Competitive online matches are high-stakes, and every second matters. You already have to worry about bad teammates and unbalanced lobbies. The last thing you want is for your VPN to interfere with your experience. While every VPN will impact your speed and latency, we have found that some are more reliable than others. It's worth noting that some games block VPN use due to fair-play concerns or regional restrictions. Each title is different, so we can’t solve every problem you may face when gaming with a VPN. Our top picks for gaming are organized by lowest latency impact. We also prioritized services with high speeds, expansive server networks, and generous simultaneous device connections. NordVPN's industry-leading speeds landed it the number one spot on the list, but read on for even more great VPNs that will keep you safe without compromising your gaming experience.
Overview
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![NordVPN]()
Lowest LatencyNordVPN
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![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Free PlanWindscribe VPN
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![Mullvad VPN]()
Best PriceMullvad VPN
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![Hide.me VPN]()
Best Built-In ProxyHide.me VPN
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![Private Internet Access VPN]()
Best for Unlimited ConnectionsPrivate Internet Access VPN
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![ExpressVPN]()
Best for First-Time VPN UsersExpressVPN
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: NordVPN
![NordVPN]()
Lowest LatencyNordVPN
Pros & Cons
Nord came in first in our latest round of speed tests, earning it a PCMag Lab Award and making it particularly well-suited for fast-paced tasks like gaming. All this comes at a price, though, as Nord charges well above the average monthly price we've seen across the industry. You get your money's worth and more, as Nord’s premium subscription has plenty of excellent features for bypassing censorship and content bans beyond gaming.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Nord’s NordLynx protocol is fast, open-source, and reliable. It also provides split-tunneling, so you can route your gaming traffic outside your VPN if you encounter a block. Nord's plans include Threat Protection Pro, a lightweight antivirus that keeps you safe from malware and nasty trackers that may try to track your browsing habits.
Privacy and security: Nord maintains transparent privacy standards with third-party audits and a frequently updated transparency report. NordLynx uses open-source technology, so you can take a look at what makes the service tick. Nord doesn’t keep logs, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified in multiple security audits by VerSprite, Cure53, Deloitte, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
Speed and performance: Nord won our latest round of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by just 1.94%, upload speeds by 5.54%, and increased our latency by 67.04%. Just keep in mind that your experience may vary depending on your proximity to a Nord server.
Streaming: Streaming with Nord was streamlined. We didn’t experience any buffering or stuttering with videos. Additionally, Nord managed to unblock every regional Netflix library we tested.
User experience and ease of use: Nord’s desktop apps can be a tad cluttered and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to VPNs. The dashboard is excellent for advanced users, offering a range of useful menus and tools. For an easier user experience, we recommend the mobile version of Nord. It has all of the same great features but in a more digestible format.
Who It's For
Users who need premium security: NordVPN does it all, but it's not cheap. That said, it provides a consistent, full-featured experience across all platforms.
Gamers: Nord's industry-leading speeds make it an excellent choice for steady, fast gaming. The inclusion of split tunneling means that you can filter certain games out of your VPN tunnel if you face blocks or just need that extra performance back.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 118 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 6 Supported Protocols on Android NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec Supported Protocols on macOS NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Learn More NordVPN Review -
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Credit: Windscribe
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Free PlanWindscribe VPN
Pros & Cons
Windscribe is a solid pick for gaming thanks to its ultra-low latency. It wasn't quite as fast as Nord in upload and download speeds, but it beat Nord's latency score by a small margin. Couple those excellent speeds with the company's above-and-beyond dedication to user privacy, and you have an excellent VPN for any task.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Windscribe’s premium plan allows unlimited simultaneous device connections and provides access to a sizable physical server network spanning 69 countries. You can also use advanced features such as split tunneling. If you’re unsure if the VPN is the right pick for you, then you can try it out for free. With the free plan, you get 10GB of browsing data per month if you confirm your email address, or 2GB if you don't.
Privacy and security: Windscribe doesn't log your data. Its fast and anonymous signup process allows you to use the VPN app without giving up a lot of data about yourself. Next, you can pay for the app using various payment methods, including cryptocurrency. On Windscribe's website, you'll find the company's ethics statement and a transparency report detailing every law-enforcement request it receives. This is an excellent policy that we hope more VPN companies will adopt in the future.
