ExpressVPN for Gaming: Does it Work Well in 2024?

This article will explain why you should consider using ExpressVPN for gaming and show you many ways to set it up on your device.

Gamers around the world have recognized ExpressVPN as a very promising premium VPN. It can easily minimize ping and latency while bringing fast speeds, enabling you to enjoy fast-paced gaming across all of your devices. Because of this, we believe it is one of the best VPNs for Gaming.

Whether you’re gunning for victory in a Battle Royale or outmaneuvering opponents in LoL, a sudden lag or disconnection can spell disaster. With ExpressVPN, you’ll enjoy a reliable VPN connection and protection against DDoS attacks that can disrupt your gaming. But, the question remains – “Just how good is ExpressVPN really?“.

This guide will examine all aspects of this service, from speed to security and overall performance, in order to reach a definitive conclusion. It's time to jump right in and see everything that ExpressVPN has to offer.

Key points for gaming with ExpressVPN

• ExpressVPN offers a stable and fast connection that will reduce your ping and improve your in-game performance. It is one of the best No-Lag VPNs around.
• This is a premium no-logs VPN that provides 3,000+ RAM servers around the world.

• It uses high-end AES 256 encryption that protects your outgoing traffic and prevents disruptive DDoS attacks.

• ExpressVPN is compatible with all gaming devices and you can install it on a router to protect your consoles.
• This gaming VPN can hold 8 simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect your whole home network.
• For the best deal on ExpressVPN, use our 49% off coupon.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you connect to one of its servers around the world to hide your IP address. Connecting to a VPN server encrypts your data, preventing hackers or any other party from accessing your sensitive information. Sufficiently powerful encryption will also neutralize DDoS attacks, which hackers use to disrupt your gaming by slowing you down or kicking you from a server. With ExpressVPN, you can also expect low ping at all times.

What is Ping?

In gaming, ping refers to the time it takes for your system to respond to an action, such as pressing a button or moving a joystick. A low ping rate ensures a fast, stable, and accurate connection to the game’s server, resulting in minimal delay and smoother gameplay. We recommend relying on the ExpressVPN Smart Location feature, as it will connect you to the most optimal gaming server.

Why Pick ExpressVPN for Gaming?

An important question to ask is whether will ExpressVPN make a difference while gaming or just be a waste of your money. Here are all of the benefits you can expect by subscribing to this premium VPN:

• Secure Gaming Experience – ExpressVPN protects all of your outgoing data with AES-256 encryption, preventing DDoS and other types of cyberattacks. Its Threat Manager easily eliminates trackers, malware, and annoying ads. To protect its user's privacy, it offers multiple data leak protection tools and a powerful kill switch (Network Lock). With these tools, you will be safe even if you are gaming on public Wi-Fi.
• Improved Speed – Frequent gaming uses a lot of bandwidth, which might prompt your ISP to slow down your connection. This can significantly affect your gaming experience by causing lag at the worst moments. Using ExpressVPN will prevent ISP throttling, ensuring low ping and latency so that you can continue gaming without issues.
• Unlimited Bandwidth – There are no monthly caps while using ExpressVPN, so you can download and play as many games as you'd like.
• Gain Access to Restricted Games – Unfortunately, not all games are available everywhere. As an example, Indian gamers were unable to play PUBG for a long time. Coincidentally, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for PUBG. Thanks to its vast server network, you can choose from 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and bypass any region restrictions.
• Support for all Gaming Devices – ExpressVPN is available on most modern platforms, like tablets, smartphones, and PCs. Consoles like PlayStation 5, Quest 2, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox Series X/S can be protected by installing this VPN on your router. ExpressVPN is a top GeForce Now VPN, so you can even use it to unlock cloud gaming.
• Multiple Simultaneous Connections – ExpressVPN can hold 8 simultaneous connections, which should be enough to completely protect most home networks.
• Maintain Your Privacy – This no-logs VPN uses TrustedServer technology to erase all user data from its servers with each reboot. Also, since every server provides obfuscation, you can use ExpressVPN without anyone knowing.
• Powerful Smart DNS – If your router doesn't support VPNs, you can use the MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature to unblock restricted games on your gaming console. However, it won't encrypt your connection, so your security will still have some weak points.
• Money-Back Guarantee – If ExpressVPN didn't impress you, you can use its 30-day refund policy to get your money back.
• Responsive Customer Service – You can contact a support team 24/7 through live chat.

