Best VPNs for CS:GO in 2024 (Low Ping + Unblock)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is the fourth installment of the wildly popular online FPS. In a game where every millisecond counts, experiencing lag due to high ping and latency can ruin your entire match. This is becoming increasingly common due to DDoS attacks initiated by hackers. Some CS: GO features, like loot boxes, may also be unavailable in your country. Not to mention that the game is very competitive, and bot lobbies are difficult to find.

Thankfully, all of these issues can be easily solved by using a premium VPN. Aside from reducing your lag, it will also improve your security and allow you to bypass bans and regional restrictions.

However, since there are tons of VPNs on the market today, finding the right one for the job is challenging. We’ve painstakingly gone through dozens of services and located the four best CS: GO VPNs. Here are the top performers based on the latest test results:

1. NordVPN – The ultimate VPN for CS: GO with very fast speeds, advanced security, and a global server network (use our coupon for 74% off)
2. Surfshark – Budget premium VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. 
3. ExpressVPN – Reliable and highly secure CS: GO VPN available on most modern devices. 
4. IPVanish – User-friendly and blazing-fast VPN for Counter-Strike that provides low ping and latency. 

We will do an overview of each service in just a bit. For now, let's explain what VPNs do.

How CS: GO VPN works

By connecting to a VPN server, you will gain a new IP address, fooling the algorithm into thinking that's where you are located. This will allow you to connect to many CS: GO servers that would otherwise be restricted.

Once you connect to a VPN server, all of your outgoing data will become encrypted. This is a process through which a VPN prevents third parties and hackers from accessing your private information.

Here is how you can set up your VPN for CS: GO on your computer.

1. Subscribe to a high-end CS: GO VPN
   
   In our opinion, NordVPN will give you the best results (use our coupon for a 74% discount).
2. Download and install it on your PC.
3. Log in or create a VPN account.
4. Join any VPN server you want. 

Benefits of Using a VPN for CS: GO

• Prevent DDoS – DDoS attacks are common in Counter-Strike, especially if you are a server host. Aside from slowing down your speed, they can also disconnect you from the server. You can quickly stop these attacks by using a VPN with advanced encryption.
• Access Restricted Servers – Depending on your location, some of the servers will be unavailable. However, you can use a premium VPN to connect to another country and access them. This will allow you to play CS: GO with your friends even if they're on the other side of the world.
• Play Counter-Strike in School & at Work – With a high-end VPN, you can keep playing even while using restricted networks without anyone realizing it.
• Avoid Speed Throttling – Your ISP might slow down your connection when it sees that you are using a lot of bandwidth. Since a CS: GO VPN can obscure your traffic, you can continue playing without experiencing lag due to lower speed.
• Lift IP Bans – A premium VPN will give you a new IP address that you can use to connect to servers that banned your IP.

Criteria for Ranking the Best VPNs for CS: GO

With hundreds of VPN services on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one if you don't know what you are looking for. Here is a list of criteria we've used to separate the wheat from the chaff.

• Blazing Speed – Since CS: GO is a competitive shooter, we prioritize VPNs that use advanced protocols, such as WireGuard or NordLynx. They provide fast speeds and instant server connection, giving you an edge over your opponents. Every service on this list is a top no-lag VPN.
• Worldwide Network of Servers – Every VPN we will cover provides thousands of servers to connect to. This will maximize your chances of getting a great connection, regardless of location.
• Total Privacy – We focused on no-logs VPNs that have RAM servers. This will ensure that your private information is deleted from the server every time they restart.
• Airtight Security – We searched for services that use AES 256 encryption. They also pack advanced features like a kill switch, leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC), and split tunneling.
• User-Friendly Interface – We ensured that every CS: GO VPN has an intuitive UI that anyone can master.
• Simultaneous Connections – Since most users want to protect multiple devices at once, we looked for VPNs that can handle multiple connections simultaneously.
• Affordable & Packed with Features – The best VPN will offer a cheap subscription without sacrificing its quality.

NordVPN – The Best VPN for CS: GO

NordVPN is easily our favorite CS: GO VPN. It provides a global network with 6,300+ servers in 111 countries placed in important locations. These servers work with many advanced protocols: IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx.

