Fortnite is the hottest free-to-play game right now, but unfortunately, it’s blocked in some schools, colleges, and workplaces. Today, we’ll explain how you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass this restriction and play Fortnite no matter where you are. Have you received a Fortnite VPN ban or proxy error? No problem — we’ll also be showing you how a VPN can change your IP address, beat IP bans, and allow you to play again.

We get into plenty of detail on each of the providers we feature, but in case you are short of time, you’ll find a quick summary below.

Best VPNs for Fortnite:

  • NordVPN: Our top choice for Fortnite. Large server network with extremely fast, reliable servers. Employs military-grade encryption and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Budget VPN provider for Fortnite with a particular focus on privacy. Works great for gaming, streaming, or torrenting.
  • ExpressVPN: Vast network of servers optimized for high-speed, low-latency connections.
  • CyberGhost: Easy to use apps that are great for beginners and fast servers.
  • IPVanish: Allows any number of simultaneous connections and is great for playing Fortnite on mobile devices.
  • Private Internet Access: 10 device connections, customizable encryption, and 24/7 support.

VPNs work by moving your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. In practice, this means that your activities are hidden and able to bypass network firewalls and website blacklists. Also, you’re assigned a new IP address every time you connect. This means that your activities can’t be easily traced back to you, and allows you to easily bypass Fortnite IP bans. As your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can’t tell exactly what you’ve been doing, VPNs greatly increase your privacy online.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Fortnite has lots of anti-cheating software built-in, and since VPNs can be used to circumvent IP bans, Epic Games has done its best to prevent their usage. If you try to use a VPN that’s not in our list below, you’ll likely see the following message: “You were removed from the match due to internet lag, your IP or machine, VPN usage, or for cheating. We recommend not utilizing VPN or proxy services while attempting to play Fortnite.”

Choosing the right VPN for Fortnite

Every VPN is different, and not all of them are suitable for using with Fortnite. Some are faster than others, for instance, while others offer additional security options or quicker responses from customer support. To identify the best VPNs for Fortnite, we looked for services which met the criteria below:

  • A wide network of servers to choose from
  • High-speed, low-latency connections
  • Currently undetectable by Fornite’s anti-cheating system
  • Exemplary encryption and security features
  • A logging policy that puts the user’s privacy first

Best VPNs for Fortnite

Below is our list of the best VPNs for Fortnite:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This VPN includes all of the usual security features — 256-bit encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch — but also allows users to create more sophisticated setups. You can choose to use Tor over VPN, block malware and ads automatically, and even route your data through two servers at once. It doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, so your activities remain private at all times.

NordVPN offers dedicated apps for Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, and iOS devices. Linux platforms and selected wireless routers are supported, but must be configured manually.

BEST VPN FOR FORTNITE:NordVPN is our #1 choice for Fortnite. Offers strong security features, a no-logs policy, and a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fastest speeds around
  • Military-grade 256-bit encryption for great privacy
  • A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting
  • Easily bypasses restrictions on major geo-locked platforms
  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

Cons:

  • Desktop app is a bit clunky compared to other providers

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a great choice for anyone looking to game safely. It has 3,200+ servers in more than 60 countries, so you should be able to get a low-latency connection regardless of your location. Further, with strong unblocking ability, you’re not just limited to playing Fortnite; you can also access services like PUBG and Dota 2. Surfshark permits you to connect any number of devices, which is especially generous given that most VPNs have a six-connection limit.

This service is known for its powerful security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, a kill switch, split tunneling functionality, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. Further, Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs so your activities can’t be traced back to you. There is the option to pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum if you’d like, though. Customer support is on-hand 24/7 via live chat and email.

