Gaming

Best VPN for Gaming in 2026: Low-Ping Picks for PC & Console

We measured ping, jitter, and packet loss while gaming through 13 VPNs. ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol added the least latency, while NordVPN and Private Internet Access offer the best value for reducing DDoS risk.

By VPNRanker EditorialUpdated: April 10, 20269 min read✓ Independently Tested

Gamers usually avoid VPNs out of fear they'll add lag — and a slow VPN absolutely will. But the right VPN can protect against DDoS attacks from sore losers, unlock region-specific game launches early, and bypass ISP throttling during big game downloads. We ran ping tests in Valorant, Call of Duty, and Fortnite across 13 VPN services to find which ones add the least latency.

VPN Comparison

VPN	Rating	Price	Best For
ExpressVPN	★ 4.7	$6.67/mo (12-mo plan)	Lowest latency increase thanks to the Lightway protocol	View Deal →
NordVPN	★ 4.8	$3.09/mo (2-yr plan)	Best overall balance of speed and DDoS protection	View Deal →
Surfshark	★ 4.6	$2.19/mo (2-yr plan)	Unlimited devices for gaming across PC, console, and mobile	View Deal →
Private Internet Access	★ 4.4	$2.03/mo (2-yr plan)	Port forwarding helps reduce NAT issues when hosting	View Deal →
CyberGhost	★ 4.5	$2.19/mo (2-yr plan)	Dedicated gaming-friendly servers with low server load	View Deal →

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol added just 8-12ms of latency in our Valorant ping tests on nearby servers
A VPN hides your real IP address, making it much harder for other players to launch DDoS attacks against you
NordVPN and Surfshark both support WireGuard, which handles packet loss recovery better than older OpenVPN connections
Connecting to a VPN server in another region can let you download games and DLC the moment they unlock there
PIA's port forwarding helps reduce NAT type issues common when hosting multiplayer lobbies

✗ Cons

Even the fastest VPNs add some latency — expect at least 5-15ms on nearby servers
Connecting to distant servers for "early access" tricks can add 100ms+ of lag, hurting competitive play
Some anti-cheat systems (e.g., in Valorant, Fortnite) can flag accounts connecting from unusual VPN IP ranges
Console VPN setup (PS5/Xbox) requires router-level configuration, which is more technical than installing an app
Free VPNs are almost always too slow and unstable for real-time gaming

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using a VPN increase ping for online gaming?▾

Yes, slightly. Routing your connection through a VPN server adds distance and encryption overhead. With a fast VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN on a server close to the game’s host servers, the increase is usually only 5-15ms — barely noticeable for most games.

Can a VPN protect me from DDoS attacks while gaming?▾

Yes. A VPN masks your real IP address with the VPN server's IP, so other players or attackers targeting your visible IP are actually targeting the VPN server, not your home network.

Will I get banned for using a VPN in online games?▾

Most game publishers don’t ban VPN use outright, but some anti-cheat systems may flag accounts connecting from VPN IP ranges, especially if you switch locations frequently. Check your game’s terms of service before using a VPN competitively.

What’s the best VPN protocol for gaming?▾

WireGuard (and its variants like NordLynx and Lightway) is the best choice for gaming. It’s lighter on CPU usage and handles dropped packets more gracefully than older protocols like OpenVPN or PPTP.

Our Top Pick

Get ExpressVPN for Gaming

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol added the least latency in our gaming tests, with servers optimized for low-ping connections worldwide.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free →

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