Best VPN for League of Legends (Free & Paid): Top Picks & Advice

League of Legends is a massively popular online game played by over 152 million gamers worldwide. Due to its competitiveness and large community, players constantly search for ways to improve their gaming experience. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The importance of using a VPN for gaming cannot be overemphasized. From reducing lag to improving ping times, security, and privacy, VPNs improve individual gaming experiences.

Despite the listed benefits, gamers still have to choose an appropriate VPN for their kind of game because not all VPNs are created equal. Hence, choosing the right one is highly essential for gamers.

This article discusses the best VPN for League of Legends, including the factors to consider when selecting a VPN for gaming.

In a Hurry? Here’s our Picks

Don’t have time to read through all the reviews? Here are our top picks for Fortnite players …

VPN	Best For
NordVPN	🏆 Overall Best
Surfshark	🎮 Best for Multiple Devices
IPVanish	🇺🇸 Best for USA
ExpressVPN	⛔️ Best for IP Ban Bypass
CyberGhost	✅ Best All Rounder
Hola	🔥 Best Free VPN

How We Test

Our dedicated team of experts goes above and beyond to ensure that our VPN recommendations are accurate, trustworthy, and cater to the diverse needs of our readers. Read on to find out how we test VPNs.

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The best VPNs for League of Legends and other online games are thoroughly examined below:

🏆 Overall Best: NordVPN

• Website: https://nordvpn.com/
• Based in: Panama
• Servers/countries: 5,600+ servers in 60 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $3.29/month for 2 years (plus 3 months extra) on Standard Plan
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, Gaming Consoles, TVs, Raspberry Pi and Browser extensions.

Speed and Latency: NordVPN delivers impressive speeds, ensuring minimal latency during gameplay. With a base speed of 52.4Mbps, we recorded an average download speed of 43.5Mbps using the service. NordLynx, NordVPN’s enhanced WireGuard protocol, further boosts download speeds for smooth and uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Server Selection: With over 5,600 servers spread across 60 countries, NordVPN offers a vast array of options to connect to the best server for your gaming requirements. This extensive coverage ensures optimal performance and improved latency for LoL players.

See the table below for a brief overview of NordVPN:

Gaming Experience: NordVPN’s NordLynx tunneling protocol has been specifically designed to provide a seamless gaming experience. It has been tested and proven to work effectively for LoL players, reducing lag and minimizing any disruptions.

Security Features: NordVPN’s Kill Switch feature is a valuable addition for gamers, as it blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. This ensures your IP address remains protected, safeguarding your online privacy and gaming account.

Pricing: We recommend the 2-year standard subscription plan for newcomers, as it offers the best value with the most significant discount. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of NordVPN’s high-speed servers and gaming-focused features at a more affordable price.

Check out the major pros and cons of NordVPN below:

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🏆 Best for Multiple Devices: Surfshark

• Website: https://surfshark.com/
• Based in: Netherlands
• Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $2.39/month for 24 months (plus 1 month extra)
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, TVs

Speed and Latency: Surfshark delivers acceptable performance, with an average download speed of 23.7Mbps from a base speed of 39.2Mbps. Its support for popular games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Overwatch, Minecraft, PUBG, and Apex Legends ensures a smooth gaming experience for LoL players.

Server Selection: With over 3,000 servers across 100+ countries and locations, Surfshark makes it easy to find a nearby server with optimal ping and speed for LoL players. This extensive server network provides gamers with a variety of options for improved performance.

Gaming Experience: Surfshark supports the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which boosts download speeds and ping rates for online gaming. Its built-in ad blocker adds to the gaming experience by reducing interruptions and distractions.

See the table below for a brief overview:

Security Features: Surfshark employs AES-256 GCM encryption technology to protect gamers’ online activities. The VPN’s Kill Switch feature adds an extra layer of security by blocking unprotected connections if the VPN server goes down or is disrupted.

Pricing and Device Compatibility: One Surfshark license allows for unlimited device connections, enabling gamers to connect multiple devices to different servers simultaneously. The heavily-discounted 2-year plan at just $2.39/month adds to its appeal, making it an affordable choice for gamers.

Below are the benefits and drawbacks of Surfshark VPN for gaming:

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🏆 Best for USA: IPVanish

• Website: https://www.ipvanish.com/
• Based in: United States
• Servers/countries: 2,200+ servers in 75+ locations
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $3.33 for 2 years (only the first two years)
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, Fire TV

Speed and Latency: IPVanish delivers a decent gaming experience with minimal latency, thanks to its super-fast VPN servers. The lowest speed recorded during our tests was 10Mbps, which is sufficient for most online gaming needs. IPVanish supports popular games like LoL, Fortnite, Minecraft, Valorant, and Overwatch.

