🏆 Best VPNs for Minecraft 2023: Top Picks & How-To Advice (2024)

For Minecraft enthusiasts, the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has grown increasingly popular to safeguard their privacy, bypass geo-restrictions, and minimize latency issues. With a multitude of VPN services available on the market, choosing the right one to enhance your Minecraft experience can be overwhelming.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of VPNs and present the top free and paid options, specifically tailored for Minecraft players.

We’ll discuss the key features to look for when selecting a VPN, review the best choices available, and provide valuable advice to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated server host, our expert recommendations will ensure your gaming experience remains both enjoyable and secure.

In a Hurry? Here’s our Picks

Don’t have time to read through all the reviews? Here are our top picks for Fortnite players …

VPN	Best For
NordVPN	🏆 Overall Best
Surfshark	🎮 Best for Multiple Devices
IPVanish	🇺🇸 Best for USA
ExpressVPN	⛔️ Best for IP Ban Bypass
CyberGhost	✅ Best All Rounder
Windscribe	🔥Best Free VPN

How We Test

Best VPNs for Minecraft

The best VPNs for Minecraft and online gaming are thoroughly examined below:

🏆 Overall Best: NordVPN

• Website: https://nordvpn.com/
• Based in: Panama
• Servers/countries: 5,600+ servers in 60 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $3.29/month for 2 years (plus 3 months extra) on Standard Plan
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, Gaming Consoles, TVs, Raspberry Pi and Browser extensions.

NordVPN is an outstanding choice for Minecraft players, as it offers high-speed servers that ensure low latency for optimal gaming performance. Apart from Minecraft, NordVPN is also effective for other popular games like Fortnite, PUBG, League of Legends, and Hearthstone. The inclusion of NordLynx, an enhanced WireGuard protocol, significantly increases download speeds and elevates the overall gaming experience. With a base speed of 52.4Mbps, NordVPN delivers an impressive average download speed of 43.5Mbps.

See the table below for a brief overview of NordVPN:

List of key features:

1. WireGuard modern tunneling – Available
2. P2p-optimized servers – Available

Boasting more than 5,600 servers across 60 countries, NordVPN provides a vast global network that supports high-speed gaming in Minecraft. The specialized NordLynx tunneling protocol has been tried and tested, demonstrating remarkable improvements in the overall gaming experience.

NordVPN’s Kill Switch feature effectively blocks internet access if the VPN server connection is interrupted, ensuring a secure gaming environment. To start using NordVPN for Minecraft, we recommend the 2-year standard subscription plan, as it offers the best discount for new users.

Check out the major pros and cons of NordVPN below:

Visit NordVPN

🏆 Best for Multiple Devices: Surfshark

• Website: https://surfshark.com/
• Based in: Netherlands
• Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $2.39/month for 24 months (plus 1 month extra)
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, TVs

With an extensive network of servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark makes it easy for Minecraft players to find a server with improved ping and speed. The VPN is also compatible with popular games such as Call of Duty: Warzone, Overwatch, PUBG, and Apex Legends. In our tests, Surfshark demonstrated a base speed of 39.2Mbps and delivered an average download speed of 23.7Mbps.

See the table below for a brief overview:

List of key features:

1. Unlimited devices per license – Available
2. Ad blocker – Available

A single Surfshark license allows unlimited simultaneous connections, enabling gamers to use the VPN for Minecraft and other online games on multiple devices. With over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries, players can easily connect their devices to different Surfshark servers. The VPN’s attractively-priced 2-year plan is available for just $2.39/month, providing excellent value.

To ensure online safety, Surfshark employs AES-256 GCM encryption technology. Additionally, the built-in ad blocker enhances the gaming experience by eliminating unwanted ads. Surfshark is among the few VPNs that support the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which optimizes download speeds and ping rates during online gaming sessions. For added protection, always enable the Kill Switch feature, which prevents unsecured connections if the VPN server connection is lost or interrupted.

Below are the significant benefits and drawbacks of Surfshark VPN for gaming:

Visit SurfShark

🏆 Best for USA: IPVanish

• Website: https://www.ipvanish.com/
• Based in: United States
• Servers/countries: 2,200+ servers in 75+ locations
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $3.33 for 2 years (only the first two years)
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, Fire TV

Minecraft players can take advantage of IPVanish’s discounted 2-year plan to experience low latency gaming in popular titles such as Fortnite, Valorant, and Overwatch. This is achievable thanks to IPVanish’s ultra-fast VPN servers. In our tests, the lowest speed obtained with IPVanish was 10Mbps. The VPN also allows gaming on multiple devices with just a single license.

