Approximately 1-3 million gamers play Call of Duty: Warzone daily. Naturally, competition is intense, and only the bravest and the most skilled survive. Whether you're a pro or a noob, using the best Warzone VPN can be one of the most fruitful decisions you make in your gaming career.
The best VPNs for Warzone won't just help you bypass CoD's skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), which is how you'll be able to climb ranks easily by competing in bot lobbies, but they'll also keep ISP throttling and malicious DDoS attacks at bay, bulletproofing your gaming sessions from any disturbances.
To help you find the perfect VPN for your needs, we've reviewed dozens of VPNs - and only listed the very best in this guide. Read on for the full picture, but if you're in a hurry, here are our top three picks right now: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
The 3 best Warzone VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
In my latest update to this page, I've refreshed the content completely, adding a new format for the reviews to make them more user-friendly and digestible. I've also checked all the facts and figures, including server count and latest speeds, to make sure you're getting the most up-to-date information. I also included information on recent updates from VPN providers, including ExpressVPNs new pricing tier, IPVanish's recent no-logs audit and Proton VPN's expansion to its server list.
The 5 best Warzone VPNs overall
What we like:
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As my NordVPN review points out, this VPN service is the complete package for gamers thanks to its speeds and server spread, making it our #1 Warzone VPN.
It absolutely chewed through my latest speed tests, consistently hitting speeds of over 950 Mbps when set to use its proprietary NordLynx protocol. High speeds are at the core of a great gaming session, and NordVPN is more than up to the task of keeping lag and ping to a minimum.
NordVPN's server spread is mighty impressive, too. With over 7,300 servers across 154 locations in 118 countries, you can rest assured you'll always be able to find an easy Warzone bot lobby to tap into.
NordVPN's Meshnet feature is also great for gaming. It allows you to host your own game servers and team up with up to 60 devices. Although this doesn't apply to Warzone, it's a great feature if you want to play local multiplayer games with your friends, irrespective of their location. Even better, Meshnet is completely free to use.
Last but not least, gamers don't have to worry about getting kicked out of games due to DDoS attacks or falling prey to phishing or malware traps when hunting for the best game deals thanks to NordVPN's advanced cybersecurity tool, Threat Protection Pro.
What could improve:
NordVPN might not be the best pick for Warzone fans on a console. Although it does have a router VPN option which is not impossible to set up, ExpressVPN is admittedly much simpler.
Additionally, NordVPN's map-style layout can be slightly confusing to look at on smaller devices - though it looks and works sleekly on bigger screens.
Plus, it also only supports a maximum of 10 devices - better than ExpressVPN's 8 but falls considerably short of Surfshark and PIA's unlimited connections.
Finally, while NordVPN has a pretty budget-friendly starter price at just $3.09 per month for a two-year subscription, it's not the cheapest on this list. Plus, you'll have to deal with a hefty price hike once it renews.
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You need a smooth gaming experience. As one of the fastest VPN services in our testing, NordVPN will easily ward off lag, ping, and throttling.
✅ You're also a streamer. NordVPN unblocked the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer with ease in our latest tests.
✅ You don’t want to compromise on security. NordVPN comes with an all-around security suite containing built-in ad blocker and antivirus tools.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ You like consistent prices. NordVPN is fairly cost-effective for new subscribers, but repeat customers have to put up with steep renewal hikes.
❌ You play on mobile. NordVPN's mobile apps aren't as intuitive as ExpressVPN's, plus their map-like interface can be a bit overwhelming.
What we like:
ExpressVPN has some of the most intuitive and easy-to-use apps we've seen in our testing, which is why it's our top recommendation as a Warzone VPN for gamers who'd like their VPN experience to be as straightforward as possible.
It also has one of the best router VPNs, which makes it a joy to use for console gaming, as well as on other devices such as smart TVs that don't natively support VPNs.
