Quick answer: The Best VPN for League of Legends (LoL) in 2025 is NordVPN!
League of Legends is extremely sensitive to ping, jitter, and packet loss. A bad route between you and Riot’s servers can turn a winning team fight into a laggy nightmare, especially during prime time or on crowded networks (shared WiFi, dorms, student housing). A good VPN doesn’t “magically” give you skill, but it can stabilize routes, dodge congested hops, shield you from DDoS/targeted attacks, and help you safely play on other regions (NA/EUW/EUNE/KR/BR/LAN/LAS).
Below we rank the best VPNs for League of Legends in 2025, focusing on low-latency tunnels, stable routes to Riot data centers, and protection against DDoS and ISP throttling. Our test criteria include base ping vs. VPN ping, jitter, route consistency in peak hours, and how reliably each VPN keeps queues and matches stable across regions.
Lower or more stable ping to Riot regions (NA/EUW/EUNE/KR/etc.) with reduced jitter.
Protection against DDoS/targeted IP attacks in ranked and tournament lobbies.
Ability to bypass local firewalls (school, office, restrictive ISPs) that block LoL or voice apps like Discord.
1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN for League of Legends in 2025 (Ping Stability + DDoS Resilience)
NordVPN is our top pick for League of Legends because it combines very stable latency with strong security and great regional coverage. With thousands of servers in 60+ countries, it’s easy to find a node physically close to your target Riot region (NA/EUW/EUNE/TR/RU/BR/LAN/LAS/OCE/KR* etc.), which often results in smoother paths and less jitter than your default ISP routing.
The NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) gives quick handshakes and low overhead, which is ideal for fast-paced games. Security-wise, NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, runs on RAM-only servers, and enforces a strict no-logs policy, so your match history and IP-based targeting aren’t exposed. Features like Threat Protection help block shady sites, trackers, and malware that can arrive via third-party tools or “config” downloads.
Routing & ping: Consistently low jitter to major Riot regions; good at avoiding random spikes in peak hours.
Security: Kill switch, DDoS-resistant IP masking, DNS/IPv6 leak protection for tournament play.
Control: Split tunneling lets you send only LoL/Discord through the VPN while keeping other apps on your normal line.
✅ Pros
Excellent ping stability on most Riot regions
Strong protection against DDoS and IP targeting
Great split tunneling and protocol options (NordLynx)
Lots of features — some configuration needed for best ping
Popular LoL routes can be crowded at tournament times
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Ideal for ranked grinders, tournament stacks, and anyone who wants a mix of speed + privacy.
2. ExpressVPN — Consistent Low-Latency Routes & Great for Streamers
ExpressVPN is a favourite among LoL streamers and high-ELO players who want stability above all. Its Lightway protocol is designed for fast connection times and consistent throughput, which helps maintain steady ping while you’re live on Twitch or running multiple tools (Discord, OBS, browsers) alongside LoL.
With servers in 90+ countries, it’s easy to find a node that gives you a clean path into the Riot server you want. Encryption is AES-256 with a fully audited no-logs policy, and the “Network Lock” kill switch protects you if the tunnel drops mid-match, keeping your real IP from being exposed to toxic opponents or potential attackers.
Stable routes for NA/EU regions, good for cross-region play
Great at bypassing ISP shaping and restrictive networks
Perfect for streamers who need both LoL and streaming stable
3. CyberGhost VPN — User-Friendly Setup for Cross-Region Players
CyberGhost is a solid pick if you want a no-fuss setup and a huge network for trying different routes to Riot servers. With 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries, you can quickly test which path gives you the best ping to EUW, NA, or other regions. The apps are very approachable, so even less technical players can configure a stable gaming tunnel in a few clicks.
CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. While it’s well-known for streaming, the same infrastructure works nicely for LoL, especially if your ISP takes weird paths to Riot. You also get an automatic kill switch, so your real IP doesn’t leak if the VPN drops mid-ranked.
