What is the best VPN for gaming in 2025?
ExpressVPN is the best gaming VPN overall right now, thanks to its impressive speeds, excellent privacy protections and expansive global network of servers. Its apps are extremely user-friendly, and ExpressVPN offers its Aircove and Aircove Go VPN routers, which make using a VPN with game consoles a breeze.
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NordVPN is the fastest VPN gaming. In our testing, it delivered class-leading performance and excellent privacy, plus Nord includes unique privacy features that can enhance your gaming experience.
Surfshark is the best value gaming VPN, because its WireGuard speeds are lightning fast, it’s easy to use, has a wide selection of servers all over the world and is cheaper than most of the competition.
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for gaming, with its zero-cost tier that doesn't sell your data or plaster your screen with ads. Additionally, Proton offers a superb premium plan, which boasts a large server network and top-notch privacy. Proton VPN even supports split tunneling on Linux, so you can select which apps or websites to route through a secure VPN connection and which to exclude during a gaming session.
Best gaming VPNs compared
ExperssVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
Price | $13 per month, $100 for a year or $140 total for two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $117 a year) | $13 per month, $60 for a year or $83 for two years (one- and two-year plans auto-renew at $140 a year) | $15 per month, $48 the first year or $54 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $79 per year) | $10 per month, $60 for a year or $108 for two years (one- and two-year plans auto-renew at $80 a year); Free plan available |
Server network | 3,000-plus servers in 105 countries | 8,000-plus servers in 126 countries | 3,200-plus servers in 100 countries | 14,900-plus servers in 122 countries |
Average internet speed loss | 18% | 3% | 21% | 16% |
Simultaneous connections | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
VPN protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN, NordWhisper | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth |
Gaming console set up | VPN router, PC hotspot | VPN router, PC hotspot | VPN router, PC hotspot | VPN router, PC hotspot |
Platform support | Windows, MacOS, Linux (with GUI), Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (with GUI), Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (with GUI), Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (with GUI), Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Web browsers, Routers |
Do you need a VPN for gaming?
NordVPN's blisteringly fast internet speeds make is a solid choice for gaming and downloading large files
Virtual private networks improve your online privacy by masking your public IP address, which can make it look like you're in a different city, state or country. A VPN can level up your gaming sessions by reducing latency (ping), which is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and a server, resulting in a more responsive online play experience. If you're experiencing high ping, a VPN could help bypass ISP throttling or connect more efficiently to a geographically distant game server. However, because a VPN encrypts your web traffic, it slows down your internet speeds, so make sure you actually need a VPN for gaming before firing one up.
VPNs may also protect against various threats you might encounter while gaming. Some game services expose your public IP address while connected, especially if you’re using P2P matchmaking. Although it’s rare, you can end up encountering another player who wants an unfair advantage by DDoSing your public IP address (flooding you with traffic), knocking you offline and potentially keeping your whole household’s internet connection down for hours at a time. Because your public IP address remains hidden while using a VPN, virtual private networks can guard against DDoS attacks.
Many folks will use a VPN for PC gaming on Linux, Windows and MacOS. That said, nearly all VPN providers offer Android and iOS apps for mobile gaming. You’ll even find support for streaming boxes and apps, including Apple TV, Android TV and the Amazon Fire Stick. Consoles like the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch don’t usually come with their own VPN apps -- instead, you’ll need to use a host PC or configure your internet setup for a whole-home VPN.
Whether you want to reduce ping while connected to a game server, boost online protection against DDoS attacks or circumvent throttling limits, a virtual private network can take your game to the next level. Let’s dive into the best VPNs for gaming so you can keep playing your favorite titles.
