Black Desert Online’s geo-restrictions are a little complicated. North American and European users can easily play on each other’s servers. However, a different publisher runs the servers for the rest of the world and has effectively made it impossible to play with people from other countries. This is where a VPN comes in: these allow you to change your IP address, spoof your location and access the same servers as your international friends.

Of course, that’s not all a VPN can help with. They also encrypt your internet traffic, which prevents snoopers like your Internet Service Provider (ISP), employer, or government from seeing what you do online. Further, as your real location is hidden, hackers have no real way of knowing where you are. This is especially helpful if you use Twitch or similar platforms since unfortunately, streamers are frequently doxxed, swatted, and otherwise harassed out in the real world.

In a hurry? No problem: take a look below for a short description of the best VPNs for BDO. If you see one that interests you, just scroll down for a more detailed review.

Best VPNs for Black Desert Online:

  • NordVPN: Our top VPN for Black Desert Online. Boasts fast speeds, a wide range of security features, a no-logs policy, and thousands of reliable servers. also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for playing Black Desert Online. Steady speeds, strong security, and unlimited bandwidth make this a great choice for just about any purpose. Has no connection limit.
  • ExpressVPN: A fast, versatile VPN with top-notch security and privacy features, a wide network of reliable global servers, and excellent customer service.
  • CyberGhost: A veteran provider that’s both extremely secure and easy to use. Has a huge network of fast servers, impressive unblocking ability, and a generous connection limit.
  • IPVanish: A security-first service that’s ideal for Black Desert Online. Offers consistently high speeds, a true no-logging policy, and the ability to secure all of your devices at once.
  • PrivateVPN: Higher-than-average speeds and solid security features make this an excellent VPN for gamers. Also boasts a no-logs policy and fantastic unblocking ability.
  • AtlasVPN: Unblocks multiple gaming libraries like Steam and UPlay from anywhere. Includes unlimited device connections and breach monitoring.

Best VPN for Black Desert Online

Although there are hundreds of VPN services to choose from, not all of them are suitable for Black Desert Online. Good gaming VPNs have to be exceptionally versatile and capable of dealing with just about anything, from tricky geo-restricted login systems to slow, distant data centers. That’s why, when choosing the best VPNs for Black Desert Online, we made sure our picks met the following criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you, and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Servers all over the world
  • Consistently high speeds and unlimited bandwidth
  • Works with Black Desert Online and similar geo-blocked services
  • Keeps your activities private with cutting-edge security and privacy features
  • Doesn’t log any data that could be used to identify you
  • Offers access to apps for a wide range of devices

You can find a more in-depth description of how we test and rank our VPNs further down this article. but for now:

Here are the best VPNs for Black Desert Online:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN Is our top VPN for Black Desert Online. It offers access to 5,400+ servers in 58 countries. With fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and great unblocking ability, it’s become popular with people looking to access geo-blocked streaming platforms abroad, but these features also make it perfect for playing Black Desert Online from anywhere. Best of all, users can secure up to six devices at once.

When it comes to security, NordVPN is one of the best. It boasts effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, and IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. The kill switch can even be customized to only close certain apps when your connection drops. NordVPN is a zero-logs provider that accepts three different cryptocurrencies. If you’re having problems, you can reach support 24/7 over live chat.

NordVPN provides Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS, and iOS apps. It can also be manually configured to work with supported home routers, letting you secure every device on your network.

#1 VPN for BDO:NordVPN is one of the most secure services out there, and one of the fastest too. With excellent speeds, uncrackable encryption, a no logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll be able to play Black Desert Online worry and risk free.

Pros:

  • Wide network of global servers
  • Fast enough for uninterrupted gaming and streaming
  • Major emphasis on security and privacy
  • Zero-logs policy
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes some getting used to

Our score:

Find out more in the full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for playing Black Desert Online and it comes at an affordable price. It has over 3,200 servers in more than 95 countries, which means you shouldn’t have any issues finding a low-load server even at peak times. Speeds are generally fast enough for lag-free gaming and streaming, plus there are no hidden bandwidth limits, so you can stay secure whatever you’re doing. In fact, as Surfshark lets you secure an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, there’s no reason to browse unprotected ever again.

