5 Best VPNs for World of Warcraft: Paid & Free (2024)

In my Legendary Quest to find the most reliable VPNs for World of Warcraft, there were no cutting corners – I wanted the best of the best!

So, I looked for VPNs with superb speeds, low latency, and minimal to no lag.

I also paid close attention to server networks and security features.

And, of course, as WoW is available on macOS and Windows (and has workarounds for Linux), I ensured all the VPNs on my list support macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Let’s jump in!

Ready to Explore Onyxia’s Lair? Grab One of My Top 5 VPNs for WoW First!

Before you start raiding or catching up on the Shadowlands expansion, grab one of these VPNs first (my top 5 picks):

ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall for WoW + Fast Speeds & Lag-Free
NordVPN – Lowest Ping for WoW + Low Latency (0% Packet Loss)
Surfshark – Static Servers, Kill Switch, & Low Prices
Private Internet Access – Massive Server Network for Unblocking WoW
CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers & Large Server Network

But after you obliterate Onyxia, come back for the full guide – there’s info you don’t want to miss (like latency tests)!

ExpressVPN

Best Choice

ExpressVPN will WOW you with its WoW compatibility (pun intended). First, your speed drop will be so small that it’s unnoticeable. This ensures your gaming experience is fast and lag-free. You’ll also get automatic obfuscation on every server to keep your data safe when you play on public WiFi. Plus, ExpressVPN’s DDoS protection and kill switch give you added buffers against DDoS attacks and potential VPN disconnects (AKA: data leaks).

What Are the Best VPNs for WoW?

In the following sections, you’ll get a full presentation on why each VPN is deserving of its spot on this list – whether it be unique features for gamers, speed, latency, or ping test results, or something else entirely.

Let’s get started so you can go back to your weeklies with a protected connection!

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall for WoW

The best VPN for WoW is ExpressVPN, thanks to its many useful features for gamers.

First, it scored the top performance in my speed tests.

Speed Without ExpressVPN:

Speed With ExpressVPN:

And while the VPN provider had a higher ping than NordVPN and Surfshark, I didn’t experience any lag during my WoW sessions (whether raids, quests, etc.).

On top of that, ExpressVPN tied with NordVPN in my latency tests, earning top performance again with a 0% packet loss.

Here’s a table showcasing all of my results:

WoW Criteria	Results With ExpressVPN	Performance
Ping:	13ms	Third Place
Packet Loss:	0%	First Place (Tie)
Speed:	202.19 Mbps	First Place
Speed Loss Difference:	7.82 Mbps	N/A

There are also a couple of additional features that can help your WoW speeds – namely, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway.

Lightway provides airtight security and lightning-fast speeds.

And the only other VPN on my list that offers a proprietary protocol is NordVPN, so this is a real treat!

Here’s another unique feature: ExpressVPN’s router setup supports port forwarding, giving you the chance to enhance your speeds even more.

The only other provider that offers this feature is PIA!

On top of that, ExpressVPN’s network of 3,000+ servers helps you avoid network congestion (and, thus, slower speeds).

Plus, while WoW isn’t banned in any country, ExpressVPN has plenty of server locations to choose from if your work or school blocks the game.

And then there’s the security aspect.

ExpressVPN is the only VPN service on my list that offers automatic obfuscation on all of its servers (with any protocol) without negatively affecting your speeds.

Throw in the provider’s 256-bit AES encryption, and there are zero worries of your data getting intercepted while playing WoW on public networks.

You’ll also get a kill switch that will cut your internet if your VPN connection drops and DDoS protection (though WoW players aren’t really at risk of DDoS attacks, unlike Blizzard).

Finally, ExpressVPN offers support for all WoW platforms, including Linux.

In fact, it’s one of only two VPNs on my list with a native app for Linux users (vs. using the terminal).

One downside, though.

ExpressVPN is pretty expensive.

Take a look:

I think the price is worth it – but don’t miss this MAJOR deal if you want great savings!

Pros

Stable connection, low ping, low latency, and no lag while playing WoW
Lightning-fast speeds
3,000+ servers for unblocking WoW at school/work/etc.
Available for all WoW platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux (native Linux app)
256-bit AES encryption + kill switch
DDoS protection
Port forwarding with router setup for enhanced speeds

Cons

2. NordVPN – Lowest Ping for WoW + Low Latency

Next up is NordVPN, with its uber-low ping and latency!

