5 Best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Tested 2024)
Facing DDoS attacks while gaming can ruin your experience, turning an exciting Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 session into a frustrating ordeal. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) can also lead to uneven, challenging matches. A top VPN can shield you from these issues.
Unfortunately, some VPNs can compromise your speeds and latency, while others lack adequate security features. I tested 20 leading VPNs to find the ones that perfectly balance security and performance for lag-free COD gaming.
ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for gamers. Its Lightway protocol ensures minimal latency and its military-grade encryption protects you from DDoS attacks. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
Warning: Manipulating your location with a VPN to trick Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s skill-based matchmaking system (SBMM) can violate the game’s terms of service. We strongly advise against using a VPN for any purposes that go against the game’s terms of service or any other illegal activities.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2024
- ExpressVPN — ExpressVPN is my preferred choice for playing Modern Warfare 3 due to its ultra-fast speeds and military-grade features that protect you from DDoS attacks.
- CyberGhost — Gaming-optimized servers prioritize your COD traffic to ensure lag-free gameplay, but they’re not available on its Mac and mobile apps.
- Private Internet Access — Flexible encryption boosts speeds to reduce latency for uninterrupted COD gaming, but it’s not based in a privacy-friendly location.
- NordVPN — Meshnet creates a virtual LAN network, so you can play Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer with your friends abroad, but its Double VPN servers slow down speeds.
- Surfshark — IP address rotation significantly reduces your chances of being DDoS’d while playing COD, but its distant servers can be considerably slow.
The Best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Tested in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Playing Call of Duty Securely and Without Lag
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, with ample connections in nearby COD lobbies for minimal latency
- Protects from DDoS attacks with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and in-built leak protection
- Supports 8 simultaneous connections for playing Modern Warfare 3 on multiple devices, including mobile
- Has multiple support options, including 24/7 live chat, email, and an extensive online knowledge base
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Its proprietary Lightway protocol delivers lightning-fast connections for lag-free gaming and no latency spikes. Besides encrypting your traffic, ExpressVPN changes your IP address, making you less vulnerable to potential DDoS attacks. It also secures you with:
- TrustedServer technology — uses RAM-only servers to ensure none of your gaming data can be stored onto ExpressVPN’s servers for complete privacy.
- Network Lock — prevents your IP address from getting exposed to DDoS attackers by cutting off internet connectivity if your device crashes or the server connection is lost.
- Private DNS — handles your data within the VPN tunnel to prevent data from being intercepted as your device constantly exchanges information from the gaming server.
- Leak protection — protects you from accidental IP and DNS leaks so that your actual IP address remains hidden from DDoS attackers.
With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN can protect your gaming anywhere you go. Theoretically, it can access gaming lobbies in other countries but this could violate the game’s terms of service and I don’t condone it. All its servers use 10Gbps ports, so none of the 15 I tried felt congested.
ExpressVPN averaged 93Mbps even on distant North American servers. Its proprietary Lightway protocol’s lean codebase ensures rapid data transfers for data-intensive COD gaming. It’s also designed to seamlessly switch between network changes (like from Wi-Fi to 5G) for uninterrupted gameplay.
You can play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on 8 devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN. If you’re a console gamer, you can set up ExpressVPN on your router and encrypt all your devices in one go. However, it’s a bit technical and you might need to contact customer support.
A minor con of ExpressVPN is its higher price compared to competitors. However, its unique features like the Lightway protocol and private DNS justify this cost through lag-free gaming and advanced protection against DDoS attacks. The overall value ExpressVPN offers to gamers far exceeds the price, making it a worthy investment.
To get a 49% discount, subscribe to ExpressVPN’s 1-year + 3 months plan. You can try it confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I submitted my request via live chat, and the support agent never asked me questions. The refund was credited to my PayPal 3 days later.
ExpressVPN works on: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers Prioritize COD Traffic for Low-Latency Matches
Key Features:
- Has 11,800+ servers in 100 countries and gaming servers in 4 locations
- Includes NoSpy servers, secure protocols, military-grade encryption, and leak protection
- Lets you play COD on 7 devices at once for seamless gaming sessions with friends
- Offers fast troubleshooting via live chat, email, and online guides
- Backs your purchase with a 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s gaming servers provide low latency for uninterrupted COD matches. They send your data through the shortest route to ensure fast data transfers and prioritize your traffic for uninterrupted gameplay. In the fast-paced Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer arenas where every millisecond counts, CyberGhost’s gaming servers ensure you never miss a headshot due to lag.