Server Selection: With over 2,200 servers in 75+ countries, IPVanish offers a broad range of options for gamers to connect to. This extensive server network ensures a stable connection and improved performance for LoL players.

Gaming Experience: To achieve the best gaming experience with IPVanish, it’s recommended to use the WireGuard tunneling protocol. This protocol ensures good download speeds and low ping rates, essential for smooth and enjoyable online gaming sessions.

See the table below for a quick overview:

Security Features: IPVanish employs high-end encryption and XOR cipher obfuscation, making its connections virtually unbreakable. This advanced security setup provides gamers with robust protection, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track them down.

Pricing and Device Compatibility: IPVanish stands out with its allowance for multiple simultaneous connections on a single VPN license. The 2-year plan, priced at $3.33/month, is an attractive deal considering the flexibility it provides. Gamers can use IPVanish for gaming, video streaming, and more, across multiple devices.

Here are some of the pros and cons of IPVanish that gamers should note:

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🏆 Best for IP Ban Bypass: ExpressVPN

• Website: https://www.expressvpn.com/
• Based in: British Virgin Islands
• Servers/countries: 2,000+ servers in 94 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $6.67 for 1 year (plus 3 months extra with discount)
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, Game Consoles, TVs, Router

Speed and Latency: In our network tests with a base speed of 53.3Mbps, ExpressVPN achieved an average download speed of 48.9Mbps. These impressive speeds ensure a smooth gaming experience for LoL players, as well as those playing PUBG, Minecraft, Valorant, and Call of Duty.

Server Selection: ExpressVPN offers a robust server network that allows users to bypass IP bans and geo-restrictions with ease. This flexibility is particularly valuable for gamers who wish to access content or play games in restricted regions.

Gaming Experience: Although ExpressVPN does not support the WireGuard protocol, it offers the high-speed Lightway protocol as an equally effective alternative. This proprietary protocol, unique to ExpressVPN, has been tested and proven to deliver a seamless gaming experience.

See an overview of ExpressVPN below.

Security Features: ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption to protect users’ data. The Kill Switch feature, known as “Network Lock,” safeguards a gamer’s device by activating when there’s a connection loss or the VPN server is down, ensuring continued privacy and security.

Pricing: ExpressVPN’s premium pricing may be a drawback for gamers seeking a more budget-friendly VPN service. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for users to test its service and evaluate its performance.

Below are the pros and cons of using ExpressVPN for Minecraft and other online games:

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🏆 Best All Rounder: CyberGhost

• Website: https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/
• Based in: Romania
• Servers/countries: 9000+ servers in 91 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes (with Netflix servers)
• Current Pricing: $2.11 for 2 years (plus 3 months extra with Spring Sale discount)
• Supported Platform: Desktop & Mobile

Speed and Latency: CyberGhost delivers consistent performance with an average connection speed of 45Mbps and a ping of 41ms. Its high-speed servers ensure a smooth gaming experience with minimal latency for LoL players.

Server Selection: CyberGhost distinguishes itself by offering game-optimized servers, catering to gamers’ needs for fast and stable connections. These dedicated servers provide a superior gaming experience, regardless of your location.

Gaming Experience: CyberGhost’s support for the WireGuard tunneling protocol improves both download speeds and ping rates, ensuring seamless gameplay. The VPN’s dedication to providing gaming-specific servers makes it a true game-changer in the industry.

See the table below for an overview of CyberGhost VPN:

Security Features: With CyberGhost, gamers can enjoy maximum privacy, thanks to its Kill Switch feature and AES 256-bit encryption. The Kill Switch guarantees protection in case of connection loss, while the robust encryption safeguards user data and online privacy.

Pricing: CyberGhost offers competitive pricing with its 2-year plan at just $2.19/month, including a bonus 3-month extension. The 45-day money-back guarantee is the most generous offer in the industry, giving users the confidence to try the service without risk.

Below are the pros and cons of using CyberGhost VPN for PUBG, online gaming, and other purposes.

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🏆 Best Free VPN: Hola

• Website: https://hola.org/
• Based in: Israel
• Servers/countries: Multiple servers in 217 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $2.99/month
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, TVs

Speed and Latency: Hola VPN’s servers deliver between 24.2Mbps and 25.4Mbps download speeds from a base speed of 39.8Mbps. These speeds ensure a smooth gaming experience for LoL players, as well as those playing PUBG, Overwatch, Fortnite, and Minecraft.

Server Selection: With servers in 217 countries worldwide, Hola VPN offers an extensive network for gamers to connect to. This wide range of servers ensures stable VPN connections and optimal performance.

Gaming Experience: Hola VPN’s servers are optimized for streaming, allowing gamers to enjoy high-quality Twitch streams and other streaming services. The built-in Popup (Ad) blocker, available in premium plans, improves the overall gaming experience by eliminating distractions and interruptions.

