How To Use a VPN With GeForce NOW (Updated for 2024)
GeForce Now is a cloud-based game streaming service. This unique feature accounts for the unwavering speed gamers experience with the platform. Because it is cloud-based, you can keep a record of previous sessions and pick up from wherever you stopped at any new session.
However, the gaming service is not available globally. At the moment, gamers from 70+ countries can connect and play games unhindered. However, those not caught within the stipulated areas find themselves shut out even after paying for a subscription plan. Furthermore, you could run into security challenges when using this service. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) could target and throttle your speed.
A VPN offers a way out of these problems. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides a secure tunnel through which users can ferry data from one end to the other. In addition, however, it can be useful for overcoming challenges you could face with streaming platforms like GeForce Now.
In this review, we look at how to use a VPN for GeForce Now.
How to Play GeForce Now Despite the GeoBlocks
Indeed, you can play GeForce Now despite the geo-restrictions on the platform by using a VPN. The process to do so is also rather simple: you connect to a VPN server outside of your primary location to get things started.
Typically, VPN providers have servers in various locations globally. Each service provider has a different number. When you get on a VPN subscription and connect to any of the servers, it makes it appear as though you are physically located in the region where that server is stationed.
In the next section, we will consider some of the VPN providers you should prioritize when choosing a VPN for GeForce Now.
Best VPNs To Consider for GeForce Now
There are quite a few VPN options in the market. Here are two reliable recommendations to try out:
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
ExpressVPN is the mother of all VPNs. It has great VPN features that most providers can only dream of. You can trust that it can unlock geo-blocks on GeForce Now.
This provider has more than 3000 servers in multiple regions. This gives it a pass on the server count consideration. It also has great security features that fend off even the toughest attacks. In its arsenal you’ll find the AES 256-bit encryption model, support for great protocols, including its proprietary version known as Lightway, an always on kill switch and support for split tunneling. Thus, you can rest assured of unimpeached security when under this VPN’s protection.
In addition, ExpressVPN has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands is not part of the 5/7/9 eyes network. Hence, the authorities will not be forced to share your details with other countries in the alliance. This is backed by a stringent no-log policy.
ExpressVPN has apps for most device types, including the operating systems that GeForce Now has. It allows connections of 5 devices to one account. The subscription plans and offers are friendly. More so, it affords you a 30-day window within which you can use the service and request a refund. A responsive customer care system makes sure whatever challenge you have is sorted out in real-time.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 7,000+ in 111 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN is also another strong recommendation for GeForce Now. It has 5500+ servers in 59 countries. A large number of those are available in North America and Europe. This provider has a reputation for unblocking even the toughest geo-blocks. These two features make it a strong contender for the best VPN for GeForce Now.
In addition, NordVPN is speedy. Its servers are optimized such that you need not worry about speed while you lag. This provider is compatible for P2P file sharing and torrenting. It dedicates a section of its servers for the purpose, ensuring that you have both the speed and security you need to torrent. While you play games on GeForce Now, security breaches will not be your concern.
It also uses great security features. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN uses the AES 256-bit encryption model. In addition, it has specialty servers that provide you with dedicated IP addresses, obfuscated networks and connections to the Onion Router. It maintains a comendable no-log policy and has even gone further to have its servers independently audited.
Similarly, its plans are pocket-friendly. It allows 6 simultaneous connections. If you are skeptical about the provider’s capabilities, you can run a test using its money-back guarantee window. This affords you 30 days of impressive VPN use, potentially free.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Surfshark is not as old as the other two VPNs already discussed. However, its relative newness perhaps accounts for the quality of its features. It boasts of high speed servers, stellar security features and an impeccable customer service process. You can reliably use this VPN to bypass the blocks on GeForce Now without the slightest hitch.
This provider has 3200 servers in 60+ locations. This gives you ample room to find compatible locations where GeForce Now is not blocked. Furthermore, it gives you unlimited data and bandwidth, and its speed is one of the fastests in the VPN industry. Rest assured that you will not have to deal with lags while on this service.
Furthermore, Surfshark is also great when it comes to security. Apart from the regular AES 256-bit encryption model and suppport for great protocols, Surfshark takes security a step further. It has a NoBorder mode that is efficient for high-risk countries, MultiHop which routes your service through several secure servers and adware/malware blockers. All of these eliminate any security concerns you may have while playing GeForce Now.
This provider allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices to one account. It tops this off with favorable subscription plans and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee window.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
Why is GeForce Now Inaccessible in Some Regions?
GeForce Now players in different regions have access to different gaming options. This is as a result of geo-blocking. Geo-blocks or geo-restrictions occur in situations when locations are used as the basis of designating content to specific locations.
