Share this article

Improve this guide

Does a VPN Slow Down Gaming?

3 min. read

Updated onDecember 20, 2023

updated onDecember 20, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Unlike a few years back,VPNsare all over the place nowadays. And for good reason, too.

This type of service can come in handy for a lot of purposes, ranging from keeping your connection secure towatching geo-restricted contentand lowering ping while playing.

However, there’s still a lot of confusion regarding the matter, so we’re going to try to shed some light on it. For instance, there’s a lot of uncertainty regarding whether or not a VPN slows downgaming.

Stick around and you’ll find out.

How can a VPN affect gaming?

First things first, aVPNcould technicallyslowdowngamingin two ways:

However, we already know thatVPN can improve in-game ping, under the right circumstances, so the first claim is bogus. Furthermore, no trustworthyVPN(that we know of) is a huge resource monger.

Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that using aVPNwon’t mess with your ping. No slowdowns there.

On the other hand, if you misuse aVPN, you can seriously impact your gaming session, and not in a good way.

For instance, if you live in Europe, then connect to a USVPNserver and play agameon a server in Europe, things will start to look bad.

That’s because you just increased the distance data has to travel from you to the game server and the other way around.

On the other hand, you can stilllower your ping when playing in other regions.

Does VPN cause lag to other players?

Here’s another urban myth we’ve previously debunked that might fall under the same category:VPNs causing lag for other players. Sadly, the answer to this claim is yes, but it’s not how you imagine.

If you’re using aVPNand are already lagging like crazy, the game server may try to balance things and increase the latency of other players as well.

However, as we’ve stated before, aVPNusually has a positive impact on your ping, so the chances of this ever happening are close to none.

For example, you can use ExpressVPN to fix the lag. Or you can resort toNordVPN to reduce high ping.

VPN improves packet loss

Another factor that could weigh in on your gaming sessions’ slowdowns is leaking packets.

This occurs whenever data packets that travel throughout your connection never reach their destination, whether it’s you or the remote server you connect to.

Not only aVPNcan improve the route those packets take, but it can alsoreduce packet lossaltogether. However, it only works if your ISP throttles your connection or offers improper traffic routing.

Last thoughts on VPN slowing down gaming

All things considered, if you were wondering whether or not using aVPNcan slow down yourgaming, the answer is no, but only if you use it properly.

The point is, as long as you appropriately use a reliable VPN, you shouldn’t worry about massivegamingslowdowns. If anything, you might even be surprised by lower ping and improved packet loss.

More about the topics:gaming,lagging issue,VPN

Vlad Constantinescu

Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.

He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.

In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Vlad Constantinescu