In 2014, Blizzard Entertainment developed World of Warcraft (WoW), a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Over time, the game became popular and enjoyed by millions of gamers worldwide. But today, many players must use a robust VPN to play this game seamlessly.
To help enhance your gaming experience, this article lists the World of Warcraft’s best VPN available.
Best VPNs for World of Warcraft – Quick list
- NordVPN: A budget-friendly VPN with an extensive network of servers worldwide.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): A reliable VPN provider for WoW gamers. It features easy-to-use applications, multiple simultaneous device connections, and advanced port forwarding.
- ExpressVPN: The best VPN overall for World of Warcraft with a 30-day guarantee period but not free. It has servers in 105 countries, fast speed, and a zero-logs policy.
- IPVanish: Excellent choice for gamers who want to customize their connection to work only with World of Warcraft. It has a strict no-logs policy, affordable plans and reliable customer support.
- PrivateVPN: Great option for gamers looking for a simple and easy-to-use VPN to unblock World of Warcraft. The best thing is you get a 7-day free trial to run it through tests.
- Surfshark: Boasts fast gaming speeds with military-grade encryption. It features the most extensive server network on our list.
- CyberGhost: The best VPN for Chrome with dedicated gaming servers in countries like France, Germany, the US, and the UK.
How to use a VPN to play World of Warcraft – Quick guide
Here’s how to improve your gaming sessions on World of Warcraft with a VPN:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Open the app and sign in using your details.
- Select a server near the WoW server.
- Connect to it from the drop-down list.
- Now, you can enjoy your raid and quests.
Why is World of Warcraft blocked?
Surprisingly, many schools and employers block this game alongside other games like Fortnite. For some reason, they believe it will cause distractions at work or affect students’ ability to study. Another reason you may be unable to access WoW is that the game has limited servers worldwide. This is because of government censorship, copyright issues, or Blizzard’s decision not to support players from a particular region.
For example, countries like Iran and China have blocked World of Warcraft. Blizzard cut off Iranian access to World of Warcraft because it had to tighten its procedures to comply with sanctions. While Iranians and Chinese don’t constitute a significant portion of WoW players, the game has a dedicated fan base in these places. Needless to say, these fans will need a VPN to access the game.
Can a VPN help me unblock World of Warcraft?
Definitely! A VPN can help you unblock WoW by changing your IP address to bypass geo-blocks. This allows you to access blocked content and servers in your geographical area. VPNs allow you to play WoW from any part of the world.
And the more countries a provider covers, the more nearby servers you have to unblock WoW at work or school. Once a VPN encrypts your internet connection, you’ll be safe from online snoopers, like the government, employers, and schools attempting to block it.
Best VPNs for World of Warcraft (WoW) – Detailed list
1. NordVPN
A well-known all-around VPN for World of Warcraft that offers decent connection speeds, dependable security and privacy features, and more.
Pros
- Owns RAM-based servers for top-notch privacy
- Blocks any third party interference
- Offers special discouts to students
Cons
- Some servers can be slow
NordVPN is perfect for playing online games like Final Fantasy, Minecraft, and World of Warcraft. Its fast streaming speed will enhance your gaming sessions.
The provider has a network of over 6,800 servers in 113 countries, all suitable for gaming. Plus, all its servers are RAM-based. This means you can rely on utmost security and privacy when playing WoW.
It earned the third spot on our list because it circumvents blocks and reduces WoW server lag. In our latency and low ping tests, NordVPN tied with ExpressVPN as it recorded a 0% packet loss. Aside from ExpressVPN, it’s the only other provider with a proprietary protocol – NordLynx. With this feature, you can enjoy excellent speeds without forgoing security.
Regarding gaming security, this provider offers features like DNS leak protection, DDoS protection, and an automatic kill switch. So you can count on it to guarantee your privacy. Besides, you can make the most of its 256-bit AES encryption and two kill switches. No other VPN on this list offers a second kill switch.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A reliable VPN service to access WoW safely from anywhere. It provides fast and stable connections to protect and enhance your gaming experience.
