5 Best VPNs for League of Legends in 2025

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the biggest online games in the world, with over 130 million players. But that popularity also comes with problems. Servers often get overcrowded, leading to high ping and lag. Some players face IP bans, while others can’t access the game at all as it’s blocked in countries like Iran and Syria. On top of that, ISPs may throttle your connection, and public Wi-Fi puts your data at risk.

If LoL is restricted in your region or you’re dealing with constant lag, your matches can quickly become unplayable.

The good news is that a VPN can solve these issues. By masking your IP and routing traffic through an optimized server, a VPN helps you bypass restrictions, improve stability, and stay safe while playing.

With the right VPN, you can:

✔ Minimize Ping & Lag – Connect to servers closer to LoL’s data centers for smoother gameplay.
✔ Bypass IP Bans – Get a fresh IP address and log back in if your account has been restricted.
✔ Access LoL Anywhere – Play even in countries where the game is banned.
✔ Avoid Overcrowded Servers – Switch regions to find less busy servers.
✔ Prevent ISP Throttling – Hide your gaming traffic to keep speeds consistent.
✔ Play Safely on Public Wi-Fi – Encrypt your connection to block snooping and DDoS attacks.
✔ Unlock Regional Perks – Access unique events, skins, or pricing in certain regions.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best VPNs for League of Legends, explain how to set one up, and cover common lag fixes so you can enjoy smooth, secure gameplay anywhere.

VPNs and League of Legends: Totally Cool or Trouble in 2025?

For many players, VPNs have become a lifeline to access League of Legends in restricted environments, like dorms or workplaces where gaming traffic is blocked. As one Redditor shared, their dorm Wi-Fi completely blocks all games, making VPNs the only viable option. While some VPNs offer decent ping (around 60ms), switching providers can lead to frustrating spikes, up to 120ms or more, rendering gameplay nearly unplayable. This has sparked a wave of community discussions around which VPNs still work reliably with Riot’s servers and which ones are now blocked.

However, Riot Games has been tightening its grip on VPN usage, especially in League of Legends: Wild Rift. In a recent update, developers announced that they’ve cut access from several high-volume VPN services. Their reasoning? VPNs can introduce language mismatches, lag spikes, and even game-breaking issues that affect all players in a match, not just those using VPNs. Riot’s move aims to protect the overall game experience, but it’s left many legitimate users scrambling for alternatives that still work without compromising performance.

Adding to the complexity, Riot’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit circumventing technological measures designed to protect or control access to their services. While using a VPN isn’t directly banned, any attempt to bypass Riot’s restrictions, especially through shady or modified tools, could land players in hot water. It’s a fine line between accessing the game and violating Riot’s policies, and players need to tread carefully to avoid account penalties or service blocks.

Free VPNs might sound tempting, but they’re often the first to be blocked and the last to offer stable ping. That’s why we’ve tested multiple VPNs ourselves, across regions, servers, and gameplay conditions, to find the ones that actually work. If you’re serious about uninterrupted League sessions, follow our recommendations. We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to.

The Best VPNs for League of Legends in 2025

Now that you know how a VPN can help you dodge lag, bypass restrictions, and stay safe while playing League of Legends, the next step is choosing the right one. Not all VPNs are created equal, some are faster, some are more secure, and others have servers optimized specifically for gaming.

Picking the wrong VPN could leave you with slower speeds or even connection drops, which is the last thing you want in a ranked match. But what are the most important features a VPN should have? How did we at TechNadu choose the best VPNs for League of Legends?

✅ Evenly Distributed Server Network – plenty of servers worldwide, especially in the US, Europe, and Asia, near major gaming hubs.
✅ Stable and Fast Performance – lowest ping possible with minimal throttling for ultra-fast gameplay.
✅ Powerful Kill Switch – protects from data leaks and prevents IP-based bans.
✅ Reliable Protocols and Robust Encryption – use protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN with AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption.
✅ Split Tunneling – allows you to route only game traffic through the VPN for better performance.
✅ Stable Multiplayer Connections – prevents frequent disconnects during online matches.
✅ Native Software Across the Board – modern apps for both Windows and macOS.
✅ Sufficient Simultaneous Connections – enough connections to cover all your devices.
✅ Low Latency Optimization – some VPNs offer servers specifically optimized for gaming to reduce lag.
✅ DDoS Protection – shields you from attacks during competitive matches.
✅ Gaming Server Compatibility – works with popular gaming servers and platforms like Riot, Steam, and Epic Games.
✅ Good Price and Plenty of Value – long-term plans usually offer heavy discounts.
✅ Generous Money-Back Policy – typically 30-day refund options if you change your mind.
✅ 24/7 Customer Support – access to live chat, installation guides, FAQs, and more.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best VPNs for League of Legends in 2025, so you can get smoother gameplay, lower ping, and access to all the features LoL has to offer without worrying about bans or geo-restrictions.

