Best Free VPN for Gaming in 2024 [Low-Ping VPNs] (2024)

Are you seeking a best free gaming VPNs for seamless gaming experience without the hefty price tag? Say goodbye to the woes of high ping and lag that plague gamers, as I’ve brought you the best free VPN for gaming. Embrace the ultimate gaming adventure with these trusted VPNs—where high performance meets cost-effectivity and security.

While free VPNs often come with limitations such as reduced server options and slower speeds, I’ve scoured the digital realm of over 60+ free VPNs and recommend 6 best free VPNsfor online gaming that stand out with their impressive speeds for gameplay. They not only enhance your gaming sessions but also safeguard your online presence with advanced encryption protocols.

However, if absolute freedom from restrictions is your goal, considering a premium VPN might be the optimal choice. I also highlight ExpressVPNfor its lightning-fast connections and unwavering dependability. Though not entirely free, it offers a credible money-back guarantee. If its performance doesn’t meet your expectations within 30 days, you can claim a hassle-free refund.

6 Best Free VPNs for Gaming (Updated 2024)

For gamers, finding the best free VPN for gaming can make a significant difference in your online experience. I’ve evaluated 60 VPNs and considered various testing metrics like overall gaming performance, pings, smart DNS, P2P functionality, logging policy, and additional features.

Here’s how each VPN fares:

1. 🥇ExpressVPN – Best Free Trial VPN for Gaming with Low Ping

ExpressVPN is the best free trial VPN for gaming with Low Ping. It is a powerhouse that unblocks geo-restricted gaming sites, maintains blazing-fast speed, and ensures top-notch security, all crucial for an uninterrupted gaming marathon.

Expansive Server Network:

With over 3000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers a vast battlefield for gamers. This global coverage ensures you can always find a server with low latency, which is vital for competitive games like PUBG, Apex Legends, CS GO, League of Legends, and many others.

My Gaming Experience with ExpressVPN:

My recent encounter with ExpressVPN’s service was nothing short of spectacular. As an avid gamer, I was particularly impressed by its ability to bypass geo-blocks, granting me access to region-restricted titles with ease and led me to recommend it as the best VPN for Apex Legends and PUBG.

Streamlined Speed:

Recognizing the dual needs of modern gamers, ExpressVPN offers optimized streaming speeds. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who also indulge in streaming content. As for the ExpressVPN speed test, I got a download speed of 83.68 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.23 Mbps, with pings unders 15 – 20 ms., which is good for your online entertainment experience.

Uncompromised Security

ExpressVPN doesn’t play games with your security. It protects your connection with AES 256-bit encryption, strict no-logs policy, and TrustedServer technology, thwarting any potential DDoS attacks that could disrupt your game. Additionally, the Network Lock kill switch is your safety net, keeping your data secure, even if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Device Compatibility:

This VPN isn’t just for your iPhone, Android, or Windows. It extends its prowess to gaming consoles likePS4 and PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games, routers and more. You can also enhance your gaming security by setting up ExpressVPN on Asus router, ensuring all connected devices benefit from superior VPN protection.

Similar to streaming platforms, cloud gaming services transmit games directly from remote servers to a range of compatible devices, removing the requirement for high-performance gaming rigs. This expands accessibility to a wider selection of games irrespective of the user’s chosen device.

ExpressVPN is ideal for enhancing your cloud gaming experience regardless of the platform you use. It is compatible with Playstation, GEFORCE Now, Amazon Luna, Switch Cloud Gaming and also it is considered to be the best free vpn for xbox cloud gaming.

Pricing:

For a service akin to a Swiss Army knife for gamers, ExpressVPN cost is justified. Plans are available at $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a30-day money-back guarantee. You can also get an ExpressVPN free trialif you want to check the capabilities of the VPN.

For more details, read my ExpressVPN reviewsUSAguide.

Pros and Cons

2. 🥈ProtonVPN – Top Free Gaming VPN with Unlimited Data

ProtonVPN stands out as the best free VPN for gamers thanks to its unlimited data policy, a rarity in free VPNs. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, ProtonVPN’s free plan is a compelling choice for secure, unrestricted gaming.

