Have you ever been puzzled by your lagging network when you’re absorbed in some fascinating games, including AAA, MMORPG, and FPS? This is due to multiple factors, such as bandwidth throttling, anonymous attacks, and geo-restrictions. Well, you can use the best VPN for gaming to fix the problems.
Why Gamers Need a VPN?
As more and more polished games hit the shelves, players are constantly looking for how they can get these games. However, they might be blocked in countries due to geo-restrictions. Then, they can use a VPN to unblock the limitation. In addition to lifting restrictions, VPNs have many other important features.
Unlock Bandwidth Throttling
Because players are sometimes online in large numbers at the same time, they can cause network congestion. At this point, ISPs may step in to limit bandwidth. A VPN can help players hide traffic usage data and lift bandwidth restrictions.
DDoS Protection
A gaming VPN helps you be safe from spooky attacks. While you’re playing MMORPG and FPS, distributed denial of service (DDoS) may fall on your computer. In simple terms, your game server may be attacked by other servers, resulting in a loss in your combat.
Low Latency
A good VPN can keep a low “Ping”. As for a picky gamer, low ping (under 60 ping) is needed. If the game ping is higher than 150ms, the gaming experience may be awful. However, the best gaming VPN prevents speed loss and gives you the best experience.
Best VPN for Gaming – Safeguard Your Gaming Journey with Unwavering Protection
1. LightningX VPN – Best Gaming VPN
LightningX VPN is easy to use, affordable, and secure. If you want a powerful VPN but don’t have that much budget, you can get LightningX VPN.
Fast internet speed: LightningX VPN helps you avoid bandwidth throttling. In the game, LightningX VPN keeps low ping and zero lag.
Reliable server security: LightningX VPN protects your privacy by strong VPN protocols (e.g. WireGuard) and algorithms. It hides your IP address and data so that your game data will not be leaked.
Free trial and reasonable price: LightningX VPN is affordable. Its competitive price and powerful functions perfectly meet the needs of those on a budget. It also provides a free trial before you purchase it.
IPv4 and IPv6 addresses: LightningX VPN provides IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. You can switch between them to avoid IP conflict and get a better streaming or browsing experience.
Multiple devices compatibility: LightningX VPN is compatible with various devices like Windows, iOS, iPhone, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, and Mac.
Multiple server choices: It provides 2000+ servers in more than 50 countries including the US, Australia, Germany, Japan, etc.
Price and plan:
- 1 Day: $0.99
- 1 Month: $5.99 ($0.19/day)
- 3 Months and 1 Month free: $15.99($0.13/day)
- 1 Year + 1 Year Free: $59.99 ($0.08/day)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
2. Surfshark – Excellent Performance and Speed for Gaming
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for gaming because it is user-friendly and fast.
Secure and private network connection: Surfshark protects your device from being hacked. It adopts robust VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. These help you can securely use public Wi-Fi when you are using Surfshark.
Access websites while traveling: Using Surfshark helps you securely watch online videos and visit websites when you travel around the world.
Save money sometimes: Turning on Surfshark can help you hide your identity and age from the game seller or ticket seller for the best rates.
Protect your devices with Antivirus: Surfshark protects your device from viruses and malware as you download stuff or surf the web.
Keep your identity safe: Surfshark protects your privacy by generating an online name, email, & phone number.
Reasonable price: Surfshark’s price is reasonable. You can get a short-term plan to see if you want Surfshark.
Price and plan:
- 1 month: $15.45
- 12 months+3 months: $33.48
- 24 months: $52.56
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN
It covers many countries: ExpressVPN appears to be anywhere in the world with its global fleet of VPN servers.
It secures your data and privacy: ExpressVPN will hide your IP address and location. With ExpressVPN’s AES-256, your data and privacy will be protected.
Ultra-fast speed: ExpressVPN ensures a fast and secure network connection by helping you avoid bandwidth throttling.
Multi-devices: ExpressVPN is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, routers, and more. You can even connect to ExpressVPN for up to eight devices at once.
24-hour customer service: Real humans are online all day. You can troubleshoot your issues by looking for customer service.
Price: The price of Express VPN is relatively reasonable.
Price and plan:
- 1 month: $12.95
- 6 months: $9.99
- 12 months+3 months free: $6.67
- 30-day money-back guarantee
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN is one of the top choices for gamers to enjoy a good experience.
Support various streaming services: You can use ExpressVPN to use Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, which is very convenient for you.
Give you fast speeds: You can enjoy its blazing-fast speeds and lag-free connections with 10-Gbps servers. You don’t have to wait when you play online games or watch your favorite shows.
