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Best for Fast Speeds
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
When looking for the best virtual private networks (VPNs) to use while playing PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), there are a few key elements to consider. You need a VPN that provides fast speeds, reliable security, and access to geo-locked servers located where your game is hosted.
For these reasons, NordVPN has earned our top spot as the overall best VPN for PUBG. NordVPN boasts more than 6,800+ servers worldwide. NordVPN also offers additional security features, such as its proprietary NordLynx protocol, to help ensure high-level encryption and privacy while playing. Coming in second is Proton VPN, which also has servers located around the world and secures all connections through the OpenVPN protocol and AES 256-bit encryption to ensure no one can access your data.
Both NordVPN and Proton VPN offer competitive pricing plans and excellent customer service, which makes them ideal choices for gamers who want top performance while playing PUBG. Let’s dig into these two top gaming VPNs plus a third option, Surfshark, to find the right one for you.
How we tested the best VPNs for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
NordVPN: Best overall for playing PUBG
Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
Surfshark: Best affordable option
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
How to choose the best VPN
How to unblock PUBG Mobile with a VPN
Best VPNs for PUBG Mobile and PUBG Lite FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for playing PUBG
The best VPNs for playing PUBG 2024
- NordVPN: Best overall for playing PUBG
- Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
- Surfshark: Best affordable option
Top VPN services for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds compared
VPN | Best Overall
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Starting price | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) |
Free version | |||
Streaming support | Netflix (unofficially), Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max |
Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Proton VPN | Get Surfshark |
How we tested the best VPNs for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
We tested five VPNs to determine which ones offer the best performance and security for PUBG. We placed an emphasis on the following features when rating the five VPN services:
- Average ping time: Latency is critical for a successful gaming experience. We tested how long it took for data packets to travel from our device to a remote server via each VPN service.
- International connection speeds: The faster your connection speeds, the better your overall gaming experience will be.
- Server proximity to banned regions: To ensure you’re able to access the PUBG Mobile servers even in restricted regions, we looked at which VPN services offer servers located near banned areas.
- Logging policy and jurisdiction: We checked the logging policies of each service and their jurisdiction laws regarding data retention and privacy.
NordVPN: Best overall for playing PUBG
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is the best PUBG VPN, and offers gamers a reliable and secure connection that can bypass geo-restrictions and provide them with access to the global gaming library. It also offers fast speeds, which allows users to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions.
What we liked
NordVPN is an excellent choice for playing PUBG due to its wide range of features and advantages. It offers a large number of servers, and allows you to choose the best connection option for your game. Moreover, NordVPN’s Panama-based headquarters ensures no logs are kept from your gaming sessions. As such, you can enjoy total privacy when playing this demanding game.
Additionally, NordVPN uses military-grade encryption to keep your data safe while playing PUBG, which means your account is secure and your gameplay is protected against DDoS attacks. NordVPN also has multiple servers in different locations around the world, so you can hop across regions when needed.
NordVPN's price point is reasonable compared with other top-tier VPNs, which means it won't break your wallet. It costs significantly less than ExpressVPN, another popular VPN app that provides similar functionality and security measures.
What we didn’t like
When it comes to playing PUBG with NordVPN, there are a few potential drawbacks you should consider.
First, NordVPN doesn’t offer specialized gaming servers that prioritize your speed and latency above other factors. Depending on your location and your server’s location, you may experience higher-than-normal ping or lag times, which can be very detrimental in an online shooter such as PUBG.
However, this is typically the case with any VPN, especially if you connect to servers far from your physical location. Someone living in the U.S. connecting to an Australian server likely experiences more lag than someone living in Japan and connecting to that same Australian server.
NordVPN doesn’t have dedicated streaming servers for platforms such as Twitch or YouTube. If you're looking to stream your gameplay, you'll need to take extra steps to do so.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
Free version | No, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Number of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
Max connected devices | 10 |
Split tunneling | Yes |
Kill switch | Yes |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more |
Streaming support | Netflix (unofficially), Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
Learn more | Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review |
Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
Who it’s best for
Proton VPN boasts fast speeds so you won’t experience lags or buffering, and it offers paid subscribers the option to connect to high-speed servers with up to 10 Gbps speeds. Additionally, Proton VPN can unblock multiple streaming services that may be restricted in your area, which makes it easier to access content when you’re not busy battling it out in PUBG.
