Modern Warfare 3 is out and pretty impressive by all accounts. But does SBMM (Skill-Based Matchmaking) have you fighting for your life in multiplayer games? Even if you’re a COD pro, you may just want to unwind and work out on some bots. Don’t worry, there’s an easy fix. A VPN can help you connect to less popular (and less active) Activision servers and international time zones by changing your virtual location.
Just don’t go buying the first VPN you see on some online ad! If you want to play online games, it’s important to pick a gaming-suitable VPN that’s fast, reliable, and has a large server network. We tested dozens over the years, and found that these are the best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for MW3 overall
- CyberGhost: Fast speeds thanks to dedicated gaming servers
- Surfshark: Affordable and easy to use MW3 VPN
- ExpressVPN: Easiest installation for console gamers
- PIA: Large server network and world-class security
While all of these VPNs are good for MW3, NordVPN is by far the best. It’s the fastest VPN according to our speed tests (only 5-11 ms of ping), it’s stable, and it has a massive server network. Get it for a 69% discount now:
For more details on the best VPNs for MW3, read our full article below.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 just hit the market. Critics who got early access weren’t happy with the single-player campaign, but the multiplayer looks like another CoD banger. You’ll get to play all the popular game modes, with modernized versions of MW2 maps, and a dozen brand-new designs.
But what if SBMM (Skills-Based Matchmaking) gives you impossible matches, or you just want easier lobbies after a long day? What if you’re streaming and don’t want to risk getting DDoS’d, or worse? What if your local servers are down at launch?
A good VPN is the answer to all of those problems. You can connect to secured servers for bulletproof cybersecurity protection and find less active time zones and countries for easier SBMM lobbies.
We tested dozens of apps to settle on the best VPN for MW3 and found several options that will let you hit Favela or Rust at white-hot speeds. If you’re eager to hop on the game, we recommend NordVPN for CoD: Modern Warfare 3. You can nab it with our exclusive 69% off discount below:
Which is the Best VPN for MW3?
We’ve had a lot of fun getting easier lobbies with all of these VPNs, and they’re all good for different things. Here’s an overview of your options:
| Feature | #1 NordVPN | #2 CyberGhost | #3 Surfshark | #4 ExpressVPN | #5 PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 6000+ | 11500+ | 3200+ | 3,000+ | thousands of |
| Number of countries | 61 | 100 | 100 | 105 | 91 |
| Ping (ms) on nearby servers | 5-10 | 6-12 | 7-14 | 5-11 | 30-50 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
| Price | $ 2.99/month | $ 2.03/month | $ 1.99/month | $ 6.67/month | $ /month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get CyberGhost | Get Surfshark | Get ExpressVPN | Get PIA |
Not sure which one you should pick? Let’s go over all your options.
1. NordVPN: The Best VPN Overall for CoD: Modern Warfare 3
Why we picked NordVPN:
- Very low ping, with only 5-10 ms on a nearby server location
- Secure, so you won’t have to worry about DDoS attacks, doxxing, or even swatting
- Quick access to easier lobbies in your favorite games, including MW3
- Robust security features to keep you safe online
- Plenty of server locations, all with reliable connections
NordVPN is the best VPN for Modern Warfare 3. It’s also our top choice for gaming in general, and that’s because we’ve tested it extensively and were always able to enjoy multiplayer games without lag. Whether you want easy MW3 games on launch, or Warzone bot lobbies, it’s the right VPN software.
Wondering why it’s our favorite? For starters, NordVPN is searingly fast. In our speed tests, it had the best results out of all the apps we analyzed. With just 5-10 ms of ping on nearby servers, you shouldn’t have any problems with lag while playing Modern Warfare 3.
Additionally, NordVPN has a vast server network, including a lot of VPN locations in countries where CoD is not as popular, like Turkey, Egypt, or Argentina. This means that you’ll be able to use NordVPN to successfully get around SBMM, and enjoy fun bot lobbies.
Last but not least, NordVPN is also one of the safest VPNs on the market. Its military-grade encryption will ensure your personal data is safe, and its advanced Threat Protection suite will keep other cyber threats at bay. If you’re worried about DDoS attacks, doxxing, or even swatting on MW3, NordVPN is a must-have. Especially when you can get it for 69% off using our link.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
For more details, don’t forget to also read our NordVPN review.
2. CyberGhost: Dedicated servers for online gaming
Why we picked CyberGhost:
- Dedicated servers for online gaming sessions, as well as streaming, P2P file-sharing, and more
- High speeds so you can play without worrying about lag
- Minimal ping on nearby servers (6-12 ms)
- Easy to use and set up on most devices
If you’re new to VPNs and aren’t sure what to choose, CyberGhost is a safe pick for beginners. It’s easy to use and set up, and it’s also incredibly affordable. But luckily, it doesn’t skimp on any features. We had success when trying to get Warzone bot lobbies with the app, and it worked really well with MW3 too.
