best vpn for gaming

You’ve probably heard of the term VPN but might not know much about it or how it works. Virtual Private Networks are secure communication channels.

That lets you browse the internet safely and privately from anywhere in the world, regardless of your location or IP address. However, not all VPNs are created equal. Here are five of the best VPNs available today.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a way to securely connect your PC to other networks through an encrypted connection. Your online traffic is routed through a VPN server before reaching your computer.

The result? It’s as if you were sitting at a remote location—say, Paris or Hong Kong—accessing that network as if you were physically present there. When connected to a VPN, your web traffic appears to originate from that location instead of your actual location in Los Angeles.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and allows you to appear in a different location. If you connect to a VPN server in London, you appear to be in London – it’s just an illusion.

But it’s enough to get around some forms of geo-blocking. It also protects you from being monitored by your ISP or government agencies like the NSA because all your data appears to be coming from another location.

Why should you use a VPN?

Although there are many advantages to using a VPN, we'll stick to a few. First and foremost, connecting to a VPN means that your internet service provider (ISP) and other prying agencies will have no way of knowing what you're doing online.

Using a VPN allows you to prevent anyone on your local network or anyone else who might be intercepting your traffic, from seeing where you've been browsing or what you've been downloading.

In countries like China and Iran where internet censorship is widespread, access to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are often blocked by government-mandated firewalls.

And although some people use workarounds like proxies and TOR bridges to bypass these restrictions, it's much easier (and safer) just to use a VPN instead.

A VPN (a virtual private network) enables you to change your geographical location. For example, you can use a VPN to connect to another country, which would enable you to play games in that country.

If a game has been blocked in your country because of regional restrictions, all you need to do is use a VPN and change your IP address to one from another country where it is not blocked.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

Using a VPN is an effective way to protect your online privacy, by creating a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a server. This can be used on multiple devices including phones, tablets, computers, and game consoles.

It allows you to access content that may otherwise be restricted in your country. A VPN can also improve security on public WiFi hotspots by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the WiFi router. Learn more about Best VPNs for Gaming - 5 Best VPNs For Gaming 2017.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you protect your privacy by making it more difficult for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and governments to track your online activity. This is done by encrypting your data before you send it through your ISP and again.

When you receive it on your device, use a VPN tunnel. In addition, VPNs are also used to bypass geo-restrictions, allowing users to view blocked content such as Netflix or Hulu, depending on where they are located.

1. ExpressVPN

The best VPN provider on earth. We are proud to be ranked as one of your top 3 VPN providers of 2018. ExpressVPN is perfect for online gamers, thanks to its blazing fast speed and unlimited bandwidth availability.

You won’t have any lag issues while playing your favorite games online with ExpressVPN. In addition, you can use our private VPN network with expression to access blocked websites and apps like Facebook, Youtube, or Spotify when you travel to other countries that have internet censorship in place.

The best way to play games online. If you are looking to play games with no interference, then ExpressVPN is your only choice. This VPN service was designed specifically with gamers in mind, guaranteeing speed and reliability.

Unlike other VPNs that make you wait 15 minutes just to connect, ExpressVPN allows users to start playing their game as soon as they log on – there are no more loading screens!

Connecting to a server in another country can reduce latency issues and give you better results when it comes to game performance. ExpressVPN offers over 1,500 servers across 94 countries; many of these can be accessed without sacrificing speed.

2. NordVPN

One of the top-rated VPNs and it’s packed with features that include a kill switch, strong encryption, and unlimited simultaneous connections. P2P friendly. Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. 

Seven-day money-back guarantee. Annual plans start at $12.99/month and monthly from $11.95/month (plus 3 free months!). Also has a free version so you can try it out first to see if it works for you before purchasing!

For gamers who prioritize a speedy and stable connection above all else, we recommend that you check out NordVPN. NordVPN is one of our most popular and highest-rated VPNs.

Because it delivers outstanding speeds on its premium servers, ideal for high-bandwidth activities like gaming. If you run into any trouble, their 24/7 live chat support is remarkably helpful (via chat or even ticket) and will quickly resolve any issues with getting your computer connected to a secure network.

And with a double-hop VPN setup, it’s easy to add secure connections from devices like your phone or tablet when you’re on different networks.

3. Surfshark

For online security and privacy, I recommend using Surfshark. The service is extremely user-friendly and easy to use, with no traffic logs stored about users.

For a long time, it has been one of my personal favorites due to its unique features that include no bandwidth limits (meaning you can download as much as you want).

IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, a kill switch to prevent unwanted data leaking onto your computer or someone else spying on your activity, and free simultaneous connections on multiple devices, among many other things.

Great customer service and speeds with fast servers located all over. With a nice range of services and affordable pricing plans, Surfshark is a winner in every way.

If you want to try something new, or just see what’s out there, it is a great option to consider. Their 24/7 live chat makes customer support a priority which we really like. They also have an app available on iOS and Android devices.

3. CyberGhost

Well, first, let’s clear things up. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is not a super-computer that hacks your opponent and scores you a goal. CyberGhost is not Batman.

CyberGhost does not fly or stop bad guys from stealing your passwords or details by using X-ray vision like Superman. The closest thing to a superhero.

VPN would be that it keeps online criminals at bay by safeguarding you with high-level encryption so you can safely connect to any game server.

When you’re playing a game online, it is easy to get distracted by other things on your computer, or even your phone. Whether it’s something else in your browser or someone sending you a text message, having lag can ruin any gamer’s experience.

CyberGhost helps by blocking these out with its antishadowing feature. This clever tool prevents those pesky ghosts from creeping across your screen and keeps you alert and aware of what's going on in-game.

Plus, their SecureProxy feature makes sure that when you're accessing sites outside of their VPN network (like social media) that hackers don't have access to any of your private information—making gaming more fun than ever!

4. Proton VPN

ProtonVPN offers excellent security and is a good choice if you’re looking to unblock geo-restricted content. It has native apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. However, its mobile apps are only available in limited countries.

In order to protect your privacy completely while using ProtonVPN, it also provides stealth servers located in countries with strong internet privacy laws such as Sweden and Switzerland.

On top of it all, it comes with a no-logging policy that keeps your information secure. Overall, if you’re looking for a VPN provider that will keep your online activity private and secure at all times get ProtonVPN here or click any link on our site!

ProtonVPN is an outstanding choice to protect your online privacy. It comes with native apps on every major platform, a streamlined user interface, and advanced leak protection features.

Best of all, it comes with a free tier that is both stable and secure (and still fast). As such, ProtonVPN earns our Editors' Choice for free VPNs. Read more here.