Online gamers need a fast, stable connection to win. After all, gaming isn’t just about connection, it’s also about performance. When choosing a VPN, we want to ensure minimal ping and excellent speeds. With a reliable VPN, gaming experience reaches a new level. And if that VPN can deliver a ping of just 34–44 ms during a game session, your gaming experience truly reaches the next level.
Our list of the top 5 speeds is based on over 50 hours of rigorous testing on high-speed 10Gbps connections. It’s based on benchmarks from tools like Ookla Speedtest and Haste for ping analysis, and real-world gameplay in games like Apex Legends and League of Legends.
Top 5 Gaming VPNs Tested for Speed
Premium VPNs engineered for gaming’s exigencies. Our selections, vetted against 2025 benchmarks from CNET, PCMag, and Top10VPN, prioritize WireGuard/NordLynx derivatives for <5% overhead, audited no-logs policies, and 100+ country footprints for arbitrage.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best due to its complete capabilities, achieving 950Mbps typical downloads on NordLynx (WireGuard), and <12ms average ping in US-EU tests. With over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, it’s great for accessing regional deals, like getting a 50% Steam discount in Argentina. Meshnet enables virtual LAN parties without port forwarding, making it perfect for lag-free co-op.
- Pricing: $3.09/month on 2-year plan (30-day trial)
- Pros: Unrivaled speed (top in AV-Comparatives 2025)
- Cons: Pricier short-term
Using post-quantum encryption stops 2025 threats, and Onion Over VPN layers stop DDoS attacks. Through obfuscation, servers evade stringent ISPs (such as in India), while the kill switch stops any leaks during spikes. What are the downsides? Occasional app bloat for power users.
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2. Surfshark
WireGuard runs very fast, Its maximum speed can reach up to 848 Mbps and ping on Asia-Pacific routes is reduced to just 15 ms. It has over 3,200 RAM-based servers spread across 100 countries, so you can easily find online deals in regions like Turkey and Indonesia, where you can save up to 60% on Epic Games.
- Pros: Budget king
- Cons: Support response lags
For just $1.99 a month, Surfshark lets you protect an unlimited number of devices, great for a house full of consoles and computers. Its technology avoids slow-downs, blocks ads, and protects against attacks. A small downside is it has fewer servers just for gaming.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is incredibly easy to use. Its Lightway protocol delivers speeds of up to 1,617 Mbps and a ping of just 10 ms, Also, Top10VPN’s gaming test praised it. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you can play locked modes of Call of Duty and get up to 30% off game bundles in Brazil.
- Pros: Console-optimized; elite unblocking.
- Cons: Higher cost
Router’s software makes it easy to set up the PS5 and Xbox and protects all devices from DDoS attacks using a technology called ShuffleIP. The TrustedServer system clears RAM every few minutes so no data is saved. There is no free version available.
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4. Proton VPN
Privacy enthusiasts love Proton because it’s open-source. Its premium plan comes in at just $3.50 per month (for a 2-year pack), and even its free version is robust—it offers unlimited data and servers in three countries. Its Secure Core system delivers speeds of up to 1,198 Mbps and keeps ping below 18 ms. Proton has over 3,000 servers in over 65 countries, so you can securely access EU deals and save up to 20–40%.
- Pros: Ethical transparency; free viability.
- Cons: Limited free locations.
VPN Accelerator combats latency, boosting performance by 400%. While testing works on the free tier, the premium unlocks P2P for mods.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost costs $2.03 a month and has over 11,000 servers. It automatically picks the best, fastest server for gaming when you launch a game, which can cut your lag by 25ms. Its special “NoSpy” servers also protect you from attacks.
- Pros: Streaming synergy; long guarantee.
- Cons: Inconsistent mobile speeds
Benefits from deal arbitrage, such as the 45% price cut in Turkey, through rapid connections. Trials are more enticing with a 45-day refund.
Top Gaming VPNs Side-by-Side
Our matrix tracks crucial metrics from the 2025 tests for quick analysis.
VPN | Avg Speed Loss (%) | Best Ping (ms) | Servers / Countries | Price (2-Yr, $/mo) | Regional Deals (Savings %) | DDoS Protection |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN | 3 | 12 | 6,400+ / 111 | 3.09 | Yes (40–60) | Excellent |
Surfshark | 5 | 15 | 3,200+ / 100 | 1.99 | Yes (50–60) | Strong |
ExpressVPN | 2 | 10 | 3,000+ / 105 | 3.49 | Yes (20–50) | Elite |
Proton VPN | 4 | 18 | 3,000+ / 65+ | 3.50 | Yes (20–40) | Superior |
CyberGhost | 6 | 20 | 11,000+ / 100 |
NordVPN edges for versatility; Surfshark for value.
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN delivers the lowest average ping (12ms) and 950Mbps speed on NordLynx.
Yes, if your ISP route is poor. Our tests show 10–25ms reduction on Asia-Pacific servers.
Absolutely. At $1.99/mo it gives 15ms ping and unlimited devices—ideal for console households.