Huge server list for experimenting with different routes
Simple apps — good for newer VPN users
Decent performance for LoL + esports streams
✅ Pros
Beginner-friendly interface
Many locations to test when your default route is bad
Good long-term pricing
❌ Cons
Not quite as low-latency as NordVPN/ExpressVPN on some routes
4. Surfshark — Unlimited Devices & Great for Duo/Clash Teams
Surfshark pairs fast WireGuard tunnels with unlimited simultaneous connections, which is ideal for houses or gaming groups where multiple players are queuing LoL at the same time. Your whole Clash stack or duo partners can run Surfshark on their PCs without extra cost, and still enjoy competitive ping and DDoS protection.
Encryption is AES-256 with a firm no-logs policy. Features like CleanWeb remove trackers and shady ads, and MultiHop (double VPN) can be useful for players in highly restrictive countries. Surfshark’s routing to popular LoL regions is generally very good, with smooth performance on EU/NA and decent results on many others.
Unlimited devices — whole team/house can use one plan
WireGuard for fast, lean tunnels
Good mix of price, ping, and privacy
✅ Pros
Fantastic value if several people play LoL
Strong performance on common Riot regions
Useful extra privacy features (MultiHop, CleanWeb)
❌ Cons
Occasional micro-spikes on very long-distance routes
5. Private Internet Access — Tunable for Power Users & One-Trick Grinders
Private Internet Access (PIA) is great if you like to tweak things. With tens of thousands of servers and lots of knobs (encryption strength, ports, protocols), you can fine-tune your setup to get the most stable ping path to your main Riot region — perfect for one-tricks and ranked grinders who care about every millisecond.
PIA supports modern protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, uses AES-256 encryption, and has a proven no-logs policy. Its built-in ad/malware blocker helps keep you safe from sketchy sites, overlays, or third-party tools. When configured well, PIA offers very competitive latency and is especially solid for long LoL sessions.
Highly configurable for advanced players
Large network — easy to find a good route to Riot
Ad/tracker blocking built in
✅ Pros
Great for tinkerers and tech-savvy players
Strong privacy stance, customizable encryption
Good price-to-performance ratio
❌ Cons
Interface and options can be overwhelming at first
Occasional trial-and-error needed to find optimal nodes
6. IPVanish — Great for Restricted Regions & Unlimited Devices
IPVanish is particularly good for players in restrictive countries or strict networks where game traffic is blocked or shaped. With a solid server footprint and support for obfuscation features like “Scramble”, IPVanish can make VPN traffic look more like normal HTTPS, helping you connect to Riot even on aggressive firewalled networks.
It uses AES-256 encryption, has a no-logs policy, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so everyone in your house can protect their devices. Latency is competitive on most mainstream regions, and unlimited bandwidth ensures your LoL sessions aren’t artificially capped.
Strong choice for players in censored or restricted environments
Unlimited devices for households and gaming setups
Helpful obfuscation features for blocked networks
✅ Pros
Excellent for bypassing local game/firewall blocks
Unlimited devices per subscription
Solid speeds and stable routing for LoL
❌ Cons
Interface feels more “utility” than polished
Fewer region-specific optimizations than Nord/Express
7. Hotspot Shield — Catapult Hydra for Very Fast Tunnels
Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra protocol is optimized for speed and can deliver very smooth LoL experiences on the right routes. It’s a good fit for players whose main priority is fast, simple tunnels for solo queue and normals, especially on congested or mid-range connections.
You get AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a straightforward app that’s easy to set up. It’s also effective at bypassing basic ISP throttling and some geo-blocks, which can help if your provider deprioritizes game traffic during peak periods.
Very fast proprietary protocol (Hydra)
Good for quick matchmaking and casual grind sessions
Best VPN Regions & Routing Tips for League of Legends in 2025
To get the most out of a VPN with League of Legends, you need to pick exit locations that are close to Riot’s data centers — not just close to you. In many cases, connecting to a well-peered city (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Chicago, etc.) gives you a cleaner path with less jitter than your ISP’s default route.
EUW: Try Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Paris nodes for stable ping and low jitter.
NA (North America): For NA-East, use New York/Washington; for NA-West, try Los Angeles/San Jose.
EUNE/TR/RU: Frankfurt, Vienna, or Warsaw often provide good paths.
LAN/LAS/BR: Miami, Mexico City, São Paulo are common starting points.
KR/JP: Tokyo or Seoul nodes can work well – but distance will still matter if you’re far away.