Speed and performance: Windscribe's performance was solid. Download speed test scores decreased by only 10.66%, upload speed test scores decreased by 13.20%, and latency increased by 67.01%. Windscribe delivered reliable, above-average speeds, making it excellent for gaming.
Streaming: Using Windscribe, we were able to watch Netflix without any restrictions. We could access the entire library when connected to five Windscribe servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.
User experience and ease of use: Minimalists will appreciate Windscribe's modest app interface. The Settings menu includes a helpful guide to all of the app's features. For example, if you don't know which VPN protocol to use, open the information button next to the setting's label and read the corresponding support page, which explains what the feature is and how to use it.
Who It's For
Users who want anonymity: For those who need the ultimate in identity protection—including a completely anonymous signup process that doesn't require an email address to get started and the option to pay for your plan in crypto
Users who want advanced browsing controls: Windscribe offers a content-filtering feature called R.O.B.E.R.T. You can use it to block ads, gambling content, malware, porn, social media, and more during your browsing.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 69 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Learn More Windscribe VPN Review -
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![Mullvad VPN]()
Best PriceMullvad VPN
Pros & Cons
At 5 euros ($5.86 as of publication) per month, Mullvad VPN is a great value in a crowded market. Beyond price, it had the third-lowest latency scores among all the VPNs we have tested. While the server selection will be limited compared with larger companies, Mullvad's servers are optimized for performance.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Mullvad has a lot of great features at the affordable price of just five euros. It has a robust ad and tracker blocker that performed well on text-based sites during our tests. It has handy advanced features like multi-hop, split tunneling, and access to a customer-only privacy-based search engine called Leta. Each subscription supports five simultaneous device connections.
Privacy and security: You can use Mullvad without attaching any personal information to an account. You can purchase an account by sending cash directly to Mullvad. The privacy policy outlines all of the ins and outs of how the company handles data. Mullvad is a no-logs VPN that does not retain user data, and the company takes a stance against affiliate marketing by not engaging in it or any paid sponsorships to promote its service. The VPN’s policy measures were put to the test in 2023 when it was searched by the Swiss police, which found no data and handed none over.
Speed and performance: Mullvad performed exceptionally well in our latest bout of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 8.04%, upload speeds by 5.54%, and increased our latency by only 74.78%. Just keep in mind that our tests are a snapshot of a single location at a single time. Your experience will likely vary based on your proximity to a VPN server, among other factors.
Streaming: We test every VPN we review against five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Canada, Australian, and Japan. Mullvad successfully granted open access to the US and Canada but faced blocks in all other regions.
User experience and ease of use: Mullvad has a straightforward, no-frills interface that is clearly organized. It's easy to set up a connection and scroll through the server list. Advanced options are a couple of clicks away, making it a breeze to configure the VPN to your liking. It’s not as flashy as its higher-priced competitors, but we appreciated its simplicity and ease of use.
Who It's For
Users who want affordable privacy: If you're looking for an ultra-low-price, ultra-private VPN, Mullvad is an excellent value. Mullvad has a no-logs policy on its website that outlines its fairly minimal data retention policy.
Users who want a simple service: You don't have to worry about finicky extras or an inflated subscription price with Mullvad. It's one of the best services out there if you just want a simple, easy-to-use VPN that just works.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 50 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 5 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, WireGuard Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Mullvad VPN Review -
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Credit: Hide.me
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Best Built-In ProxyHide.me VPN
Pros & Cons
For $9.95 per month, Hide.me offers access to thousands of servers in 57 countries and performed well in our latest batch of speed tests. You can maintain up to 10 connections simultaneously, which should be ample coverage for households with multiple gaming setups. The free version has no data limits, which is excellent; however, its server selection is very limited, connection speeds are slower, and you can only connect one device at a time.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Hide.me offers excellent features, including a firewall, a kill switch, multi-hop, and split tunneling. The interface has plenty of customization options, so you can configure your dashboard to your liking. Every plan includes SmartGuard, an ad and tracker blocker. We found it to be reliable at blocking ads on text-based sites. You can also make use of Hide.me’s Bolt “Fast Proxy” if you want to just spoof your location without the performance downsides of encryption.
