As a passionate Valorant player, I understand the frustration of encountering limitations like disabled VoIP features in certain regions, DDoS attacks, high ping, and connection errors. These hurdles can significantly hinder the competitive experience. The solution to these hurdles is to use the best VPN for Valorant.
The best VPN can bypass these obstacles by securing a stable and fast connection, reducing ping times, and avoiding bandwidth throttling imposed by ISPs. This means smoother, lag-free gaming sessions, crucial for those intense Valorant matches where every millisecond counts.
After extensive testing of dozens of VPN Valorant providers, I’ve determined that ExpressVPN is the standout choice for Valorant players. Its unmatched speeds, extensive server network, and strong encryption make it the most suitable option for gamers.
Warning: While VPNs aren’t banned in Valorant, Riot discourages playing/purchasing outside your region. Avoid potential issues and keep things fair.
Quick Overview – Best VPN for Valorant
Here’s a rundown of the five best VPNs for Valorant that guarantee a smooth gaming experience, no buffering, and complete access to the internet:
ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Valorant in 2024
ExpressVPN stands as the best Valorant VPN, offering an impressive 3000+ servers spread across 105 countries. It comes with blazing speeds of 89.42 Mbps, unlimited bandwidth, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for lag Free Valorant Gaming
It is the best budget-friendly VPN for Valorant with unlimited simultaneous connections and over 3200 servers worldwide. Its Camouflage Mode and CleanWeb feature ensure a seamless gaming experience and an inexpensive cost.
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NordVPN – Srcure Valorant VPN for Changing Lobbies
It offers the largest server Network for Valorant with 6000+ servers and Double VPN for extra security for Valorant game lovers. Its fast connection speeds particularly benefit fast-paced games like Valorant, supporting 6 simultaneous connections.
➔ Get the best of NordVPN: $3.99/mo
CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for Valorant Optimised Server:
Provides specialized gaming servers for Valorant users, offering the best connection and allowing up to 7 simultaneous device connections. With a user-friendly interface and 11651+ servers in 100 countries, it caters to a wide range of gamers.
➔ Get the best CyberGhost deal: $2.03/mo
Private Internet Access – Reliable VPN for Valorant
For Valorant players seeking reliability, Private Internet Access offers a secure, zero-logs VPN with a vast network for optimal server selection, tailored for those who value both privacy and performance in their gaming experience.
➔ Get a special Private Internet Access offer today: $2.11/mo
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5 Best VPNs for Valorant – [Detailed Analysis 2024]
Looking to enhance your Valorant gaming experience? Here are the top 5 VPNs tailored for optimum performance and security, ensuring seamless gameplay and a competitive edge:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Playing Valorant
- Ultra-fast servers in 105 Countries
- Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
- Best-in-class encryption trusted security, and advanced protection features that block ads, trackers, and harmful sites.
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support through live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Valorant, thanks to its fast speeds, excellent security features, wide server network, and unblocking ability.
It offers thousands of lightning-fast servers in 105 countries, so you can always get the fastest possible connection to enjoy the gaming experience. This VPN appeared to do an excellent job of reducing lag during my tests on Valorant.
The connection remained strong with no freezing or lagging issues detected. This was due to the large number of ExpressVPN gaming servers and elsewhere. I tried ExpressVPN’s New York server to play Valorant and enjoyed an excellent gaming experience:
ExpressVPN’s servers were quite fast and efficient as I continued gaming without any issues.
ExpressVPN ensures uninterrupted Valorant gameplay and provides a seamless gaming experience with other titles. I had a particularly great experience using ExpressVPN with League of Legends, which is why I consider it to be the best VPN for League of Legends.
I was impressed with the ExpressVPN speed test and how fast the VPN servers are, which makes them perfect for playing Valorant. When connected to a 100 Mbps connection, I received a download speed of 87.18 Mbps and an upload speed of 52.13 Mbps, so there won’t be any lag or interruptions when gaming.
ExpressVPN speed test proves it to be the best VPN for gaming.
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol keeps your connection always reliable, faster, and secure. This VPN app or browser extension can be downloaded on every major platform, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and more. You can even connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with an account.
ExpressVPN is compatible with many devices, for example, consoles and TVs. You can also set up ExpressVPN on the router to safeguard your entire network.
As for security, this VPN also offers various security features, including OpenVPN compatibility, split tunneling, and zero-knowledge DNS servers. It provides military-grade encryption and keeps no logs to keep your data private.
If you’re unsure about using this VPN, then there’s also an ExpressVPN free trial for iOS and Android users.
