There are plenty of reasons you might want to use a VPN with PUBG. Maybe it’s not available where you live, or you’re looking to obtain skins that are only available in a specific country. Perhaps you just want to play a few rounds on your break at work. Whatever the case, a VPN can help.

VPNs work by encrypting your traffic and routing it through a server elsewhere in the world. This not only allows you to bypass internet blocking, but it also prevents your employer or government from seeing what you get up to online. Better still, once connected, your IP address will change, making it look as though you’re wherever your chosen server is. This lets you change your PUBG region to play against users with similar latency or to obtain location-specific bonuses.

Don’t have time to read the full post? No problem; just read on to find out which VPNs are best for PUBG. We’ll cover each service in more detail further down.

Best VPNs for PUBG

  • NordVPN: Our #1 choice for PUBG. This service offers blazing speeds, strong security features, a strict no-logging policy, and access to over 5,000 high-speed servers worldwide. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best budget alternative. This VPN has no connection limit. It also offers decent speeds and a strong commitment to your security.
  • ExpressVPN: This service boasts fast speeds, strong security, and servers in more than 90 countries.
  • CyberGhost: Provides fast connections, unlimited bandwidth, and a wide range of powerful yet easy-to-use security features.
  • IPVanish: With very high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a zero-logs policy, IPVanish makes it easy to unblock and play PUBG from anywhere.
  • PrivateVPN: Strong security and privacy protections coupled with fast, reliable connections make this VPN an excellent choice for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
  • Hotspot Shield: A speedy, novice-friendly VPN with powerful security features and the ability to unblock PUBG from just about anywhere.

Choosing your first VPN doesn’t have to be difficult. The trick is to find a service that can handle a wide range of different tasks, rather than paying for a VPN that excels in one area. With this in mind, we decided to only recommend services that have all of the characteristics below:

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.

  • Provides reliable connections and has a large network of high-speed servers
  • Allows you to bypass blocking and access PUBG from almost anywhere
  • Protects your traffic with effectively uncrackable encryption and various other security features
  • Doesn’t log any personally identifiable information
  • Has apps for all major operating systems and devices

Best VPNs for PUBG

Read on to find out more about the best VPNs for playing PUBG online:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This service is known for its strong security. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, as well as automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning. In fact, there are even specific servers optimized for use in countries with strict online restrictions. NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy but you can always pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. You can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat in case of any issues.

NordVPN offers Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually installed on supported network routers.

BEST VPN FOR PUBG:NordVPN is our first choice for PUBG as it boasts top speeds, a wide range of security and privacy protections, a no-logs policy, and access to over 5,000 high-speed servers worldwide. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee making this a risk-free deal.

Pros:

  • Major emphasis on security and privacy
  • Excellent speeds for downloading and streaming
  • Accepts cryptocurrencies
  • Zero-logs policy
  • Top-notch support

Cons:

  • Server switching can be slow

Our score:

Read our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is an excellent low-cost VPN that provides access to more than 1,700 servers across 60+ countries. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to game, thanks to its reasonably high speeds and unlimited bandwidth. What’s more, as this VPN has no connection limit, you can simultaneously protect every single device you own.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch to keep your traffic hidden at all times. It also has a feature that blocks ads and scans for malware automatically, as well as another that lets you bypass country-wide internet restrictions. Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you, but if you’re worried about privacy, you can pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. If you run into trouble, support is on-hand 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark offers Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. Manual configuration is required for use with home routers.

BEST BUDGET PICK:Surfshark offers exceptional versatility, decent speeds, and strong security features. Best of all, it has no connection limit, allowing you to play on whichever device you prefer. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

  • Strong commitment to your security

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • No limit on the number of devices connected

  • 24/7 support

  • Some slow speeds

Read the full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN currently operates around 3,000 serves in 94 countries, so it’s ideal for securely using services like Netflix US, Sling TV, and PUBG. Better still, this VPN boasts high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, meaning you won’t have to worry about lag when playing. If you’d prefer to game on the go, that’s no problem, as ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices at once.

This service protects your traffic using 256-bit AES encryption and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a kill switch (sometimes called a “network lock”) that stops all data transferal should you lose connection to the VPN suddenly. You’re free to pay with Bitcoin for greater anonymity, but as ExpressVPN doesn’t log any information that could identify you, this step is completely optional. Customer support is on hand 24/7 over live chat.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. There’s also custom firmware for routers that makes it as easy as possible to protect all of your devices at once.

