Sponsored: How to choose the best VPN to suit your gaming needs
The world’s most serious gamers tend to use PC’s rather than consoles to get their fix but a modern computer isn’t enough if you’re going to be taking it very seriously – you also need a serious internet connection that’s as secure as possible whilst still offering the flexible options you want.
Enter VPN (Virtual Private Networks) that offer the best performance, security and geographic flexibility to gamers around the world. Online games can take up a lot of bandwidth, that’s no great secret, so to ensure the experience is as smooth as possible VPN routes your connection through its protocols to provide the best results.
However, not just any VPN will do as there are varying levels of service and numerous features that some offer and some don’t. For example, a VPN that is close to the main server of your favourite game such as World of Warcraft will experience far less lag than one located a long way away but it may not offer the best level of encryption for your personal information.
As many of you will know, online gaming accounts contain information pertaining to the user’s location, contact details and payment details that need to be kept as secure as possible. Hackers often target gaming accounts as they contain all the data they aim to obtain – the most secure VPN is always the best option no matter the performance compromise.
Thankfully, the most secure VPN’s tend to bypass the internet provider’s speed restrictions which ensure the best performance possible whilst still providing the best security. You may even find that the most secure VPN’s improve your gaming experience significantly – you’ll be asking yourself why you never invested before!
That, of course, is the biggest factor for many gamers – the cost. The most expensive VPN options are generally worth investing in but the annual costs can add up to phenomenal amounts for a hobby. For example, I am a keen golfer and my annual spend is around £400 on rounds of golf and equipment – this total pales in comparison to some VPN options! At least I get some fresh air!
Choosing the best VPN for you is no easy task – in fact it can be very difficult as you have to find the right balance for your needs. There are reputable websites that offer gamers comprehensive information on VPN’s that can certainly guide you in the right direction. A simple checklist will help you no end with your decision – you need the best security, performance and geographic flexibility for your chosen game.
I.e. If you regularly play a game that relies on American servers, selecting a US based VPN will no doubt be the best option for you. Also think about how much you spend on the game in question via microtransactions; if it’s a large amount you’ll want beefed up security too.
Finally, if the game you play offers HD graphics and lots of cinematic cut-scenes; you’ll want a VPN that offers the best performance possible. This example will be quite expensive but it is definitely worth it for added peace of mind and greater enjoyment overall.
