Top 15 Options Among the Best VPN for Gaming Performance for 2026

We all hate the moments when we are playing games and our systems lag. Those high pings can be mood killers. But there is a solution for this issue: VPN.

The best VPN for gaming allows you to optimize routing paths by connecting you to VPN servers closer to the game servers. By doing so, it reduces latency and packet loss.​

But more than that, VPN also protects your identity by masking your real IP address and encrypting your gaming traffic. By using the best VPN for gaming, you can access game servers beyond your region. But the question is, which VPN to choose?

Let’s answer that!

Top 15 Best VPNs for Gaming Based on Speed, Privacy, and Value

Did you know gaming is the third most common usage of VPN? According to a survey, around 24.4% of global users use VPN for gaming. There are more than 50 major VPN providers in the market, so how did we choose the top 15?

We have created this list based on VPNs that meet the criteria for the best VPN for gaming. We have evaluated these VPNs based on three things, i.e., gaming speed, privacy, and affordability.

So, here are the top VPNs for gaming:

Rank	VPN Name	Subscription Cost (Per Month)	Privacy	Affordability
1	ExpressVPN	$12.95	Excellent	Premium
2	NordVPN	$11.99	Excellent	Good
3	Surfshark	$12.95	Excellent	Best value
4	Proton VPN	Free	Excellent	Good
5	Private Internet Access	$11.95	Good	Good
6	Mullvad	€5 (approx. $5.50)	Excellent	Good
7	CyberGhost	$12.99	Good	Good
8	IPVanish	$10.99	Good	Good
9	Windscribe	Free	Good	Good
10	Atlas VPN	Free	Good	Good
11	VyprVPN	$12.95	Good	Good
12	Hide.me	Free	Good	Good
13	StrongVPN	$10.99	Good	Good
14	Ivacy	$9.95	Good	Good
15	Hotspot Shield	Free	Moderate	Moderate

1. ExpressVPN

• Price: ExpressVPN pricing typically starts at about $12.95 per month.

Based on the criteria, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming. Why? Because it uses strong encryption to protect your data across a vast global network of servers. Their network is optimized for fast speeds, improving streaming and gaming by reducing lag. A trustworthy, audited no-logs policy ensures your activity remains private. ExpressVPN offers you greater control over your internet experience.

Drawbacks:

• Higher price compared to some competitors.
• No free trial (only the money-back guarantee).
• Limited simultaneous connections (only 5).
• Some advanced features found in competitors (like multi-hop) are not available.

2. NordVPN

• Price: NordVPN pricing starts at approximately $11.99 per month.

NordVPN delivers strong security and flexible internet control. Its vast server network uses top-tier encryption to shield your online data. Tools like Meshnet and Threat Protection add significant value beyond basic privacy. The service maintains fast and stable connections. This VPN ensures better streaming and reduces lag for real-time gaming.

Drawbacks:

• Slightly higher price compared to budget VPNs.
• Occasional server overcrowding is reported, affecting speed.
• Some advanced features are limited to apps, not all platforms.

3. Surfshark

• Price: Surfshark pricing begins at $12.95 per month.

Surfshark offers excellent value by prioritizing user access and privacy. It employs high-level encryption and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. The service uniquely supports multiple devices, making it perfect for entire households. High speeds on a vast global network ensure smooth performance for everything from streaming to latency-sensitive online gaming.

Drawbacks:

• Some servers can be inconsistent in speed.
• Lacks some advanced security features found in pricier competitors.
• Mobile apps sometimes report connectivity issues.

4. Proton VPN

• Price: Free

Proton VPN focuses on security and user trust above all else. Its audited no-logs policy and location in Switzerland ensure strong legal privacy. Advanced features, like Secure Core routing, protect against sophisticated network attacks. They are committed to security, combined with fast speeds. This VPN delivers a reliable and highly private internet experience.

Drawbacks:

• The free version has limited servers and slower speeds.
• Paid plans are costlier compared to budget VPNs.
• Smaller server network than some competitors.
• Some users report occasional connection drops.

