5 Best VPNs for GTA 5 Online – Beat Lag, Unstable Connections, & DDoS Attacks

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I love riding my Oppressor all over Mount Chiliad in GTA 5 Online, avoiding griefers, and trying to perfect my triple backflip with no wings.

So imagine my disappointment when the game became unplayable due to network lag and unstable ping.

Maybe you know what I’m talking about?

If so, don’t panic – because, after thorough research, I found the ultimate solution: NordVPN.

With NordVPN, you’ll get a stable connection with minimal lag and no bouncing ping rate that flies all over the place (like my Oppressor when I crash…).

Plus, you’ll get DDoS protection, and – if you’re in a country that restricts access to GTA 5 (like blocking access to the Diamond Casino) or bans it completely – you’ll have no trouble unlocking its full potential.

Keep reading for all the details, including four worthy alternatives!

The best VPNs for GTA 5 Online will supply players with fast server speeds to prevent lag, a stable connection to negate the rise and fall of your ping, and DDoS protection to protect you from angry griefers and/or modders who want to ruin your night.

All my recommended VPNs include these features and more!

Running Late for a Planned Prison Break Heist? Don’t Make Your Friends Wait! (My Top 5)

I don’t blame you for rushing – Prison Break is my favorite heist, too!

So, don’t worry.

I got you.

Here are my top five picks:

But once you finish the heist, don’t forget to come back.

I discuss the nitty-gritty details of finding the perfect VPN for GTA 5 – and you don’t want to miss out!

Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for GTA 5 Online

gta 5 online water cave

Ready to grab your favorite VPN and visit the Playboy Mansion in GTA 5 Online (so you can kill all the people and have a stand-off with the cops in that little water cave)?

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for GTA 5 Online

nordvpn for gaming

NordVPN starts off my list of the most reliable VPNs for GTA 5 Online, thanks to its impressive suite of features for gamers.

First, if you’re in a country that restricts or bans GTA 5 Online, NordVPN will help you overcome those limitations via its network of 5,400+ servers in 60 countries.

This is one of the biggest server networks on my list, coming third only to PIA and CyberGhost!

In other words, you can access GTA 5 Online at its full capacity, regardless of where you live!

gta5 old van

A great example of this is the Diamond Resort and Casino.

If you’re in a country that doesn’t allow virtual gambling, there’s a huge chance you can’t play the games in the GTA 5 Online virtual casino.

Some examples include players in Czechia, Greece, and Poland.

gta5 virtual casino

Or, if you’re in a country like Thailand or South Africa, you won’t have access to the game at all – unless you use NordVPN, that is!

NordVPN’s impressive server network is also great for helping players stabilize their connections and ping rate by connecting to a location nearest them, so the game stops lagging.

(Although the GTA 5 Loading Simulator is another story…)

gta 5 online buffer

You’ll also enjoy blazing-fast gaming speeds – especially if you use NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, NordLynx!

Of course, this also helps stabilize your connection for the smoothest gameplay possible.

And, for the record, NordVPN is one of two VPNs on my list that offers a proprietary protocol (the other being ExpressVPN).

This pushes the provider ahead of Surfshark, PIA, and CyberGhost.

Moving on, while NordVPN isn’t the fastest VPN on my list, it still came in third, beating both PIA and CyberGhost!

Plus, it was neck-to-neck with ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

If you need further convincing, check out my NordVPN speed test.

Speed Without NordVPN:

speed test result without nordvpn

Speed With NordVPN:

speed test result with nordvpn

But a huge server network and fast speeds are just the beginning.

There’s much more to discuss – to the point that NordVPN is the most recommended VPN for GTA 5 Online on Reddit!

I found so many users praising the provider, like this one:

reddit recommendation of nordvpn for gta 5 online

Next up for discussion, NordVPN includes a must-have feature for GTA 5 Online players: DDoS protection.

With this feature, you’re guaranteed protection, even if you piss off a griefer in-game and they try launching a DDoS attack against you.

However, on the off-chance the DDoS attack takes off, you can always disconnect from that server and hop onto another one!

After all, there are plenty to choose from.

But wait, there’s still more!

NordVPN also offers a split tunneling feature, so you can secure your GTA 5 Online gameplay with a VPN without it affecting your whole network.

And, as a final bonus, you can set up NordVPN on your router for ample coverage on all your devices – including gaming consoles!

So, if you prefer playing GTA 5 Online on your PlayStation or Xbox, you can still enjoy the perks of NordVPN while doing so.

Best of all, you don’t need to rob an LTD Gasoline convenience store to pay for a subscription.

NordVPN is relatively affordable:

But if you’re still trying to count change, click here for a MASSIVE discount!