The provider actually had the lowest ping out of all the VPNs on my list.

It’s also tied with ExpressVPN for the lowest latency (0% packet loss).

And its speeds weren’t too shabby, either (it placed third).

Speed Without NordVPN:

Speed With NordVPN:

Plus, when I tested NordVPN with WoW, I enjoyed a seamless, lag-free experience with every activity (mostly trying to catch up on Shadowlands content).

All-in-all, here’s a table showcasing my NordVPN results:

WoW Criteria	Results With NordVPN	Performance
Ping:	10ms	First Place
Packet Loss:	0%	First Place (Tie)
Speed:	205.68 Mbps	Third Place
Speed Loss Difference:	8.95 Mbps	N/A

While we’re on that topic… NordVPN might be in third for speed results, but it has several features that make it neck-to-neck with Surfshark (second-fastest).

First, you’ll get the provider’s proprietary protocol, NordLynx.

As mentioned earlier, the only other virtual private network here that offers a proprietary protocol is ExpressVPN.

And like ExpressVPN, NordVPN’s proprietary protocol is designed to give you the best WoW speeds without sacrificing security.

NordVPN also has a large server network (bigger than my top VPN and third-place VPN), with 5,200+ servers in 60 countries.

This makes it easy to avoid network overload and find a nearby server if World of Warcraft is blocked at your work or school.

Meanwhile, something that sets NordVPN apart from the others on my list is how security-oriented it is.

While its double VPN and obfuscation features might be useless due to speed loss, you can still make the most of the provider’s 256-bit AES encryption and two kill switches.

That’s right – two kill switches!

No other VPN here offers a second kill switch!

And it’s pretty handy, too, as it’s app-based and lets you set World of Warcraft to immediately close if your VPN connection drops.

This especially pays off when you’re gaming on public WiFi (at school, for example).

And as the last bonus, you’ll get DDoS protection…just in case.

NordVPN also supports all WoW platforms, though its Linux setup doesn’t include a native app (it’s terminal-based).

But, on the bright side, you can get some great savings on long-term plans!

Want to save EVEN MORE?

Use this exclusive link!

Pros

Stable connection, low ping, low latency, and no lag while playing WoW
Super-fast speeds
5,200+ servers for unblocking WoW at school/work/etc.
Available for all WoW platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
256-bit AES encryption + two kill switches
DDoS protection

Cons

3. Surfshark – Static Servers, Kill Switch, & Low Prices

Surfshark places third on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for World of Warcraft, thanks to its static servers, kill switch, low prices, and other phenomenal features!

Let’s discuss the static servers first.

While WoW isn’t as picky with changing IPs as other games, it still helps negate the risk altogether by using VPN servers that never change.

But not many providers offer such a feature.

In fact, Surfshark is the only provider on my list that includes static servers for free with any subscription.

There’s also a fair number of countries to choose from – Germany, Japan, Singapore, the US, and the UK.

However, while these servers are unchanging, they’re also shared by other VPN users.

This means the IP address you’re using could get banned due to another user’s violation.

But you run that risk with any server, unfortunately.

Luckily, Blizzard doesn’t ban IPs often (usually just in relation to botting).

On a more positive note, Surfshark also offers must-have security features for gamers, including a reliable kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and DDoS protection.

So, if you frequently play WoW on public or shared WiFi (on your lunch break, for example), no one can intercept your network traffic, even if your VPN connection drops.

As for gaming speeds and the like, Surfshark performed spectacularly.

It earned second place in all my tests (speed, latency, and ping).

Here’s a table for reference:

WoW Criteria	Results With Surfshark	Performance
Ping:	11ms	Second Place
Packet Loss:	1%	Second Place (Tie)
Speed:	202.06 Mbps	Second Place
Speed Loss Difference:	8.27 Mbps	N/A

Surfshark also boasts 3,200+ servers, so if your work (or school, etc.) blocks access to WoW, you can connect to a nearby server and still enjoy the game on your lunch break.

Finally, Surfshark is compatible with all World of Warcraft platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Though, like NordVPN, its Linux setup utilizes the terminal instead of a native app.

As a final bonus, Surfshark offers some of the best prices on my list:

But you can grab this SUPER DEAL for the BEST price!

