VPNs for Gaming: Best Picks for 2025
Low Ping and Bot Lobbies Made Easy
Gaming in 2025 is more competitive than ever, and every millisecond counts. Whether you're grinding in Call of Duty: Warzone, battling it out in Fortnite, or exploring open worlds in Elden Ring, lag can ruin your experience. High ping, DDoS attacks, and unfair matchmaking are common frustrations for gamers, but a VPN can help you take control. By connecting to optimized servers, a VPN can reduce latency, protect your connection, and even help you access bot lobbies for easier matches. Imagine landing in a Warzone lobby with lower-skill players or playing on a server halfway across the world without stuttering—sounds good, right? We’ve tested dozens of VPNs to bring you the best picks for gaming in 2025, focusing on speed, low latency, server coverage, and ease of use. These VPNs are designed to cut lag, keep you safe from attacks, and give you an edge in your favorite games. Let’s dive into why you need a VPN for gaming and which ones made the cut.
Why Use a VPN for Gaming?
Using a VPN for gaming isn’t just about hiding your IP—it’s a game-changer for performance and accessibility. First, a VPN can reduce ping by connecting you to servers closer to the game’s data centers. For example, if you’re in Europe but playing on a US server, a VPN with a low-latency US server can make your connection smoother. Second, VPNs protect you from DDoS attacks, a common issue in competitive gaming where opponents might try to disrupt your connection. By masking your IP, a VPN keeps you safe from these threats. Third, VPNs can help you access bot lobbies—those coveted easier matches with less skilled players. By connecting to a server in a less competitive region (like a smaller country with fewer players), you can often get matched with bots or lower-skill opponents, perfect for racking up wins in games like Warzone or Apex Legends. Fourth, a VPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions, so you can play games or access content that’s locked in your region. Want to play a game that’s only available in Japan? A VPN can make it happen. Finally, a VPN ensures your connection is secure, especially on public Wi-Fi, so you can game on the go without worrying about hackers. With these benefits in mind, let’s look at the best VPNs for gaming in 2025.
Our Top Picks
NordVPN
Speed: Up to 950 Mbps (with NordLynx)
Servers: 7,300+ servers in 118 countries
Price: $3.39/month (2-year plan)
NordVPN is a powerhouse for gamers who need speed and reliability. With over 5,200 servers in 60 countries, it offers plenty of options to find a low-latency connection for games like Warzone, Fortnite, and Valorant. We tested NordVPN on a 1 Gbps line and saw download speeds of 320 Mbps, with ping as low as 20ms on nearby servers. Its NordLynx protocol is a game-changer, delivering fast speeds without sacrificing security. NordVPN also offers DDoS protection, keeping you safe during intense matches. For bot lobbies, we connected to servers in smaller regions like Iceland and consistently got easier matches in Warzone. If you’re a competitive gamer who values stability and security, NordVPN is a top choice.
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Surfshark
Speed: Up to 950 Mbps (with WireGuard)
Servers: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Price: $2.19/month (2-year plan)
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. With 3,200 servers in 100 countries, it’s perfect for accessing game servers worldwide. We recorded speeds of 280 Mbps and a ping of 25ms on European servers, making it ideal for fast-paced games like Apex Legends. Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol ensures low latency, and its CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers, reducing distractions. For bot lobbies, Surfshark’s servers in less populated regions (like South Africa) worked well for Fortnite. Surfshark is a solid pick for gamers who want versatility without breaking the bank.
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NoLagVPN
Speed: Up to 900 Mbps (optimized for gaming)
Servers: 500+ servers in 40+ countries
Price: $4.50/month (1-year plan)
NoLagVPN is built specifically for gaming, and it shows. With 300 servers in 40 countries, it focuses on low-latency connections for titles like Warzone and Valorant. We saw speeds of 250 Mbps and a ping of 15ms on nearby servers, some of the best results in our tests. NoLagVPN’s servers are optimized for gaming, with dedicated IPs to avoid blacklisting by game servers. It’s also a go-to for bot lobbies—connecting to servers in regions like Egypt gave us easier matches in Warzone. If your priority is minimizing lag and dominating in competitive games, NoLagVPN is a must-try.
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CyberGhostVPN
Speed: Up to 950 Mbps (with WireGuard)
Servers: 10,000+ servers in 100 countries
Price: $2.03/month (2-year plan + 4 months free
Read Full ReviewWhy These VPNs?
We chose these VPNs because they excel in the areas that matter most for gaming: speed, latency, server coverage, and security. NoLagVPN is the go-to for gamers who prioritize low ping, thanks to its gaming-optimized servers and dedicated IPs that reduce the risk of bans. NordVPN offers a perfect balance of speed and security, with its NordLynx protocol delivering fast connections and robust DDoS protection. Surfshark stands out for its affordability and unlimited device support, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget or those with multiple devices. CyberGhost’s dedicated gaming servers give it an edge for specific titles like Warzone, ensuring low latency and stable connections. Each VPN was rigorously tested to ensure it can handle the demands of modern gaming, from reducing lag to helping you access bot lobbies. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive grinder, these VPNs have something to offer.
How We Tested
Our testing process was designed to simulate real-world gaming scenarios. We focused on three key metrics: ping, speed, and bot lobby access. First, we tested ping on popular games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant. We connected to servers in various regions (US, EU, Asia) and aimed for a ping below 50ms, which is ideal for competitive play. For example, NoLagVPN delivered a ping of 15ms on a European server, while NordVPN averaged 20ms. Second, we measured speed on a 1 Gbps fiber connection to ensure minimal loss. CyberGhost hit 300 Mbps, while Surfshark reached 280 Mbps—both excellent for gaming without buffering. Third, we tested bot lobby access by connecting to low-traffic servers in smaller regions (like Iceland, Egypt, and Malta). All four VPNs successfully placed us in easier lobbies, with NoLagVPN and Surfshark being the most consistent. We also evaluated stability by playing for several hours, checking for disconnects or lag spikes. Finally, we assessed security features like DDoS protection and no-logs policies to ensure your data stays safe while gaming.
Tips for Using a VPN While Gaming
To get the most out of your VPN, follow these tips. First, choose a server close to the game’s data center. For example, if you’re playing on a US server for Warzone, connect to a VPN server in the US to minimize ping. Most VPNs (like NordVPN and CyberGhost) show server latency in their apps, so pick the one with the lowest ping. Second, use the WireGuard protocol if available—it’s the fastest and most efficient for gaming. All our top picks support WireGuard, ensuring low latency. Third, avoid using a VPN on a server too far from your location unless you’re trying to access bot lobbies. For bot lobbies, connect to servers in less populated regions (like South Africa or Iceland) during off-peak hours. Fourth, enable DDoS protection if your VPN offers it—NordVPN and CyberGhost have this feature built-in. Fifth, be cautious with free VPNs, as they often have slow speeds and may get you banned in games. Finally, test different servers to find the best one for your game—sometimes a server in a nearby country can offer better performance than one in your own region.
Level Up Your Game
A VPN can transform your gaming experience, whether you’re looking to reduce lag, protect your connection, or dominate in bot lobbies. Our top picks—NordVPN, Surfshark, NoLagVPN, and CyberGhost—are tailored for gamers, offering the speed, security, and server coverage you need to stay ahead. Not sure which one to choose? Start with NoLagVPN for its gaming-specific features, or check out our in-depth comparison of NoLagVPN vs NordVPN to see which fits your needs. Ready to level up? Pick a VPN from the list above and start gaming smarter today.