The best VPN for gaming in 2025
Best VPN Service Overall
ExpressVPN
Pros
- Cutting edge privacy and security
- Excellent for streaming
- Easy to use across platforms
- Strong commitment to transparency
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
Cons
- Exceedingly expensive
- No way to opt-out of potentially unneeded extra features
- Speed performance getting progressively worse
- Only eight simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN is the best gaming VPN overall. We measured an 18% average speed loss in our latest speed tests with ExpressVPN, which is more than enough for gaming. Its apps are intuitive across all platforms, and Linux gamers will appreciate ExpressVPN's GUI app, which is easier to use than a command-line-only app. ExpressVPN is a great choice for privacy-conscious VPN users, and also a fantastic option for casual users with its excellent streaming service unblocking. The provider was able to remedy some recent speed woes with a couple of inventive solutions on both Lightway and OpenVPN protocols on its latest Windows app. If you're using ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol -- which is lightweight and built for speed and privacy -- and connecting to a nearby server, you should have no issues achieving optimal speeds and minimal latency for your gaming sessions. ExpressVPN also offers the WireGuard VPN protocol, complete with quantum resistance to help protect against threats from quantum computers, like hacking. Since WireGuard generally is faster than OpenVPN, you've now got two solid choices of VPN protocols for gaming with ExpressVPN -- WireGuard or Lightway.
Why we like it
ExpressVPN's server network covers 105 different countries, meaning gamers from all over the world can benefit from having fast, stable connections near game servers, regardless of where they’re located. With servers in all 50 US states, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for folks who need who want to potentially lower ping when gaming on servers across the country. In addition to fast speeds and an impressive global network of servers, ExpressVPN offers top-notch privacy protections, so you can feel confident you’ll be safe from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks or other threats from malicious gamers. The VPN performs well and is easy to use across platforms, whether you’re gaming on your PC, Mac or mobile device.
An ExpressVPN subscription also comes with ExpressVPN Keys, a password manager for Android, iOS/iPadOS and web browsers, which allows you to generate, store and share secure passwords. It’s ideal if you’re worried about losing access to your hard-earned characters and loot, as identity theft through shared or weak credentials is one of the primary ways hackers are able to ransack your online gaming accounts. Keys can also generate multi-factor authentication codes, making it easy to upgrade your game accounts with compatible sites or apps with an extra layer of security without any extra hassle.
The best of the best comes at a price, though. Be prepared to pay more for ExpressVPN than you would for any other option listed here. ExpressVPN and NordVPN’s monthly plans cost $13 per month, but Express's yearly plan is more expensive at $100 for the first year or $140 total for its two-year plan (the one- and two-year plans renew at $117 annually). It’s pricey, but if you want the best privacy features and functionality for gaming, ExpressVPN is worth every penny.
Also nominated in: Best VPNs for Windows, Fastest VPNs
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
Pros
- Blazing-fast internet speeds
- Strong privacy and transparency
- Great for streaming service unblocking
- User-friendly apps
Cons
- Inconsistent pricing structure
- Not as transparent as other VPN rivals
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for gaming. Based on our most recent speed tests, it slowed our internet connection by a mere 3% -- good news for gamers who need top speeds. NordVPN is also easily the most stable and consistently speedy VPN we’ve tested, making it an excellent choice for any gamer looking for first-rate gaming performance on a vast global network of servers across 126 countries.
Why we like it
If you’re into hosting LAN parties, then NordVPN is a good way to go because of its one-of-a-kind Meshnet feature, which lets you connect a fleet of devices from anywhere around the world as if they're on the same Wi-Fi network. With Meshnet, you can set up your own gaming server and host secure, remote LAN parties with your friends, regardless of where they are in the world. Meshnet is a real game-changer (pun intended) for remote LAN parties. It’s especially useful if you and your friends are into sandbox games like Minecraft or Roblox. Meshnet is also fantastic if you’re trying to coax old games back to life. Many older PC games rely on third-party matchmaking services to power their online modes that have since shut down, such as GameSpy and Games for Windows Live. Without these services, the only choice you have for multiplayer is often just LAN. Meshnet bridges the gap by making your local area network accessible to other players no matter where they are on the planet, bringing internet connectivity back to classic titles that would otherwise be gathering dust on your shelf.
