Best VPN for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) in 2024

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (commonly abbreviated as CS:GO) is the modern rendition of the classic multiplayer team-based shooter. Developed by Valve, the game is ten years old now but still relevant and beloved by millions.

Unfortunately, contemporary online games come with various issues, such as geographical restrictions and internet service provider throttling. Luckily, a virtual private network (VPN) for CS:GO can deal with these problems by redirecting your web connection through an encrypted remote server.

Keep in mind that picking a CS:GO VPN is like playing a competitive match – you can’t go in blindly and hope for the best. Instead, you should read our top five suggestions and pick one that suits your playstyle.

Top five best VPNs for CS:GO

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for CS:GO
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Secure WireGuard-powered CS:GO VPN
   9.5
3. PrivateVPN

   Multi-purpose VPN for CS:GO
   8.7
4. IPVanish

   CS:GO VPN with unlimited connections
   8.4

How to play CS:GO with a VPN

1. Pick a fast and secure gaming VPN for CS:GO. Our top choice is NordVPN, currently 74% off!
2. Download the VPN and connect to a nearby server for optimal connections
3. Boot up Steam and log in again if prompted
4. Launch CS:GO and play privately!

Play CS:GO with NordVPN

Why do you need a VPN while playing CS:GO?

Here are the main reasons why you need a VPN for CSGO:

• Unblocking geographically restricted features (such as case opening)
• Nullifying data throttling by your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
• Playing in foreign servers
• Preventing DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks and doxxing
• Hiding your identity and location

First off, some countries have blocked the loot crate unboxing feature due to its similarity to online gambling. Valve complies with regional laws and prevents players from opening these crates if it detects that you’re located in a country like the Netherlands or Belgium.

Secondly, ISP’s frequently slow down connections if they notice users engaging in data-heavy activities like video streaming or online gaming. However, you can prevent this since VPNs hide your IP address and online activities with uncrackable AES-256 encryption.

Customers can also use a VPN to change their virtual location and reach players across the globe. Most games, by default, connect you to servers in your region. But you can spice things up and face off against foreign opponents with the help of a gaming VPN.

Lastly, a virtual private network is crucial for providing much-needed security against DDoS attacks, doxxing, and other online threats. This is vital for competitive CS:GO gamers who need excellent protection against dishonorable cheaters.

Overview of the best VPNs for CS:GO

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for CS:GO
2. Surfshark VPN – secure WireGuard-powered CS:GO VPN
3. PrivateVPN – multi-purpose VPN for CS:GO
4. IPVanish – CS:GO VPN with unlimited connections

An excellent VPN service for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive needs to be armed with modern tunneling protocols, effective measures against geo-blocking, and easy-to-use apps. Shockingly, not all VPN providers bear such essential gaming features.

That is why we spent countless hours playing CS:GO with various virtual private networks enabled to nail down which five providers are worth trying out. Read their descriptions below and pick one that appeals to you.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for CS:GO

NordVPN is the best VPN to play CS:GO. It’s a shining example for other providers on the market with its abundance of features and excellent performance. See what makes it special by claiming the 7-day NordVPN trial on the Google Play Store.

Users can choose from over 7000 servers scattered across 118+ countries. Additionally, standard servers boast RAM-only technology to avoid storing data long-term on hard drives. Meanwhile, industry-leading connectivity is facilitated with the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol.

Once you’re done climbing the matchmaking ladder on CS:GO, you can use NordVPN to access foreign content libraries on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Furthermore, Panama jurisdiction and an audited no-logs policy ensure privacy from nosy ISPs and other potential onlookers. Plus, Threat Protection will keep your device secure from malware and other digital viruses.

Grab a NordVPN coupon and enjoy $2.99/month starting subscription prices. Rest assured because each purchase is protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – secure WireGuard-powered CS:GO VPN

Get Surfshark if you’re looking for the best-performing CS:GO VPN for an unlimited number of devices. This service is frequently updated with one-of-a-kind features to keep users secure and private. Run a few rounds with this VPN by grabbing the 7-day Surfshark trial on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Firstly, Surfshark VPN runs a 100% RAM-only network of 3200+ servers in 100+ countries. Customers can select between regular, MultiHop, or Static IP locations to fit their needs. Plus, unhindered connections are ensured with the modern WireGuard tunneling protocol.

Besides typical VPN functionality, customers can unlock bonus antivirus protection and a secure search engine by adding Surfshark One to their shopping cart. However, even the standard subscription includes exceptional features such as CleanWeb, Bypasser, and Camouflage Mode.

Add this VPN to your team for only $2.19/month using a Surfshark coupon code. And if you don’t get along, don’t forget about the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PrivateVPN – multi-purpose VPN for CS:GO

A VPN for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is like a swiss-army knife that’s viable with other games and use-cases. PrivateVPN exemplifies this perfectly with its affordable price and abundance of features.

PrivateVPN runs a tight-knit fleet of 200+ servers in 63+ countries. It maintains the hardware independently from third-party vendors, thus guaranteeing data integrity and minimal risk of interference. Additionally, performance is enhanced by utilizing HQN (High Quality Network) that’s purchased directly from IP transit providers.

One PrivateVPN subscription permits 10 simultaneous connections on different devices. If your LAN party is larger, you can set up a router with a VPN connection and conveniently secure the entire network. Moreover, you can host movie parties at home by installing this VPN on Android TV or Amazon Fire Stick.

