Is ExpressVPN Good for Gaming?

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Gaming with ExpressVPN is a foolproof method to get region-locked DLCs and attain lower pings in games like Fortnite, League of Legends, GTA V, Apex Legends, etc.

It has everything you’d need from a gaming VPN, including lightning-fast speeds, quick console setup, an extensive server library, and more.

With this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you my gaming experience with ExpressVPN to help you set it up for mobile, PC, & gaming consoles.

How to Enjoy Safe Online Gaming With ExpressVPN?

First, get yourself an ExpressVPN subscription before following these tutorials.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN for Mobile Gaming on Smartphones?

To spoof your mobile location for games like Hearthstone and Genshin Impact, keep DDoS attackers at bay, and unblock engaging titles, follow these instructions:

  1. Launch the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and install the ExpressVPN app. I’ll use an iPhone to demonstrate this, but the steps are similar on Android.
  1. Open the app and sign in using your credentials.
  1. Permit ExpressVPN to add VPN configuration. Android users should approve connection requests when prompted.
  1. Connect to your preferred VPN server to enjoy unrestricted mobile gaming with ExpressVPN.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN for Gaming on PC?

valorant with expressvpn
Playing Valorant with ExpressVPN's Hong Kong server.

I’ve been playing Valorant on PC using ExpressVPN and have not encountered any significant lag or latency drops. Here’s how you play games on your Windows PC with the most negligible packet loss using ExpressVPN:

  1. Download the ExpressVPN app for Windows.
expressvpn app on windows pc
  1. Install the app by following the installation wizard.
  2. Launch the ExpressVPN app and sign in using your credentials.
  1. Connect to your preferred server location and enjoy a safe gaming experience.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on PS5/PS4 or Xbox Consoles?

ExpressVPN features MediaStreamer (SmartDNS), a godsent for console gamers who only want the VPN for GPS spoofing since it offers a quick setup on consoles but lacks encryption.

For console gamers that want protection from DDoS attacks, I’ll also demonstrate two other methods with encryption after the MediaStreamer setup.

Method #1 - Use ExpressVPN on Consoles via MediaStreamer

First, you need to give ExpressVPN your public IP address by doing this:

  1. Open the ExpressVPN website and sign in with your credentials.
  2. Go to My Account > DNS Settings and click “Register my IP address.”
expressvpn dns settings
  1. Now, visit Set Up Devices > MediaStreamer and note these MediaStreamer IP addresses.
expressvpn mediastreamer
  1. Then, replace the DNS servers of your gaming console with these IP addresses.
  • For PS4/5: Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings > Manual.
ps4 ps5 dns settings
  • For Xbox: Visit General > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings
xbox dns settings

Once MediaStreamer is installed, you can relish geo-blocked titles on your PS4/5 or Xbox console.

Method #2 - Install ExpressVPN on a Physical Router

If you own multiple gaming devices, it’s best to install ExpressVPN on your router via its router firmware. This method covers all the devices connected to that router.

Here’s how you do this:

  1. Download the ExpressVPN router firmware by selecting your router model.
asus router
  1. Log in to the router’s admin panel. (The URL is usually 192.168.1.1).
  2. Go to Administration > Firmware Upgrade.
asus router firmware upgrade
  1. Click “Upload,” then select the ExpressVPN firmware you downloaded in the first step.Once the ExpressVPN firmware is successfully uploaded, you’ll encounter, “Firmware upgrade is done. Please reboot your router manually.”
  2. Reboot the router, then connect your gaming consoles to the router’s network.
  3. Bypass geo-restrictions, download region-locked DLCs, and get DDoS protection when gaming on your consoles.

Method #3 - Install ExpressVPN via a Virtual Router

If your router model is incompatible with ExpressVPN, an alternative option is to set up a virtual router on your PC using a mobile hotspot. Then, share that connection with your gaming console.

I’ll be using macOS for this demonstration.

  1. Open the settings and go to General > Sharing.
virtual router sharing settings
  1. Turn on “Internet sharing” and select the “i” icon beside it.
macos internet sharing
  1. From the dropdown menu labeled “Share your connection from,” select the VPN.
  2. Check “Wi-Fi” under “To computer using.”
wi fi setting
  1. Launch the ExpressVPN app on your Mac and connect to your desired server.
expressvpn on macos
  1. Go to the Wi-FI settings on your gaming console and connect with the virtual server you just created to enjoy safe gaming.