Pros
- Requires minimal technical knowledge
- Boasts an intuitive interface
- Supports cryptocurrency payment
Cons
- Distant servers exhibit high latency
Private Internet Access (PIA) is another outstanding VPN. This provider is your best pick for fixing WoW lag spikes and avoiding game freeze. The VPN has an extensive server network, enabling access to WoW from anywhere.
In fact, it has proven itself as a trusted and reliable VPN provider for privacy-conscious gamers. PIA VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and features IP and DNS leak prevention. However, its connection speeds aren’t as fast as Surfshark and ExpressVPN, the provider offers you more bandwidth.
You can easily share files, stream videos, and perform other online activities. With PIA VPN, each personal plan allows you to use the service on up to ten devices. In addition, it offers a one-click solution for port forwarding. We recommend using this feature while playing WoW to ensure you enjoy the best speeds.
3. ExpressVPN
A top player in the VPN market that has good speeds to keep your WoW action running without a hitch. The service offers top-notch security and privacy protections.
Pros
- Reliably unblocks WoW and other gaming content
- Observers no lag or buffering while playing WoW
- Ensures thorough privacy
Cons
- You can only choose a location, not a specific server
ExpressVPN, as the name implies, is a super-fast provider that delivers service across a vast network of servers. Undoubtedly, this will improve your gaming experience. This VPN is the top performer on our list, thanks to its multiple features for gamers.
Although it has a higher ping than NordVPN and Surfshark, you will find it unlikely to experience long loading times or lags during WoW raids and quests. With this VPN, you won’t compromise security because it uses government-grade 256-bit AES encryption and kills switch protection. That means your online activities would be safe and secure if you lose connection to a server.
ExpressVPN also came out on top during our latency tests with a 0% packet loss. This provider enables you to unblock the game and access geo-restricted content like video streaming services and music.
Another perk this service offers that’s useful for WoW gamers is split tunneling. This feature allows you to route only game traffic through the VPN tunnel. ExpressVPN provides support for all WoW platforms, including Linux. Besides, it’s one of the two providers on our list with a native app for Chromebook, Amazon Fire, and even Linux users.
4. IPVanish
A super-reliable VPN vendor with stealthy protection. It provides safe and seamless access to World of Warcraft from anywhere in the world.
Pros
- Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
- Boasts fast speeds all around the locations
- Has easily configurable apps
Cons
- Lacks free trial
In terms of high-level encryption and security using in-house server farms, IPVanish is the way to go. This VPN has a WireGuard tunneling protocol, which is popular for its excellent speeds and stable connectivity. With it, you can enjoy WoW seamless gameplay with no buffering.
Surprisingly, it supports unlimited simultaneous device connections in one subscription. A perk about this provider is you can easily download its .apk file from the website if your device doesn’t have Google Play.
Not to mention, IPVanish has split tunneling for users who wish to customize their connection to work only with World of Warcraft. To keep your gaming sessions secure, it offers industry-standard 256-bit encryption. This also means you will enjoy fast connections and superior anonymity for activities like torrenting.
5. PrivateVPN
Small but effective VPN network that offers reliable access to WoW and other geo-blocked content. It has dependable security and encryption.
Pros
- User-friendly apps for mobile and desktop platforms
- No limit for bandwidth
- Friendly customer support via live chat
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well in China
PrivateVPN is the best option for gamers looking for a simple, easy-to-use VPN to unblock World of Warcraft. This provider is reputable for providing fast and reliable access to online games. It offers intuitive apps for Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS device platforms.
Although it’s a small provider, It delivers above-average server speeds. PrivateVPN also has a network of over 200 server locations in 63 countries worldwide. The provider boasts some advanced security and privacy features, which include DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
Hence, it can help you play WoW in geo-restricted locations. Aside from gaming, features like Stealth VPN and port forwarding make it useful for other online activities. The “Stealth VPN” option masks your VPN traffic, making it appear as regular browsing. PrivateVPN has a 7-day free trial, so you can run it through tests to determine if it suits you.
6. Surfshark
A top option to consider if you need a budget-friendly VPN to bypass World of Warcraft restrictions from anywhere in the world. It provides dependable and secure connections and unlimited device connections on one account for multiplayer gaming.
