7 Best Free VPN for Gaming in 2024 - Fast & Risk Free Options (2024)

Excerpt: Does a free VPN do a good job of protecting and enhancing your online gaming? In this article, I’ll discuss the 7 top “free” VPNs for gaming.

At a Glance

Online gaming has long been a popular pastime for many gamers. The numbers have only grown in recent times, thanks to the pandemic that struck the world in early 2020.

Popular online games include Counter Strike,League of Legends, Starcraft 2, Dota 2,World of Warcraft,Fortnite,Minecraft, Overwatch, and PUBG.

Why Do I Need a VPN for Gaming?

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to their favorite online gaming arena due to virtual blockades set up by educational institutions, corporate networks, or even certain countries. In other cases, you may not have access to geo-blocked content, such as games, “skins”, or treasure troves that are only available in certain countries.

Steamand other online gaming marketplaces may not accept payment or allow downloading a game if your IP address doesn’t match up with the country noted in your profile.

Also, some gamers look to take an “unfair advantage” in competition by launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) or other types of attacks against other gamers’ IP addresses.

How Does a VPN Improve My Online Gaming?

However, online gamers do have an ace up their sleeve. AVirtual Private Network (VPN)can help gamers by providing reliable access to online gaming arenas, as well as geo-blocked content, including gaming content as well as streaming content (you can’t play games all of the time, can you? Can you?).

A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, hiding your online activities from outside observers, such as your ISP, your employer, school, or even the government. They can usually see that you’re using a VPN, but the ability to track you ends there, as the VPN hides your actual online antics.

A VPN protects against DDoS attacks since the attack hits the VPN servers instead of your device. This shields you from attack by hiding your real IP address. Hiding your real IP address also makes it difficult to discover your physical location, meaning it’s much tougher for a disgruntled gamer toDoxorSWATyou.

Many VPN services are compatible with online gaming, and there are numerous “free” VPNs that will likely work with your favorite game.

Did you see that I put “free” in quotes? That’s because “free” VPNs carry hidden costs and other “gotchas.” I’ll lay out these gotchas. But for now, please take my word that free VPNs are not a good option.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the seven best VPNs for online gaming. I’ll also explain how to score free VPN service from reliable paid VPN providers, which could come in handy if you need VPN protection while traveling or living abroad.

WANT TO TRY A RELIABLE VPN RISK-FREE?

All seven of the VPNs on this list offer a no-risk, money-back guarantee, usually lasting 30 to 45 days. Please note that you will need to pay upfront for your VPN service. You will then have time to try the VPN to make sure it provides the VPN services that you require. If the VPN does not meet your needs, you can then request a refund.

Best “Free” VPNs for Gaming

Despite my advanced age (I’m in my 60s) I’m still gaming online (in the 40+ gaming groups), so much of the testing for this article was conducted in real gaming situations. The providers listed below offer the best risk-free VPN service for gamers.

Here is the speed run version of the VPN rankings (full reviews can be found after this section).

The best “free” VPNs for gaming:

1. NordVPN: Best gaming VPN.This top VPN provider offers 30 full days to try out its services. It provides fast, fairly low-ping, gaming-compatible connections. The provider offers apps for many device platforms, and its smart DNS service and excellent router compatibility make it great for any connected gaming device.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for gaming.This provider offers speedy connections from a fast-growing global server network. The provider’s bargain-basem*nt pricing leaves more money in your pocket for games and in-game content. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN service.While this provider is more expensive than other VPNs on this list, it provides an excellent return on investment thanks to its blazingly fast connections, excellent app support, smart DNS service, and support for numerous routers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
4. CyberGhost: Great VPN option for rookie users.New VPN users or those new to the online gaming world may prefer an easy-to-use VPN like CyberGhost. The provider’s easy-to-use apps provide fast, one-click connections to a massive global server network. Offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA):Reliable gaming VPN.PIA provides security and privacy for your online gaming sessions. It also provides reliable access to geo-fenced gaming content (as well as other types of content) in several countries around the globe.
6. PrivateVPN:Mighty-mite gaming VPN.PrivateVPN has the lowest number of servers on this list. However, the VPN provider offers well-protected access to gaming content in several countries, while also protecting against DDoS and SWATTING attacks.
7. Atlas VPN:Gaming protection for all of your devices.This provider has an unlimited connections allowance, meaning Atlas customers can simultaneously connect as many devices as they’d like to its VPN network.