See the table below for a quick overview:

List of key features:

1. Unlimited connections per license – Available
2. Unlimited bandwidth – Available

IPVanish is among the select few VPNs that permit the use of one license across multiple devices, catering to various needs, including gaming, video streaming, and more. With over 2,200 servers in 75+ countries, gamers have numerous options for connectivity. Offering a 2-year plan at $3.33/month, IPVanish presents excellent value, especially considering the support for multiple simultaneous connections.

A notable feature of IPVanish is its combination of high-end encryption with the XOR cipher obfuscation, creating virtually unbreakable connections. This makes it exceedingly difficult to track gamers using IPVanish.

For optimal gaming performance, it’s recommended to utilize the WireGuard tunneling protocol when connecting through IPVanish. This ensures that Minecraft players enjoy fast download speeds and low ping rates during their online gaming sessions.

Here are some of the pros and cons of IPVanish that gamers should note:

Visit IPVanish

🏆 Best for IP Ban Bypass: ExpressVPN

• Website: https://www.expressvpn.com/
• Based in: British Virgin Islands
• Servers/countries: 2,000+ servers in 94 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $6.67 for 1 year (plus 3 months extra with discount)
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, Game Consoles, TVs, Router

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Minecraft players looking to reduce ping times and bypass IP bans with ease. It also excels in unblocking Netflix and circumventing geo-restrictions, making it a top choice for online gaming with titles such as PUBG and Call of Duty. In our network tests, ExpressVPN achieved an impressive average download speed of 48.9Mbps from a base speed of 53.3Mbps.

See an overview of ExpressVPN below.

List of key features:

1. Netflix Unblocking and geo-restrictions bypass – Available
2. Numerous servers – Available

The 2,000+ servers provided by ExpressVPN are more than adequate, but the key advantage lies in its server locations across 94 countries. This ensures that gamers worldwide can always find a nearby server for lower ping rates and higher download speeds.

While ExpressVPN doesn’t offer the WireGuard protocol, it has developed its own high-speed Lightway protocol as an effective alternative. This proprietary Lightway protocol has been tested and proven to deliver a smooth gaming experience. Regardless of the protocol used, ExpressVPN safeguards user data with the AES-256 encryption standard. The Kill Switch feature, referred to as “Network Lock,” effectively protects gamers’ devices in case of connection loss or VPN server disruption.

However, the premium nature of ExpressVPN comes with a higher price tag, which may deter some gamers looking for a more affordable option. Nevertheless, ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for users to test its services.

Below are the pros and cons of using ExpressVPN for Minecraft and other online games:

Visit ExpressVPN

🏆 Best All Rounder: CyberGhost

• Website: https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/
• Based in: Romania
• Servers/countries: 9000+ servers in 91 countries
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes (with Netflix servers)
• Current Pricing: $2.11 for 2 years (plus 3 months extra with Spring Sale discount)
• Supported Platform: Desktop & Mobile

CyberGhost is undoubtedly a top VPN choice for Minecraft players and various other online games, as it provides dedicated high-speed servers specifically designed for gaming. In our speed tests, CyberGhost consistently achieved an average connection speed of 45Mbps and a ping of 41ms.

See the table below for an overview of CyberGhost VPN:

List of key features:

1. Dedicated Gaming servers – Available
2. Dedicated Torrenting servers – Available

CyberGhost ensures that gamers worldwide can enjoy the best gaming experience at any time by offering over 9,000 VPN servers in 90+ countries and locations across the globe. Furthermore, CyberGhost enhances this offering by providing game-optimized servers, making it an ideal VPN solution for gamers.

The WireGuard tunneling protocol, which improves game download speeds and ping rates, is available on CyberGhost apps. Additionally, the Kill Switch feature guarantees maximum privacy in case of connection loss. CyberGhost also employs the AES 256-bit encryption standard to protect the data of gamers and all VPN users.

CyberGhost simplifies subscription and pricing by offering affordable plans, such as the 2-year plan at $2.19/month, which includes a bonus of 3 extra months. Moreover, CyberGhost provides a 45-day money-back guarantee, the most generous offering in the industry.

Meanwhile, as much as the VPN is beneficial, it has its downsides. Below are the pros and cons of using CyberGhost VPN for Minecraft, online gaming, and other purposes.