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for League of Legends in 2025 • 7,400+ servers worldwide, including multiple US, EU, and Asia locations for low-ping LoL access • NordLynx protocol ensures ultra-fast and stable gameplay • Advanced DDoS protection and AES-256 encryption for safe ranked matches
2. ExpressVPN – Capable VPN for League of Legends That Prioritizes Privacy • Servers in 105+ countries with plenty of gaming hubs • Lightway protocol delivers fast speeds and smooth LoL performance • TrustedServer technology guarantees no data logs
3. Surfshark – Powerful VPN with Tons of Server Locations • Unlimited device connections on a single account • 3,200+ servers worldwide, including LoL-optimized servers • NoBorders mode and CleanWeb for lag-free, safe League of Legends sessions
4. Private Internet Access – Highly Customizable VPN for Hardcore Gamers • 90+ countries covered with League of Legends-optimized servers • WireGuard & OpenVPN with advanced configuration options • Unlimited devices plus split tunneling and port forwarding support
5. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth • Free plan includes US servers and no data limits • Strict no-logs policy for privacy-conscious players • Solid speeds for casual LoL gaming, though fewer features than premium VPNs

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	Surfshark	PIA	Proton VPN
Unblocks League of Legends	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Unlimited Bandwidth	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
DDoS Protection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Fast Performance	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
Latency/Ping Management	High	High	High	Medium	Low
No-Logs Policy	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Kill Switch and Split Tunneling	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Servers	7,400+ servers in 118 countries	undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries	9,600+ servers in 117 countries
Strong Encyption and Protocols	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Multiple Simultaneous Connections and Router Support	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Multiple Supported Devices	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Money-Back Guarantee	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Customer Support	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Price	$3.09 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$4.99 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.19 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.19 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$3.59 per month (for a 24 months)
Overall Rating	9.7	9.6	9.2	9	9

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for League of Legends in 2025 because of its 7,400+ servers in 118 countries. It can bypass all geo-restrictions. You can connect to one of its servers in South Korea to play against highly skilled opponents or join a US server in Chicago if you’re closer to North America, this will help with LoL lag issues.

This VPN features ultra-fast speeds and stable performance that can reduce League of Legends' ping and latency. NordVPN comes with advanced security features like a kill switch and multiple protocols, including the robust NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN. There's also the OpenVPN protocol, which brings a nice balance between performance and privacy.

Besides this, you’ll also get AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 . Needless to say, that's more than enough to keep your online whereabouts and your activity a secret. NordVPN also includes plenty of additional tools, like an antimalware scanner, ad-blocker, and more.

You'll also be happy to know that NordVPN supports many gaming devices. That said, you can play safely on your Mac or PC and also set up VPN protection on your router. In addition, you can enjoy 10 simultaneous connections for a top-notch gaming experience.

To become a user, you can pay as little as $3.09 per month (24 months), and you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied. Lastly, this VPN provides 24/7 customer support, which assists you with any possible issue.

NordVPN Features Useful for League of Legends:

• Kill Switch – Protects your real IP from leaks if the VPN connection drops, keeping your account safe.
• Dark Web Monitor – Notifies you if your LoL credentials ever appear online so you can respond quickly.
• NordLynx Protocol – WireGuard-based for ultra-fast speeds and low latency, essential for ranked LoL matches.
• Dedicated IP Option – Provides a stable IP for smoother logins and fewer captchas.
• Obfuscated Servers – Allows you to bypass network restrictions in schools or regions where LoL is blocked.
• Double VPN – Adds an extra layer of privacy by routing traffic through two servers, useful for public networks.
• Split Tunneling – Lets you route only LoL through the VPN while keeping other applications fast.
• Threat Protection Pro and Post Quantum Encryption – Blocks malware and trackers before they load, keeping your PC safe while gaming.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a gaming-friendly VPN with a network of an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries, covering all LoL data centers. You can choose a South Korean server to match with the most skilled players, or if you’re located near North America, you can connect to a server in Chicago for lower LoL ping and latency.

