If you love playing games on the internet, you might have heard about something called a VPN, especially if it’s 2024. But what is a VPN, and why do you need a VPN for gaming?
Let’s make it simple.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is like a magic shield for your online games. When you play games on the internet, your computer talks to the game servers, just like sending secret messages. But sometimes, there are sneaky folks who want to peek at your messages or even slow down your game. That’s where a VPN comes to the rescue!
Not only this, many games are sometimes blocked for your geolocation and VPNs allow you to unblock the access to those games. You have to be however extra careful when using VPNs in such cases or your account is banned by the gaming server for manipulation. In such cases, many people use services like Kill Switch and others.
In 2024, there are many VPNs for gaming out there, but not all of them are great for gaming. Some can make your games super fast, while others might make them slower than a snail. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best VPNs for gaming in 2024, so you can play your favorite games smoothly, without any worries. Let’s dive in and discover the top VPNs that will turbocharge your gaming adventure!
List of Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024
Nord VPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features to protect your online privacy and security. It is known for its large server network, fast speeds, and strong security features.
It has over 5,500 servers in over 60 countries, so you can always find a server that’s fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world. It also uses a variety of techniques to optimize its speeds, including its own proprietary NordLynx protocol.
NordVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of your online activity. Additionally, NordVPN offers a number of advanced security features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and ad blocker.
Price
- $11.95 for per Month
- $83.88 for per year
- $119.76 for two-year plan
Features
- Strong security with military-grade encryption.
- Strict no-logs policy for enhanced privacy.
- A vast network of servers in multiple countries.
- Fast and reliable connection speeds.
- Double VPN for added security.
- Kill Switch to protect your identity if the VPN connection drops.
- Compatibility with various platforms and devices.
- 24/7 customer support.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a popular VPN service that offers a variety of features to protect your online privacy and security at an affordable price. It is known for its unlimited device connections, which allow you to protect all of your devices at the same time.
It uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same encryption standard used by the US government. This means that your data is virtually unbreakable. Surfshark also has a strict no-logs policy, so you can be sure that your privacy is protected.
Surfshark has a large server network with over 3,200 servers in over 100 countries. This means that you can always find a server that’s fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world.
Price
- $12.95 for per month.
- $71.88 for one year
- $47.76 for two-year plan
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Unlimited device connections on a single account.
- Vast server network for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Emphasis on fast and stable connections.
- CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware.
- Whitelisted (split-tunneling) for app and website control.
- MultiHop for added privacy and security.
- Kill Switch to protect your identity if the VPN connection drops.
Express VPN
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a variety of features to protect your online privacy and security. It is known for its fast speeds, reliable connections, and easy-to-use apps. It uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of your online activity.
It has a large server network with over 3,000 servers in over 94 countries. This means that you can always find a server that is fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world.
ExpressVPN also offers a number of advanced security features, such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. The kill switch prevents your device from accessing the internet if the VPN connection is dropped. DNS leak protection prevents your DNS queries from being leaked to your ISP or other third parties. Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which apps do not.
Price
- $12.95 per month.
- $59.95 for the six-month duration
- $99.95 for the one year
Features
- Strong security with top-notch encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- A vast server network in numerous countries for versatile access.
- High-speed connections for smooth streaming and gaming.
- User-friendly apps for various platforms and devices.
- Trusted customer support with live chat assistance.
- Split tunneling to control which apps use the VPN.
- Compatibility with popular streaming services like Netflix.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features to protect your online privacy and security at an affordable price. It is known for its large server network, easy-to-use apps, and strong security features. It uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of your online activity.
CyberGhost VPN has a massive server network with over 7,900 servers in over 91 countries. This means that you can always find a server that is fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world.
It also offers a number of advanced security features, such as a kill switch, ad blocker, and malware protection. The kill switch prevents your device from accessing the internet if the VPN connection is dropped. The ad blocker blocks annoying ads from appearing on the websites you visit. Malware protection helps to protect your devices from malware and viruses.
Price
- $12.99 for per month
- $63 per year
- $90 for the one-year duration
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a no-logs policy.
- A large server network in various countries.
- Fast and reliable connections for streaming and gaming.
- Dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting.
- Privacy features like automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection.
- Simultaneous connections on multiple devices.
- Ad and malware blocking for a safer online experience.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a relatively new VPN service, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable pricing and wide range of features. It uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of your online activity.
It has a large server network with over 750 servers in over 30 countries. This means that you can always find a server that is fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world.
Atlas VPN also offers a number of advanced security features, such as a kill switch, ad blocker, and malware protection. The kill switch prevents your device from accessing the internet if the VPN connection is dropped. The ad blocker blocks annoying ads from appearing on the websites you visit. Malware protection helps to protect your devices from malware and viruses.
Price
- Free plan available
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a no-logs policy.
- Free plan with limited features and a premium plan with more options.
- Fast and reliable connections for general browsing.
- User-friendly apps were available for multiple platforms and devices.
- Access to servers in various locations for geo-restricted content.
- Ad and malware blocking for a safer online experience.
- Affordable premium pricing options with discounts for longer-term plans.
- Simple and straightforward interface for ease of use.
Windscribe
Windscribe offers a generous free plan with 10GB of data per month and servers in 10 countries. This is one of the most generous free VPN plans available. Windscribe is also known for its fast speeds, thanks to its use of the WireGuard protocol. Windscribe has a reliable server network with over 6,000 servers in over 60 countries, so you can always find a server that is fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world.