You'd be forgiven for thinking this simplicity may impact ExpressVPN's power as a VPN. Thankfully, this isn't the case. The service abides by its no-logs policy (which has been audited over 18 times now), employs super-secure AES-256 encryption, and offers 3,200 RAM-only servers. So, not only is one of the most secure VPNs, it is also a great choice as a VPN for Warzone players who want to give their online privacy a boost as well.
It's worth noting that ExpressVPN has opted for quality over quantity as far as its servers are concerned. Moreover, the servers are evenly spread out (160 locations in 105 countries), offering global access to Warzone players.
ExpressVPN topped out at 898 Mbps in our latest tests, which is more than enough to keep your Warzone battles lag- and ping-free. Even though providers like NordVPN and Surfshark are quicker than ExpressVPN on paper, you're unlikely to notice any difference on a home connection.
What could improve:
ExpressVPN offers a lot of extras, which is great if you're after a well-rounded service, but it's also probably why it's one of the most expensive going around.
Even after a recent price cut thanks to ExpressVPN introducing a two-year subscription, it is still fairly costly at $4.99 per month for this subscription. If you just need a VPN for gaming, Surfshark and IPVanish are far cheaper options.
Another thing to consider is the number of servers. Although you can't fault the amount of server locations ExpressVPN has on offer, its fleet of 3,200 servers is admittedly smaller than its closest competitors.
Still, the service worked flawlessly in my testing, so this smaller number of servers doesn't seem to have that much of an impact.
🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for all the details.
Buy ExpressVPN if:
✅ You play Warzone on consoles. ExpressVPN's router VPN app is a delight to use, and the provider also offers its own AirCove router.
✅ You value ease of use. Besides straightforward apps for every platform, ExpressVPN also has helpful and prompt customer support.
✅ You want class-leading privacy. ExpressVPN leaves nothing on the table privacy-wise, providing a myriad of security tools and additional features.
Don't buy ExpressVPN if:
❌ You're on a tight budget. Though there's a lot you get for the price, the fact remains that ExpressVPN is one of the priciest VPNs.
❌ You want the fastest speeds. ExpressVPN isn't slow by any stretch of the imagination, but rivals like NordVPN and Surfshark are faster.
What we like:
Surfshark is at the top of our best cheap VPNs list thanks to a brilliant mix of premium VPN features (including those for gaming) and low costs. So, if you're looking for a Warzone VPN thta won't break the bank, read on to find out more.
You can get started for as little as $1.58 per month and enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect and play on as many devices as you want. Plus, Surfshark offers very fast speeds and security that's on par with NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Speaking of speeds, Surfshark is right alongside NordVPN as the fastest VPN on the market. In our recent testing, its speeds maxed out our connection line at over 950 Mbps, making it a great Warzone VPN for players looking for an uninterrupted experience.
Surfshark also comes with some of the simplest VPN apps (both desktop and mobile) we've seen in our testing. Combined with jargon-free installation guides, Surfshark's intuitive interfaces make it ideal for gamers who are new to the world of VPNs.
It's equally impressive on the security front. A privacy feature that really stands out, though, is Surfshark's Alternative ID. Simply put, it creates a new online identity (with an email and a full name) that you can use to subscribe to different game stores like Steam, Game Pass, etc.
This will protect your original email from getting spammed or from being exposed in a data breach or leak.
What could improve:
Although Surfshark offers an almost unbeatable price for first-time buyers, it can turn expensive very quickly once the initial subscription term is up.
Surfshark's range of servers (3,200 in 141 locations) is nothing to sniff at, but it definitely doesn't compete against the likes of Proton VPN or NordVPN.
Finally, I noticed a slight delay when switching between servers as part of my latest testing. This isn't a major gripe, though, as you wouldn't be changing locations frequently when gaming.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You want fast connections. As the fastest provider in our last round of speed testing, Surfshark will protect you without slowing you down.
✅ You want to cover a lot of devices. Thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections, you can protect all the devices in your household.
