Updated on: February 3, 2026
Fact-checked by Sam Boyd
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🥇 ExpressVPN
: Has servers in 105 countries that can access different lobbies in Modern Warfare and Black Ops, and maintains lightning-fast speeds for lag-free games. It protects you from DDoS attacks, and you can use it on your PC, mobile phone, PlayStation, and Xbox. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee (for first-time users only).
The best VPNs for Call of Duty let you take control of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in Modern Warfare, Black Ops, and other CoD titles. They help you find lobbies with players that match your goals — whether you’re grinding to improve against tougher competition or just want a break with less-skilled opponents. Plus, top VPNs keep your gameplay smooth by eliminating lag with super-fast servers and protecting you from DDoS attacks that can ruin your connection mid-match.
I tested the leading VPNs with Call of Duty: Warzone, Modern Warfare III, and Black Ops 6 to find the best options for CoD players. My top pick is ExpressVPN for its large server network, lightning-fast speeds, excellent security features, and seamless compatibility across all devices. That said, any of the other options on this list are worth your consideration.
Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Call of Duty in 2026
Editor’s Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇 1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Call of Duty in 2026
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for playing Call of Duty. With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN can access different lobbies (including bot lobbies) to help you refine your skills. Its vast server network also ensures low-latency connections, no matter where you are.
- Lightway protocol is great for CoD
- All servers have auto-obfuscation
- Can be used on gaming consoles
- Support for cloud gaming services
- Pricey monthly subscription
In my tests, it provided me with smooth Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Black Ops 6 sessions — I didn’t experience crashes, and my connection to the gaming servers never dropped after multiple rounds, ensuring that I kept my rank. ExpressVPN has very fast speeds thanks to Lightway, which is its proprietary protocol that’s faster than other popular protocols like OpenVPN. Plus, it’s very lightweight, which means it puts less strain on your device’s battery, so you can enjoy longer CoD sessions on your laptop and mobile devices without needing to recharge as often.
ExpressVPN lets you play Call of Duty on practically any device. It has apps for Android and iOS, where you can play Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, and Windows and macOS for playing Modern Warfare III or Black Ops (or any other CoD titles) on your PC.
What’s more, ExpressVPN works with cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass, allowing you to stream Call of Duty: Warzone to your smartphone without any lag. This is especially useful if you want to game on the go, and makes it the best VPN for Call of Duty mobile lovers.
If you play CoD on a console, ExpressVPN has custom firmware that works on the most popular routers and a dedicated router app that takes 5 minutes to set up. If you don’t want to deal with the router setup or are worried about voiding your router guarantee, you can get ExpressVPN’s own router (Aircove), which includes built-in VPN benefits and fast and reliable Wi-Fi connections. There’s also a lighter, travel-friendly option called Aircove Go for gaming in hotel rooms, etc.
Plus, I like using the Shortcuts feature when I play Call of Duty. This tool lets you set up 1-click shortcuts for apps and sites that show up on your VPN connection screen after you connect to ExpressVPN — so I can securely jump right into Call of Duty.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best CoD VPN in 2026 — it has extremely fast speeds for gaming, it’s very secure, and it supports cloud gaming. Plus, it has easy-to-use apps for all devices, even if you play Call of Duty on a PlayStation or Xbox.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈 2. Private Internet Access — User-Friendly VPN for Call of Duty
Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you optimize your connection for CoD games with customizable options. It lets you switch to 128-bit OpenVPN encryption for slightly faster speeds and more stable connections, which is useful if you’re playing on a shared Wi-Fi network with a weak signal. You can also use 256-bit for stronger security or pick WireGuard for the best mix of speed and protection.
- Maintains low ping
- Manual router setup
- Highly customizable apps
- No gaming servers
- Limited automation
PIA has a large server network in 91 countries, though ExpressVPN provides access to several extra regions with servers in 105 countries. This makes it easy to connect to regions with less competitive SBMM settings or bot lobbies, giving you more relaxed matchups to practice your skills.
Its apps are available for all major platforms, making it easy to play CoD: Warzone Mobile or other Call of Duty titles, like Modern Warfare and Black Ops, on your preferred device. It also supports manual router configuration, so you can secure your CoD sessions while gaming on Xbox and PlayStation, making it a great VPN for console gaming. PIA offers easy-to-follow step-by-step guides for this, but I prefer ExpressVPN’s router app, as it’s a lot easier to set up.
What’s more, PIA also has really good gaming speeds. In my CoD: Modern Warfare III games, I barely noticed I was connected to the VPN, the ping was only slightly higher, and I was never disconnected. If you’re not sure what server to pick for the best speeds, PIA displays server ping for each server location, so you can find the fastest servers for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
Additionally, PIA comes with an Identity Guard feature, which checks if your email or passwords have been involved in a data breach, including your gaming login credentials for Call of Duty. This allows you to quickly react to potential breaches and protect your in-game progress and purchases before further damage occurs.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access comes with customizable apps that allow you to optimize your CoD sessions on bad networks. It has a large server network for getting bot lobbies, and you can manually configure it to play Modern Warfare or Black Ops on a console.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editor’s Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉 3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Gaming Servers + Great Automation
CyberGhost VPN has gaming-optimized servers in 4 countries — the US, the UK, Germany, and France. These servers are optimized for faster speeds, providing 8–13% better performance compared to regular servers in my Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Black Ops 6 sessions.
- Fast gaming servers
- Unsecured Wi-Fi protection
- Many automation settings
- No server obfuscation
- Smart Rules only on Windows
If you prefer a different server location, CyberGhost still has a vast network of servers in 100 countries, allowing you to connect to nearby regions for low-latency matches (though ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is still faster). This flexibility is useful for finding more or less competitive SBMM matchups. Plus, CyberGhost displays the ping for each server (gaming or regular), making it easy to find the fastest connection for smooth gameplay.
CyberGhost provides excellent automation that’s perfect for both VPN beginners and advanced users. Its Smart Rules feature lets you automatically connect to any gaming or regular server when you launch the VPN or the Call of Duty app on your PC. You can also set it to auto-connect to a server location once you open the Call of Duty game on your computer.
CyberGhost also comes with an Identity Guard feature, which alerts you if your login credentials are compromised. You can use this tool to protect your logins for Call of Duty and any game launchers, like Steam, to protect your in-game progress and purchases.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has dedicated gaming servers, a very large server network for getting into different lobbies, and convenient automation tools for playing Call of Duty while connected to the VPN.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editor’s Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN for Call of Duty
Proton VPN is an excellent pick for Call of Duty if you want a free VPN. Its free version provides unlimited bandwidth, so you can play Modern Warfare III, Black Ops, and any other CoD title as much as you want.
- VPN Accelerator reduces ping
- Custom gaming connection Profile
- Accesses tons of gaming regions
- Free plan picks your location
- No 24/7 customer support
The free version comes with servers in 5 countries (the US, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan), but it only lets you connect 1 device. However, the free plan allows you to configure the VPN onto your router manually, so you can connect all of the devices in your household to the VPN — and play CoD on a gaming console (though, ExpressVPN’s dedicated router app is much easier to install).
One significant downside of the free plan is that you can’t pick your server to get around CoD’s SBMM, but it can be convenient for Call of Duty players who simply want to connect to a fast server and start gaming right away.
Upgrading to Proton VPN’s paid plans is well worth it for the additional perks. The paid version gives you access to servers in 127 countries. You’ll also get access to VPN Accelerator, which boosts speeds and reduces ping on distant servers. This is ideal if you’re connecting to far-off bot lobby regions. The Profiles feature is also excellent, letting you customize connections for gaming on specific servers and protocols (similar to CyberGhost’s Smart Rules).
Bottom Line:
Proton VPN has the best free plan for playing Call of Duty, as it provides unlimited bandwidth and good speeds. Upgrading to the paid version provides access to many perks, including a huge server network and a speed-boosting feature for low-ping in CoD games even on distant servers.
Read the full Proton VPN review
5. Surfshark — Great for Avoiding DDoS Attacks
Surfshark is an excellent choice for protecting your connection in Call of Duty, thanks to its unique IP Rotator feature. This tool regularly changes your IP address during gameplay without dropping your connection or altering your location, making it much harder for anyone to track you or launch a DDoS attack, while still maintaining region-specific matchmaking.
- Solid server selection worldwide
- Handy IP Rotator feature
- Can hide your GPS data
- Slower on very distant servers
- Override GPS missing on iOS
Surfshark has servers in 100 countries. Its apps display server ping, too, so it’s easy to find the fastest server if you’re looking to improve your ping.
If you’re a Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile player on Android, Surfshark’s GPS spoofing feature can be a game-changer. This tool matches your GPS location to your VPN server, making it harder for the game to detect your physical location through GPS (most mobile apps do this). As such, you can explore different matchmaking regions more freely. That said, compared to ExpressVPN, Surfshark works less reliably with cloud gaming services like GeForce Now.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark provides very good anti-DDoS protection via its IP Rotator feature. In addition, it has a large server network for accessing different CoD lobbies and a useful Android feature for playing Warzone Mobile issue-free.
Read the full Surfshark review here
6. NordVPN — Security-Focused VPN for Call of Duty + LAN Parties
NordVPN has very good security features for CoD players. For starters, it has Dark Web Monitor, which alerts you if your NordVPN login credentials are compromised. If you use the same login details for your CoD account, you can use this feature to keep an eye on them too. If you play on Windows, its Threat Protection Pro feature includes an app vulnerability scanner, which flags your CoD app when it’s outdated.
- Host secure virtual LAN parties
- Fast NordLynx protocol
- Detects compromised credentials
- No anti-DDoS protection
- Extra features cost extra
If you’d rather play with friends than random strangers, NordVPN also lets you host virtual LAN parties for Call of Duty via its Meshnet feature. This tool allows you to create a secure, private network by linking up to 60 devices over encrypted VPN connections. So, you and your CoD teammates can play together securely without relying on public servers.
NordVPN also has servers in 178 countries, and the provider also has really good gaming speeds thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol that’s built around the WireGuard protocol (which is very fast). It supports router configuration but doesn’t come with a convenient router app, like ExpressVPN.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN provides high-end security for CoD gamers via its Dark Web Monitor and Threat Protection Pro features. It also lets you host virtual LAN parties for safely playing CoD with your friends, and it has a large server network for accessing easier lobbies.
7. PrivateVPN — Good VPN for Playing Call of Duty on Restricted Networks
PrivateVPN provides solid performance for Call of Duty players on restricted networks. Its Stealth VPN feature bypasses network blocks and lets you play Modern Warfare, Black Ops, or any other CoD title on networks that may restrict access to the game, like school or work Wi-Fi.
- Can prioritize speed or anonymity
- Beginner-friendly apps
- App-based kill switch
- Stealth protocol is very slow
- No cloud gaming support
PrivateVPN’s servers are located in 63 countries. I like its color-coded ping system (green for fast, yellow for average, and red for slow) that helps you quickly find the fastest server, ensuring smooth gameplay with minimal lag. It also has a proprietary Stealth protocol for playing on restricted networks, like school or work Wi-Fi.
PrivateVPN also lets you change your encryption level, like Private Internet Access, and it supports manual router configuration for playing CoD on a gaming console — but there’s no dedicated router app or cloud gaming support like with ExpressVPN. There’s also an Application Guard, which can kill apps like CoD automatically if you lose your VPN connection.
Bottom Line:
PrivateVPN is a great Call of Duty VPN, especially if you play on restricted networks. It has a decent-sized server network and handy features like the Stealth protocol and Application Guard.
Read the full PrivateVPN review
Quick Comparison Table
Editor’s Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I followed our tried-and-true testing methodology to choose and rank the best VPNs for Call of Duty. I’ve tested each with Call of Duty on different devices to evaluate their ease of use, security and privacy, and speed performance, among other things. Here’s a more detailed look at the criteria I used:
- I made sure each VPN offers protection from DDoS attacks. VPNs protect you against DDoS attacks by hiding your IP address (hackers can’t use it to DDoS your network). A DDoS attack is when another user routes large amounts of traffic to your network, forcing you offline, disconnecting you from the Call of Duty server, or creating lag to slow down your connection. Most of the VPNs on my list also have anti-DDoS protection on their servers. This way, you’re protected even if someone decides to DDoS the VPN server you’re connected to.
- I looked for VPNs with great security features. Every VPN on this list comes with industry-standard VPN security features (bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, and a no-logs policy), strong leak protection, and secure protocols. Most even have advanced security features, such as full leak protection, RAM-only servers that wipe all data on each reset, and perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key for each VPN session.
- I prioritized VPNs with large server networks. A large server network allows you to connect to a nearby location for the fastest possible speeds or any location you want to get into bot lobbies in Call of Duty and avoid peak hours.
- I tested each VPN’s speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds because they encrypt your data, but good VPNs minimize the speed loss. The VPNs on this list didn’t cause any lag or slowdowns when I played Call of Duty. ExpressVPN has the fastest gaming speeds.
- I checked their ease of use. The VPNs on this list have easy-to-use apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS with intuitive interfaces and 1-click connections. They also have router support, so you can connect your Xbox and PlayStation consoles to a VPN server.
- I considered every VPN’s overall value. I only recommend VPNs that allow multiple connections, offer affordable plans, and back each purchase with a money-back guarantee.
Why Use a VPN With Call of Duty & How to Get Into Bot Lobbies
A VPN is the best and easiest way to get into bot lobbies in Call of Duty. Bot lobbies offer an easier matchup because they have players with skills that don’t measure up to yours or those you typically match with. These players might be new to the game and/or have very low kill/death averages.
Call of Duty’s matchmaking system appears to use a Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) algorithm (there’s no official confirmation) that pits you against players of a similar skill level. This way, the system promotes fair play in the game, but it also makes advancing or winning more challenging as it consistently matches you with tough competitors.
The matchmaking system in the game also looks at your geographical location and time zone. Since matches are ideally created based on the availability of players fitting the matchmaking criteria in your region, playing during peak times in your area could mean tougher competitions due to a larger pool of players.
A VPN solves all of these “problems” by changing your IP address, which shows your geographic location, so you can access any bot lobby securely.
Connecting to a server in a different country, where the overall skill level is lower than in your location, can not only put you in matches more favorable in terms of competition but also lets you find games at times when your local player base is less active. For example, playing from the US during local evening times can be more competitive due to a higher player count. Connecting through a VPN to a server in a region where it’s off-peak hours, like the UK, during their early morning hours, can result in less competitive matches.
This also means you can use a VPN to improve your overall skills in the game by facing a different caliber of opponents and experiencing different game dynamics based on regional play styles. Just remember that there’s no guarantee that a VPN will always get you into a bot lobby — it will only increase the odds of that happening.
I also recommend using a VPN for Call of Duty to protect your security and privacy in-game. For example, being connected to a VPN means a sore loser won’t be able to directly DDoS you and force you offline.
What’s more, your ISP won’t be able to throttle your speeds when you play Call of Duty if you’re connected to a VPN. Some ISPs slow down your speeds if they detect heavy-bandwidth activities, like playing Call of Duty, to minimize network congestion. Since VPNs encrypt all of your traffic, they can’t see what you’re doing online, and in turn, can’t throttle your Call of Duty speeds.
Note for Black Ops Players: Be cautious when choosing a VPN region, as high pings can flag your account for investigation. Stick to nearby regions to avoid detection and ensure smoother gameplay. Always use VPNs responsibly within Call of Duty’s terms of service.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Astrill VPN. Astrill VPN has good speeds for gaming, but it has a limited country selection worldwide, and its plans are very expensive.
- TunnelBear. It’s very easy to use, and it also provides good gaming speeds. But while it has mobile and desktop apps, it doesn’t come with router support — so you can’t use it to play Call of Duty on consoles.
- Perfect Privacy VPN. Perfect Privacy VPN is secure, with fast speeds on local servers and unlimited device connections. However, its server network is small, it has noticeable slowdowns when playing Call of Duty on distant servers, and it doesn’t offer split-tunneling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use VPNs on Call of Duty?
Yes, you can use a VPN to play Call of Duty. A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different regions, which can potentially help you access bot lobbies or reduce matchmaking competitiveness. The VPNs I recommend all have large server networks that can connect to many locations around the world.
But beyond that, a VPN is essential for protecting your connection from DDoS attacks, avoiding ISP throttling, and playing CoD on networks that restrict access to the game. However, you should always use VPNs responsibly and ensure compliance with Call of Duty’s terms of service to avoid account issues.
Can CoD detect VPNs?
Yes, Call of Duty can detect VPN usage indirectly through high ping or unusual server connections. Activision doesn’t look for VPN traffic specifically, but it monitors player behavior, and high ping can indicate that you’re connected to a region that’s far from your actual location, which may raise red flags. The good news is that the VPNs I recommend maintain good ping across all servers.
Some players have reported account warnings for using VPNs to bypass SBMM. To minimize risks, choose nearby VPN servers and avoid significant ping differences that could draw attention.
Is a VPN the best way to get easier CoD matches?
Yes, and the most reliable one, too. You can try other methods, such as removing all filters from your server selection, or trying to get matched with newer players who usually don’t use filters. You can also buy another copy of the game on a different PC/console and make an account that will deliberately get a bad K/D rating. Then, you can use that account to get an easier lobby and invite your main account into it. This does work, but it’s costlier, more time-consuming, and more complicated than simply getting a good VPN (like ExpressVPN) to find an overseas server with lower-skilled players.
What’s the best VPN for Call of Duty?
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for Call of Duty in 2026 — it has excellent security features (including protection against DDoS attacks), maintains very fast speeds while playing Call of Duty, is compatible with cloud gaming platforms, and has very intuitive apps.
Do you need a VPN for Call of Duty?
Yes, I strongly recommend using a VPN when you play Call of Duty online. A VPN provides extra layers of security and privacy for gaming. Plus, a VPN might increase your odds of getting into bot lobbies, and it also makes it harder for your internet service provider to throttle your CoD speeds.
How do I install a VPN on a gaming console?
To use a VPN on your gaming console, you’ll have to configure the software on your router. Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox don’t natively support VPN software, so there’s no direct way to set it up on them.
The steps you need to follow to configure the VPN on your router vary based on the type of router you have and the VPN provider you use. In most cases, you’ll need to download the VPN files to a computer, remotely access your router, and upload the VPN files. Once the VPN is set up on the router, all you’ll have to do is connect your gaming console to the router network and launch Call of Duty.
All VPNs I recommend here can be set up on a VPN-compatible router, but only ExpressVPN has a dedicated router app you can directly install on your router.
Can you use a free VPN for Call of Duty?
Yes, you can use a free VPN for playing Call of Duty, but I usually don’t recommend this. Most free VPNs lack important security features, log your traffic, are slow, limit how much data you can use, and have glitchy apps. But if you insist on using a free VPN, try Proton VPN’s free plan since it provides unlimited data and fast speeds.
However, I strongly recommend that you purchase a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. It’s extremely secure, provides very fast speeds for playing Call of Duty, has intuitive apps for most platforms, and works with cloud gaming platforms.
What’s the fastest VPN for Call of Duty?
In my tests, ExpressVPN provided me with the fastest speeds for playing Call of Duty — I connected to gaming servers instantly, I always had low ping, I didn’t experience lag, and large updates downloaded really fast.
Which country is best for VPN in Call of Duty?
The best option would be countries that have low player counts, slow internet speed, or are in a different time zone from you. This includes servers in Africa or Asia, for example, so you can catch off-peak hours more easily. ExpressVPN (my pick for the best VPN for CoD) has plenty of such server locations, including Algeria, Ghana, Thailand, and Vietnam, to name a few.
Why won’t my VPN work on Call of Duty?
Your VPN may not work with Call of Duty due to server restrictions or high ping. Some VPNs have slow speeds or don’t support gaming traffic effectively. Call of Duty may also block certain VPN IP ranges if they’re flagged as suspicious. Every VPN I recommend for CoD offers fast speeds, a large server network, so you can connect to a nearby region for lower ping, and leak protection, so the VPN doesn’t reveal your real location.
Can a VPN stop RCE exploits in Call of Duty?
Not really, but they can still help. RCE or remote code execution exploits allow hackers to run commands directly on your computer — from opening random programs to installing malware. Even the best VPNs aren’t a replacement for dedicated security software and cannot fix exploits that are buried in the game’s code. However, they do hide your true IP address, reducing the risk of being targeted by these attacks. They can also potentially stop the more basic attacks by blocking suspicious incoming traffic.