I evaluated and ranked the VPNs on this list according to the following criteria:

• Risk-free money-back guarantee
• App support
• Router support
• Security and privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• Global server network
• Customer support

You can find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Here are the top seven “free” VPNs for gaming.

1. NordVPN

Mar 2024

NordVPNis the top VPN provider for online gaming thanks to its fast connections and comprehensive global server coverage. The provider offers a30-day money-back guarantee.

It offers app support for most popular device platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Linux, iOS, and others. The provider recently debuted a native app for Apple TVs running iOS 17 or higher. Browser extensions are available for the Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms, androuter support is also available to offer VPN support for your Xbox, PlayStation, or other game console.

A SmartDNS feature allows game consoles (as well as streaming boxes and other connected devices) to access geo-blocked content, albeit without the encrypted connections that a VPN service offers.

Up to six devices (gaming or otherwise) can simultaneously connect to the provider’s servers on a single user account. Or, you can use the provider’s router support to protect all of your devices when they connect to the router.

NordVPN protects its customers’ online security with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatickill switch, and IP/DNS leakprotection. The provider also offers malware and ad blocking options, as well as an obfuscated server option that disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser activity.

A strict no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin payment option team up to offer privacy protection. NordVPN now runs all of their servers 100% from RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical storage device. This means all data is completely wiped when a server is rebooted or powered down.

This provider offersfast and low-latency connections, providing plenty of horsepower for fast-moving online games, as well as video streaming and other popular online pastimes. It lacks any bandwidth limitations or data caps.

NordVPN’s global server coverage boasts nearly 6,000 servers in 60 or so countries.

Customer support is available around the clock and includes email support, 24/7 live chat, and a searchable support database.

BEST OVERALL “FREE” GAMING VPN:NordVPN protects and enhances your gaming sessions. The provider’s speedy connections also protect your online security and privacy. NordVPN’s comprehensive app offerings and customer support make this VPN an excellent option for gamers around the globe. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfsharkis my bargain-basem*nt VPN provider, offering budget-friendly pricing alongside a30-day money-back guarantee.

The provider’s app selection includes options for Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows platforms, all of which offer online gaming. Also, depending on the Chromebook you own, the provider’s Android app could work. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as iscompatibility with numerous router makes and models.

The provider also offers a smart DNS service to provide access to geo-blocked content for gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and smart TVs. However, this option does not provide encrypted connection protection like the provider’s VPN offering does.

The provider’sunlimited simultaneous connections allowanceoffers unlimited VPN protection on all of your connected devices.

The provider’s connection protection is made up of government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. MultiHop can be used to route your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers to double up on encryption and anonymity.

Surfshark has a no-server-logs-ever policy and offers a cryptocurrency payment option. The provider has joined the growing list of VPN providers that run their servers solely from RAM, writing no data to a hard drive.

Gamers will appreciate the provider’s fast download speeds. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to spoil your fun.

Surfshark’s fast-growing global server network boasts more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries around the world.

Customer support options include 24/7 live chat, a searchable support library, an FAQ section, and a contact form.

BEST FOR BUDGET-MINDED GAMERS:Surfshark’s budget-minded pricing makes it a valid VPN option for gamers looking to save some money. Fast connections, a large global server network, comprehensive online security, and an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance add up to more bang for the buck. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPNmay be priced a bit higher than the other inhabitants of this list, but a30-day money-back guaranteemeans there is no financial risk involved in giving it a try.

