The Best VPNs for PUBG 2026

NordVPN is our top pick for PUBG and PUBG Mobile, with 9,300+ servers for low-latency connections and easy region unblocking on iOS and Android.
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Best Overall

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
PROMOTION: Get 76% + 3 Months Free
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Best for Fast Speeds

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Privacy VPN
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Proton VPN's website

Proton VPN
PROMOTION: Get 70% Off
View More

Best Affordable PUBG VPN

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Value VPN
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
PROMOTION: From $1.78/mo. + 3 Months Free
View More

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 9,300+ 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 around the world and secures all connections through the OpenVPN protocol and AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring no one can access your data.

Both NordVPN and Proton VPN offer competitive pricing plans and excellent customer service, making them ideal choices for gamers seeking 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.

Looking for an online gaming VPN for more than PUBG? Check out our best gaming VPNs review, where we tested download speed, upload speed, and latency.

In this article
The best VPNs for playing PUBG 2026
The best VPNs for PUBG compared
How we test VPNs
NordVPN: Best overall for playing PUBG
Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds
Surfshark: Best affordable option
How to unblock PUBG Mobile with a VPN
How to choose the best VPN
Bottom line
FAQs

The best VPNs for playing PUBG 2026

5.0
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
  • #1 rated VPN with 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
Learn More

5.0
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Privacy VPN
VPN
Proton VPN
  • Privacy-focused open-source software that comes with free encrypted email account
  • VPN Accelerator tech improves speeds by up to 400%
  • Stream from anywhere with 11,300+ high-speed servers, plus block ads and trackers
Learn More

5.0
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Value VPN
VPN
Surfshark
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
  • Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
  • 4,500+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
Learn More

The best VPNs for PUBG compared

VPN
Best Overall
NordVPN logo
Proton VPN logo Surfshark logo
Best for Best VPN for playing PUBG Best PUBG VPN for fast speeds Best value VPN for playing PUBG
Starting price Starts at $3.09/mo Starts at $2.99/mo Starts at $1.78/mo
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 test and rate VPNs

Every VPN in this guide is hands-on tested by our team using a consistent process. We evaluate each product across seven areas:

  • Features (30.5%): We review every VPN for inclusion of a working kill switch, split tunneling, multiple VPN protocols, multi-hop servers, and the option to add a dedicated IP. We also review the size of the server network and number of server countries available.
  • Test results (20%): We run download and upload speed tests with no VPN as a baseline, then connect to servers in four regions (U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia) to calculate the VPN's impact on our speeds. We also connect to each region's Netflix library to verify streaming access, and run WebRTC and DNS leak tests using BrowserLeaks to confirm our real IP and DNS data remain masked.
  • Editor's score (15%): We use each VPN ourselves, evaluating interface clarity, feature accessibility, and anything else that affects day-to-day use that isn't captured by our other criteria.
  • Value (11%): We evaluate each product's value based on starting price, money-back guarantee length, and the number of simultaneous connections allowed under a single subscription.
  • Privacy and security (9.5%): We verify each VPN's no-logs policy, check whether it has been independently audited, review its encryption standards, and note its headquarters jurisdiction.
  • Customer service (5%): We evaluate how thorough the customer support is based on how many ways there are to contact human support. 
  • Compatibility (3%): We review each VPN's availability across desktop, mobile, browsers, routers, and smart devices.

We test VPNs at least twice a year. Testing has been carried out across Windows, macOS, and mobile, so our results reflect real-world performance across devices.

To learn more about how we test, read our full VPN methodology here.

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, the better your overall gaming experience.
  • 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 reviewed the logging policies of each service and the applicable jurisdictional laws on data retention and privacy.

NordVPN: Best overall for playing PUBG

NordVPN's Fast Speeds and Features Make It Best for PUBG
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On NordVPN's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
PROMOTION: Get 76% + 3 Months Free
  • #1 rated VPN with 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is the best PUBG VPN, offering gamers a reliable, secure connection that bypasses geo-restrictions and gives them access to the global gaming library. It also offers fast speeds, which allow users to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions.

NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can make sure it’s the perfect fit for your PUBG matches before committing to a long-term subscription.