Server Network

The free plan of ProtonVPN provides access to servers in three key locations: the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. While these options might be limited compared to premium offerings, they are strategically placed to cater to a broad user base, including gamers seeking the best free VPN for Valorant, Fortnite, Call of Duty, PalWorld, CSGO..

My Gaming Experience with ProtonVPN:

My experience with ProtonVPN has been impressive, especially when accessing geo-restricted gaming sites. The VPN’s ability to bypass these restrictions allowed me to enjoy games that would otherwise be unavailable in my region, including popular titles like steam and League of Legends.

My main concern with Proton VPN is that many of its complimentary servers tend to experience overcrowding during peak usage times. Utilizing the free Japan servers, for instance, became impractical due to excessive lag caused by both server congestion and the long-distance connection. Nonetheless, I consistently managed to locate less congested servers for improved performance

Connection Speed

Despite being on the free plan, I noticed a minimal impact on my gaming performance, with pings consistently below 30 – 40 ms. The connection was stable and fast enough to ensure a competitive edge during online matches. The ProtonVPN speed testresults back this up with a download speed of 52.37 Mbps and an upload speed of 45.19 Mbps.

Security and Privacy

Security is another area where ProtonVPN does not compromise. During my gaming sessions, I felt secure knowing that my connection was protected by AES 256-bit encryption, a robust no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. These features are essential for preventing DDoS attacks and maintaining privacy.

Device Compatibility:

In terms of device compatibility, ProtonVPN supports a wide range of platforms. This cross-compatibility ensures that whether you’re looking for free gaming VPN for PC,free vpn for Mac, Xbox or a mobile device for playing games, you can secure your connection without hassle. It’s a gamer-centric approach cementing its position as the best free gaming VPN.

Pricing:

For gamers looking to upgrade from the free plan, investing in the premium service unlocks a more expansive and enhanced gaming experience. ProtonVPN’s premium plans start at $4 per month and offera 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide to cancel your ProtonVPNsubscription during this period, you’ll get a complete refund.

For a detailed analysis, go through our ProtonVPN review.

Pros and Cons

3. 🥉Windscribe – Recommended Gaming VPN with Free Servers in 11 Countries

Windscribe is the recommended gaming VPN with free servers in 11 countries. A reliable free VPN for games is indispensable for smooth gameplay without compromising on security. Finding a VPN tailored for gaming can significantly enhance your online gaming experience.

Data Limit and Server Network

On the free plan, Windscribe offers a generous 2 GB (no email) or 10 GB (with email)/month, which is a substantial amount for casual gaming and online activities. The server network includes free servers in 11 countries. These servers are located in North America, Europe, and Asia.

On its paid version, it offers gamers a global server network in 62 countries, ensuring that you can almost always find a server that provides a stable and speedy connection.

My Experience with Windscribe

While utilizing Windscribe, I effortlessly bypassed geo-blocks to join gaming servers in various regions, expanding my global gaming reach. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking to play Minecraft, Dead by Daylight, or looking to connect with international gaming communities.

Speed

Even as a free user, Windscribe did not disappoint with its speed performance. The gaming sessions were smooth, with minimal lag, given the download speed for 59.11 Mbps and upload of 37.07 MBps with pings persistently below 30 – 45 ms. proving that Windscribe’s servers are optimized for a superior gaming experience, as evidenced by the Windscribe speed test.

Security

Security is where Windscribe truly shines for gaming users. With strong AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, IKEv2, a robust firewall, and DNS leak protection, my gaming activities were shielded from potential threats. Moreover, Windscribe’s commitment to privacy is evident in its policy of not keeping logs of user activity.

Device Compatibility

Windscribe supports many devices, and its compatibility extends to major gaming platforms, includingPS4 and other consoles. Whether using this free VPN for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android or directly configuring it on routers, Windscribe caters to a seamless integration across different devices.

Pricing

For those who find the free plan’s data cap limiting, Windscribe offers an affordable upgrade path. Its Pro versionsubscriptions are supported by a 3-day refund policy., which provides unlimited data and access to servers in over 62 countries, starts at just $9 per month, with options to try it out through a Windscribe free trial. And you can easily cancel your Windscribe subscription and get a refund.

For a detailed analysis of this free gaming VPN for Android and other devices, read my Windscribe review.