NordVPN is slightly more budget-friendly than ExpressVPN but still sits squarely in the pricier range for a VPN service. Its monthly plan is in line with ExpressVPN at $13 per month, but its annual plan starts considerably cheaper than ExpressVPN at $60 for the first year or $83 total for the first two years. However, bear in mind that the price for the one- and two-year plans spikes dramatically to $140 annually after the initial promotional rate (exceeding the price of ExpressVPN’s annual plan starting prices and auto-renewal rates). While the two-year plan gives you the best possible pricing, we don’t recommend committing to a VPN provider for more than a year at a time, given how quickly things tend to shift in the VPN industry.
Also nominated in: Fastest VPNs, Best VPNs for Windows
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
Pros
- Fast
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- RAM-only server infrastructure
- Lots of unique features
- Split tunneling on Windows, Android, MacOS and iOS
Cons
- 14-Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
- Major renewal price increase
Surfshark is the best value gaming VPN. Despite its relative affordability, Surfshark is fast, boasts neat privacy features and even includes a Linux GUI app, which should satisfy Linux gamers. Its annual plan is budget-friendly at $48 for your first year (with an extra four months) or $60 total for your first two years, with an extra three months (though the one- and two-year plans renew at $79 annually, which is less of a steal). We normally don’t recommend signing up for more than a year of service up front because of volatility: The high-performing VPN you sign up for might be slower, less secure, out of business or acquired in a few years. Surfshark's monthly plan is expensive compared with the competition, costing $15.45.
Why we like it
Despite Surfshark’s low cost when compared with its rivals, you’ll still enjoy many privacy features. There’s robust encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation and split-tunneling. Furthermore, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections -- an absolute blessing if you’re trying to protect a whole houseful of avid gamers with multiple devices each. With over 3,200 servers in 100 different countries, Surfshark works well for gaming, since you’ve got plenty of choices to accommodate your physical or game server location.
We appreciated Surfshark’s graphical user interface Linux VPN client app, which is easier for beginners than navigating the command line. Its intuitive Linux support makes Surfshark a solid option for Steam Deck devotees. You’ll also find several other clients for Windows, MacOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS and the Amazon Fire TV. We tried out Surfshark on several devices -- whether you’re engaged in competitive online play, immersed in cloud game streaming or installing Spider-Man Remastered on Steam, Surfshark usually keeps up.
Internet speeds were fast, with a 21% average internet download speed loss that puts it just behind Proton VPN (16%) and ExpressVPN (18%), but a bit behind the impressively fast NordVPN (3%). Considering how well Surfshark maintains your internet connection -- all VPNs throttle your speed somewhat -- it's a great virtual private network for gaming. It’s tough to beat Surfshark’s value. With a bevy of server locations, an advanced feature set and stable internet speeds over the Wireguard or OpenVPN protocols, Surfshark is the best VPN for gaming on a budget.
Also nominated in: Best Cheap VPNs, Fastest VPNs
Best Open-Source VPN
Proton VPN
Pros
- Strong reputation of parent company
- Multi-hop and split tunnelling
- Open-source
Cons
- No 24/7 live chat support
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for gaming -- and the only zero-dollar VPN on the market that we wholeheartedly recommend. And its paid plan is a compelling choice for gamers who need more servers and greater manual control over VPN connections, competing directly with VPNs like Surfshark and Mullvad for overall performance. Proton even packs a Linux GUI app, which is an intuitive option for Linux gamers, and the company offers split tunneling on Linux, so you can pick and choose which apps get routed through a secure, encrypted connection. While its apps aren’t quite as streamlined as Surfshark’s and it can’t quite meet the same (impressive) privacy protections as Mullvad, Proton comes close and offers customization that should appeal to VPN power users.
Why we like it
Unlike other free VPNs, Proton doesn’t sell your data, plaster your screen with ads or limit your monthly usage. But you’re restricted to using one device at a time, can only connect to servers in five countries and can’t manually pick a server. In comparison, PrivadoVPN’s free tier lets you choose a server while capping your monthly usage at 10GB. But Privado, unlike Proton, hasn’t been audited, making it a poor choice for anyone remotely concerned about privacy. If you need more servers and greater manual control, Proton’s paid plans provide 14,900-plus servers in 122 countries, which is helpful for international travel or streaming.