NordLynx is the ideal choice when it comes to Counter-Strike. This is an iteration of the popular WireGuard VPN protocol that provides instant connection, low latency, and impressive speeds. To see how good it really is, we've completed many speed tests in our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison. We frequently achieved speeds over 750 Mbps in combination with very low ping. As such, we believe NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming on the market.

Of course, speed is just one piece of the puzzle. Airtight security is also very important, and this is where NordVPN excels. It uses AES 256-GCM encryption to secure your outgoing traffic and neutralize DDoS attacks. This is a no-logs VPN powered by RAM servers, meaning your data will be automatically deleted from the servers, ensuring privacy. By subscribing, you will also get access to advanced features like leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch.

NordVPN successfully completed multiple independent audits, securing its status in the industry. Cure53 performed a thorough pen test, confirming this service has an impressive security status. Another critical test was done by Deloitte, which went through NordVPN's no-logs policy. The results were rather remarkable.

NordVPN Premium Tools

• Double VPN Servers: Connect through multiple servers to double your encryption at the expense of speed. The same feature is also present on Surfshark and ProtonVPN.
• Onion over VPN Servers: Lets you use Tor in combination with NordVPN for ultimate online security. Keep in mind that this will significantly affect your speed, so you shouldn't use this for gaming. However, Onion servers are perfect if you want to use your VPN for the Dark Web.
• Split Tunneling – With a split tunneling VPN, you can control what applications can connect to NordVPN. To significantly improve your security, you can make an exclusive tunnel just for CS: GO.
• Dedicated IP VPN: This feature will provide you with an exclusive IP address, guaranteeing your online security. NordVPN's dedicated IP will cost you extra.
• SmartPlay (Smart DNS): Allows you to use NordVPN on consoles and similar devices that don't have VPN support. Smart DNS will let you unlock geo-restricted servers and access popular streaming platforms, but it won't give you encryption.
• Obfuscation: Allows you to fully conceal your VPN traffic from third parties. It is essential if you are living in an oppressive country. In fact, many people use it as a preferred VPN for China. Unfortunately, obfuscation is not useful when playing CS: GO, as it will slow down your speed.
• VPN Proxy – A minimalistic yet powerful browser extension available on Firefox, Edge, and Chrome. 
• Threat Protection – A scanner that looks for and neutralizes malware and trackers. It's also useful for blocking intrusive ads and suspicious websites.
• Meshnet – Serves as a virtual network through which you can connect up to 60 users without connecting directly to the Internet. You can use Meshnet to securely host CS: GO LAN parties. 
• VPN Kill Switch – The last line of defense that will prevent your sensitive information from leaking online by turning off your Wi-Fi.

See all NordVPN features here >

NordVPN is available on most modern devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. You can also avoid tedious setup by installing it on your router and connecting devices directly. This way, you can install NordVPN on PS5 and other gaming devices. It is an ideal VPN for Warzone, allowing you to quickly find bot lobbies. 

A single subscription will allow you to connect 10 devices simultaneously, which is pretty decent. If you get stuck, you can always contact NordVPN's 24/7 support team through live chat. Since this is a top free trial VPN, you will also get a 30-day refund guarantee if you take a longer subscription. This will allow you to thoroughly vet the service and see if it suits your needs.

There's always more to learn, so head on to our NordVPN review. This NordVPN for Gaming guide will show you how to install it on various gaming platforms.

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Surfshark – Affordable Premium CS: GO VPN

Surfshark is an excellent option if you are searching for a budget VPN. It has 3,200+ fast servers in 100 countries, so you can easily find an optimized connection for playing CS: GO. This VPN supports many protocols, most importantly WireGuard, which will give you an edge while gaming. Its speed is virtually identical to NordLynx, and you can look at our results in this NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison. However, we found that NordVPN has an advantage regarding consistency of performance, especially on remote servers. We would still recommend Surfshark as the best cheap VPN service.

This is a no-logs VPN that operates exclusively on RAM servers. This is important to note because it ensures that you will get total privacy and that its servers won't store your data. Surfshark uses AES 256 encryption to protect you from hackers playing Counter-Strike. There are also other important security features, like kill switch and split tunneling.