Target Riot Region
Recommended VPN
Suggested Exit City
Notes
EUW
NordVPN / ExpressVPN / Surfshark
Frankfurt / Amsterdam / Paris
Test 2–3 nodes; pick the one with the lowest and most stable ping.
NA-East
NordVPN / ExpressVPN
New York / Washington, D.C.
Good for coastal players and EU → NA cross-region funtimes.
NA-West
NordVPN / Surfshark
Los Angeles / San Jose
Try 1–2 nearby nodes to reduce spikes in team fights.
EUNE / TR / RU
NordVPN / PIA / CyberGhost
Frankfurt / Vienna / Warsaw
Useful for players coming from Western Europe or MENA.
LAN / LAS / BR
Surfshark / NordVPN / IPVanish
Miami / Mexico City / São Paulo
Good for Latin American and some EU/NA players.
How to Use a VPN with League of Legends (PC / Laptop / Mobile)
Windows / macOS (recommended for LoL)
Install your chosen VPN (we recommend NordVPN or ExpressVPN for the most consistent LoL performance).
Select a modern protocol: NordLynx/WireGuard or Lightway for best latency.
Enable kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection so your real IP isn’t exposed mid-match.
Optional: use split tunneling so only LoL + voice apps (Discord) go through the VPN.
Connect to a VPN server close to the LoL region you’re playing on, then launch the Riot client and start your queue.
Mobile (League of Legends: Wild Rift)
On iOS/Android, install the VPN app, choose the closest node to your Wild Rift region, and connect before launching the game. If you notice conflicts (e.g. constant reconnects), try a different protocol or nearby city, and disable battery optimization for the VPN app so it isn’t killed in the background.
Console / Shared Networks (via Router)
If you’re on shared hardware or want the whole house protected, set the VPN up on a compatible router (AsusWRT, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or the VPN’s own router app). That way, every device (PCs, laptops, consoles) benefits from stabilized routes and DDoS-resistant IPs without individual configuration.
We tested VPN performance with League of Legends by running multiple solo-queue sessions per provider, measuring: average ping vs. baseline, jitter (variance), packet loss, and stability in team fights. Numbers below are indicative examples for mid-distance scenarios (50–80 ms baseline) and may vary by ISP/region.
VPN Provider
Δ Ping vs. Baseline
Jitter
Packet Loss
Match Stability
NordVPN (NordLynx)
+3–6 ms
Low
<0.1%
Excellent
ExpressVPN (Lightway)
+4–8 ms
Low
<0.2%
Excellent
Surfshark (WireGuard)
+5–9 ms
Low–Medium
~0.2%
Very Good
CyberGhost (WireGuard)
+6–10 ms
Medium
~0.3%
Good
PIA (WireGuard)
+6–11 ms
Medium
~0.3%
Good–Very Good
The key takeaway: even when ping increases slightly, the reduction in jitter and spikes is what makes VPNs valuable for ranked LoL.
Important: Using a VPN with League of Legends must respect Riot Games’ Terms of Service and local law. VPNs are commonly used for privacy and route stability, but abusing them to bypass bans, engage in fraud, or break regional rules can lead to account penalties. Use a VPN responsibly and at your own risk.
Pro Tips for League of Legends Players Using a VPN
Always test multiple nodes near your target Riot region — the first server isn’t always the fastest.
Prefer WireGuard/NordLynx/Lightway over older protocols (like OpenVPN TCP) for lower latency.
Keep background downloads and heavy streaming off while in ranked — even with a VPN, congestion hurts.
Enable kill switch to avoid mid-game IP leaks that could expose you to DDoS or targeted trolling.
For tournaments or Clash, run a few test games on your chosen node before serious matches.
If ping goes up but stops spiking, that’s usually an upgrade for competitive play.
Why You Need a VPN for League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends demands stable, low-latency connectivity. A VPN won’t turn 200 ms into 20 ms across the planet, but it can fix bad routing, avoid throttling, and protect your account and connection from abuse and attacks. Key benefits include:
Reduce Ping Spikes & Lag: By routing you through better-connected locations, a VPN can smooth out unstable paths to Riot data centers.
Access Other Regions: Want to play with friends in NA/EUW or try a different meta? A VPN lets you connect to those regions more reliably.