Privacy and security: Hide.me only requires your email address to make an account. With a wide range of secure, anonymous payment options, it’s easy to limit the data the service has access to. According to the privacy policy, the company collects your email and stores it in an encrypted form in a secure facility. Hide.me doesn't store any customer payment information, such as your IP address, physical address, or other personal information. Additionally, the service uses physical servers rather than virtual machines, giving the company greater control over how user data is handled.
Speed and performance: In our most recent tests, we were impressed with Hide.me’s performance. Download speeds only dropped by 5.93%, upload speeds by 22.72%, and latency increased by 92.11%. These results beat out the average impact across all VPNs that we tested.
Streaming: During testing, we accessed Netflix while connected to servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US with no issues or limitations.
User experience and ease of use: The interface is a bit busy on Windows, with a sectioned dashboard that puts the features and tools you want front and center. Beginner users may find it especially difficult to determine which tools are important and which can be ignored. If you’d rather skip the clutter, then you can use the macOS or mobile apps for a simpler user experience.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious customers: Hide.me offers a feature-packed free version. The SmartGuard feature is particularly interesting: It is an all-in-one ad blocker, malware blocker, parental control app, and website filter.
Movie streamers: If you plan to watch a lot of movies or shows on Hulu, Netflix, or other video streaming services in addition to gaming, Hide.me's unlimited traffic is a major plus.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit Five Locations Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 89 Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Learn More Hide.me VPN Review -
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Credit: Private Internet Access VPN
![Private Internet Access VPN]()
Best for Unlimited ConnectionsPrivate Internet Access VPN
Pros & Cons
Private Internet Access (PIA) has a vast server network with expansive global coverage, ensuring you can reliably connect to nearby servers for gaming. PIA's advanced split-tunneling feature makes it a great pick for those who want fine-grained control over which content passes through the VPN.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: PIA’s extensive network makes it easy to stay connected to a server near you. You get access to advanced tools, such as split tunneling and multi-hop, that provide an extra layer of security while gaming. PIA’s MACE ad and tracker-blocking tool will help declutter any sites with obtrusive ads and prevent your browsing habits from being tracked.
Privacy and security: PIA does not log user activity or profit from the sale or trade of user data. The company doesn’t keep any details about your browsing history, IP address, connection timestamps, or bandwidth usage. The service has undergone an audit by Deloitte to verify its privacy policy. PIA is based in Colorado and must respond to lawful US orders, but it has never had any information to hand over to authorities.
Speed and performance: PIA did well in our latest round of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 32.08%, uploads by 48.76%, and increased our latency by 100%. Provided you already have a stable enough connection, connecting to PIA shouldn’t cause noticeable lags or stutters.
Streaming: PIA performed below average in our latest speed test. We pit every service against five regional Netflix catalogs: Canada, Japan, Australia, the US, and the UK. PIA was able to access the US, Canada, and Japan without issues. However, it faced blocks in the UK and Australia.
User experience and ease of use: PIA’s apps are straightforward and make it easy to secure your connection with minimal fuss. The main dashboard features a large power button that flashes green when you’re connected or shows a yellow ring when you’re not. You’ll also find quick menus for servers and connection settings, as well as a map showing your current connection status.
Who It's For
Open-source enthusiasts: All PIA apps are open source with publicly available code, so you know exactly what you're using from the start.
Multi-device users: PIA supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it a great pick if you have a whole house of devices you want protected simultaneously.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 90 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Private Internet Access VPN Review -
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Credit: ExpressVPN
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for First-Time VPN UsersExpressVPN
Pros & Cons
Gamers can make use of ExpressVPN's custom Lightway VPN protocol for fast, reliable speeds. ExpressVPN's latency score is higher than other VPNs on this list, but it makes up for it with a far-reaching global server network and advanced features like split tunneling.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: ExpressVPN is backed by post-quantum encryption, which should ensure your browsing habits stay anonymous against the most advanced attacks. Its Lightway protocol is fast, private, and reliable. It also has an advanced Network lock kill switch that terminates all outgoing data if you lose access to the VPN network. That way, nobody looking at your local traffic will be able to see what you were browsing, even if your VPN connection drops.
Privacy and security: ExpressVPN is rather transparent about its data practices. The service does log aggregate data on how much data users consume while connected, but the company claims none of this information can be tied back to user accounts. Biannual transparency reports reinforce this claim, as do the 22 independent security audits Express has undergone.
Speed and performance: ExpressVPN decreased download speeds by 15.48%, upload speeds by 13%, and increased latency by 109.40%. These scores place it ahead of most services, making it a solid choice for data-intensive tasks like gaming.
Streaming: Netflix access was seamless with ExpressVPN. We put it up against five regional catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It performed well, giving us unrestricted access to every single one.
User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN has a slick, easy-to-use interface. Its single-button connection screen makes it a breeze to connect, and the settings menu offers plenty of advanced features for those who want to fine-tune their connection.
Who It's For
Travelers: With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for anyone living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on spoofing their location should be well served, too.
First-time VPN users: ExpressVPN’s simple interface makes it easy to use without needing any prior knowledge.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 105 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10-14 Supported Protocols on Android Lightway Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP Learn More ExpressVPN Review -
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4.5 Outstanding |
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4.0 Excellent |
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4.0 Excellent |
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4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Lowest Latency | Best Free Plan | Best Price | Best Built-In Proxy | Best for Unlimited Connections | Best for First-Time VPN Users | Lowest Latency | Best Free Plan | Best Price |
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Simultaneous VPN Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 10 | Unlimited | 10-14 | 6 | Unlimited | 5 |
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Server Locations | 118 countries | 69 Countries | 50 Countries | 89 | 90 Countries | 105 Countries | 118 countries | 69 Countries | 50 Countries |
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Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version | 10GB Per Month | No Free Version | 10GB Per Month | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | 10GB Per Month | No Free Version |
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Gaming in 2026
Will a VPN Slow Down My Game?
It depends. Factors such as the game, your location, and your base internet speeds all affect your perceived performance. A VPN encrypts your data and sends it through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server operated by the VPN company. A VPN anonymizes your data so that anyone on the same network as you, including your ISP, won't be able to see your activity.
A VPN will allow you to connect to other regions besides your own. Your traffic will appear to originate from the country to which you are connected. This feature makes a VPN an excellent tool for accessing a game’s regional servers to play with friends from another country. Keep in mind that this sort of access may prove unreliable. Much like accessing Netflix with a VPN, game companies often restrict VPN use and employ algorithms to detect VPNs. You could face a timeout or even a ban if this triggers a game’s anti-cheat program.
Additionally, your latency will increase the further away the server you’re connecting to is. The same applies to your internet speeds. Your speed will be impacted by distance and server load. Your speed will also decrease as the number of users on a server increases.
When we test VPNs, we aim to understand their impact by examining the difference between when the VPN is active and when it is not. We perform a series of speed tests using the Ookla Speedtest tool and then calculate the percent change. (Note: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag.com's parent company. For more, see the ethics policy in our Editorial Mission Statement.)
As long as you meet the minimum speed threshold for a stable game experience, you should be fine to stream most online games. However, latency will make or break the overall experience. With fighting games and shooters, even fractions of a second can make all the difference. You’ll want to select a local server to minimize latency for competitive play. While we experienced low latency with certain VPNs, your experience is likely to differ depending on how close you are to a physical VPN server. Our results are not indicative of a universal experience. Click the Latency column to organize by the lowest number in the chart below:
Also, remember that this is a snapshot of network performance for a particular place and time, and not the final word. You will likely see different results depending on where you live, when you connect, your network, and which VPN server you use. Our results are primarily for comparison.
What Is the Best Free VPN for Gaming?
While some VPNs are free, it is best to choose a free version or a premium service trial. At best, you’ll run into tight data restrictions and device limits. At worst, you could use a service that stores and sells your data.
Free VPNs also limit the number of devices you can connect at once. That is a major roadblock if you game on multiple devices, such as your phone, PC, laptop, or console. We look for VPNs that support at least eight simultaneous connections, though many providers are dropping the device cap entirely.
Free options simply won’t suffice for gaming. Opening up your budget will go a long way toward improving your VPN gaming experience. The average cost for a VPN subscription is approximately $10 per month. The price decreases significantly with a longer-term subscription plan, but it's recommended to try the service on a short-term basis first to ensure it works for you.
Can You Trust Your VPN for Gaming?
There is no single feature or claim that automatically makes a VPN trustworthy. There are features that make us more likely to trust a VPN, but that line may be different for you. We make sure to read each service's privacy policy before reviewing it. A good policy clearly states what information it collects and why. The best companies gather as little information as possible and verify their claims through third-party audits.
