5 Best VPNs for League of Legends: Protect Your Ranked Games
The best VPN for League of Legends shields you from things that can ruin your climb. You know what I’m talking about: getting DDoS’d offline during promos by someone who can’t handle losing a lane, watching your ping spike to 300ms because your ISP decides gaming traffic isn’t a big deal, and getting blocked from playing because your campus thinks Summoner’s Rift is a distraction.
I’ve spent weeks testing VPNs while grinding through ranked, normals, and late-night ARAM sessions. Most services claim they’re gamer-friendly, then proceed to nuke your connection speed worse than a fed Veigar one-shotting your ADC. Only a handful actually delivered on their promises.
In this guide, I’ll give you the 5 VPNs that legitimately work for League. These are the services that stop DDoS attacks cold, bypass network restrictions without breaking a sweat, and add minimal latency so you can still flash that Malphite ult.
Jump to:
My Top Picks for Best VPN for League of Legends
Most VPNs promise gaming optimization, then deliver packet loss and rubber-banding the moment you load into the match. These three actually performed. Through countless ranked sessions, normal games, and ARAM marathons, they maintained secure connections while keeping my ping reasonable.
- NordVPN: Unmatched protection for League of Legends ranked grinders. NordLynx keeps latency increases minimal while automatically neutralizing DDoS attempts before they disconnect you.
- Surfshark: Premium security at bargain pricing. Unlimited simultaneous connections mean your entire friend group stays protected under one subscription.
- Mullvad: The privacy extremist’s choice with zero personal data requirements. Pay €5 flat monthly with cryptocurrency or physical cash for complete anonymity.
These three handled everything from DDoS mitigation to ISP throttling workarounds. Below, I’m breaking down all five services with actual performance metrics, security testing results, and real-world gaming scenarios.
Best VPN for League of Legends: 5 Fast Options for Competitive Play
Every VPN below got evaluated on actual performance, not marketing promises. You’ll see real latency measurements, security feature effectiveness, stability during extended sessions, server availability near Riot’s infrastructure, privacy implementation strength, and noteworthy extras. Read the breakdown, compare your priorities, make your choice.
1. NordVPN [Best Overall VPN for League of Legends]
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Servers | 7,400+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Speed | ~300 Mbps average (313 Mbps benchmark) |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices |
| Protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN, NordWhisper (restricted network protocol) |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, kill switch, Threat Protection, dark-web monitoring, MFA, Double VPN |
| Privacy | Audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, based in Panama |
| LoL performance | Minimal ping increase (~8-12 ms) on nearby servers, automatic DDoS protection, rock-solid connection stability |
| Starting price | $12.99/month (monthly plan) |
NordVPN earned top placement through consistent performance across every metric that matters for League. NordLynx added around 8-12ms to my base ping when connecting through servers near Riot’s North American infrastructure. Barely noticeable during trades, completely irrelevant for skillshot timing.
Beyond League, this is my go-to recommendation for the best gaming VPN across multiple titles.
Threat Protection operates autonomously to intercept DDoS traffic. Incoming attacks never reached my actual IP address during testing. No configuration required – activate once and it shields every session automatically while you focus on CS and map awareness.
Split tunneling solved my Discord quality issues immediately. Route League traffic through VPN protection while keeping voice comms on your standard connection. Voice clarity improved dramatically while maintaining IP masking and DDoS defense. Essential for coordinated team play during clash weekends.
Download speeds were strong even during major patch releases when everyone’s updating simultaneously. Consistently pulled 250+ Mbps during prime hours when downloading new champion releases or seasonal updates. Never experienced throttling or bandwidth limitations.
Meshnet adds interesting possibilities beyond standard VPN functionality. Create direct encrypted connections between devices or share your protected network with teammates remotely. Opens up creative solutions for squad coordination beyond basic IP masking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ NordLynx adds minimal latency on regional connections (8-12ms tested) ✅ Extensive global server infrastructure covers all Riot data centers ✅ Threat Protection autonomously blocks incoming DDoS attempts ✅ Split tunneling preserves voice quality while securing game traffic ✅ Meshnet enables creative networking solutions for groups | ❌ Web interface login flow feels clunky after repeat sessions |
Why I chose NordVPN: Best overall package for competitive League of Legends players who need bulletproof DDoS protection without sacrificing connection quality. The combination of low latency impact, comprehensive security features, and reliable stability justifies the premium cost for serious ranked grinding.