Pros
- Has user-friendly interface
- Has Camouflage Mode, adding extra security
- Accepts crypto payments such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple
Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (a member of the global data-sharing 14-Eyes alliance)
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and fast VPN for World Warcraft, look no further than Surfshark. This service fixes WoW server lag and reduces your ping time. It has the most extensive network on our list of 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. Plus, it’s also the only provider that includes static servers for free.
With its split tunneling features, you can unblock regional content outside the US while accessing local services. It also has proprietary functionalities that make it convenient for playing WoW in countries where it’s heavily censored. These include MultiHop, NoBorders Mode, and Camouflage Mode.
Surshark is impressive when protecting its users’ devices. Thanks to its CleanWeb feature, you can protect your gaming devices from malware, ads, phishing attempts, and trackers. Unlike other top VPNs, it supports unlimited devices, making it a suitable choice for large families.
7. CyberGhost
Another top recommended VPN service for gamers that provides user-friendly apps and reliable speed all around the locations.
Pros
- Highly optimized for gaming
- Uses top-notch encryption protocols and security measures
- Does not collect or store any of its users’ activity data
Cons
- Not suitable for countries with high censorship, like China
CyberGhost is the only VPN on our list that offers dedicated gaming servers in France, Germany, the US, and the UK. So, if you want a provider with game-focused features, this is your best pick. It’s excellent for enhancing your gameplay and eliminating jitter. The provider has easy-to-use apps and customizable features, making it an ideal choice for newbie VPN users.
Speed is important when enjoying an MMORPG like World of Warcraft, and CyberGhost delivers it excellently. This provider makes playing online games fun thanks to its reliable connections. There’s almost zero chance your network will get choppy during intense raids.
From a security standpoint, it’s armed with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DDoS protection to keep your data safe when gaming. It also prioritizes privacy as it has a strict no-logs policy. Unfortunately, it lacks advanced features like toggle kill switch protection or selecting which apps may operate outside the encrypted VPN tunnel.
On a good note, it has the second-largest server network on our list, with 7,500+ servers. This makes it easy to find a nearby server if the gaming servers aren’t functioning.
Quick comparison of the best WoW VPNs
VPN Service | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | ExpressVPN | IPVanish | PrivateVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Rating (Gaming) | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
Number of Servers | 6,800 | 30,000 | 3,000 | 2,000+ | 200 | 3,200+ | 7,500+ |
Maximum Devices Supported | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | Unlimited | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
Speed | 111 Mbps | 193 Mbps | 301.32 Mbps | 191.70 Mbps | 250 Mbps | 203.963 Mbps | 296 Mbps |
Compatibility | iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Fire TV, Chromebook, Android TV, routers | Linux, Android, iOS, Windows, Edge, Chromebook Firefox, routers, Smart TVs | Android, Mac, iOS, Windows, Linux, routers, Chrome, Opera, Firefox | Android, iOS, Windows, routers, Mac | Android, Windows, iOS, Mac | Android TV, Fire TV, iOS, Windows, routers, MacOS, Linux | PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
IP Locations | 110+ countries | 90+ countries | 100+ countries | 100 | 60+ countries | 100+ countries | 91 countries |
How to choose the best VPN for World of Warcraft
When choosing a VPN provider for WoW, you must consider several essential elements. You should choose a VPN to enhance your gaming experience and protect your data. The following features make a VPN suitable for gaming:
- Server network: Use VPNs with an extensive server network, enabling you to connect and play WoW virtually anywhere. Besides, VPNs with large server networks offer improved performance because they have a low tendency to have overcrowded networks.
- User interface: Easy-to-use apps make connecting to a server and gaming simple. Each VPN on our list offers intuitive apps that support multiple devices.
- Connection speeds: An ideal VPN for online gaming should have fast connections with low latency. This way, you will experience minimal lags.
- Pricing: Another consideration is determining whether the provider offers value for money. Check the functionality of the VPN and ensure it offers a 7-day free trial alongside a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Gaming: Some VPNs are more suitable for video and music streams rather than gaming. As a WoW enthusiast, carefully check if the VPN works well with online games like Final Fantasy, Minecraft, WoW, LoL, and Steam. Also, ensure it can access several online game servers.