Proton is fast, extremely private and exceptional for streaming. You’ll find a slew of unique privacy features, like discreet app icons on Android that let you disguise the Proton app on your phone as a calculator, notes or weather app, which could be helpful when traveling to countries where VPNs are frowned upon. But it’s not all work and no play with Proton VPN. Its 16% average internet download speed loss, which was second only to NordVPN in our testing, is great for streaming. You can expect to keep most of your baseline internet speeds, which should help you stay clear of buffering or low-res video. Moreover, Proton unblocked virtually every streaming service we threw at it, including Netflix Egypt, which only a few VPNs, including ExpressVPN, could also unlock.
The Proton VPN app is pretty easy to use on most platforms, regardless of whether you’re a privacy pro or this is your first time using a VPN. It supports nearly every device you can think of, from Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android to streaming devices like the Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. There’s even a Linux GUI app, which is simpler to navigate for beginners than a command-line-only app. Proton VPN offers split tunneling on Linux, meaning you can route your a game through an encrypted connection to guard against DDoS attacks or lower ping -- alternatively, you can torrent privately with a VPN while excluding your Steam games client for faster connection speeds. Split tunneling provides greater flexibility, and it's a handy inclusion for Linux gamers. Its apps aren’t quite as intuitive as ExpressVPN’s minimalist app, but Proton remains uncomplicated. Unfortunately, considering the privacy implications, we were disappointed in a design flaw with Proton’s MacOS kill switch that failed to properly warn users that their public IP address may be unmasked when switching servers. The company has promised a forthcoming update. Additionally, Proton VPN lacks 24/7 live chat (but plans to offer it by the end of the year), so if you expect to regularly need help outside of regular business hours, you may want to consider another VPN until then. Ultimately, Proton VPN is hands-down the best free VPN on the market, with a compelling premium plan that’s private and great for streaming.
Also nominated in: Fastest VPNs, Best VPNs for Windows
Factors to consider in the best VPNs for gaming
Based on our years of experience in the VPN field and our understanding of what online gamers need from a VPN, these are the most important factors to consider when selecting the best gaming VPN.
Speed
VPN speeds are the No. 1 factor to consider when choosing the best gaming VPN, because slow speeds and high latency can ruin your gaming experience. Generally, we find an internet download speed loss of 25% or less perfectly acceptable, but for gaming, you'll want as low as possible, particularly if your base internet connection isn't the fastest. Your VPN needs to be fast enough to deliver the speeds necessary to keep you in the game, especially in competitive settings. A fast VPN can even help you potentially lower your ping, depending on the VPN server you’re connecting to and the network you’re on. For instance, if you're gaming on a far-from-you online server, using a VPN server based in that region could potentially reduce ping -- but that's not a guarantee. And if you’re experiencing inadequate speeds for gaming, there are things you can try to speed up your VPN connection.
However, VPNs often introduce more ping, so before gaming with a VPN, make sure you actually need one. Be aware that connecting to VPN servers that are geographically distant from you is likely to cause connection speed slowdowns that cancel out any boosts you’ll get from evading ISP throttling.
VPN speed test data compared
ExperssVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
Windows WireGuard or equivalent | 17% | 11% | 23% | 25% |
MacOS WireGuard or equivalent | 8% | -16% | 17% | 5% |
Windows OpenVPN | 18% | 21% | 23% | 21% |
MacOS OpenVPN or equivalent | 29% | -4% | 25% | 10% |
Total | 18% | 3% | 21% | 16% |
Streaming content unblocking
Many folks use a VPN for unblocking streaming service content. You can connect to a server from a different country to circumvent geographical restrictions, such as accessing foreign Netflix and Amazon Prime Video libraries or streaming BBC iPlayer videos from outside of the UK. Make sure the VPN you select has servers in the countries that you want to stream from, a large server network of at least 100 countries and excellent geo-unblocking capabilities. You may even be able to save money by using a VPN for streaming.