2. Surfshark [Best Budget VPN for League of Legends]
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Servers | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Speed | ~295 Mbps average (313 Mbps benchmark) |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection, CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking, MultiHop routing, obfuscation |
| Privacy | RAM-only servers, independently audited architecture, strict no-logs policy |
| LoL performance | ~12-18 ms ping increase on nearby servers, solid DDoS protection, unlimited devices for squad protection |
| Starting price | $15.45/month (monthly subscription) |
Surfshark delivers enterprise-grade League of Legends protection at student-budget pricing. Extended subscriptions drop below $2 monthly – cheaper than a single energy drink during an all-night ranked session. Performance mirrors services costing five times more during actual gameplay.
Support for unlimited devices changes the economics completely. Protect your entire gaming setup, plus your friends’ connections under a single subscription. Coordinate security across your whole clash team without coordinating payments. Perfect for squad play during tournaments. My how to set up a VPN guide walks through the process if you need assistance.
3,200+ servers in 100 countries gives you solid coverage near major Riot infrastructure. North American nodes performed excellently for accessing NA servers.
WireGuard protocol maintained playable latency throughout my testing. Regional server connections added 12-18ms to my baseline ping – perfectly acceptable for all game modes. Combo execution felt identical to unprotected connections. Landing Thresh hooks, Blitzcrank grabs, or Ezreal skillshots worked without adjustment.
CleanWeb automatically filters malicious connections and bandwidth-hogging advertisements. Removes interference during LP grinding or mechanics practice sessions. Also accelerates browsing when researching builds, watching guides, or checking patch notes.
NoBorders mode punches through restrictive network environments effortlessly. University blocking gaming traffic? Corporate network restricting League access? Regional censorship preventing connections? This feature bypasses restrictions without technical configuration or complicated workarounds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Unlimited device support protects entire squads under one subscription ✅ Long-term pricing undercuts competitors dramatically (sub-$2 monthly) ✅ Global server coverage handles all major Riot server regions ✅ CleanWeb eliminates bandwidth waste from ads and trackers ✅ NoBorders bypasses restrictive network environments | ❌ Customer support response times can lag behind premium-tier alternatives |
Why I chose Surfshark: Optimal choice for budget-conscious League players who refuse to compromise security for savings. Unlimited device policy makes squad-wide protection affordable, while performance stays competitive with premium alternatives.
3. Mullvad [Best Anonymous VPN for League of Legends]
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Servers | Around 700 servers in 50+ countries |
| Speed | ~265 Mbps average (313 Mbps benchmark) |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 5 devices |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection, MultiHop routing, SOCKS5 proxy |
| Privacy | No email accounts (random account number system), accepts crypto and cash, audited no-logs policy, based in Sweden |
| LoL performance | Low ping on WireGuard, excellent stability on EU servers, complete anonymity |
| Starting price | €5/month flat, single-plan pricing (around $5.80/month) |
Mullvad rejects conventional account systems entirely in favor of randomly generated number strings. No email addresses, no personal information, no identity verification whatsoever. Payment via cryptocurrency or physical cash maintains complete anonymity. Cryptocurrency payments qualify for a 10% discount on already reasonable pricing.
€5 monthly cost stays constant regardless of commitment length. No promotional pricing tricks, hidden renewal increases, or subscription tier manipulation. Identical monthly rate, whether you subscribe for one month or indefinitely. Refreshingly transparent compared to competitors playing pricing shell games.
WireGuard implementation delivered impressive speeds during testing. Regional League connections increased latency 10-15ms – competitive with services charging triple the monthly rate.
Limited server infrastructure restricts global reach, compared to larger providers. Coverage handles major regions adequately but lacks comprehensive worldwide presence. Works excellently for players primarily accessing European or North American Riot servers where node density concentrates.
The five-device connection limit restricts flexibility somewhat. Can’t match Surfshark’s unlimited approach, though five simultaneous connections handles most solo or small group scenarios adequately. Larger friend groups coordinating shared accounts encounter limitations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Complete anonymity through number-based accounts (no email required) ✅ Transparent €5 monthly pricing with zero hidden costs ✅ WireGuard delivers 10-15ms latency increases regionally ✅ Independently audited no-logs implementation under Swedish law ✅ Cryptocurrency and cash payment options for maximum privacy | ❌ Limited server network restricts distant region accessibility |
Why I chose Mullvad VPN: It’s perfect for privacy-obsessed League players who prioritize anonymity alongside gaming performance. Transparent pricing and strong European infrastructure make this excellent for EU-based competitive players.
