Best VPNs for gaming

The current top pick for gaming is NordVPN

For gaming, nearby routing, steadier latency, and enough device coverage matter more than a long feature list.

Facts refreshed Sep 5, 2026

Reviewed by the Privacy Tools Hub teamMethodologyAffiliate disclosure
Best VPNs for gaming illustration
NordVPN logo
Top pick

NordVPN

People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.

Independently auditedKill switchNordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper
Score
9/10
Long-term offer
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo
Devices / refund
10 · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Why it stands out
NordVPN's server page lists 8,096 servers in 149 countries and 224 locations
Ten simultaneous connections across the displayed Basic, Complete and Complete Max plans
NordLynx, OpenVPN and NordWhisper offer different connection options
Double VPN, Onion Over VPN and obfuscated servers are documented specialty options

The shortlist

Use these cards to see who each provider suits best before opening a full review.
NordVPN logo
Top pick

NordVPN

People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.

Score
9/10
Monthly
Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
Long-term
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo
Countries
149
ExpressVPN logo
Runner-up 1

ExpressVPN

People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.

Score
8/10
Monthly
Check current Basic monthly price
Long-term
Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months
Countries
113
Surfshark logo
Runner-up 2

Surfshark

Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.

Score
8/10
Monthly
Check current Starter monthly price
Long-term
Check current Starter long-term offer
Countries
100
Private Internet Access logo
Runner-up 3

Private Internet Access

Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.

Score
8/10
Monthly
Monthly plan: $11.95/mo (USD)
Long-term
3 years + 3 months: $2.03/mo (USD)
Countries
91

Head-to-head pages worth opening next

NordVPN logoExpressVPN logo
VPN comparison

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. ExpressVPN may fit you better: People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.

Editorial edge: NordVPN
NordVPN logo
Our pick here
NordVPN

People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.

ExpressVPN logo
Choose if
ExpressVPN

People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.

Price snapshot
NordVPN: Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
ExpressVPN: Check current Basic monthly price
Plans and refund
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months · 30 days for eligible new users; app-store purchases excluded
10 vs 10 devices · price, refund & features comparedOpen comparison
NordVPN logoSurfshark logo
VPN comparison

NordVPN vs Surfshark

NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Surfshark may fit you better: Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.

Editorial edge: NordVPN
NordVPN logo
Our pick here
NordVPN

People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.

Surfshark logo
Choose if
Surfshark

Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.

Price snapshot
NordVPN: Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
Surfshark: Check current Starter monthly price
Plans and refund
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Check current Starter long-term offer · 30 days from the initial purchase; exclusions apply and renewals are not refundable
10 vs Unlimited devices · price, refund & features comparedOpen comparison
NordVPN logoPrivate Internet Access logo
VPN comparison

NordVPN vs Private Internet Access

NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Private Internet Access may fit you better: Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.

Editorial edge: NordVPN
NordVPN logo
Our pick here
NordVPN

People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.

Private Internet Access logo
Choose if
Private Internet Access

Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.

Price snapshot
NordVPN: Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
Private Internet Access: Monthly plan: $11.95/mo (USD)
Plans and refund
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
3 years + 3 months: $2.03/mo (USD) · 30-day guarantee; eligibility and purchase-channel conditions apply
10 vs Unlimited devices · price, refund & features comparedOpen comparison
Illustration of choosing confidently from VPN comparison cards
Try the better fit

Want to test it on your own devices?

The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.

FAQ

Questions about the best VPN for better for gaming?

Quick answers before you open a provider site or start a trial.

What is the best VPN for gaming right now?

NordVPN is the current top pick on this page because it offers the strongest balance for gaming. ExpressVPN is the main alternative if you want a different price point, device policy, or overall feel.

Should I read reviews or comparisons first?

Start here if you want a shortlist. Then open the direct comparison pages when you are stuck between two names, or open the full provider review if you want more detail on one service.

What should I compare before buying?

Check price, device limits, refund window, country coverage, and the privacy notes that matter for your use case. Those are usually the details that make the decision easier.

Does the top pick mean every other VPN is a bad option?

No. The winner is simply the strongest overall fit for this use case right now. Runner-up options can still be the smarter choice if they better match your budget, devices, or feature preferences.