Surfshark provides Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. It also works with supported wireless routers but must be installed manually.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

  • Lets you protect every device you own

  • Unblocks all of the most popular streaming platforms

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Good speeds and unblocking ability

  • Takes security very seriously

  • Settings could be better organized

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN with fast enough speeds for lag-free Fortnite sessions. It also protects you from snoopers and DDoS attacks. As if that wasn’t enough, this service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 different countries. This means that no matter where you are, there’s a server nearby you can use to play Fortnite with minimal lag. This shouldn’t be a problem, however, as ExpressVPN’s servers are fast enough to stream HD video with no noticeable buffering. As Fortnite uses nowhere near as much bandwidth, it won’t pose much of an issue.

This service features a host of strong security options designed to keep your personal information safe. There’s 256-bit encryption enabled by default, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch that stops data transferal should you disconnect from the VPN. ExpressVPN keeps no record of your session or activity data. 24/7 live chat is available in case of any issues.

This VPN has Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. It can be manually installed on supported network routers.

SAFER GAMING:ExpressVPN puts your security first and is a pleasure to use with Fortnite. Fast, user-friendly, and hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee too.

  • Not the cheapest option here without a discount coupon
  • Few advanced configuration options

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

256-bit encryption and DNS/IPv6/port forwarding leak protection is enabled by default. More advanced options, such as automatic ad and malware blocking, a kill switch, and HTTPS redirection, can each be turned on via a simple toggle switch. CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy so you can trust that your privacy is in good hands.

One of the best things about this VPN is how little setup is required. CyberGhost provides MacOS, iOS, Windows, Linux and Android apps. It can be configured manually to work with supported internet routers.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is easy to use. Strong on privacy, fast speeds and reliable with Fortnite. We found it easy to set up and use. 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Easy to use apps make this great for getting started

  • Network is uncongested and has low-latency

  • Apps can conveniently auto-connect to the fastest servers

  • Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

  • Could offer more customizable options

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a user-friendly, multi-platform VPN with fast speeds and a surprisingly wide range of security features. It has over 1,900 servers across the world, allows you to secure any number of devices, and enables you to play Fortnite on mobile without any significant slowdown.

IPVanish is ideal for those looking to use the internet safely, even when away from home. It includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6 leaks. However, there are a few more advanced settings. Users can block LAN traffic and obfuscate OpenVPN traffic for added privacy. This service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information so details of your activities can’t be provided to third parties, even if requested.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families that need multiple connections. Easy to set up and use with Fortnite. Preferred by users who require high standards of privacy. Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Plenty of low-latency servers around the globe that work well with Fortnite

  • Keeps no logs, has automatic kill switch and wifi protection

  • Apps automatically connect to low latency servers

  • Allows you to connect any number of devices at once

  • Claims 24/7 support, but tickets can take one or two days.

  • Apps don’t work in China

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access makes playing Fortnite from anywhere a breeze. With support for Wireguard, which ensures lightning-fast connections for gaming and streaming, you’ll stay one step ahead of the competition with lag-free gaming sessions. PIA is a US-based VPN with 10.000+ servers in over 80 countries, meaning you’ll be able to play Fortnite from virtually anywhere.

With Fortnite being supported on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more, PIA matches this with a native app across all of these platforms with a 10 simultaneous device limit.

PIA uses AES encryption, lets you customize your level of encryption, and includes 24/7 support. Try PIA for 30 days, and cancel if you’re not 100% happy.

WIREGUARD SUPPORTED:Private Internet Access lets you play Fortnite without interruptions. It offers 256-bit encryption and 24/7 support. It is a good and reliable VPN for gamers.

  • Decent speeds with the use of WireGuard

  • 10,000+ servers in over 80 countries

  • 10 simultaneous device limit

  • Struggles with some streaming services

  • No Smart DNS support

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

How to play Fortnite abroad or remove an IP ban with a VPN

VPNs might seem complicated at first, but they’re actually very simple to use. Follow the steps below to set-up a VPN and start playing Fortnite again in no time.

Here’s how to play Fortnite or remove an IP ban with a VPN:

  • Sign up to one of the VPNs in the list below (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the correct version of the VPN software for your operating system.
  • Connect to a server (ideally one that’s close to your actual location, since this keeps latency as low as possible).
  • Try playing Fortnite. You should be able to play as normal, without being kicked out or banned.

