The Best VPNs for Minecraft 2024

If you play Minecraft, you should be using a VPN, but which one will unblock Minecraft and give you fast speeds?
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Best for Cloud Storage

4.6
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
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Best for Unlimited Devices

4.4
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
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Best for Speed

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website

ExpressVPN
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Whether you're new to playing Minecraft or have your own Minecraft server, you might want to consider a virtual private network (VPN.) A VPN can help make sure your internet connection stays stable and offers protection for your IP address, and the best VPNs for Minecraft are NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, or ExpressVPN.

NordVPN wants you to play Minecraft with Meshnet, which connects players to gaming servers as if they're all on a local area network (LAN). Surfshark has unlimited connections and many servers. Finally, ExpressVPN maintains fast speeds, so network traffic won't slow down your gaming.

Minecraft website homepage.

In this article
The best VPNs for Minecraft 2024
NordVPN: Best for cloud storage
Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
ExpressVPN: Best for speed
Honorable mentions
How we test VPNs
FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Minecraft

The best VPNs for Minecraft 2024

No matter if you’re a casual gamer who plays on a console or a Minecraft mod expert, using a VPN can increase your security, peace of mind, and overall gaming experience. Incorporating a VPN into your Minecraft gaming helps protect you from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, gives you a smooth experience by thwarting throttling, and hides your IP address.

Minecraft also likes to block VPNs, so using a service with obfuscated servers can help you get past those blocks. Connection speeds are also important and having a fast VPN — like one of our top three — will allow you to access Minecraft without worrying about throttling by your internet service provider (ISP).

Minecraft website on the community creations page.

Top 3 VPN services for Minecraft compared

VPN
NordVPN

Surfshark

ExpressVPN
Starting price $3.59/mo (billed every two years) $1.99/mo (billed every two years) $6.67/mo (billed annually)
Free version
Streaming support Yes — Netflix (unofficially), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, DAZN Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer Disney Plus, DAZN, Hotstar, YLE Areena, AbemaTV Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

NordVPN: Best for cloud storage

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Get NordVPN for up to 74% off + 3 extra months
  • Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
  • Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
  • 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

Who it’s best for

If you’re the kind of gamer who likes creating new mods in Minecraft or having a lot of saved data, NordVPN is a great option because it can be bundled with NordLocker for additional storage options.

NordVPN's dashboard and account overview.

NordVPN’s dashboard


What we liked

NordVPN has a lot of features we like. The Meshnet feature is free for everyone, even if you don’t have a NordVPN account. It lets you operate as if you’re on a LAN so you can game with friends without compromising security. 

We obviously love the NordLocker addition that you can add to your NordVPN subscription. This means you have secure file protection in your cloud storage. We’re also big fans of NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, which allow you to use a VPN without looking like you’re using one.

Mod creators or anyone hosting a server may require extra storage. This is why the NordLocker option bundled with NordVPN is a great choice for gamers who fit in this category. 

NordVPN webpage for playing Minecraft with Meshnet

What we didn’t like

NordVPN isn’t the most budget-friendly option available. There are less expensive options like CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA), which are also pretty good VPNs for gaming. Since NordVPN has more options and features that could be great for gamers, however, we opted for Nord.

Nord services have a lot of different plans, which may get confusing. You can bundle all of Nord’s products or purchase them separately. There are also different subscription lengths. This may get confusing for someone who’s navigating VPN usage for the first time. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s worth mentioning.

NordVPN specs

Price range $3.59–$15.99/mo
Free version No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers 6,200+ servers in 111 countries
Number of connected devices 10
VPN protocol IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes (unofficially)
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network
4.4
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website
VPN
Surfshark
Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra
  • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
  • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
  • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

Who it’s best for

Gamers with a variety of devices may not want limits put on how many their VPN will cover. Surfshark is one of a few VPN providers that offer unlimited simultaneous device connections with a subscription.

A screenshot of the Surfshark interface showing a list of MultiHop, or double VPN, servers, including Singapore to the Netherlands and Canada to the US.

What we liked

We found that Surfshark is easy to install and use, which is great because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single plan. You can connect all of your devices, not just your console or gaming PC, to make sure you’re both protected and avoiding ISP throttling. 

Surfshark is fast, has up to 10 Gbps servers, with over 3,200 servers total. All of this means you can game with limited buffering and interruptions.

Surfshark also employs obfuscated servers, which can help avoid VPN blockers and bans. These servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Since Minecraft is a game that likes to block VPNs, obfuscated servers are necessary to be safe online while gaming.

Finally, Surfshark is still pretty affordable. If you purchase a multi-year subscription, you’ll be able to snag it at a lower price than NordVPN or ExpressVPN. We like that a lot.

Surfshark webpage listing it as the Best Minecraft VPN.

What we didn’t like

Surfshark is headquartered in The Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes country. The Eyes alliance countries give each other permission to spy on each other’s citizens. While Surfshark maintains it doesn’t keep logs, it’s still located in a country that doesn’t necessarily value privacy. 

As Surfshark has expanded its product offerings, it has added landing pages that might be confusing. This shouldn’t be a problem if you just want to purchase the VPN, but if you want to bundle other services, you may be clicking around a while before you find what you’re looking for on the site. 

It’s not the worst problem to have, but we think an exceptional product like Surfshark should streamline its site.

