Let’s discover why it’s important to use a VPN when online gaming.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for online gaming is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances your security by encrypting your internet connection and safeguarding your personal information from potential hackers and cyber threats. Beyond security, a VPN is a game-changer in reducing lag and latency, creating a direct and efficient pathway for your data between your device and the game server. This proves particularly advantageous in competitive gaming, where split-second reactions are paramount. Moreover, a VPN provides the flexibility to access games and servers globally, enabling you to enjoy region-restricted titles and connect with friends from different countries. In summary, using a VPN not only fortifies your online security but also elevates your gaming experience by ensuring smoother and more versatile gameplay.
Nord VPN Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong Security: NordVPN employs robust encryption protocols, ensuring a high level of security for your online activities. It has a strict no-logs policy, prioritizing user privacy.
- Large Server Network: NordVPN boasts a vast network of servers spread across numerous countries, providing users with a wide range of options for server locations.
- High-Speed Performance: NordVPN is known for its fast connection speeds, making it suitable for activities such as streaming and online gaming without significant lag.
- User-Friendly Interface: The user interface of NordVPN is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate and customize settings.
- Advanced Features: It offers additional features like Double VPN, which routes your connection through two servers for extra security, and CyberSec, a tool that helps block malicious websites and ads.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: NordVPN supports a variety of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more.
Cons:
- Price: While NordVPN offers a quality service, its pricing may be on the higher side compared to some other VPN providers.
- Limited Split Tunneling: The split tunnelling feature, allowing you to choose which applications use the VPN, is not as comprehensive as in some other VPN services.
- Variable Customer Support Quality: While NordVPN generally provides good customer support, experiences may vary, and some users have reported less-than-ideal interactions with customer service representatives.
SPECIAL OFFER!
Nord VPN are currently having a huge sale of 64% off on their 2-year plan, which makes it one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
Surfshark VPN Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordability: Surfshark is known for its competitive pricing, offering a budget-friendly option for users looking for a reliable VPN service without breaking the bank.
- Unlimited Devices: One of Surfshark’s standout features is its ability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with a single subscription, making it a cost-effective choice for households with multiple devices.
- Strong Security Features: Surfshark employs industry-standard encryption protocols and has a strict no-logs policy, prioritizing user privacy and security.
- MultiHop (Double VPN): Surfshark offers a MultiHop feature, allowing users to route their connection through multiple servers for an extra layer of security and anonymity.
- Clean and User-Friendly Interface: The user interface of Surfshark is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- NoBorders Mode: This feature helps users in restrictive regions bypass censorship and access the open internet more freely.
- Fast Connection Speeds: Surfshark generally provides good connection speeds, ensuring a smooth browsing and streaming experience.
Cons:
- Server Network Size: While Surfshark has been expanding its server network, it may not be as extensive as some other well-established VPN providers, potentially leading to server congestion in popular locations.
- Variable Server Performance: Some users have reported inconsistent performance on certain servers, experiencing fluctuations in speed and reliability.
- Customer Support Quality: While Surfshark offers customer support, the quality of support can vary, and some users have reported less responsive or less helpful interactions.
- Limited Advanced Features: Compared to some other VPN providers, Surfshark may have fewer advanced features and customization options.
IP Vanish VPN Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good Speeds: IPVanish generally offers good connection speeds, which is crucial for activities like streaming and online gaming.
- Large Server Network: IPVanish has an extensive server network with servers in many countries, providing users with a variety of options for server locations.
- Solid Security Features: The service employs strong encryption protocols and has a no-logs policy, prioritizing user privacy and security.
- Unlimited Device Connections: IPVanish allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it suitable for households with multiple devices.
- User-Friendly Interface: The interface is relatively easy to use, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Configurable Settings: IPVanish provides users with a range of configurable settings, allowing for customization based on individual preferences.
Cons:
- Ownership Controversy: IPVanish has undergone ownership changes, and there have been controversies in the past related to logging policies. However, the current owners have asserted a commitment to user privacy.
- No Free Trial: Unlike some other VPN providers, IPVanish does not offer a free trial. Users need to rely on the refund policy as a form of trial period.
- No-logs Policy Scrutiny: While IPVanish claims a strict no-logs policy, this claim has been scrutinized in the past due to a case where user logs were reportedly provided to authorities. The service has since changed to strengthen its privacy stance.
- Limited Customer Support Options: Customer support is available, but some users have reported that the response time may vary, and there’s no live chat support.
- Price: IPVanish is priced somewhat higher compared to some other VPN services, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
SPECIAL OFFER!
IPvanish VPN currently has a huge sale of 75% off on its 2-year plan, making it one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion of this VPN review
These VPNs stand out as top choices in the market, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. When selecting your VPN, it’s crucial to find one that aligns with your specific needs to maximize its benefits. Exploring different deals is advisable, as many providers offer substantial discounts on their subscription plans. If you intend to use a VPN on multiple devices, ensure you choose a service that supports multiple connections – a feature all the reviewed VPNs provide.
A quick guide on how to connect your VPN to your router.
- Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (found on the router or in the manual), Log in with the router’s username and password.
- Locate VPN Section: Look for the section in the router settings related to VPN or similar terms.
- Enter VPN Details: Input the VPN server address, username, and password provided by your VPN service.
- Save Settings: Save the changes in the router settings.
- Connect Console to Router: Ensure your gaming console is connected to your home network via the router.
- Check Connection: Verify in your console’s network settings that it is connected to the network through the router.
- Test Connection: Perform a network connection test on your console to confirm it’s using the VPN connection.
Please be aware that the process may vary depending on your router’s make and model.
Check out my review of next-gen consoles that will pair nicely with your new VPN, lets game safely online.
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