Pros

Cons

2. Surfshark – Affordable Prices + Fast Speeds

surfshark vpn for gaming

Up next, with its crazy fast server speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark slides into second place on my list of the best VPNs for GTA 5 Online.

First, let’s talk about the crazy fast server speeds.

If you’re looking for a VPN that’s guaranteed to stabilize your connection, minimize lag, and improve your ping while playing GTA 5 Online, Surfshark delivers.

gta 5 online with surfshark vpn

In fact, out of all the VPNs I speed tested, Surfshark came second – and even then, it was just a few numbers away from beating ExpressVPN.

PIA and CyberGhost, on the other hand?

Let’s just say they’re miles behind!

Here’s a better look.

Speed Without Surfshark:

speed test result without surfshark vpn

Speed With Surfshark:

speed test result with surfshark vpn

In addition to crazy fast speeds, GTA 5 Online players will also enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.

You might ask, “But what can I do with unlimited simultaneous connections?

Well, for starters, you can invite your friend over for some Deadline and use Surfshark on both your devices simultaneously.

And, while you’re at it, you can fire up Surfshark on your phone and play some region-locked content too!

To put it in perspective, no other VPN on my list – and almost no other VPN in generaloffers such a generous simultaneous connections limit.

Here’s a table to help you compare:

VPN Provider

Number of Simultaneous Connections

NordVPN

6

Surfshark

Unlimited

ExpressVPN

5

PIA

10

CyberGhost

7

Plus, with 3,200+ servers in 65 countries to choose from, you’re pretty much guaranteed a server in or near your country to help stabilize your connection even more (or unblock GTA 5 Online in countries where it’s restricted/banned)!

Beyond that, Surfshark also provides players with DDoS protection.

Considering the last time I played GTA 5 Online ended in an angry griefer threatening to launch a DDoS attack against me, you’ll be happy for Surfshark’s DDoS protection.

(All I did was fly around on my Oppressor while they chased me with their lame Oppressor Mk II and “tried” to blow me up… ☹)

gta 5 online oppressor

Moving on, you can also use Surfshark’s Whitelister feature – a spin-off of split-tunneling – to allow certain programs (like your internet browser) to pass through without the VPN’s protection.

This is extremely useful if the only thing you want to use Surfshark for is playing GTA 5 Online.

Finally, like NordVPN, Surfshark offers a router setup for GTA 5 Online players, so you can play the game in a safe online environment on your gaming console!

However, my all-time favorite thing about Surfshark is its affordable long-term plans.

They’re the cheapest on my list!

Take a look:

But if that’s not enough, grab this EXCLUSIVE discount deal before angrily chasing people in a tank and shooting them down (when all they’re trying to do is buy clothes)!!

Pros

Cons

3. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for GTA 5 Online

expressvpn for gaming

ExpressVPN is more than worthy of its place on my list, especially as it’s the fastest VPN I tested!

The VPN provider easily pulled ahead of PIA and CyberGhost, while just barely beating NordVPN and Surfshark.

In other words, you can expect the smoothest possible gameplay when using ExpressVPN to play GTA 5 Online.

Still hesitant?

Take a look at my speed test results.

Speed Without ExpressVPN:

speed test result without expressvpn

Speed With ExpressVPN:

speed test result with expressvpn

This means minimal to no lag, a low ping, and an overall stable connection!

Plus, when you throw in ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, you’re guaranteed to find a server in or near your location, thanks to the provider’s global coverage!

But what does that mean?

Well, for starters, it means if GTA 5 Online is restricted or blocked in your country, ExpressVPN will help you unblock it.

gta 5 online with expressvpn

However, even if you have full access to the game, global coverage means your speed loss will be at an absolute minimum when connecting to the nearest, fastest ExpressVPN server.

Next up, ExpressVPN also offers two critical features for gamers: DDoS protection and split tunneling.

You probably know what DDoS protection is by now, but if you need a refresher, it means you can trash talk the griefer who keeps killing you without worrying that they’ll launch a DDoS attack against you!

gta 5 online

(Just beware of modders… last time I killed a griefer, they put a cage over me.)

As for split tunneling – no prizes for guessing what that’s good for!

Finally, ExpressVPN is yet another provider that offers router setups for gamers who prefer PlayStation or Xbox.

So, if you’re like me and you sometimes prefer the PS4 where modders don’t lurk, you’ll still be protected from DDoS attacks!

Now for the bad news.

The reason ExpressVPN doesn’t place higher on my list is that it’s the most expensive.

In fact, I couldn’t justify putting it as second when Surfshark offers everything ExpressVPN does, except speed (which, to be fair, Surfshark was very close behind).