When we tested CyberGhost, we had no problem playing multiplayer games while connected to its servers. It’s the third-fastest VPN in our tests, and we only experienced 6-12 ms of ping when connected to it. Plus, CyberGhost has dedicated servers for playing games online, which streamlines your multiplayer experience.
CyberGhost is also safe and secure, using advanced encryption to keep your IP address and online activity safe. And with our link, you can get up to 84% off, all with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
To learn more, don’t forget to read our CyberGhost review.
3. Surfshark: Affordable and fast VPN for Modern Warfare 3
Why we picked Surfshark:
- One of the most affordable VPNs on the market
- Second-fastest VPN according to our extensive speed tests
- Very low ping on nearby servers (7-14 ms)
- Unlimited connections, so it’s ideal if you own a lot of platforms
- Large server network so you can find a country with bot lobbies
If you’re looking to save on long-term subscriptions, Surfshark is probably one of the best Modern Warfare VPNs for you. It’s currently $ 1.99/month for long-term subscriptions, and it often runs amazing deals that you can use to get it even cheaper.
Despite being affordable, Surfshark offers a world-class VPN service. In our speed tests, it came in second place, right after NordVPN. When we used it to play games like Call of Duty or Overwatch, we didn’t experience any lag or frame drops because of the VPN connection. Plus, it has a robust server network, giving you access to countries where MW3 might not be popular, and where you can find bot lobbies galore.
Surfshark’s also strong on security. It uses military-grade encryption, and it even protects your connection with things like an ad blocker or kill switch. If you get it now, you can also get a free Surfshark trial, and claim a 82% discount on long-term subscriptions.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
If this VPN caught your eye, make sure to read our full Surfshark review.
4. ExpressVPN: Best Modern Warfare 3 VPN for a console gamer
Why we picked ExpressVPN:
- One of the fastest VPNs in our speed tests
- Low ping on nearby servers (as little as 5-11 ms)
- Easiest VPN to install on routers, which is required for using a VPN on consoles
- Amazing security and exclusive discounts with our link
ExpressVPN is an amazing pick for finding easy lobbies on consoles. It’s one of the fastest VPNs on the market, and we’ve had great results playing multiplayer games while connected to ExpressVPN servers. The Warzone experience was amazing with easier lobbies thanks to ExpressVPN, and it’s a solid choice for MW3 too. On nearby servers, we experienced as little as 5-11 ms of ping, which is ideal for fast-paced shooters like Modern Warfare 3.
Plus, ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN to install on routers. Since consoles like Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 don’t support VPN apps natively, you’ll need to install the app on your router and change IPs from there. ExpressVPN makes all of this easy with its custom firmware for router support.
So why is it so low on our list? Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is pretty expensive. We only recommend it for people that can afford it, and that are playing exclusively on consoles. Luckily, you can use our link to get an exclusive 49% discount for ExpressVPN subscriptions.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
If you’re not sure whether this app is right for you, read our ExpressVPN review.
5. PIA: Large server network and advanced security
Why we picked PIA:
- One of the largest networks of all VPN providers (over thousands of servers in 91 countries)
- Decent performance in our speed test results, although you do need a strong internet connection
- World-class encryption and security features to protect against DDoS attacks and other cyber threats
- Affordable and easy to set up, even for beginners
PIA’s not the fastest VPN for Modern Warfare 3. If you don’t have a strong internet connection (at least 100 MBps), you might want to pick another option. In our tests, we had as much as 30-50 ms of ping on nearby servers. This might not seem like a lot, but it can have a considerable impact on fast-paced games like Call of Duty.
If you have a trusty internet connection, PIA can be a great pick thanks to its large server network. With over thousands of servers in 91 countries, you get plenty of server locations to find bot lobbies and connect to the best location for you.
If you’re a streamer, you’ll be happy to know PIA has a ton of security features, like a strict no-logs policy, advanced encryption, and anti-malware software. This can help protect you from DDoS attacks, doxxing, and more.
Best of all, PIA is cheap. And with our link, you can get it for as much as 83% off:
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
If you need any more details, read our PIA review.
How We Chose the Best VPNs for COD: Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a demanding game. Playing it online will also place a big strain on your connection, so we only featured the best of the best in the list above. Here’s how we chose the best VPN to get bot lobbies in MW3:
- Speed and latency: We prioritized VPNs that had the best speed test results and maintained low ping nearby connections. Since multiplayer gaming requires plenty of bandwidth, each VPN we’ve listed also offers unlimited bandwidth included in their subscriptions.
- Extensive server network: It’s not always easy to find the best region to bypass SBMM on Call of Duty. That’s why we prioritized apps with a large server network, so you can find the perfect server location for you.
- Security: VPNs on this list have a robust security suite, to protect you from things like DDoS attacks, doxing, or even swatting. Most of them also have a proven no-logs policy, so your online activity and privacy are protected.
- Affordability: The best VPN usually comes at a price. But for this list, we were able to find VPNs that can easily find bot lobbies, and don’t cost a fortune.
Still worried about latency? Check out our resource on how to lower ping.
Why Use a VPN with CoD: Modern Warfare 3?