---

---

5. Private Internet Access

• Price: Pricing starts at approximately $11.95 per month.

Private Internet Access offers a robust, user-controlled experience. It has a massive global network for reliable access and uses the fast WireGuard protocol. A proven no-logs policy, confirmed in real-world situations. These features ensure your privacy. Customizable settings and features, such as split tunneling, provide the flexibility to optimize your connection for any task.

Drawbacks:

• Interface and setup may be less intuitive for beginners.
• Occasionally, slower connections on some servers are due to a large user base.
• Fewer specialized servers (like double VPN) compared to some competitors.

6. Mullvad

• Price: Mullvad uses a flat pricing model of €5 per month (approx. $5.50)

Mullvad prioritizes maximum privacy by requiring no personal information for an account. The AES-256 encryption across over 760 servers in 36 countries makes it the best VPN for gaming. It provides essential features such as split tunneling and allows for up to five simultaneous connections. Their focus on privacy makes Mullvad a transparent and trustworthy option for security-conscious users.

Drawbacks:

• Smaller server network compared to major VPN providers.
• No mobile ad blocker or malware protection.
• Fewer advanced features and the UI are minimalist.
• Pricing is flat but can be higher than budget providers with discounts.

7. CyberGhost

• Price: Pricing starts at about $12.99 per month.

CyberGhost offers specialized value through its massive network of over 8800 servers in 91 countries. It provides dedicated servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. The service supports up to 7 simultaneous connections and utilizes strong AES-256 encryption. This focus on specialized performance delivers a fast, stable, and highly reliable connection for specific user activities.

Drawbacks:

• Speeds can be inconsistent depending on the location.
• Lacks some advanced features, such as multi-hop VPN.
• Customer support is sometimes reported as slow.
• Not as configurable or appealing for advanced users.

8. IPVanish

---

---

• Price: Pricing begins around $10.99 per month.

IPVanish delivers excellent value with unlimited simultaneous device connections, ideal for multi-device households. It operates over 3200 servers across 150+ locations, ensuring wide access. Using strong AES-256 encryption and the fast WireGuard protocol, it guarantees both security and high speed. Features like split tunneling optimize connections for smooth gaming.

Drawbacks:

• Based in the US, which may concern privacy-focused users.
• There have been some past issues with logging claims.
• UI can be confusing for new users.
• Some inconsistency in server speeds reported.

9. Windscribe

• Price: Free

Windscribe provides exceptional access and privacy control. It offers unlimited simultaneous device connections and has a network of over 170 server locations in more than 69 countries. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy and uses AES-256 encryption. Additionally, the included R.O.B.E.R.T. feature blocks ads and malware, adding significant value for daily internet use.

Drawbacks:

• Smaller server network than major competitors.
• The free tier data cap limits extensive gaming or streaming use.
• Speeds can be inconsistent depending on server load and location.
• No live chat support; email only, sometimes slow responses.

10. Atlas VPN

• Price: Free

Atlas VPN provides security and unlimited access at a great value. It supports unlimited simultaneous device connections and operates over 750 servers across 30 countries. The service uses strong AES-256 encryption and the fast WireGuard protocol for stability. The malware and tracker blocker further enhances your safe browsing experience.

Drawbacks:

• The server network is smaller compared to bigger services.
• The free plan has limited servers and a data cap.
• Speed inconsistency is reported during peak times.
• Lacks some advanced privacy features found in top-tier VPNs.

11. VyprVPN

• Price: VyprVPN pricing starts at $12.95 per month.

VyprVPN is centered on user control and privacy. It operates over 700 servers in more than 70 locations globally, using strong AES-256 encryption. The Chameleon protocol is an important feature for bypassing strict censorship. With a verified no-logs policy and support for five simultaneous connections, the service delivers a trustworthy and private internet experience.