For the most part, the streaming platforms do not entirely own what they put up on their platforms. They obtain licenses from the owners of the Intellectual Property in the content. The instructions that come with such licenses include the fact that they can only broadcast to people in certain regions. Going against this agreement makes them liable to the owners of the contents.
How are Geoblocks Enforced on Platforms Like GeForce Now
You may be wondering: how does GeForce Now even discover those violating its location-based distributions? Your IP address is the culprit. The IP address is a virtual address where you can be found. Each IP address has a unique actual location identifier. Thus, anyone who cares can determine where every IP address originates from and where it sends data to.
When you connect to the internet anywhere outside of the region approved generally for GeForce Now or try to access GeForce Now blocked for your location, the algorithm on the platform identifies and blocks you. Ostensibly, this suggests that the only way to get around this challenge is to change your location or to appear to change your location. This is the process VPNs employ to help you bypass the challenge on GeForce Now.
How To Set Up and Use a VPN on GeForce Now
Here is the step-by-step guide on setting up and using a VPN for GeForce Now:
- Subscribe to a VPN service. You can choose from the list above as they are reliable.
- Download and install the provider’s VPN app for your device.
- Log into your account.
- Toggle the settings to suit your preference.
- Connect to a location where GeForce Now is unblocked.
- Head over to your GeForce Now app and start gaming!
Factors To Consider When Choosing a VPN for GeForce Now
Generally, VPNs are equipped to get around the annoying challenge of geo-restrictions. This is not just for GeForce Now but for most platforms with geo-blocks. However, VPNs are a dime a dozen in the market. As you’d expect, they all do not have fantastic capabilities. Some are better than others.
What factors should you use in sieving out the best from the chaff? Here is a list of solid considerations to have while choosing a VPN for GeForce Now:
1. Number of Servers
We’ve mentioned that you’d need to connect to a VPN server to bypass geo-restrictions. Thus, this means that any VPN you consider should have servers in the approved locations. Else, you’ll be wasting money getting on any VPN subscription. GeForce Now is available in most North American and European countries. Thus, your VPN consideration should have servers in these regions.
Furthermore, the more servers they have, the better. This is because you get a lot more options this way. Moreover, the number of servers a VPN provider has will determine how speedy your connection will be.
2. Speed
Internet-based gaming streaming services like GeForce actually require a fast internet connection. You will not want to experience lags or throttling when facing an opponent from another region. A split-second delay in your connection can determine whether you win a gaming round or not.
You must know that a VPN will most likely reduce your internet connection somewhat. This is because of the increased time it takes to route your service through the VPN’s servers. Great providers, however, try to keep the speed interference minimal. You may want to run a speed test on the VPN consideration you have in mind before paying a subscription.
3. Device Compatibility
One other crucial factor you want to consider is device compatibility. This is because GeForce is not available on all platforms. It is only available on MacOS, Android, Windows, and Nvidia Shield TV device platforms. The implication of this is that you should first be using any of these devices. Furthermore, the VPN provider you consider should have native apps for these devices or otherwise be compatible with them. A simple check on the provider’s website will let you know this.
4. Security Features and Customer Support
One benefit you ought to get with a VPN is improved security. This is relevant because of the security threats you could experience simply by getting on the internet. Beyond that, you may experience targeted DDOS attacks from gaming opponents. This malicious sort of attack could be to prevent you from winning a round.
You need to make sure your VPN provider of choice has strong enough features to withstand such attacks. Some of the things to be on the lookout for include whether the provider uses the AES 256-bit encryption model, availability of adware and malware prevention features, encryption features, etc.
Similarly, you need to be able to reach out to your provider to have any issue resolved and speedily, too. Do check out how effective the customer support process the provider has is. You may want to confirm whether you can reach out via email, live chats, phone calls, etc.
Do Free VPNs Work for GeForce Now?
The simple answer here is Yes. In theory, you can use a free provider to get around the geo-blocks on GeForce Now. However, this might not be ideal for several reasons. The first is that due to the strength of the encryptions on GeForce Now, a free provider may be unable to break through the blocks to grant you access. Even if it does, you would have to grapple with challenges such as reduced speed, lags, and security threats.
Free providers usually have caps on the amount of data you can expend on the service per day or month. This is to incentivize free users to get on a subscription plan. This makes for an unpleasant gaming experience. You need fast speed for gaming. When a VPN provider deliberately reduces your speed, you could be cut off in the middle of a gaming session.
Furthermore, you could be unwittingly opening yourself up to security threats and attacks following this route. A free provider could track and store your data. It would then sell such to data-mining companies. They make money through this process. Of course, this is harmless enough; you will just have to deal with unwanted adverts. However, you could face real security threats. If your data falls into the wrong hands, you would be opening yourself up to attacks from hackers and cybercriminals.