Does a VPN reduce ping in games?

Usually no — a VPN adds a small amount of latency (5-20ms on nearby servers). However, if your ISP throttles gaming traffic, a VPN can actually improve ping by avoiding the throttling. A VPN can also provide a more direct route to game servers in some cases.

Can I use a VPN on PlayStation or Xbox?

Consoles don't natively support VPN apps. You can set up a VPN on your router to cover all devices, or use NordVPN's SmartDNS feature for geo-unblocking without speed impact. Surfshark also offers Smart DNS for consoles.

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Best VPN for Gaming in 2025: Lowest Ping and DDoS Protection.

Find the fastest VPNs for online gaming. Low latency, DDoS protection, and bypassing geo-blocks for game servers.

Published: 2025-04-01 | Updated: 2025-04-08

Why Gamers Use VPNs

Gamers use VPNs for three main reasons: DDoS protection (preventing opponents from flooding your IP to disconnect you), accessing game servers in other regions (playing on Japanese or European servers from the US), and reducing ISP throttling (some ISPs slow down gaming traffic during peak hours). A gaming VPN needs low latency above all — even a 20ms increase can be the difference between winning and losing in competitive games.

NordVPN: Best for Competitive Gaming

NordVPN's NordLynx protocol delivers the lowest latency of any VPN we tested — typically adding only 5-10ms to nearby servers. With 6,400 servers across 111 countries, you can always find a server close to your game's servers. NordVPN's Meshnet feature lets you create private gaming networks for LAN-style play over the internet. The built-in DDoS protection is essential for competitive players who stream their gameplay. Rating: 9.4/10.

Surfshark: Best Budget Gaming VPN

Surfshark offers solid gaming performance at $2.19/month. Its WireGuard implementation adds 10-20ms of latency on nearby servers — acceptable for most games. The unlimited device policy means your PC, console, and mobile can all be protected simultaneously. Surfshark's Bypasser (split tunneling) lets you route only game traffic through the VPN while keeping other traffic on your regular connection. Rating: 9.2/10.

Recommended Providers

NordVPN

Best overall VPN for security and speed

$3.09/mo 9.4/10

Visit

Surfshark

Best value VPN with unlimited devices

$2.19/mo 9.2/10

Visit

FAQ

Does a VPN reduce ping in games?: Usually no — a VPN adds a small amount of latency (5-20ms on nearby servers). However, if your ISP throttles gaming traffic, a VPN can actually improve ping by avoiding the throttling. A VPN can also provide a more direct route to game servers in some cases.
Can I use a VPN on PlayStation or Xbox?: Consoles don't natively support VPN apps. You can set up a VPN on your router to cover all devices, or use NordVPN's SmartDNS feature for geo-unblocking without speed impact. Surfshark also offers Smart DNS for consoles.