Get more details about the VPN in my ExpressVPN review.
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- Network Kill Switch
- Improved speeds and low pings
- Thousands of servers worldwide
- A dedicated app for routers to enjoy a VPN connection on gaming consoles
- Live chat support
- High-speed servers for gaming
- Compatible with Valorant
- Secure VPN protocols
- Bypass throttling and prevent DDoS attacks
- Expensive than others
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Valorant
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- RAM-only servers (no hard disks)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unblocks Netflix and More
- 24/7 Customer Service
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for Valorant, offering an impeccable gaming experience at a low price.
It offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries. It provides good value for money and is perfect for those on a tight budget who still want to enjoy a high level of VPN protection. I tested Surfshark’s Atlanta server while playing Valorant:
Thanks to Surfshark servers, my device was safe from cyber threats coming my way while gaming.
Besides Valorant, Surfshark is super-versatile, helping you access popular gaming platforms and streaming services, like Switch Cloud Gaming, Xbox, Minecraft, Mobile Legends, and Call of Duty. It is also the best VPN for Conqueror’s Blade and the best VPN for Steam.
I conducted a Surfshark speed test connecting to a server in the US and had the smoothest time gaming online. On a 100 Mbps connection, I received a fast downloading speed of 81.32 Mbps and an uploading speed of 76.12 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs out there.
Surfshark offered low ping during my speed test.
Surfshark lets you utilize unlimited devices on the same secure connection, meaning you can unblock Valorant on as many devices as you want. It is compatible with many different devices and operating systems. It works well with your home network router, gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation, Android, iOS, Windows, and Chrome.
It has security features like MultiHop, a strict no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, DNSLeak protection, and Camouflage Mode. If you encounter any problems, it also offers 24/7 live chat support.
Surfshark’s costs are very cheap and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can even try it out for free through the Surfshark free trial on mobile.
Learn more about the benefits and features in my Surfshark review.
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- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- DDoS Protection
- Solid zero-logs policy and robust AES encryption
- Works with Valorant and popular games
- Compatible with all operating systems
- Affordable prices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No port forwarding
- Erratic P2P behavior
3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network for Valorant
- 6000 servers in 60 countries
- WireGuard protocol (NordLynx)
- 6 Simultaneous Connection
- DoubleVPN
- 24/7/365 Live Chat Support
- 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
NordVPN has the largest server network for Valorant with more than 6000 servers in over 61 countries. So, you can play games as if you were at home, no matter your location.
It is one of the most reliable VPNs to play Valorant. On my testing, I connected to NordVPN’s US servers and got the voice chat options unblocked within seconds. I could connect with my teammates without any interruptions, which is superb.
NordVPN’s servers allowed me to locate players around the world easily.
With NordVPN, you can enjoy unrestricted access to popular providers like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Moreover, I’ve found through the NordVPN speed test that while the VPN provides the fastest connection, it also reduces high ping issues.
Using the VPN on a 100 Mbps connection, I received a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps, using which I could play Valorant without lags.
NordVPN speed test showed excellent results on gaming-optimized servers.
NordVPN is compatible with multiple devices and operating systems. This VPN can be used on Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and other devices. To make my console gaming secure and hurdle-free, I set up NordVPN on PS4.
NordVPN has earned its reputation as a secure VPN, thanks to its compelling security features, like military-grade 256-bit encryption, Split tunneling, Dark Web Monitor, a no-log policy, and an OpenVPN protocol.
Its Double VPN feature, combined with the formidable kill switch, ensures a higher level of protection against data leaks. It also ensures that you have help available through 24/7 live chat support.
Prospective users who want a better idea of its services before committing can slo try it free of charge for upto a week through the NordVPN free trial.
Please refer to my NordVPN review to learn more about this provider.
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- 24/7 live chat support
- 6 simultaneous connections
- Kill Switch
- No data caps
- Fast gaming speed
- Dedicated Gaming Servers
- DDoS Protection
- Lightning-Fast NordLynx
- Works with Valorant
- OpenVPN configurations are not user-friendly
4. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for Valorant
- 11651 Servers Servers in 100 Countries
- 7 Simultaneous Logins
- 45 Days Money-Back Guarantee
- Strict No Logs Policy
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
- Strong Protocols & Encryption
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN for Valorant that offers dedicated servers for gaming. It comes with 11651+ servers in 100 countries.
As a new player, you’ll likely face in-game lag, but with this VPN service’s high-speed servers, you’ll optimize your game quickly. I used CyberGhost’s New York server while playing Valorant, and the results were amazing:
Thanks to CyberGhost’s servers, the communication channel between the team members was established effortlessly without regional restrictions.
