure and enhanced gaming experience. Consider factors like speed, compatibility, server options, and additional features when selecting a VPN service. Our top picks for gaming VPNs in 2024 are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and ProtonVPN. These VPNs offer excellent performance, security, and affordability.