The provider offersapp support for Chromebook, Android, Android TV, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Windows device platforms. ExpressVPN now offers native app support for Apple TVs running tvOS 17 or later. Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with comprehensive router compatibility. An eight concurrent connections allowance is in effect.

A MediaStreamer smart DNS service provides reliable access to geo-blocked content for game consoles, streaming devices, smart TVs, and other connected devices. Keep in mind that MediaStreamer does not offer encrypted device protection like a VPN would.

All ExpressVPN connections are protected by banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch to keep your gaming activities undercover. A strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option act as privacy protection.

The provider’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations only from RAM, never writing data to a hard drive. This means all information is wiped from the server whenever it is restarted.

The VPN’s connection speeds are blazingly fast(the fastest download speeds in my most recent tests). Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps mean there are no limits on your gaming sessions.

A large global server network boasts 3,000+ servers located in 100+ countries.

Customer support is always available thanks to 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support knowledgebase.

VERSATILE GAMING PROTECTION:ExpressVPN offers somewhat expensive, but reliable VPN services that make it an excellent option for gamers. Comprehensive app support, blazingly fast connections, and top-notch security and privacy protections make it worth a try for gamers who don’t mind spending a bit extra for quality VPN service. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhostoffers a45-day money-back guaranteeonly on its one-year, two-year, and three-year subscription options. You have only 14 days to ask for a refund if you opt for a monthly commitment.

VPN newbies or gamers who are looking for click-and-go VPN coverage will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use app selection, which includes options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms.

Free Chrome and Firefox browser extensionsare also available. However, they only provide access to eight servers in four countries, and they only protect your in-browser activities, meaning they’re only good for browser-based gaming.

The provider allows up to seven devices to connect to its servers at the same time, and also offers comprehensive router support if you need more connections than seven or if your device can’t benefit from CyberGhost’s app selection.

CyberGhost connections are always well-protected thanks to the service’s use of military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider also offers ad and malware blocking and the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages when available.

No server logs are ever saved on CyberGhost servers, and a Bitcoin payment option for subscription payments offers industry-standard privacy protections. Plus, CyberGhost now runs its servers 100% from RAM.

CyberGhost connections offer fast, gaming-ready speeds. No data caps or bandwidth constraints to worry about here.

CyberGhost’s enormous global server network includesover 10,400 servers located in more than 99 countriesaround the globe. The provider has gaming-, streaming-, and torrenting-optimized servers in many locations around the globe.

Around-the-clock support is made up of 24/7 live chat, a searchable support repository, and a trouble ticket tracking system.

BEST VPN FOR ROOKIES:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps: make it easy for gamers to protect and enhance their gaming activity. Fast, well-protected connections provide smooth gaming action, and free browser extensions protect your browser-based gaming. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA)has a large global server network, which includes 3,300+ servers located in 90+ countries.

The provider’s connections are protected by military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The VPN also provides blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and perilous websites.

PIA’s servers are run 100% free of user logs, so there are no records to be had of your online travels. The provider also accepts Bitcoin as payment, keeping your payment information incognito.

PIA also runs their servers 100% from volatile RAM, so no data is ever written to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data on a PIA server disappears whenever it is rebooted or shut down.

While PIA’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list of seven, the provider’s connections can easily handle popular online activities (depending on your usual connection speeds). The provider never imposes data caps or bandwidth throttling on their customers’ usage.

PIA’s native app support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing. The provider is also compatible with several router makes and models.

There is no limit on the number of devices that users can connect to its servers at once.

PIA support offerings include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE GAMING VPN PROTECTION:PIA’s top-notch onlineprotection keeps your online travels undercover. The provider also offers reliable access to gaming and other types of content in 90+ countries around the globe. An unlimited number of devices can be protected at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPNhas the lowest server count (200+) on this list. However, the provider does a good job of distributing those servers among 60+ countries, delivering reliable access to geo-controlled content in those countries.

The provider also brings up the rear in the connection speed race. However, the provider’s connection speeds can easily handle most popular online activities, including gaming.PrivateVPN never ruins a gaming session by imposing data caps or bandwidth throttling.