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 locations around the world, so you can hop between 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 less than ExpressVPN, another popular VPN app that offers similar functionality and security.

What we didn’t like

When playing PUBG with NordVPN, there are a few potential drawbacks to 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 typical of any VPN, especially if you connect to servers far from your physical location. Someone in the U.S. connecting to an Australian server likely experiences more lag than someone in Japan connecting to the same 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 does have specialty P2P servers optimized for fast speeds. If a regular server isn’t cutting it, try swapping to one of its designated P2P servers to see if you get a speed boost.

NordVPN specs

Price range $3.09–$25.29/mo
Free version No, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers 9,300+ servers in 130+ 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

Test results

To assess NordVPN’s performance, we conducted tests to review impact on speed, ability to unblock Netflix's geo-restrictions, and protection against potential data leaks.

NordVPN passed all three tests with flying colors. It has minimal impact on our speeds, unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested, and prevented all data leaks.

Audited no-logs policy Yes, audited by Deloitte from November-December 2025
Speed Decreased our download speeds by an average of 16%
Netflix Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia
DNS leak Passed, no DNS leaks
WebRTC leak Passed, no WebRTC leaks
Kill switch Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read Our NordVPN Review

Star rating summary

NordVPN has a perfect star rating of 5.0 and is our top VPN recommendation. You can expect a user-friendly experience, standard VPN features along with helpful extras, an audited no-logs policy, and intuitive apps across devices. 

Decision factor Weight Verdict
Our experience 15% 5.0
Value11% 5.0
Features30.5% 5.0
Test results20% 5.0
Privacy and security9.5% 5.0
Compatibility3% 5.0
Customer service5% 5.0

Proton VPN: Best for fast speeds

Proton VPN Topped the Speed Charts
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Proton VPN's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Privacy VPN
VPN
Proton VPN
PROMOTION: Get 70% Off
  • Privacy-focused open-source software that comes with free encrypted email account
  • VPN Accelerator tech improves speeds by up to 400%
  • Stream from anywhere with 11,300+ high-speed servers, plus block ads and trackers

Who it’s best for

Proton VPN boasts fast speeds, so you won’t experience lag or buffering, and it offers paid subscribers the option to connect to high-speed servers with up to 10 Gbps. 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.

Proton VPN has a free plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes it ideal for those looking to connect to specific PUBG servers without spending too much.

What we liked

Proton VPN’s no-logs policy ensures that your activity while playing PUBG won't be tracked, providing 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 for PUBG players is its relatively high price. Its starting price is significantly higher than NordVPN's and Surfshark's, which offer 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, unlike other VPNs. In fact, you must be a paid subscriber to access the live chat feature. (Proton VPN does have a support form that 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 $2.99–$9.99/mo
Free version Yes
Number of servers 20,000+ servers in 145 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

Test results

To assess Proton VPN’s performance, we conducted speed tests, Netflix tests against its geo-restrictions, and leak tests.

Proton VPN had minimal impact on our speeds, successfully unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested, and prevented all data leaks.

Test type
Audited no-logs policy Yes, audited by Securitum in September 2025
Speed Maintained our download speed with most servers
Netflix Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia
DNS leak Passed, no DNS leaks
WebRTC leak Passed, no WebRTC leaks
Kill switch Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers
Learn more Get Proton VPN

Read Our Proton VPN Review

Star rating summary

Proton VPN earned a perfect star rating of 5.0 due to its ease of use, extensive security features, audited no-logs policy, and privacy-friendly headquarters.

Decision factor Weight Verdict
Our experience 15% 5.0
Value11% 5.0
Features30.5% 5.0
Test results20%5.0
Privacy and security9.5% 5.0
Compatibility3% 5.0
Customer service5% 5.0

Surfshark: Best affordable option

Choose Surfshark for Low Prices and Premium Features
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Surfshark's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Value VPN
VPN
Surfshark
PROMOTION: From $1.78/mo. + 3 Months Free
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
  • Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
  • 4,500+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable

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 lets you access international libraries of games from around the world, including those blocked by governments or limited by geographic boundaries. And with its low prices and large server network, you can always find an optimal connection for your gaming needs.

Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which gives you plenty of time to decide whether this is the right VPN service for playing PUBG.

What we liked

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a rare feature among VPN providers, making it easy to play PUBG, stream Netflix, and encrypt your connection on multiple devices at once. 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 offers budget-friendly pricing 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 $1.78–$20.85/mo
Free version No, but there's a free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS
Number of servers 4,500+ 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

Test results

We conducted several tests on Surfshark to assess its performance: speed tests to measure impact, Netflix tests to unblock geo-restrictions, and leak tests to determine privacy protection.

Surfshark went above and beyond, causing minimal impact on our download speeds and unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested. It also recently passed all three leak tests.

Audited no-logs policy Yes, audited by Deloitte in June 2025
Speed Decreased our download speeds by an average of 8%
Netflix Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia
DNS leak Passed, no DNS leaks
WebRTC leak Passed, no WebRTC leaks
Kill switch Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Our Surfshark Review

Star rating summary

Surfshark has a perfect star rating of 5.0 because of its affordable plan pricing, allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections, a robust server network and features, and an audited no-logs policy.

Decision factor Weight Verdict
Our experience 15% 5.0
Value11% 5.0
Features30.5% 5.0
Test results20% 5.0
Privacy and security9.5% 5.0
Compatibility3% 5.0
Customer service5% 5.0

Best VPN for PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile brings the battle royale experience to iOS and Android, but depending on where you are in the world, you may run into region bans, high ping, or matchmaking limits that a VPN can help you get around. Here's what to know before you connect.

Why PUBG Mobile players use a VPN

  • Region bans: PUBG Mobile has been banned or restricted in several countries, including India, Afghanistan, and parts of the Middle East. A VPN lets players in those regions connect to servers in countries where the game is available.
  • Lower ping on crowded servers: Connecting to a VPN server closer to PUBG Mobile's game servers, rather than your physical location, can reduce latency. This matters most for players in regions where local servers are overloaded or underperforming.
  • Early access to regional content: PUBG Mobile sometimes rolls out updates, events, and new maps in specific regions before others. A VPN lets you connect to those regions early and access content before it hits your local servers.
  • Playing with friends in other regions: PUBG Mobile matchmaking is region-locked by default. A VPN lets you connect to a server in your friend's region so you can squad up regardless of where you are.

How to use a VPN for PUBG Mobile

  1. Download a VPN app on your iOS or Android device. All three of our picks — NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN — have dedicated mobile apps. NordVPN and Surfshark are the strongest choices for mobile gaming due to their server density and speed.
  2. Connect to a server in a country where PUBG Mobile is available. If you're in a restricted region, the US, UK, or any EU country will work. For lower ping, choose a server geographically close to you or to PUBG Mobile's regional servers.
  3. Open PUBG Mobile and start playing. The VPN runs in the background, so you don't need to do anything else. If your ping is higher than expected, try switching to a server in a different location.

Mobile tip: On Android, NordVPN and Surfshark both support split tunneling, so you can route only PUBG Mobile through the VPN while keeping everything else on your regular connection. This is useful for keeping your other apps at full speed.

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, consider choosing one with servers optimized for gaming. 
  • Speed — You don't want to experience lag in the middle of your match. Make sure the VPN you choose has minimal impact on your speeds at any time of day.

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. NordVPN is our overall best choice for playing PUBG. It offers excellent security features, including double-hop encryption and a kill switch, to keep your IP address hidden from hackers and other players alike.

5.0
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
  • #1 rated VPN with 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
Learn More

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.

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.


#1 Rated VPN for Privacy and Security
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On NordVPN's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
PROMOTION: Get 76% + 3 Months Free
  • #1 rated VPN with 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
Author Details
Ryan L. Clancy brings a working engineer's perspective to digital security writing. He holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Limerick and spent five years as a mechanical engineer and engineering manager in New York City — experience that shapes how he analyzes VPN encryption protocols and parental monitoring apps beyond what vendor specs say. He has authored more than 220 articles for All About Cookies and has been published in Forbes and MakeUseOf.