Prevent ISP Throttling: Some ISPs quietly shape game traffic. Encrypted tunnels make it harder to identify and slow down your LoL sessions.
Defend Against DDoS: Masking your IP makes you much harder to target during ranked grind, custom scrims, or amateur tournaments.
Bypass Firewalls: On school, work, or dorm networks that block LoL, a well-configured VPN can help you connect (where allowed).
Safer Communication: Voice and chat tools (Discord, etc.) benefit from encrypted tunnels, especially on shared networks.
Regional Pricing & Events: In some cases, you may see different RP pricing or events by region. Always follow Riot’s rules and local law if you explore this.
Customer Reviews for VPNs for League of Legends (LoL)
NordVPN Review – From a Competitive Player
“I’ve been playing ranked League of Legends for years, and NordVPN has completely transformed my gaming experience. Before using it, I struggled with ping spikes when connecting to European servers, but now my connection is much more stable. It’s easy to set up, and the speeds are fantastic—I can play for hours without any interruptions. I also feel safer knowing my IP is hidden, especially during tournaments, where DDoS attacks are always a risk. For competitive players who need low ping and extra security, NordVPN is a must-have.”
— Alex R., Ranked Player in New York
ExpressVPN Review – From a Streamer
“As a Twitch streamer who plays League of Legends daily, ExpressVPN has been a game-changer. It helps me avoid ISP throttling, which used to ruin my streams during peak hours. The connection speeds are so fast that I can stream in HD while maintaining low ping in my matches. I also love how easy it is to switch between servers, especially when I’m playing with friends from different regions. If you’re a streamer looking for smooth gameplay and reliable protection, ExpressVPN is absolutely worth it.”
— Sarah T., Twitch Streamer and LoL Main
Surfshark Review – From a Budget-Conscious Gamer
“I’m a college student who plays League of Legends casually, but I always had issues with high ping when playing with friends on international servers. Surfshark has been incredible for solving this problem. It’s affordable, and I can use it on multiple devices at no extra cost, which is perfect for my laptop and phone. My ping has improved significantly, and I can finally enjoy cross-region games without lag. For casual players on a budget, Surfshark is the best choice out there.”
— Priya K., Casual LoL Player in Toronto
CyberGhost Review – From a Cross-Region Player
“My friends and I play League of Legends together, but we live in different regions, which always caused connection issues. CyberGhost has been amazing for solving this. I use it to connect to their server region, and now we can play without any delays or disconnects. The streaming-optimized servers also make a big difference when I’m watching LoL tournaments like Worlds. The interface is simple to use, and the connection speeds are excellent. For anyone who wants to play across regions or watch esports, CyberGhost is fantastic.”
— Daniel M., LoL Enthusiast in Berlin
ProtonVPN Review – From a Privacy Advocate
“I’ve always been concerned about privacy while gaming, especially after hearing stories about DDoS attacks in League of Legends. ProtonVPN has been my go-to for protecting my IP and ensuring my connection is secure. The Secure Core feature gives me extra peace of mind, even though the speeds can be slightly slower compared to other VPNs. It’s still good enough for ranked matches and casual play, and I’ve never had any issues with disconnects. If privacy is your top concern, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for League players.”
— Rachel T., Privacy Advocate and LoL Player
IPVanish Review – From a Gamer in a Restricted Region
“Living in a country with restrictions on online gaming has always made playing League of Legends difficult. IPVanish has completely changed that for me. I can bypass all local restrictions and connect to Riot servers in Europe or North America without any problems. The speeds are fast, and I no longer experience lag during team fights or big moments in matches. The unlimited device connections are a bonus because I can use the VPN on my phone and PC simultaneously. For players in restricted regions, IPVanish is a game-changer.”
— Ali Z., Gamer in the Middle East
Private Internet Access (PIA) Review – From a Family Gamer
“I play League of Legends with my kids, and we always faced high ping issues when connecting to servers outside our region. PIA has been fantastic for stabilizing our connections and improving gameplay. We set it up on our router, so all our devices are protected, and it works flawlessly for ranked games and ARAM matches. The ad-blocking feature is great because it keeps our gaming experience smooth and free from interruptions. For families who enjoy gaming together, PIA is reliable and affordable.”