Pros and Cons

4. TunnelBear – User-FriendlyFree VPN for Games

TunnelBear is a User-FriendlyFree VPN for Gamesdue to its user-friendly interface. Its focus on security, coupled with decent speeds and device compatibility, makes it a solid choice for casual gamers. However, serious gamers might find the data limit restrictive and may need to consider upgrading to a paid plan for an unrestricted gaming experience.

Data Limit and Server Network

The free plan of Tunnelbear offers a data limit of 500MB per month, which, while modest, is sufficient for casual gaming and initial. Despite this limitation, the server network is extensive, with 5000+ servers spanning 45 countries. Even on the free plan, users have access to all servers, which is a significant to reduce latency by connecting to servers closer to the game servers.

My Experience with TunnelBear

As a gamer, TunnelBear has truly elevated my gaming sessions, not only by unblocking new realms of play but also by fortifying my online presence against potential cyber risks. This makes it the go-to free VPN for Call of Dutyand others of the same genre games.

Speed

Speed is a crucial factor for any gaming VPN, and Tunnelbear does not disappoint. Although not the fastest VPN on the market, it provides stable and reliable connections, vital for online gaming.

Itook a TunnelBear speed teston my 100 Mbps connection; the Japanese server provided a ping of 69 ms and download speeds of 55.27 Mbps with upload speeds of 40.21 Mbps, which is average for playing games like Overwatch.

Security and Privacy

TunnelBear comes with a range of security features. It offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and VigilantBear (a kill switch), ensuring your gaming activities remain private and secure. Moreover, the Split Bear feature offers a valuable capability to split your internet traffic into two tunnels.

Device Compatibility

Device compatibility is another strength of Tunnelbear, supporting major platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. This wide range ensures that regardless of your gaming device, Tunnelbear can provide protection and access, which makes it one of the top choice as free gaming VPN for PC and other devices.

If you encounter issues like TunnelBear not working on any device, don’t worry. They offer troubleshooting stepsto tackle any potential connectivity hiccups.

Pricing

Pricing for Tunnelbear’s premium plans starts at around $9.99 monthly, offering unlimited data to engage in extended gaming sessions without worrying about exceeding data limits. With the TunnelBear free trial, you can test premium features. Then, you can decide whether you want to keep it or cancel your TunnelBear subscription.

For a detailed analysis of this VPN, go through our TunnelBear review.

Pros and Cons

5. Hotspot Shield – Secure Free VPN for Online Gamers

Hotspot Shield is a secure free VPN for online gamers. It offers reliable protection to secures 5 devices at once and supports P2P file sharing while offering protection against DoS attacks.

Data Limit and Server Network

The free plan has a modest data limit of 500MB per day. While the free version gives you access to 4 server locations, its paid version will give you 3200+ servers in 80 countries. I used its free US server and kept thepings below 90 ms.

Speed

To check the speed, I played Dota 2 and did not face any issues in terms of restrictions or lagging, which makes it a reliable free VPN for Dota 2. As far as download speeds are concerned, they were above average as well. On our 100 Mbps, we managed to get a download speed of 45.63 Mbps and an upload speed of 39.56 Mbps, with ping frequently within 80 – 90 ms.

Device Compatibility:

It supports all the devices gamers love to use for playing online games. I tested it on the iPhone by playing CS and PUBG and did not face any buffering or issues of latency; that’s why it is the most recommended free iPhone VPN. You can play games on Xbox, Xfifnity, and other devices with Hotspot Sheild.

Security and Privacy

As for security, Hotspot Shield uses 256-bit encryption for data security with perfect forward secrecy. It also offers a kill switch that only works on its desktop version. Hotspot Shield’s commitment to privacy is reinforced by its strict no-logs policy.

Pricing:

It also has premium versions with additional features for those seeking an even more robust VPN solution. Hotspot Shield’s monthly plan comes at $7.99 each month. They’ve got your back 24/7 with customer support. You can simply hop on a live chat anytime you need a helping hand.

For a detailed analysis of this free VPN for Online Gaming, go through the comprehensive Hotspot Shield review.

