Best VPNs for CS:GO in 2025 (Low Ping + Unblock)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is the fourth installment of the wildly popular Counter-Strike 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. And that's not the only problem.

Some CS:GO features, like loot boxes, may be unavailable in your country. Not to mention that the game is very competitive, and bot lobbies may be difficult to find in your country. Thankfully, all of these issues can be easily solved by using a VPN that works with CS:GO. 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. We will do an overview of each service in just a bit. For now, let's explain what VPNs do.

How CS:GO VPNs work

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 the data flowing between your device and the internet will be encrypted. As a result, 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 VPN from our list of the best ones.
2. Download and install the VPN app 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 attacks — 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.
• Access Restricted Servers — Depending on your location, some of the CS:GO 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 near-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 audited no-logs VPNs that have RAM-only 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.

Our picks for the best CS:GO VPNs

Here are the four VPNs we recommend for use with CS:GO:

1. NordVPN — The ultimate VPN for CS:GO with very fast speeds, advanced security, and a global server network (use our coupon for 77% off)
2. Surfshark — Budget premium VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Visit site >
3. ExpressVPN — Reliable and highly secure CS:GO VPN available on most modern devices. Visit site >
4. IPVanish — User-friendly and blazing-fast VPN for Counter-Strike that provides low ping and latency. Visit site > 

NordVPN — The best VPN for CS:GO

NordVPN is easily our favorite CS:GO VPN. It provides a global network with 8,800+ servers in 177 locations worldwide. 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 rapid 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 of 903 Mbps in combination with very low ping. As such, we believe NordVPN is the best VPN for gaming on the market.

NordVPN now includes post-quantum encryption. It provides additional security against the emerging threat of quantum computers. The feature can be turned on in the settings, but works only with the NordLynx protocol. The feature is currently supported on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. The company recommends always enabling post-quantum on Linux devices, leaving it as an option on others.

Speaking of security, protecting you against current threats is even more urgent. And this is where NordVPN excels. It uses AES 256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption to secure your incoming and outgoing traffic so no one can see what you are up to online. This is a multiply-audited no-logs VPN powered by RAM-only servers, meaning your data can't be stored on 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 positive that your data is protected.

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 minimalist 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.
• 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 live chat support team. 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.

NordVPN plans	Basic	Plus	Complete	Prime
1-month	$12.99/month	$13.99/month	$14.99/month	$17.99/month
1-year	$4.59/month	$5.49/month	$6.49/month	$8.49/month
2-year	$2.99/month	$3.89/month	$4.89/month	$6.89/month

Deal: Get 77% OFF NordVPN 2-year plans >

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 4,500+ 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. It is fast, but not as fast as NordVPN with NordLynx, and you can look at our results in this NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison.

This is an audited no-logs VPN that operates exclusively on RAM-only servers. This is important to note because it ensures that its servers won't store your data. Surfshark uses high-end encryption like AES-256 and ChaCha20 to protect you from hackers playing Counter-Strike. There are also other important security features, like a kill switch, multiple advanced server types, 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. A 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 — This mode is automatically activated when the VPN detects restrictions on the network you are using. It gives you a list of servers that perform well under the current restrictions. 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 — When you select the OpenVPN protocol, Surfshark automatically obfuscates your VPN traffic.
• 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 clean, user-friendly interface that anyone can master within minutes.

As you can see in the table below, Surfshark is very affordable. This is even more impressive when you realize that Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices without worrying about how many there are.

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

Surfshark plans	Starter	One	One+
1-month	$15.45/month	$17.95/month	$20.85/month
1-year	$2.79/month	$3.29/month	$6.29/month
2-year	$1.69/month	$1.99/month	$4.19/month

Deal: Get 87% OFF Surfshark 2-year plans >

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 multiple protocols: IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Open VPN, Lightway. Lightway is a custom protocol designed to compete with WireGuard. It is now equipped with post-quantum encryption, which is turned on automatically.

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 reliable 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 up to fourteen connections simultaneously, depending on which type of subscription you choose. If even 14 connections isn't enough for you, 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 24/7 live chat customer support.

ExpressVPN plans	Basic	Advanced	Pro
1-month	$12.99/month	$12.09/month	$19.99/month
1-year	$4.99/month	$5.99/month	$8.99/month
2-year	$3.49/month	$4.49/month	$7.49/month

Deal: Get 73% OFF ExpressVPN 2-year plans >

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 3,200 servers located in 150+ locations worldwide. 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 and ChaCha20 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.

IPVanish plans	IPVanish Essential	IPVanish Advanced
1-month	$12.99/month	$14.99/month
1-year	$3.33/month	$4.49/month
2-year	$2.19/month	$3.29/month

Deal: Get 83% OFF IPVanish 2-year 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

• Use the 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. 
• Keep your VPN up to date — 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 the best 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, neither of which has 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. Each VPN provider has a list of
   • NordVPN compatible routers
   • Surfshark’s router list
   • ExpressVPN-friendly routers
   • 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 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 a CS:GO VPN to get a faster connection and find bot lobbies.

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. I connected to a VPN server and the 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. The steps to do so vary from device to device and version to version, so you will need to check the documentation for your device to find the steps to do this.

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 If you're eyeing a free VPN for CS:GO, you'll quickly run into these common drawbacks that can ruin your gaming experience:

1. Limited server network
   Free VPNs can't afford extensive global servers, so you'll deal with fewer locations and overcrowded connections. This leads to high ping, lag spikes, or sudden disconnects—frustrating during intense matches.
2. Strict bandwidth caps
   Most free services limit you to around 5–10GB per month to manage server load. For frequent gaming, that's not enough; you'll hit the cap fast and wait a full month (or upgrade) to resume.
3. Outdated protocols
   You'll often get stuck with slower, less secure options like OpenVPN or PPTP. These can't match modern protocols (e.g., WireGuard or NordLynx) for speed and won't reliably protect against DDoS attacks in competitive play.
4. Major security and privacy risks
   Many free VPNs cut corners on protection. Recent 2025 studies (e.g., Zimperium's analysis of 800+ free apps) show nearly two-thirds use vulnerable code, leak data, or include malware/trackers. Others sell your info to fund operations—directly opposing a VPN's privacy promise.

For reliable low-ping gaming and solid DDoS protection, opt for a premium VPN with a risk-free trial or money-back guarantee instead. You'll get faster speeds, more servers, and no compromises.

Conclusion

Getting a VPN for CS:GO is the best way to protect yourself against DDoS attacks and enhance your gaming experience. It will also 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 extremely strong encryption that will shield you from hackers. With it, you will easily gain a competitive advantage over your opponents.

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