If you have been getting dropped connections while playing CS:GO, or can't log on at all from your current location, a stealthy and fast VPN might be just what you need. Over the last five years, we have reviewed over 150 VPN services. From this list, we've identified the best VPNs for CS:GO.
As a CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) player, you know that the difference between winning and losing is split seconds. If your connection slows down or drops out, it will likely cost your team the match. In many cases, a CS:GO VPN can eliminate those problems. Likewise, if you are locked out of the game altogether because of your current location.
Best VPNs for CS:GO - Quick View
You can find out more about why ISPs slow down gaming traffic later in this article. First, let's take a look at the five best VPNs for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
- ExpressVPN - The fastest VPN we test, unblocks everything, with amazing service all round
- NordVPN - Large brand with very good value, and a budget price
- CyberGhost VPN - Longtime top ranked VPN, with great price and speeds
- PrivateInternetAccess - No logs, apps for all platforms
- Surfshark - Strong presence, no-logs policy
Best VPNs for CS:GO Considerations
Dropouts Caused by ISP Throttling
Many ISPs dislike games such as CS:GO because they use a lot of the network's bandwidth. Instead of improving their service, some of them "throttle" games. This means that they reduce the amount of bandwidth available to your game, resulting in slowdowns and knocking you right out of the game.
If your ISP is doing this to you, playing CS:GO with a VPN can help. That's because the VPN disguises the messages traveling between your computer and the VPN's servers. This means your ISP can't see what you are doing. They can't throttle the game if they don't know you are playing it!
Location-Based Problems
Some locations, such as schools or offices, block you from playing CS:GO. Using a VPN to play CS:GO can get you around these blocks. Thanks to the encryption provided by your VPN, the local network can't tell you are playing the game, so doesn't know to block you. Note that the VPN can also help you get into other content that would otherwise be blocked, by using a VPN for Netflix you are able to unblock the US Netflix library and other content from US streaming services.
Malicious Action by Other People
If you are good enough at CS:GO, you may trigger attacks by other players outside the game. There are rumors that some teams use DDoS attacks to cripple their opponents at crucial points in a match. A top-notch VPN has much more capacity to deal with these kinds of attacks than you do, hopefully making any attack against you less effective.
Beyond this, using your CS:GO VPN when you are out of the game and using a public WiFi access point is smart. Because your VPN connection is encrypted, your data is safe from any snoops hanging out on the network and trying to steal your personal information.
Best CS:GO VPNs: Conclusion
Sometimes, all it takes to improve your CS:GO experience is a great VPN. Each of the five we review here is fast enough, and stealthy enough, to improve your connection to the game when outside forces like your ISP try to hold you back. We're not talking about just any VPN though. And we are certainly not talking about the free VPNs you see advertised here and there.
We are talking about the kind of excellent VPNs we've profiled in this review of the best VPNs for CS:GO. Try these out for yourself thanks to their trial periods and money back guarantees - and see what they can do to improve your game.
- ExpressVPN - The fastest VPN we test, unblocks everything, with amazing service all round
- NordVPN - Large brand with very good value, and a budget price
- CyberGhost VPN - Longtime top ranked VPN, with great price and speeds
- PrivateInternetAccess - No logs, apps for all platforms
- Surfshark - Strong presence, no-logs policy