The Best VPNs for Online Poker Sites 2024

Best for Online Security

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• 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
• Too many confusing plans

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Best for Identity Protection

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• 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
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

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Did you know that a virtual private network (VPN) can up the ante in online poker? Using a VPN when playing online poker helps you keep your cards close to your chest, secures your online information, and encrypts your activity.

A VPN encrypts your online activity, giving you an added layer of security and masking your IP address. If you travel somewhere that doesn’t allow sports betting, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in your home state to access your accounts.

If you’re a novice or avid online poker player, a VPN can help protect your account information. Let’s look at the best VPN services for playing poker online and how they can help you safely and securely access popular online poker sites.

The best VPNs for online poker

• NordVPN: Best for online security
• Surfshark: Best for identity protection

Top 2 VPN services for online poker compared

Starting price	$3.99/mo	$2.29/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix (unofficially), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN	Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

NordVPN: Best for online security

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

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On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• 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
• Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is a standout VPN, but what makes it even better are the additional features that help keep you safe online and offline. Protecting yourself online is more than just using a VPN, so we like it when a company offers different tools to protect users even when they’re not connected to an encrypted network

NordVPN offers three different plans, each with additional online security tools: Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. All three include a secure VPN service. But the Ultimate plan includes encrypted cloud storage, a data breach scanner, a password manager, an ad blocker, and malware protection. You also get $1 million in identity theft recovery insurance and $100K in cyber extortion protection. NordVPN’s ultimate plan will cost you a little bit more but the added benefits help offset the cost.

What we liked

When it comes to VPNs, NordVPN is the royal flush. NordVPN offers a variety of protection features to keep you safe while connected to one of its servers. Some of the NordVPN features we like include:

• Meshnet: Allows you to create a private encrypted network for file sharing and more.
• Double VPN: Route your internet traffic through multiple servers for extra security.
• Dark web monitoring: Get an alert when your information is found on the dark web.
• Obfuscated servers: These specialized servers can hide the fact you’re using a VPN and help you access sites that restrict VPNs.

NordVPN is also available on various devices, so you can use it on your Mac or Windows computer, iPhone or Android phones, and inside browsers like Chrome. Based on our testing, connecting to NordVPN doesn’t have a detrimental effect on overall internet speeds.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN limits the number of connected devices per account to 10. While this isn’t a huge deal breaker, it limits VPN use — especially if you’re traveling with several devices or family members.

NordVPN specs

Surfshark: Best for identity protection

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

79% off + 2 months free

• 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
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Who it’s best for

Surfshark includes some great additional features to help protect your identity. All Surfshark VPN plans include Alert ID, an identity masking feature. With the Surfshark One+ membership, you get access to Incogni data removal tools that can make removing your name from company lists and people search sites easier. While protecting your internet activity while gambling is key, these extra features can help keep you protected during other activities.

What we liked

Whether gambling or accessing geo-restricted Netflix libraries, Surfshark offers many important features to keep your data encrypted and hide your IP address. These include AES-256-GCM encryption, secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2), and a no-logs policy.

Surfshark recently unveiled a new feature for its VPN called Nexus. Surfshark’s Nexus creates a network of its VPN servers to help improve connection stability and increase speed. When connecting to Surfshark’s VPN, you’ll be connected to its Nexus network, which means your VPN traffic will be routed through a network of servers instead of a single server location.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark also includes bundled security tools to help keep your online accounts and activities safe. The Surfshark One bundle offers three plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. These plans include the VPN service, CleanWeb ad blocking, and the Alt ID identity masking feature. For comprehensive cybersecurity features like Surfshark Antivirus, data breach alerts, safe browsing, or Incogni, you’d need to upgrade to a top-tier plan.

What we didn’t like

One thing that may cause concern for some users is that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine Eyes Alliance. This will not create an issue for most, but it can raise privacy concerns. As part of the Nine Eyes Alliance, the Netherlands could provide information regarding national security to other alliance countries. This means that it is possible the government would require businesses like Surfshark to provide information if it was pertinent to a national security risk.

Surfshark specs

Honorable mentions

We’ve highlighted our top two VPNs for online poker, but many other VPN solutions are available if you’re looking for something a little different. Based on our research and testing, you can bet on a few other options.

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is another highly-rated VPN that we’ve tested. It didn’t make our top list because it’s a more expensive solution, even though it’s one of the best VPN services on the market. That’s because of ExpressVPN’s super secure Lightway protocol, strict no-logs policy with independent audit, and free features such as MediaStreamer and Threat Manager. On the downside, ExpressVPN only offers connections for up to eight devices.
  

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

• Private Internet Access (PIA): With PIA, you get access to an extensive server network of 64,000+ servers in 91 countries and all 50 U.S. states — plus the ability to connect unlimited devices. PIA also offers great VPN features such as torrenting support, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.

  Get PIA | Read Our PIA Review

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers 11,700+ servers optimized for different activities like streaming Netflix. This makes it easy to find a server that will work best for your needs. Plus, CyberGhost offers NoSpy servers, which help keep your online activities private. Unlike PIA, CyberGhost only offers connections for up to seven devices.
  
  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

How we tested the best VPNs for playing online poker

When evaluating VPNs for online gaming, we look at several different specs to determine the best options. While encrypting your online activity is the most important part of using a VPN, you want to make sure that connecting to the VPN doesn’t hinder your ability to play online poker or complete other activities like gaming, streaming, or torrenting.

Here are a few things we examine to find the best VPNs:

• Internet speeds: Does connecting to the VPN drastically change overall internet speeds?
• Ease of use: Is the VPN simple to use and easy to understand?
• Server locations: Does the VPN service have a robust list of servers worldwide?
• Compatibility and connections: Will the VPN work with a variety of computers and devices? How many connections does the VPN allow per account?
• Additional features: What additional ways does this VPN keep users safe?

Best VPNs for online poker FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for online poker

There's no need to call our bluff. Using a VPN to play online poker or place online sports bets is essential to keeping your information and activities private and safe.

We've found that NordVPN is the best VPN for online poker, but Surfshark is also a solid VPN provider for accessing poker sites. Our two top picks include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them out yourself risk-free.

2 best VPNs for online poker 2024

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
	$3.99/mo	Best for overall online security	Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review
	$2.29/mo	Best for identity protection	Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• 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
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.