This service comes packed with powerful security and privacy protections, so it’s a great way to stay safe while gaming. There’s 256-bit encryption, for instance, plus a kill switch, WebRTC, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic ad-blocking. Most importantly, Surfshark doesn’t store any data that could identify you. Customer support staff provide 24/7 assistance via email or live chat.

Surfshark users have access to Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, you can manually install this VPN on select internet routers.

BEST VPN FOR BUDGET:Surfshark is a security-first provider that allows you to play Black Desert Online safely from anywhere in the world. Among other things, it offers stable connections, a no-logs policy, and the ability to connect every device you own. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Wide network of global servers

  • Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Puts your security and privacy first

  • Allows unlimited simultaneous devices

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Some servers are much slower than others

Interested? Why not take a look at the full Surfshark review?

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has more than 3,200 servers in 94 countries, so wherever you are in the world, you should be able to get a high-speed, low-latency connection. There are no bandwidth limits, meaning you can play as much BDO as you like. If you feel like taking a break, ExpressVPN also works to access popular region-locked services like Netflix and Disney+, allowing you to watch your home streaming libraries while traveling. Up to five devices can be connected simultaneously per account.

This VPN includes a wide range of security tools. First, there’s 256-bit AES encryption and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, both of which keep your activities hidden from snoopers. There’s also a kill switch to prevent you from accidentally browsing while unprotected. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable data. Users can pay in Bitcoin for another layer of privacy. Need help? Support is available 24/7 over live chat and email.

You can install simple yet powerful apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Alternatively, there’s custom firmware for select wireless routers.

RELIABLE AND SECURE:ExpressVPN offers steady speeds, strong security, and thousands of servers to choose from, all of which make it great for Black Desert Online. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee which means you can try it risk-free.

  • Consistent, speedy connections

  • Highly versatile

  • Solid privacy and security

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Slightly higher price than some others

Check out our ExpressVPN review for more details.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has 8,000+ servers in 88 countries, giving it the largest network of any provider on this list. Its connections are fast and reliable, letting you play Black Desert Online in the highest quality with minimal lag. Additionally, there are specific, clearly-marked servers for unblocking major streaming platforms, just in case you feel like watching some TV. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections per account.

All of this VPN’s security features come pre-configured, so there’s very little setup required. These include a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. What’s more, CyberGhost refuses to log any personally identifiable data, so your privacy is in good hands. It also operates a 24/7 live chat-based help desk just in case you have any problems.

CyberGhost comes with user-friendly apps for MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. Users looking to secure all of their devices can manually install this VPN on supported routers.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY PROTECTION:CyberGhost takes the stress out of online security. This user-friendly service puts your privacy first, offers high speeds, a huge server network and works great with Black Desert Online. Best of all, it comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Vast network of speedy global servers

  • Very easy to use and beginner friendly

  • Fantastic set of security and privacy features

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • May not be customizable enough for advanced users

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our complete review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has around 2,000 servers in 60+ countries. This VPN is more than capable of getting you a fast enough connection for Black Desert Online; in fact, it’s even speedy enough for HD live streaming. One of the best things about IPVanish is that it allows you to connect as many devices as you like. As such, you’ll never have to leave one device unprotected to use another.

This service’s security features include a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. Additionally, users can block traffic from other devices on the network or scramble their traffic to help hide the telltale signs of VPN usage. IPVanish is a no-logs provider, which means it can’t provide details of your activities to anyone. With 24/7 support available over live chat, help is only ever minutes away.

This VPN offers Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS apps. Additionally, Linux systems and select home routers are supported via manual configuration.

SPEEDY, VERSATILE VPN:IPVanish is a fantastic choice whether you want to game, stream, or torrent securely thanks to its high speeds and lack of a connection limit. What’s more, this zero-log VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast enough for lag-free gaming

  • Has no connection or bandwidth limits

  • Secures your traffic and keeps no logs

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Can’t pay with cryptocurrency

  • Based in the USA

For more information, check out our in-depth review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than others in our list, with roughly 200 servers. but those servers are spread across 60+ countries, and they provide excellent speeds. Furthermore, it’s able to access notoriously tricky platforms like Netflix from anywhere. Whether you’re looking to stream, game, or torrent, this service would be an excellent choice. Up to ten devices can be connected at once.

