Best VPNs for Steam: Play games anywhere

 

Would you like to have access to Steam from anywhere in the world?

One of the worst scenarios for a gamer is discovering that Steam has been blocked by their school, workplace, or due to geographical restrictions during travel. It’s a very common nightmare for gamers across the globe.

Fortunately, an easy, secure way to fix this is by simply connecting to a reputable VPN service. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can be described as your own personal invisibility cloak for gaming.

A reliable VPN service will safeguard your online activities from eavesdroppers and any potential bad actors that may look to do you harm. It does so by digitally teleporting you to another region, thereby giving you full access to Steam from anywhere.

In technical terms, it swaps your actual IP address with a new one of your choosing. VPNs also employ encrypted tunnels that ensure your gaming quests remain a secret, completely impenetrable to hackers, ISPs, or any snoopy network administrators.

Steam is more than one of the biggest gaming marketplaces in the world. It also acts as a vital social platform for gamers, a mod management tool, and a useful space where you can ask for help if you’re stuck in an unusually tricky part of a game. It’s with all this in mind that I combed through dozens of VPN providers and rounded up the best VPNs for Steam so that you can game securely from anywhere in the world.

In case you’re a little short on time, I’ve made a quick summary of the top VPNs for Steam, handpicked and tested for absolute performance.

The best VPNs for Steam:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Steam. Operates a massive server network and boasts lightning-fast speeds. It is excellent at bypassing geo-restrictions on digital distribution platforms such as Steam. Zero logs policy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The top VPN for Steam for gamers on a tight budget. Works great with gaming-related platforms like Steam. Implements SOCKS5 proxy. Permits unlimited simultaneous device connections.
3. ExpressVPN: A rock-solid VPN with a loyal following. Quick enough for torrenting and easily circumventing geo-restrictions. Utilizes top-notch AES-256 encryption and a proprietary Lightway protocol.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Operates an expansive network of servers. Easily circumvents geo-restrictions on popular gaming-related sites like Steam. Has easy-to-use apps that are simple and effective.
5. PrivateVPN: Comes with a kill switch and obfuscation. Performs great with Steam and is also ideal for torrenting. Runs a modest but adequate network of servers across over 63+ countries.
6. IPVanish: Operates its proprietary server network that spans several countries across the globe. Consequently delivers consistent, lightning-fast speeds and easily bypasses Steam geo blocks.
7. Private Internet Access: A beginner-friendly VPN with strong bypassing capabilities. Delivers decent speeds. Unlimited simultaneous device connections. 7-day free trial period for Android and iOS users.

Having assessed dozens of VPNs, I came up with the above-ranked list of providers that work best with Steam. But before we dive into each and discuss them in greater detail, it’s crucial to first get an idea of the key criteria I take into consideration before making my recommendations.

The following are the factors I prioritized to identify the most well-rounded services:

• Works with Steam from almost anywhere in the world
• Excellent download speeds with minimum impact on ping
• The ability to connect multiple devices
• Strong security and privacy features
• Easy-to-use apps for the major operating systems
• Solid customer support (live chat is preferred)
• Fair pricing with a money-back guarantee

Further below in this guide, I’ll let you know more about my full process for testing and ranking all the Steam VPNs I’ve recommended.

The best VPNs for Steam: A hands-on review

Here’s a more detailed look at the best VPNs for Steam:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is hands down the top recommended VPN for playing games using Steam. It runs a massive server network, with more than 7,800 servers across 118+ countries worldwide. According to my most recent speed tests, it significantly outperformed all of its competitors on this list.

It clocked an average speed of 204.73 Mbps on a 250 Mbps connection. That’s an outstanding score that establishes it as the fastest VPN on this list. What’s more, its results varied by only 6 Mbps. This means you can count on a speedy, low-latency connection, no matter what time of day or night you like to play.

NordVPN performs great with popular games such as Dota 2, Warframe, Rust, and Brawlhalla, and has no lag or buffering for a fun, uninterrupted gaming experience. It’s popular among online gamers for its superb bypassing capabilities, and even works in China as well as other similar countries where the government makes efforts to crack down on VPN use. Torrenting is also possible on certain servers that have been optimized for P2P.

This provider takes pride in safeguarding users’ online privacy as it follows a legit zero-logs policy. It also comes with a long list of robust security tools such as AES-256-bit encryption alongside perfect forward secrecy, automatic WiFi protection, a kill switch in most apps, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. In case you’d be more comfortable with an extra layer of encryption, NordVPN also provides double VPN on select servers.

