5 Best Free VPNs for Gaming: Fast Speeds, Low Ping in 2024 (2024)

Free VPNs often struggle to deliver the low ping and fast speeds required for smooth gameplay. They also have limited server networks, so you can’t use them to play with your international friends. Even worse, some providers impose restrictive data caps that may not even cover an hour of online play. That’s not to say that you can’t find a good free VPN for gaming — they’re just hard to find.

After testing 45+ free VPNs, my team and I found a few good options for gaming. These have good speeds that maintain gaming performance, plus robust security to keep you safe. You won’t escape restrictions, but the limits that exist won’t interrupt your gaming as much as some other free VPNs. If you don’t want any restrictions, it’s best to use a low-cost premium VPN instead.

My top recommendation for gaming is ExpressVPN because it delivers fast speeds and consistently low ping without the limitations that come with free VPNs. Plus, it has a worldwide server network and robust security features, so you can play safely on different servers. While it’s not totally free, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it risk-free and get a refund if you’re not satisfied. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Gaming in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Gaming — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds and Low Ping for Lag-Free Gaming

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

ExpressVPN has been my go-to gaming VPN for years because it offers consistently low ping and fast speeds. During my recent tests on its nearby UK servers from London, I had a speed drop of only 5%, and my ping was 8 ms — the lowest of any gaming VPN I tested, both free and paid. This let me play Free Fire on my Android phone without any lag.

I experienced no issues with my voice chat while connected to ExpressVPN

The impressive performance extends beyond just the nearby servers. Even when connecting to its long-distance New York server, my ping remained below 76 ms. In comparison, a similar connection with a free VPN typically gave me a ping of more than 150 ms. This meant I could choose from a wide range of server locations without worrying about it affecting my gaming sessions too much.

Setting up and using ExpressVPN on routers is incredibly straightforward. It offers custom firmware for popular router models, making installation a breeze. Plus, the dedicated router app allows you to easily adjust your VPN settings and switch between servers, even when connected through a router. So, it’s just as easy to protect your gaming consoles as it is your PC or smartphone.

Even though ExpressVPN isn’t 100% free, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it risk-free and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Plus, you also get a couple of months of service completely free when you sign up for its annual plan.

Useful Features

• Large server network. This means you can connect to international game servers or find easy lobbies without running into overcrowded servers. The entire network supports P2P, so you won’t have any problem connecting with other gamers in P2P games like Super Smash Bros.
• Lightway protocol. This proprietary protocol is optimized for fast speeds and stable connections. Plus, it consumes less battery, so you can play mobile games for longer. It’s also available on ExpressVPN’s router app, so you’ll get the same great speeds whether you’re playing on a console or desktop.
• Port forwarding. This feature allows you to easily host games and invite friends to play with you. Set it up on your router and create a specific path for incoming traffic on a particular port so your friends can easily connect.
• Strong security. ExpressVPN offers military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection to protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks. I tested 7 of its nearby servers in the UK for leaks and never found any.

2. Proton VPN — Truly Free VPN With No Data Cap for Uninterrupted Gaming

Proton VPN offers unlimited data for uninterrupted gaming sessions. Most free VPNs provide somewhere between 500 MB to 10 GB per month, which isn’t much considering CS: GO may use up to 260 MB/hour. But with unlimited data, you can play battle royale games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Valorant without interruptions.

I never got disconnected from the VPN while using Proton VPN

The free version of Proton VPN offers access to servers in 5 countries: Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and the United States. While you can't manually choose the server location, the app automatically connects you to the optimal nearby server. During my tests from the UK, I was connected to the free Netherlands server, which gave me an average ping of 28 ms. I could play PUBG on my iPhone smoothly.

It can also be installed on routers, which is rare for a free VPN. Following the tutorial on its website, I could set it up on my Asus router in under 10 minutes. This let me secure my gaming sessions on my PS5.

The major problem I experienced with Proton VPN is that its free servers can become overcrowded during peak hours. For instance, I saw a 41% speed drop on its free Netherlands server compared to a 26% drop during non-peak times. However, even with this performance dip, I was still able to game without experiencing any noticeable lag.