See the table below for a brief overview:

Security Features: Hola VPN employs military-grade 256-bit AES encryption to secure users’ data and internet traffic, protecting gamers against cyber attacks and privacy intrusions.

Pricing and Device Compatibility: Hola VPN offers a limited free plan with a 1-hour daily connection time limit and 2Mbps speed, allowing users to test the service before committing to a premium subscription. The Ultra Advanced plan supports up to 20 simultaneous connections per license, while the Premium Unlimited plan allows for 10 devices per license.

Below are the top benefits and drawbacks of Hola VPN.

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What Is a VPN and How Does It Work for Gaming?

A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s device and the internet. How does this work? When gamers use a VPN, their data is routed through a remote server. It hides their real IP address and location from third parties such as cybercriminals and even their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

A VPN allows users to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship without being caught. VPNs improve users’ privacy and security, making their internet experience enjoyable.

VPNs work for gamers who want to protect their online identity and avoid targeted attacks. Gaming competitors often hack into their colleagues’ accounts to bring them down. VPNs protect users from such malicious attacks.

They also improve gaming performance by reducing lag and ping times. When users connect to a VPN server in another location, their data information is routed through a shorter path and even masked. This makes their connection speed very fast, preventing lagging and latency rates.

Additionally, VPNs are important for gamers because internet service providers intentionally slow down specific traffic. A gamer who uses VPNs will not have to worry about this problem.

Advantages of Using a VPN for Gaming

There are several advantages for gamers who use VPNs. From gaining access to geo-restricted games and lobbies to having their real IP addresses protected, VPNs are a must-have for serious gamers.

VPNs also provide protection from Denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks while improving a gamer’s point and reducing latency. In the event that a gamer is running on public Wi-Fi, gamers’ data information is protected, and they are protected from cyberattacks.

Gamers who use VPNs enjoy a remote connection to servers in other regions and server distribution access. They can also bypass IP bans and censorships from the authorities. These are just a few benefits users enjoy from using a VPN for gaming.

Factors We Consider When Choosing the Best VPN for League of Legends

Before choosing the best VPN for League of Legends, here are the factors we considered:

Speed and Performance: The best VPN for League of Legends will not slow down gamers’ internet connection speed and overall gaming performance. League of Legends is a highly competitive game that can be quite intense. The best VPNs tested, like NordVPN and CyberGhost, are designed for multiplayer gaming as it features lag reduction and a stable connection. VPNs with slow ping times are not advised, as they cause buffering, connectivity issues, and terrible gaming experiences.

Server Locations and Ping Times: The best VPN offers a wide range of servers across different countries and cities worldwide. The vastness of such a VPN allows users to access servers compatible with League of Legends while reducing ping times.

The minimum ping time for the best VPN for League of Legends is 100ms. This ensures lower latency and lag reduction for the gamer.

Encryption and Security: The best VPN tested features military-grade encryption AES with 256-bit keys. This Encryption standard ensures maximum security for users as it encrypts users’ information and masks their real IP addresses. This encryption is the minimum requirement any League of Legends player should go for.

One of the stand-out security features noticed in the best VPN apps is the Kill Switch. This feature is designed to block users’ internet connection when there is a glitch, thereby preventing their data information from being exposed.

Asides from the kill switch feature, the best VPNs for League of Legends also use diverse protocols such as IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and Wireguard to ensure maximum security for the users.

Device Compatibility: The best VPNs reviewed above are compatible with various devices, including Windows, MacOS, Chromebook, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, they also support major browning platforms such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. The VPNs also support routers and allow gamers to connect up to five devices simultaneously.

Ease of Use: We encourage VPN apps that are user-friendly and not difficult to use. Even a beginner or first-time user should be able to find their way around without any major assistance. In case of any complaints or inquiries, users should be able to get the needed help via emails, FAQs, and General Info sections.

The best VPNs for League of Legends feature a drop-down menu that makes it easy for users to connect to any server. It is also designed with an on/off button on the home screen for easy use.

Price: The best VPNs for League of Legends always feature free and paid options. In the event that there is no free version, these VPN services offer a free-trial period for some days before users begin to subscribe.

For the premium version, the best VPN service offers monthly, annual, and even biannual packages, making it easy for the user to subscribe within their financial ability and VPN needs.

How to Use a VPN for Leagues of Legends

Using a VPN is pretty straightforward. The following is a step-by-step tutorial for using a VPN in League of Legends: (We used NordVPN to illustrate this process because it is a fast, affordable, and premium VPN service)

Sign Up: A League of Legends gamer must first sign up on the official website of the VPN provider. This new account will be used to log into the VPN after downloading.