Visit CyberGhost

🏆 Windscribe: Best Free VPN

• Website: https://windscribe.com/
• Based in: Canada
• Servers/countries: 100+ high-speed servers in 67+ countries and 120 cities
• Unblocks Netflix: Yes
• Current Pricing: $5.75/month for 1-year plan
• Supported Platform: Desktop, Mobile, TVs

Windscribe offers 100+ servers located in 67+ countries around the globe. According to the Windscribe team, they are constantly adding new servers in different locations based on population and demand for PN services. These servers deliver a smooth gaming experience when playing Minecraft, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch, PUBG, and Call of Duty: Warzone. While testing at a base speed of 38.5Mbps, Windscribe servers recorded an average download speed of 23.5Mbps.

See the table below for a brief overview:

List of key features:

1. Unlimited devices per license – Available
2. Ad blocker – Available
3. HTTP/SOCKS5 proxy for configuring game consoles – Available

Windscribe offers a free plan that gives users access to all of its features for an unlimited time period. The only limit on the free plan is a 10GB monthly data cap which is good enough for testing out the VPN service. Gamers can use the free plan to try out the VPN with Minecraft and other online games.

Windscribe is also one of the few VPN providers that allow unlimited simultaneous connections with one license. This means multiple gaming devices can be connected to Windscribe VPN with just one license. Each device can also be connected to a different server in a separate location for better speed. And the best part is that multiple device connection is also available on the Windscribe free plan.

Like other VPNs, Windscribe uses the 256-bit AES cipher encryption standard to protect users’ data. This technology makes it difficult for stalkers and hackers to track or steal gamers’ information using Windscribe VPN. There is also an in-built Ad blocker that smoothings the online gaming experience with Windscribe VPN.

The WireGuard connection protocol is available on both desktop and mobile apps of Windscribe VPN. It is a new technology known for improving ping rate and download speed when playing online games with VPN. The Windscribe VPN app for desktop and mobile also comes with a Kill Switch feature. This blocks the internet whenever the VPN connection is disrupted.

Below are the main benefits and drawbacks of Windscribe VPN for online gaming:

Visit Windscribe

Why do I need a VPN for playing Online Games?

Here are the top reasons why online gamers should use VPNs:

• Security: VPNs provide anonymity by masking the real IP address and location of a gamer. Internet traffic is also encrypted and concealed from stalkers, hackers, and online data thieves. Gamers using VPNs are protected from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and Swatting.
• Bypass Geo-restrictions: Good VPNs can be used to access online games that are censored, blocked, or unavailable in certain countries. They are also used to access new games released in certain areas but not yet available to the users’.
• Avoid bandwidth throttling: With data encryption, VPNs help online gamers avoid data throttling. When a gamer uses VPN, it becomes hard for the Internet Service Provider to get users’ information.
• Bypass IP Ban: Each time a gamer connects to a VPN service, the IP address of the gaming device is changed. The newly-assigned IP address can then be used to access a game that has initially blocked the gamer’s real IP.

How to use a VPN for Online Gaming

To use any VPN for online gaming, here are the simple steps to take:

• Create an Account – Visit the VPN Provider’s website and create a new account
• Pay for the subscription – Choose a subscription plan and pay for it
• Download the VPN app – Check the VPN Provider’s website for links to download the appropriate app
• Install the VPN app – The download VPN app must be installed on the device where it will be used
• Set up the VPN – Open the installed VPN app and login with the account that has a premium subscription on it.
• Configure gaming device – On desktop and mobile, users can connect to VPN apps straightaway after installation and logging in. But gaming devices often require a user. This manually configures them with Smart DNS settings of their VPN service or custom SOCKS5/HTTP proxy settings.

Online Games keep kicking you out? Here’s how to fix it

Online games often kick people out for various reasons. But we have listed a few common causes below and the quick fixes for them:

• Bad Internet connection: This is by far the most common cause of online games kicking people out. The best thing to do is to upgrade the internet network to a faster one. Alternatively, connect to faster Wi-Fi in the room/house or area.
• Missing/Corrupted game files: When a game misses some of its files, a player will most like get kicked out mid-way. A quick fix is to run the “Repair” tool that comes with most game launcher software.
• Outdated device drivers: Games do kick people out sometimes when the drivers on their devices (especially desktops) are outdated. The simple solution is to update device drivers and even the game launcher itself regularly.
• VPNs are not allowed: Some games outrightly reject VPN connections. In this case, a gamer can disconnect their VPN connection and re-run the game to see if it runs smoothly.
• Conflicting software: It is not uncommon that Antivirus software on devices sometimes interrupts online game apps. The quick fix for this is to temporarily disable the Antivirus software on that device and run the game again.
• Uncommon causes: There are tons of other uncommon causes for online games kicking people out. The best thing to do in such strange situations is to contact game support directly.