✅ You're looking for a bargain. For the price, there's hardly a gaming VPN more value-for-money than Surfshark.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You dislike big price hikes. Surfshark's initial cost is one of the lowest, but there's a steep price hike after the first term if you don't cancel and resubscribe.
❌ You value customization. You're better off with the likes of PIA if you're after a huge amount of customization.
What we like:
While Proton may not have made our rankings in the past, this is not the case anymore. Thanks to its overhaul, it has significantly increased its utility especially as a VPN for Warzone.
Much of its newfound gaming prowess is down to its increase in speed. When connected to the nearest server in our latest tests, Proton VPN achieved speeds of over 950 Mbps, right alongside the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark.
It's worth noting, though, that Proton VPN goes above and beyond to ensure a lag-free gaming experience. Even if you connect to a server in a faraway location, Proton VPN's VPN Accelerator, which routes your traffic through various cores of multiple CPUs, will ward off any slowdowns.
Another reason Proton VPN is now a great VPN for Warzone and Valorant is its beefed-up range of servers that seems to increase daily. It now boasts over 12,000 servers (up from over 8,000 in 2024) spreading across 144 locations in 117 countries. So, you can escape the SBMM of online multiplayer games with just a tap, no matter where you are in the world.
As Proton VPN is also one of the best streaming VPNs, you can use it to watch your favorite movies and TV shows from around the world on top platforms including Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Netflix when taking a break from Warzone.
What could improve:
Proton VPN's apps are designed in a way that they don't leave anything on the table. While this is exactly what VPN pros might be after, the complexity can be a little too much for newbies.
What adds to this is the lack of 24/7 customer support. Unlike the rest of the competition, Proton VPN doesn't offer round-the-clock assistance, which can be annoying, especially if you're still learning the ropes of its apps.
Lastly, even though Proton VPN offers one of the best free VPNs, its free version is of no use for gaming or streaming. That's because it doesn't come with any streaming support, and you'll only have access to a single server. So, if you were looking to save money and go for Proton VPN Free rather than Proton VPN, you'll be disappointed.
🔒 Read our in-depth Proton VPN review for all the details.
Buy Proton VPN if:
✅ Fast speeds are a must. Proton VPN is in competition with NordVPN and Surfshark for the fastest VPN spot.
✅ You want a VPN you can trust. Proton VPN is based out of Switzerland, is open-source, and comes with an auto-connect feature.
✅ You want exceptional unblocking. Proton VPN knows its way around geo-restrictions, and it has proved that time and again.
Don't buy Proton VPN if:
❌ You need simple apps. Proton VPN apps are more geared towards advanced users, and beginners may find them too sophisticated and overwhelming.
❌ You rely on 24/7 support. You'll have to wait for a response from Proton's support, seeing as it's not available round the clock.
What we like:
IPVanish might not quite have the power of the above VPNs, it's still a highly capable Warzone VPN thanks to improved speeds, additional security features, and a brand-new interface.
I recorded peak speeds of 770 Mbps in my most recent speed tests, which may be slower than Surfshark or NordVPN, but still isn't slow in the slightest. Plus, with these speeds, it can easily support high-octane online battles in Warzone and other games. Plus, IPVanish's OpenVPN speeds of 230 Mbps came out to be faster than both NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Also, while US VPNs are typically not consider super secure, IPVanish has put to rest any concerns through completing independent audits to verify its no-logs policy, the most recent of which was completed in February 2025. As well as this, IPVanish offers VIPRE antivirus along with its VPN subscriptions to keep you extra safe online.
Two of IPVanish's biggest highlights, though, are unlimited connections and an affordable price tag of $2.19 per month for its two-year subscription. Together they make IPVanish an ideal VPN for Warzone players who'd like to cover their entire group without breaking the bank.
Another positive is the fact that IPVanish has also shown significant improvement on the stremaing front. Where it previously struggled to unblock Netflix's foreign libraries, I was able to access content from the UK, the US, Australia, Japan and Canada, performance on par with the best Netflix VPNs.
It's also worth noting that all of IPVanish's servers are P2P-friendly, making it one of the best torrenting VPNs.
What could improve:
IPVanish's smaller fleet of servers (2,400) is the biggest reason its ranked fifth in our list of the best Warzone VPNs. Even though this didn't seem to impact my real-world testing of IPVanish, adding more servers and server locations will surely help it fight for one of the top spots on this list.
Another thing to consider is that while IPVanish comes bundled with an antivirus tool, it lacks blockers for online activity trackers, which have more or less become a standard offering in the VPN industry. So, if you're looking for a Warzone VPN which will stop cookies from tracing you across the net, you're better off going for Surfshark or NordVPN.
What's more, while the service isn't slow by any means, real speed lovers will admittedly be more pleased with services like NordVPN and Surfshark that absolutely maxed out our connection lines.
🔒 Read our in-depth IPVanish review for all the details.
Buy IPVanish if:
✅ You're on a tight budget. IPVanish's multi-year plan is one of the cheapest on the market.
✅ You want unlimited connections. You can cover any number of devices you want with IPVanish - perfect for big gaming groups and game zones.
✅ You'd like extra protection. IPVanish bundles its VPN and VIPRE antivirus software in one very affordable package.
Don't buy IPVanish if:
❌ You want a lot of servers to choose from. Though not a hindrance, IPVanish's 2,400 servers aren't nearly as impressive as its rivals.
❌ You want your VPN to block trackers. The antivirus add-on is impressive, but IPVanish doesn't ward off online trackers.
How to use a Warzone VPN to get easy lobbies?
Warzone uses Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) to assign lobbies to players. However, at times when the number of players is less (say, early mornings), the SBMM method doesn’t work, and the players are grouped together regardless of their skill level.
So, to get easier lobbies, you can connect to a VPN server in a location where there’ll be fewer players. A good rule of thumb is to connect to a location typically 6-8 hours ahead of your time zone.
For instance, if you’re playing in the evening in the US, you can connect to servers in Africa, Europe, or Asia, where it’s morning. This will result in easier lobbies and mixed games, rather than a full-blown pro matchmaking. It's also good advice to test out a few servers to find out the perfect one.
Can you get banned for using a VPN on Warzone?
Well, the dust on this matter hasn’t settled yet. On a positive note, we didn’t find any explicit terms in the Warzone documentation that prohibit the use of a Warzone VPN.
Now, you may use a VPN for a more stable connection, and getting access to easier lobbies is just an added bonus. As long as you do not use a VPN for illegal purposes or gaining an unfair advantage, playing Warzone with a VPN connection is safe.
However, an argument against this is that, given the anonymity a VPN provides, it's difficult to prove any foul play. That said, if you’re a pro gamer, it's wise to do some independent research to be 100% sure of the matter.
Will a VPN increase my ping?
There’s no clear-cut answer to this. Compared to a VPN-less gaming session, a VPN will increase your ping slightly. However, if you connect to the server nearest to your location, there are chances you may not notice much of a difference or even get lower ping. If you’re using an overseas server, more often than not, you’ll experience higher ping rates.
If the usual ping is 10ms on a standard connection, you may experience a ping as high as 300ms if the network is throttled. This is exactly why we recommend using a VPN in the first place, i.e., for a more stable connection. Using a Warzone VPN may increase your ping to, say, 20ms, but that's still way less than what you’ll experience if your traffic is throttled.
You may need to trial and error to find the nearest server with the lowest ping. However, it's completely worth the effort.
Do VPNs work for Warzone?
Yes, VPNs recommended in this article work efficiently for Warzone. There’s no exclusive clause in the Warzone documentation that prohibits the use of VPNs. During our extensive testing, too, we didn’t face any instances where any of the above VPNs didn't work while playing Warzone.
