Best VPN for Gaming in 2026
A gaming VPN is judged on one number first: how much latency it adds. We have not measured that ourselves — added latency depends heavily on which server you pick and how far it is, more than on the provider. What we can rank on: protocol (WireGuard-based protocols add the least), country count (so a nearby server exists), and console support via a router.
A VPN can lower ping in one specific case: when your ISP routes badly to a game server and the VPN's route is shorter. Our guide covers how to test that yourself. NordVPN's 118 countries give the best odds of finding a genuinely nearby server, which matters more than any 'gaming' label.
The 4 best VPNs for gaming, ranked
- 1Lowest added ping#6 overall · 8.7/10
NordVPN
NordLynx (its WireGuard implementation) and 118 countries give the best odds of a genuinely nearby server, plus Meshnet for LAN-style play with friends over the internet. We have not measured added latency ourselves.
- Added ping
- Not measured
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 2Best value#5 overall · 8.8/10
Surfshark
Unlimited devices so the PC, console router and phone are all covered on one plan. WireGuard support keeps overhead low; we have not measured the added latency.
- Added ping
- Not measured
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
- 3Best for consoles#4 overall · 8.8/10
ExpressVPN
The Aircove router is the easiest way to put a PlayStation or Xbox behind a VPN with no manual setup. Priced higher than the others here.
- Added ping
- Not measured
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 4Port forwarding for hosting#1 overall · 9.3/10
Private Internet Access
Port forwarding helps if you host game sessions, and devices are unlimited. We have not measured added latency.
- Added ping
- Not measured
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
We earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes a rating or this order. Disclosure
Side by side
| VPN | Score | Added ping | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 8.7 | Not measured | 10 | $3.49 | 30 days | |
| Surfshark | 8.8 | Not measured | Unlimited | $2.49 | 30 days | |
| ExpressVPN | 8.8 | Not measured | 10 | $2.99 | 30 days | |
| PIA | 9.3 | Not measured | Unlimited | $1.79 | 30 days |
How we picked
We have not measured latency ourselves. Ranked on protocol (WireGuard-family protocols add the least overhead by design), country count (so a genuinely nearby server exists), and console support via router firmware.
All scores come from the same published rubric, checked monthly — how we test. Rank order on this page is by the category criteria, not by commission.
Questions
Does a VPN help with ping?
Usually it adds a few milliseconds — the extra hop costs distance. It can lower ping when your ISP's route to the game server is poor and the VPN's route is better. Test that with our ping tool rather than assume either way.
Which VPN is best for gaming?
We have not measured added latency ourselves. NordVPN's WireGuard-based protocol and wide server count give it the best odds of a low-latency, nearby connection; Surfshark is close on features for less money.
Can I use a VPN on PS5 or Xbox?
Not directly — there are no console apps. Run the VPN on a router (ExpressVPN's Aircove is the simplest) or share a VPN connection from a PC.
Will a VPN stop DDoS attacks while gaming?
It hides your real IP, so an attacker who only has the VPN server's address can't target your connection. That is the main security benefit for gamers.