When reviewing VPN services, we contact VPN companies to confirm basic information about their operations, policies, and responses to law enforcement requests. The best measure is if the company stood by its claims during a real security event. If a company has a history of handing over information that it wasn’t supposed to keep to law enforcement, it isn’t worth trusting with sensitive information.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling does what the name implies. A VPN ‘tunnels’ and connects you to a distant server. When you split the tunnel, you can send some of your web traffic to the VPN’s server while keeping your other activities unencrypted. This feature lets you choose which applications or sites are encrypted.
For example, if the additional latency would be a deal-breaker, you could secure your web traffic without impacting your game of choice. Alternatively, you can send your game through without affecting your other applications, such as Discord or Spotify.
Recommended by Our Editors
The downside is that this approach will not secure all of your information. You need to decide which data you're comfortable transmitting without a VPN's added protection and what you want encrypted. We all make mistakes, so split tunneling should be approached with care. Such a mistake could lead to your data being leaked or monitored by your ISP.
Will My Games Work With a VPN?
It depends on the game. You’re likely in the clear if your game of choice is single-player and doesn’t connect to a server. Multiplayer games will be more of a toss-up. Some games will not function properly if you're using a VPN. Matchmaking systems use your IP address to pair you with players of a similar region and skill level. Anti-cheating and anti-piracy measures often block VPNs as well. As a player, this means that using a VPN may sometimes cause issues with your game.
Split tunneling can help by routing your game traffic outside the VPN, but it isn’t a good solution if you want to keep your game traffic covered by the VPN. Some VPNs offer static IP addresses or dedicated servers, which are typically available as add-ons. This service gives you a unique IP address that should not be blocklisted or otherwise detectable by VPN blockers.
Without a static IP address or dedicated personal server, you could face bans or restrictions if someone else has used that same VPN server to do something that goes against the game's terms of service. Since most ban systems are tied to your IP address, you could get pinged for ban evasion or falsely banned for another player’s actions.
How Do I Use a VPN On a Gaming Console?
If you're a console gamer looking to protect your online identity, consider installing a VPN on your home router. Because consoles are closed systems, there's no way to install applications on an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch with permissions that can affect how they handle networking. To mitigate this, many VPNs offer the option to install their service on your personal router, and some sell preconfigured routers with the VPN already enabled when you pull them out of the box.
Of these, ExpressVPN's Aircove is one of the few that look purpose-built as a VPN router from the ground up rather than just another Linksys/Netgear/Asus router flashed with custom firmware. As an all-in-one approach, Aircove (and the new "pocket router," Aircove Go) represents what you should look for in a VPN router that can cover all your devices in a single household from a single point.
Installing a VPN on your router carries some risk if done improperly. Some routers do not support third-party firmware, and installing that software can permanently break the device. Ensure that you research the exact router you have and verify its compatibility with the VPN service you are considering.
How Do I Use a VPN for Mobile Gaming?
Setting up a VPN on a phone is much simpler than on a computer. To protect a phone or tablet, simply download the mobile VPN app on the device and enable it.
Handheld devices like Steam Decks have a couple of options. Devices that support desktop modes can be configured to use OpenVPN client configurations, which most VPN providers offer. Alternatively, you can install a VPN on a mobile hotspot or router, then connect that device to your hotspot.
Will VPN for Gaming Work for Me?
That answer will depend on your specific gaming needs. VPNs are powerful tools for enhancing privacy and security. You can use them when playing peer-to-peer (P2P) games, where your personal information could be compromised. However, there is no getting around all of the drawbacks. Your speed and latency will be impacted. You may also encounter issues accessing specific titles while connected to a VPN’s network.
It is up to you to decide whether the privacy benefits are worth the performance drawbacks. That answer may change from game to game. Regardless, it’s best to have a quality VPN on standby even if you’re not actively using it with every game.
Lastly, it is worth noting that some VPN services claim to defend against malware and phishing sites. We don't believe any offer the same level of protection as standalone antivirus software. The same goes for a good password manager. Lastly, enabling multi-factor authentication on all your accounts (especially gaming services such as Battle.net and Steam) is the best way to prevent account takeovers. A VPN works best as part of a comprehensive security suite.