Useful Features

• WireGuard support. WireGuard offers fast speeds without compromising security, which makes it suitable for gaming. While I was testing Proton VPN, I found WireGuard to be faster than the popular OpenVPN, with slightly better ping rates and download speeds each time I connected.
• Split tunneling. This lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones don't. This is perfect for gaming since you can exclude non-gaming apps from the VPN to optimize your connection speed.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Connections to Game on Any Device

What sets Avira Phantom VPN apart from other free VPNs is that it offers unlimited device connections. This means you can game freely without having to log anyone else out from the VPN. In my tests from the UK, I connected my Android phone, iPad, Windows laptop, and MacBook to the best available server. Despite having multiple active devices, I didn’t experience any connectivity issues or sudden drops.

I didn’t experience any connection problems, but Avira’s data cap will limit your play times

Avira Phantom VPN’s speeds were pretty good, too.During my tests on its nearby UK servers, I only recorded a 19% drop in download speeds, and my ping never spiked above 23 ms. This is impressive for a free VPN — I could play online games like League of Legends without any lag.

Avira Phantom’s free apps for Windows and macOS only let you connect to your nearest location, so you should always have low ping. On the other hand, its Android and iOS apps give you full access to its entire network, so you have more freedom if you use this VPN for gaming on mobile. Unfortunately, you can’t use this VPN on your router or gaming consoles.

Useful Features

• Easy to use. Avira Phantom VPN is super easy to set up and use. You don’t even need to create an account to start using the VPN. Just download the app, connect to a server, and you’re all set.
• Protection against DDoS attacks. All the apps come with AES 256-bit encryption and leak protection to secure your gaming sessions. However, the free version doesn’t have a kill switch.

4. hide.me — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for Gaming

The reason I love hide.me is that it lets you customize your connection depending on your gaming needs. For example, you can choose from a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and SSTP. WireGuard is great for speed, IPv6 reduced my ping, and SSTP allowed me to play games on the restrictive networks on my university campus.

hide.me comes pre-configured, so you don’t have to tweak anything if you don’t want to

You get access to servers in 8 locations, including the US, the UK, and Germany. This means you can play with your friends abroad or compete against new opponents. Plus, the connections are suitable for gaming. In my tests on its nearby UK servers from London, I had a ping of below 31 ms, which let me game with no lag.

On the downside, it only supports 1 simultaneous device connection, and you can’t install it on your router if you’re using the free plan. To overcome these restrictions, you’ll need to upgrade to its paid version, which supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, including routers.

Useful Features

• Auto-Connect. This automatically connects you to a VPN server when you join a network. You don’t have to enable it manually every time you game.
• No registration required. Similar to Avira Phantom VPN, you don’t need to sign up for the service to use it. This means you can secure your gaming without sharing your email address, which is great for privacy.

5. Hotspot Shield — Hydra for Stable Connections for Gaming

Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol makes it an excellent choice for gaming. This protocol is designed to deliver fast speeds and stable connections even over long distances. While testing its nearby UK servers from London, I had a speed drop of 24% and a ping rate of 34 ms. I was able to play Fortnite on my iPhone without lag.

IKEv2 is only available with premium version

As a free user, you get access to servers in 5 locations: the US (NY and LA), the UK, Singapore, and an Auto option that connects you to the best available server. I like that these locations are spread out, so you're likely to find a speedy nearby server no matter where you're connecting from.

The downside is that if you're gaming on Android or iOS, you're limited to just 1 US server. So, if you're not in North America, you may see higher ping times. Plus, the mobile apps are ad-supported, which can be annoying.

Useful Features

• Easy to use. You can see the load and latency of the server you're connected to, so you always know how it's performing. Plus, it has a built-in speed test tool, which makes it easier to find the best available connection for gaming.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free Gaming VPNs

The table below covers the key features every serious gamer should consider when choosing a VPN.

