A Warzone VPN can make or break your gaming experience, especially when milliseconds matter. This is why NordVPN earns the top spot in our Warzone rankings, thanks to its lightning-fast connections and gamer-friendly features, like Meshnet. But don’t count out Surfshark, which offers a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t skimp on speed or features.
At TechRadar, our team has 11 years of experience testing and reviewing the best VPNs, and we regularly re-test today's top services to ensure that our results are as accurate as possible. Whether you want to dodge sweaty lobbies, skill-based match-making (SBMM), or secure your connection, our hands-on evaluation process helps us recommend the best tools for every gamer.
If you’re serious about gaining the edge in Warzone, using the right VPN can stabilize your ping and open access to better matchmaking. Let's take a closer look at our top 5 Warzone VPNs.
The 5 best Warzone VPNs in 2025
The best Warzone VPN overall
If you're serious about dominating in Call of Duty: Warzone, NordVPN is hands-down one of the best gaming VPNs on the market. Whether you're playing on Windows, Android, PS5, or Xbox, NordVPN ensures consistent performance no matter where or how you game.
It's fast, reliable, and offers a robust feature set that extends well beyond Warzone, ideal for streaming, browsing, torrenting, and P2P sharing.
Read more about NordVPN ▼
Speed and performance
NordVPN is arguably one of the fastest VPNs around, and it can help you improve your gameplay by reducing lag and ping, that is, if you’re using the right VPN protocol.
To get the most out of NordVPN, we recommend NordLynx, the provider's own take on the lightweight WireGuard protocol. It’s built for speed, and in our experience, it makes a noticeable difference when hopping into online games.
When we put NordVPN to the test, it clocked in at over 950 Mbps on NordLynx, right on par with Surfshark and CyberGhost. That’s seriously fast, and more than enough for smooth, lag-free gameplay. For comparison, ExpressVPN topped out at 898 Mbps, while PIA trailed behind at 436 Mbps.
That said, its OpenVPN speeds didn’t exactly blow us away. While it did outperform CyberGhost (165 Mbps) and held up a bit more consistently than PIA (257 Mbps) in our tests, we wouldn’t recommend using OpenVPN for Warzone if you can avoid it.
You can use it for turn-based games, like Civilization VII or Rome: Total War, if you want. But for competitive games, like Warzone, where a latency of merely 200 milliseconds can put you at a disadvantage against players with higher ping, NordLynx is the way to go.
Privacy and security
Beyond speed, NordVPN offers a host of privacy tools that make it ideal for serious, competitive gamers. One feature we strongly recommend using is split tunneling. It allows you to route only your Warzone traffic through the VPN, keeping the rest of your connection (such as voice chat apps) on your regular network for optimal speed and performance.
If you're tired of sweaty lobbies and the usual chaos, and want to enjoy some laid-back private games with your friends (even if they're spread across different regions), you can use NordVPN's Meshnet.
This free feature allows you to link up to 60 of your own devices over encrypted connections, and you can use it to set up private matches through peer-to-peer hosting. While Warzone doesn’t allow for dedicated private servers, Meshnet can help you stabilize those peer-hosted matches by letting others connect directly to your network.
That said, while all these features are genuinely useful, especially for gamers who like having full control, they might feel like a bit much if you're new to VPNs. NordVPN is easy enough to install, but its packed interface can be a little overwhelming at first.
This is particularly noticeable on Android, where the interactive map-based design, although visually appealing, can feel somewhat cluttered compared to more minimalist apps. If you’re more into simplicity and just want something that works out of the box without too many options to tweak, consider ExpressVPN.
The best cheap Warzone VPN
Surfshark might not be the most beginner-friendly VPN out there. It’s not as plug-and-play as ExpressVPN, and it doesn’t offer the same extensive feature set as NordVPN.
But what it does have going for it is price and speed. In fact, we think it's the best cheap VPN on the block, packing a ton of tools into minuscule prices. So, if you’re gaming on a budget but still want top-tier performance, Surfshark is definitely worth a look.
Read more about Surfshark▼
Speed and performance
When it comes to speed, Surfshark really punches above its weight. In our testing, it hit over 950 Mbps, edging out ExpressVPN’s 898 Mbps and leaving PIA’s 436 Mbps in the dust.
What’s more impressive is its OpenVPN speeds, which clocked in at a remarkable 460 Mbps, a significant boost thanks to Surfshark’s use of Data Channel Offloading (DCO) on OpenVPN. This tech tweak speeds up data processing by offloading tasks to your device’s network hardware, resulting in smoother, faster connections.
That said, there’s a trade-off: DCO makes OpenVPN connections slightly less obfuscated, which could pose some security concerns if you’re all about stealth. But for most gamers, that speed boost outweighs the risk, especially when playing resource-heavy titles like Warzone.