PrivateVPN uses military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more, keeping your online activities private.You can also take advantage of the provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature, which disguises your VPN usage to appear as normal browser traffic.

The provider’s strictno-server logs policyensures that there are no records of your online activities.A cryptocurrency payment option also keeps your payment information private, especially when you use a disposable email address.

The provider offers native app support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows devices. While PrivateVPN browser extensions are nowhere to be found, users can manually configure select routers to work with the provider.

Users can connect up to 10 devices at once to PrivateVPN servers.

PrivateVPN support options include a messaging option, a support request form, and an FAQ page.

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN has the lowestserver count, but it should be noted that the server network provides reliable access to geo-controlled materials in more than 60 countries. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature disguises your VPN usage as normal browser traffic. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPNhas a global server network with 1,000+ servers, stationed in nearly 50 countries. While that is far from the largest server network on this list, the network does an excellent job of providing reliable access to content located in those countries.

The provider scores well in the connections speed column, and itsblazingly-fast connections provide plenty of bandwidth for online gaming, video streaming, and sharing files. There are no data caps or bandwidth throttling to spoil the fun when using Atlas VPN.

All of those speedy connections are protected with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention.A “Safebrowse” feature protects you from online dangers and pesky ads.

The provider’s servers are run 100% free of user logs, meaning there are no records of your online antics. A cryptocurrency payment option helps keep your financial information private.

Atlas native app support includes offerings forAndroid, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows,Linux, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. It also offers native Apple TV support. Browser extensions and router support are not currently available.

Atlas VPN customers can connect as many devices as they’d like to its servers.

Live chat is limited to paying customers only. However, all customers can access a support contact form, email support, and a searchable support library.

PROTECT UNLIMITED DEVICES:Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneousserver connections policy makes it an attractive option for users with numerous devices. The provider’s fast and well-protected connections provide access to content in nearly 50 countries. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Atlas VPN

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Gaming

Gamers who are looking to protect themselves against doxxing and SWATTING, while also looking for access to geo-fenced gaming content, should carefully research a VPN service’s offerings before subscribing to it. Not all VPNs will offer the features you need, and you’ll want to be sure that your VPN fits your needs.

These are the factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for gaming:

• Speed:A fast connection is your friend, and that’s never truer than when it comes to online gaming. The VPNs on my list offer fast connection speeds, verified via regular connection speed testing.
• Server network:Servers stationed around the globe are a requirement if you want to access geo-blocked gaming content. A large number of servers in each country is also a plus, as no individual server will be overloaded by too many users trying to connect at once.
• Value:Each VPN on my list offers a good return on investment. This is important because you don’t want to pay a large sum of money for a VPN that doesn’t fit your unique needs.
• Ease of use:A VPN’s apps should be available for multiple device platforms and should also be easy to use, so you can spend less time configuring and more time gaming. All of the VPNs on my list offer intuitive apps.
• Security and privacy:No matter where you live, the online world is a dangerous place. A VPN should offer banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. Any extra protection is a plus. A no-logs policy is also a must, as it will ensure that there is no evidence to be had of your online activities.
• Streaming:Video streaming is also a popular pastime among gamers. So, I ensure that each VPN I recommend is capable of offering access to streaming services around the globe, such asHulu,Netflix,Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers.

The list above includes just some of the features I researched during my comprehensiveVPN testing methodology. My data-driven research provides an in-depth understanding of each provider, meaning I only recommend those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

To protect your online gaming with a VPN, do the following.

5 steps to use a VPN for gaming:

1. Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPNis my top pick).
2. Install the provider’s app on your favorite gaming device or router.
3. Log in to the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server and connect to it.
5. Enjoy your newly protected gaming sessions.

Note: There are no VPN apps available for game consoles, so if you want to use a VPN with yourXbox,Playstation, or other gaming console, you’ll need to set up the VPN on your router.

