When it comes to online gaming, speed and security are everything. Whether you’re fragging enemies in a fast-paced FPS or grinding XP in a vast MMORPG, a reliable VPN can significantly improve your experience—reducing ping, bypassing geo-blocks, and protecting against DDoS attacks. But not all VPNs are created equal.
In 2025, the gaming landscape has grown even more competitive, and players demand tools that enhance—not hinder—their gameplay. That’s why we’ve tested dozens of services and compiled this list of the Top 5 VPNs for Gaming & Bandwidth Speeds. These VPNs are the best in class for speed, server availability, and stability.
Let’s dive in.
1. ExpressVPN – Best Overall for Gaming
Speed | Reliability | Global Server Network
If you’re serious about gaming, ExpressVPN should be at the top of your list. Known for its blazing-fast Lightway protocol and robust server infrastructure across 105+ countries, ExpressVPN consistently delivers low ping times, even when connected across continents.
✅ Key Features:
- Ultra-fast Lightway protocol optimized for speed
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- AES-256 encryption & no-logs policy
- Apps for all major platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux)
🎮 Why It’s Great for Gamers:
ExpressVPN offers exceptionally low latency on key gaming servers, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia. Whether you’re playing Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Valorant, the stable performance minimizes lag spikes and improves matchmaking.
💵 Price:
Starts at $6.67/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN – Best for Speed and Security
Next-Gen Encryption | Low Latency | Specialized Gaming Servers
NordVPN has invested heavily in infrastructure and now boasts over 6,300 servers in 111 countries. Its NordLynx protocol is a game-changer, offering faster speeds without compromising on privacy. If you’re into competitive gaming or streaming on Twitch, NordVPN is a solid bet.
✅ Key Features:
- NordLynx protocol for ultra-fast connections
- Built-in DDoS protection
- Obfuscated servers for bypassing restrictions
- 24/7 customer support
🎮 Why It’s Great for Gamers:
Its SmartPlay feature ensures seamless access to geo-blocked content, perfect for accessing different regional servers. NordVPN is also known for bypassing ISP throttling, giving you an edge in high-bandwidth titles like Apex Legends or Warzone.
💵 Price:
Starts at $3.79/month, with frequent promotional discounts.
3. Surfshark – Best Budget VPN for Gaming
Affordable | Unlimited Devices | Fast Global Coverage
Looking for top-tier performance without breaking the bank? Surfshark delivers premium VPN capabilities at a fraction of the cost. With servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is ideal for gamers who want to access regional content or improve latency without sacrificing speed.
✅ Key Features:
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- CleanWeb ad-blocking and anti-malware
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- WireGuard protocol for high-speed gaming
🎮 Why It’s Great for Gamers:
Surfshark is incredibly versatile. You can use it on your PC, console (via router), smartphone, and even your smart TV—all at once. During our tests, Surfshark consistently delivered stable ping rates and high download speeds on both EU and NA servers.
💵 Price:
Starts at $2.49/month, making it the best value VPN on this list.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Most Customizable VPN for Gamers
Open-Source | Highly Configurable | Great for Advanced Users
Private Internet Access has long been a favorite among tech-savvy users. With configurable encryption levels and port-forwarding options, PIA gives gamers full control over how their data is routed. It’s a great choice for users who want to tweak settings for the lowest latency possible.
✅ Key Features:
- Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries
- WireGuard & OpenVPN support
- Customizable security settings
- Port forwarding for better connectivity
🎮 Why It’s Great for Gamers:
If you love fine-tuning your network for optimal performance, PIA lets you do exactly that. Port forwarding is a huge plus for P2P games and private server hosting, making it perfect for Minecraft server admins or hardcore multiplayer fans.
💵 Price:
Starts at $2.03/month when billed annually.
5. CyberGhost – Easiest to Use with Dedicated Gaming Servers
User-Friendly | Gaming-Specific Servers | Auto-Connect Options
CyberGhost makes it easy—even for VPN beginners—to protect their connection while gaming. Its dedicated servers for gaming and streaming ensure low ping and high stability. The interface is simple, with pre-configured profiles that work right out of the box.
✅ Key Features:
- 11,000+ servers in 100+ countries
- Gaming-optimized servers with minimal load
- Built-in speed testing
- Strict no-logs policy
🎮 Why It’s Great for Gamers:
CyberGhost’s gaming-optimized servers are strategically placed for top titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and PUBG. Just click, connect, and play—no manual configuration needed. It’s ideal for console gamers using a router-based setup.
💵 Price:
Starts at $2.19/month with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
What to Look for in a Gaming VPN
When choosing a VPN for gaming, consider these key factors:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Speed | Critical for maintaining low ping and avoiding lag |
| Server Proximity | Nearby servers reduce latency significantly |
| DDoS Protection | Prevents targeted attacks in competitive gaming |
| Cross-Platform Support | Important if you game on multiple devices |
| Bypass Geo-blocking | Lets you access different regional servers and early game releases |
Can a VPN Really Lower Your Ping?
Short answer: Yes—but only sometimes. A VPN can reduce ping if your ISP is routing your data inefficiently or throttling your connection. However, adding an extra server “hop” might increase latency slightly if the VPN server is too far away. That’s why choosing a VPN with smart routing and high-speed protocols (like WireGuard or NordLynx) is essential.
Final Verdict
A gaming VPN is no longer a luxury—it’s a competitive edge. From reducing ping to preventing DDoS attacks, the right VPN can truly elevate your gaming experience.
Here’s a quick recap of our top picks:
| VPN | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Speed & reliability | $6.67/mo |
| NordVPN | Security & streaming | $3.79/mo |
| Surfshark | Budget-conscious gamers | $2.49/mo |
| PIA | Advanced users | $2.03/mo |
| CyberGhost | Ease of use | $2.19/mo |
No matter your platform—PC, console, or mobile—these VPNs will give you the performance and protection you need in 2025.