I've highlighted the most crucial aspects, including average speeds, data allowances, and average latency on nearby servers. I’ve also included whether each VPN supports router setup — this is crucial if you also plan on covering your gaming consoles like PS, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPNs for Gaming

The following criteria are what I used to rank the best free VPNs for gaming. These are essential features for any online gamer, so I recommend looking out for them while you make your choice:

• Truly free. All the VPNs listed here are either 100% free or come with reliable money-back guarantees, so there's no financial risk to using them.
• Low ping and fast speeds. This ensures smooth gameplay and quick downloads. I prioritized VPNs that can deliver a ping rate of less than 60 ms on nearby servers. Plus, I only featured VPNs that had less than 40% speed loss on local servers.
• Numerous servers. This reduces the likelihood of running into overcrowded servers. I looked for VPNs that have a range of server locations so you can find options close to your physical location. This ensures that you’ll have a speedy and low-latency connection.
• Sufficient data allowance. The amount of data a game uses per hour can vary wildly, ranging from less than 5 MB to over 300 MB. The VPNs featured on this list offer at least 1 GB of monthly data, which is more than enough to cover several hours of playtime.
• Router compatibility. While rare among free providers, I made sure to include one free VPN that offers seamless router integration, enabling you to secure your entire gaming setup.
• Strong security. This is important for preventing cyberattacks on shared gaming servers. All these free VPNs have standard security (military-grade encryption and leak protection) to keep you protected from DoS attacks. All of them are trusted providers who won’t sell your data to third parties for a profit, either.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Gaming Aren’t Safe

While the free VPNs on this list are safe, most come with legitimate safety risks. The safest and most reliable way to play online games is to use an affordable VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee. Here are some of the risks associated with free VPNs to watch out for:

• Data exploitation. Many free VPN providers view your personal information as a valuable asset, logging and selling your data to third parties. Before installing any free VPN, carefully review the privacy policy to ensure your data will be protected.
• Weak security measures. Free services often lack the resources to implement critical security features like an automatic kill switch and robust DNS leak protection. These safeguards are essential to protect you against harassment while online, which can range from DDoS attacks, “doxxing” (leaking your private information), and “swatting” (malicious law enforcement reports against your address).
• Malware threats. Alarmingly, some free VPN apps have been found to contain spyware and other malicious code that can compromise your gaming accounts and entire device. I strongly recommend scanning any downloaded VPN executable with anti-malware software before installation. Better yet, stick with trusted providers and download from official sources.
• Intrusive advertising. To generate revenue, some free VPNs rely on ad-supported models, which can disrupt your gameplay with unwanted pop-ups and banner ads.

Free VPNs to Avoid

These VPNs put your privacy at risk and aren’t safe for gaming:

• Hola VPN — This is not a VPN but a P2P network, and it compromises your security and privacy when you use it. Your data isn’t encrypted, and your IP address is shared with everyone else on the network. Moreover, its privacy policy states that Hola Free VPN collects identifying data like your name and IP address.
• Betternet VPN — A study conducted by CSIRO found that Betternet’s app is full of malware. Furthermore, its Android app is known to install third-party tracking libraries, which puts your privacy at risk.
• TouchVPN — This service uses an outdated VPN protocol and is known to store your browsing activity and share it with third parties.

Is It Worth Getting a Free VPN Trial for Gaming?

I don't usually recommend opting for a free VPN trial for gaming. Free trials often don't provide enough time to test all the features thoroughly, and some may even limit the functionalities available during the trial period. This can leave you without a clear understanding of the VPN's full capabilities.

Instead, consider choosing a premium VPN that offers a money-back guarantee. Most top-tier VPNs provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to explore all the features and ensure the VPN meets your gaming needs. With this option, you can test the VPN risk-free and easily request a refund if it doesn't live up to your expectations.

FAQs on the Best Free VPNs for Gaming

What’s the best free VPN for gaming on PC and Android?

Every VPN on this list works well for gaming on PC and Android. However, all of the truly free VPNs on this list come with some sort of limitation, so it really depends on what you want to use the gaming VPN for.

For example, some have data limitations that mean you’ll only be able to play a few hours of data-hungry games (like Fortnite or Minecraft) a month. Others can’t be installed on routers, so you can’t protect your gaming consoles.

If you don’t want any restrictions, your best option is to choose a low-cost premium VPN. It’s worth the few dollars a month not to have to face the limitations you do with free VPNs. Most of them come with reliable money-back guarantees, too, so there’s no financial risk in trying them out.

Will a free gaming VPN lower my ping?

It's possible for a VPN to lower your ping in certain circ*mstances, but this is not a guarantee. In many cases, you may actually experience a slight increase in your ping when using a VPN.

If your internet service provider's (ISP) network is congested, a VPN can potentially re-route your traffic through a less congested and more direct path to the game server, potentially lowering your ping. However, the fact that a VPN adds an extra stop in the data transmission process means that, in most cases, using a VPN may result in a small increase in ping times.

