Best VPN for Gaming in 2026
A gaming VPN is judged on one number first: how much latency it adds. We measure ping to a nearby server with and without each VPN, then check download speed for patches and whether the apps run on consoles via a router.
NordVPN added the least — about 4 ms — and was fastest for downloads. A VPN can also 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.
The 4 best VPNs for gaming, ranked
- 1Lowest added ping#1 overall · 9.7/10
NordVPN
About 4 ms added on a nearby server, fastest patch downloads, and Meshnet for LAN-style play with friends over the internet.
- Added ping
- +4 ms
- Speed
- 712 Mbps
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
−73% + 3 months freeends soon - 2Best value#2 overall · 9.4/10
Surfshark
Around 6 ms added, unlimited devices so the PC, console router and phone are all covered.
- Added ping
- +6 ms
- Speed
- 655 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
−86% + 3 months freeends soon - 3Best for consoles#3 overall · 9.1/10
ExpressVPN
Aircove router and the best router firmware make it the easiest way to put a PlayStation or Xbox behind a VPN; about 7 ms added.
- Added ping
- +7 ms
- Speed
- 598 Mbps
- Devices
- 8
- Refund
- 30 days
- 4Port forwarding for hosting#6 overall · 8.3/10
Private Internet Access
Port forwarding helps if you host game sessions; about 10 ms added and unlimited devices.
- Added ping
- +10 ms
- Speed
- 480 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
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Side by side
| VPN | Score | Added ping | Speed | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 9.7 | +4 ms | 712 Mbps | 10 | $3.39 | 30 days | |
| Surfshark | 9.4 | +6 ms | 655 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.19 | 30 days | |
| ExpressVPN | 9.1 | +7 ms | 598 Mbps | 8 | $4.99 | 30 days | |
| PIA | 8.3 | +10 ms | 480 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.03 | 30 days |
How we picked
Ranked by median added latency to a nearby server across three runs, then by download speed. Console support via router firmware broke ties.
All scores come from the same monthly tests on the same rig — 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. It can lower ping when your ISP's route to the game server is poor and the VPN's route is better — worth testing with our ping tool, not assuming.
Which VPN is best for gaming?
NordVPN added the least latency in our tests and was fastest for downloads. Surfshark is close behind 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.