5 Best Gaming VPNs in 2026 — Reduce Lag, Get Low Ping

• Written by Kate Hawkins Former Editor
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Gaming online comes with risks. Malicious parties can get your IP address to launch DDoS attacks or even spy on your traffic to gain access to sensitive information like your login details. You can prevent this with a VPN, but it’s hard to find a reliable VPN that can provide security while maintaining a fast connection for lag-free gaming.

Thankfully, after extensive testing, I’ve picked out multiple reliable VPNs for safe and smooth gaming . They offer unbreakable security to keep you safe while simultaneously ensuring you have a fast connection to play games without lag.

ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for gaming. It helps keep you safe online via AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and leak protection. Plus, it maintains lightning-fast speeds on both close and long-distance connections. The app also comes with a 30*-day money-back guarantee, so you can ask for a full refund if you’re unsatisfied. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Game smoothly with ExpressVPN

Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Gaming in 2026

1. ExpressVPN — The #1 gaming VPN, providing lightning-fast speeds, excellent security, and many servers.
2. CyberGhost — Has optimized servers that deliver smooth gaming performance, but it doesn’t have the most user-friendly apps.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Delivers excellent value with all membership offers, but its connection speeds aren’t the fastest.
4. NordVPN — Offers Meshnet to create local networks for gaming with friends, but it costs more than some competitors.
5. Surfshark — Provides a feature-rich app with many useful tools, but its connection isn’t as stable on long-distance servers

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

The Best VPNs for Gaming (Tested in 2026)

1. ExpressVPN — The #1 Gaming VPN Offering Lightning-Fast Speeds and a Massive Server Network

Key Features:

• Has a network of 3,000+ servers across 105 countries
• Maintains fast connection speeds, ensuring lag-free gaming performance
• Supports various platforms, including Windows and gaming consoles
• Provides support via 24/7 live chat and other channels
• Includes a 30*-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN is the best VPN you can get for gaming . It maintains lightning-fast connection speeds and offers 3,000+ servers, ensuring you can always find one near your preferred game’s servers for low ping and lag-free gaming. During my tests, ExpressVPN delivered lag-free Call of Duty: Warzone gameplay while connected to the app’s UK server .

Alongside maintaining smooth gameplay, ExpressVPN offers top-tier security to ensure safe gaming sessions . Some key security features include the following:

• AES 256-bit encryption — secures your online activity against prying eyes.
• No-logs policy — never keeps logs of any identifying information on its servers.
• Split tunneling — lets you choose which apps and games use the VPN tunnel.
• Leak protection — keeps you from leaking sensitive information like your IP address.
• Kill switch — stops all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, ensuring privacy.

I also like that ExpressVPN works on almost all devices, including gaming consoles . It has native apps for various platforms, and you can use the router configuration option to set it up on devices without native app support, like your PlayStation or Xbox.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

2. CyberGhost — Offers Optimized Servers to Ensure Lag-Free Gaming

Key Features:

• Offers many gaming-optimized options in its network of 11,690+ servers
• Delivers fast speeds for smooth gaming without any lag.
• Works on gaming consoles and any other device through router configuration
• Has helpful live chat that’s available 24/7
• Provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost has gaming-optimized servers on Windows, plus a network of 11,690+ servers – many of which use high-performance 10Gbps connections. This ensures you can enjoy lag-free online gaming with low ping from anywhere. I found in my tests that CyberGhost’s optimized servers maintained consistently low ping without any random spikes .

The app also offers the Smart Rules feature to connect automatically whenever you launch your games. Plus, there are various security features to improve protection while gaming, including:

• No-logs policy — ensures no logs of your activity are kept on CyberGhost servers.
• AES-256-bit encryption — secures all your activity against anyone trying to spy on it.
• Kill switch — blocks your internet if the VPN connection is unstable.
• Leak protection — prevents IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

While the VPN’s apps aren’t as user-friendly as ExpressVPN’s, you can use CyberGhost on Windows, Android, and game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox . The router configuration option ensures it works on devices that don’t have native VPN app support.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Delivers Excellent Value for Money to Ensure Smooth Gaming on a Budget

Key Features:

• Has a global network of 29,650+ servers, ensuring a nearby server is always available to maintain low ping
• Maintains fast connection speeds on nearby servers for smooth gaming performance
• Allows lag-free gaming on unlimited devices simultaneously
• Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee

While its connection speeds aren’t the fastest, PIA provides a lag-free gaming experience on nearby servers . Since the app has a global network of 29,650+ servers in 91 countries, it’s easy to find a nearby uncongested server that’ll maintain smooth gameplay.

PIA also provides safety features to keep you secure while gaming, like the following:

• AES-256-bit encryption — safeguards all your online activity against anyone spying on your connection.
• No-logs policy — doesn’t keep logs of your activity on the VPN’s servers.
• Leak protection — protects against IP address and other leaks that may compromise your identity.

Another highlight is that PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections , letting you use it to game on multiple devices without issues. It also has a router configuration option, meaning you can enjoy secure gaming on platforms like PlayStation and Xbox using PIA.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

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4. NordVPN — Includes the Unique Meshnet Feature to Setup LAN Parties Anywhere

Key Features:

• Maintains fast speeds across its network of 8918+ servers
• Provides Meshnet to create local networks for LAN parties
• Works on up to 10 devices at once
• Includes a detailed knowledge base and helpful live chat for assistance
• Has a 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN’s Meshnet makes it a standout VPN for gaming. Meshnet lets you link multiple devices together into your own virtual network. This lets you host local game lobbies that your friends can connect to in order to play together.

