The best VPN for gaming
ExpressVPN lowers ping, minimizes lag, and enhances connectivity.
Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
6 reasons ExpressVPN is essential for online gamers
Powerful protection
Avoid DDoS attacks by masking your IP. ExpressVPN also features 256-bit AES, leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling.
Boost connectivity
Enjoy unlimited, premium bandwidth. Minimize ping and lag with VPN servers in 105 countries.
Bypass throttling
Limit your ISP from slowing your connection. With a VPN, data can’t be inspected, so your bandwidth won’t be throttled.
Access more online
Get the latest DLC and games from early launch date countries. Play games even if they’re censored where you are.*
Play on all devices
Whether you prefer to play on a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, tablet, or phone, ExpressVPN has you covered.
Game without borders
No matter where you are around the world, simply change your region and play together with your friends.*
Use a VPN for all the most popular games
Whether you’re slaying demons in space, building strange new worlds from scratch, or taking your team to the playoffs, get more out of the most popular gaming titles. With lower ping, ExpressVPN makes it more enjoyable to play all your favorite games anywhere, anytime with your friends across the world.
Get ExpressVPN for gaming online
ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use apps to enhance gaming on a range of major platforms. This includes optimization for speed and stability, security against DDoS attacks, and protection against ISP throttling.
Or try the ExpressVPN app for compatible routers, which lets you secure every device in your network, including gaming consoles that can’t install a VPN directly. If you’re using a gaming console for live or on-demand video, ExpressVPN’s included MediaStreamer service can help you unlock the games and content you want with no buffering, but it does not offer the privacy and other benefits of a VPN.
Get an edge with a VPN for cloud gaming
Much like streaming platforms, cloud gaming services stream games directly from remote servers to a variety of compatible devices, circumventing the need for high-end gaming machines—which means access to more games no matter your device of choice! ExpressVPN is perfect for upgrading your cloud gaming experience, no matter what platform you’re on.
How does a VPN reduce ping?
Ping, or latency, refers to the time it takes for information—in this case, packets of data—to be sent from your machine to a server and its subsequent response time. Ping is measured in milliseconds, so the lower the ping number, the faster the connection.
Shorter connection routes between your device and gaming servers are preferable for lowering ping as they reduce any noticeable delays between your actions and what happens in-game. Using a VPN can help to shorten this route by connecting to a VPN server closer to the gaming server.
Can I use a free VPN for gaming?
Free proxy services are not recommended for gaming online as they do not offer the same privacy and security benefits of a paid VPN. Many do not work as advertised, some may even sell your data, and most will leave your networks vulnerable to attack.
| Express VPN ExpressVPN | Most free VPNs | |
|---|---|---|
Data limit | Unlimited | 10GB |
VPN server locations | 105 countries | 10-50 countries |
Customer support | 24/7 live chat | |
Server technology | TrustedServer | PC-based |
Activity and connection logging | Never | No promises |
Simultaneous connections supported | Up to 8 | 1 |
Device support | Apps for every device | Desktop and mobile |
Custom VPN protocol | Lightway | None |
Download ExpressVPN on all your devices
Get the best VPN for iOS, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more.
An ExpressVPN subscription includes software solutions for every device in your home, including gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox and smart TV systems like Apple TV, Amazon TV Fire Stick, and Samsung Smart TV. Get a VPN APK for your Android devices, or download ExpressVPN for iOS. You can even get a VPN extension for Chrome.
Plus VPN extensions for your favorite browsers
Can’t find your device? Check out these manual configurations and setup tutorials for a wide range of other devices and platforms.
FAQ: Using a VPN for gaming
How do I use a VPN for gaming?
Subscribe to ExpressVPN and download its apps for computers, smartphones, and tablets—whatever your favorite devices are. For game consoles, use the ExpressVPN app for routers. Not ready for a VPN router? Your Mac or Windows computer can be used as a “virtual router” instead.
In addition to keeping your data and files safe within an encrypted network, ExpressVPN also protects you from potential DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks while gaming. You can also use our VPN to lower ping times between various gaming servers by connecting to locations closer to the network hosts.
If your ISP (internet service provider) is intentionally throttling certain kinds of network traffic, a VPN can bypass these restrictions and restore your network speeds to their default levels. In some instances, users have even reported faster gaming speeds.
Is there a free gaming VPN?
Free gaming VPNs and proxy services are not recommended for gaming online as they do not offer the same privacy and security benefits of paid VPN. Many do not work as advertised, some may even sell your data, and most will leave your networks vulnerable to attack.
Do pro gamers use VPNs?
With the emergence and growth of the eSports industry, more pro gamers are opting to use VPNs while gaming to enhance connectivity, increase security, defeat censorship, and protect against DDoS attacks.
DDoS attacks have become an increasing issue in recent years, and using a VPN for gaming provides powerful protection by changing your IP address.
What else can I do with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN also works with streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. In countries with heavy censorship, a VPN can help you unblock popular sites like YouTube and Google. It’s also the fastest, easiest way to browse the internet privately and securely—for example, with a VPN Chrome extension.
What gamers say about us
@expressvpn I was able to get the service i needed for gaming 10/10 all platforms thx well worth service i needed!
Wow, @expressvpn thank you for the stable connection, allowing me to stream and game with minimal issues on my rural connection!
First #vpn to do that well for me.
Yeet! Yup. Its the fastest VPN I’ve ever used to date. I dont even bother switching it off for gaming anymore. Hardly notice it.
Try the risk-free VPN for gaming
Take advantage of our risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee:
If you’re not satisfied using ExpressVPN, contact Support within 30 days and get a full refund.