In today’s society, almost everyone games. Whether you play the latest version of Candy Crush on your phone, enjoy racing games on your console, or play a variety of MMORPGs on your computer, it’s all considered gaming.
If any of the games you play (on any platform) connect to the internet, it’s a good idea to use a VPN to maintain your privacy and security. A premium VPN may also improve your gaming experience.
I did some extensive research into why you need a VPN for gaming and tested several VPNs to see which ones are the best to use. Read on to see what I found.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, masks your true IP address and creates a secure connection between your devices and the internet. It does this by routing all your data through its own server via an encrypted virtual tunnel.
This can improve your security and privacy, and ensure your anonymity when gaming, streaming, or surfing the web.
The Benefits of Using a VPN for Gaming
Increased security, privacy, and anonymity are all great reasons to use a VPN. But there are many more benefits to using a VPN for gaming.
A VPN Protects You From Disgruntled Players and Against Swatting
While it doesn’t happen often, there have been some reported cases, particularly in multiplayer games, where gamers become so angry that they start to stalk other players.
If a disgruntled player finds your IP address, they could hack into your social media accounts or even track down your location and stalk you offline.
In extreme cases, they could even use a technique called swatting. While rare, this is a form of harassment where someone sends emergency services to another person’s home by calling in a fake hostage situation, bomb threat, or other emergency situation. Occasionally, this has turned deadly.
A VPN Protects You From DDoS Attacks
A DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack is an attack where someone sends a lot of requests from compromised computers to a single system to force it offline.
At one point, DDoS attacks were mostly reserved for websites and sometimes online games. But today, DDoS software is readily available so almost anyone can perform a DDoS attack against a website or other users. This means that someone you’re playing against could try to DDoS you.
Because a VPN masks your IP address, anyone trying to DDoS you can’t find your connection to flood it with unnecessary data.
A VPN Protects You on Public Wi-Fi
Public wi-fi is available almost anywhere–hotels, restaurants, airports, and even malls. These free hotspots let you connect to the internet from almost anywhere. But, most times, public wi-fi isn’t secure and can pose a lot of threats, such as:
Unencrypted networks: Many public wi-fi spots use unencrypted networks. This means the data between your device and the router, and therefore the internet, is available for anyone to see.
Wi-fi sniffing and snooping: Special software and devices are readily available that let cybercriminals “listen in” to wi-fi traffic. This allows hackers to see everything you do online.
They can see what websites you visit and any information you type in. With this information, a hacker could hijack your social media, credit card accounts, and banking accounts.
Man-in-the-middle attacks: A man-in-the-middle attack is one of the most common threats on public wi-fi. It’s where an attacker intercepts data traveling between your computer and the internet.
Hackers can use the stolen data to spy on you, take your personal information and login credentials, corrupt your data, or sabotage your communication.
Man-in-the-middle attacks can affect any devices including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. So, if you’re playing Bejeweled in the airport lounge while waiting for your flight to board, you could be vulnerable.
Malware: Because public wi-fi is often not as secure as it should be, there may be software vulnerabilities that allow a hacker to install malware on your device without you knowing.
Most premium VPNs work across many devices and offer various security features such as top-of-the-line encryption technologies. So using one encrypts your data even if you’re using public wi-fi. In rare instances, a hacker may still intercept your data, but they won’t be able to decode it.
A VPN Safeguards Against Bandwidth Throttling
Many internet service providers (ISPs) throttle or slow down bandwidth for one reason or another. Some throttle during specific times and days to ease congestion on the network.
Others automatically throttle if they detect specific traffic on the network, particularly gaming, streaming, and file sharing. Many also throttle once they see a specific amount of data transferred.
How much data per hour a game uses depends on the game you’re playing, but here are a few examples:
| Game | Average Data Per Hour |
| Neverwinter | 95MB |
| Grand Theft Auto V Online | 60MB |
| Call of Duty Black Ops 4 | 80MB |
| Destiny 2 | 300MB |
These numbers are averages for an hour of gameplay. They don’t take into account any game updates that you may have to download.
As you can see, the amount of data a game uses varies considerably by game title, game type, and by what you do in the game. But, if you play for more than a few hours a day, and download all the updates, you may find you reach a data cap fairly quickly.
A VPN can help you avoid data throttling by encrypting your data, making it harder for your ISP to figure out whether you’re gaming or simply surfing the internet.
Many premium VPNs can also switch what ports you use, making it even harder for your ISP to throttle your data.
With a VPN, You Can Play Online From Any Region
Many online games have servers in multiple regions and often use geoblocking technology to ensure you connect to the server in your region.
This often happens if a game isn’t yet released worldwide, when the games are grouped by language, or when games are so popular they need servers in multiple regions to handle all the connections.
If you’re in the US, you connect to a server in the US. If you’re in the UK, you connect to a server in the UK or Europe. But this may cause problems if you live in one region and want to group up with gaming friends in another region.
Premium VPNs have servers in multiple regions. So connecting to a server outside of your normal area is easy. Pick an appropriate company and connect via your VPN to a server there.
Because a VPN hides your real IP address and assigns you one from the server you connect to, you have no problems gaming in any region.