Why use a VPN with Call of Duty? From blocking ads, increased cybersecurity and privacy protection to improving overall playability, there are all kinds of purposes. But here are the main reasons players are using VPNs for Call of Duty MW3:
VPNs get easier lobbies on CoD: MW3
Most people who use a VPN with Call of Duty are looking to get easy bot lobbies.
How does that work? Normally when you join a multiplayer game, you’ll be paired by the SBMM (Skill-Based Matchmaking) system with people of a similar skill level in the game. If you use a VPN, your internet traffic will be routed through servers in other VPN locations.
If you connect to a server location where CoD isn’t popular, there might not be enough people of your skill level playing at a given time. In that case, Activision will fill your lobby with weaker players, or even bots.
Playing in bot lobbies isn’t challenging. But it can be a lot of fun if you’ve had a long day and just want to unwind with an easy game.
VPNs offer cybersecurity protection while gaming online
Besides bot lobbies, you can connect to VPN locations to protect yourself from DDoS attacks, doxing, or even swatting. If you’re streaming Modern Warfare 3, a VPN can hide your IP address, and protect your connection with features like a kill switch. It’s a good shield against trolls, hackers or other serious cybercriminals.
Plus, a premium VPN like NordVPN can also stop ads, protect you from malware, help you set up a remote LAN network to create your own gaming lobbies, and plenty more.
It’s certainly the best choice for gamers, and definitely the best VPN for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. With our link, you can even get it for a 69% off discount:
Are VPNs legal with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare?
VPNs are legal in most countries of the world, and we haven’t found any mention against the use of a VPN in Activison’s policies. We’ve successfully used a VPN to play Modern Warfare 3, and other Activision games like Call of Duty: Warzone. So for most of you, VPNs are legal with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
However, VPNs are illegal or restricted in some parts of the world, like China or Russia. Make sure you understand your country’s regulations before using a VPN with Modern Warfare 3.
If you’re curious about the legality of VPNs, take a look at our expert guide to legal VPN usage, fully explained.
VPNs to Avoid When Playing CoD: MW3
We’ve seen a lot of recommendations online for VPNs that just don’t cut it for Modern Warfare 3. It’s a next-gen game, that needs a reliable VPN to function properly. While not all the options below are outright bad, they’re not ideal for Modern Warfare 3.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| LagoFast | It’s a decent VPN, but it’s more expensive and certainly offers no better options than NordVPN. |
| GearUP Game Booster | A lot of users report high ping when playing with GearUP, which we haven’t experienced with our picks. |
| NoLag VPN | It can help, but it’s more expensive, and offers fewer features than tried-and-true options like NordVPN. |
| Hola VPN | Slow VPN and it logs all of your data. We recommend avoiding this one altogether. |
Can I Use a Free VPN With Modern Warfare?
We don’t recommend using a free VPN with Modern Warfare, mainly because it can’t guarantee a stable connection. Free VPNs have data and bandwidth caps, so you’ll be stuck lagging on low speed, and you might even be disconnected when you burn through your data allowance.
While there are some good options — we’ve compiled a guide for the best free VPNs available right now — many free providers log or even sell your data. Even those that made our list have too few servers, which means you might not be able to find a location with bot lobbies.
If you don’t want to spend money on a VPN, you can try NordVPN’s free trial. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of your subscriptions, and we put this promise to the test, so we can also guarantee you’ll get your money back from NordVPN. Just subscribe, and ask for a refund before the 30 days are up:
Conclusion: The Best VPN for CoD: Modern Warfare 3
Modern Warfare 3 is out, so you can enjoy the popular Favela or Rust with a fresh paint job. But what if you had a rough day, and you’re looking for an easy match? You can get around strict SBMM with a VPN.
A VPN will route your connection through one of their servers in a different country, making MW3 servers think you’re accessing them from somewhere else. If the server you picked is in a region where MW3 is not popular, you’ll get easy bot lobbies.
From our testing, NordVPN is the best VPN to do this. It’s fast as a bullet, reliable, and has 6000+ around the world. Plus, you can even get it for a massive 69% discount with our link.
But VPNs can do more than just find easier lobbies. A reliable app like NordVPN can help with unblocking geo-restricted content, give easy access to amazing deals from other countries, and even keep you safe on public Wi-Fi. With a full refund guaranteed in the first 30 days, there’s no reason to postpone getting NordVPN.
Still not sure what the best VPN for MW3 is? We hope the FAQ section below can help clear things for you.
Yes, you can use a VPN with MW3. We’ve been using VPNs for CoD games for years, and never had any problem connecting, or getting banned by Activision. In fact, good gaming VPNs can help you avoid SBMM and get easy lobbies.
Yes, Warzone works with a VPN. In fact, the best VPN for MW3, NordVPN, is also the best VPN for Warzone. If you you enjoy both games, NordVPN is the best investment you can make.
The best VPN for CoD: MW3 is NordVPN. It’s the fastest VPN on the market, which is crucial for playing fast-paced games online. It’s also secure, has a large server network, protects your personal information, and it’s very affordable.