Pros

Stable connection, low ping, low latency, and no lag while playing WoW
Blazing-fast speeds
3,200+ servers (including static ones) for unblocking WoW at school/work/etc.
Available for all WoW platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
256-bit AES encryption + kill switch
DDoS protection

Cons

4. Private Internet Access – Massive Server Network for Unblocking WoW

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another excellent VPN for World of Warcraft.

For starters, its server network is absolutely massive.

The catch is that the provider took all mentions of it off its website.

But the last known number was over 30,000 – and one look at PIA’s server list in its app confirms you still have many servers to choose from!

This makes PIA the best VPN on my list for unblocking WoW.

So, if you’re away to college and your campus network administrator blocks access to the game, you can easily find a nearby VPN server for the best speeds.

And the best speeds are essential.

If you’re trying to unblock WoW, chances are you’re sharing your network with tons of other people.

This already negatively affects speed.

PIA was also the second-slowest VPN on my list.

Mind you, the speeds were still great(!) – just not as fast as other VPNs like ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

On that topic, PIA tied for second in my latency tests (1% packet loss), though it placed last in my ping tests (15ms).

That said, I experienced only minimal lag while playing World of Warcraft (mostly during intense raids).

Here’s an overview of PIA’s test results:

WoW Criteria	Results With PIA	Performance
Ping:	15ms	Fifth Place
Packet Loss:	1%	Second Place (Tie)
Speed:	212.47 Mbps	Fourth Place
Speed Loss Difference:	10.20 Mbps	N/A

One last thing regarding speed.

PIA is the only VPN on my list that offers a one-click solution for port forwarding in its app.

I recommend utilizing this feature when playing WoW, as it’ll ensure you get the best speeds every time.

Moving on, PIA also has the necessary security features for World of Warcraft players.

This includes 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DDoS protection.

All good news, as these features guarantee your safety while gaming on public networks!

Finally, you can enjoy WoW with PIA on all platforms – Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Though, as usual, PIA’s Linux setup is accessed via the terminal.

But you’ll at least get great prices!

Want an even BETTER deal?

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Pros

Stable connection, decent ping, low latency, and minimal lag while playing WoW
Fast speeds
30,000+ servers for unblocking WoW at school/work/etc.
Available for all WoW platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
256-bit AES encryption + kill switch
DDoS protection
Port forwarding in app

Cons

5. CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers

In last place on my list of the most reliable VPNs for WoW is CyberGhost – the only VPN here that offers dedicated gaming servers (in Germany, the UK, the US, and France)!

So, you might be wondering, why is it last?

Well, CyberGhost’s dedicated gaming servers are awesome!

But sometimes (most of the time), they don’t work, or their speeds aren’t great.

And, as you know, speed is everything when trying to enjoy a heavy MMORPG like World of Warcraft.

The good news is, CyberGhost has been performing slightly better during recent speed tests.

Though, it still falls behind the other VPNs on this list.

For example, it placed last for speed and latency (3% packet loss!) and fourth for ping.

Here’s a table to help:

WoW Criteria	Results With CyberGhost	Performance
Ping:	14ms	Fourth Place
Packet Loss:	3%	Fifth Place
Speed:	208.46 Mbps	Fifth Place
Speed Loss Difference:	13.76 Mbps	N/A

I didn’t lag too bad when testing CyberGhost with WoW, though it sometimes got choppy (like during intense raids).

But I had no issues with other activities, like (most of) my weeklies!

On a better note, CyberGhost has the second-largest server network on my list, with 7,500+ servers to choose from.

This makes it easy to find a nearby server to play WoW if the gaming servers aren’t working.

You’ll also get security features to protect you and your data when gaming on public networks (and private networks).

This includes 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DDoS protection.

CyberGhost also supports all WoW platforms – Windows, macOS, and Linux.

There is no dedicated Linux app, though.

But let’s end on a good note.

CyberGhost’s monthly plan might be expensive, but its long-term plans are very affordable!

Take a look:

Better yet, you can get BIGGER savings by using my exclusive link!

Pros

Stable connection, decent ping, decent latency, and only some lag during intense WoW activities
Decent speeds + dedicated gaming servers
7,500+ servers for unblocking WoW at school/work/etc.
Available for all WoW platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
256-bit AES encryption + kill switch
DDoS protection

Cons

How to Find the Best VPN for World of Warcraft?

I know you’re rushing to reach this week’s Renown cap (or trying to catch up on Shadowlands, like me…), but choosing the best VPN for WoW is important!