- Privacy and security: Prioritize VPNs with features like 256-bit AES encryption and an automatic kill switch. We also advise that you check the preferred provider’s privacy terms and no logs policy to determine if they uphold users’ privacy.
Is a free VPN a good option for WoW?
You can play World of Warcraft with free VPNs. However, don’t expect them to function flawlessly. These VPNs lack the infrastructure to give you a seamless gaming experience because they don’t charge users. With freemium providers, you’ll likely experience performance issues, crowded servers, and slower speeds.
However, you can try ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN. These freemium providers have decent speeds, multiple servers, and no data caps. Unfortunately, the ProtonVPN free version offers coverage for only the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan, so many users, especially WoW enthusiasts, won’t enjoy its service.
In most online games we tested, including WoW, we noticed an increase in latency and a drop in download numbers, making the connection unstable. ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN are useful for bypassing geo-restrictions.
These freemium providers aren’t our preferred service for enjoying iconic gameplay like World of Warcraft. The best you can get is disguised malware and compromised privacy.
Can WoW detect and ban my VPN usage?
Presently, there’s no official World of Warcraft VPN ban on gamers. Although Blizzard Entertainment doesn’t endorse using VPNs, users can enhance their gaming experience with one. Playing WoW is common in regions with low-performing servers. So, accessing the game with a VPN is inevitable.
We advise that you use the same servers when playing World of Warcraft. This way, the game will recognize a recurring pattern in your IP location. For example, if you keep switching between the US, Asia, and Europe in a few hours. This act may appear suspicious to the game’s server, leading to a ban.
Still, it’s rare for Blizzard to ban users for VPN usage. It tends to ban accounts instead.
My VPN is not working with WoW. What to do?
It’s normal for premium VPNs for World of Warcraft to experience problems when routing your traffic. In situations like this, the following may happen:
- Your DNS requests and IP address are leaking (showing your real location).
- The VPN app is outdated.
- The provider is unsuitable for WoW.
- You connected to a crowded VPN server.
- The VPN doesn’t have the resources to bypass your antivirus and firewall.
To resolve the issue, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Update the VPN app.
- Select another VPN server. We recommend choosing from a different region.
- Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus to allow the VPN to pass through.
- Check for leaks, try multiple tunneling protocols, and restart WoW.
- Contact the VPN’s customer support for assistance.
How come I have high latency in WoW with a normal internet connection?
It’s common to experience lag and high latency while playing WoW online. Thankfully, there’s a quick fix to this issue. Modify your in-game settings to make the WoW run smoothly without ruining your experience. If you’re still having high latency issues, check your server.
The issue is likely the server whenever you have an excellent internet connection, but WoW keeps lagging. Consider changing the server to a different region. This comes with an increased ping. Hence, it’s best you use a reliable VPN with WoW, as it can help you get past both latency and ping problems.
Here are the common server-related issues gamers often face:
- WoW, Tichondrius server lag
- WoW server lag in Shadowlands
- WoW classic server lag
- WoW 9.1 patch lag
- WoW server World latency
- WoW Oceanic server lag
Can a VPN help me to stabilize my ping?
Of course, a VPN can help improve your ping in multiple ways.
If your ISP has to reroute your traffic due to congestion, a VPN can provide a faster route with its servers and, as a result, stabilize your ping. The VPN service’s encrypted tunnels will allow a more streamlined transfer of your network data packets.
Also, if WoW’s server is quite far from your location, using a VPN with servers closer to the location will lower your ping. By selecting a VPN server that’s far from the WoW server, your ping will increase. VPNs with a lightweight security protocol like WireGuard can also help reduce your ping.
FAQs
You can access World of Warcraft in most countries, but it has geo-restrictions in places like Iran and China. Most gamers use a VPN with WoW to improve their connection and experience minimal lag rather than unblock it.
Because VPNs pass through multiple encryptions to ensure online anonymity, they can affect your network performance. Choosing providers optimized for speed and reliability is best to offer you the best gaming experience possible. So, a reliable VPN will increase connection speeds even if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth while gaming.
WoW can only detect VPN usage if a gamer is acting suspiciously. By this, we mean switching between multiple locations erratically.