Here are ExpressVPN’s subscription fees:

But if you want to save some money, click HERE for a HUGE discount!

Pros

Cons

4. Private Internet Access – Largest Server Network

private internet access vpn for gaming

Private Internet Access (PIA) comes in fourth place on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for GTA 5 Online – and for a good reason.

Out of all the VPNs here, PIA has the largest server network!

Now, it might not be the most extensive on the list (as it only covers 78 countries), but you’ll still appreciate over 35,000 servers!

And there’s no denying that 78 countries are enough to be considered “global coverage!”

In other words, you’ll have no trouble finding a server in or near your country for the most stable connection possible.

Or, if you’re in a country where GTA 5 Online is banned or restricted, you can easily unblock it with PIA’s help!

gta 5 online with private internet access vpn

But it’s not all good news.

Despite having the largest server network here, PIA’s speeds fell far behind ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and even NordVPN.

The only VPN this provider beat by a landslide was CyberGhost.

However, to be fair, my speed loss with PIA was still minimal enough that my overall connection didn’t suffer (and my ping was stable).

Take a look:

Speed Without PIA:

speed test result without private internet access vpn

Speed With PIA:

speed test result with private internet access vpn

Back to the good news!

PIA offers two crucial features for gamers: split tunneling and DDoS protection.

So, if you want to use a VPN with GTA 5 Online to access the Diamond Casinos virtual games, but you don’t want the rest of your connection to be affected, you’re in luck!

gta 5 online the diamond casino resort

Likewise, if you want to use The Up-n-Atomizer on that stupid griefer who won’t leave you alone without risking a DDoS attack, PIA can help you do so!

(But remember, PIA can’t protect you from modder tools, including those stupid cages…)

gta 5 online up-n-atomizer

Finally, like the other VPNs on my list, PIA allows users to set up their VPN on compatible routers!

So, if you prefer playing GTA 5 Online on PlayStation or Xbox, you can still unlock the game’s full potential and stay protected while doing so!

And though PIA doesn’t have the cheapest long-term plans, it does offer the cheapest monthly plan on my list!

Whatever plan you choose, don’t forget to grab this MAJOR discount before signing up!

Pros

Cons

5. CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers

cyberghost for gaming

CyberGhost almost made it much higher on my list, as it’s the only VPN here that offers dedicated gaming servers, something most GTA 5 players would jump (off a building) for (WASTED)! 

gta 5 online wasted

In fact, there’s an impressive handful of dedicated gaming servers – 96+ in Germany (Frankfurt), the UK (London), the US (New York), and France (Paris).

cyberghost vpn gaming servers

Don’t see a country near you?

Don’t worry!

This is just a splash of CyberGhost’s complete server network, totaling 7,300+ servers in 91 countries, making it the second biggest server network on my list!

This is why CyberGhost’s gaming servers and extensive server network ensure you’ll find the ideal server for playing GTA 5 Online, regardless of whether you’re looking to unblock the game or stabilize your connection!

gta 5 online with cyberghost vpn

As for something CyberGhost shares in common with all the VPNs on my list – it offers a split tunneling feature, DDoS protection, and router setups for securing gaming consoles!

But now, it’s time to discuss why CyberGhost doesn’t place higher.

First, half the time I tried connecting to the gaming servers, the app spit out a connection error, despite other servers working fine.

But, more importantly, during my speed tests, CyberGhost placed last.

And, unfortunately, it was by quite a bit.

To give you an idea, here are my speed test results using one of the Frankfurt gaming servers (after finally connecting):

Speed Without CyberGhost:

speed test result without cyberghost vpn

Speed With CyberGhost:

speed test result with cyberghost vpn

The thing is, slow speeds are reoccurring for CyberGhost.

I’ve done many speed tests using the VPN, and it almost always places last (and by a pretty large gap).

This is a huge disappointment for GTA 5 Online players because, if the provider were faster, it probably would’ve placed first on my list.

Those dedicated gaming servers are hard to beat!

But, instead, it’s stuck here…in last place.

I couldn’t bring myself to leave it off the list entirely, though.

Especially because there are a couple of things you can do to try and increase your speeds.

First, connect to a server that’s as close to you as possible.

This means, unless there’s a dedicated gaming server in or near your country, you’re stuck with a normal server.

Next, switch to the WireGuard protocol (if you haven’t already).

cyberghost vpn wireguard protocol

Here are my speed results using the fastest server near me and the WireGuard protocol:

Speed Without CyberGhost:

speed test result without cyberghost vpn wireguard protocol

Speed With CyberGhost:

speed test result with cyberghost vpn wireguard protocol

While not quite as fast as the other VPNs on my list, these results are still better than the previous test!