See all ExpressVPN features here >

ExpressVPN Subscription Price

ExpressVPN's annual subscription starts at $6.67/month. You can also get it for six months ($9.99/month) or a single month ($12.95). Every subscription includes a 30-day refund policy, so you can try it out without fully committing.

This is a bit more expensive than other premium VPNs we've covered. However, keep in mind that ExpressVPN went through the most independent audits out of every VPN we've encountered, which is a testament to its quality. This subscription also includes access to its excellent router firmware.

How to use ExpressVPN While Gaming

Setting up ExpressVPN for gaming is slightly different on each platform, so we will provide a short tutorial for each device.

1. PC Gaming with ExpressVPN

Since we want a smooth performance with low ping, it’s important to pick a good server location. When configuring ExpressVPN, you should choose a server close to your real location or to the gaming server you’re connecting to.

Here’s how to set up ExpressVPN for a computer in a few steps:

1. Subscribe and download ExpressVPN’s app (get a discount with our 49% off coupon).
2. Install the VPN app on your computer.
3. Start ExpressVPN and register or log in by using your credentials.
4. Choose any country you want and connect to a VPN server.
   
   If you’re not sure which server to use, simply click the VPN on button. This will activate ExpressVPN’s Smart Location feature, which will choose the best VPN server for you based on the speed, distance, and latency.

5. Start gaming with ExpressVPN on your computer.

2. Gaming on Smartphones with ExpressVPN

By using ExpressVPN, you can easily switch regions and catch rare Pokemon in Pokemon Go. Setting up is also very simple on both iOS and Android. All it takes is for you to follow these steps:

1. Download ExpressVPN on the App Store or Google Play.

2. Run ExpressVPN and register or log in with your username and password.
3. Connect to a VPN server in any country you want.

For best performance and security, you should use either IKEv2 or Lightway VPN protocol.

3. Using ExpressVPN on Xbox

To use ExpressVPN for gaming on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, you can create a mobile hotspot on your PC. Luckily, this is not as complicated as it sounds.

1. Connect your computer and Xbox via an ethernet cable.
2. Sign in to ExpressVPN on your PC.
3. Find and connect to a VPN server for gaming.
4. Right-click on the Windows icon, click on Search, and open Mobile Hotspot.
5. Enable Mobile Hotspot.

6. Next, click on Status > Change Adapter options, and find your ExpressVPN Tap Adapter.
7. Right-click on it and select Properties.

8. Click on Sharing and tick the box that says Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.

9. In the Home Networking Connection window, select your hotspot and click OK.
10. On your Xbox, go to Settings > Test Network Connection to pair it with ExpressVPN.

11. Start playing games on your Xbox with ExpressVPN.

There are other methods of setting up a VPN on your Xbox. You can check them out by reading our best VPNs for Xbox guide.

4. ExpressVPN for gaming on PlayStation 4

Setting up ExpressVPN on the PlayStation 4 is quite fast if you decide to use its SmartDNS feature – MediaStreamer.

1. Visit this website and find out your IPv4 address.
2. Sign in to ExpressVPN.
3. Open DNS Settings to register your IP address.

4. Visit the ExpressVPN setup page and copy your DNS IP

5. Start your PS4, and go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.

6. Choose if you want to use a Wi-Fi or LAN Cable.
   
   For the best performance, select a cabled connection.
7. Select that you want to make a Custom Internet connection.
8. Choose Automatic under IP Address Settings.

9. Select Do Not Specify for your DHCP Host Name.

10. Manually set up your DNS Settings

11. Input ExpressVPN's DNS IP address for Primary DNS and click Next.
    
    Secondary DNS should remain the same.