You might have guessed from the service’s name, but it prioritizes user privacy. Your data is kept secure with 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a stealth mode for bypassing particularly strict geo-blocking. PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever, so even it doesn’t know what you get up to once connected. Live chat-based support is on-hand 22 hours per day, just in case.

PrivateVPN has Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. It can also be manually configured for use with some internet routers.

LAG-FREE GAMING:PrivateVPN is among the fastest VPNs available, making it perfect for online gaming. It’s packed with security features and keeps no logs, so you can game with confidence. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

  • Faster than many other providers

  • Strong security and privacy protection features

  • Able to unblock plenty of region-locked streaming services

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

  • Smaller network of servers than others on our list

Read the full PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN lets you play Black Desert Online from anywhere effortlessly. It has a respectable network of over 750 servers in over 40 countries worldwide, and they have no trouble unblocking major gaming platforms like Steam, EA Origin, Epic Games. To ensure your gaming sessions on Black Desert Online are lag-free without interruption, AtlasVPN uses the WireGuard protocol.

If you’re privacy-conscious, AtlasVPN doesn’t collect logs, and its claim is backed by its operating location in Panama, which is located outside any surveillance jurisdiction. It uses AES encryption and includes a built-in breach monitor, a malware blocker, and an ad blocker to enhance your online security.

A subscription to AtlasVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, unlimited device connections, and apps for desktop and mobile.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:Atlas VPN uses military grade encryption for seamless access to Black Desert Online from anywhere. All plans include a 30-day money-back promise.

  • Streaming speeds are fantastic

  • No-logs VPN with competitive security offering

  • Beginner-friendly apps

  • Getting a refund can be difficult

  • Smaller network than others

  • Customer service could be improved

Still not sure? Why not read the full AtlasVPN review?

How to use a VPN to play Black Desert Online:

Using a VPN to play BDO is easy and simple. Don’t worry if you’ve never used one before; just follow our step-by-step guide below.

Here’s how to play Black Desert Online with a VPN:

  • Start by choosing one of the VPNs from the list above (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Next, download your chosen service’s app. Most allow you around five connections at once, so you may as well install it on all of the devices you use most often.
  • Log into the VPN app and connect to a server in your chosen country. This will change your IP address and encrypt your data, leaving no clues as to your real location.
  • Now just log into Black Desert Online like you normally would. You should now be able to visit the same channels as your friends in other countries.
  • If you have any problems, try clearing your browser history before trying again.

See also:

  • Best VPNs for Gaming online
  • Best VPNs for PUBG
  • Top VPNs for playing Overwatch
  • How to set up a VPN on Xbox One
  • Best VPNs for PS3 & PS4

How we find the best VPNs for Black Desert Online

Selecting the best VPNs is no easy task. We have a checklist of factors we consider before we’ll add a VPN to our list of recommended providers. Below are some of the criteria we looked for in the best VPNs for Black Desert Online:

  • Server availability: To ensure you have a seamless gaming experience, we pick VPNs with a significant number of servers across the globe.
  • Unblocking ability: Some gaming services are subject to geo-restrictions, so we test VPNs to ensure they can evade these blocks in several locations.
  • Speed: Latency and connection speeds are essential to effortless gaming. We test each VPN’s speed on a variety of servers to ensure you get consistency regardless of where you connect from.
  • Compatibility: We select providers with apps across major platforms, including desktop, mobile, and games consoles where applicable.
  • Support: Each VPN we pick includes either live chat, email, or ticketing support, so you have help when things don’t go as planned.
  • Security: Unfortunately, gamers are frequently doxxed, swatted, and otherwise harassed out in the real world. So we look for VPNs that include a variety of tools (like encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection) designed to keep your true identity and location anonymous.
  • Value: A 30-day money-back guarantee is included with all the providers on this list to give you peace of mind when choosing.

If you want to know the full scope of our tests, read our VPN testing methodology guide.

It’s essential to consider the security implications too. After all, app stores are flooded with malware pretending to be free VPN apps. Worse still, plenty of seemingly legitimate services actually fail to provide any security at all. Since you don’t know who has access to your data when you use them, they’re actually less private than browsing normally. So to keep yourself and your data safe while gaming, it’s best to use a secure VPN service. 

Remember: any VPN will slow your connection down, usually by about a third (although there is a lot of variation). This means you’d need at least a base download speed of around 13Mbps to play Black Desert Online while connected.