Surfshark also passed multiple independent audits. Cure53 tested its servers, with results showing that they are very secure. This VPN went for full transparency by posting its warrant canary on the website. Warrant canary tracks all received requests for data disclosure, whether from the government or other services. Currently, no such requests have been made.

Surfshark Premium Features

• Dynamic Multi-Hop: A variation of double VPN servers that is completely customizable.
• NoBorders: Lets you freely use Surfshark even if you are connected to a restricted network. Because of this, it is an ideal VPN for UAE and Dubai.
• Nexus Technology: Frequently switches your IP without disconnecting you to improve your security status.
• Clean Web: A powerful VPN ad-blocker that will also stop trackers and malware from infecting your computer.
• VPN Proxy
• Obfuscated Servers
• Split Tunneling
• Kill Switch
• Smart DNS

See all Surfshark features here >

Many players use Surfshark for gaming, and it is among the most popular VPNs for Modern Warfare 3. You can install it on nearly every modern platform, including routers. This will allow you to set it up on consoles, which aren't supported by default. You can also use Surfshark to unlock all cloud gaming platforms, making it a great VPN for GeForce Now. This VPN has a minimalistic, user-friendly interface that anyone can master within minutes.

With its price starting from $2.19/month, Surfshark is very affordable. This doesn't mean it sacrifices on the quality, as you can also make unlimited simultaneous connections.

As expected, its customer service is available 24/7, and you can get it via live chat. If you are unsure, you can try it out for a month without risking anything, as there's a 30-day refund guarantee.

Read our complete Surfshark review to get the full picture of the service. If you want to learn how to install it on various platforms, check out this guide on Surfshark for Gaming.

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ExpressVPN – Secure and Consistent VPN Service

ExpressVPN is another premium VPN service worth considering. It hosts 3,000+ servers across 105 countries in key locations worldwide. They can be accessed via 4 protocols: IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Open VPN, and Lightway. 

While Lightway is a direct competitor to WireGuard, it is much slower. During our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison, we got 330 Mbps, which is a significant speed reduction. While it was still enough for us to play CS: GO without any problems, gamers with lower base speed might not be so lucky. In that case, we would rather use it for less competitive games. For example, it is one of the best VPNs for Minecraft.

The situation is much better when it comes to security. ExpressVPN uses a combination of AES 256 encryption to ensure your security. It also follows a strict no-logs policy and has RAM servers powered by TrustedServer technology.

ExpressVPN may be the safest VPN available, as it has completed dozens of audits. Cure53 did an extensive pen test on Lightway with impressive results. KPMG checked its privacy policy, finding that it is successfully implemented.  

ExpressVPN Premium Tools

• VPN Proxy – A powerful minimalistic browser extension that makes this an ideal VPN for Chrome.
• Smart Location – Will connect you to the best server you can get based on your location.
• Device Groups – Connect every device to a separate server at the same time.
• Obfuscation
• Threat Manager ad blocker
• Media Streamer (Smart DNS)
• IPv6 Leak Protection
• Network Lock (Kill Switch)
• Split Tunneling

See all ExpressVPN features here >>

This VPN has strong cross-platform support, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Router installation is also supported, and you can even purchase ExpressVPN's Aircove model, which is ready to use out of the box.

ExpressVPN allows you to create eight connections simultaneously, which is enough for most users. If you think this is a bit low, you should look at Surfshark and IPVanish instead.

The 30-day money-back guarantee means you will have plenty of time to test this VPN on CS: GO. If you encounter any issues, you can get help from customer support 24/7 through live chat.

There's more to learn, so head on to our ExpressVPN review. We've also prepared this ExpressVPN for Gaming article to guide you through the setup process.

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IPVanish – Very Fast US-Based CS: GO VPN

IPVanish is another CS: GO VPN that you should consider. It offers a solid network of over 2,000 servers located in 50+ countries. It supports three VPN protocols – IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard, the latter being the most useful for gaming.

During our speed tests, we’ve come close to 830 Mbps on a Seattle server, making this one of the fastest VPNs we've yet encountered. This is why many gamers use it as one of the go-to VPNs for PUBG. Still, in our IPVanish vs NordVPN comparison, we’ve found that its speed varies significantly based on server distance.

