The best VPN for gaming: Personally tested

Table of Contents

🎮 What Is the Best Gaming VPN Right Now?

After testing and analyzing dozens of VPN services across speed, security, ping rate, and stability, the MosiacChronicles team confidently recommends ExpressVPN as the best VPN for gaming in 2025 — closely followed by NordVPN.

We’re gamers ourselves, so we know what matters: low latency, fast and reliable servers, and protection from annoying DDoS attacks or stream snipers. These VPNs consistently delivered the best gaming experience across all our tests.

🏆 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2025

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall Gaming VPN

Why we recommend it:

ExpressVPN stands out for its consistently fast speeds, low ping, and huge server network spread across 105 countries. Whether you’re gaming on a PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile device, ExpressVPN performs reliably without noticeable lag or connection drops.

During our tests, ExpressVPN delivered minimal speed loss, even during high-bandwidth online matches. That makes it ideal for games where milliseconds matter — like FPS titles, competitive shooters, and real-time strategy games.

Key Features:

• 🚀 High-speed servers in 105 countries
• 🔒 Kill switch & AES-256 encryption
• 🔧 Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Xbox, PlayStation & routers
• 📉 Minimal ping spikes during gameplay
• 🛡️ Verified no-logs policy

Ease of use:

Setup takes just a few clicks. You can use Smart Location to auto-connect to the fastest server, or choose a location manually. The app is beginner-friendly but offers plenty of control for advanced users too.

Privacy:

ExpressVPN does not log browsing history, DNS queries, or traffic content. It does retain minimal non-sensitive logs for troubleshooting (like connection timestamps), but your personal data stays safe.

Pricing:

• 1 month: $12.95
• 6 months: $9.99/month
• 12 months (best deal): $6.67/month + 3 months free
• Bonus: Comes with free Backblaze cloud backup

Downsides:

• Slightly more expensive than most competitors
• Occasional slow download when first installing

Final Verdict:

If you’re serious about your online gaming and want the most stable, high-speed VPN, ExpressVPN is worth the extra cost. It’s also one of the best all-around VPNs — not just for gaming but for streaming, browsing, and privacy.

2. NordVPN — Best Gaming VPN for Speed

Why we recommend it:

If raw speed is your top priority, NordVPN delivers some of the fastest and most consistent connections we’ve tested — making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and heavy data use. While ExpressVPN edges it out slightly in performance under ultra-demanding gaming conditions, NordVPN is still a top-tier choice for most gamers.

In our tests, NordVPN maintained low latency, fast ping times, and nearly zero speed drops, even on long-distance connections. Whether you’re in a PvP match, hosting a party, or just grinding through open-world quests, NordVPN holds its own.

Key Features:

• ⚡ Lightning-fast servers across 60+ countries
• 🔁 Double VPN for added encryption
• 🛡️ Threat Protection (blocks malware, ads, and trackers)
• 🔐 Optional password manager and secure cloud storage
• 📶 P2P support + works great for streaming too

Performance:

NordVPN shined in speed tests and performed especially well in games like FIFA, Overwatch, and Elden Ring. If you’re gaming across regions or want to avoid ISP throttling, this VPN is more than capable.

Privacy & Security:

With a strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and features like kill switch and split tunneling, NordVPN offers reliable protection during your gaming sessions.

Pricing:

• 1 month: $12.99
• 1 year: $4.59/month
• 2 years: $3.59/month + 3 months free
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Downsides:

• Limited to 6 simultaneous device connections
• Premium add-ons (like storage or password manager) cost extra

Final Verdict:

NordVPN is a powerful all-rounder with blazing speeds and reliable security. It’s perfect for gamers who want top-tier performance without lag — and it also doubles as a solid streaming VPN.

3. Surfshark — Best Gaming VPN for Budget & Value

Why I recommend it:

If you’re looking for a reliable VPN that won’t break the bank, Surfshark is the one to try. I’ve used it for light-to-moderate gaming sessions, and while it’s not the absolute fastest, it still delivers solid performance for casual or mid-level competitive gaming.

The biggest advantage? Unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can use Surfshark on every device you own, without paying extra. It’s perfect if you’re gaming on your PC but also want coverage on your phone, console, or smart TV.

Key Features:

• 💻 Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Linux & browsers
• 🌍 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
• 🔒 No-logs policy + Kill switch
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication
• 🛡️ Built-in ad blocker
• ⚙️ Unlimited device connections

Performance:

In our recent testing, Surfshark delivered fast connection times and stable ping speeds — though not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Speed loss averaged around 17%, which is okay for most games, but might be noticeable during high-intensity, low-latency gameplay like battle royales or ranked FPS.

Privacy & Security:

Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy and offers advanced features like MultiHop (double VPN) and CleanWeb (ad & tracker blocking) — making it great not just for gaming, but for privacy-focused users.

Pricing:

• 1 month: $15.45
• 12 months: $3.75/month (billed $45 first year)
• 24 months: $1.99/month + 4 months free
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS

Pros:

• ✅ Unlimited simultaneous connections
• ✅ Available on all major devices
• ✅ Excellent value at under $2/month
• ✅ Useful privacy and ad-blocking features

Cons:

• ⚠️ Slower speeds compared to top-tier VPNs
• ⚠️ Not ideal for ultra-competitive gamers

Final Verdict:

If you’re on a budget or just getting started with VPNs for gaming, Surfshark is a great value pick. It’s especially good for casual players or families sharing one subscription. Just don’t expect the same low ping performance as ExpressVPN or NordVPN during high-stakes online matches.