You can play Call of Duty on up to 7 devices at once. Marking a gaming server as a favorite lets you access it via Quick Connect. PS5 and Xbox gamers can set up Smart DNS, though only in limited locations. I suggest setting it up on your router if you’re outside the US, UK, Japan, Germany, or the Netherlands.
In my tests, CyberGhost’s gaming servers were 11% faster than regular ones but there wasn’t much difference in nearby locations. Standard servers in Australia yielded a ping of 41ms (up from 18ms), which is excellent even for pro COD players. I used WireGuard due to its balanced performance and security, but I wasn’t concerned about being DDoS’d as it offers:
- NoSpy servers — are located in CyberGhost’s private data center in Romania, which doesn’t have data retention laws so there’s no risk of third-party breaches.
- Split tunneling — lets you play COD with a VPN while letting the rest of your internet stay unencrypted for watching local content and news.
- WiFi protection — automatically starts CyberGhost when you join a network, protecting your gameplay even if you forget to encrypt your device.
A minor gripe I have with CyberGhost is its lack of gaming servers on Mac and mobile apps. Fortunately, most avid gamers like me don’t lean on Macs for gaming. Meanwhile, COD mobile players can use a regular VPN server and enjoy lag-free gaming as their performance is still stellar.
I recommend CyberGhost’s 2-year + 2 months plan due to its 83% discount. You can try it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. During my refund process, the live chat support agent never coaxed me to stay. I got a confirmation email immediately after he approved the request and I was refunded in 5 business days.
CyberGhost works on: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
Editors' Note: CyberGhost VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Flexible Encryption to Boost Speeds While Playing Modern Warfare 3
Key Features:
- Extensive network of 35,000+ servers in 91 countries with ample bandwidth to guarantee seamless COD gaming
- Includes in-built leak protection, a kill switch, military-grade encryption, split tunneling, and paid dedicated IP addresses
- Offers unlimited simultaneous connections for hassle-free gaming on all your devices
- Troubleshooting methods include live chat, email, and its online knowledge base
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA’s flexible encryption improves latency and speed for COD players with slow internet. It dials down the cipher from 256-bit to 128-bit so that your gaming traffic takes less time to get encoded and travels faster between your device and the VPN server. 128-bit is still very secure for casual gaming on public networks, especially when complemented by PIA’s:
- Built-in leak protection — ensures your COD traffic doesn’t leak outside the VPN tunnel, preventing DDoS attackers from singling out your IP address.
- Dedicated IP addresses — give you a unique IP address not shared by others, which reduces the risk of IP address bans, congestion, and latency issues while gaming.
- Kill switch — cuts off internet connectivity if the server drops unexpectedly, preventing accidental IP address exposure (though all 15 servers I tested remained stable).
You can also improve your speeds by enabling port forwarding. It routes incoming traffic directly to your gaming device instead of the router, making data transfer more efficient, However, it also makes you more susceptible to targeted attacks. I suggest not using it until absolutely needed, especially since PIA’s distant connections in the UK averaged 83Mbps in my tests.
With 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, PIA averages over 400 connections per country. This provides ample flexibility to switch IP addresses mid-gameplay if needed. While it lacks obfuscated servers, its SOCKS5 proxy lets you play COD on restricted networks at school or work. Just ensure you don’t use this to access foreign lobbies.
A slight drawback of PIA is its base in the US, central to the 5 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Despite this, its no-logs policy is verified by Deloitte, and it uses RAM-only servers to ensure zero data retention. In past instances, PIA had nothing to hand over to the authorities, proving its privacy-first stance.
Getting PIA’s 2-year + 2 months plan is a steal at just $2.19 per month. If you’re still unsure, you can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I can personally vouch for this, as I got my refund within 5 working days after submitting a request via live chat and providing my invoice details for verification.
PIA works on: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Mac, Android, routers, and more.