The provider offers desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Alternatively, you can download iOS and Android applications from their respective app stores. NordVPN is also compatible with some routers via manual configuration, making it ideal for setting up on a Steam Deck. It permits you to secure up to 10 devices at once under a single plan. Customer support is available around the clock via live chat.

Pros:

• Runs servers in 118+ countries
• Amazing customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email
• Integrated ad blocker and malware protection
• Works to access Steam worldwide
• Lightning-quick speeds for gaming thanks to NordLynx protocol

Cons:

• The desktop app needs updating

BEST VPN FOR STEAM:NordVPN is my top Steam VPN, thanks to its fast speeds and excellent server network.Streams Netflix US, iPlayer, and Hulu, among others. Zero logs policy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great pick for anyone looking for a reliable Steam VPN on a tight budget. While it’s a relatively affordable pick, this VPN still boasts a similarly sized server network to its rivals on this list. It operates more than 3,200 servers that are spread across over 100 countries. It offers some of the quickest connection speeds of any VPN I’ve evaluated over the years and performs excellently with Steam.

Due to its large network, Surfshark has no problem circumventing restrictions on geo-locked platforms, including streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Notably, this VPN also works in China and several other countries that experience strong internet censorship.

After carrying out a range of speed tests on Surfshark’s US-based servers, I found that this VPN has very minimal impact on overall performance. Using the average household broadband speed in the US, which is a 250 Mbps connection, I obtained the following results:

Surfshark performed excellently, clocking an average speed of 199.63 Mbps. I observed only 5 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest speeds, making this one of the most consistent providers on the market. I did not encounter any challenges while gaming, streaming, or making video calls. I was even able to download a 1GB file in around 40 seconds. In a nutshell, this is a fantastic Steam VPN for gamers.

When it comes to security, Surfshark is equipped with top-tier features. These include protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, split tunneling, and automatic WiFi protection. Surshark also provides a kill switch on all device platforms, along with 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. User privacy is safeguarded thanks to its stringent zero logs policy, plus the option to periodically rotate your IP address to ensure you remain virtually impossible to track across the web.

Apps are available for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, and Firestick, among others. Also included are browser extensions for both Firefox and Chrome, along with detailed tutorials for router setup. Surfshark places no limit on the number of devices you can protect with just a single subscription.

Pros:

• Easy to install on a broad range of routers
• Extremely fast thanks to WireGuard protocol
• A massive server network that easily streams over a dozen Netflix libraries
• Smart DNS allows streaming on multiple devices
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections

Cons:

• Some servers have slower speeds

RAPID AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY:Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that bypasses geo-blocks with ease. It’s great for torrenting, streaming in HD, and online gaming. It comes with a seven-day free trial period plus a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN provider that has established itself as a longtime favorite of many gamers for several years now. It’s yet another VPN company that’s based in the privacy haven of the British Virgin Islands. On top of that, ExpressVPN abides by a legit zero-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t collect or store any records of user activity or information. This provider runs an expansive network of more than 3,000 servers across well over 105 countries around the globe.

It operates servers in a minimum of 14 cities throughout the US, with most locations hosting multiple servers. This makes it perfect for accessing Steam while traveling abroad. To help you unlock all of the tools available on Steam regardless of your current geographical location, ExpressVPN also comes with a free smart DNS service called MediaStreamer. 

This makes it equally capable of accessing other geo-restricted platforms like popular streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix US, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. When it comes to speed, here’s how this VPN performed:

ExpressVPN managed to provide impressive speeds, averaging 144.32 Mbps on a 250 Mbps connection. There was only 6 Mbps of variance, too, which is a fantastic result. Practically speaking, you should be able to fully utilize Steam without the slightest interruption. In addition, speeds like these mean streaming and torrenting shouldn’t be a problem either, even during peak hours or when a bunch of other people are sharing your connection.

This VPN comes equipped with a broad range of top-notch security tools. These include DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and obfuscation, which stays on by default on the Lightway and OpenVPN connections. Other standout security features include OpenVPN and military-grade AES-256-bit encryption.

This VPN has apps for all the major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Alternatively, you could set it up to work on select routers, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, among several other popular platforms. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat in case you run into any issues when setting up or using ExpressVPN.