— Megan S., Parent and LoL Player in Sydney
ExpressVPN Review – From a Tournament Player
“As someone who participates in amateur League of Legends tournaments, ExpressVPN has been invaluable. I’ve faced DDoS attacks in the past, which ruined my matches, but ExpressVPN ensures my connection is secure and my IP address is hidden. The speeds are incredible—I can play in high-pressure situations without any lag or interruptions. It’s also great for watching regional tournaments, as I can connect to servers in Korea or Europe to watch live streams without restrictions. For serious players and fans, ExpressVPN is worth every cent.”
— Kevin L., Tournament Player and Esports Fan
Surfshark Review – From a Frequent Traveler
“I travel a lot for work, and Surfshark has been perfect for keeping up with my League of Legends matches while on the road. I can connect to my home server region from anywhere, whether I’m in Asia, Europe, or the U.S., and the ping is always stable. The unlimited device connections are amazing because I can use it on my phone, laptop, and tablet without worrying about limits. For players who travel often but want a consistent gaming experience, Surfshark is an excellent choice.”
— Clara J., Traveler and Gamer
NordVPN Review – From a Hardcore LoL Player
“I take my League of Legends ranked grind seriously, and NordVPN has been a huge upgrade for my gaming setup. The connection speeds are incredible—I’ve never experienced lag or ping spikes, even during intense matches. The security features are a bonus, as I’ve had issues with toxic players targeting me in the past. I also use NordVPN to access exclusive skins and events in other regions, which has been a fun way to expand my LoL experience. For hardcore players who want the best performance and protection, NordVPN is unbeatable.”
— Liam H., Challenger LoL Player in London
FAQ — Best VPN for League of Legends in 2025
Can I get banned in League of Legends for using a VPN?
Riot doesn’t ban players just for using a VPN, but abusing VPNs to evade bans, commit fraud, or break regional rules can absolutely lead to penalties. Use a VPN for stability and privacy, not to violate Riot’s Terms of Service.
Will a VPN lower my ping in LoL?
Sometimes. A VPN can’t break the laws of physics, but it can give you a cleaner route to Riot’s servers and reduce spikes or jitter. If your ISP uses a bad path, a VPN through a well-peered city (like Frankfurt or Chicago) can feel better, even if raw ping is slightly higher.
What is the best VPN for League of Legends in 2025?
NordVPN is the most balanced pick thanks to its NordLynx protocol, stable routes, and strong DDoS protection. ExpressVPN is a close second, especially for streamers, while Surfshark, CyberGhost, PIA, IPVanish, and Hotspot Shield are excellent depending on your budget and region.
Which VPN protocol should I use for LoL?
Use modern, lightweight protocols such as WireGuard/NordLynx or Lightway. They usually provide the best combination of low latency, fast handshakes, and stable throughput for online games.
Can a VPN protect me from DDoS attacks?
Yes. When you play through a VPN, other players see the VPN server IP, not your real one. That makes it much harder for them to DDoS you directly — especially if your VPN has good server capacity and a kill switch enabled.
Which region should I connect to for the lowest ping?
Pick a VPN server that is geographically close to the Riot data center for your LoL region (e.g., Frankfurt for EUW, New York/Chicago for NA-East, Los Angeles for NA-West). Test a few nodes and keep whichever gives you the most stable ping, not just the lowest number once.
Can a VPN help me bypass school or work firewalls?
Technically, yes — a VPN encrypts your traffic and can get around many filters that block LoL or Riot’s launcher. But this may violate your school or workplace rules, so always consider the policies and consequences before doing so.
Final Thoughts — The Best VPNs for League of Legends in 2025
If you want more stable ranked sessions, fewer ping spikes, and protection from DDoS, a quality VPN is one of the best upgrades you can add to your League of Legends setup. NordVPN is the standout pick for most players thanks to NordLynx speed, audited privacy, and consistently strong routing to major Riot regions. ExpressVPN is a premium choice for streamers and tournament players, while Surfshark offers unbeatable value for duo queues and gaming households with many devices. CyberGhost keeps things simple, PIA caters to power users, and IPVanish and Hotspot Shield are excellent for restricted or congested networks.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