Price-wise, Proton VPN offers a variety of plans at different price points, including a no-cost plan that’s one of the best free VPN plans we’ve seen. With features such as unlimited bandwidth, plus support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, this VPN helps you get the most out of your PUBG gaming experience.
What we liked
Proton VPN’s no-logs policy ensures your activity while playing PUBG won't be tracked, which allows greater security and privacy. Additionally, ProtonVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which isn’t part of any 5, 9, or 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances.
What's more, Proton VPN has dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, so you can quickly connect to a VPN server and log into PUBG Mobile or play on your PC. Proton VPN also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services so you can access geo-restricted content from around the world.
What we didn’t like
One of the biggest drawbacks of Proton VPN when playing PUBG is its relatively high price point. Its starting price is significantly more expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark, which offer a comparable service for less. And you’ll need to pay to get access to Proton VPN’s fastest servers.
Additionally, Proton VPN has fewer servers than other VPNs — and even fewer servers available to those on the free plan — which can affect performance because you’ll have fewer options if a VPN server is overcrowded and laggy.
When it comes to support, Proton VPN doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat support as other VPNs do. In fact, you must be a paid subscriber to access the live chat feature. (Proton VPN does have a support form anyone can fill out.) This can be problematic if you encounter issues while playing PUBG, as there may not always be someone available to help you in a timely manner.
Proton VPN specs
Price range | Free–$9.99/mo |
Free version | Yes |
Number of servers | 9,100+ servers in 112 countries |
Max connected devices | 10 |
Split tunneling | Yes |
Kill switch | Yes |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
Streaming support | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max |
Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Our Proton VPN Review |
Surfshark: Best affordable option
Who it’s best for
With its advanced security and privacy features, lightning-fast speeds, and unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark gives you a powerful edge in your gaming experience.
Its unblocking capability allows you to access international libraries of games from around the world, including those blocked by governments or limited by geographical boundaries. And with its low prices and large server network, you can always find an optimal connection for your gaming needs.
What we liked
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a rare feature among VPN providers, and makes it easy to play PUBG, stream Netflix, and encrypt your connection on multiple devices at the same time. Surfshark also includes lots of extra features that help improve your online security, such as CleanWeb, which is an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware and phishing blocker that could compromise your gaming accounts.
Additionally, Surfshark has budget-friendly prices compared with other leading VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN. However, you’ll need to subscribe for 12 or 24 months to get the best deal. Subscribing for one month at a time puts Surfshark on par with NordVPN’s monthly price of about $13.
We also like that Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, and there have been no recorded data breaches since its inception. This makes it an ideal option if privacy and security are your top priorities.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark is a great VPN for the most part, but it doesn’t offer gaming-optimized servers. (Though it does have a “Fastest server” option if you’re not concerned about connecting to a specific location.)
Additionally, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes Alliance. This could make privacy concerns more relevant if you're particularly security-minded.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $1.99–$17.95/mo |
Free version | No, but there's a free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Max connected devices | Unlimited |
Split tunneling | Yes |
Kill switch | Yes |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more |
Streaming support | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, and more |
Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review |
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
Two more VPNs that didn’t make it into the top three are ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Although both services offer excellent security measures, they lack certain features that were necessary to make them well-suited for PUBG gaming.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN that provides fast speeds, secure connections, and advanced privacy protection. However, it didn't make our top three list of VPNs for playing PUBG due to its high price tag compared with other providers. ExpressVPN’s cheapest plan is typically about $8 per month, whereas NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s cheapest plans are in the $2 to $3 per month range.
Although ExpressVPN is fast and reliable, NordVPN’s speeds were faster in our testing. This matters when playing PUBG, as you need the fastest possible speed available in order to play the game effectively.
On the plus side, ExpressVPN offers an app for routers so you can protect all your Wi-Fi-connected devices at once. And its proprietary Lightway protocol is secure and fast.
