The best VPNs for World of Warcraft in 2025

Not sure what the best VPN for World of Warcraft is? Whether you want to reduce lag on distant servers, protect yourself on public hotspots, or find a way to play on restrictive networks, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve tested countless services to find the ones that work best. In this guide, we’ll reveal the top VPNs for World of Warcraft, show you how to use one (in case you’re new to the whole thing), and explain how we ranked our choices. If you’re in a rush, our shortlist is below.

The best VPNs for World of Warcraft:

1. NordVPN: Best World of Warcraft VPN. Comes with 7,200+ super fast servers in 118+ countries for lag-free raiding anywhere. It is designed for security and smooth gameplay, even on distant servers. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee included.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for WoW. Reliable connections anywhere, thanks to its Nexus network. Offers unlimited simultaneous connections and affordable plans, great for sharing with guildies and family.
3. IPVanish: Great variety with 140+ server locations, blazing-fast speeds, and unlimited connections for all your devices.
4. ExpressVPN: Top-grade security and premium server network in 105+ countries. All servers are obfuscated to evade VPN detection. Works in China.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Thousands of servers in 100+ countries. Powerful gaming-optimized network, and easy-to-use apps.
6. Private Internet Access: Highly customizable and decently fast VPN for gaming. Huge server network in 91+ countries worldwide.
7. PureVPN: Consistently one of the fastest VPNs out there. Great value plans that offer access to 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries.
8. Proton VPN: Open-source VPN with plenty of advanced features. Has a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, though it’s worth upgrading for streaming and torrenting support.

How we picked the best World of Warcraft VPNs

Here are the main factors we used to rank the best VPNs for World of Warcraft, according to our in-depth VPN testing methodology:

• Plenty of servers worldwide: Whether you play from North America, EU, or Asia, our picks have high-performance servers nearby for the best possible connection.
• Fast speeds: We only list VPNs capable of delivering a lag-free experience in WoW and other online games. We tested each VPN’s speed in three different locations: North America (US), Europe (UK), and Asia (Hong Kong), over 24 hours.
• User-friendly: No fiddling with advanced features. Connect in a few clicks and join your guild on Classic or down the latest raid bosses.
• Multi-system apps: With apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, and tablets, no adventurer is left out of the party.
• Simultaneous connections: Our recommendations have multiple or unlimited simultaneous connections, letting you play, stream, or torrent on all your gadgets.
• Budget-friendly: Affordable long-term options make it a little easier to add on top of that $15/month WoW subscription.
• Great customer service: 24/7 live chat support ready to help with server or feature suggestions and other VPN-related issues.

We go into more detail at the end of the article if you’re curious about our process.

Best World of Warcraft VPNs

Here’s a more details look into our top recommendations:

1. NordVPN

Feb 2025 works with WoWTested Feb 2025

NordVPN is the best VPN for World of Warcraft, thanks to its consistently high speeds and massive server network that ensures stable gameplay. With over 7,200 servers in 118+ countries, you’ll always find a fast, reliable connection wherever you’re playing from.

Thanks to NordLynx, NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, you’ll experience minimal lag even when connected to distant servers—no more frustrating ping spikes during dungeons, raids, or critical moments in PvP. OpenVPN is also an option when you run into pesky VPN restrictions, though it may be slightly slower than the default. Our speed tests showed a solid 354 Mbs average in the US. The speeds in Europe and Asia were slower, but still plenty fast enough for WoW. You can see the results below.

NordVPN speed test results

The VPN has top-grade AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption to keep you safe on public Wi-Fi, doesn’t log your traffic, and is fully leakproof. It also has a kill switch to prevent data exposure during disconnects, plus Threat Protection to block phishing and other scam links.

Otherwise, NordVPN comes with the Meshnet feature completely for free. When you’re not adventuring through Azeroth, Meshnet lets you relive the glory days of LAN parties without the headache of setting them up. Connect with friends and play Diablo, Age of Empires II, Warcraft III, and others as if you were sharing the same network.

All plans benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can count on 24/7 live chat support reps for assistance.

BEST WORLD OF WARCRAFT VPN:Snappy performance, 7,200+ servers in 118+ countries globally, and the top-speed NordLynx protocol makes NordVPN the uncontested winner for World of Warcraft. Risk-free 30-day money-back plan available if you decide otherwise.

Read our complete NordVPN review for further details.

2. Surfshark

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

Surfshark is a solid VPN option for World of Warcraft players on a budget. With unlimited simultaneous connections and affordable plans, sharing the benefits of a VPN with family or friends is easy. With Nexus technology, you get 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries to keep your connection stable anywhere.

The VPN supports protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, which are useful for maximum performance, bypassing VPN blocks, or maintaining the VPN connection when switching networks on the fly. Surfshark performed exceptionally well in our UK speed tests, with an average speed of 702 Mbs. It also performed excellently in the US (521 Mbs) and Hong Kong (561 Mbs). You can see the results below.

Surfshark speed test results

Its Bypasser feature (split tunneling) lets you route WoW traffic through Surfshark servers while letting your ISP handle everything else. Surfshark is pretty fast either way, though it’s still useful if you want to squeeze a few extra Mbps out of your connection.

Surfshark has complete leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch to keep you safe online. Its CleanWeb function blocks malicious links to complete the security package. 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee are available.

AFFORDABLE WOW VPN:Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, and fast speeds for WoW gamers on a budget. With its Nexus network and extra features like Bypasser, you’ll enjoy stable gameplay without breaking the bank.

Check out our Surfshark review for more.

3. IPVanish

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

IPVanish is another great provider if you want to connect as many devices as you wish simultaneously. Secure your household, whether it’s to play online games like WoW, stream, torrent, or browse securely.

With 2,400+ high-speed servers in over 140 locations worldwide, you don’t need to worry about the dreaded red latency bar ruining your day. Moreover, IPVanish’s Optimal Location feature automatically connects you to the best server nearby for convenience. Although not the fastest we tested, IPVanish had consistent performance globally. You can see the results in the below table.

IPVanish speed test results

Once again, split tunneling is available if you prefer to use the VPN exclusively for World of Warcraft. We recommend connecting with the speedy WireGuard protocol for the best performance, though OpenVPN and IKEv2 are available in a pinch. OpenVPN even offers some port customization (443, 1194, 8443) to get around stubborn network restrictions.

Like all of our suggestions, IPVanish secures your data with impenetrable encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and an audited no-logs policy. Enjoy the VPN for up to 30 days thanks to its money-back plan, and contact support through 24/7 live chat for any questions.

EXCELLENT SPEEDS ON A BUDGET:For a low price, IPVanish offers unlimited connections and 2,400+ servers across 140+ locations. Enjoy delay-free WoW gameplay, aided by features like Optimal Location and the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol.

Head over to our IPVanish review for more details.

4. ExpressVPN

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

ExpressVPN is a top-tier choice if you’re looking to avoid lag in World of Warcraft and more. You’re covered anywhere in the world with thousands of high-speed servers in 105+ countries. Plus, its built-in speed test helps you pick the best server for gaming. ExpressVPN was fastest in North America, with an average speed of 319 Mbps, but it was still fast enough for gaming in the UK and Asia.

ExpressVPN speed test results

For the best performance, connect using Lightway, ExpressVPN’s in-house protocol designed for speed and stability. OpenVPN is also available if you run into network restrictions, though it’s a bit slower. No matter which you choose, the VPN keeps your data safe with strong encryption, a reliable kill switch and leak protection.

Split tunneling lets you send just WoW traffic through the VPN while keeping other tasks on your normal connection. If your ISP is causing high ping or packet loss, ExpressVPN can help reduce disruptions. The VPN also works reliably in China, making it a solid pick for travelers or expats who need access to WoW in restrictive regions.

Need help? 24/7 live chat support is available and the reps provide excellent responses. You can also test the service with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

SECURE VPN THAT WORKS IN CHINA:ExpressVPN is perfect for WoW players looking for top-tier security and speed. With a massive server network across 105+ countries and its custom Lightway protocol, you’ll enjoy seamless gameplay even in restrictive regions like China.

Find out everything else about the VPN in our ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost VPN

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

CyberGhost VPN offers a huge network in 100+ countries. With servers specifically tailored for gaming, you’ll have no lag issues in WoW or other online games. It’s decently fast for most other tasks as well, whether you’re streaming, downloading large files, or in a Zoom call. In our speed tests, CyberGhost produced 449 Mbs in the US but dropped to 167 Mbs in Asia.

CyberGhost speed test results

It comes equipped with the efficient WireGuard protocol for peak performance when it counts. Naturally, you can select IKEv2/IPSec or OpenVPN depending on what you’re doing. With Smart Rules you can even set your VPN to auto-connect when you boot up WoW.

CyberGhost VPN does not keep logs of your online activity (with an audit proving as much). The VPN also has an always-on kill switch to prevent accidental leaks if you have a spotty connection. That way Blizzard won’t lock your account for switching IPs too suddenly.

Now, the VPN only lets you connect seven devices simultaneously, which is on the lower end of things. Still pretty decent, but other providers may prove a better choice for larger households. Finally, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans and 24/7 support via live chat.

GAMING-OPTIMIZED SERVERS:CyberGhost VPN has servers spread across 100+ countries, with a good chunk focused on gaming. You’ll also get solid speeds for streaming and downloads, plus Smart Rules to auto-connect when you launch World of Warcraft.

Get a detailed look at every feature in our CyberGhost VPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great VPN option for WoW players on NA realms, as it has thousands of servers in all 50 US states (and 91+ countries worldwide). Whether you’re on the East or West Coast, you’ll have no trouble finding a location. That said, if you’re looking for the fastest speeds, PIA might not be your first choice. Although 93 Mbs is still fast enough for gaming, it’s significantly slower than all of the other VPNs in this article. You can see PIA’s speed test results.

Private Internet Access speed test results

PIA only has two protocols: WireGuard for when speed is key, and OpenVPN for bypassing restrictive networks. Fewer than its competitors, but the provider compensates by letting you customize everything about your connection. This includes encryption strength (e.g. AES-128 instead of AES-256), ports, and even DNS settings.

The VPN also provides split tunneling, allowing you to route your WoW traffic through the VPN while keeping other connections unaffected. Port forwarding is available for servers outside the US if you dabble in online FPS games or torrenting.

24/7 live chat is available, though it isn’t always consistent. Thankfully, the VPN makes up for it in terms of security, speed, and flexibility. And if you’d rather try something else, there’s always the 30-day money-back guarantee.

CUSTOMIZABLE EXPERIENCE:Private Internet Access offers a flexible VPN for WoW enjoyers, with an extensive network in 91+ countries and all 50 US states. Customize everything from encryption to DNS settings and enjoy low ping gaming with WireGuard.

See our PIA review for the full scoop.

7. PureVPN

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

PureVPN ranks as our second fastest VPN, so you’ll get pristine performance during PvP and heated raiding sessions in WoW. Its network is also nothing to scoff at, with 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries, and 628 Mbs is fast enough for even the most data-intensive tasks.

PureVPN speed test results

Split tunneling works only on Windows and Android, though, so that might be a deal-breaker for some. Either way, the VPN has the WireGuard protocol under its belt for top-of-the-line speeds, along with the usual OpenVPN/IKEv2 alternatives.

Otherwise, PureVPN offers a solid security suite: AES-256 encryption, a no-logging policy, and the kill switch/leak protection combo we expect from any top provider. Its solid speeds and security are useful if you want to seed torrents on the side while doing your dailies.

PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee on any subscription, plus 24/7 live chat assistance (though response times may vary).

GREAT VALUE VPN:PureVPN offers 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries and some of the fastest speeds around, making it an excellent choice for World of Warcraft. Decent VPN for streaming and torrenting as well, with a 31-day money-back guarantee to boot.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

8. Proton VPN

works with WoWTested Feb 2025

Proton VPN is an open-source VPN that’s a great fit for privacy enthusiasts and WoW players alike. Performance and security are reliable all-around, with a whopping 11,500+ servers in 117+ countries and a host of different features to explore.

Aside from WireGuard support, leak protection, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy, Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN for enhanced privacy. There’s also a VPN Accelerator option for improved speeds, even while using distant servers.

Proton VPN speed test results

The VPN includes a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and servers in Japan, the US, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland. Pretty nice variety for a free version, though naturally, they’re not usable for streaming or torrenting.

Live chat support is only available for paying customers between 9 AM and 12 AM CET. A bit limiting considering competitors offer equivalent services for free, so it’s worth keeping in mind. The usual 30-day money-back guarantee applies for all plans.

OPEN-SOURCE AND RELIABLE:Combines excellent performance with top-tier privacy. With 11,500+ servers across 117+ countries, open-source apps, the VPN Accelerator, and other useful features, Proton VPN is a great pick for both security and speed.

See what else they have in store with our Proton VPN review.

How to play World of Warcraft with a VPN

It only takes a few minutes to sign up and use a VPN with World of Warcraft. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Sign up for a capable World of Warcraft VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your PC or tablet.
3. Launch the VPN and connect to a server. Your choice depends on your goals: use a local server for the best speeds, or an international one to bypass geo-blocks in WoW.
4. Open World of Warcraft, log in, and start playing.

We highly recommend using the same VPN server when playing. Otherwise, Blizzard may notice you logging in from different IP addresses and flag your account for “suspicious activity.” Totally fair, since you never know when someone might have hacked your account.

Now, we’ve seen people on Reddit and the Blizzard forums say they sorted this out quickly with customer support. Still, it’s best to avoid getting in trouble in the first place. Adding a Battle.net Authenticator to your account can prevent further issues, and keeps your account safe.

Why you need a VPN for World of Warcraft

There are numerous reasons to use a VPN for gaming, whether you dabble in other games or prefer sticking to World of Warcraft. Here they are:

• Stay safe against hackers: Ever play WoW on campus wi-fi or other unsafe public hotspots? VPNs encrypt your traffic and use other defense systems so script kiddies and other scammers can’t swipe your hard-earned account.
• Get rid of lag: While VPNs usually slow down your connection, in some cases they can help route your data more efficiently. Basically, you’ll bypass any faulty network nodes and lower your ping in the process. No more laggy raids and grind sessions!
• Unblock WoW in restricted regions: World of Warcraft was banned in China for a while before Blizzard and NetEase renewed their partnership. VPNs help you bypass such restrictions and play wherever you want. Sure, you can’t access the Chinese version if it goes down again, but you’ll be able to play the international version.
• Play WoW on work or school wi-fi: Companies and schools usually block games to remove distractions. But if you want to do a little farming on your lunch break or just want to use the campus wi-fi instead of wasting your mobile data, a VPN can help you get around any network blocks.
• Unblock Wowhead, Discord, and more: Wowhead is an amazing resource, but it’s banned in China, India, Thailand, and elsewhere due to legal issues. Discord was banned in Turkey, so you may have been locked out of your guild’s server. Whatever restricted service you need to access, a VPN can sort it out in a few clicks.

Choosing the best WoW VPNs: Our VPN testing methodology

While there are plenty of providers on the market, not many of them have the chops to be called the best World of Warcraft VPN. To determine our final rankings, we put numerous services to the test based on the following criteria:

• Server availability: We chose providers with thousands of servers worldwide to prevent overcrowding, plus amazing location variety for a seamless gaming experience whether you’re on NA, EU, CH, KR, or TW realms.
• Great performance: Only the fastest VPNs with stable connections made the cut. After all, the last thing you want during a raid is a random lag spike, or worse: dropping your connection entirely.
• Beginner-friendly apps: Catering to advanced users isn’t a bad thing in itself, but not if the app is a chore to navigate. Our recommendations let you connect and play in as few clicks as possible, without any extra tinkering.
• Device support and multiple connections: Every VPN on our list has easy-to-use apps for every system, from Windows to Linux and mobile. Plus, you get multiple or unlimited concurrent connections to game freely across all your devices.
• Affordable plans and reliable support: Long-term plans won’t drain your gold stash, making it easier to stack on top of WoW’s monthly fee. And if you run into issues, you can rely on 24/7 live chat for troubleshooting and other tips.

As always, you can learn more about our VPN testing methods by following the link.

Can I play World of Warcraft with a free VPN?

You most certainly can play World of Warcraft with a free VPN. The question is whether it’s worth the trouble. Even the best free VPNs will throttle your speeds, offer only a handful of servers, or sometimes cap your monthly data unless you upgrade to a paid plan.

Performance issues aside, free VPNs often sell your data. After all, they need to keep the lights on somehow. In extreme cases, free VPNs can expose your sensitive info online, including account logins, payment data, real name and address, and more.

But say you’re not concerned about the privacy side of things. Well, Blizzard and other companies flag free VPNs more often due to being easy to abuse by spammers, trolls (not the Zandalari kind), and other griefers.

A free VPN trial is a better alternative, especially if you want to test if a VPN will lower your ping in WoW, or just need a temporary way to unblock the game in a restricted region or network.

Frequently Asked Questions