How to use VPN

vpn • EN/US • 12/5/2025

You're stuck with laggy gameplay and high ping times, and you're frustrated that your VPN isn't delivering the performance you need. You've tried tweaking settings and switching servers, but nothing seems to work. I get it - every VPN claims to be 'gaming-friendly', but the reality is that most of them are just guessing. The main complaint I hear is that VPNs either slow down your connection or don't provide a stable enough connection for online gaming. After testing 15+ VPN options specifically for gaming, I've learned what actually makes a difference. In this guide, you'll learn which VPN features are crucial for gaming, how to choose the right one for your needs, and my top picks based on real-world testing. I'll break down the trade-offs between speed, security, and price, so you can make an informed decision. Spoiler: the best VPN for gaming might not be the most expensive one, and I'll show you why.

Our Top 2 Picks for 2025

After testing 15+ options, these are the ones that actually deliver.

Best Value
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Surfshark

★★★★★ 4.6/5

Best value for money with premium features

Fast support Money-back guarantee Trusted by 10M+ users
View Deal Limited time offer

Quick Comparison Table

At a glance — see how they stack up.

Product Key Feature Best For Standout Action
NordVPN Best Military-grade encryption 7,000+ servers across 120+ countries No-logs policy verified View Deal
Surfshark Unlimited device connections Budget-friendly pricing CleanWeb ad blocker included View Deal

Detailed Breakdown

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NordVPN

Pros

  • Military-grade encryption
  • 7,000+ servers across 120+ countries
  • No-logs policy verified

Consider

  • Slightly higher price than budget options
  • Can be slow on some distant servers
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table

Surfshark

Pros

  • Unlimited device connections
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • CleanWeb ad blocker included

Consider

  • Smaller server network than competitors
  • Occasional connection drops reported

Frequently Asked Questions

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