Surfshark specs

Price range $2.19–$17.95/mo
Free version No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers 3,200 servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices Unlimited
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
Save 48%
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices

Who it’s best for

If you’re looking for a VPN that won’t slow down your connection, ExpressVPN is notoriously fast. We know that gaming requires split-second decisions. Winning or losing could come down to a speed glitch, and no one wants that.

Our ExpressVPN speed test showed only a small drop in download speed when we connected to a Toronto, Canada, server.

What we liked

ExpressVPN tops any list as one of the best VPN services available. Speed is a guarantee with this VPN, so we know it won’t slow down gaming, streaming, or anything else that requires a lot of bandwidth, like watching Netflix. Couple the speed with ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage, and you have a pretty powerful tool.

We’re also big fans of Aircove. It’s the first router to come preinstalled with any name-brand VPN. If you’ve ever tried to configure a VPN service onto your router, you know it can be a headache. This Wi-Fi 6-enabled router is already set up and ready to go.

Since ExpressVPN allows for only eight simultaneous connections, you can get around protecting all your devices in the home with this router option. It uses only one of those eight connections, leaving seven more available if you need to take your gaming on the go.

ExpressVPN webpage explaining why it's the best Minecraft VPN.

What we didn’t like

All of that power and speed comes with a hefty price tag. Even if you purchase the Aircove, you’ll still need an ExpressVPN subscription to use the service. This is definitely an instance of “you get what you pay for” because this service is excellent but costly.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range $6.67–$12.95/mo
Free version No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers Unknown number of servers in 105 countries
Number of connected devices 8
VPN protocol Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Honorable mentions

While we believe NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are the best VPNs on the market for Minecraft, they may not be quite what you’re looking for in a service. Our honorable mentions are tested, reliable VPN options. If our three top choices aren’t for you, try out one of these.

  • CyberGhost: CyberGhost pays special attention to gamers. It claims you can set it up and be gaming in less than five minutes. We like the 45-day money-back guarantee and its partnership with FlashRouters to make covering your entire home easy.

    Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): With over 10 years in the industry, PIA offers open-source software and 24/7 customer support. It claims fast speeds. We like PIA VPN because it's reliable and wallet-friendly.

    Get PIA | Read Our PIA Review

  • Proton VPN: The 30-day money-back guarantee offered by Proton VPN means you can try its services without worrying about a commitment. It claims it uses a VPN accelerator to increase your speeds, which gamers should love. It also has a reliable free plan.

    Get Proton VPN | Read Our Proton VPN Review

How we test VPNs 

We tested the best Minecraft VPN by making sure you could play Minecraft with gaming servers offered by the VPN service. Minecraft restrictions, server bans, and an IP ban are some reasons a person may want to use a VPN provider to play Minecraft. 

Free VPNs could give away your IP address, so we wanted to make sure the best VPN for Minecraft was one that hid any IP addresses in case you play by port forwarding.

Essentially, we wanted to make sure any product we recommend is going to work for your experience. This is why you should take advantage of the money-back guarantee offered by each service if you find it isn’t for you. It’s also why you should stick with a paid VPN rather than a free VPN. 

FAQs


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Does a VPN work on Minecraft?

Yes, a VPN works on Minecraft, but not every VPN. Minecraft actively blocks free VPNs, which means you’ll need to use a quality, paid VPN to reap the benefits while playing. We suggest NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN. All of these services offer fast speeds, quality servers, and safe connections.


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How do you set up a VPN on Minecraft?

Setting up a VPN on Minecraft depends on your device. If you’re using a mobile device, you’ll need to download the mobile app and enable it from there. For a desktop, you can download your operating system’s compatible VPN app. Once you activate it, make sure to enable gaming mode if your VPN offers that feature.

For people playing Minecraft on consoles, some VPN providers are compatible with various consoles. If your VPN service isn’t compatible with your gaming console, try installing the VPN on your internet router to blanket your entire home in protection.

ExpressVPN sells the Aircove router with the ExpressVPN software preinstalled, but you’ll still need an active subscription to use it. You can also check out our full guide on the best VPN routers.


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How do you bypass VPN detection on Minecraft?

The best way to bypass VPN detection while you play Minecraft is to use a VPN with obfuscated servers. VPNs are legal in most places around the world, but that doesn’t stop private companies from wanting to block them.

Obfuscated servers hide VPN usage so unblocking Minecraft is easy without compromising online security. Casually playing Minecraft on a console or mobile phone doesn’t pose as much of a risk as gaming with open ports and shared servers. 

Bottom line: The best VPNs for Minecraft

The best VPNs for Minecraft sessions are going to offer fast speeds, obfuscated servers, and unlimited data like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. If you want additional cloud storage, NordVPN and NordLocker have you covered in one convenient dashboard. 

Unlimited simultaneous connections are a hallmark of Surfshark’s platform, and ExpressVPN has been proven to be fast by independent testing. 

3 best VPNs for Minecraft 2024

Starting price Best for Learn more

NordVPN
Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years) Best for cloud storage Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review


Surfshark
Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) Best for unlimited devices Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review


ExpressVPN
Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) Best for speed Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review


Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Get NordVPN for up to 74% off + 3 extra months
  • Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
  • Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
  • 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Author Details
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.