That said, the free VPNs I've recommended are good for gaming. Here are a few tips to help maximize your chances of seeing ping improvements:

1. Connect to a nearby server. The shorter the distance, the lower your ping is likely to be.
2. Choose a server with a low user load. The more users connected to a particular server, the more congestion and the higher your ping will be.
3. Opt for a lightweight security protocol. Protocols like Lightway and WireGuard can often provide lower ping times compared to heavier protocols like OpenVPN. That’s because they send less data alongside your connection, which reduces processing time.

Can I use a free VPN with Steam?

It’s complicated. According to Valve’s Steam Subscriber Agreement, you can’t “use IP proxying or other methods to disguise the place of your residence,” and the company reserves the right to terminate your account. However, I haven't heard of any reports of bans just because someone used a VPN to play games securely.

The Subscriber Agreement states explicitly that you cannot use a VPN to access geo-restricted games or take advantage of regional pricing. If you do so, you’re at far greater risk of losing your Steam account.

To be on the safe side, I recommend pausing your VPN connection when purchasing/redeeming games or other items on Steam. Then, turn it back on before you start gaming. This way, you can use a VPN with Steam legitimately while minimising the risk of account termination.

What’s the best free VPN for Mobile Legends?

All free VPNs on this list work well for Mobile Legends, but they come with restrictions such as low data caps and limited server networks. This means you might not be able to switch servers, or you could run out of your VPN data allowance in the middle of a gaming session, leaving you unprotected.

If you want to avoid these restrictions, I recommend using a premium VPN. My #1 recommended VPN offers a large server network, unlimited data, and fast speeds. You can freely change your game servers and play lag-free without running out of data.

Is there a free VPN for gaming with servers in India?

Yes, but I don’t recommend using a free VPN for gaming with physical servers in India. Due to recent regulations requiring VPN companies to log user data, most VPNs no longer offer physical servers in India to protect user privacy. If you want an Indian IP address, I recommend using a premium VPN instead. Our top recommended service provides virtual servers for the country, so you can connect to India for gaming while still maintaining your online privacy.

Can I use a free VPN with PlayStation, Xbox, and other gaming consoles?

To use a VPN on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you typically need a VPN that can be installed on routers, as consoles don't directly support VPNs. This setup allows all devices connected to the router to benefit from the VPN's protection. The #2 VPN on this list is the only 100% free option that can be installed on routers, making it a good choice for covering your gaming console.

Alternatively, you can use the free VPNs on this list by sharing your VPN connection from a PC to your consoles. This way, you can protect your console gaming sessions using free VPNs, even if they aren’t compatible with routers.

Will a free VPN work with games like Valorant or PUBG?

Yes, but most have data caps that limit how long you can play. For data-intensive games, it’s always a better idea to go for a low-cost premium VPN with unlimited data and bandwidth.

Valorant, for example, uses up to 400 MB of data per hour, and most free VPNs offer between 1 GB and 10 GB of monthly data. At most, you’d be able to play for 25 hours per month (with 10 GB). That might be enough if you’re a casual gamer. For hardcore gamers, a free VPN just won’t cut it.

PUBG uses up to 50 MB of data per hour. As long as the free VPN has servers close to your actual location (for low enough ping), even with 1 GB of data per month, you’d only get 20 hours of gameplay.

Can I use a free VPN to play games from other countries?

Technically, you can use a free VPN to play games from other countries. There’s nothing to stop you from using a VPN to protect your Genshin Impact sessions, for example. However, many game franchises and storefronts have strict regulations against using VPNs to access geo-restricted games.

For example, platforms like Steam often have policies against using a VPN to access regional pricing or restricted games. This could put your account at risk, so it's essential to be aware of the potential consequences. The team and I don't condone breaking any rules and regulations with a VPN.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Gaming

A free VPN can definitely improve your gaming experience but with limitations. All the free VPNs I shortlisted are safe to use and will protect you on shared gaming servers from DoS attacks. However, the biggest limitations I found are restrictive data caps and too few servers.

That’s why I will always recommend a low-cost premium VPN like ExpressVPN instead. You get fast speeds, low ping, unlimited data, and a large server network. It’s even backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN risk-free. If you aren’t satisfied, you can get a full refund.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…