Pros:

• Access geo-restricted streaming platforms with ease
• Rapid server speeds for a smooth HD streaming experience and quick downloads
• Heavy encryption that protects against throttling and snooping by ISPs
• Effective customer support is available 24/7
• Unlimited data

Cons:

• Slightly pricier compared to other VPNs on this list

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a fast, effective, all-around VPN. Accesses nearly any geo-restricted platform with ease, including gaming-related sites like Steam. Great for HD streaming and throws in a free Smart DNS service. 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a well-regarded VPN provider among Steam users around the world. The provider is based in Romania and runs a huge network of more than 11,500 servers spread across over 100 countries, with 1,260+ servers distributed among 11+ cities in the US alone. As a result of this incredible variety, users can safely access gaming-related sites even when traveling out of the United States. This also makes it a natural choice for accessing popular streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Sling TV, and others.

In the most recent speed tests that I performed, I evaluated its servers at three times of the day. To replicate the average American household’s internet speed, I used a 250 Mbps test connection. CyberGhost produced the following results:

CyberGhost did particularly well here, clocking an average speed of 152.53 Mbps. Bearing in mind that most online games only need around 15 Mbps at most, you’ll have plenty of bandwidth left over for playing music, chatting with friends, or broadcasting live gameplay. I also noted around 9 Mbps of deviation, which is well within acceptable parameters and shouldn’t be noticeable.

On top of its speedy connections, CyberGhost is also a highly secure VPN. It boasts a long list of robust security features, such as perfect forward secrecy and 256-bit AES encryption, to secure data within the VPN tunnel. What’s more, this VPN comes equipped with a kill switch, an ad-blocker, protection against DNS leaks, and an antivirus for Windows users. It also offers a customizable smart rules tool that lets you choose when and how the VPN connects automatically.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. It also offers a free Chrome extension. This VPN does not log any user IP addresses or user activity. Once you have an account, it allows you to protect up to seven devices at once. In case you meet any challenges, live chat support is on hand 24/7.

Pros:

• Apps are straightforward, easy to navigate, and beginner-friendly
• Ideal for geo-locked sites like Steam
• Incredibly vast server network
• Numerous US servers spread across 11+ locations

Cons:

• Limited advanced features, hence unsuitable for power users
• Slightly sluggish compared to its rivals on this list

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY STEAM VPN:CyberGhost offers applications for all the major platforms. Its simple, uncluttered interface is perfect for VPN novices. Protects against WiFi hacking. Can easily access Steam. Very generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a recent entry to the VPN scene compared to most of the providers on this list. It has its headquarters in Sweden and operates a rather modest network of more than 200 servers. These are distributed across over 63 nations, including a broad range of cities in the US. Although it runs a relatively limited server network compared to its rivals on this list, PrivateVPN more than makes up for it with superb server quality, allowing it to access Steam from anywhere in the world. 

This is one of the fastest services, according to my most recent tests. This is in part thanks to the fact that PrivateVPN provides users with unlimited bandwidth. Besides allowing you to fully utilize Steam, this VPN is also great at bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Peacock, Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, over a dozen Netflix libraries, and several other streaming services.

To ensure user data remains safe from prying eyes and bad actors, PrivateVPN abides by a genuine no-logs policy. It also boasts a long list of top-tier security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a SOCKS5 proxy, and OpenVPN.

A standout feature that distinguishes it from other Steam VPNs is its handy stealth mode feature that allows users to connect in places that have heavy internet censorship, such as China. Users can secure a maximum of 10 devices under a single account, making it ideal for sharing with the whole family or your roommates.

This provider has applications for the most popular operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. To use it with Linux or a router, you’ll have to refer to the manual installation instructions. In case you need any help, live chat support is available for 18 hours a day.

Pros:

• 7-day free trial period
• Robust security and privacy features
• Impressive speeds as per the most recent tests
• Able to simultaneously protect a maximum of 10 devices

Cons:

• Its applications don’t have some advanced features like ad blockers or malware-blocking features
• Limited number of servers to choose from

EXCELLENT CIRCUMVENTING CAPABILITIES:PrivateVPN is a great choice for accessing Steam. Super-fast servers. Works great with Netflix and other leading streaming platforms. Allows torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish gained its widespread popularity among Steam users by offering an incredibly balanced service and constantly improving its features. In the past couple of years alone, this provider has upgraded its network significantly by adding more locations and switching to 25 Gbps servers. It now boasts a massive network of more than 2,400 servers that are distributed across 140+ locations around the world.

