7 Best VPNs for World of Warcraft in 2024

Aliu Isa  - Streaming Expert
Last updated: January 1, 2024
Read time: 14 minutes
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These VPNs let you stay in the game regardless of your location or ISP bans on World of Warcraft, unblocking your favorite game anytime.

THE TAKEAWAYS

World of Warcraft (WoW) is a popular MMORPG garnering many players. Simultaneously, it attracts negative attention from authorities like schools, organizations, or ISPs who want to block the game, presumably to save their people’s time or prevent them from distractions. However, an avid WoW player can’t afford such blocking, and hence, this article lists the best VPNs that can unblock WoW anywhere without hassle.

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 World of Warcraft seamlessly.

WoW is set in a fantasy world where players can create their own characters and embark on adventures and quests with other users worldwide. This global interaction is the core attraction of this online game. However, playing it usually comes with several hurdles, including its geo-restriction.

Typically, World of Warcraft is unavailable in some locations. Besides, many schools and employers have blocked access to this game. Another issue is WoW has limited servers worldwide.

Nonetheless, regardless of the matter, a VPN is the solution if you’re facing any of these problems. A Virtual Private Network or a VPN masks your location and network identity. It also benefits you by protecting your data and ensuring you enjoy fast speeds while gaming.

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

  1. NordVPN: A budget-friendly VPN with an extensive network of servers worldwide.
  2. ExpressVPN: The best VPN overall for World of Warcraft with a 30-day guarantee period but not free. It has servers in 94 countries, fast speed, and a zero-logs policy.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Surfshark: Boasts fast gaming speeds with military-grade encryption. It features the most extensive server network on our list.
  7. 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:

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Open the app and sign in using your details.
  4. Select a server near the WoW server.
  5. Connect to it from the drop-down list.
  6. Now, you can enjoy your raid and quests.

Why is World of Warcraft blocked?

Surprisingly, many schools and employers block World of Warcraft 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

World of Warcraft VPN

Quick Overview

VPN ServiceNordVPNExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessIPVanishPrivateVPNSurfsharkCyberGhost
Overall Rating (Gaming)9.89.59.28.88.58.27.9
Number of Servers5,6133,00025,0002,000+2003,200+7,500+
Maximum Devices Supported6510Unlimited10Unlimited7
Speed111 Mbps193 Mbps301.32 Mbps191.70 Mbps250 Mbps203.963 Mbps296 Mbps
CompatibilityiOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Fire TV, Chromebook, Android TV, routersLinux, Android, iOS, Windows,
Edge, Chromebook Firefox,
routers, Smart TVs
Android, Mac, iOS, Windows, Linux, routers, Chrome,
Opera, Firefox
Android, iOS, Windows, routers, MacAndroid, Windows, iOS, MacAndroid TV, Fire TV, iOS, Windows, routers, MacOS, LinuxPC, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
IP Locations75 in 50+ countries160 in 94 countries84+ countries60+ countries100+ countries91 countries

1. NordVPN

NordVPN for Streaming

A well-known all-around VPN for World of Warcraft that offers decent connection speeds, dependable security and privacy features, and more.

servers Has a network of 5,600+ speedy VPN servers scattered in over 60 countries
Ad Blocker feature Reliable threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)
encryption Industry standard, most secure encryption available: AES-256
Kill switch A user-friendly kill switch feature
Split tunneling feature Split tunneling feature with high efficiency
MultiHop mode Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption
tor compatible Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
Zero-logs policy Ensures that no logging is done
simultaneous connections Users can connect up to six devices simultaneously with each account
money-back guarantee A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked
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 5600 servers in 59 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. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN new features block logo 120 by 120 now

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.

servers Has an effective network of over 3,000 servers present in 88 different countries worldwide
Trusted servers nord TrustedServer technology (for enhanced security)
encryption Protects connection with reliable AES-256 data encryption
Zero-logs policy Does not keep log of user traffic usage
Split tunneling feature A split tunneling feature that works fluently
network lock feature Has Network Lock (kill switch) feature
tor compatible Supports Tor over VPN on all servers
P2P optimized servers Peer to peer enabled servers
simultaneous connections Each account can connect up to five devices at once
money-back guarantee 30-day tested pay-back policy
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 World of Warcraft 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.