Get acquainted with this provider by claiming the 7-day free trial first. After that, subscriptions cost a mere $2.00/month when providing a PrivateVPN discount code at checkout. And don’t hesitate to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

4. IPVanish – CS:GO VPN with unlimited connections

Well-rounded security can be ensured not only by camping in a corner in CS:GO, but also by installing a VPN on every device you own. With IPVanish you can do just that and enjoy fast connectivity and protection against ransomware.

IPVanish customers gain access to 2200+ servers in 51+ countries worldwide. None of those locations are virtual and the service maintains all hardware without employing third party data centers.

Potential customers can enjoy the many benefits of this VPN on a wide range of platforms, including desktop and mobile devices, ChromeOS, Amazon FireOS, and routers. Additionally, your online activities remain confidential while using IPVanish thanks to the independently-audited zero-logs policy.

You can get your hands on this service for $2.19/month when equipped with a valid IPVanish coupon code. And if you reconsider, your subscription is insured with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

What else can I do with a VPN for CS:GO?

The great thing about virtual private networks is that they’re quite versatile and useful in many scenarios. After all, not only video games are subjected to geographical restrictions, but other forms of entertainment, such as TV shows, movies, and websites. That means you can use the same VPN for fixing lag on Overwatch or changing your Netflix region.

Using a VPN to switch to a different region can also unlock cheaper prices on various online shops. However, this method should only be used for one-time purchases, otherwise, your account might get banned for abuse and breaching the terms of service. Keep this in mind when using a VPN with Steam because you may lose access to your gaming library for circumventing regional pricing.

Besides entertainment, virtual private networks are commonly used for enhancing digital security and privacy. The first step is hiding your IP address and location to prevent cyber stalking. Additionally, military-grade encryption ensures complete confidentiality from all forms of surveillance by governments and corporations. Lastly, bonus features prevent other nefarious nuisances, such as malware, phishing attacks, online trackers, and malicious ads.

Criteria for picking a VPN for CS:GO

Many things were considered when choosing our top five CSGO VPN list. We’ve outlined them below in order of importance.

1. Speed. Nothing is more infuriating while gaming online than lag and delays. Extremely fast VPN services utilize top-of-the-line tunneling protocols like WireGuard to ensure blazing-fast connections and zero latency issues. See which providers are currently on top by using our VPN speed test.
2. Servers. An extensive server network is vital for guaranteeing lag-free performance for a large user base. Plus, greater country diversity potentially unlocks more geo-restricted content. For CS:GO players, this means more chances to unlock region-specific rewards.
3. Compatibility. Hassle-free gaming is achieved when a VPN has dedicated apps for your preferred device. All services on this list are compatible with desktop machines and provide alternative setup methods for different platforms.
4. Security. Competitive gamers without a VPN are vulnerable to DDoS attacks and swatting. Our selected providers ensure zero IP address leaks and airtight protection against other digital dangers.
5. Privacy. Confidentiality isn’t crucial for online gamers as long as the VPN effectively hides your IP and encrypts online traffic. But if you want to go the extra mile, make sure your provider has an audited no-logs policy and is located far away from Five Eyes jurisdiction.
6. Price. The most reliable virtual private networks are premium ones. That means you should reconsider free VPNs for gaming if you have money to spare. Moreover, huge savings are available when utilizing various VPN discount codes.
7. Customer support. Gamers are typically tech-savvy and won’t need assistance when setting up VPNs. Still, it’s best to subscribe to a provider with 24/7 customer service if the unthinkable happens.

Best free VPN for CS:GO

Every online service has a price, even if it’s not paid with money. The same applies to virtual private networks as well. Unsurprisingly, free VPNs are inferior to premium ones and are riddled with issues like:

• Data caps and bandwidth limitations
• Tiny server networks
• Outdated security features resulting in DNS leaks
• Inability to circumvent geo-restrictions
• Potential data logging and selling

Playing CS:GO with a free VPN will most likely result in high ping, stuttering, and frustration. Therefore, it’s best to avoid no-cost services when possible and instead opt for some of the best cheap VPN services. Alternatively, you can dip your toes by claiming a free trial first.

Conclusion

Picking a VPN for CS:GO is like utilizing a grenade in a competitive match – each one can yield excellent results in the right scenario. You just need to consider your options carefully and not throw a flashbang under your feet.

Avoid blunders by arming yourself with NordVPN, the best VPN for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It’s wicked-fast, loaded with servers, and provides exceptional security and privacy.

What’s your go-to VPN when playing CS:GO? Share your favorite gaming loadout in the comments section!

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FAQ

Can I use a free VPN for CS:GO?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for CS:GO but your gaming performance will suffer significantly. For starters, no-cost VPN services reduce your connection speed tremendously with unoptimized and overcrowded servers. Plus, there’s always the risk the provider is collecting and selling your data to offset maintenance costs. As such, we recommend using a premium VPN for gaming.

Can you get banned for using a VPN with CS:GO?

No, Valve does not ban players simply for using a VPN with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. However, your Steam account may get banned if you use a VPN to change your location to a country with lower video game prices and buy some. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using a VPN when browsing for deals on the Steam store.

What is the best VPN for CS:GO?

NordVPN is the best VPN for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It grants lightning-fast connection speeds, effective digital security, and reliable geo-block circumvention capabilities. Besides gaming, this service is useful for video streaming and online privacy.