In addition to making it easier for you to fix lag, the VPN has powerful hacker protection, which guards your router and protects it from DDoS attacks.
I conducted a CyberGhost speed test for Valorant, and it always provided a stable and secure connection. While testing, I received a download speed of 71.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 45.11 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
CyberGhost speed test showcased admirable results.
CyberGhost’s apps work on all operating systems, including Android and iOS. It can be used across all of your devices. Plus, it can unblock geo-restricted gaming platforms like Xbox Series, PS 4 & 5, and many others.
CyberGhost is one of the most secure VPN providers, with AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy. I can confidently say that your browsing activity and private data will not be available to anyone else but yourself. You have complete control over who can access your data while using CyberGhost.
CyberGhost’s prices are most affordable and backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee. You can try out the service through the CyberGhost free trial before investing.
Please refer to my CyberGhost review to learn more about this provider.
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- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7 simultaneous devices
- 24/7 live chat support
- Huge global presence
- Compatible with multiple platforms
- Excellent price for long-term plans
- Limited payment options
5. PIA – Reliable VPN for Valorant
- Does Not Keep Any Logs
- 24/7 Customer Support
- 7 Days Money Back Guarantee
- 35000+ Servers in 84 Countries
- SOCKS 5 proxy
- Compatible with Leading Devices
Private Internet Access is one of the most reliable VPNs for Valorant on this list, offering over 35000+ servers in 84 countries Users can switch to these servers and enjoy a gaming experience without any interruption.
When I first tested it, accessing gaming and streaming sites was not a problem, although speeds decreased significantly on far-away servers. This means that if you can find a server in a closer location, it’s only feasible for Valorant users. Using PIA’s Connecticut server, I was able to play Valorant:
PIA servers were terrific as they lowered pings considerably as I continued gaming seamlessly.
PIA unlocks all major gaming platforms and streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and more.
As for speeds, when I conducted a PIA speed test, it delivered a download speed of 65.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.16 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
PIA showed decent download speed on my speed test.
PIA has got you covered, whether you’re a Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS user. You can connect unlimited devices to your PIA account and use them simultaneously while playing Valorant.
The VPN service has many modern, sophisticated security features like AES 128/256-bit encryption. This is among the few services that allow users to select the level of encryption they prefer. If you find your Private Internet Access not working guide, feel free to approach their customer support for a speedy resolution.
PIA is a decent VPN service, and the pricing matches the value. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for most plans. There’s also a PIA free trial on mobile if you want to check out this service before getting a subscription.
Learn more about this provider in my detailed Private Internet Access review.
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- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No-logs policy
- Reliable security features
- A massive network of servers
- Compatible with Valorant and many gaming titles
- 10 simultaneous devices
- Slower speeds on long-distance servers
How I Choose the Best VPNs for Valorant
Depending on what purpose you want to use a VPN for dictates which Valorant VPN you should get. For instance, if you want a VPN to bypass Valorant VPN ban your choice of VPN would be different than someone wanting to play Valorant and access streaming platforms.
In any case, I considered the following factors while shortlisting the best VPN for Valorant:
- Server locations: More servers mean more options – you should choose the server closest to you or where your teammates are for a better ping/sync.
- Security and privacy: Staying safe while gaming or browsing is a top priority. To be as secure as possible, you must connect to a VPN with advanced security features. I considered this and only selected the VPNs that give strong security to their users.
- Value for money: It is worth investing in quality VPN software for all purposes, but it is not worth overpaying when you can get an equally good service at a lower cost. So, I had to consider choosing VPNs that offer all features at affordable prices. In my list, I have mentioned the best VPNs that are high quality and reasonably priced.
- High speed: A VPN will inevitably decrease internet speed, but if you go with a fast one, the amount of ping and lag should be minimal. Besides that, finding one that has good speeds is crucial not just for gaming but also for streaming. So, I considered VPNs only with great speeds.
- Geo-restriction bypass: I evaluated the VPNs’ effectiveness at overcoming geo-restrictions, which involves accessing streaming platforms and other sites typically inaccessible from your original location.
Why Do I Need a VPN for Valorant?
A VPN for Valorant is crucial as it hides your identity, allowing you to choose your gaming region freely. This enables playing with international gamers and accessing Valorant in restricted areas, while also bypassing ISP throttling for smoother gameplay. Let’s discuss all the reasons to consider Valorant VPN:
- First, using the best Valorant VPN will let you play the game without any hindrance. Some gaming platforms may block your IP and make playing difficult or impossible. With a VPN, you can get around IP blocks and continue to play the game.