4. Proton VPN [Best VPN for League of Legends With a No-Cap Free Version]
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Servers | 14,000+ servers in 120+ countries |
| Speed | ~248 Mbps average (313 Mbps benchmark) |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth (for censorship/restricted networks) |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, kill switch, DNS & IPv6 leak protection, Secure Core multi-hop, forward secrecy |
| Privacy | Based in Switzerland, audited no-logs policy, RAM-only infrastructure |
| LoL performance | Good performance on Plus servers, Stealth bypasses blocks, free tier available |
| Starting price | $9.99/month (Plus plan), free tier available |
Proton VPN balances hardcore privacy standards with practical League of Legends functionality. Swiss jurisdiction combined with audited zero-logging means maximum data protection for players concerned about activity tracking. Also featured on our best VPNs for multiple devices roundup.
Genuinely unlimited data on free tier sets this apart from competitors. Test thoroughly with League before spending a cent. Free access limits server selection to 10 countries but functions adequately for basic compatibility verification and performance benchmarking. Server selection gets automated on free tier – client chooses optimal connection automatically. So, you’ll have to be patient with your free testing until you get the location you need.
Premium Plus plans unlock full 120-country server access. VPN Accelerator technology specifically optimizes low-latency requirements for gaming traffic. Performance improvement after upgrading became immediately obvious during ranked sessions – noticeably smoother than free tier performance.
Stealth protocol camouflages VPN traffic as standard HTTPS connections. Network administrators and government censorship systems can’t identify or block VPN usage. Maintains League accessibility from university campuses, corporate environments, or regions with strict internet controls.
Zero activity tracking or advertising integration keeps gaming sessions private. Proton’s business model relies on premium subscriptions rather than data monetization. Privacy remains protected without compromising usability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Unlimited data free tier enables risk-free comprehensive testing ✅ Swiss jurisdiction backed by four independent security audits ✅ Stealth protocol defeats VPN blocking in restricted environments ✅ VPN Accelerator optimizes gaming traffic on premium plans ✅ Open-source applications enable community security verification | ❌ Competitive ranked performance requires paid Plus subscription |
Why I chose Proton VPN: It’s ideal for privacy-focused League players who want industrial-strength security without sacrificing gaming functionality. Free tier enables thorough testing, while paid tiers deliver competitive performance for serious ranked play.
5. ExpressVPN [Great VPN for Consistent League of Legends Performance]
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Servers | 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Speed | ~267 Mbps average (313 Mbps benchmark) |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 14 devices on the highest plan |
| Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, Network Lock kill switch, DNS leak protection, TrustedServer (RAM-only architecture) |
| Privacy | Audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, based in the British Virgin Islands |
| LoL performance | Lightway protocol for stability, comprehensive global coverage, consistently smooth gameplay |
| Starting price | $12.99/month |
ExpressVPN prioritizes reliability above all else – instant connections, rapid server switching, zero random disconnects. I tested extensively across ranked climbs, normal queue sessions, and casual ARAM games with consistently dependable results throughout.
Lightway protocol engineering focuses specifically on maintaining stable connections under variable network conditions. It prevents random disconnects plaguing budget VPNs during peak traffic periods. Even unreliable hotel Wi-Fi or mobile tethering maintained playable League sessions consistently.
RAM-only server infrastructure automatically wipes all session data upon every server restart. Network Lock feature instantly terminates all internet traffic if VPN connection fails, preventing IP exposure during disconnections. Stops toxic opponents from capturing your real IP address and launching targeted attacks.
Global server coverage ensures nearby VPN nodes exist regardless of which Riot infrastructure you’re accessing. So, Express minimizes latency penalties because it can provide optimal routing.
Premium tier pricing represents the primary weakness. ExpressVPN costs significantly more than competing services without delivering proportionally better League performance for average players during standard ranked sessions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Lightway protocol maintains exceptional connection stability ✅ Integrated speed testing identifies optimal routing automatically ✅ RAM-only architecture ensures complete data wiping ✅ Worldwide coverage supports all Riot server regions ✅ Rapid server switching enables quick connection optimization | ❌ Premium pricing without proportional performance advantages |
Why I chose ExpressVPN: It delivers premium League of Legends experience through worldwide coverage and rock-solid Lightway protocol stability. Higher cost purchases polish and extra features – ideal for players prioritizing consistent protection over budget optimization.