Besides its blazing-fast speeds with stable connections that minimize ping and latency, ExpressVPN has amazing security features. There is a kill switch that cuts your Internet connection immediately if there is any VPN failure. What’s more, you can benefit from AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305 ciphers and its multiple protocols including OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2.

We highly recommend sticking to the OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2 protocol, as it offers performance-related benefits over OpenVPN. That said, make sure to use ExpressVPN's Speed Test tool if you're on a Mac, which helps you pinpoint servers with the lowest ping.

This VPN works with all League of Legends devices. It lets you play LoL on your Mac and PC, plus, you can connect it to your router for wider coverage. You can even use it to play League of Legends on Chromebook. In total, you can make 8 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN starts at $4.99 per month (24 months), and you can count on its 30-day money-back guarantee for a full refund if you’re not satisfied with its services. Lastly, ExpressVPN comes with knowledgeable customer support, which you can access 24/7.

ExpressVPN Features That Keep League of Legends Fast & Safe

• Lightway Protocol – Optimized for low-latency LoL gameplay and stable connections.
• Split Tunneling – Send only League of Legends traffic through the VPN for smoother matches.
• Anti-DDoS Protection – Shields your IP from targeted attacks during ranked or competitive play.
• Threat Manager – Stops trackers and malicious scripts that could affect your connection or data.
• Kill Switch – Prevents leaks if the VPN disconnects, keeping your real IP hidden.
• Obfuscation Technology – Helps bypass regional or network restrictions to access all LoL servers.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a user-friendly LoL VPN with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries that will get around any geo-restrictions. If you’re close to North America, connecting to a server in Chicago will help fix high ping in League of Legends. Or, if you want to play against LoL gamers who have significant skills, you can join a South Korean server.

As speed is crucial for seamless gaming, it’s a good thing Surfshark ensures you’ll get lightning-fast speeds with consistent performance. This will help you achieve lower ping and latency rates, which will, in turn, reduce lag.

If you’re concerned about your privacy, don’t be. Surfshark implements advanced security features that ensure no one except you can access your data. More precisely, you will benefit from strong VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, its amazing AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, and a kill switch.

Surfshark wants to provide you with the best gaming experience, so it supports all LoL-friendly devices, such as PCs, Macs, and routers. The best part is that you can establish unlimited simultaneous connections simultaneous connections.

This VPN is priced at $2.19 per month (24 months), and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. In other words, you can get a refund if its VPN services don’t appeal to you. Last but not least, this VPN comes with 24/7 customer support.

Surfshark Features That Enhance Your League of Legends Experience

• CleanWeb – Stops ads, trackers, and malware so your LoL gameplay stays smooth and secure.
• Kill Switch – Ensures your IP never leaks during disconnections, protecting your account from bans.
• MultiHop – Routes traffic through two VPN servers for extra privacy, useful on public or shared networks.
• WireGuard Protocol – Fast speeds and low latency to minimize ping in intense matches.
• Split Tunneling (Bypasser) – Lets you route only LoL through the VPN, leaving other apps unaffected.
• NoBorders Mode – Helps bypass network restrictions automatically in regions where VPNs are blocked.
• Camouflage Mode – Makes your VPN traffic appear normal, perfect for networks that try to block VPNs.

4. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access VPN has one of the largest server fleets on the market, offering an ( undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries). Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any South Korean servers for advanced gameplay, but if you’re relatively close to North America, you can connect to a US server located in Chicago for reduced lagging.

Compared to the previous VPN providers, PIA has slower speeds but still offers reliable performance. It can minimize ping and latency rates that negatively impact your gaming experience. If you find you’re still having high ping, this VPN is very customizable, so you can tweak your settings to optimize it for speed.

Moreover, PIA offers a powerful kill switch that protects your privacy by cutting the Internet connection if there is ever a VPN failure. Besides this, it has AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20 ciphers and works with multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2).

Similarly to the other VPNs on our list, PIA works with various devices for LoL, such as PCs, Macs, and routers. But that’s not all! You can enjoy its unlimited simultaneous connections and play with as many people as you want using the same VPN account.

PIA is priced at $2.19 per month for its 24 months subscription plan. Your purchase will be protected by its 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can also expect 24/7 live chat support.