You May Get to Play New Releases Earlier–If They Only Release to Certain Areas First
New games are rarely released worldwide at the same time. It’s disappointing to get all hyped up for a new game release only to find out it’s not coming out in your location right away, especially if you’ve been waiting a long time.
Because you can connect to a VPN, you can play the latest release the day it comes out, even if it’s not available in your location! Connect to a VPN server in a location where the game released.
You Can Play Banned Games–If You’re in an Area That Bans Some Games
It may sound odd, but there are many countries that ban video games, either by game type or because of their content. Some of the countries include:
UK: Bans some games that contain realistic scenes of gratuitous violence or sexual conduct
Germany: Bans games that promote or refer to Nazism
Australia: Has probably the longest list of banned games and bans anything with sexual content, nudity, drug use, violence, and even graffiti
Venezuela: Bans any game where the goal is to shoot people
Brazil: Bans any game with excessive violence
China: Bans games for a variety of reasons, including those that “hurt China’s national dignity and interests.”
Many of these countries ban some games and impose strict censorship on others, before they allow them to be sold, downloaded, or played.
If you live in a country that bans, censors, or geo-restricts games, use a VPN to connect to a server in a country where the game you want to play isn’t banned.
You Don’t Have to Worry About IP Bans
Many game manufacturers use IP bans as a way to keep users out of a game, if they violate the terms of service and other rules.
There have even been some cases where users get IP banned for no reason. Some bans are temporary–a week’s “time-out” for bad behavior, while others are permanent.
Of course, it’s not a good idea to violate any terms of service or other rules. But if you do find you’ve been IP banned for some reason, connecting via a VPN gives you a new IP address so you can bypass the ban.
Note that many games actually ban VPN use. But a good quality VPN has enough servers, that, if you do find you’re banned for VPN use, try connecting to a different server.
A VPN May Reduce Lag and Ping Times
There’s nothing worse than going into battle with a dungeon boss only to find your powers aren’t working as they should, or racing to a treasure chest or health kit and rubber banding backward out of range.
Long ping times (the time it takes for data to send and receive between your device and the game server) are one of the main causes of lag, and lag can ruin your game session.
One of the main causes of long ping times is the distance between your device and the game server. Using a VPN to connect to a server closer to the game server can reduce ping times and therefore lag.
A Premium VPN With Router Compatibility Can Protect You on All Devices
Many premium VPNs include apps for mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, but there are very few compatible with gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
If you use a console or game across multiple devices, consider a VPN with router compatibility. Connecting your VPN to your router automatically means the VPN protects every device connected to wi-fi through that router.
The Drawbacks of Using a VPN for Gaming
There are many reasons why it’s a good idea to use a VPN for gaming. But there are also a few drawbacks. Fortunately, in most cases, there’s a fix or workaround for every drawback. Some problems you may face when using a VPN for gaming include:
A VPN May Be Illegal in Your Country
While VPNs are legal in most countries, there are some that ban their use. These include:
- China
- Iraq
- Russia
- Turkey
- North Korea
- Belarus
Other countries ban VPNs for personal use, and some also only allow approved VPNs. If you’re unsure of the legality of VPNs in your country, take some time to check before you subscribe to one. Read our post about the legality of VPNs for more information.
Some VPNs May Monitor Activity and Log/Use Your Data
It’s true that some VPNs aren’t as secure as others. Some may even log your information, activity, and data and then use it to bombard you with targeted ads or even sell it to other companies.
When deciding which VPN you need for gaming, make sure the VPN you choose has a strict no-logs policy.
A VPN May Slow Down Connection Speeds and Cause Lag
In many cases, if you connect to a VPN server close to the game server, a VPN can actually increase your connection speed.
But, if you connect to a server that’s farther away, or connect to a congested server, you may find that your speeds are actually slower and experience more lag. If this happens, try connecting to a different server.
You May Get Disconnected From the Game or Experience Packet Loss
The VPN server you connect to has a lot to do with how stable your connection is. To minimize packet loss (where one or more data packets doesn’t reach its destination) and disconnections, choose a VPN that provides plenty of servers in multiple countries.
VPNs Can Be Difficult to Configure
If you’re not a tech-savvy person, you may find configuring and using a VPN difficult. If a VPN isn’t set up correctly, it may not provide the security and protection you need.
To avoid configuration issues, choose a VPN that offers a user-friendly configuration and apps for the devices you own.
A VPN May Not Be Compatible With Your Gaming Device
If you use a gaming console like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo, you may find that your VPN isn’t compatible with your console.
You can get around this by connecting your console to your computer via an ethernet cable and internet sharing, or by using a VPN installed on your wi-fi router.
The Differences Between Free VPNs and Paid VPNs
There are many VPNs out there to choose from and even VPNs that are completely free to use. We all like to save a buck or two when we can, but using a free VPN isn’t always the best option.
Consider some differences between free and paid VPNs for gaming before you decide which is best for you.
Paid VPNs usually offer multiple servers in several locations. NordVPN, for example, has over 5,200 servers in 59 countries.