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Meshnet Allows COD Multiplayer Gaming With Friends Like on a LAN Network
Key Features:
- Includes 6,300+ servers in 110 countries and obfuscation to hide VPN usage
- Secures gaming with double encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and dark web monitoring
- Play Modern Warfare 3 on up to 10 devices at once with a single subscription
- Provides quick support through live chat, email, in-app ticketing, and online resources
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free
NordVPN’s Meshnet lets you play Modern Warfare 3 with your friends anywhere, just like you’re on LAN. It requires setting up port forwarding since routers generally block incoming traffic for security. Despite having all the benefits of a P2P network, Meshnet ensures that data packets are shared securely without interception or tampering. Plus, NordVPN includes:
- LAN invisibility — lets you play COD securely on public WiFi, hiding your device from others connected to the network.
- Dark web monitoring — monitors your email address and informs you of any leaks associated with your email address on the dark web.
- Military-grade encryption — Enciphers your COD traffic, making it virtually uncrackable if snooped on by third parties.
Its proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures swift and secure COD gameplay, with speeds averaging 84Mbps on long-range servers. NordLynx is built around the efficient WireGuard and uses a dynamic switching mechanism that automatically transfers your connection to the best available server in case of any performance issues.
My only reservation with NordVPN was that its Double VPN servers significantly slowed down my connections. However, you don’t need double encryption for gaming — it’s only useful for suitable for sensitive tasks like making financial transactions on public networks securely.
I vouch for NordVPN’s 2-year + 3 months plan due to its 74% discount. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs overall, and you can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I got my refund in 6 days, and filing a request via live chat support hardly took 10 minutes.
NordVPN works on: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
5. Surfshark — IP Address Rotation Protects Against DDoS Attacks While Playing Modern Warfare 3
Key Features:
- Has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries with free static IP addresses
- Offers GPS Override, LAN invisibility, Smart DNS, and MultiHop for secure gaming
- Lets you play Modern Warfare 3 on all your devices with its unlimited simultaneous connections
- Find answers to your queries on its knowledge base or reach out via live chat or email
- Makes your purchase risk-free with its 30-day refund policy
Surfshark’s IP address rotation protects your COD gameplay from DDoS attacks by changing your IP address at regular intervals. This makes it challenging for anyone to disrupt your gaming experience by flooding traffic to your device via botnets. It ensures you never leave a trail for snoopers to prevent future targeted attacks. Surfshark also includes:
- GPS Override — syncs your GPS location with the server to prevent gameplay disruptions, but you can’t change your location to access foreign lobbies as it’s illegal.
- Camouflage and NoBorders — modes disguise your data as regular internet traffic, so you can play Modern Warfare 3 on restricted networks at college or work.
With Surfshark, you and your friends can play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on many devices thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. I tested it on 10 devices without a glitch, a relief compared to other VPNs. While it lacks native apps for Xbox and PlayStation, its Smart DNS proxy secures gaming by spoofing location, crucial for thwarting DDoS attacks.
A minor setback I faced with Surfshark was a considerable speed reduction on remote servers, with latency increasing by 15ms every 500 miles. On a US server, my latency hit 78ms, and speeds dipped 18%. Still, I played COD without lag due to my high-speed internet. If your internet’s slower, you might notice these changes more.
Surfshark is one of the most affordable monthly VPNs, offering an 83% discount on its 2-year + 3 months plan, for $2.19 a month. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its refund guarantee. I asked for my money back via live chat — the support agent approved my request, and I was reimbursed in 7 days.
Surfshark works on: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and more.
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
| VPN | Lowest price | Server network size | Max ping (baseline: 18ms) | Proprietary protocol | Money-Back Guarantee |
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 25ms | ✔ | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | $2.19/month | 11,800+ servers in 100 countries | 41ms | ✘ | 45 days |
| PIA | $2.19/month | 35,000+ servers in 91 countries | 47ms | ✘ | 30 days |
| NordVPN | $3.09/month | 6,300+ servers in 110 countries | 59ms | ✔ | 30 days |
| Surfshark | $2.19/month | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 78ms | ✘ | 30 days |
3 Easy Steps to Use a VPN With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN due to its best overall performance in terms of speed and protection against DDoS attacks to ensure lag-free COD gaming.
- Connect to a server. For a competitive edge, pick a server in a location with a ping under 100ms.
- That’s it! Start playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 with peace of mind.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
To pick the best VPNs for Call of Duty, I scrutinized specific features that ensure an enhanced Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 experience.