CyberGhost
Although CyberGhost has plenty to offer overall, it doesn't make the cut when it comes to playing PUBG.
First, we found CyberGhost's interface not very user-friendly — some of the settings are located in different areas within the app, which makes it difficult to find what you need quickly and easily. And, unfortunately, there’s no split tunneling feature available with CyberGhost unless you use the Android app and the dedicated IP is an extra cost.
Additionally, although CyberGhost does have a no-logs policy and is based in Romania, its website is home to a host of trackers and third-party cookies.[1] These scripts can track and record your data, which goes against the very nature of a no-logs VPN.
How to choose the best VPN
You don't want to end up with a VPN that doesn't work well when you're trying to play. To pick the best VPN for PUBG, there are several features you need to consider:
- Price — You can get a high-quality VPN without spending too much. Look for discounts and consider getting a longer subscription plan to save money.
- Security — Having a VPN that offers strong protection is essential. Make sure the VPN you choose has 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch.
- No-logs policy — Protecting your data and making sure your browsing activity isn't saved is the main purpose of a VPN. The VPN you choose should have a verified no-logs policy.
- Optimized servers — If you're going to use a VPN for PUBG, you should consider picking a VPN that has servers optimized for gaming.
- Speed — You don't want to experience lag in the middle of your match. Make sure the VPN you go for has minimal impact on your speeds at any time of the day.
How to unblock PUBG Mobile with a VPN
Follow these steps to use a VPN and unblock PUBG Mobile:
- Download and install a reliable VPN service onto your device. There are many different options available, but make sure the VPN offers servers in countries where there aren't restrictions on PUBG Mobile.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server in a country where PUBG is allowed. Most VPNs make it easy to find the right server according to your needs.
- Log in and start gaming. As soon as the VPN connects, you’re ready to launch the game and enjoy all of its features without having to worry about being blocked by geographical restrictions.
If you’re playing PUBG in the U.S. and want the best performance possible, it’s recommended you connect to a VPN server in the U.S. This gives you access to local servers, which allows for faster and more reliable connections with lower latency.
Best VPNs for PUBG Mobile and PUBG Lite FAQs
Can I play PUBG Mobile Lite with VPN?
Yes, you can play PUBG Mobile Lite with a VPN. However, it’s important to note that the ping may vary according to the server location of the region you’re connected to. For example, if you live in the U.S. and choose a server located in Asia, your ping will most likely be higher than if you chose a server located in Canada.
Will my PUBG account be banned if I use a VPN?
No, your PUBG account will not be banned if you use a VPN. VPNs are legal and can help protect your identity and data while you’re playing the game, and gives you access to servers in other locations so you can play the game with friends from all around the world.
Can I play PUBG Lite in the U.S.?
Unfortunately, no. PUBG Lite was never released in the U.S., mainly because it was designed for areas where gaming PCs are less common. Also, PUBG Lite was discontinued by its developer Kraton in early 2021.
PUBG Mobile Lite, however, is still available to play, though it was also only released in countries located in Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. You may still be able to play PUBG Mobile Lite by using one of our recommended PUBG VPNs and connecting to a country where it’s available.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for playing PUBG
When it comes to gaming, especially playing an online shooter like PUBG, you need a fast VPN to keep up with your opponents. After thoroughly testing and comparing several top-rated options, we believe NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark are the best for playing PUBG.
NordVPN is our overall best choice for playing PUBG. It offers excellent security features such as double-hop encryption and a kill switch to keep your IP address hidden from hackers and other players alike.
If speed is your priority, then Proton VPN is worth a look. It has some of the fastest download and upload speeds available among top-tier VPNs.
Finally, Surfshark is our pick as the most affordable option for playing PUBG. Despite its low price tag, it still offers reliable features such as IP masking and OpenVPN encryption.
Although there are other excellent VPNs that didn’t quite make the cut (such as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost), these three still offer the best performance and features for playing PUBG.
3 best VPNs for PUBG 2024
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best overall for playing PUBG | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
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Starts at Free | Best for fast speeds | Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
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Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best affordable option | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |