Best VPNs for Minecraft in 2026
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Minecraft is played by millions of players around the world monthly. And with good reason – its open-world design keeps gamers coming back. Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to play it at school or work. And if you find your IP address banned from a server, you're going to have trouble playing from home, too.
Luckily, VPN services are here to help. You just need to find a reliable VPN with a range of apps, good speeds, a selection of servers, and features like port forwarding.
Everything you need to know about the best VPNs for Minecraft can be found in this article – read on to learn which provider suits you best.
6 best VPNs for Minecraft
- NordVPN – best VPN for Minecraft in 2026 overall
- Surfshark – Minecraft VPN with unlimited VPN connections
- IPVanish – cheap VPN for Minecraft
- ExpressVPN – speedy VPN for playing Minecraft
- CyberGhost – reliable VPN for Minecraft gameplay
- Proton VPN – VPN for Minecraft with many servers
Best VPNs for Minecraft – detailed list
I ran tests and did research to select the best VPNs for Minecraft, paying close attention to their offered range of functions, speeds, effectiveness, and subscription prices. After narrowing the list down, I detailed six excellent VPNs that perform well with Minecraft.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for Minecraft
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Works with Minecraft: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
I’ve chosen NordVPN as the overall best VPN for Minecraft, as it’s packed with market-leading features. For starters, NordVPN offers more than 9,500 servers in 149 countries that you can use to play Minecraft. This is useful if your IP address has been blocked or if you want to play at work or school. For a little extra, you can even get a dedicated IP address – this feature practically guarantees you’ll never be blocked again.
Additionally, NordVPN is super fast – you can expect great speeds of around 780Mbps (940Mbps baseline) with the NordLynx tunneling protocol. With speeds like this, your Minecraft sessions will be free from lag.
NordVPN has excellent apps for all major devices. So whether you’re playing Minecraft on a PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet, NordVPN has an app for you. With 10 simultaneous connections offered, other people in your household can also connect and enjoy all the benefits.
NordVPN excels in general VPN features. It unblocks all the big streaming sites (including multiple Netflix libraries), offers SmartDNS, is probably the most secure and private VPN you can get, and can be customized to suit your needs.
As described in our NordVPN review, you can get the provider’s subscription for as little as $3.49/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee included.
2. Surfshark – VPN offering unlimited connections
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
|
Works with Minecraft:
| Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark offers a top-tier service with unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can use it with every single one of your devices. You can even share the VPN with friends and family. The best part is that Surfshark offers that for one of the best prices on the market, and you can further reduce the price using our Surfshark discount code: OFFCN.
A subscription gets you more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries, so if you want to get around a Minecraft block, you’re amply covered. Its speeds are excellent, Surfshark has the industry-leading WireGuard tunneling protocol, and we averaged 780Mbps off a 940Mbps baseline.
Whatever device you like to play Minecraft on – Surfshark has a good app for it. Mac, Windows, iOS, Android – you name it, there’s an easy-to-use and feature-packed app available. You can even install Surfshark on your router and connect your game console and smart TV.
When you’re done playing Minecraft for the day, you might want to watch some shows or movies. With Surfshark, you can unblock all the major streaming sites and watch geo-blocked content from around the world. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and many more platforms will be completely unblocked.
Surfshark is also very cheap. Starting at just $2.49/month, including a 30-day money-back guarantee, this is a VPN service that’s hard to top.
Read more in our Surfshark review or uncover different details in our Surfshark vs NordVPN analysis.
3. IPVanish – budget-friendly Minecraft VPN
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
|
Works with Minecraft:
| Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is another budget-friendly VPN provider that works well for unblocking Minecraft at school, work, or anywhere else. It’s a US-based VPN provider that has a pretty big number of servers all over the world – more than 3,400 servers in 112 countries. You’ll be able to select the best location for Minecraft no matter where you are.
As for speeds, IPVanish is quite consistent, demonstrating drops in original speed as low as 15-25%, which is ideal for a fast-paced mob-slicing Minecraft adventure. You’ll be able to stream quality Minecraft content on Twitch, too.
When it comes to streaming movies, though, IPVanish has one pretty big downside – its European servers couldn't unblock Netflix. However, if it's the US Netflix library that you’re after, all should be well.
Nevertheless, it’s still a pretty decent Minecraft VPN, compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux. As discussed in our IPVanish review, the provider also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, the same as Surfshark.
IPVanish is also one of the cheapest providers out there – prices start at $2.19/month. However, the price increases after a year if you get the yearly subscription.
4. ExpressVPN – VPN with speedy connections for playing Minecraft
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries |
|
Works with Minecraft:
| Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
One more great option for Minecraft VPN is ExpressVPN. This is a privacy-friendly VPN, based in the British Virgin Islands. Although it doesn’t specify the exact server number, they are scattered across 105 countries, so you’re certain to find the best server location for your gaming.
The speed results won’t disappoint you either. ExpressVPN works with the Lightway protocol, which ensures great connection speeds. Our testing showed an average download speed of 700Mbps compared to a 940Mbps baseline. So your gaming experience will be smooth and lag-free.
Gaming is not the only perk of ExpressVPN – this provider is also great for streaming. With ExpressVPN, you can unblock plenty of streaming sites, including Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu. So, if you get sick of gaming, you have a vast list of content libraries for your entertainment.
Moreover, this VPN is compatible with all popular OS – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Its subscription starts at $2.49/month, which covers 14 simultaneous connections.
To learn more, check out the ExpressVPN review. Or consider a different approach by reading NordVPN vs ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost – VPN with gaming-optimized servers for Minecraft
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
|
Works with Minecraft:
| Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 88% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is a very good option for unblocking Minecraft, not only because of its multiple servers in 100 countries and good protection. This VPN has specialized servers for gaming that ensure the best experience and lag-free gaming.
In addition, this VPN works with the WireGuard tunneling protocol, so you get the market-standard speeds, which provide stable connections and seamless browsing. Moreover, security is also very important. That’s why there’s an automatic kill switch to prevent accidental IP address leaks and a strict no-logs policy.
As described in our CyberGhost VPN review, streaming is another strong suite of this provider. It can unblock all the popular streaming sites, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. There are also streaming-optimized servers for the best viewing experience.
CyberGhost is a pretty budget-friendly option, costing only $1.59/month and covering up to 7 devices simultaneously. In addition, you’ll get the extra-long 45-day money-back guarantee.
6. Proton VPN – VPN with extensive server fleet to unblock Minecraft
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers/countries: | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
|
Works with Minecraft:
| Yes |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN |
Proton VPN might be exactly what you need to unblock Minecraft. A Switzerland-based VPN, Proton VPN’s biggest appeal to gamers is its 20,300+ servers in 148 countries – you won’t run out of servers for your gaming sessions.
The VPN’s speed deserves a mention, too. Proton VPN works seamlessly with the lightweight WireGuard protocol, ensuring excellent connection speeds. During our tests, it maintained a 770Mbps download speed compared to the 940Mbps baseline. Whether you’re battling creepers or defending villages, you can count on a lag-free gaming experience.
In terms of security, Proton VPN has things well-covered with features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and double VPN. It also offers AES-256 for encryption. Meanwhile, on the privacy front, Proton VPN enforces a verified no-logs policy and supports Bitcoin payments.
Since it allows 10 simultaneous connections, other people in your home can also connect and use Proton VPN for other online activities such as browsing and streaming. Speaking of streaming, Proton VPN unblocks all well-known platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
As discussed in our Proton VPN review, you can get your hands on its plans from just $2.99month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee included.
Best VPN for Minecraft compared
To make your choice easier, I summarized all the key details about the providers in the table below.
| VPN | Rating | Servers | Speed retention | Security features | Price |
| NordVPN | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries | 83% | Kill switch, Threat Protection, obfuscated servers, Double VPN, RAM-only servers | From $3.49/month | |
| Surfshark | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | 81% | Kill switch, CleanWeb, NoBorders Mode, MultiHop, RAM-only servers | From $2.49/month | |
| IPVanish | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries | 75% | Kill switch, Threat Protection | From $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries | 75% | Kill switch, Threat Manager, Ad Blocker, RAM-only servers | From $2.49/month | |
| CyberGhost | Servers in 100 countries | 55% | Kill switch, Content Blocker, RAM-only servers | From $1.59/month | |
| Proton VPN | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries | 82% | Kill switch, no logs policy, DNS leak protection | From $2.99/month |
How to choose the best VPN for Minecraft?
When you’re picking a VPN for Minecraft, there is a set of features you should think about:
- Selection of servers. With a selection of fast servers around the world, you’ll get smooth gaming and a reliable connection.
- Reliable service. If you want to unblock Minecraft at work, school, or get around an IP address ban, pick one of my recommended VPNs that’s proven to do the job.
- Privacy and security. Staying safe online is always important, whether you’re streaming or gaming. Stay protected from DDoS attacks and spying ISPs with one of our top-rated VPNs.
- Value for money. Make sure you’re happy with the features, range of apps, and security options. All the VPNs I’ve selected offer a great service.
- Tech support. You never know when you might need a helping hand. The best VPNs offer a range of support, such as a 24/7 live chat and tutorials.
Why do I need a VPN for Minecraft?
These are the three main reasons why you may want to use a VPN when you play Minecraft:
- Getting around IP bans. When you get banned from a Minecraft server, you will no longer be able to access it with your IP address. The easy way to get around this is with a VPN. Connecting through a VPN server will display a different IP address to the Minecraft server, and you’ll be free to play again.
- Playing Minecraft at school or work. Employers and educational institutions probably don’t want you playing games when you’re meant to be studying or working. If they’ve blocked access to Minecraft, VPNs will let you continue playing.
- Avoiding DDoS attacks. If you want to start your own Minecraft server, a VPN (with port forwarding) is useful for protection from DDoS attacks. A DDoS attack is when malicious hackers, trolls, or even disgruntled gamers use bots to disrupt your server by bombarding it with traffic. With a VPN hiding your true IP address, the attackers won’t be able to get you.
Can Minecraft servers detect my VPN?
Technically speaking, yes, Minecraft servers can detect that you’re using a VPN – but it's very unlikely. If your VPN uses a shared IP address, which is mostly the case, there’s a slight chance that Minecraft server owners could take a look at the usage patterns and suspect it's from a VPN. If the server owner forbids the use of VPNs, this IP address may then be blocked.
However, this is easily fixed – just connect to a new server and get back in the Minecraft game. Even better, you could get a dedicated IP address. This is a feature many VPN providers offer (including NordVPN), but you might have to pay a little extra on top of the regular subscription. If you want to guarantee you’ll never be blocked from a Minecraft server, a dedicated IP address is the surefire solution.
What is the best free VPN for Minecraft?
There are some big issues with free VPNs. Let's take a look at two types of free VPNs you’ll find.
A completely free VPN won’t be from a reliable provider, and its apps will potentially be filled with irritating ads. They have to make money somehow. Ads might not be the only source of revenue – free VPNs might also sell your personal details to third parties. There could even be malware hidden away in the app. Plus, the features of a free VPN will be poor – you’ll struggle with speeds and other things. Overall, I don’t recommend relying on free options.
The freemium VPN is a free version of a paid VPN. You’ll get a trusted brand name, but features will be limited. For the best service, I recommend premium VPNs with free trials and money-back guarantees. You can test them without spending money and then commit to a paid plan if you find them worth it.
Final thoughts
Whether you’ve been banned from a Minecraft server, are blocked from playing at work, or want to start your own server and be protected from DDoS attacks, a VPN can help. For the best Minecraft VPN, I recommend NordVPN, which offers excellent speeds and thousands of servers worldwide.
You’ll get access to a range of servers, so you can always pick the fastest connection for smooth gaming. You can also use a VPN to unblock streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
A VPN can also shroud your IP address and personal data from online snoopers, such as malicious hackers, cybercriminals, or even your ISP. With the cost of a VPN starting from as little as $1.99/month, you’ve got nothing to lose and plenty to gain.
FAQ
Should I use a VPN for Minecraft?
It depends. You should use a VPN with Minecraft to make sure you can evade server bans, protect your own Minecraft server from DDoS attacks, and even get around blocks that might be in place at your school or workplace.
How do I bypass a Minecraft server ban?
Bypassing a Minecraft server ban is easy – you just need a VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark. Simply sign up for a plan, install the app on your device, find a new server to connect to, and then you’ll have a new IP address that will enable you to get around a Minecraft server ban.
Can I host a Minecraft server with a VPN?
Yes, you can host a Minecraft server with a VPN. You just need to make sure your chosen VPN offers the port forwarding feature. ExpressVPN is a good option that has this feature.