So, take a break for a minute, read the sections below, and make an informed decision.

Don’t Jump Into Shadowlands With the First VPN You See – Use This Checklist!

Don’t shop unprepared if you want to venture out for the perfect VPN for your WoW needs.

Use this checklist:

Smooth Gameplay

Speed, latency, and ping all play into a smooth WoW experience, essential for minimal lag and a stable connection.

Additionally, if your ISP throttles your bandwidth while gaming, a VPN with low latency and ping will evade that without hurting your speeds too bad.

The best way to ensure your VPN rises to the challenge is to utilize a money-back guarantee.

Follow these steps:

Make an informed decision (to the best of your ability) and purchase a VPN subscription.
Test it with WoW. Use several servers, protocols, features, etc., to ensure you’re getting the best speeds.
Perform speed, latency, and ping tests.

A worthy VPN for WoW won’t give you a speed loss of more than 15-20 Mbps.
Anything more than 3% packet loss is no good.
Ping is a little harder to gauge. If you’re using a speed test that shows ping, anything above 25-30ms is not great.
If you’re pinging a WoW server, anything above 130ms is not great.

NOTE:

All of these factors heavily depend on your connection, how far you are from the WoW server, what VPN server you’re using, etc.

Your results might be higher or lower but with the same gameplay experience.

If you’re unsatisfied with any of your results, contact your VPN provider and ask for a refund. Remember, you need to be within the refund period!

Most VPN providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, including those on my list EXCEPT for CyberGhost, which offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Every VPN here also performed great during my tests.

If you want to compare their results, check out this table:

VPN Provider	Ping	Packet Loss	Speed	Speed Loss Difference
ExpressVPN	13ms	0%	202.19 Mbps	7.82 Mbps
NordVPN	10ms	0%	205.68 Mbps	8.95 Mbps
Surfshark	11ms	1%	202.06 Mbps	8.27 Mbps
PIA	15ms	1%	212.47 Mbps	10.20 Mbps
CyberGhost	14ms	3%	208.46 Mbps	13.76 Mbps
Winner	NordVPN	ExpressVPN & NordVPN	ExpressVPN	N/A

Big Server Network & Coverage

A big server network and coverage are essential for WoW players.

First, a large network of servers will help negate network overload (when too many users are on one server).

Second, you’ll have more servers to switch to if one isn’t working.

And the more countries the VPN covers, the more nearby servers you can use to unblock WoW at school, work, etc.

Essential Security Features

There’s always a handful of security features you need when you’re gaming.

World of Warcraft is no exception.

The first thing to look for is encryption – your VPN should have 256-bit AES encryption.

It should also have a reliable kill switch.

These will keep your data secure and prevent leaks, especially when you’re playing WoW on public WiFi.

And while World of Warcraft isn’t really plagued with DDoS threats (aside from Blizzard itself), DDoS protection is a nice-to-have.

Just in case.

Other security features to look for include double VPNs, RAM-only servers, obfuscation, and WiFi protection.

Bonus Gaming Features

Some VPNs (like CyberGhost) offer special online gaming features like dedicated servers.

Others, like PIA, offer bonus features like port forwarding that can enhance your gaming speeds.

Keep an eye out for these features – while not necessary, they’re helpful to have when you need them.

Platform Compatibility

WoW is available on Windows and macOS.

There are also workarounds for Linux (like Wine).

Ensure your VPN offers support for these platforms – preferably dedicated apps for ease of use.

Linux is an exception, as it’s rare to find VPNs with native Linux apps.

Price

As the final chore, compare different VPN plans, features, pros, and cons.

Ensure you’re getting the best deal before committing to a VPN.

Alternatively, skip the headache and grab the best VPN for World of Warcraft right now!

Here’s a stellar ExpressVPN discount.

Is There a Free VPN for World of Warcraft?

You can try a couple of free VPNs with World of Warcraft.

However, don’t expect them to work flawlessly (if at all).

ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN are freemium providers (free services offered by paid providers) with a handful of servers each, decent speeds, and no data caps.

I do NOT recommend using any other free VPN, though.

The best you’ll get is compromised privacy.

But it can be worse than that – like disguised malware.

And, ultimately, a free VPN won’t give you the best results, no matter how trustworthy it is.

So, grab this discount on ExpressVPN when you realize that – it’ll save you a pretty penny!