GOOD ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is another solid choice for PUBG. It’s a fast and reliable service that puts major emphasis on your security and privacy. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, low-latency connections

  • Excellent security and privacy

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Works with a variety of content, including Netflix

  • Not as configurable as some power users would like

Interested? Check out our full ExpressVPN review for more details.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has one of the largest networks around, with more than 5,500 servers in 89 countries. This means it’s easy to get a low-latency connection, wherever you are in the world. As well as unblocking PUBG, CyberGhost allows you to securely access major streaming platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer, so there are very few limits on what you can do. This service allows up to seven simultaneous connections, which is more than many of its rivals.

This is a very user-friendly service in that all of the security features come enabled by default. These include DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit encryption, an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and a kill switch (available in every version). Best of all, CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. Live chat-based support is available 24/7 in case of any issues.

CyberGhost has apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. If you’d like to use this service on your Linux system or wireless router, you’ll have to configure it manually.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR PUBG:CyberGhost is the best budget VPN for PUBG. It offers high speeds and pre-configured security features, plus it comes with a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • 5,000+ high-speed servers worldwide

  • Comprehensive security

  • Accepts Bitcoin

  • Works with a host of geo-restricted content

  • Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features

To find out more, take a look at the complete CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a very fast VPN that has around 1,300 servers in 60+ countries. This service works well with platforms like Netflix US and Hulu, so you shouldn’t have any trouble accessing PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds at work or college. Another standout feature of this VPN is that it permits an unlimited number of connections at once; not half bad considering most only allow five or so.

Don’t be fooled by IPVanish’s simplistic apps; there are actually quite a few advanced security features built-in. Your activities are kept hidden using a combination of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, but you also have the ability to scramble your traffic or block local connections entirely. IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs, so your activities cannot be traced back to you. Need help? You can reach customer support via live chat, 24/7.

IPVanish provides apps for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices. It can be manually configured for use with Linux systems and select internet routers.

HIGH SPEEDS, LOW LATENCY:IPVanish is a very fast VPN with no connection limit, but it also boasts powerful security features and a zero-logs policy. This service comes with a seven-day money-back guarantee.

  • No-logs policy

  • Fast enough for lag-free gaming

  • Strong encryption and privacy protections

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

We take a closer look at this service in our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

This VPN protects your traffic from snoopers using IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, a kill switch (Windows only), and 256-bit AES encryption. You can also scramble your data, allowing you to use networks that usually block VPN connections. PrivateVPN has a no-logs policy, so once connected, you’re effectively anonymous. You can choose to pay in Bitcoin if you’d prefer an extra layer of anonymity. Support is available over live chat 22 hours per day.

PrivateVPN has iOS, Windows, Android, and macOS apps. This service also works on Linux-based platforms and wireless routers but must be installed manually first.

FAST, SECURITY-CONSCIOUS VPN:PrivateVPN puts your speed first but security comes in a close second. With reliable connections, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, this VPN is ideal for anyone looking to protect themselves while playing PUBG online.

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • One of the fastest VPNs around

  • Great for streaming

  • Live chat support not 24/7

  • A small but growing network of servers

Check out our complete PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield offers access to 3,200+ servers throughout more than 80 countries. With no data limits, unrestricted bandwidth, and consistently high speeds, this service is an excellent choice for anyone looking to game. It works with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV as well. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted.

This VPN comes with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection enabled by default. That’s not all, though: there’s also automatic wifi protection and the ability to let certain apps bypass the VPN (a feature known as split tunneling). Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep logs of any identifying information after you’ve disconnected. You can contact customer support over live chat, 24/7.

Hotspot Shield comes with apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Manual installation is required for Linux systems and supported routers.

UNBLOCK PUBG ANYWHERE:Hotspot Shield is fast, strong on security, and capable of unblocking a wide range of popular services (including PUBG). This VPN comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, reliable speeds

  • Strong security and privacy protections

  • Excellent streaming potential

  • Some past privacy concerns

  • No anonymous payment options

For more information, check out the full Hotspot Shield review.

How to unblock PUBG with a VPN

VPNs can seem complex at first but they’re actually quite easy to use once you know how. Follow the steps below to unblock and play PUBG wherever you are.