Using a VPN-Enabled Router for Online Gaming

If your favorite gaming device doesn’t have native app support from your provider, you can still take advantage of the VPN’s services.

Numerous makes and models of routers work well with multiple VPN service providers. Many VPN providers offer detailed setup instructions to set up a VPN on your router manually. Meanwhile, others (like ExpressVPN) actually offer replacement firmware for certain routers.

There are also routers available,like theVilfo VPN Router, that are specially designed to provide more horsepower to a VPN service with as little slowdown as possible.

Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Use When Gaming?

You’ll find that “free” VPNs have numerous drawbacks, including a hidden cost to your privacy.

Even though a free VPN will likely be compatible with online gaming, you’ll quickly find that it will be an unsatisfactory experience. This is due to a free VPN’s lack of global server coverage, severely throttled connections, and severe data caps.

While you won’t pay currency for free VPN service, you will pay in the form of your personal privacy.

Many free VPNs pay the bills bytracking and logging their customers’ online travels, then selling that valuable informationto advertisers and others willing to pay for it.

In addition, free providers have been known to insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. And those tracking cookies don’t go away, even when you disconnect from the VPN’s network.

Drawback two is that free VPNs are also inconvenient to use.

You may be forced to wait a bit before being allowed to connect to a free VPN provider’s server network. Once you’re given the okay to connect, you’ll probably find that you have a tiny selection of servers to connect to or that you’ll be automatically connected to a server of the free VPN’s choice.

Free VPNs throttle your connection speeds greatly, and you’ll also be forced to deal with daily or monthly data caps. Neither one of these things is exactly compatible with an enjoyable online gaming experience.

“Free” VPNs are riddled with hidden costs and drawbacks. I think that it’s worth it to pay a few bucks a month for quality VPN service. Don’t you?

VPN for Gaming: FAQs

Can I Play Games From Other Regions With a VPN?

Yes, since a VPN changes your IP address, it makes it appear as if you’re connecting from another region of the world. Your IP address is how most games determine your location. If you want to play a game that’s only available in Japan, simply connect to a VPN server located in Japan.

Since many online games segregate players by region, a VPN can give you access to servers from any region where it operates servers. Just FYI though, you might also require a payment method and a game account tied to that other region.

Does a VPN Reduce Ping Time and Lag, or Will It Slow Down My Connection?

While a VPN’s connection speeds are typically slower than an unfettered connection, this typically makes your connection speeds a bit slower. This is due to its passing through a VPN server, and the overhead involved in encrypting and decrypting your connection, which can also increase lag time.

There are a few exceptions to this rule though, as VPNs can bypass congested bottlenecks between your gaming device and the game’s server. But this largely depends on your location, as well as the location of the game’s servers.

A VPN can actually increase your speed in some instances, as some ISPs will throttle your connection if you’re engaging in “unapproved” activities, such as streaming from unapproved providers, sharing files, or connecting to certain servers. A VPN hides these activities, so the ISP cannot detect what you are doing.

How Does a VPN Protect Me When Gaming?

Some disgruntled gamers will launch DDoS attacks on your connection, greatly slowing your response time in the game you’re playing. If someone does this while you’re using a VPN, that attack will hit the VPN servers instead of your device, shielding you from attack by hiding your real IP address.

A VPN can also protect you against doxxing and SWATTING attacks, as your true geographical location is hidden by the VPN.

Conclusion

Online gamers who are considering using a “free” VPN provider to protect and enhance their online gaming sessions are strongly advised to reconsider.

All of the paid VPNs on this list offer a risk-free money-back guarantee. This provides plenty of time to find out how well a provider works with their favorite games.

A quality VPN – likeNordVPN– offers optimal protection for your online gaming adventures, providing a large global server network, comprehensive online security, a wide selection of apps and fast, no-data-caps connections.

Gamers will do well to consider all that NordVPN has to offer. It offers all of the features mentioned in the previous paragraph and offers a30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information or to purchase a subscription,visit the NordVPN website.