Best VPN for Gaming in 2026

We tested VPNs on Fortnite, Call of Duty, Valorant, and League of Legends to measure real-world gaming performance. Here are the VPNs with the lowest ping, fastest speeds, and best DDoS protection.

Tested March 2026

Quick Comparison

#1 NordVPN

9.4

6 400 servers 10 devices $3.09/mo

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#2 ExpressVPN

9.2

3 000 servers 8 devices $6.67/mo

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#3 Surfshark

3 200 servers Unlimited devices $2.19/mo

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#4 CyberGhost

8.5

11 500 servers 7 devices $2.19/mo

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#	Provider	Rating	Best Price	Servers	Countries	Devices	Action
1	NordVPN	9.4	$3.09/mo	6 400	111	10	Visit
2	ExpressVPN	9.2	$6.67/mo	3 000	105	8	Visit
3	Surfshark	9	$2.19/mo	3 200	100	Unlimited	Visit
4	CyberGhost	8.5	$2.19/mo	11 500	100	7	Visit

Gaming Performance

VPN	Ping (nearby)	Ping (US)	Download	Router Support	Gaming Servers
NordVPN	8ms	85ms	450 Mbps	Yes	No
ExpressVPN	9ms	82ms	430 Mbps	Yes (Aircove)	No
Surfshark	11ms	90ms	380 Mbps	Yes	No
CyberGhost	14ms	95ms	340 Mbps	Yes	Yes

Ping measured to game servers in the same region. Tests conducted on a 500 Mbps wired connection.

Why Use a VPN for Gaming?

DDoS protection: Hide your IP address so opponents cannot DDoS you offline during competitive matches.
Bypass ISP throttling: Some ISPs throttle gaming traffic during peak hours. A VPN prevents this by encrypting your traffic.
Access region-locked games: Play games or access content available only in other regions.
Reduce ping (sometimes): If your ISP routes traffic inefficiently, a VPN can provide a faster path to game servers.
Play on public Wi-Fi safely: Gaming at tournaments, LANs, or hotels is more secure with a VPN.

Our Top Picks

NordVPN

Panama · Since 2012

9.4

/ 10

Best overall VPN with the strongest security features and fastest speeds.

Servers 6 400+

Countries 111

Devices 10

Best price $3.09/mo

Fastest speeds in our tests
Massive server network (6,400+ servers in 111 countries)
Independently audited no-logs policy

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ExpressVPN

British Virgin Islands · Since 2009

9.2

/ 10

Premium VPN with excellent speeds and the widest device compatibility.

Servers 3 000+

Countries 105

Devices 8

Best price $6.67/mo

Consistently fast speeds across all locations
Lightway protocol (proprietary, fast, and secure)
RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology)

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Surfshark

Netherlands · Since 2018

/ 10

Best value VPN with unlimited devices and strong privacy features.

Servers 3 200+

Countries 100

Devices Unlimited

Best price $2.19/mo

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Very affordable long-term plans
CleanWeb ad and malware blocker

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CyberGhost

Romania · Since 2011

8.5

/ 10

User-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming and gaming servers.

Servers 11 500+

Countries 100

Devices 7

Best price $2.19/mo

Dedicated streaming and gaming servers
Huge server network (11,500+ servers)
45-day money-back guarantee (longest in the industry)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a VPN reduce ping in games?

Sometimes. If your ISP is throttling gaming traffic or routing you through slow paths, a VPN can reduce ping by providing a more direct route. However, in most cases, a VPN adds a small amount of latency (5-15ms on nearby servers). The key is using a server close to the game server.

Which VPN has the lowest ping for gaming?

NordVPN consistently has the lowest ping in our tests. Its NordLynx protocol adds only 3-8ms on nearby servers, which is unnoticeable in most games. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is a close second. Both support WireGuard-based connections that are optimized for low latency.

Can I use a VPN on PlayStation or Xbox?

Consoles do not natively support VPN apps. You can set up a VPN on your router to protect all devices, including consoles. ExpressVPN's Aircove router makes this easy. NordVPN also supports most router brands. Alternatively, you can share a VPN connection from your PC via Ethernet.

Will a VPN protect me from DDoS attacks in gaming?

Yes. A VPN hides your real IP address, making it impossible for other players to target you with DDoS attacks. This is especially important in competitive gaming where opponents may try to knock you offline. NordVPN and ExpressVPN both provide strong DDoS protection.

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