This VPN provides you with AES 256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, which is a standard level of protection for a premium VPN. You can also gain anonymity by switching to OpenVPN and activating Scramble, but this will have some effect on your speed.

Nevertheless, IPVanish is still located in the US, a member of the 5-Eyes alliance. Many see this as problematic, but we haven't found any negative reports, although this VPN completed many independent audits.

IPVanish Premium Features

• SOCKS5 Proxy: Gives you a faster connection but without encryption. Extremely useful if you need a VPN for torrenting. 
• Obfuscation (Scramble)
• Kill Switch
• Split Tunneling
• DNS and IPv6 Leak Protection

See all IPVanish features here > 

Besides using it on your PC for CS: GO, IPVanish also has an app for tablets, smartphones, and routers. This is a perfect VPN for multiple devices because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. IPVanish is also an ideal VPN for Steam, as you can use it to play geo-restricted games or buy them at a discounted price.

A responsive 24/7 customer support can solve all your problems, and you can contact them through live chat. You'll also get a 30-day refund guarantee with 1-year and 2-year subscription plans.

For more details, take a look at our IPVanish review.

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How to Get the Most out of Your CS: GO VPN

• Utilize Advanced VPN Protocols – NordLynx, Lightway, and WireGuard will provide you with minimal ping and latency, fast speeds, and instant server connection. All of this will give you an edge in competitive games like CS: GO. 
• Frequently Update your VPN – Premium VPNs constantly roll out updates that will strengthen your security and improve your overall performance. So, it's important to always check for updates.
• Find Ideal VPN Servers – Connect to a server closest to your location or near a gaming server. This will improve your chances of finding a great connection. Before jumping into CS: GO, you should also do a speed test to ensure optimal speed.
• Avoid Obfuscation – Although they will give you anonymity, obfuscated servers will slow you down, so you shouldn't use them when gaming. 
• Exit Unnecessary Applications – Apps like BitTorrent can drain your bandwidth in the background without you realizing it. It's always best to disable all apps that you don't need while using a VPN. 
• Enable Advanced Security Tools – It's important to protect yourself from hackers and disruptive DDoS attacks while playing Counter Strike. That's why you should make sure that your kill switch, split tunneling, and leak protection features are all enabled. 

Installing a CS: GO VPN on Gaming Consoles

Counter-Strike is also available on PS3 and Xbox One, both of which don't have a VPN support. Luckily, there are still a few ways in which you can protect your consoles and get a competitive advantage.

1. Setting up a CS: GO VPN on a Router

This is definitely the most convenient way to protect your consoles, as it also allows you to quickly connect any additional device.

1. Find out if your router supports VPN firmware.
   
   NordVPN has an extensive list of compatible routers. You can also check out Surfshark’s router list, which is similar to ExpressVPN-friendly routers. Lastly, there's also an IPVanish router list.
2. Locate your router's IP address.
   
   Generally, you can find it on the sticker on the back side of your router. If it isn't there, you can Google: “control panel IP address for *insert your router model* “.
3. Paste router's IP into your browser to open Control Panel.
4. Install your CS: GO VPN on a router.
   
   Since there isn't one way to do this, we can't give you an exact step-by-step process. You will want to head on to your VPNs page and search for a specific tutorial for your router model.
5. Restart your router and PC.
6. Use a VPN for CS: GO on your console to gain a competitive advantage.

2. Creating a Virtual Router

You can also use your computer to make a virtual router. This example will show you how to connect your VPN to your Xbox.

1. Download and install your CS: GO VPN on your PC.
2. Register and log in with your user credentials.
3. Visit Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

4. Head to Connections and click on your VPN protocol to open Properties.

5. Go to Sharing and tick the box at the top.

6. Go to Home Networking Connection and locate your Xbox connection.
7. Use an ethernet cable to connect your Xbox to your PC.
   
   Wi-Fi connection is too slow and unreliable to use for competitive shooters like CS: GO.
8. Use CS: GO VPN to get a faster connection and find bot lobbies.

3. Creating a SmartDNS Connection on PS3

It is also possible to use SmartDNS to access new CS: GO servers. However, this wouldn't be our first option since your data won't be encrypted, meaning that you may experience a DDoS attack while gaming. Still, this is a fairly straightforward method, so we decided to keep it in. All you have to do is…

1. Install a VPN for CS: GO.
   
   For this example, we will use NordVPN.
2. Open your browser and access NordVPN's dashboard.
3. Go to Smart DNS> Enable > Activate SmartDNS.
   