Can I play Fortnite with a free VPN?

You might be tempted to use a free VPN with Fornite, but we strongly advise against it. Firstly, with fewer servers and more users than their premium counterparts, free VPNs generally won’t be able to provide high enough speeds to play Fortnite smoothly. Second, Epic Games has put a lot of effort into detecting VPN users. There are only a few services that reliably work now, and if you’re caught, you face the possibility of a permanent account ban. This type of ban can’t be bypassed with a VPN, so why take the risk?

VPNs are intended to increase your online security, but many free services actually pose a substantial threat to your privacy. Many free VPNs don’t actually encrypt your traffic at all, and worse, some even install malware onto your device. We’ve seen cases where free VPNs have engaged in shady business practices such as selling their users’ bandwidth to be used in a botnet. We recommend using a trustworthy VPN provider with a history of protecting its customers’ privacy. This protects you and prevents your data from being sold to the highest bidder.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for playing Fortnite

It can be tricky to find a VPN that works well for gaming. That’s because it has to provide high enough speeds to keep you in the match while offering top-tier security and avoiding any anti-VPN software that the game might be using. Here are the key areas we focused on when finding the best VPNs for Fortnite:

  • Server locations: Generally, the closer your chosen server is, the lower your latency (ping) and the higher your speeds. Having servers in more countries means that it’s more likely there’ll be one near you. This also allows you to choose which region’s players you compete with in games that don’t let you change this manually.
  • Performance: We regularly perform hundreds of speed tests to get a feel for which VPNs are currently the fastest. Of course, we also take their consistency into account, because unreliable speeds can lead to lag spikes, rubberbanding, or disconnection.
  • Versatility: Ideally, your VPNs should be able to handle everything, whether it’s streaming Netflix securely, torrenting, or getting in a few rounds of Overwatch.
  • Security and privacy: We prioritize services with strong security toolkits. To ensure that your activities remain private at all times, we only recommend VPNs with 256-bit encryption and a kill switch, plus DNS and IPv6 leak protection. They also have to follow a no-logging policy.

Interested in finding out more about the tests we run? Here’s a detailed post that talks all about our VPN testing methodology.

Playing Fortnite with a VPN: Frequently Asked Questions

In cases like these, port forwarding could help get you back on track. Essentially, port forwarding routes your traffic through ports that are permanently open instead of opening and closing them as needed. Most people will see no difference from port forwarding, but if you’re having problems playing Fortnite at all because of lag, it doesn’t hurt to try. 

  • Navigate to your current installation directory (likely C:\Games\Epic Games\Fortnite if you’re on a Windows PC).

  • Copy everything here into a new folder and name it something like “Fortnite - backup”.

  • Open the Epic Launcher, click the gear icon next to the game’s launch button, and select Remove.

  • Begin installing the game in your desired location, but stop it after a minute or so.

  • Go to your new installation directory, delete the Fortnite folder and replace it with “Fortnite - backup” (or whatever you named it earlier).

  • Rename your backup folder “Fortnite”, without the quotation marks.

  • Make sure you’re not downloading anything or torrenting in the background

  • Reduce your distance to the router

  • If you’re using a VPN, connect to a server that’s closer to your actual location

  • Try using port forwarding

Hardware bans are more difficult to get around, but it is possible. Fortnite forums are littered with recommendations for shady software which claims to be able to change your HWID, but these pose a real threat to your system and should be avoided entirely. Instead, the truly determined have three choices: use a different PC, reinstall your operating system, or change your HWID in the registry editor (not recommended).

If your entire Fortnite account is banned, the only way you can use it again is if the ban is overturned by support staff.

Secondly, once you’ve signed up with a VPN provider, follow them on social media. If a service upgrades its detection measures, your VPN provider will likely release an update saying which servers still work. In some cases, you may be advised to temporarily stop playing. Often, VPN services are able to beat the new detection features relatively quickly, so there shouldn’t be much downtime.