Serious gamers must have a stable internet connection when gaming. At the same time, it would be great if you have a secure internet connection with privacy without sacrificing speed.
This is when Virtual Private Network tools can be a game changer for gamers. It secures your internet traffic, keeping your data safe from hackers. This is especially important when playing games on public Wi-Fi.
However, some VPNs slow down your connection. Therefore, the question is what's the fastest VPN?
Let us look at some of the factors that impact speed and find the fastest VPN for gaming!
I. Why Do Gamers Need a Speedy VPN?
1. Lag is the Enemy
You might have experienced that whatever you're trying to do with the game isn’t matching with what you're seeing on screen. This is what you call lag. It happens due to a slow connection between you and the server.
So by using a fast VPN, you can minimize latency and enjoy smoother gameplay.
2. Security Matters
Public open Wi-Fi can be used to browse or stream videos, but it's not safe. So what you can do is use a VPN and secure your internet traffic.
This way, no one can see or track your online habits or your history.
3. Unlocking the World of Games
There are a few games that you cannot access or play in one particular region. The reason for that is geo restrictions. Every region has certain geo restricted games.
So with the help of a VPN, you can connect to any server of your choice depending on your subscription plan. This could potentially give you access to geo restricted games.
II. Factors Affecting VPN Speed for Gaming
There are various VPNs in the market which are quite different from each other. Each VPN has its own speed.
So, you need to consider a few important factors before choosing one for your gaming.
1. Server Network
It is very important to have a large network of servers spread across the world. Having more options is always key.
Now for better speeds, you need to connect to a server close to your location. This will minimize the data travel distance and reduce latency.
2. Protocol Selection
VPNs make use of various protocols to secure your data. Some of them prefer speed and some give importance to maximum security.
So, you need to choose a VPN by finding the right balance between speed and security depending on your needs.
3. Encryption
Encryption is always important to keep your connection safe and secure. But as you give importance to the security, you then might have to compromise on speeds.
So make sure to choose a VPN that offers strong encryption and doesn’t compromise performance and speeds.
4. Other Factors
Having said all these, you also need to keep an eye on your internet service provider and your own connection too.
Factors like bandwidth limitations, ISP throttling, and the distance from the VPN server can also influence your overall experience.
III. Evaluating the Fastest VPNs for Gaming
You need to do a lot of thoughtful research before finalizing a VPN. Just to give you an idea, here is how we go about things.
Firstly, we use trusted sources like independent testing labs and user reviews that will help us measure VPN performance. With speed tests, we can measure the download and upload speeds, response times, and overall connection strength.
We also take into factors like server network size and a few features that are specifically important for gamers.
A. Top Picks
So our team has carried out their own research and based on all the important factors we have come up with the list of VPNs that constantly deliver fast gaming speeds. Check out!
1. NordVPN
Speed Test Results: Here, the ping times are consistently low and there is not much impact on upload and download speeds across multiple servers.
Key Features: NordVPN has a wide server network. Their NordLynx protocol is designed for speed and strong security features.
2. ExpressVPN
Speed Test Results: ExpressVPN has excellent download speeds. They also have fast ping times on nearby servers.
Unique Selling Points: They have unlimited bandwidth and come with a user-friendly interface. ExpressVPN also comes with an easy-to-use gaming mode as well as multi-device support options.
3. Surf Shark
Speed Test Results: Surfshark has produced reliable speeds with minimum fluctuations. Additionally, they are suitable for various game genres.
User-Friendly Interface: The app is well streamlined and easy to use. It is also an ideal option for VPN beginners and offers numerous server connection options.
B. So How Are You Going to Pick These?
While these are our top picks based on our own research, we still recommend you understand your needs first and then make a decision.
There are other VPNs in the market to explore VPN options that might cost you less in terms of subscription. You can also check out the top gaming VPNs tested by VPNHunt to see how they stack up in terms of performance, speed, and value. Have a look at them, compare them with your requirements, check the user reviews, and take a call.
The more you research, the better your clarity of thought.
IV. Tips for Maximizing VPN Speed for Gaming
1. Optimal Server Selection
Distance matters! So make sure you choose a server location that is closest to your physical location for the fastest connection.
You can also try connecting to different servers in your region. This way you can find the right balance between speed and ping.
2. Protocol Optimization
As we saw earlier, not all VPNs come with great speeds. Some VPNs offer multiple protocol options but they lack better speeds.
So you need to experiment and find the one that provides the best balance in terms of speed and security. For games, you can choose protocols like NordLynx or WireGuard that provide more than decent speeds.
3. Background Applications
Make sure to close all the unnecessary applications that are running in the background when you are playing a game.
These apps can consume bandwidth and processing power and can potentially slow down your VPN connection.
Final Thoughts
NordVPN is quite famous for being the fastest VPN for gaming. But one thing you need to remember is that experience and choice differ from one individual to the other.
So try to understand the factors that impact speeds and follow the tips that we mentioned. This way you can get the best out of your gaming experience.