Private Internet Access Features That Keep League of Legends Smooth & Secure

• WireGuard Protocol – Low-latency, high-speed connections for lag-free LoL matches.
• Kill Switch – Stops IP leaks if the VPN disconnects, protecting your location and account.
• Open-Source Apps – Full transparency and control, perfect for security-conscious players.
• Split Tunneling – Lets you route only League of Legends traffic through the VPN.
• MACE Ad & Malware Blocker – Prevents ads and malicious content during gameplay.
• Customizable Encryption Settings – Choose between higher speed or stronger privacy based on your network.

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN, even with its limitations, is still a dependable option for League of Legends. Its free tier shares most features with premium accounts, including unlimited bandwidth, which is a rarity for free VPNs (although we only recommend its paid version).

However, the free plan is limited to undisclosed number of servers in 5 countries – the United States, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan. If you want to access League of Legends servers elsewhere, you won’t be able to.

Server overcrowding can reduce speeds, and ping or latency may be higher unless you’re close to the server locations.

The VPN handles the basics well, supporting protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Stealth and strong encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20), along with a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy.

It also includes advanced features such as a kill switch, but the free plan supports only a single connection, so multiple devices cannot connect simultaneously.

To access the full range of features, you’ll need to pay $3.59 per month for 24 months. Proton VPN provides 30-day money-back guarantee for paid users, and while customer support is available, live chat is not included.

Proton VPN Features That Enhance Your League of Legends Matches

• NoBorders Mode: Access LoL from regions with server restrictions or geo-blocks.
• VPN Accelerator: Boosts connection speed, minimizing lag during ranked matches.
• Kill Switch: Protects your IP from leaks if the VPN disconnects, keeping your location safe.
• WireGuard Protocol: Fast and lightweight, perfect for ultra-low latency gameplay.
• Multi-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux for seamless cross-device gaming.
• No Bandwidth Limits: Play as long as you want with no throttling or data caps.

How to Play League of Legends with a VPN

To play League of Legends with a VPN, you need to sign up for a VPN and then download and install its app. Launch it, connect to a server, and start playing LoL. Follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with League of Legends (we recommend NordVPN).
   • Choose a plan that offers a wide server network across North America, Europe, and Asia, as these are the main LoL hubs.
   • Enable Auto-Connect in your VPN settings so you’re always protected, even if your connection drops mid-game.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your gaming device(s).
   • NordVPN and similar providers support Windows, macOS, and even router setups, which means you can protect your entire home network (great for LoL on multiple PCs).
   • At this stage, turn on the Kill Switch to make sure your IP never leaks—this helps you avoid sudden disconnects and possible bans.
3. Launch the VPN app and sign in to your account.
   • Log in with the credentials you created during sign-up.
   • Before connecting, activate Split Tunneling if available—this lets you route only LoL traffic through the VPN, keeping other apps like Discord or Spotify outside the tunnel for smoother performance.
4. Connect to a VPN server closest to your LoL region.
   • For example, choose a server in Chicago for NA, Frankfurt for EUW, or Seoul for Korea. Connecting close to your LoL server reduces ping and latency.
   • If your VPN includes a VPN Accelerator or Low-Latency Optimization, switch it on now to stabilize speeds and cut down lag.
5. Start League of Legends and enjoy optimized gameplay.
   • With the right server and features enabled, you can expect smoother matches, fewer lag spikes, and access to servers or content otherwise blocked in your region.

In general, the best VPN location for League of Legends is the nearest VPN location you can find. That's how you can achieve the lowest possible ping. If you want to reach more diverse players, you can connect to a VPN server in the United States, Europe, or East Asia.

Why is League of Legends Lagging and Crashing?

League of Legends is lagging and crashing most likely because of high ping and increased latency due to server congestion. However, there are many other reasons for League of Legends lag. Let’s review some of the most common culprits:

Reason for Lag/Crash	Explanation along with the Fix
Poor or Unstable Internet	✅ Weak connections cause high ping and lag. A VPN can bypass ISP congestion, but if your speed is too low, switch to a better network.
Server Overcrowding	✅ Overloaded LoL servers increase latency and ping. Try switching servers or playing during off-peak hours.
Outdated Game or Drivers/OS	✅ An outdated LoL client, old Windows version, or outdated GPU drivers can cause lag and crashes. Always update your game, OS, and graphics drivers.
Background Apps & Resource Usage	✅ Apps using CPU/RAM in the background reduce LoL performance. Close unnecessary programs before launching the game.
Inadequate Hardware or Overheating	✅ Weak CPU, low RAM, poor GPU, or overheating hardware leads to lag and crashes. Upgrade hardware if needed and ensure proper cooling/ventilation.
Game Settings Too High	✅ Maxed-out graphics settings (resolution, effects, shadows) can overload your system. Lower them for smoother performance.
Missing/Corrupt Game Files	✅ Damaged files can cause LoL crashes. Use the “Initiate Full Repair” option in settings to restore them.
Firewall/Antivirus Interference	✅ Strict firewalls or antivirus tools may block LoL. Whitelist the game or lower security settings.