You can keep Surfshark running in the background without noticing any slowdown, whether you’re gaming, torrenting, or streaming.
Surfshark’s network of VPN servers spans 140 locations worldwide, which is impressive by any standard. What really stands out is its strong presence in spots that a lot of VPNs tend to skip, like Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
This works out great for Warzone players because the game’s server list includes locations like Johannesburg, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. This can come pretty handy if you're looking to dodge Warzone's skill-based matchmaking and connect to less crowded or less popular regions, increasing the chance of landing in easier lobbies.
Privacy and security
Security-wise, Surfshark covers all the essentials. But there are a few quirks worth knowing about if you’re planning to pair it with your online gaming.
First off, Surfshark has a kill switch, but it’s not enabled by default, so make sure to switch it on before jumping into Warzone. In our Windows tests, it performed well overall, although we noticed some minor lag under heavy load or during rapid server switches. Still, it does the job of keeping your real IP hidden if the VPN drops mid-match.
There's also Everlink, a kind of softer, quieter version of a kill switch, designed to keep your connection stable even during temporary hiccups. It runs quietly in the background and helps smooth out the rough edges, which we appreciated during longer Warzone sessions.
But even in the worst-case scenario, if things do go sideways and your IP gets exposed for a split second, you can relax. Surfshark enforces a strict no-logs policy, and this isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53, so your personal data stays private no matter what.
For as little as $1.99/month, you get a fast, secure VPN that you can install easily on just about any device. Even better, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections (NordVPN offers up to 10). That’s a huge win if you’re gaming on multiple platforms or sharing your subscription with friends or housemates.
The best Warzone VPN for beginners
If you're new to VPNs and want something that just works out of the box, ExpressVPN is a solid choice.
It’s the best beginner VPN on our list, with a sleek interface that works seamlessly across platforms, whether you're on PC, Mac, Android, iOS, or even consoles via a configured router.
Read more about ExpressVPN▼
Speed and performance
Getting started with ExpressVPN is nice and easy: just fire it up and hit Connect, and it’ll automatically find the nearest, fastest server based on your location. Even so, if you’re looking to manually connect to a Warzone region with lighter lobbies, ExpressVPN makes it easy to switch servers from a dropdown list.
It boasts 148 locations across 106 countries, with particularly strong coverage in Europe, where you’ll find multiple servers close to Warzone data centers, like Madrid, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Milan, and Dublin.
For example, if you’re playing from the U.S. West Coast during peak Warzone hours (say, 7 PM to 1 AM PDT), hopping over to a European server like Spain (around 4 AM local time) might help you avoid congested, sweaty lobbies and enjoy a more relaxed game.
As for speed, ExpressVPN held its own. It reached 898 Mbps on its proprietary Lightway protocol, which puts it slightly behind Surfshark and NordVPN (both over 950 Mbps), but still more than fast enough for high-performance gaming. During our testing, we observed no noticeable slowdowns, even when gaming, streaming, and downloading in the background. It’s smooth, stable, and reliable.
Privacy and security
ExpressVPN might not go overboard with advanced tools like NordVPN does (though it should, considering its price), but it covers all the core bases. You get a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection: everything you need to keep your IP hidden and your Warzone sessions protected from DDoS attacks or unwanted interruptions.
There’s also a Threat Manager feature (available on Windows and macOS) that adds an extra layer of security by blocking trackers and malicious sites, which is particularly beneficial if you're gaming and browsing simultaneously.
However, ExpressVPN doesn’t include some of the more advanced tools, such as Onion over VPN or Meshnet-style device linking, that NordVPN offers.
While its no-logs policy has held up under independent audits, we’d be remiss not to mention that ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a company with a controversial past involving adware distribution.
To be clear, we haven’t experienced any issues, and ExpressVPN remains one of the most trusted names in the industry. Still, it's worth knowing if transparency and ownership history are important to you.
The best Warzone VPN for the US
Private Internet Access, or PIA for short, might not get as much spotlight as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but don’t count it out, especially if you're looking for a solid, privacy-focused VPN that won't break the bank.
Starting at just $2.03 per month, it's one of the more affordable premium VPNs available and still delivers plenty of value for Warzone players. It might not win any speed contest, but PIA comes with a proven track record, rock-solid privacy credentials, and a wide selection of servers, all of which make it a worthy contender if you’re gaming on a budget.
Read more about PIA▼
Speed and performance
In our recent tests, PIA clocked in at 436 Mbps on WireGuard, a noticeable improvement from the 330 Mbps we recorded last time around, so it’s definitely moving in the right direction. While this speed doesn't quite match the big dogs like NordVPN or Surfshark (both achieving speeds of over 950 Mbps), it was more than enough for smooth Warzone sessions without lag or interruptions.
That said, if you plan on gaming and streaming in 4K, downloading large files, or running other intensive tasks at the same time, you might feel that speed ceiling a bit. Still, PIA unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without a hitch, which is a nice bonus when you're off the battlefield.