Why Use a VPN for League of Legends?
Here’s the real talk on how VPNs improve your League experience. These benefits apply whether you’re grinding ranked, learning champions, or just chilling in ARAM.
| Benefit | Why It Matters | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|
| DDoS protection | Toxic players and competitive opponents target streamers and high-elo players with connection attacks. | VPNs mask your actual IP address, making it impossible for attackers to flood your connection and force disconnects during crucial matches. |
| Bypass ISP throttling | Internet providers frequently deprioritize gaming traffic during peak usage periods. | VPN encryption prevents ISPs from identifying League packets, eliminating targeted bandwidth restrictions during evening hours. |
| Access from restricted networks | Universities, workplaces, and certain countries actively block gaming connections. | VPNs tunnel around network restrictions and censorship, maintaining League accessibility regardless of location. |
| Improved routing efficiency | Your ISP’s default routing to Riot’s servers may take inefficient network paths. | VPN infrastructure can provide more direct routing, potentially reducing baseline latency through optimized network paths. |
| Public network security | Coffee shop, airport, and hotel Wi-Fi exposes your data to potential interception. | Military-grade encryption protects login credentials, payment information, and personal data on unsecured public networks. |
| Privacy from tracking | Gaming behavior tracking and IP logging happens more frequently than most realize. | VPNs hide your actual IP address and encrypt traffic, preventing third-party monitoring and maintaining anonymity. |
You can leverage quality VPNs like Nord for accessing the best regions for cheap Steam games when expanding your library beyond League without breaking the bank.
How I Tested and Reviewed VPNs for League of Legends
Actual gameplay formed the foundation of every evaluation. Dozens of matches per VPN across ranked solo queue, normal drafts, and ARAM to understand real-world performance characteristics. Different game modes stress connections differently – ranked requires consistency, ARAM tests burst traffic handling.
Latency measurements happened during active gameplay, not static practice tool scenarios. Monitored ping during team fights, combo execution, and objective contests. Real combat stress-tests VPN performance when millisecond timing determines fight outcomes.
Connection drops ruin games harder than intentional feeders. I tracked disconnections, packet loss percentages, and consistency across extended sessions lasting multiple hours. A VPN that fails mid-game destroys your LP faster than any mechanical mistake.
Server proximity to Riot’s infrastructure determines practical usability. I evaluated geographic coverage near major data centers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. More nearby servers means better options for minimizing latency impact.
Measured raw download speeds, upload capacity, and latency to various Riot server locations. Tested both regional connections and intercontinental scenarios to understand performance across different geographical situations.
I checked security features for gaming-specific relevance. Kill switches prevent IP leaks during unexpected disconnections. Split tunneling enables simultaneous VPN protection for League while maintaining direct connections for voice applications requiring low latency.
FAQs
No, Riot Games doesn’t ban players simply for using VPNs. However, suspicious patterns like frequent IP changes suggesting account sharing, or violating terms of service through cheating or boosting could trigger security reviews. Use VPNs responsibly for legitimate purposes like DDoS protection and network access.
NordVPN tops the list for League of Legends with NordLynx protocol delivering minimal latency jumps, comprehensive global server coverage, and automatic DDoS protection. Surfshark provides an excellent budget alternative with unlimited device connections for squad-wide protection.
VPNs can reduce ping if your ISP routes traffic inefficiently to Riot servers or throttles gaming connections. More direct VPN routing potentially lowers latency 10-25ms. However, VPNs can also increase ping when routing through distant servers. Results depend on your ISP, location, and VPN server choice.
No, VPNs don’t enable free region changes in League. Your account stays locked to its assigned region. Changing regions requires either purchasing a region transfer for 2,600 RP (approximately $20) with a 90-day cooldown, or creating a completely new account with a VPN that starts from level 1.
No, League of Legends doesn’t block VPN connections. Riot Games allows VPN usage and even provides troubleshooting documentation for VPN-related connection issues. They monitor for rule violations like scripting and boosting, not VPN usage itself.
VPNs hide your IP address, which makes it harder for attackers to determine your physical location. However, swatting typically requires additional personal information beyond IP addresses. VPNs provide one layer of protection but aren’t complete swatting prevention. Maintain overall online privacy across all platforms.