Privacy
A major consideration for any VPN, regardless of the activity, is privacy. It’s important to have a VPN that can provide the necessary privacy protections to ensure your activity remains hidden and you’re safe from DDoS attacks and other threats from malicious actors while gaming. Make sure the VPN you choose has strong encryption standards and essential privacy features like DNS leak protection, a kill switch and an audited no-logs policy. At a minimum, your VPN should offer AES-256-bit encryption over the OpenVPN protocol, or ChaCha20 over WireGuard (and its equivalents).
You may want obfuscation, which attempts to hide your VPN traffic as standard web traffic, for situations where VPNs may cause issues, like on school Wi-Fi. Many VPN providers offer obfuscated servers or even proprietary obfuscation-focused VPN protocols, like NordVPN's NordWhisper or Proton VPN's Stealth.
Server network
If you want to fully optimize your gaming experience, you’ll want a VPN that has servers in a wide selection of regions around the world. This will help ensure you have a speedy, stable connection regardless of where you are in the world. At the very least, you should make sure that the VPN you choose has servers located near your physical location and close to the servers of any games you play online. Look for thousands of servers spread across around 100 or more countries for comprehensive coverage -- which is useful for streaming or travel -- but make sure your VPN has servers in your country, and in the countries of the game servers you regularly use.
Device compatibility
You want to make sure that the VPN is compatible with the platform(s) you’re gaming on. The VPNs picked are compatible with and work well on all major platforms, so any one is a solid option whether you’re gaming on your PC, Mac or mobile device. Most VPNs support Android and iOS, so you can install a VPN on your gaming phone, tablet or a handheld Android game console like the Razer Edge. You can easily run a VPN on Windows handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally X thanks to prevalent VPN Windows apps. For the Steam Deck, you'll need to use a Linux app or manually configure VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
If you’re a console gamer, you’ll need to make sure that your VPN works well on a router setup because gaming consoles don’t natively support VPN apps. With consoles like the PS5, Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch, you can either use a router or run a VPN on your computer as a makeshift router. Bear in mind that installing a VPN on your router may void its warranty. Luckily, ExpressVPN offers its Aircove and Aircove Go VPN routers, or you can buy a VPN router from FlashRouters that supports other VPN providers, like NordVPN, Surfshark or Proton VPN.
Game store and game compatibility
While you'll need to make sure your VPN supports the devices you want to play on, you'll also want to check if you're violating the terms of service of the video games you want to play and the game store you're using. Massively popular gaming platform Steam lets you use a VPN to access game servers, play games, download games and generally protect your privacy while playing. But you're prohibited from using a VPN to change your game store region to purchase titles at a lower price.
Similarly, VPNs do not violate the Epic Games Store ToS so long as you're using a VPN to improve privacy, access game servers or play games. But you could get banned if you're trying to change regions using a VPN to purchase games at a lower price, for instance. Check each specific game or gaming platform's terms of service to ensure you’re not violating subscriber agreements.
Help guides/customer support
If you’re having trouble with your VPN or have questions on how to optimize your VPN connection for gaming, it’s helpful to have a VPN that offers a robust help section along with accessible and knowledgeable customer support. Look for a VPN that has easy-to-follow setup guides for multiple platforms (including routers) and 24/7 customer support via live chat. Make sure that you have the appropriate help on hand when you need it, because responsive customer support and helpful guides can help ensure that your gaming session is not unnecessarily interrupted.
How we test VPNs for gaming
We’ve spent years testing VPNs and researching what they can accomplish for virtually any online activity to deliver a sound and trustworthy evaluation of the top gaming VPNs. We took into account each provider’s speeds, usability, privacy features, platform compatibility, server network, privacy protections and customer support to come up with our list of the best VPNs for gaming. In our benchmarking, we ran over 250 individual internet speed tests per VPN provider. We tried all major features, including the WireGuard (or equivalent) and OpenVPN VPN protocols, kill switches and split tunneling. To evaluate content unblocking capabilities, we streamed hours of movies and TV shows on services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and BBC iPlayer.
In addition to our hands-on testing of VPN apps themselves, we also pored over privacy policies to look for red flags. We contacted customer service to determine both responsiveness and helpfulness, and scoured help documents for sections on gaming-specific topics, like installing VPNs on routers or using VPNs with game consoles.