Subscribe to a Plan: There are always several packages to suit a gamer’s financial ability and VPN needs. After creating an account, check out the suitable paid plan and make a payment. The best VPNs accept multiple payment methods, including Paypal, Credit/Debit Cards, and Cryptocurrencies, among others. Users should choose their preferred payment method and pay for the desired plan.

Download the VPN app: The links to download the VPN apps are always on the official website of the VPN providers. After clicking the link, download and install the VPN on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems.

Choose a Server: After downloading the VPN app, install it and look for where the servers and server locations are listed. Users can try out different servers to see which one best suits the player’s internet connection.

Do a Ping test: A ping test is the amount of time a user needs to send data and receive a response on their server. This is highly dependent on the VPN server choice and its location. The best way to enjoy League of Legends is by conducting a ping test. Note that the result should be 100ms and below. Anything above this is discouraged, as it will cause an increase in latency and lags.

Start Playing: After going through the above steps correctly, the game can begin.

How to Fix Leagues of Legends Lag

For those who experience lags while playing Leagues of Legends, a good VPN such as NordVPN is recommended. It is an excellent way to improve user experience and fix lagging issues.

Lags occur due to delays from the internet connection and server. This delay could cause the gamer to lose if the opponent takes the first shot, even after initiating it first. Lags will delay a player’s, causing the opponent to shoot quickly and win. This can be caused by poor internet connection, high ping times, FPS loss, rubber banding, and stuttering.

Here are a few steps for gamers to fix their lag issues:

1. Adjust in-game settings: The first step is to check and modify the game settings. Sometimes, the game settings might be messed up, and users may need to change them. Turning on and off some requirements might help fix the lag the user is experiencing. Also, enabling shortcuts during gameplay and adjusting the resolution to suit the supported device is an effective way to fix lags.
2. Delete Junk Files: Junk files can slow down the user’s device and cause lagging amid gameplay. Delete all temporary or junk files by pressing Ctrl + A to save time.
3. Check the DNS Server: Checking and modifying users’ Domain Name System (DNS) server is a great way to improve lagging. Gamers can obtain an IP address automatically by double-clicking on the preferred Internet Protocol. The DNS server provided afterward can be used.
4. Unblock League of Legends in Geo-Restricted Areas: This can be done using NordVPN. The VPN protects and secures users’ data while giving them access to blocked regions worldwide. It also monitors the traffic and reroutes user data when there are weak signals. This action ensures that user data is safe while unblocking foreign locations.
5. Use Ethernet Connection: Whenever users experience lagging, they can change their connection from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. Sometimes, Wi-Fi isn’t stable, especially when they’re far from the router. An ethernet connection is a good option for solving this problem.

Can I Use a Free VPN With League of Legends?

Playing Leagues of Legends using a free VPN is possible. However, it is not recommended. This is because free VPNs mostly have limitations. These limitations range from unstable connection speeds to fewer server locations and limited bandwidth.

They can cause issues for gamers in the long run.

Some free VPNs may compromise users’ privacy and security, exposing their information to third parties. These include users’ ISP, cybercriminals, and the government.

For gamers, using a paid VPN with fast and reliable servers is generally recommended. These premium VPN services offer stable connections and robust security features. Such VPNs should majorly prioritize user privacy and security. They also offer free trials and money-back guarantees in case of any dissatisfaction. An example of such is NordVPN.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the best VPN for Leagues of Legends, several factors must be considered. These factors include speed, security, ping times, server location, review from others, device compatibility, and additional features. Choosing the right VPN, like NordVPN for Leagues of Legends, can enhance users’ gaming experience. It reduces lags and improves ping times.

Gamers can test the VPN service using a free trial before subscribing to a paid plan. Dissatisfied users can also request refunds within the stipulated timeframe of the VPN service. Choosing a VPN that meets these requirements means users can enjoy a smooth and secure gaming experience with Leagues of Legends.

League of Legends VPN FAQs

Do VPNs help with League of Legends?

VPNs help with Leagues of Legends by reducing lag and improving ping times. Additionally, VPNs can bypass ISP throttling, geo-restrictions, and censorship to improve gaming performance.

What is the best VPN for lower ping League of Legends?

The best VPN for lower ping Leagues of Legends is NordVPN. Other top reliable and fast VPNs are ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

Is NordVPN good for League of Legends?

Yes, NordVPN is a popular choice for Leagues of Legends. It offers fast and reliable servers in over 75 cities in 60 countries worldwide. It also has 5600+ servers, creating a wide network accessible to all gamers. NordVPN provides robust security features and is compatible with many devices.

Which VPN server is best for gaming?

The best VPN server for gaming should be located in the same region where the game is popular. Choosing a server geographically close to the users’ regions is recommended. This minimizes latency and lags while improving connection speeds.

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