Why Is ExpressVPN Good for Online Gaming?

Let’s see what makes ExpressVPN a good choice of VPN for online gamers:

Blazing-Fast Speeds

ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs in the industry, thanks to its efficient Lightway protocol. With an astonishing download speed of 99 Mbps on a 100 Mbps network, I could effortlessly conquer foes in COD Warzone

This also makes it a superior VPN for cloud gaming with the least latency.

Shield Against DDoS Attacks

With ExpressVPN, you can safeguard against cyberattacks and swatting hoaxes from vicious opponents. Its robust security features, like unbreakable AES-256 bit encryption, TrustedServer technology, and DNS/IP leak protection, maintain your anonymity while gaming.

Spoof Your Location to Play in Different Lobbies

The VPN provider features an extensive server catalog with 3000+ servers in 94 countries. This enables gamers to play games unavailable in their region or join bot lobbies to push rank. Additionally, these servers can get you the latest downloadable games from countries with early launch dates.

Unlimited Bandwidth

ExpressVPN allows users to enjoy limitless bandwidth, enabling seamless downloading of heavy game files. It also prevents users from bandwidth throttling imposed by ISPs.

Compatible With All Gaming Platforms

Regardless of the device you choose to play on, ExpressVPN has you covered. 

A single subscription allows up to five simultaneous PC, Smartphone, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch connections.

Best VPN Alternatives to ExpressVPN for Online Gaming

While the features mentioned above make it evident that ExpressVPN is an incredible gaming VPN, there are some cons, including its steep cost and absence of dedicated IP addresses.

Here are a few alternative gaming VPNs available at a lesser price.

NordVPN - Virtual Lan Parties & Dedicated IP Addresses

nordvpn speed test result for gaming

With its NordLynx protocol, NordVPN offers comparable speeds to ExpressVPN while being much cheaper. Here are a few other advantages it holds over ExpressVPN:

  • 5600+ servers in 60 countries allow gamers to enjoy thousands of regional game titles, and there’s a lesser chance of encountering a congested server.
  • NordVPN’s innovative Meshnet technology allows gamers to host a virtual LAN party and invite their buddies to join matches, irrespective of location.
  • Unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN lets users buy dedicated IP addresses to avoid bans in gaming lobbies.

Seize these enticing discounts to maximize savings on a NordVPN subscription backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark - Budget-Friendly Gaming VPN With Infinite Simultaneous Connections

surfshark speed test for gaming

Surfshark offers unmatchable value for money with features like:

  • 3200+ servers in 100+ countries to obtain region-locked DLCs and buy games at discounted prices.
  • Gaming device security via a single subscription, thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • Personal static IP address to reduce the chances of getting banned in games like Destiny 2 and Lost Ark.

Interested? Grab these exclusive discounts to save more on Surfshark’s subscription, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost - Gaming-Optimized Servers for Reduced Latency

cyberghost speed test for gaming

CyberGhost is the ideal gaming VPN to play competitive games with fantastic ping and latency. Here are some of its prestigious features:

  • A gigantic library with 9000+ servers in 90+ countries to get around IP bans and evade price discrimination in game stores.
  • Gaming-optimized servers, which you won’t find on ExpressVPN, for lower ping and latency.
  • Ideal UI for inexperienced VPN users with one-click connection presets like “Best server location,” etc.

Claim these limited-time discounts to enjoy massive savings on CyberGhost’s subscription, with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs

No, using ExpressVPN for secure gaming won’t lead to any bans. 

However, certain digital stores, like Epic Games or Stream, have policies prohibiting VPN users from buying games or DLCs to enforce regional prices.

The ExpressVPN server closest to your location is the best server for gaming since it guarantees the least latency and ping. In my case, the Hong Kong server is the closest one that provides unmatchable ping.

You can use ExpressVPN to play Gambling and Casino games anonymously whether you’re interested in betting, blackjack, or even trying your luck at The Diamond Casino & Resort in GTA 5 if it’s geo-blocked from your region.

Enjoy Unrestricted Gaming With ExpressVPN!

Despite coming at a hefty price, ExpressVPN proved to be an exceptional choice for online gaming because of its unmatchable speeds, MediaStreamer, and vast server catalog.

Fortunately, I’ve got these showstopper discounts on ExpressVPN’s subscription, so you can immediately conquer your foes!

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