5. Using Media Streamer for gaming on PlayStation 5

ExpressVPN is also an excellent VPN for PS5. The setup process is similar to the one we've just mentioned:

1. Complete steps 1-4 from our PlayStation 4 guide.
2. Turn on your PlayStation 5 and select a gear icon in the top right corner.

3. Go to Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection

4. Pick the network that you use for your PS5 and click Advanced Settings.

5. Configure your DNS connection
   
   Make sure that everything is set up like in the picture below. For Primary DNS, enter a DNS server IP number you've received from ExpressVPN. Secondary DNS should be left as is. Once done, confirm changes by clicking OK.

6. Start gaming with ExpressVPN on your PS5

Setting up a gaming router with ExpressVPN

If you want to avoid setting up ExpressVPN on multiple platforms, you can just install it directly onto your router and connect all of your devices to it.

1. Make sure that your router supports ExpressVPN
   
   ExpressVPN also sells Aircove routers which are ready to use straight out of the box.
2. Find your router's IP
   
   It is usually located on the sticker at the back of your router. If it is missing, you can also Google “Control Panel IP address for *insert router model*”.
3. Copy/Paste the IP address to your browser tab
   
   This will open your router's Control Panel.
4. Locate the VPN settings
   
   This will depend on the type of router you use. Generally, you should find it by heading to Security (Advanced) > Administration > Router Update.
5. Download ExpressVPN Firmware
   
   Make sure that you select the correct router from the drop-down menu and click on Download Firmware.

6. Enable ExpressVPN on your router
   
   This step will vary depending on your router model. Luckily, ExpressVPN provides detailed guides for Netgear, Linksys, and Asus routers.
7. Connect your devices to your router
   
   If you have a gaming console, make sure to use an ethernet cable.
8. Enjoy gaming with ExpressVPN!

Note: If you get stuck at any step, we recommend that you get in touch with ExpressVPN's customer service. It is available 24/7 via live chat.

Optimizing Gaming with ExpressVPN

Setting up ExpressVPN is just the first step. To enhance your gaming sessions, you will want to implement these tips:

• Use Close VPN Servers – With them, you will generally get the best speeds, along with minimal ping and latency. If you ain't sure what server to connect to, just use the ExpressVPN Smart Location feature.
• Test Your Speed – You should perform a speed test every time you join a new server. This allows you to immediately see if there's a problem with your connection and lets you avoid mid-game frustration due to high ping.
• Choose WireGuard – WireGuard is one of the most advanced VPN protocols on the market. It offers an instant connection to servers, top security, and amazing speeds. Basically, WireGuard is ideal for gamers. See the best WireGuard VPNs here.
• Avoid Obfuscation – Obfuscated servers will slow down your speed, so it is best to ignore them while gaming. The only exception is if you are living under a regime that employs strict censorship, like when using a VPN for China or VPN in UAE.
• Get a Wired Connection – If you are using ExpressVPN on your gaming console, you should use your ethernet cable. It will give you a much faster and more reliable connection than regular Wi-Fi.
• Enable Security Feature – To protect yourself from DDoS attacks and other types of threats, your kill switch and other leak protection features should always be on. For extra security, you can use split-tunneling to create an exclusive VPN connection just for gaming.
• Exit Unnecessary Apps – Background applications like BitTorrent can consume a lot of bandwidth and negatively affect your gaming.
• Update ExpressVPN Frequently – A new update may fix security weak points or further optimize your connection. Therefore, you should always download the latest client version available.

Potential Issues while Gaming with ExpressVPN

Although ExpressVPN is a high-end service, you may still experience an occasional hiccup. Here is a list of the most common problems users experience, along with their solutions.

1. Very Slow Speed

This can generally be solved very quickly. To start, experiment by connecting to different servers and then running speed tests. You should also try restarting ExpressVPN and selecting a different VPN protocol. If you want to use this VPN on your gaming console, forget about Wi-Fi and only use a cabled connection.