Drawbacks:

• Pricing is on the higher side, with limited simultaneous connections.
• Smaller server network than some competitors.
• No browser extensions or free tier available.
• Lacks some advanced features found in other premium VPNs.

---

---

12. Hide.me

• Price: Free

Hide.me offers a strong commitment to privacy and performance. It operates over 2600 servers in 91+ locations, securing your data with AES-256 encryption. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy and supports 10 simultaneous device connections. With the fast WireGuard protocol and features like split tunneling, it delivers a reliable and optimized internet experience.

Drawbacks:

• The free plan data cap limits heavy usage.
• Paid plans can be expensive compared to some competitors.
• Rapid server switching can cause occasional slowdowns.
• The user interface can be basic compared to some premium VPNs.

13. StrongVPN

• Price: StrongVPN pricing starts at $10.99 per month.

StrongVPN offers strong protection and flexible access. It supports 12 simultaneous device connections and operates over 950 servers across 35 locations. The service uses strong AES-256 encryption and the fast WireGuard protocol for stability. A trustworthy no-logs policy, combined with features like split tunneling, delivers a secure and highly customizable internet experience.

Drawback:

• Smaller server network than many competitors.
• User interface is functional but lacks polish.
• Speeds can vary by server location.
• Less advanced features, such as multi-hop or ad blocking, are missing.

14. Ivacy

• Price: Ivacy VPN pricing starts at approximately $9.95 per month

Ivacy provides a good blend of performance and features. It operates over 3500 servers in 50+ countries, securing your data with AES-256 encryption. The service allows 10 simultaneous device connections. With fast protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2, Ivacy provides a functional and reliable connection for various online activities, which works as the best VPN for gaming.

Drawbacks:

• Smaller server network compared to larger VPN providers.
• Some users report occasional connection drop issues.
• Privacy policy and logging practices are less transparent than those of industry leaders.
• Speeds are decent but not top-tier.

15. Hotspot Shield

• Price: Free

Hotspot Shield offers speed and protection through its unique technology. It operates around 3200 servers in over 80 countries, securing data with AES-256 encryption. The proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol delivers fast speeds, highly beneficial for low-latency gaming and streaming. It also supports five simultaneous device connections, enhancing your safe internet access.

Drawbacks:

• The free version has data limitations and shows ads.
• Higher price compared to some competitors.
• Past privacy concerns over collecting data.
• Some users report connection interruptions.

---

---

VPN Industry Growth Snapshot: Market Size, User Behavior, and Future Trends

Now that we have examined the best VPN for gaming in the world, let’s explore the market.

The global VPN software market is estimated to be valued at around USD 2.2 billion in 2025, projected to reach about USD 8.3 billion by 2035. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1%, with China expected to lead at a 27% CAGR.

Around 39.4% of VPN users use it for work, and 25.4% use it for security. Rising concerns about online privacy, identity theft, and data breaches are the key drivers of this growth. 

Conclusion:

The right VPN is essential for a smoother online experience. It helps solve common gaming issues, such as high ping and lag, by optimizing your connection path. It also protects you from DDoS attacks and opens up access to geo-restricted content. Choosing the best VPN for gaming needs balancing speed, privacy, and cost.

Finally, your choice depends on your specific needs. Check out the balance of server network size, advanced features like split tunneling, and a no-logs policy. Whether you prioritize the speed of ExpressVPN or the value of Surfshark, finding the best VPN for gaming will significantly enhance your security and performance.

FAQs

1. Will VPN encryption always slow down my game speed?

Encryption adds a small delay. Quality VPNs use fast protocols like WireGuard. This minimizes the impact. Your overall experience may even improve.

2. How does “Split Tunneling” specifically help gaming performance?

It lets your game traffic use the VPN path. This bypasses ISP throttling. All other background traffic uses your normal, faster internet connection.

3. Can a VPN actually lower my ping or latency in a game?

Yes, sometimes it can. If your ISP routes traffic poorly, a VPN can find a more direct path to the game server. This bypasses the congested route.