As for server locations, PIA offers coverage in 91 countries, slightly behind NordVPN (111) and Surfshark (100), but it makes up for that with a neat perk: servers in all 50 U.S. states. That’s especially useful for Warzone players who want to hop around North America’s regional servers to find lower-skill lobbies or less crowded times.
Privacy and security
PIA comes packed with essential security tools that competitive gamers will appreciate. There’s AES-256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch – all the usual suspects. But you also get MACE, PIA’s built-in ad and malware blocker, which is great for extra peace of mind when you're downloading mods or gaming add-ons.
Importantly, PIA has one of the most battle-tested no-logs policies in the industry. It has been audited by independent firms and even proven its commitment to privacy in court twice. So if keeping your data private is a top concern, PIA earns full marks here.
However, the app itself can feel a little cluttered, especially when compared to something slick like ExpressVPN. It’s relatively easy to install and set up, but the interface throws a lot of toggles and settings at you, which might be overwhelming for VPN beginners.
The best console Warzone VPN
CyberGhost might not be the flashiest name on the list, but it certainly earns its spot, especially if you’re playing Warzone on a console.
With fast speeds, console-ready features, and even dedicated gaming servers, it’s a solid choice for casual and competitive players alike.
Read more about CyberGhost▼
Speed and performance
In our latest tests, CyberGhost achieved speeds of over 950 Mbps using WireGuard, placing it on par with NordVPN and Surfshark. That’s more than enough for smooth Warzone matches, 4K streaming, and large downloads.
CyberGhost works well across platforms and especially shines as one of the best PS5 VPN options. We tested it on multiple console setups, and the performance was stable and consistent, especially when run through a VPN-configured router. The setup guides for PlayStation and Xbox were clear and beginner-friendly.
That said, while the Smart DNS setup was simple, the server pool for Smart DNS is minimal, so we wouldn’t recommend relying on it. Your best bet? Install CyberGhost on a router. While it doesn’t offer custom firmware like ExpressVPN, its OpenVPN setup guides were surprisingly easy to follow. If you’re new to router configuration, you might find Surfshark a bit more beginner-friendly, but CyberGhost still holds its own.
Its server spread includes 100 countries across 124 locations, with a strong focus on Europe (54 locations), even edging out NordVPN in that region. However, it’s a bit behind in Asia (30 locations), which may affect players trying to connect to Warzone servers in areas like Hong Kong or Singapore.
This could be worth considering if you’re gaming from Turkey, where Warzone tends to restrict players to just one regional data center, either Europe or Asia, based on your IP. That means you’re often locked into whichever region the game decides, regardless of how crowded or laggy it is.
With CyberGhost, you can manually switch your VPN server to the region that’s less congested at the time, helping you avoid high-traffic lobbies and get a more stable, enjoyable match. European servers performed well in our tests. However, some Asian routes introduced a slight lag, which varied depending on the time of day and server load. Nothing game-breaking, but something to keep an eye on.
Privacy and security
CyberGhost covers all the essentials: DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and strong DDoS protection to keep your connection stable under pressure.
What we also appreciate is its commitment to transparency. In 2022, CyberGhost launched a bug bounty program, offering up to $1,250 to security researchers. One participant even discovered a significant Windows vulnerability, which was promptly patched. While not ideal, it’s a great example of proactive security in action, something that’s not often seen.
Warzone VPN FAQs
How to use a Warzone VPN on PS5
Using a VPN for Warzone on PS5 requires a bit of setup since consoles don’t support VPN apps natively. The best way to use it is to install the VPN on your router to encrypt all traffic. In case you don't have a compatible router, you can share your PC’s VPN connection with your PS5 via Ethernet. On the other hand, if you only need access to different regions without full encryption, opt for Smart DNS. All three methods are straightforward if you follow your VPN provider’s setup guide. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer solid support. Just pick the method that suits your tech skills and time.
Is using a VPN cheating on Warzone?
VPNs don’t break the game; they just let you tweak your connection. That might affect matchmaking slightly, especially if you're aiming for less populated regions, and it can even help reduce lag by letting you connect to a closer or less congested server. But it doesn't hand you any unfair advantage. You're not bypassing anti-cheat systems or tampering with the game engine. That’s not against the rules, and it won’t result in a ban from Activision.
Which VPN server is best for Warzone?
The best VPN server for Warzone really depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you want easier lobbies or to avoid peak-time chaos, connecting to VPN regions where the game’s less active, like early-morning hours or low-popularity zones, can make a difference. Just keep in mind: the further the server is from your actual location, the more likely you’ll feel some lag. If smooth gameplay is your top priority, pick a nearby server with the lowest ping. Most premium VPNs show server latency, so it’s easy to find your sweet spot.
