Best VPN for CS:GO in 2025 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive isn’t just any game! When I’m playing this action packet, strategy intense sensation, reaction times are crucial. That’s which why I always use a premium VPN while I’m playing.

A CS:GO VPN can improve my connection speed, minimize my lag, and protect me from a DDoS attack. Keep reading to learn about the best CS:GO VPNs and how they can make all the difference in your next round of Counter-Strike Global Offensive.

In a hurry? Here are 5 best CS:GO VPNs

Here are our top 5 VPNs for CS:GO at a glance:

Key takeaways

1. Counter Strike: Global Offensive is an action-packed game requiring instant reaction times.
2. A quality CS:GO VPN can improve your connection speed for better gameplay.
3. A premium CS:GO VPN offers enhanced security and DDoS protection.
4. The best CS:GO VPNs are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN.

Why you need a VPN for CS:GO 

I recommend using a quality VPN service whenever you’re playing CS:GO. Here’s why:

• Lag-free gaming. One of the big culprits for lag is ISP throttling, where your internet service provider (ISP) purposely throttles your bandwidth if you’re using up a lot of data. Since VPNs encrypt your Internet traffic, your ISP can’t see how much data you are using and won’t have any reason to throttle your connection.
• Security. Whenever you’re playing against strangers online, it’s important to protect yourself from bad actors. VPNs encrypt your internet connection and conceal your IP address and game server location so you’re safe from cyber attacks.
• DDOS protection. A DDoS will ruin your gaming experience by causing your ping to spike or by dr your connection. VPNs protect you from attacks masking your IP address making it impossible for your attackers to find you.
• Global access. VPNs let you access different regional servers so you can enjoy features and games that you won’t find locally. It also lets you connect with other gamers around the world.

What makes a good VPN for CS:GO

If you want to reap all the benefits of using a CS:GO VPN, you need to pick out a good one. Here are the features you want to look for to ensure a great gaming experience:

• Speed. Good speed is my number one priority for gaming. It’s what will give you a low ping and reduce lag for a flawless gaming experience.
• Security. Make sure you are getting high-end security and privacy features, including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, so you’ll stay safe from DDoS attacks and other cyber threats.
• Server network. A large server network helps you out in 2 ways. First, it helps keep your connection fast by preventing overcrowded servers. Second, it gives you access to game servers from around the world.
• Unblocking capability. Make sure the provider has a strong track record for bypassing geo-blocks so you can easily access games, features, and players from other regions.
• Compatibility. Choose VPNs that offer easy-to-use dedicated apps for your preferred gaming devices.
• Customer support. I recommend using VPNs that come with 24/7 live chat support so you can get all the help you need at any time of day or night.
• Money-back guarantee. Stick with a plan that comes with a 30-day trial, so if it’s not meeting your needs you can cancel and get a full refund.

5 best VPNs for CS:GO 

I’ve searched the market, taking into consideration speed, features, compatibility, performance, and cost, and came up with a list of the 5 best gaming VPNs. Check out the detailed descriptions below so you can find the best one for your needs.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has everything you need for gaming; speed, security, and geo-spoofing capabilities. It’s also easy to use with all kinds of devices from your PC to your smart TV.

Features: I enjoy all the bonus features I get with ExpressVPN, including split tunneling, a password manager, an ad blocker, and malware protection. It also allows me to access gaming servers around the world with its network of 3,200+ servers across 105 countries.

Speed: ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs around. My download connection speed on a US connection was 90.3 Mbps, which was pretty close to my baseline speed of 94.3 Mbps.

Privacy and Security: I’m impressed with ExpressVPN’s robust security features including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an independenlty verified no-logs policy.

Performance: The fast speed and stable connection I get with ExpressVPN supports smooth gaming, buffer-free streaming, and quick torrenting.

Streaming: ExpressVPN is my go-to provider for streaming as it easily bypasses geo-restrictions on all of my favorite streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: The apps are intuitively designed for Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS. They work with my PC, gaming console, smart TV, mobile device, laptop, and router.

Pricing: The 12-month plan costs $6.67/month. The subscription includes 3 months free, 8 simultaneous device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

I highly recommend NordVPN as an excellent choice for gaming. It offers top speeds, security, and high performance at an affordable price.

Features: I enjoy playing with CS:GO fans from around the world with NordVPN’s 7,100+ servers in 118 countries. It’s also packed with features like Threat Protection Pro, Meshnet, dedicated IP, and a Dark Web Monitor that enhance my security and improve my internet connections.

Speed: I recommend using their proprietary NordLynx protocol for the best speeds. I got a download connection speed of 94 Mbps using a nearby NordLynx connection compared to a baseline of 96 Mbps.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN secures your online connection with strong encryption, a verified no-logs policy, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection so you’ll be safe from hackers or a DDoS attack!

Performance: NordVPN delivers smooth performance for gaming, streaming, browsing, and torrenting.

Streaming: You can use NordVPN to unblock geo-restricted content on popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: NordVPN’s apps are easy to use and compatible with mobile devices, laptops, PCs, game consoles, and more. It works with all major operating systems including Windows Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Pricing: The 24-month basic plan is just $3.39/month. The subscription comes with 4 months free, 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

If you’re looking for a budget plan for playing CS:GO, I suggest you check out Surfshark. It’s a reliable provider with solid speeds, strong encryption, and tons of features for a great price!