WoW VPN Setup: How to Use a VPN With World of Warcraft?

Setting up your VPN for WoW is easy – just follow these steps:

Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) and purchase a subscription.
Download and install the VPN app on your WoW platform(s).
Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
Ensure the kill switch and any other features you want are enabled.

Click the Connect button for the fastest server near you. Or, if you need a specific server (like a dedicated server or one from a preferred country), select one from the server list.

Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
Enjoy a seamless WoW experience!

Will a VPN for WoW Help My Ping?

A VPN can help your ping in several ways.

First, if your ping jumps all over the place, a reliable VPN will stabilize it, keeping it at one (preferably low) number.

But if you’re playing on a WoW server that’s far from your location, a VPN with servers in the same location can stabilize and lower your ping.

Or, if your ISP throttles your bandwidth when you play WoW, a VPN will prevent that by hiding that you’re gaming.

However, in general, while a reliable VPN will stabilize your connection, it’s more likely that your ping will jump up a bit in the process.

Can You Play World of Warcraft With Surfshark?

Can You Play World of Warcraft With NordVPN?

FAQ

Can I Get Banned for Using a VPN With WoW?

Blizzard doesn’t have a dedicated VPN policy, and using a VPN isn’t against its ToS.

However, it’s not unheard of for the company to ban users who use VPNs to play their games.

Bans are usually a result of ToS violations, though it’s more likely for the IP and offending user to get banned (vs. banning all users on the IP).

So, as long as you’re not violating ToS, you probably don’t have to worry about getting banned for using a VPN.

Alternatively, you can email Blizzard and explain your circumstances (why you want to use a VPN for WoW).

This method has been used to play WoW with a VPN with Blizzard’s explicit permission.

Can I Play WoW With a VPN?

You can use a VPN for WoW to gain access to restricted servers and content by connecting to a VPN server in a different region.

A VPN might also help your ping, latency, and overall connection by stabilizing it.

Or, if you’re in a location where WoW is blocked (like school or work), a VPN will help you unblock WoW.

I recommend using ExpressVPN, as it has the best speeds, a large server network, and automatic obfuscation on every server.

Can I Use a VPN for WoW Private Servers?

Yes, if you want to play on private WoW servers that don’t run through Blizzard, you can use a VPN to access them.

This makes it easy to play World of Warcraft in its original glory if you’re unhappy with new changes.

Is NordVPN Good for World of Warcraft?

NordVPN is an excellent VPN for World of Warcraft.

Out of all the VPNs I tested, NordVPN had the lowest ping.

It also has super-fast speeds and low latency, plus essential security features for gamers like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DDoS protection.

On top of that, its large server network makes it easy to unblock WoW at work, school, etc.

Conclusion

There you go – five VPNs that will make your World of Warcraft experience amazing!

And by amazing, I mean fast, stable, and minimal to no lag.

Remember, if you’re looking for the BEST of the best, give ExpressVPN a try.

You won’t be disappointed with its super-fast speeds, large server network, and security features.

Why not try it now?

You can use my exclusive link for a MAJOR discount!

5 Best VPNs for World of Warcraft (Low Latency & Fast Speeds)

Top 3 VPNs for WoW (November, 2024)

Ready to Explore Onyxia’s Lair? Grab One of My Top 5 VPNs for WoW First!

ExpressVPN

What Are the Best VPNs for WoW?

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall for WoW

Pros

Cons

2. NordVPN – Lowest Ping for WoW + Low Latency

Pros

Cons

3. Surfshark – Static Servers, Kill Switch, & Low Prices

Pros

Cons

4. Private Internet Access – Massive Server Network for Unblocking WoW

Pros

Cons

5. CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers

Pros

Cons

How to Find the Best VPN for World of Warcraft?

Don’t Jump Into Shadowlands With the First VPN You See – Use This Checklist!

Smooth Gameplay

Big Server Network & Coverage

Essential Security Features

Bonus Gaming Features

Platform Compatibility

Price

Is There a Free VPN for World of Warcraft?

WoW VPN Setup: How to Use a VPN With World of Warcraft?

Will a VPN for WoW Help My Ping?

FAQ

Can I Get Banned for Using a VPN With WoW?

Can I Play WoW With a VPN?

Can I Use a VPN for WoW Private Servers?

Is NordVPN Good for World of Warcraft?

Conclusion