These VPNs will hide your original IP address and connect you to a different server in a different location. This brings about a couple of very important benefits.
First, since gaming uses a lot of bandwidth, ISPs often throttle speeds, which can ruin the whole experience. A VPN, on the other hand, is safe from such throttling attempts because your IP is hidden.
Second, using a Warzone VPN helps you connect to servers with a fewer number of players, increasing the chances of finding an easier lobby.
How does a VPN work for Warzone?
Although not officially acknowledged, it's quite evident (and overall accepted within the community) that Warzone uses SBMM to match players.
This means, more often than not, you’ll play with gamers at par or with or at a higher skill level than you. While this may seem fair and prevent you from absolutely smashing someone brand new to Warzone, it can come with some downsides.
Let’s face it, losing too often to pro players can be frustrating and ultimately spoil your fun. Not only this, but it can also hinder your in-game growth. Finding it tough to climb ranks? Use a Warzone VPN to avoid SBMM matching.
A VPN for Warzone works by masking your original IP address and changing your location to somewhere else on the globe, preferably a location with a lesser number of players. This means you can ditch the SBMM mechanism to enter an easier lobby.
The benefits of a Warzone VPN don't end there, though, as you also get better speeds - say goodbye to lags and welcome free-flowing gaming sessions.
You also don’t have to worry about network throttling from your ISP, which can slow down your experience. ISPs often limit speeds for high-bandwidth users like gamers. You can beat that with a good Warzone VPN. Because your IP isn’t visible at all, you can’t be slowed down.
Back to the best Warzone VPNs ^
How to choose the right Warzone VPN
There are several factors you’ll want to consider before picking a VPN for Warzone. For starters, check the speeds offered by the VPN provider. The connection should be stable and fast with minimum ping rates.
The next thing to consider is the number of servers and their distribution. Ideally, you do not want all the servers to be located at a central location. They should be well spread globally so that you can connect to various locations for easier lobbies during different times of the day.
Next, the VPN should be easy to use and set up. It should support multiple devices and be compatible with your console or gaming rig. Ensure the installation is easy and quick and the dashboard is intuitive and user-friendly.
Of course, evaluating the security protocols of the VPN is a no-brainer. Pick a VPN that follows robust encryption practices, has a clear-cut no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and secure tunneling protocols. Or, you can simply choose one of the VPNs we’ve recommended.
Lastly, the Warzone VPN you choose should not burn a hole in your pocket. Set a budget and look for a VPN that offers most (if not all) of your desired features within that price point. Also, consider renewal prices.
If the Warzone VPN you've picked has super-high prices hikes, you're better off cancelling you subscription completely before your subscription term ands, and signing up for a completely new service.
Back to the best Warzone VPNs ^
How we test the best Warzone VPN services
At Tom’s Guide, we spend a lot of time testing out dozens of VPN services from the very best to some more...questionable services. We don’t just simply rely on the provider specs sheet to rank these providers. Instead, we test them out firsthand in real-world scenarios on various devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Our experts spend hours gaming on various VPN connections on these devices to check important VPN parameters like speed, security, performance, system resource consumption, and overall usability.
If we find any repetitive issues, we go back to retest those aspects until we’re completely satisfied. We put important security aspects, like DNS leaks, 2FAs, and kill switches, to the most rigorous tests and try to break them. Only then do we dish out these confident reviews about the best Warzone VPNs.
For more information on our testing process, check out our full explainer on how we test VPNs.
Back to the best Warzone VPNs ^
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Tech Software team, and is currently VPN Commissioning Editor. She regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
For this review, Olivia double-checked all the provider specs to ensure that they are all as up-to-date as possible.
Anthony Spadafora is the Senior Security and Networking Editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and malware to password managers. He also undertakes VPN testing for Tom's Guide and TechRadar, which includes running all of our US-based speed tests.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