Servers count: It covers 11,500+ servers in 100 countries, so you can enjoy it in many places.
Solid security: CyberGhost provides a reliable and stable internet environment for gamers worldwide. It secures your online traffic with top-notch VPN encryption. Protect your Windows devices from snoopers, even on public Wi-Fi networks.
A Strict No Logs Policy: CyberGhost has a strict No Logs policy in place, which means it never monitors or collects any details about your browsing habits.
Price: It has an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Price and plan:
- 1 month: $12.99
- 6 months: $6.99
- 2 years+4 months: $2.03
- 30-day money-back guarantee
5. NordVPN
NordVPN is a personal VPN service provider that gives users convenience in playing games and watching movies. Its robust Internet security is the reason why users choose it.
Support various streaming services: Desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Encryption: NordVPN has launched its proprietary NordLynx technology in 2019. NordLynx is a VPN tool based on the WireGuard protocol. Its security and internet speed have been affirmed based on numerous tests.
A Strict No Logs Policy: Nord VPN has a strict No Logs policy, which means it never collects any details about your browsing habits.
Ultra-fast network connection: Nord VPN helps your device get a secure and ultra-fast network connection, so you can smoothly play games or watch online videos.
Price: A little bit high but reasonable.
Price and plan:
- 1 month: $12.99
- 12 months: $59.88 ($4.99 per month)
- 24 months: $81.36 ($3.39 per month)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
6. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access VPN is one of the best VPNs for gaming.
It covers most of the world: Private Internet Access’s worldwide servers are from anywhere.
Digital privacy: It protects your data from being leaked by hiding your IP address and location. Its firewall-based kill switch will stop your internet traffic when the device is being attacked.
Smoothly gaming: PIA VPN ensures you a secure and fast network connection so you can have a good gaming experience.
Multi-devices: PIA is compatible with multiple devices like macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, etc.
Price: Relatively cheap compared to others.
Price and plan:
- 1 month: $11.95
- 12 months: $39.96
- 3 years+4 months: $79.2
- 30-day money-back guarantee
How to Set Up the Best VPN for Gaming
Step 1: Choose a reputable VPN provider. There are many good VPNs for you to choose from. However, you may consider the app compatibility, the locations available, and the features. You can choose a reputable VPN to meet your needs.
Step 2: Download your VPN software. Go to the app store or the official site of the VPN you want on your device and search for the VPN you want to download.
Step 3: Connect to a VPN server. Launch the VPN app and choose the nearest server to connect to because this will help you decrease lag.
How to Fix Game VPN Not Working?
Switch Servers: If your VPN for game doesn’t work, try connect it to a closer server for a better network connection.
Use a Different Protocol: If the VPN protocol is not compatible with your computer, changing it to others (e.g. WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2) might help.
Flush DNS & Restart Network: Clearing the damaged DNS cache can fix the network issue. Simply run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt (Windows) or restart your router.
Disable IPv6: Some VPNs don’t support IPv6, so disable it in your network settings.
Whitelist the VPN in Firewall/Antivirus: Your security software might be blocking the VPN, making it not work. You can disable them to let the VPN run again.
Enable Split Tunneling: Route only the game through the VPN to reduce conflicts.
Reinstall the VPN: A simple uninstallation can help fix any configuration issues.
Contact VPN Support: If nothing works, ask the VPN provider for gaming-specific servers or troubleshooting steps.
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Gaming VPN
A good VPN boasts a lot of different functions which make your gaming experience perfect. Here are the things for you to consider when looking for the best VPN for gaming.
Speed and performance
- If it has fast network speeds and good performance compared to similarly priced VPNs.
Server locations
- If it has multiple servers for you to choose from.
Security and privacy
- If it can hide your IP address and encrypt your data to protect your privacy.
Compatibility
- If it is compatible with multiple devices for your convenience.
Ease of use
- If it has clear and concise pages which enables you to get started quickly.
Tips for Using the Best VPN for Gaming
You can choose the nearest server.
- When you choose the nearest server, you can get a fast and stable network connection.
Update your VPN in time.
- When you have the latest version, you can get the latest notice. If you don’t update it in time, the VPN app may have feature issues.
Test the speed of the network connection.
- You should check the connection speeds frequently so that you can find the troubles and solve them in time.
Conclusion
As you see, there are a lot of VPNs for you to choose from, and if you have enough budget, you can try some more and decide. However, if you are on a budget, I highly recommend the LightningX VPN because it ensures you a secure and fast network connection.
