The best VPN for gaming
Want to know how to reduce ping time while gaming? Use ExpressVPN, which can also let you:
- Get new games at the lowest prices
- Unblock restricted maps and skins
- Defend against DDoS attacks
- Game with freedom and security
Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
Get an online gaming VPN in 3 steps
Step 2
Connect to any one of 160 locations in 94 countries.
Step 3
Play your favorite games with security and fewer restrictions.
How to use ExpressVPN for gaming
ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use apps to enhance gaming on a range of major platforms, including Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. Or try the ExpressVPN app for compatible routers, which lets you secure every device in your network, including game consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox that can’t install a VPN directly.
If you’re using a game console for live or on-demand video, ExpressVPN’s included MediaStreamer service can help you unlock what you want with no buffering, but it does not offer the privacy and other benefits of a VPN.
Use a VPN for all the most popular games
With protection from DDoS attacks and less ping, ExpressVPN makes it more enjoyable to play your favorite games. It works on computers, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles (via the app for routers), so you’ll have no problem using it to play Final Fantasy XIV (FF14), Minecraft, Rain City, Fortnite, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG on any device.
How does a VPN reduce ping?
Shorter connection routes between you and gaming servers can lower latency and overall lag. This means packets of data are able to move between your computer and the game server faster, reducing any noticeable delay between your actions and what happens in the game—and giving you an advantage. Usually, connecting to the VPN server closest to the game server will give the best results.
FAQ: Using a VPN for gaming
How do I use a VPN for games?
Subscribe to ExpressVPN and download its apps for computers, smartphones, and tablets—whatever device you intend to play on. For game consoles, use the ExpressVPN app for Wi-Fi routers. (Not ready for a VPN router? Consider using your Mac or Windows computer as a “virtual router” instead.)
Then connect to a VPN server anywhere in the world. Your connection is now secure, and you can appear to be in a different country.
Is a VPN good for gaming?
In addition to keeping your data and files safe and hidden behind an encrypted network, using a VPN protects you from potential DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks while gaming. You can also use a VPN to cut 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-than-average gaming speeds.
Does a VPN slow down gaming? Can a VPN improve ping?
If you connect to a VPN server close to the game server, a VPN might speed up your connection and give you an advantage while gaming. By the same token, connecting to a server that’s farther away could potentially increase lag time (also known as ping).
Does Fortnite ‘IP ban’ players?
Yes. Fortnite and other games can block individual players, usually because they have violated a game’s rules. Fortnite’s maker, Epic Games, does this by banning the IP addresses associated with those players. Anyone else using those IP addresses will get banned as well. Players caught up in such an IP ban can start playing Fortnite again by using a different IP address, and one way to do that is by connecting to a VPN. A VPN gives you a new IP address so you can be more anonymous, beat censorship, and get back to gaming.
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.
6 reasons ExpressVPN is essential to online gamers
Blazing-fast speed
Enjoy unlimited premium bandwidth. Reduce ping times and lag with 160 server locations in 94 countries.
Lowest game prices
Game prices vary by region. Find the lowest prices for popular online games by changing your IP address and apparent location.
Resist DDoS attacks
Avoid DDoS attacks by masking your true IP. ExpressVPN also features 256-bit AES, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling.
Unblock games online
Be the first to get the latest games and restricted maps by accessing new releases from countries with early launch dates. If a game is censored where you are, unblock it. Love Minecraft? Read about the best Minecraft VPN.
Use on all devices
Whether you prefer to play on a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, tablet, or phone, ExpressVPN has got you covered, providing fast, uninterrupted gameplay at home or on the go.
Play with friends
Easily change your region to play with friends around the world. And you can have five connections active at a time, so while you’re gaming, other devices in your home can be streaming video from another country.
What customers say about us
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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.