2. Can't Connect to a Server

This is a common problem for PC users and is usually tied to a firewall. You can see if this is the case by temporarily disabling it or creating an exception for ExpressVPN. To access the firewall on Windows, visit Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

You shouldn't turn off your firewall for an extended period of time, as this will leave you vulnerable to potential threats.

3. New IP Doesn’t Work

In this case, a background application, like BitTorrent, is likely revealing your real identity. This is why we recommend exiting all unnecessary apps while using any VPN. Keep in mind that your browser may also contain tracking cookies that can be used to pinpoint your location. Luckily, you can easily clear them on your Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.

If these solutions don't work, here is a list of VPN tests that you can do. Or, you can get in touch with ExpressVPN customer service, which is available 24/7 through live chat.

Other Gaming VPNs

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a great gaming VPN with 6,300+ servers in 111 countries. It follows a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM servers, which means that your sensitive data won't be saved on its servers. NordVPN will scramble your outgoing traffic with AES-256 encryption, making it unreadable to third parties trying to monitor your online behavior.

This VPN supports NordLynx protocol, a powerful version of the WireGuard protocol. It is perfect for gaming as it will provide you with an instant connection, solid security, and blazing speeds. As such, it is a top VPN for Call of Duty.

NordVPN lets you hold 10 simultaneous connections and is available on almost every modern device, including routers. It also has a Smart DNS feature, so you can use it on your PlayStation or Xbox even if it isn't supported by your router.

To find out more about this service, you should read our NordVPN review or this NordVPN gaming guide. We also made an in-depth NordVPN for PS5 tutorial.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is perfect for those needing a powerful gaming no-logs VPN on a budget. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, and you can use it on PlayStation and Xbox with SmartDNS. Its network has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

Surfshark provides AES-256 encryption to protect you from DDoS attacks. This is coupled with numerous leak protection features that ensure your identity doesn't leak online. Surfshark relies on WireGuard protocol to provide fast gaming speeds. Aside from being cheap, it is also an excellent VPN for Streaming.

If you want to learn more about this budget VPN, check out our Surfshark review or alternatively our Surfshark for Gaming article. See how well it compares with ExpressVPN in this Surfshark vs ExpressVPN report.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a gaming VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong cross-platform support. It has a network of over 2,000 servers in 50+ countries, so you should be able to easily find ideal gaming servers.

IPVanish follows a no-logs policy and uses AES-256 encryption to protect its users. It also supports WireGuard and is one of the fastest VPNs we've ever tested. It also provides very low latency, which makes it a perfect pick if you are looking for one of the best VPNs for CS:GO. The only downside is that IPVanish is based in the US, which is somewhat problematic privacy jurisdiction.

In case you're interested you can read our IPVanish review for more info. We've also done an ExpressVPN vs IPVanish comparison.

Final words

In the world of online gaming, every second counts, and ExpressVPN has proved itself as a solid gaming VPN. It has a vast network with many fast servers that also provide consistent performance on both close and remote servers. This VPN also offers robust security features, including AES 256 encryption, split tunneling, and kill switch.

With ExpressVPN, you can quickly access bot lobbies and unlock restricted games and gaming platforms. In fact, it is a top VPN for Steam and is compatible with nearly every gaming device if you set it up on your router.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional esports player, ExpressVPN can significantly enhance your gaming. With its risk-free trial and money-back guarantee, you can start using ExpressVPN today and experience the difference firsthand.

Other VPN Gaming Guides

• Best VPN for Modern Warfare 3
• Best VPNs for Dota 2
• Best VPNs for GTA Online
• Best VPNs for LoL
• Best VPNs for Minecraft
• Best VPNs for Roblox
• Best VPNs for WoW
• Best VPNs for Quest 2
• Setting up a Meta Quest VPN
• Best VPNs for Warzone
• Best VPNs for Warzone Mobile
• Best VPNs for FFXIV

ExpressVPN FAQ

The “ExpressVPN for Gaming” article was last edited on April 22, 2024.