Of course, NordVPN is also reliable for online gaming , offering 8918+ servers that maintain fast speeds for smooth gaming. The server network isn’t as massive as what you get with competitors like PIA, but it covers 178 countries, meaning you can always find nearby servers to connect to.

5. Surfshark — Feature-Rich VPN That Delivers Excellent Gaming Performance

Key Features:

• Comes with a massive server network that covers 100 countries
• Maintains fast connection speeds to ensure smooth gaming on all devices
• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and supports router configuration, making it compatible with consoles like PlayStation and Xbox
• Delivers support via live chat and email
• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark is among the most feature-rich VPNs available. It offers tools like NoBorders for restrictive networks, Rotating IPs to avoid DDoS targeting, and even a built-in speed test in the app that lets you instantly see if your connection is good enough for gaming.

Even though it offers fewer total servers than other apps, Surfshark’s network covers 100 countries, ensuring you can always find a server near your game’s server location . During tests, Surfshark’s servers maintained fast speeds, delivering a smooth connection for lag-free Counter-Strike 2 gameplay.

You can use Surfshark on unlimited devices simultaneously , making it easy to enjoy secure gaming on multiple devices at once. Plus, you can configure it on supported routers to enjoy a smooth and encrypted connection when gaming on PlayStation, Xbox, or other devices without native VPN app support.

Quick Comparison Table: 2026’s Best VPNs for Gaming

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Do You Really Need a Gaming VPN? (Yes!)

There are many reasons to get a VPN for gaming, such as the following:

1. Avoid skill-based matchmaking. VPNs let you change your matchmaking region, circumvent matchmaking algorithms, and ensure you get matches with players of equal skill.
2. Security. VPNs mask your IP address , protecting you against DDoS attacks and other similar threats while gaming.
3. Avoid ISP throttling. Since VPNs conceal what you’re doing online, they prevent ISPs from monitoring your activity and throttling the internet connection.
4. Change a strict NAT type. Many ISPs have a strict NAT type, which can cause connectivity issues. However, VPNs can help adjust your NAT type to moderate or open, resolving connectivity problems.
5. Bypass local firewalls. Some countries have local firewalls to block traffic, often preventing access to game servers and important communication apps like Discord. Thankfully, VPNs circumvent these blocks and ensure uninterrupted connections with apps and game server

How to Set up a Gaming VPN on Desktop (Windows & Mac) in 3 Easy Steps

1. Get a VPN. Sign up for a top VPN to ensure safe and lag-free gaming. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its airtight security and superfast speeds.
2. Connect to a server. Access the server menu and connect to a server to secure your connection. Choose a server close to you or the game server to get lower ping.
3. Enjoy lag-free gaming. Launch your preferred online game, begin matchmaking, and enjoy smooth gaming without any lag spikes.

How to Set up a VPN on PlayStation, Xbox & Nintendo Switch

1. Use SmartDNS

1. Get a VPN. Sign up for a top VPN like ExpressVPN with SmartDNS support.
2. Register your IP address. Log into your VPN’s web portal and register your IP address.
3. Get SmartDNS details. Get SmartDNS IP address details from your VPN’s web portal. For ExpressVPN, these will be under the “Configure MediaStreamer” option.
4. Enter SmartDNS details in your device. Access your device’s network settings, choose “Manual Settings” for the DNS option, and enter the SmartDNS details you got from the VPN’s web portal.

Pros

• Easy to set up on gaming consoles
• Doesn’t affect internet speed
• Allows access to region-locked games

Cons

• Doesn’t offer encryption for security
• Not available with every VPN provider
• Doesn’t bypass firewalls

2. Configure a VPN on Your Router

1. Get a router-compatible VPN. Sign up for a top VPN like ExpressVPN that has router support.
2. Access router configuration settings for your VPN. Each VPN has slightly different router configuration methods, so access your VPN’s web portal and get the exact details.
3. Configure your router. Enter your VPN-compatible router’s settings, go into the VPN settings, and configure it according to the information on the VPN’s website.

Pros

• Secures every device connected to the router
• Only needs to be set up once

Cons

• Requires a compatible router
• The setup process can be complex

Our Methodology For Testing the Best VPNs for Gaming

I used our tried-and-tested methodology for ranking VPNs to determine which are the best ones for gaming, considering aspects like the following:

• Server network — I chose VPNs offering massive server networks, ensuring it’s easy to find a nearby connection.
• Connection speeds — I picked VPNs that maintain fast connection speeds for lag-free gaming.
• Security — I selected VPNs offering airtight protection to defend against DDoS attacks and other threats.
• Device compatibility — I found VPNs that work on a variety of platforms, including gaming consoles.
• Value for money — I prioritized VPNs that deliver excellent value for the price, especially with their long-term offers.
• Money-back guarantee — I only picked VPNs that offer money-back guarantees and let you try them without risk.

You can, but I recommend choosing a top premium alternative . Free VPNs have slow speeds, small server networks, and poor security, making them lackluster choices if you want a smooth and safe gaming experience.

Some freemium VPNs from reputable providers might be worth considering, but a paid VPN is always the best option.

Enjoy Fast and Secure Gaming With a Quality VPN

Using a top VPN is the best way you can stay safe while enjoying a lag-free gaming experience. A good VPN prevents DDoS attacks, ensures you can find a server near your preferred game’s server, and maintains a fast connection to make sure you can game without lag.

All the VPNs above are effective for gaming, but ExpressVPN is the best overall choice . Its security features and superfast speeds deliver the safest and smoothest online gaming experience. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN without risk . The 30*-day money-back guarantee lets you request a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with its performance.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.

Summary — The Best VPNs for Gaming in 2026

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.