- Second, Using a VPN to play Valorant is essential to protect you from malware, hackers, or DDOS attacks. A reliable Valorant VPN will ensure your connection is encrypted and safe.
- Using the best Valorant VPNs allows you unlimited access to Valorant servers and all of the game’s features. Although it’s known that VPNs will increase your latency, many times, a VPN can decrease your ping or lag, giving you a more reliable, stable connection.
- VoIP in Valorant is quite crucial for communication with your team. Unfortunately, it’s blocked in certain countries and regions. So you’ll need to use a quality VPN for Valorant voice chat to access it.
If you’re searching for the best Valorant VPN, ensure it has the benefits I’ve laid out here. It’s also important to remember that not all VPNs will provide these same benefits, so considering what they offer before making your final decision is worth considering.
Valorant & VPNs: A Friendly Reminder
Region Hopping Alert! Just like in the real world, Riot wants you to play Valorant in your designated region. Remember to activate your VPN before launching the game to avoid any issues.
Heads Up: A VPN can potentially help you bypass an IP ban, but it won’t shield you from a HWID ban (hardware identification).
How to Play Valorant With a VPN in Different Regions?
Can you play Valorant with a VPN? Certainly, just follow the steps below:
- Ensure you have a reliable VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN for its extensive server coverage and fast speeds, making it ideal for uninterrupted Valorant gameplay. Plus, with a 30-day refund policy, you can try it risk-free.
- Connect to a server of your choice. Select one in your preferred region to optimize your gaming experience. Alternatively, use the Quick Connect feature for the fastest speeds by connecting to the nearest server.
- You’re all set to play Valorant securely. Enjoy low ping and smooth gameplay in any region with your VPN-enabled setup.
Why is Valorant Not Working With My VPN?
Valorant may not work with your VPN because Riot Games could have blocked your VPN to restrict region-hopping. Switching to a VPN with reliable servers and updated IP addresses may help. If not, try the following steps:
- Server Connection Issues: If Valorant blocks a specific VPN server, connecting to a different server location might resolve the issue.
- Adjust VPN Settings: Altering tunneling protocols to options like UDP and disabling additional security features such as Threat Protection may fix connectivity.
- Clear Cache and Cookies: By clearing your system’s cache and cookies through the Run dialog (using %temp%, %appdata%, and %localappdata%) and then restarting your PC, you might fix the problem.
- VPN Software Update: Updating your VPN software by uninstalling and reinstalling the app, followed by restarting your computer, can often solve compatibility issues.
- Disable Firewall/Antivirus: Interference from firewall or antivirus software might prevent Valorant from connecting. Temporarily disabling these or setting exceptions for Valorant and your VPN can test if this is the cause.
- Contact Support: If these steps fail, contacting your VPN’s 24/7 support can offer specific solutions or a server that works with Valorant. If all else fails, consider requesting a refund from your VPN provider.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Valorant?
Yes, you can use a free VPN for Valorant; however, it is not highly recommended. Even the best free VPN for Valorant is not safe from Riot Games’ blocks, which will only further hinder your ability to play Valorant effectively.
While free VPNs can offer access to different server locations and might reduce latency, enhancing your Valorant experience by connecting to servers with better performance or fewer players, they come with significant limitations.
Free VPN services often provide slow speeds and limited bandwidth, causing in-game lag and reduced playtime. Furthermore, they may compromise your data by selling it to advertisers.
Data caps and limited server options can lead to gameplay interruptions. Moreover, the lack of strong security features in some free VPNs poses additional risks, potentially affecting your online safety and gaming experience.
Therefore, opting for a premium VPN with a reliable money-back guarantee is advisable instead of using a free VPN. I highly recommend choosing ExpressVPN to play Valorant.
Using VPN to play Valorant according to Redditors
According to the Redditors, here’s a summary of the discussion about using VPN to play Valorant:
- Using a VPN to play Valorant won’t get you banned.
- Using a VPN can significantly increase your ping, making the game laggy.
- Logging in from different locations due to VPN might trigger Riot’s security system and lock your account. You can contact support to get it unlocked.
- You don’t need a VPN to play on Valorant servers in other regions.
- ISP throttling: Some users mentioned using VPNs to bypass ISP throttling, which limits bandwidth.
Will a VPN lower my ping in Valorant, As per Redditors
- Using a VPN will not lower your ping in Valorant, and it may actually make it worse.