Pros and Cons

6. Hide.me – Privacy-Focused Free VPN for Gaming

Hide.me stands out as a privacy-focused free VPN for gaming, offering critical features like low latency, DDoS protection, and server locations optimized for gaming, ensuring a secure and smooth gaming experience.

Data Limit and Server Network

Its free plan includes 10GB of free data each month. This data is best for moderate gaming, but the good news is that there is no daily usage limit. Like some VPN gaming free services, Hide.me also offers 8 server locations with the free planThat’s not a lot, but the cool thing about Hide.me is that it lets you see the pings of different servers in real time to pick and choose the best one.

My Experience with Hide.me

With the right, best free VPN for Minecraft players can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay and access to diverse servers worldwide at no cost. When testing it with a bandwidth-hogging game like Minecraft, I was super impressed with its performance. For testing purposes, I used the free Netherlands server, which was relatively close to our location.

Speed

As for speeds, on my 100 Mbps connection, I got a download speed of around 40.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 29.89 Mbps on average. As for pings, we noticed that our pings never exceeded 70 ms. So, it’s safe to say Hide.me is a solid choice for playing FPS games.

Device Compatibility:

I couldn’t test Hide.Me on gaming consoles like Xbox and PS5 since it doesn’t offer router support. However, it excels on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. I tried to play Runescape on Android and over my PC. Throughout the gameplay, I did not come across lagging or experiencing high ping, which makes it one of the perfect free PC VPN for gaming and also a top free VPN for Android.

Security and Privacy

As far as privacy is concerned, Hide.me is very capable. It supports the latest WireGuard protocol and supports advanced features like split tunneling. It is also 100% leakproof means it will not leak your identity to your ISP. Despite being free, it exceeded our expectations.

Pricing/ Free Plans:

Free Plan: Limited to 10 GB of monthly data with access to servers in multiple countries.
Plus Plan: Starting at $4.99 per month, offering unlimited data, access to all servers, and additional features like port forwarding and static IPs.
Premium Plan: Starting at $9.99 per month, providing all the features of the Plus Plan.

Hide.me’s subscription plans all feature a 30-day money-back assurance. Additionally, it provides a VPN-free gaming option and 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, enabling you to receive assistance whenever you have queries.

For a detailed analysis of this best free VPN for gaming, go through my Hide.me review.

Pros and Cons

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPN for Gaming

Explore essential features for the best free VPN for gaming in the table below. Compare key aspects like average speeds, data limits, and latency to make an informed choice for an optimal gaming experience:

VPNs
Average speeds	Very fast	Fast	Fast	Average	Average	Average
Monthly data	Unlimited	Unlimited	2 GB (no email) or 10 GB (with email)/month	500 MB	500 MB/day	10 GB
Number of server locations	105 countries	3 Countries	11 countries	45 countries	1 Country	8 server locations with the free plan
Average ping on local servers	10 ms	30-40 ms	45-50 ms	69 ms	80-90 ms	70 ms
Router support	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Protection against DDoS attacks	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can support Cloud	Yes	No	No	No	No	No

Best Free Gaming VPN: Brief Summary Test Ratings

Can I use any VPN for gaming? The short answer is no. Not all VPNs are created equal, and each one hasits own set of advantages and disadvantages.

To make things clearer, let’s look at a table that compares how well6 free VPNs, which I’ve covered in our guide; I’ll be considering various testing metrics to give you a better idea of what to expect.

VPNs
Overall Rating (Gaming)	9.8	9.0	8.8	8.5	8.2	7.9
Pings	9.8	9.0	8.6	8.8	7.9	7.9
Smart DNS	9.6	0	0	0	0	0
P2P Functionality	9.4	0	8.2	8.0	0	7.8
Logging Policy	9.6	8.0	8.5	8.8	7.5	7.7
Additional Features	9.0	8.6	8.5	8.7	8.9	8.6

Note: Get any free VPN to reduce ping and enjoy a fast and smooth gaming experience!

Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Gaming

When searching for thebest free VPN for gaming, you should keep in mind:

• Speed and Reliability: Look for a free VPN to reduce ping, give fast speeds and offers low latency to ensure a lag-free gaming experience.
• Data Allowance: Consider the amount of data you need for gaming and choose a VPN that provides a sufficient monthly data cap or unlimited data.
• Server Network: Opt for a VPN with a broad server network to find a server with low latency and less congestion.
• Security Features: Ensure the VPN has strong encryption and protections like a kill switch and DDoS protection to keep your gaming sessions secure.
• Device Compatibility: Check if the VPN supports all your devices, including consoles, through router compatibility if needed.
• Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee: Choose a VPN that allows you to try its premium features without any upfront financial commitment. Providers like ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test their service risk-free.

Stay carefully while considering these factors, you can find a free gaming VPN for Android, PC, or other devices to enhance your online gaming and protect your personal information. If you want to find the exact answer of what is the best free VPN to hide IP when gaming as well as reduce ping, then you should try ProtonVPN.

Best VPN for gaming free: Limitations and Restrictions

Free game VPNs have various limitations and restrictions that can significantly impact your gaming experience. One primary concern is bandwidth limitations, with most games consuming approximately 40MB to 300MB of data per hour.

The challenge arises from most free VPNs’ low data caps, preventing extended gaming sessions throughout the day. These free services often compromise security features while limiting most functionalities.

• Security Issues: Free VPNs lack robust security, making gamers vulnerable to in-game DDoS attacks and potential data compromises.
• Bandwidth Restrictions: Many free VPNs impose a 10 GB data usage cap, which is inadequate for data-intensive gaming. Even those claiming unlimited bandwidth often throttle speed.
• Restricted Server Access: Free VPNs limit users to a small number of servers, resulting in slow connection speeds and imposing bandwidth restrictions to prevent server crashes. This is where having the best DDoS-protected VPN becomes crucial.
• Compatibility Challenges: Despite being promoted as a ‘gaming VPN free download,’ free VPNs often need more compatibility with routers. This requires users to configure VPNs on routers to protect gaming consoles. Premium VPNs, including the best DDoS-protected VPNs, address these compatibility issues effectively.

Factors That Affect Latency in Gaming:

Type of Connection:

The crucial factor is the type of internet connection offered by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Depending on your location, there may be several variations in connection types.

Distance:

Your distance to internet exchange points and server locations greatly affects latency. For example, connecting from the US to European servers involves more cables, ISPs, and longer distances, leading to higher latency. Optimal performance is achieved by connecting a reliable free vpn to reduce ping or latency on nearby servers.

Routing:

Poorly optimized routes from your ISP can increase latency, even when connecting to nearby servers. If you experience higher latency near a game server farm, tracing the server IP may reveal inefficient routing, although fixing this at the ISP level is usually not possible.

Note:
This issue could only be resolved if you use a better internet connection or utilize a low latency VPN which ensures smooth and responsive online gaming experiences for players.

Avoid Using these Free VPNs for Gaming

When it comes tofree gaming VPNs, not every VPN offers a reliable gaming service. Some may claim to be the best free VPN for gaming but often equip slow speeds, unreliable connections, or risky security. Once you find a reliable vpn for gaming free of charge, it can significantly enhance your online gaming experience.

A comprehensive list of free VPNs to avoid includes:

Affordable Alternatives For Best Free Gaming VPN

If you are concerned about the drawbacks of a free gaming VPN, affordable premium VPN alternatives can offer a better balance of speed, security, and reliability.

1. NordVPN is a top contender for gamers with low ping and high-speed servers, accompanied by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Ithas advanced features like CyberSec for enhanced security. For further details, read the NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark stands out for its premium services at reduced prices of $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes it ideal for lengthy gaming sessions. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections and secures all your gaming devices. Go through Surfshark reviewfor in-depth information.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) offers robust security features, a widespread server network, affordable plans, and unlimited bandwidth. The comprehensive PIA reviewprovides more details.

FAQs: Best Free VPN for Gaming

Bottom Line

A gaming VPN can enhance your gaming experience, allowing you to play a wide range of games with reduced lag and access to different regional servers.

Whilefree gaming VPNs offer a starting point, they have limitations that may affect your gaming experience. However, selecting the best free VPN for gamingwith low pings, like ProtonVPN, that balances performance and security can enhance your gaming without compromising online safety.

For those who prioritize low latency, protection against DDoS attacks, and stable connections, consider investing in a free trial of a premium service such as ExpressVPN, which may provide a more comprehensive gaming experience.