Of course, if you live in one of the dedicated gaming server countries, you might prefer CyberGhost instead of the other VPNs listed here.

Either way, you’ll appreciate some savings on long-term plans (though the monthly plan is quite expensive):

cyberghost vpn subscription plans and pricing

But if you want BIGGER savings, sign-up with this link!

Pros

Cons

Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for GTA 5 Online

gta 5 online motorcycle club

If your favorite part of GTA 5 Online is shopping around before spending your “hard-earned” (stolen) money, you might prefer to do the same with your VPN!

If that’s the case, I made this buying guide specifically for you!

Take a look.

Shopping for VPNs Isn’t the Same as Shopping on GTA 5 Online – Use This Checklist!

gta 5 online shopping

GTA 5 Online only has 20+ stores you can shop at (or rob), but it’s different in the VPN world – there are hundreds of them!

So, to help narrow down your list, look for the following things before purchasing:

Fast Server Speeds

If you want to enjoy a stable connection with minimal lag and a low ping while playing GTA 5 Online, you need a VPN that offers lightning-fast server speeds.

The problem: pretty much every VPN claims to be the fastest.

But don’t be fooled.

The fastest VPNs will have a large user base confirming their speedy promises (on user review sites and forums like Reddit).

On top of that, all of the best VPNs offer money-back guarantees, meaning you can purchase the VPN, speed test it, and either keep it or immediately get a refund, depending on the results.

Massive Server Network

Finding a VPN with a massive server network sort of plays into fast speeds, as the more servers a VPN offers, the faster its speeds are likely to be.

This is due to server congestion (too many users on one server) – or, in the case of a massive server network, a lack thereof.

But what’s considered a “massive server network?”

As a rule of thumb, anything over 3,000+ servers is considered massive.

But some VPNs, like NordVPN, go above and beyond with 5,400+ servers (and counting).

Want to skip the headache and purchase a NordVPN subscription?

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Global Server Network

In addition to a massive server network, you also need a global server network, so you’re more likely to find VPN servers in or near your country.

This will give you a better overall connection when parachuting off the top of Mount Chiliad.

Or, if you’re in a country that bans or restricts GTA 5 Online, you need a VPN with servers in a country where the game isn’t banned/restricted.

If a VPN server network covers more than 60+ countries – (but preferably 90+) – it’s considered global coverage

DDoS Protection + Other Essential Features

GTA 5 Online is a hell of a game.

You can be minding your own business, riding your Oppressor through the mountains, running from the cops, only for someone to claim the bounty on your head by shooting a rocket at you.

And you think, “Well, all right. Now my wanted status is gone, so I can enjoy riding my bike again – WHAT THE @#$$?!” as you’re blown up again.

Now it’s time to fight back.

So you bring out the Widowmaker and start shooting them.

But they don’t like that!

So, instead of leaving your session (or apologizing for killing you 5x in a row), they launch a DDoS attack against you.

In other words, your GTA 5 Online session starts lagging to the point of it being unplayable – or you’re booted off the game completely.

Worst case scenario, your internet crashes, and you need to restart your router.

This is why you need a VPN with DDoS protection.

But that’s not all.

Another useful feature to look for is split tunneling, so you can route your VPN traffic through specific programs and apps.

For example, if you want to play GTA 5 Online with your VPN but you don’t want your browser to be affected, you can use split-tunneling to do so.

Finally, it’s worth looking for dedicated gaming features, too, such as dedicated gaming servers (like those offered by CyberGhost).

Router Compatibility

If you play GTA 5 Online on your gaming console (or alternate between PC and console), you need a VPN that offers router setups.

With a router setup, your gaming console is protected while you play GTA 5 Online – meaning you’re still safe from DDoS attacks and the like.

It also means you can still access the full version of GTA 5 Online, regardless of your location.

The good news here is that almost every VPN offers router setups.

Affordable

Your definition of “affordable” might differ from mine.

Thus, this one is entirely subjective – but remember to do your due diligence by researching and comparing the different VPNs you find and the features they offer.

Ask yourself, “Does the cost make sense, given the features?

BONUS: Security Features

If all you’re interested in is accessing the full version of GTA 5 Online or stabilizing your connection with a VPN, you might not care about security (save for DDoS protection).

But you shouldespecially if you’re in a country where GTA 5 Online is banned or restricted.

With the right security features, you can hide your online activities from your government and ISP.

You can avoid hackers.

You can stay safe on public WiFi.

The possibilities are endless.

So, what security features should you look for?