- Fast speeds and low ping — I ran speed tests and verified that they didn’t fall below 30% from my baseline levels and ping stayed under 40ms on nearby servers.
- Security & privacy features — I ensured each VPN on my list has military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to prevent DDoS attacks while gaming.
- Server network — a large network lets you play COD while traveling. Remember to never play on another country’s server as it can violate the game’s terms of service.
- Compatibility — all VPNs I’ve listed are compatible with popular platforms like Windows and Android and I checked for Smart DNS for playing on consoles that lack VPN apps.
- Money-back guarantee — you should always choose a VPN that gives you a window to try it out risk-free. All the VPNs on my list do that.
FAQs: VPNs and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Is it legal to use a VPN for playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?
Yes, most countries allow fair use of VPNs unless you’re in restrictive locations like China. The best VPNs for COD: Modern Warfare 3 hide your IP address and protect you from DDoS attacks that can ruin your score. However, using it to access foreign lobbies by manipulating your location could violate COD’s terms of service, which I don’t condone.
Can I play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 with a VPN on mobile and game consoles?
Yes, but it depends on which devices your VPN supports. All the VPNs I’ve listed work on Android for mobile gaming. While most gaming consoles like Xbox and PS5 don’t natively support VPNs, you can still do so via Smart DNS or setting up the VPN on your router. Just ensure you’re using a VPN fairly as per Call of Duty’s terms of service.
What to do if my VPN isn’t working with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?
First, make sure you’re using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to avoid issues like data leaks, poor encryption, and high latency. Then try to:
- Switch servers — some servers can face overload or temporary issues. Try connecting to a different server in your current location and check latency before playing COD.
- Check firewall and antivirus settings — firewalls or antivirus programs might block the VPN connection. Ensure that your VPN is added to the list of trusted applications.
- Update VPN — your VPN client should be up-to-date, as outdated versions might face compatibility issues with newer game patches.
- Change protocol — experiment with different connection protocols (e.g., OpenVPN or NordLynx) available in your VPN settings to find one that works seamlessly.
- Disable IPv6 — some VPNs might only support IPv4. Disable IPv6 in your network settings to prevent accidental IP exposure while playing Modern Warfare 3.
Will a VPN increase ping and cause lag while playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?
Yes, a VPN will almost always increase your ping due to the additional step of routing traffic through an intermediary server and encrypting your data. The trick is to use a VPN with these qualities to ensure that it transfers data efficiently without reducing speeds or increasing latency significantly.
Why do I need a VPN for playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?
You should use a VPN for COD for secure and uninterrupted gaming, but not all VPNs are suitable. Have a look at this comparison chart to pick your favorite option. Whichever VPN you choose, you’ll get the following benefits:
- Better security — activating a VPN changes your IP address and encrypts your gaming traffic, shielding you from frustrating DDoS interruptions.
- Optimized performance — a VPN can fine-tune the pathway your connection takes to reach the game server, possibly decreasing lag while playing Modern Warfare 3.
- Overcoming network restrictions — school or work networks often block you from gaming. By changing your IP address, a VPN can circumvent such restrictions.
- Anonymity — VPNs facilitate anonymous gaming, preventing fellow players from pinpointing your location or IP address.
Is it safe to use a free VPN for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?
No, free VPNs aren’t suitable for data-intensive tasks like gaming. Instead, you can try a reliable alternative like CyberGhost for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. You’ll get a full refund as long as you ask for it before time runs out.
Most free VPNs are unsafe as they can infect your device or sell your data. While there are a few safe ones, they have limitations like data caps, few servers, and network congestion. When combined, these issues likely result in gameplay lag.
Get a Reliable VPN for Playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Today!
The lurking threat of DDoS attacks can cripple your Modern Warfare 3 gameplay by flooding unwanted traffic to your IP address. Add to that the sting of SBMM pulling you into relentless, tough matches. A VPN can be your shield, but not all stand firm against these challenges. Many struggle with overloaded servers and sluggish connections.
I tested several VPNs, and ExpressVPN is my top pick for gaming. Its Lightway protocol guarantees blazing speeds, while its top-shelf security features like TrustedServer technology and military-grade encryption make DDoS attacks virtually impossible. What’s best, you can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