Where are Online Game’s servers located?

Servers of online games can be located in any part of the world. The company behind each game determines the location of the game servers.

Meanwhile, online game companies understand the plight of gamers, so they often spread their game servers across the world. By doing so, gamers can always connect to the closest game server in their location.

A good way to tell the closeness of a game server is by checking the latency and ping times. It’s a common observation that the closest game servers usually have lower ping rates and latency.

How to choose the best Online Game server location?

A gamer can choose the best online game server location by considering the following factors:

• Asking other players: Nothing can beat the age-old “ask a friend” idea. Many players wouldn’t mind telling which game server location works best in their area. It’s also important to ask about it when playing a multiplayer game.
• Trying out different servers: Sometimes, it’s just best to try out different servers and observe which ones are better or faster.
• Checking Server latency: This is probably the best way to choose a fast online game server location. The general rule is that fast servers will have low latency and ping rates.
• Checking server load: A couple of Online game servers can sometimes have a huge population of gamers. Therefore it could be slower than the others. It’s sometimes better to check the load or population on each server before connecting.
• Understanding game genre: Some game genres don’t require the fastest ping rate and latency, even though it’s good to have. If the game doesn’t require a fast response time, gamers can still enjoy the experience. All they need to do is connect to a higher latency server.

Can using a VPN reduce ping in Online Gaming?

Yes, it can. There are many VPN providers that pass their VPN network traffic through a better route than internet service providers (ISPs). This network structure is the reason why some VPNs reduce ping in online games.

Can I play Online Games with a free VPN?

Users can play online games with a free VPN, but it will likely be messy and full of lags.

Most of the free VPN services are limited and don’t offer optimized servers for fast speed. The fact that they are “free” also means that a lot of people will use it simultaneously at all times.

Another unpleasant thing about free VPNs is that they aren’t always the most secure. So, it’s not really worth it trying to play online games with free VPNs.

Final thoughts

Finding the perfect VPN for your Minecraft gaming experience is essential for maintaining privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, and ensuring optimal performance. By considering the key features and weighing the pros and cons of both free and paid options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

A fast and stable connection is highly important when choosing the best VPN for Minecraft. That’s why premium VPN services are generally the best for online gaming. Some other important factors like the available server locations, ping time, and refund policy must also be considered before choosing a premium VPN service to go with.

It is advisable to test out a VPN service using the free trial plan before committing to a premium subscription plan. And even after payment, dissatisfied gamers can request a refund within the guarantee period if the VPN service doesn’t meet expectations.

Lastly, gamers need to be aware that Minecraft and other online games may penalize players for using VPNs to get around region restrictions.

Minecraft VPN FAQs

Does Minecraft ban VPN?

Minecraft doesn’t ban users from using a VPN connection. What usually gets people banned on Minecraft is hate speech, sexual content, real-life threats, and improper soliciting for contacts. They also get banned for trying to hack the game.

What Minecraft server IP is like Hypixel?

The top Minecraft Server IP like Hypixel, is Mineplex. Its servers include eu.mineplex.com or us.mineplex.com.

Other Minecraft server IPs like Hypixel include play.manacube.com, play.pixelmoncraft.com, hub.mc-complex.com, play.thearchon.net, zero.minr.org, minescape.me.

Which country Minecraft is free?

In China, there is a bedrock edition of Minecraft that is totally free and popular. But Minecraft generally offers a free trial for Windows, Android, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Vita.

What Minecraft server has no ban?

There is no official Minecraft server with “No Ban” tag. However, it is common in gaming communities a shared list of Minecraft servers with no rules or no-ban tags.

In what country is Minecraft illegal?

According to Wikipedia, there are five countries that have reportedly banned Minecraft. They are Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Russia, Egypt, and Mexico.

Does a VPN stop IP ban?

Using VPN will change a gamer’s IP address. This makes it possible to access a game in which their real IP had been banned.

How to trick an IP ban?

One of the easiest ways to trick an IP ban is by using a VPN service. The VPN apps always assign a new IP address to users. This address can be used to access a game where they had been banned.

What does SMP mean in Minecraft?

SMP in Minecraft means Survival Multiplayer. It often refers to a genre of Minecraft servers that focus more on the survival side of the game.

Views: 725