Enjoy a smoother, safer connection and reduce lag.
Why you need a VPN for gaming
No matter what game or DLC you want, no matter where you are, you can access it with a VPN. Gaming abroad? Use a VPN to change your region and play on the servers back home to keep up with your friends. You can even try out seasonal events in other countries.
A VPN also keeps you safe by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. This means you can bypass activity-based ISP throttling, bypass gaming blocks on restricted networks, and protect your privacy, even while you’re playing on public Wi-Fi.
A good gaming VPN can even stabilize your connection and lower your ping to help you avoid lag issues.
A gaming VPN stands out in one key aspect: it's all about the performance. Online gaming is an activity where you'll really notice higher ping and lag spikes, so a gaming VPN has to be built with reducing both of those things in mind.
A good gaming VPN should have a truly massive server network, so players can always connect to a VPN server that's close to the game server they want. It should also have awesome servers. They need to be ultra-fast and able to handle the demands of fast-paced games. ExpressVPN offers both of these things!
If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll also need the right VPN protocol for the job. OpenVPN, for example, is quite secure, but kind of slow. ExpressVPN offers its own custom-built Lightway protocol, which is built to balance performance and speed in a way that actually helps to lower your ping.
ExpressVPN is compatible with all your favorite games
If you can play it online, ExpressVPN can keep you safe while you play it. It can even smooth out lag spikes. Land your headshots and skill shots, see your enemies before they see you, and carry your team to victory! Or stand alone as the sole victor of a battle royale.
Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile players can jump straight in with native apps, but console players are welcome too! With a VPN-enabled router and a little configuration, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch gamers can all enjoy the benefits of a VPN. Whatever platform you're on, you can get started in mere minutes.
Whether you play on Steam, GOG, Battle.net, Epic, or even the Ubisoft app, ExpressVPN works with all your favorite game platforms. It can help you get better connections when playing with far-away Steam friends, change your region, and access games from other countries.
ExpressVPN was built with serious gaming in mind, and can even handle the immense bandwidth required by cloud gaming. GeForce Now, XCloud, PS Cloud… it all works.
Absolutely, yes! Benefits include more secure connections, the ability to change your region in almost any online game, smoother connections—especially over longer distances—and even lower ping in some cases. If you’re playing any game online, you should be doing it with a VPN.
Is there a free gaming VPN?
Not really. There are quite a few free VPNs, but even the best of them aren’t actually designed for gaming. Their servers tend to be overcrowded and slow, and they don’t have many server locations. Some may even collect personal data to sell. If you want to see what a fast gaming VPN can do, try ExpressVPN risk-free with our 30-day money back guarantee.
Do VPNs hurt gaming performance?
No. In fact, a good VPN can even improve gaming performance by making your connection more stable, and even lowering your ping in some cases. A gaming VPN can bypass a lot of issues like overcrowded networks and bad signal routing by automatically looking for the fastest connection between you and the VPN server you chose, and that improves performance.
Should you turn off your VPN for gaming?
No. Well, not unless using a VPN could get you banned in a specific game. Most games don’t ban them, however, as devs know that VPNs can help players to enjoy their time in the game more by improving their connection, and keeping them safe. Better to turn your VPN on, and just leave it on for best results, changing servers as necessary.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for gaming?
VPNs are perfectly legal in most countries, and it’s legitimate to use them for gaming. Note that some games specifically ban the usage of VPNs in their Terms of Service, however, and getting caught can result in suspensions and bans, or even the full-on loss of your account for that game. Be sure to check the TOS before playing.
Can games detect VPNs?
Yes and no. It depends on a lot of factors, but methods for detecting VPN usage from network traffic alone can be iffy. Online games that install anti-cheat on your PC, however, almost certainly know when you’re using a VPN. In general, it’s easiest to just use VPNs for games that allow it, or at least don’t forbid it in their Terms of Service.
ExpressVPN is a privacy and security service and should not be used as a means of copyright circumvention. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for complying with our Terms of Service, your content provider’s terms, and any applicable laws.
30
Day
Money-back guarantee
Try the risk-free VPN for gaming
New users: 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.