Other VPNs we tested for gaming
Mullvad
In our latest testing, Mullvad posted a reasonable speed loss of 25% -- about the maximum we want to see to consider a VPN "fast." At just $5 per month, Mullvad is pretty cost-effective, undercutting much of the competition. Its combination of wallet-friendly pricing, blazing-fast connectivity and cutting-edge privacy features makes Mullvad a solid option for gamers with serious privacy concerns. Previously, Mullvad offered port forwarding, which is a godsend for gamers trying to host game servers over their VPN. This feature has since been cut by Mullvad, citing security concerns, so be warned: While Mullvad is ideal for privacy, any feature that could potentially compromise the Mullvad team’s vision might end up on the cutting room floor.
Its network of 730 servers in 49 countries falls well below the thousands of servers in 90 to 100 countries you'll get with many VPN rivals, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark and PIA. Because of its comparatively small server network, Mullvad isn't ideal for international travel. Plus, Mullvad isn't great for streaming -- in our testing, it worked fine for Netflix and Disney Plus, but not Amazon Prime Video. In all fairness, Mullvad pitches itself as a privacy service first and foremost, so any streaming sites you get access to are just a nice bonus on top of a rock-solid VPN. Still, if you've got serious privacy concerns but need a fast yet budget-friendly VPN for gaming, Mullvad is an excellent choice.
IPVanish
IPVanish is OK for casual users, but its high 44% average internet speed loss makes it unsuitable for serious gamers. (IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) The monthly plan sets you back $13 per month. You’ll pay $40 for your first 12 months of service on the annual plan, then an astronomical $156 per year after that. A two-year subscription goes for a fairly cheap $53 for the first 24 months of service and renews at a whopping $312 total for two years of service (which breaks down to $156 a year, billed upfront). While many VPN providers restrict the number of devices you can use at once, IPVanish flaunts unlimited simultaneous connections.
IPVanish’s apps are uncomplicated, working equally well for beginners and seasoned tech enthusiasts alike. With a VPN enabled, IPVanish’s speed loss is significantly higher than ExpressVPN and NordVPN -- its unpredictable speeds make it a tough sell for video gamers who demand low lag. But IPVanish’s servers pepper 108 countries, which is in line with providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton and Surfshark. Once promotional pricing runs out after a year or two (depending on your plan), IPVanish's prices are underwhelming, considering its uneven upload/download speeds. With its middling connection speeds, average pricing and borderline extortionate auto-renewal price hikes, other VPN providers outstrip IPVanish for gaming -- and general use.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a capable, budget-friendly alternative to Surfshark. If you’re looking for something even cheaper than Surfshark, then PIA is worth considering. But be warned that PIA’s speeds were substantially slower than other VPNs -- we measured a 48% average download speed loss in our 2025 testing. Its network of servers spans 91 countries -- which is slightly fewer than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark. Its sluggish speed loss means PIA isn't the best gaming VPN -- or ideal for streaming videos, either.
What’s most useful to gamers is that you can tweak the level of encryption for your connection, so you can dial in the perfect balance of speed and privacy for your gaming session. As a gamer, the features we're most excited about from PIA are the dedicated IP add-on and access to port forwarding. PIA lets you anonymously buy a token, which you can redeem for a dedicated IP address. This gives you the benefits of a static IP that only you can use while still maintaining privacy and security through PIA’s server infrastructure. When combined with port forwarding, other gamers can connect to any service you host through PIA’s network, including game servers. While NordVPN offers similar functionality by allowing you to enroll other players through Meshnet, the difference with PIA is that you can host a public game server that anyone can connect to for long periods of time without needing to update your IP address.
PIA works well across all major platforms, including Linux. In fact, PIA is amongst the few VPNs that offer a fully-fledged GUI Linux client, which keeps feature parity with Windows and MacOS. It's also very affordable compared to most VPN providers, at $12 per month or $40 for the first year (then $50 annually upon renewal) or $79 total for three years.