Most paid VPNs offer military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policies, guaranteed uptime, plenty of bandwidth, and multiple simultaneous connections. Many also provide easy-to-use apps and plenty of user support.
Free VPNs often only have a few servers in limited locations. While you may find some that provide military-grade encryption, there are many that use much less secure encryption protocols.
A free VPN may also actually log your usage data and other information, use it, sell it to third parties, or happily hand it over to the authorities if asked. Free VPNs may also be more difficult to configure, only allow one connection, and have caps on bandwidth use.
Plus, you may find that there’s little or no user support if you need help with configuration or use.
Free VPNs may be OK for temporary use, but you’ll get much more in the way of security and features with a paid option. To find out more about the differences, check out our article that explores free VPNs vs. paid VPNs.
VPNs Aren’t Just for Gaming
There are many reasons why you need a VPN for gaming, but that’s not all a VPN can do.
When you use a VPN, you’re actually geo-spoofing your location. This not only means you can play geo-restricted games anywhere, but you can also stream geoblocked content on services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
A VPN reroutes your traffic through its own servers via an encrypted tunnel. This increases your privacy and security. Whatever you do online is untraceable and undetectable.
Not only does this protect you from hackers, but it can also minimize targeted ads and stops government agencies from snooping in on your activity.
Many premium VPNs also come with built-in malware blockers that safeguard you against suspicious downloads and websites.
When using a VPN, you can enjoy gaming, streaming, torrenting, and surfing, knowing your information, data, and activity is completely safe and secure.
Top 3 VPN Recommendations for Gaming
I’ve talked extensively about why you need a VPN for gaming, and by now you should have enough information to help you decide whether a VPN is right for you.
I’ve also tested numerous VPNs for speed, ease of use, and the features they offer. Here are my top three recommendations for VPNs for gaming.
NordVPN tops my list of VPNs for gaming because it’s fast, packed with security features, easy to use, and has great customer service.
With more than 5,200 servers in almost 60 countries, you can play any game with no lag. During my tests, I connected to multiple servers in several countries and had no issues gaming.
NordVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, so you know your information and data is secure.
For even more security, an automatic kill switch blocks you from the internet if your VPN server ever fails.
When I’m not gaming, I like the CyberSec feature. It automatically blocks popups and other advertising content, as well as potentially dangerous websites and botnet control.
NordVPN also offers its unique Double VPN feature. Your information passes through two servers and is encrypted twice.
You can connect up to six devices at a time, which means you can game with friends and family, or you can game while someone else streams their favorite show.
If you’d like to know more, check out our NordVPN expert review for a more in-depth summary.
NordVPN offers new users a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is plenty of time to try it out. When you’re ready to purchase, look at our NordVPN coupon codes to save a little extra.
NordVPN’s Key Features
- 5,200+ servers in 59 countries
- Military-grade encryption
- Automatic kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Up to six simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live chat support
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, many routers
Coming in a close second, ExpressVPN is ideal for gaming. It’s super-fast, easy to use, and can even help you choose the fastest server for whatever you’re doing.
With over 3,000 servers in 94 different countries, there are plenty of options. Once again, I tested several servers and locations and could play any of my games with minimal lag.
ExpressVPN offers military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch.
It also provides some enhanced security features, such as TrustedServer technology, which ensures your data is never written to a hard drive.
Its split tunneling feature is really useful. It lets you decide what needs to route through a VPN and what doesn’t.
You can game securely while accessing the internet directly to look up the latest cheat codes. You can read about this and more in our detailed ExpressVPN review.
With ExpressVPN, you can connect up to five devices at once and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our ExpressVPN coupons for savings opportunities.
With a good balance of speed, security, and price, CyberGhost is my third recommendation for a VPN to game with. While I did experience a few lag spikes during tests, it wasn’t enough to ruin my gameplay.
CyberGhost is super easy to use, making it a good option if you’re new to VPNs. It has 5,500+ servers in 90 countries, so you have ample choices, although, I did find some servers were faster than others from the same location.
Security features include 256-bit AES encryptions, a strict zero-loggings policy, IP and DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. With CyberGhost, you assured that your activity, privacy, and anonymity are safe and secure behind advanced security protocols.
To learn more about CyberGhost’s features, check out our comprehensive expert review.
With CyberGhost, you can connect up to seven devices at once. It offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than enough time to see if it’s the best option for you.
If you decide CyberGhost is the right choice for your gaming needs, save a little cash by checking out our CyberGhost coupons and taking advantage of the savings.
In Conclusion
Whether you game on your PC, a gaming console, or your smartphone, a VPN for gaming can help protect you from several security troubles–some of them quite scary.
VPNs may also let you play with friends in other countries and access geoblocked content. All of my top three VPNs keep your information and data safe while streaming and surfing the internet.
If I had to pick one to recommend, I’d choose NordVPN. It offers the best in security, gives you plenty of worldwide servers to choose from, and its blazing fast for your gaming needs.
If you’re still not sure and would like to learn more about VPNs in general, our VPN guide for newbies is a great read.
While I don’t recommend using a free VPN for gaming, if you’re still not sure and don’t want to commit to a paid service, check out our list of top free VPNs for gaming.