Do you actually need a VPN for gaming?
A VPN for gaming makes sense in four specific situations:
- DDoS protection — hide your real IP so opponents can't flood your connection
- Access geo-restricted games — play games released in other regions before your local launch
- Reduce ISP throttling — some ISPs slow gaming traffic; a VPN can bypass this
- Play on overseas servers — connect to a different region's game servers
If none of these apply to you, a VPN won't improve your gaming experience. In fact, it will slightly increase your ping. The key is finding a VPN where the increase is minimal.
🥇 #1 NordVPN — Best for gaming
NordVPN's NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) is currently the fastest VPN protocol available. In our gaming tests, we measured an average ping increase of just +4ms on nearby servers — completely unnoticeable during gameplay.
NordVPN also has a dedicated Threat Protection feature that blocks malicious IPs — useful for avoiding DDoS attacks during competitive gaming sessions.
🥈 #2 PureVPN — Great value for gamers
PureVPN is a strong second choice for gamers. The port forwarding feature is particularly useful for gamers who host their own servers or need specific ports open for certain games. This is a feature NordVPN doesn't offer.
Ping test results
Gaming platform compatibility
| Platform | NordVPN | PureVPN | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Windows/Mac) | ✓ Native app | ✓ Native app | Direct app install — easiest |
| PS5 / PS4 | ✓ Via router | ✓ Via router | Set up on router or use PS DNS |
| Xbox Series X/S | ✓ Via router | ✓ Via router | Router setup recommended |
| Nintendo Switch | ✓ Via router | ✓ Via router | Router or phone hotspot method |
| Mobile (iOS/Android) | ✓ Native app | ✓ Native app | Direct app install |
How to set up a VPN for gaming on PS5 and Xbox
PS5 and Xbox don't support VPN apps directly. The best method is setting up the VPN on your router — this protects all devices connected to your home network including consoles.
- Step 1: Log into your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Step 2: Find the VPN client section
- Step 3: Enter your NordVPN or PureVPN credentials
- Step 4: Select a nearby server for minimum ping
- Step 5: Your console automatically uses the VPN
FAQ
Our verdict
NordVPN is the best gaming VPN on our list — +4ms ping increase is barely measurable and its NordLynx protocol keeps speeds fast. PureVPN is the best budget option with the added bonus of port forwarding.
Avoid TurboVPN and HideMy.name for gaming — their ping increases are too significant for competitive play.