- This is because a VPN adds an extra layer that your data needs to travel through.
- Changing DNS might help a bit.
Whatt does Redditors say about struggling to open Riot Games client nor Valorant with VPN
- Riot Games appears to be blocking connections from VPNs to Valorant and the Riot Client.
- This is being done in waves, so it may not affect everyone at once.
- Some users report that Riot Support has not been helpful with this issue.
Best VPNs to play Valorant in other regions according to redditors
- ProtonVPN is a recommended VPN if you choose to use one.
- You don’t necessarily need a VPN to play Valorant on other regions, but only if you want to create an account from another region.
Using a VPN for Valorant can be a double-edged sword. While it might let you play on other servers, it can also slow things down with higher ping. But as per my testing I found ExpressVPN best for playing Valorant, I played on different servers along with having a lower ping all the time.
VPNs to Avoid While Playing Valorant
You should avoid these VPNs while playing Valorant:
1. Hoxx VPN
Hoxx VPN’s low price and ease of use are great, but its logging practices and low-end security are among the most significant problems. It’s slow, especially on the free plan, and customer support isn’t helpful. Read my Hoxx VPN review for more insights.
2. Hola VPN
Most people are of the understanding that Hola is a VPN service. But in reality, it is a P2P proxy service. It does not meet any standards you should look for in a good VPN. Hola logs all your online activity and does not encrypt your data. Hola VPN is a very unsafe and untrustworthy way to protect your online privacy. Check out my Hola VPN review to know more about this service.
3. HideMyAss
HideMyAss is not a good option if your goal is to keep your data private, as they store logs of every site you visit. They also have slow speeds, messy app design, and clunky browsers and apps. If you want to browse the internet safely, I highly recommend going for a top gaming VPN or one of my tried and tested free VPNs to browse safely online. Read my HideMyAss review for more details.
More VPN Guides For Gamers
- Best VPN for BlueStacks – Seamless gaming on BlueStacks starts with the best VPN protection.
- Best VPN for Lost Ark – Experience low ping and no lag Lost Ark gaming with the best VPN.
- Best VPN for Path of Exile : The Gamer’s Guardian: Ultimate Protection on Your Path of Exile.
FAQs – Best VPN for Valorant
What is the best VPN for Valorant?
ExpressVPN stands out as the top choice for Valorant players. With 3000+ servers spanning across 105 countries worldwide, it provides extensive coverage and boasts exceptional speed tailored for gaming. Additionally, it incorporates advanced security measures, ensuring constant protection and peace of mind.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Valorant?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN with Valorant for ping reduction or general security reasons. Riot Games will only ban you if you are using it to cheat or violate their terms of service. You will get a HWID ban or IP address ban in this case.
Can I get banned for using a VPN for Valorant?
No, Valorant or Riot doesn’t ban players from using a VPN if that’s for security or ping reduction purposes. Riot Games won’t restrict you from using any VPN provider to achieve a better ping. However, if you use one to harass someone or game the system in other ways, that might result in an account suspension.
Is it OK to use VPN on Valorant?
Yes, using a VPN with Valorant is OK, as it complies with the terms and conditions.
Does a VPN help with ping on Valorant?
Certainly! Using a VPN can indeed assist in reducing ping while playing Valorant. This is because a VPN can create a more direct and optimized connection route to the Valorant servers, ultimately decreasing latency. Additionally, by connecting to a VPN server location closer to the Valorant servers, you may further improve your ping performance.
Does ExpressVPN lower Ping in Valorant?
Yes, you can use lower ExpressVPN to fix lower ping in Valorant. ExpressVPN reduces ping as it’s the fastest VPN for gaming, streaming, torrenting, and all other activities.
How to change servers in Valorant?
Using a VPN is the simplest method to change your Valorant region. This straightforward application substitutes your IP address with a new one from a VPN server.
Does VPN work on Valorant?
Conclusion
If you’re encountering multiplayer issues like lag, high ping, stuttering, or packet loss while playing Valorant, exploring the best VPN for Valorant could be beneficial.
You’ll also need to register for a VPN to play with friends in different regions. Since the game assigns you to a server upon account creation, utilizing a VPN is necessary to create an account and join matches with players in alternate locations.
Additionally, a VPN can prevent data throttling, DDoS attacks, and other online nuisances. My list of the best VPNs for Valorant will help you find the one that suits your needs. I suggest ExpressVPN as the top choice because it’s reliable and fast, enabling you to connect to servers in various regions and navigate Valorant effortlessly.