Why is League of Legends Banned in Iran and Syria?

League of Legends is banned in Iran and Syria because of political reasons. The US imposed sanctions on Iran due to tensions between the two countries. Since League of Legends utilizes microtransactions, it has to follow the restrictions.

As Iran’s main ally, Syria also decided to ban League of Legends. Its League of Legends IP ban warning message says: “Due to US laws and regulations, players in your country cannot access League of Legends at this time. Such restrictions are subject to change by the US government, so if and when that happens, we will look forward to having you back on the rift.”

Free VPNs and League of Legends: Are They Worth It?

Yes, you can technically use a free VPN for League of Legends, but it’s generally not a good idea. Free VPN providers are often unreliable and come with slow Internet speeds, which can make your LoL experience worse rather than better. In fact, they may increase your ping and latency instead of reducing them, leading to laggy gameplay. Here are several reasons why free VPNs aren’t ideal for League of Legends:

❌ Unreliable and slow connections that can spike ping and latency.
❌ Limited server networks, making it difficult to access specific LoL servers or regions.
❌ Low data caps and bandwidth restrictions that can interrupt long gaming sessions.
❌ Many free VPNs sell user data to third parties for profit.
❌ Servers often crash or have downtime, causing disruptions during matches.
❌ Lack of advanced gaming features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, or DDoS protection.
❌ Minimal customer support and no guaranteed uptime.

Nothing really replaces a premium VPN when it comes to League of Legends. Top-rated VPNs provide lower ping, stable connections, access to all regions, and robust security, all while keeping your data private.

If you want to try a VPN without risk, consider a free trial of a premium VPN. For example, NordVPN offers a 7-day trial on Android, giving you full premium features temporarily. On other devices, you can benefit from their 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you experience top-tier VPN performance for League of Legends with no commitment.

Final Thoughts

Like most other popular online games, League of Legends is prone to server-related issues, high ping, and latency. LoL players also have to deal with IP bans, tracking and DDoS attacks, and ISP-induced throttling. However, all those issues have a single fix - a good VPN. The best VPN for League of Legends will help you unblock LoL, not worry about bans, and unleash the full potential of your connection.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for LoL because it boasts an extensive server range that will help decrease your ping and latency. With NordVPN, you’ll be able to connect to any League of Legends server from anywhere in the world and enjoy the fastest speeds possible. Of course, proper security and privacy will be there as well, ensuring you're not tracked online.

ExpressVPN stands out with its blazing-fast Lightway protocol and privacy-first architecture, making it ideal for smooth, secure gameplay. Surfshark offers unbeatable value with unlimited device connections and LoL-ready servers across the globe. Private Internet Access caters to power users with deep customization, split tunneling, and advanced protocol support. And for budget-conscious gamers, Proton VPN’s free plan delivers solid performance and privacy without compromising bandwidth.

Some Guides for Your Reference

• Best VPNs for Gaming in General – For players who also enjoy Valorant, PUBG, or Fortnite and want a VPN that performs well across titles.
• How to Reduce Ping in League of Legends – A practical guide on optimizing network settings, server selection, and VPN tweaks to lower latency.
• VPNs That Work on School or Campus Wi-Fi – Perfect for students trying to bypass restrictive networks and play LoL without interruptions.
• Best VPNs for Streaming Twitch and YouTube Gaming – For LoL streamers who want privacy and smoother uploads while broadcasting.
• VPNs with Dedicated IPs for Gaming – Explains how dedicated IPs help avoid anti-cheat flags and improve matchmaking stability.
• Free VPNs That Actually Work for Gaming – A curated list for budget-conscious players who want decent performance without paying.
• How to Avoid DDoS Attacks While Gaming – Security-focused guide for competitive players who want to protect themselves during ranked matches.

That’s all for our guide on the best VPN for League of Legends. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to answer. Thank you for reading!