Features: Surfshark has many more features than you would expect from a budget provider, including a data breach monitor, an ad blocker, malware protection, split tunneling, and more. It’s also got a broad network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

Speed: Select the WireGuard protocol in your settings for the fastest connection speeds. When I put Surfshark to the test my speed was 78 Mbps on a local connection which isn’t bad when comparted to my baseline speed of 94 Mbps.

Privacy and Security: You get full DDoS protection and a secure internet connection with Surfshark’s verified zero-log policy, automatic kill switch, military-grade encryption, and leak protection.

Performance: While you might experience occasional slowdowns, especially during peak-use hours, Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support can help you find a fast server in your preferred region. Overall, you can expect solid performance for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: With Surfshark, you can unblock geo-restricted content from across the globe on popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more with Surfshark.

Compatibility: Surfshark apps are intuitive and can work with your PC, smart TV, game console, mobile device, laptop, PC, and router.

Price: You get 2 years plus 4 free months of service for just $1.99/month. You are allowed to connect an unlimited number of devices under a single account and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.

4. CyberGhost

My favorite cheap provider is CyberGhost, an inexpensive, dependable, and secure provider with a vast server network, including gaming-optimized servers.

Features: You can easily connect to other gamers and geo-restricted features worldwide with CyberGhost’s 11,500+ servers in 91 countries. There are even specialized servers for gaming as well as useful features like split tunneling, automatic Wi-Fi protection, and an ad blocker.

Speed: On a local connection, I maintained 74% of my baseline speed, which is fast enough for playing Counter-Strike, however, my speed decreased quite a bit on long-distance connections. If you want minimal lag and to avoid high ping, use the WireGuard protocol and stick with nearby servers whenever possible.

Privacy and Security: CyberGhost has the privacy and security features needed to keep you safe from cyber criminals and DDoS attacks including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.

Performance: CyberGhost performs well for playing CS:GO on local servers, and if you get a slow connection, the 24/7 live chat support can direct you to a faster and more stable connection.

Streaming: CyberGhost can unblock geo-restricted content on all of the popular streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Compatibility: CyberGhost is compatible with Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS. You can use it on your PC, laptop, desktop, smart TV, and other common devices.

Pricing: Pricing begins at $2.03/month plus 4 months free and the subscription comes with 7 simultaneous connections and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. Proton VPN

If you’re set on trying a free service, Proton VPN has a secure free version that comes with unlimited bandwidth and data.

Features: Proton VPN subscribers can access 8,600 servers across 112 countries, along with advanced features like an ad blocker, malware protection, and split tunneling. The free version comes with just 26 servers in 5 countries and lacks any of the premium features.

Speed: Proton VPN delivers impressive WireGuard speeds. For downloads on local servers I got a speed of 75 Mbps as compared to a baseline speed of 98 Mbps. The free version is slower but is still adequate for playing CS:GO.

Privacy and Security: All Proton VPN plans offer solid privacy and security features including a no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection.

Performance: Proton VPN’s connection is fast and stable enough for playing CS:GO as well as enjoying smooth streaming, torrenting, and browsing.

Streaming: Proton VPN bypasses geo-restrictions on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: Proton VPN is compatible with iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, and Android TV. It doesn’t have an app for Apple TV at this time.

Pricing: Proton VPN’s 2-year paid plan costs $4.99 per month plus 3 months free. The subscription plan includes 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day trial, so you can try it out risk-free.

Recommended VPN servers for CS:GO 

I always make speed a top priority, which is why I recommend using the quick connect feature or selecting a location nearby. The closer the server is to your physical location, the lower the latency and the better your gameplay will be.

CS:GO not working with a VPN: Possible fixes

If you run into any difficulties using your CS:GO VPN, try these simple fixes:

• Connecting to a different server.
• Make sure your kill switch is activated.
• Turn on IP/DNS leak protection in your settings.
• Clear your cookies and cache.
• Ask the 24/7 live chat support for assistance.

Can a VPN reduce ping in CS:GO?

Yes! VPNs can reduce ping in CS:GO. I get the best results using the WireGuard, NordLynx or Lightway protocol and sticking with nearby servers.

Can I use a free VPN to play CS:GO?

I don’t recommend using a free service for CS:GO. Free providers rarely have the level of security and privacy I want for my internet connection. They also tend to be slower and limit bandwidth, data, and servers.

If you do choose to use a free service, I would suggest using the Proton VPN free plan, as it has strong security features, even for its non-paying customers, and is the only no-cost option that I recommend.

FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN for CS:GO?

Yes. It is legal to use a VPN for CS:GO in most countries.

What is the best CS:GO VPN?

ExpressVPN is the best CS:GO VPN. It is fast, secure, reliable, and user-friendly

Can I get banned for using a VPN in CS:GO?

No. You won’t get banned for using VPNs in CS:GO.

Can you open CS:GO cases with a VPN?

Opening CS:GO cases with VPNs is considered suspicious activity and is not recommended.

Can I get banned for using a VPN with CS:GO?

As long as you use a VPN for legal purposes you will not get banned.

What is the best gaming VPN?

ExpressVPN is the best of the gaming VPNs for anyone who prioritzes speed and security on their internet connection.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a great CS:GO VPN to enhance your online security and improve your gameplay, I recommend ExpressVPN. It’s fast, reliable, secure, and has intuitive apps for almost any device!