The best VPNs for GTA 5 Online will offer military-grade encryption (256-bit AES), the best VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, or WireGuard forks), a no-logs policy (verified by audits), and leak protection (DNS, WebRTC, IPv6, etc.).

Additional features to look for are obfuscation and a double VPN.

Can I Use a Free VPN for GTA 5 Online?

I don’t typically recommend using free VPNs, as most are dishonest and not actually free.

Consider this.

Free VPNs don’t charge you to use their service.

So, if they’re not making money that way, how are they keeping their service running?

Provided the VPN isn’t malware disguised as a VPN, then you’re the product.

AKA: most free VPNs sell your information to third parties to keep their service running.

And, on a more minor scale, impose annoying bandwidth limits and data caps.

Even freemium VPNs (free VPN services offered by premium providers) are iffy, as the free version is usually extremely limited compared to the paid version.

But, if you’re super desperate for a free VPN to use with GTA 5 Online, I can recommend two: ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN.

proton vpn pricing

Both are freemium providers with no data caps and a handful of servers each – but don’t expect super-fast speeds.

atlasvpn

And if the lackluster speeds drive you crazy, consider upgrading to a premium VPN service, like NordVPN.

It’s pretty affordable, especially if you use my EXCLUSIVE discount link.

How to Use a VPN for GTA 5 Online? Follow These Steps!

Using your VPN with GTA 5 Online is easy as pie!

Just follow these steps:

  1. Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) and purchase a subscription.
  1. Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
  2. Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
  3. Click the Quick Connect button for the fastest server near you.
nordvpn quick connect
  1. Or, if you need a server from a specific country to unblock GTA 5 Online, select your preferred location from the server list.
nordvpn server locations
  1. Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
  2. Enjoy a stable connection while playing GTA 5 Online at its full capacity from anywhere! (Don’t forget to check out Jolene’s ghost that only appears at 11PM [in-game time]!)
gta 5 online jolene's ghost

Does GTA 5 Ban VPNs?

gta 5 online ban alert

Yes, GTA 5 can and will ban users for VPN use, as using a VPN for GTA 5 Online violates the game’s Terms of Service and EULA.

However, according to GTA 5 Online players, whether you’re actually banned for using a VPN depends on what you’re using the VPN for.

For example, if you use a VPN to get around the gambling restrictions, you’re more likely to receive a ban.

That said, if you use a reliable VPN for GTA 5 Online (like those listed here), you’ll have no trouble bypassing restrictions (like the gambling ban) without getting caught.

Is My GTA 5 Online Ban Permanent?

Depending on the violation, GTA 5 Online bans can be temporary or permanent.

However, typically, you’ll receive a “warning” first via a temporary ban.

In this temporary ban, you’ll lose everything on your GTA 5 Online account, including money, weapons, properties, and even your level.

And while you can appeal this temporary ban, the appeal is unlikely to be approved.

However, if you violate the game’s Terms of Service of EULA a second time, you’ll be permanently banned – with no option to appeal.

If you’re trying to figure out if your ban is permanent or temporary, check whatever email is associated with your Rockstar account for an email notifying you of the ban.

gta 5 online ban notification

FAQ

Yes, you can use your VPN to play GTA 5 Online on your PlayStation or Xbox by setting it up on your router.

Router setup access will work with any compatible GTA 5 Online console, including Xbox One and PS4.

This also gives you all of the VPN’s benefits on your console, including DDoS protection and unblocking GTA 5 Online in places where it’s banned or restricted.

Yes, if you use a reliable VPN, it will unblock the GTA 5 Online Diamond Casino, so you can participate in social gambling.

However, remember that while you can buy in-game money for real money (and exchange in-game money for casino chips), you can’t win any money in the virtual casino – it’s purely for socializing (hence “social gambling”).

According to Reddit user SlapshotTommy, the GTA 5 Online Diamond Casino is limited in the following 55 countries due to online gambling restrictions: Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, China, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Malta, Malaysia, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Venezuela.

Unless your ISP is guilty of bandwidth throttling, then yes, your VPN will slow your GTA 5 session speed.

However, if you’re using one of the best VPNs for GTA 5 Online, the drop will be so minuscule that only a speed test will show the difference.

On top of that, a reliable VPN will also lower your ping, minimize lag, and stabilize your overall connection.

Yes, your VPN will work with all other GTA titles, including GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA IV.

This includes consoles, provided your VPN offers router setups.

Conclusion

gta 5 online game

There you have it!

Five reliable, trustworthy VPNs for GTA 5 Online that keep you safe from DDoS attacks while unlocking the game’s full potential and stabilizing your connection!

So, what are you waiting for?

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