3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private internet access pros cons block logo

A reliable VPN service to access WoW safely from anywhere. It provides fast and stable connections to protect and enhance your gaming experience.

servers An extensive network of over 35,000 secure VPN servers present in 82+ different countries
P2P optimized servers Peer to Peer connection supportive servers
encryption Secure connection with dependable encryption; AES 128-bits and 256-bits
Ad Blocker feature Robust protection against malware and adware threats with in-built MACE
Zero-logs policy Enforces a policy of zero logs
Trusted servers nord Runs on RAM-only VPN servers (benefits privacy)
Split tunneling feature The split tunneling feature works as expected
Kill switch Boasts a feature-rich kill switch
simultaneous connections Each account allows connection to ten simultaneous devices
money-back guarantee 30 days no-questions-asked money-back guarantee
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 for World of Warcraft. 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.


4. IPVanish

IPVanish

A super-reliable VPN vendor with stealthy protection. It provides safe and seamless access to World of Warcraft from anywhere in the world.

servers Boasts a network of more than 2,200 servers in 75 locations
P2P optimized servers Boasts P2P optimized servers
Zero-logs policy No data logging on users at all
encryption Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
Split tunneling feature Effective split tunneling feature
Kill switch A kill switch feature with high effectiveness
live chat Responsive 24/7 customer support
simultaneous connections One account connects an unlimited number of devices at once
money-back guarantee Pay-back policy of 30 days
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

PrivateVPN small

Small but effective VPN network that offers reliable access to WoW and other geo-blocked content. It has dependable security and encryption.

servers Has over 200 server locations across 60+ different countries
encryption 256-bit AES encryption for robust internet data security
P2P optimized servers Peer to Peer-supportive network of servers
protection Dependable web leak protection
Kill switch Provides a kill switch you can rely on
Zero-logs policy Doesn’t keep users’ logs
simultaneous connections Each account allows up to ten devices at once
money-back guarantee Money-back guarantee of 30 days
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

SurfsharkVPN

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.

servers More than 3,200 efficient VPN servers in 100 different countries
Trusted servers nord Runs on RAM-based servers (best for privacy)
Zero-logs policy Does not contain users’ logs
encryption Robust data AES-256 (industry-grade) encryption
P2P optimized servers Supports Peer to Peer traffic on most servers
Kill switch Security-enhancing smart kill switch feature
Clean web features Functional CleanWeb ad and malware blocking feature
Split tunneling feature Split tunneling with dependable effectiveness
simultaneous connections No limit to the number of connections per account
money-back guarantee 30 days of no-questions-asked refunds
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

cyberghost small

Another top recommended VPN service for gamers that provides user-friendly apps and reliable speed all around the locations.

servers Has more than 7,500 effective VPN servers present in 80+ countries worldwide
encryption Boasts strong AES-256-bit encryption standard
protection Verified no DNS leaks
P2P optimized servers Peer to Peer connections are allowed
Kill switch A customizable kill switch feature
simultaneous connections Each account connects up to seven devices at once
money-back guarantee Adheres to 45-day money-back policy
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.


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

Conclusion

You no longer have to bother about ISP throttling, regional restrictions, and slow connections when playing World of Warcraft. We’ve picked the best WoW VPNs to make your gaming experience seamless. A quality VPN is the most effective way to unblock the MMORPG on any device.

The overall best performer on our list goes to NordVPN. You’ll get value for money with its security features, extensive server network, and super-fast speeds.

Don’t let your internet connection and location hinder you from getting the best out of WoW.

FAQs

You can play WoW without a VPN. But with a VPN, you access restricted content by connecting to a server in another region. If your school or employer blocks WoW, you’ll need a VPN to access it.

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.

During our tests, NordVPN had the lowest ping. It also has low latency and superb fast connections. It has critical security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DDoS protection to make gaming fun.

A VPN that works well with WoW is also suitable for other online games. You should check your preferred game’s publisher to know if they allow VPN usage.

It’s a terrible idea to use a free VPN for gaming. As a result, there’s no “best free VPN” for WoW. Freemium VPNs have issues with connection speeds, server availability, and security. If you’re low on cash, there are budget-friendly premium VPNs you can use. You can also opt for VPNs offering family plans to share with your loved ones.

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.

Yes, it is. You can use a VPN to access private WoW servers that don’t run through Blizzard Entertainment.

WoW can only detect VPN usage if a gamer is acting suspiciously. By this, we mean switching between multiple locations erratically.

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About the Author

Aliu Isa

Aliu Isa

Streaming Expert
78 Posts

Isa is a Nigeria-born professional writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience under his belt. Having worked with some of the most renowned organizations worldwide, he’s been able to produce and publish hundreds of high-quality articles across a wide range of niches. Over time, Isa has developed an immense interest in digital security and privacy. He has always been a privacy enthusiast, and now, he's giving it all to educate people on privacy, security, and geo-blocking issues around the world.

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