Windscribe uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of your online activity. Windscribe also offers a number of advanced features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and ad blocker.
Price
- Free plan available
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Free plan with limited data and features, and a paid Pro plan with more options.
- Servers in multiple countries for access to geo-restricted content.
- Fast and reliable connections for general use.
- “Build a Plan” option for customizing your subscription.
- Affordable pricing options with discounts for longer-term plans.
- R.O.B.E.R.T. feature for content filtering and protection.
- Configurable firewall for added security.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a well-established Virtual Private Network (VPN) service known for its robust security features and extensive server network. With IPVanish, users can ensure their online privacy and security through military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy, which means that no records of user activity are kept.
One of its notable strengths is its impressive server network, with servers in various countries, providing users with numerous options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different regions.
Additionally, it offers user-friendly apps for multiple platforms, ensuring ease of use across devices. IPVanish’s pricing is competitive, with various subscription plans available, and it often includes features like a kill switch and split tunneling for added security and control. Whether you’re concerned about online privacy, streaming content from around the world, or simply looking for a secure and speedy connection, IPVanish is a VPN provider worth considering.
Price
- $10.00 per month
- $26.99 for three months
- $77.99 for the one year
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a no-logs policy.
- Extensive server network in various countries.
- Fast and reliable connections for multiple online activities.
- Competitive pricing with various subscription plans.
- Kill switch and split tunneling for added control and security.
- Suitable for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and general browsing.
- 24/7 customer support for assistance.
PureVPN
PureVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features to protect your online privacy and security. It is known for its large server network, affordable pricing, and easy-to-use apps.
However, it is important to note that PureVPN has been involved in some controversies in the past, including a data breach in 2018. It is also worth noting that PureVPN is based in Hong Kong, which is a jurisdiction with a history of poor privacy protections.
Price
- $10.95 per month
- $69.00 for the one year
- $79.00 for the two year
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a no-logs policy.
- A large server network in multiple countries for versatile access.
- Fast and reliable connections suitable for various online activities.
- Split tunneling for customized control over your VPN usage.
- Dedicated streaming servers for accessing geo-restricted content.
- P2P support for torrenting and file sharing.
- Additional features like a kill switch and ad blocking for added security and privacy.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features to protect your online privacy and security. It is known for its fast speeds, reliable connections, and strong security features.
It uses a variety of techniques to optimize its speeds, including its own proprietary Chameleon protocol. This makes it one of the fastest VPN services available. VyprVPN also has a reliable server network with over 700 servers in over 70 countries. This means that you can always find a server that is fast and reliable, no matter where you are in the world.
VyprVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of your online activity. VyprVPN also offers a number of advanced features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and ad blocker.
Price
- $12.95 per month
- $45.00 for the first year
Features
- Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Fast and reliable connections for online activities.
- Two subscription plans: Standard and Premium, with varying features.
- Chameleon™ protocol for defeating VPN blocking and throttling.
- VyprDNS for added privacy and security.
- NAT Firewall for additional protection.
- VyprVPN Cloud for personal server deployment.
- 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a user-friendly Virtual Private Network (VPN) service known for its simplicity and approachable design. Unlike some VPNs that can be intimidating for beginners, TunnelBear prides itself on being incredibly easy to use, making it an excellent choice for those new to VPNs.
With its playful bear-themed interface, TunnelBear offers a straightforward one-click connection to secure your internet traffic and protect your privacy. It employs strong encryption and has a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. TunnelBear also offers a free plan with a limited amount of data per month, allowing users to get a taste of its services.
For those requiring more data and features, there’s a reasonably priced paid plan available. While TunnelBear may not have the extensive server network of some larger VPN providers, it’s a solid choice for casual users and anyone seeking a user-friendly VPN experience without a steep learning curve.
Price
- Free of cost.
Features
- User-friendly and playful interface for easy use.
- Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Free plan with limited data and a paid plan for more data and features.
- Suitable for light to moderate VPN users.
- Apps are available for various platforms and devices.
- GhostBear feature to bypass VPN blocking and censorship.
- Simple and transparent privacy policy.
- Friendly customer support for assistance.
FAQs
What are the costs associated with using a VPN for gaming?
VPN services often require a subscription fee, so consider the cost when choosing a VPN provider.
How do I test and choose the best VPN for gaming?
You can research and compare VPNs by reading reviews, checking speed and performance tests, and considering your specific gaming needs.
Can using a VPN affect my gaming performance?
Yes, using a VPN can introduce some latency (ping) due to the added distance your data must travel through the VPN server. However, some VPNs are optimized for gaming and may have minimal impact on performance.
Are there VPNs specifically designed for gaming?
Yes, some VPNs are optimized for gaming and offer features like dedicated gaming servers and low-latency connections.
Can I use a free VPN for gaming?
Free VPNs may not provide the speed and security necessary for a good gaming experience. They often have limitations, such as data caps and slower speeds, which can negatively impact gaming.
How do I set up a VPN for gaming on my gaming console (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation)?
Setting up a VPN on a gaming console can be more challenging than on a computer. You may need to install the VPN on a compatible router or use a PC as a VPN bridge.
Final words
When evaluating VPNs for gaming, consider factors such as low latency, server locations, DDoS protection, no-logs policies, and compatibility with your gaming platform.
Keep in mind that the gaming VPN landscape can change, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest options and features available.
To find the most suitable VPN for your gaming needs, conduct thorough research based on your requirements and the current offerings in the VPN market for the specific year you are interested in.