Here’s how to unblock and play PUBG with a VPN from anywhere:

  • Start by signing up for one of the VPNs above, if you haven’t already (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
  • Download the appropriate version of the app for your device, then install it and log in.
  • Connect to a server in your desired location. If you’re able to choose servers in a particular city, it’s often best to connect to a location close to you since this helps reduce latency.
  • Open PUBG. You should now be able to play without any issues. If you’re still unable to get connected, you might want to contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for PUBG

With so many VPNs on the market, it can be difficult to tell which is best for your needs. Things are even more complex if you’re a gamer, since speed, network scale, and the ability to stay under the radar are doubly important. To make sure we only recommend the very best VPNs for playing PUBG, we looked for those that excelled in all of the areas below. We’ve also put together a brief explanation of what we expect in each:

  • Server choice: This is important for two reasons. First, servers in a higher number of countries mean you should always have one that’s fairly close by, which helps lower your ping. Additionally, we prioritized VPNs with servers in Korea and Japan, as these will allow you to play the regional variants of PUBG Mobile as well as the main game.
  • Performance and reliability: You only technically need around 3 Mb/s downloads to play PUBG smoothly. However, higher speeds are always better, which is why we recommend services that excel in our regular VPN speed tests. All of these VPNs offer fairly consistent performance, even during peak times, so they’re ideal for gaming.
  • Unblocking ability: Plenty of games won’t let you play if they realize you’re using a VPN. That’s why we test potential recommendations against services like Overwatch, Minecraft, and Dota 2 to see if they’re able to avoid detection.
  • Security and privacy: One of the main advantages of VPNs is that they help protect against DDoS attacks, doxxing, and SWATTING. The services above all offer (at a minimum) 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy. Naturally, we prefer VPNs with an even stronger set of security tools.
  • Ease of use: The last thing anyone wants is to be messing around with settings when their friends are grouped up and waiting to begin a game. That’s why all of the services we’ve chosen have live chat-based support and are easy enough for anyone to use. Some even have specific servers for gaming and streaming!
  • Pricing: We research a lot of VPNs, so it’s extremely obvious when one tries to charge more than it’s worth. In addition to only recommending those that are priced fairly, we’ll always let you know about any available discounts and guarantees to keep the cost as low as possible.

If you’re interested, we have a full post that breaks down how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

Can I unblock PUBG with a free VPN?

You might be considering using a free VPN to unblock PUBG, but we’d advise against it. To begin with, these services are usually the first to be blacklisted, so in all likelihood, you won’t be able to connect. Free VPNs tend to be slower than paid ones since they have far more users (and fewer servers to choose from). Additionally, they often have very low data limits, which could see you kicked out partway through a game.

You should also know that free VPNs come with more risks than their paid counterparts. In fact, one study of 280+ free VPNs found that nearly 40% contained malware. To make matters worse, 18% used no encryption at all, meaning their users were effectively no safer than when browsing normally. Finally, while paid VPNs usually let you know how they handle your data upfront, free services offer no such guarantees and may even sell details of your activities.

The best way to protect yourself online is to use a reputable VPN that offers a customer-first privacy policy.

Playing PUBG via VPN: Your questions answered

See also:

Latency is slightly harder to quantify but generally, the further away your VPN server is, the higher your ping will be. This is why servers in nearby countries usually lead to less lag, whereas a server on the other side of the world will cause rubberbanding, stuttering, and intermittent disconnection. 

In rare cases, it’s possible that your ping will be lower when connected to the VPN. This is usually because your ISP is throttling your connection or is forcing your data to take a particularly inefficient route across the internet. 

Let’s say you’re a streamer with a decently-sized audience. Trolls know that by disrupting your internet connection, they can prevent you from making a living. This makes you a prime target for DDoS attacks. Without a VPN, this would effectively paralyze your router, stopping you from even getting online. Once connected to a VPN, though, the network is usually able to absorb and redirect all of the malicious requests, allowing you to get on with your day.

Depending on where you live, you may not even be able to play PUBG without a VPN. For instance, Pakistan’s government temporarily blocked access to the game in 2020, claiming (without evidence) that it has a negative impact on players’ mental health and makes people unproductive. VPNs not only let you bypass government-imposed web-filtering, but they also ensure your activities cannot be traced back to you.

While geographical PUGB bans are rare it is worth checking local laws before accessing PUGB in a restricted area, to ensure you are not acting illegally.

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