Gaming has evolved, and with it, the need for smooth, secure, and unrestricted play. VPNs have emerged as the unsung heroes, ensuring quick reflexes are not marred by lag, guarding against unwanted cyber-attacks, and unlocking global gaming libraries. However, with the myriad of VPN services out there, which truly stand up to the test?
Enter Reddit – the internet’s hub for genuine, unfilited feedback. For VPNs, it is where candid user reviews highlight the best tried-and-tested options. We researched countless Reddit threads to find the most common VPN recommendations for gaming and reviewed them across categories important to gamers. Check out the results below!
TLDR
- Using a VPN for gaming can protect you from threats like DDoS attacks, allow you to access geo-blocked games, and more.
- Gamers prioritize factors like fast speeds, low latency, wide server selection, robust security, P2P compatibility, pricing, etc. in a VPN.
- Reddit users recommend PureVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost as the top gaming VPNs, each with its unique strengths.
Reddit’s Best Gaming VPNs – A Quick Overview
| PureVPN | Affordable gaming VPN |
| NordVPN | Most secure gaming VPN |
| Surfshark | Best gaming VPN for unlimited devices |
| ExpressVPN | Fastest gaming VPN |
| CyberGhost | Best gaming VPN with many servers |
What Redditors Look for in a Gaming VPN?
There are a number of things Redditors priotize when looking for the perfect gaming VPN service. These include but are not limited to:
- Great Performance: The VPN should have super-fast speeds and low latency to ensure smooth gameplay without lags or delays.
- Wide Server Selection: With a variety of server locations, users can connect to game servers in other countries as well as access geo-restricted games.
- Robust Security: Features like 256-bit encryption and a kill switch are important to stay safe from threats like DDoS and SWATting attacks.
- P2P Compatibility: Some games and gaming platforms rely on peer-to-peer connections, so support for P2P traffic is a must.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: No bandwidth caps are crucial for gamers to enjoy unthrottled gaming sessions, regardless of duration.
- Broad Device Compatibility: The VPN needs to be compatible with the devices you play games on, whether it is a PC, console, or mobile.
- Proven No-Log Policy: Gamers take their online privacy seriously and prefer to opt for VPNs with independently-audited no-log policies.
- Price and Payment Flexibility: Reddit users appreciate VPNs that provide good value for money and multiple payment options.
The Best Gaming VPNs by Reddit
Here is a detailed list of the best gaming VPNs according to Reddit users:
1. PureVPN
PureVPN stands out as an exceptional choice for gamers, boasting a port forwarding add-on and blazing-fast 20 Gbps servers ensuring top-notch speeds during intense gaming sessions. With a vast network of 6,500 servers spread across 70 countries, it is a breeze to unblock region-restricted games and dive right in.
Furthermore, the dedicated IP add-on provides an added advantage for those who wish to host their own gaming lobbies. Coupled with some of the most wallet-friendly pricing plans in the market, PureVPN offers both performance and value, making it a top pick for gaming enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Port forwarding and dedicated IP add-ons
- Affordable price
- 20 Gbps servers
- Quantum-resistant encryption
Cons:
- Occasional performance issues
Also read: Gaming VPN by PureVPN
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is the most secure gaming VPN on the market. Its Double VPN technology encrypts data twice, adding an extra layer of security. Furthermore, Threat Protection keeps gamers from malware, unwanted ads, and intrusive trackers during their sessions.
Leveraging RAM-only servers ensures no data is stored on physical hard drives, enhancing user privacy. With a vast infrastructure of 5,000 servers across 60 countries, and being P2P-friendly, NordVPN guarantees a safe, seamless, and expansive gaming experience.
Pros:
- Double VPN
- Threat Protection
- RAM-based servers
- Dedicated IP
Cons:
- Highly priced
Also read: PureVPN vs NordVPN: Which VPN is Better in 2024?
3. Surfshark
Surfshark offers a distinctive edge for gamers with its Dynamic MultiHop feature, enabling users to route traffic through two VPN servers of their choice for enhanced security. Its impressive spread of 3,200 servers across 100 countries ensures optimal connections and access to global gaming content.
The Camouflage mode guarantees that your VPN usage remains discreet, ideal for regions with restrictive online policies. With the added perks of unlimited device connections and its privacy-centric jurisdiction in the Netherlands, Surfshark emerges as a top contender for gaming VPNs.
Pros:
- Dynamic MultiHop
- Unlimited connections
- CleanWeb
- RAM-only servers
Cons:
- Clunky P2P support
Also read: PureVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better in 2024?
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN delivers a stellar gaming experience with industry-leading speeds, ensuring seamless and lag-free gameplay. Their commitment to security is evident with diskless servers, ensuring no user data is ever written to a physical drive. Boasting a vast network of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, global game access is just a click away.
Like other VPNs on this list, ExpressVPN comes with essential features like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to keep your gaming sessions secure. While ExpressVPN does not support WireGuard, it offers a custom VPN protocol called Lightway.
Pros:
- High-speed connections
- TrustedServer Technology
- Broad compatibility
- Threat Manager
Cons:
- No WireGuard
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a great VPN for gamers, offering an expansive network of over 9,000 servers spread across 100 countries. Its RAM-only servers ensure that user data remains protected aligning with top-tier privacy standards.
In addition, CyberGhost’s gaming-optimized servers are fine-tuned to deliver peak performance during intense gameplay sessions. It also offers a generous 45-day refund policy, allowing users to test out the service for their gaming needs risk-free.
Pros:
- Gaming optimized servers
- One of the largest VPN networks
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- RAM-only servers
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features
Also read: CyberGhost alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Can VPN reduce ping?
Yes, a VPN can reduce ping by routing your connection through a server closer to the game server, optimizing the data path. However, results may vary based on the VPN and its server locations.
How can I use a VPN for gaming?
To use a VPN for gaming, simply choose a reputable VPN service, install its application on your device, and connect to a server near your game’s server location. This ensures optimized speeds and reduced latency.
Will games ban you for using VPN?
Some games and platforms may ban or restrict users for using VPNs as it can violate their terms of service. It is essential to check a game’s policies before using a VPN to avoid potential penalties.
Hunain Muhammad
January 1, 2024
4 months ago