   You will have to confirm this choice through your email.

4. Start your PlayStation 3 and go to Settings > Network Settings > Internet Connection Settings.
   
   And select the network that you wish to connect.

5. Setting method should be on Custom.
6. On IP Address Setting menu, choose Manual.
7. Input your IP and Primary and Secondary DNS you've received from NordVPN.

8. MTU should be left at Automatic.
9. For Proxy Server, put in Do Not Use.
10. Enable UPnP and save all changes.
11. Start using SmartDNS on your gaming console!

Fixing Your VPN for CS: GO

Technical issues are always possible, no matter which VPN you’re using. We’ll list the most common scenarios and their solutions.

1. New IP Address won’t Work

Many things can cause this issue.

To start, visit your VPN’s Settings and make sure that all Leak Protection features are enabled.

Some background apps, like uTorrent, will inadvertently reveal your location. A good rule of thumb is always exiting unnecessary apps when using a CS: GO VPN. 

If this problem arises when surfing the Internet, it is likely caused by tracking cookies. Although useful for shopping, they will reveal your identity even if you are using a premium VPN. 

Fixing this is very simple and requires removing cookies and clearing your browser cache. Here is how you can do this on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

2. Can't Connect to a VPN Server

The most common cause for this issue is your firewall. You can test if this is the case by creating a VPN firewall exception. 

For Windows users, the process is simple:

1. Visit Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Go to Change Settings and locate your VPN in the list.
   
   It’s important to tick the box that says Public. If you can’t find your VPN, select Allow another app and press Add once you find it.
4. Click OK to confirm all of the changes.

Mac users will have to follow this Apple firewall guide.

Playing CS: GO with a Free VPN

Although it is possible to play CS:GO with a free VPN, this is far from ideal. Most of them will only infuriate you and cause more problems due to their limitations. Here are the biggest downsides to using them.

1. Limited Server Network

Due to budget constraints, free VPNs simply can't manage a global server network. They have to settle for fewer locations, increasing your chances of encountering overcrowded servers. If that happens, you will either experience higher ping and latency or get disconnected from the server. 

2. Tight  Bandwidth Limit

Free VPNs usually limit the monthly bandwidth to lessen the load on their servers. The best-case scenario means you’ll have ~5GB of bandwidth, which won't be enough if you want to frequently use this VPN for CS:GO. Once you pass the limit, you will have to wait for the whole month before you can use it again.

3. Poor VPN Protocols

Free VPNs are limited to outdated protocols like OpenVPN and PPTP, which can't provide very fast or highly secure connections. Unlike NordLynx or WireGuard, they won't keep you safe from DDoS attacks, leaving you at the mercy of hackers.

4. Holes in Security

Most free VPN services have severe privacy and security issues. For proof, just take a look at this study of 270+ free mobile VPNs. It found that: 

• 18% of free VPNs don't offer encryption
• More than 38% of the VPNs were infected with malware
• 66% of services had terrible DNS protection
• 75% of free VPN apps contained trackers
• 84% of them had subpar IPv6 protection

Currently, we don't have any evidence to believe that the situation is different on other devices. Unfortunately, many free VPNs provide terrible service and are primarily concerned with extracting and selling user data to ad agencies. This is in direct contrast to what premium VPNs do.

If you’re still insistent on using a free service for CS: GO, it's best to take a look at these 7 free VPNs. While we wouldn’t use them for gaming, they are still the best you can get without paying. However, we would get one of the top free trial VPNs instead.

Conclusion

Getting a VPN for CS: GO is the best way to protect yourself against DDoS attacks and enhance your gaming experience. It will help you bypass geo-restrictions and lift IP bans so that you can connect to any server that has banned you in the past.

After hours of testing, we’ve concluded that the best VPN for CS: GO is NordVPN. It provides a vast global server network, blazing speeds, and military-grade encryption that will shield you from hackers. With it, you will easily gain a competitive advantage over your opponents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The article on the Best VPNs for CS: GO was last edited on April 14, 2024.