The greatest number of servers is hosted in the United States, which makes this VPN capable of supporting a much larger number of popular streaming platforms than before. These include major services like Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max, although admittedly, it struggles to stream Hulu and BBC iPlayer. That said, IPVanish performs wonderfully with Steam, as it delivers both blistering speeds and robust encryption protocols.

In the most recent tests that I conducted, this VPN achieved impressive speeds and easily streamed 1080p videos with zero lag thanks to its specialized streaming servers. With an average speed of 183.96 Mbps and a deviation of roughly 8 Mbps, IPVanish was one of the top performers on this list. Its superb stability and speed make it ideal for online gaming as well as any other data-intensive tasks.

Some of the key security tools IPVanish offers include a kill switch, traffic obfuscation, cutting-edge 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. Like the rest of the Steam VPNs on this list, IPVanish prioritizes user online privacy and does not store any user data whatsoever. Notably, its no-log policy has been verified by a third party, which means you don’t have to take their word for it.

Apps are available for all the popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. In the event that you run into any issues when configuring or using this VPN, customer support is available around the clock via live chat. IPVanish users also enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Operates and owns the servers in its network
• Decent speeds for HD streaming
• A massive server network that includes 20+ cities in the US
• Genuine no-log policy

Cons:

• Headquartered in the USA
• Unable to stream Hulu or iPlayer

SECURE AND PRIVATE:IPVanish treats your security and privacy with the utmost seriousness and delivers super-fast speeds along with all of the tools you’ll need for secure gaming. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a top-tier VPN that operates a massive, expansive server network of well over 35,000 servers across more than 91 nations around the globe. It’s an excellent VPN for Steam as it runs quite a few US-based servers that are distributed among dozens of cities in America. What’s more, PIA is also headquartered in the United States, which makes finding a server that can access American gaming platforms a fairly simple process.

This also means you never have to worry about running into traffic congestion issues. Besides running perfectly with Steam, Private Internet Access is fast enough for seamless streaming, torrenting, and any other data-heavy activities. The broad variety of US server locations also allows this VPN to effortlessly access geo-restricted streaming platforms such as Hulu and Netflix US.

As the name implies, Private Internet Access is a privacy-focused provider that adheres to a stringent no-log policy, meaning the provider keeps no logs of user data or online activities whatsoever. Some of the key security tools that PIA offers include a kill switch, a military-grade 256-bit AES encryption protocol, plus DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

A standout feature of this VPN is that it allows users to modify their encryption levels according to their requirements. This enables optimal overall performance and is perfect for more advanced power users. Other notable features include WireGuard implementation and unlimited bandwidth.

PIA is yet another Steam VPN on this list that does not place any limit on the number of devices you can secure under a single subscription. With just one account, you can protect all your devices. Apps are available for most major platforms, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux operating systems.

Browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome are also provided. On the off chance that you experience any challenges while using PIA, customer support is available around the clock via live chat.

Pros:

• Apps are available for both iOS and Android
• Zero logs policy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection included
• WireGuard implementation allows for faster speeds

Cons:

• Does not work in China reliably
• Accessing capabilities is inconsistent at times

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:Private Internet Access boasts a broad selection of security and privacy features. Allows you to connect unlimited simultaneous devices. Enables encryption level customization. Follows a strict zero-log policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology for the best Steam VPNs

Over the past few years, VPN use has seen a rapid rise in popularity, as more internet users become conscious of the ever-increasing online threat environment. However, finding a suitable VPN that looks out for your best interest and satisfies your unique needs is easier said than done.

I compiled this list of the best Steam VPNs by considering the following key criteria:

• Bypassing capabilities: A reliable Steam VPN must be capable of effortlessly circumventing geo-restrictions on gaming sites. This will enable you to enjoy the complete range of features that come with this handy gaming software hub. It will also allow you to access all the major streaming platforms.
• Performance: Although a measurable dip in overall performance is inevitable when you use any VPN, I only selected Steam VPNs that have minimal impact on your connection speeds. According to the most recent speed tests I conducted, all the providers on this list consistently deliver fast, stable speeds, with some even having specialized servers for streaming.
• Value for money: The monthly cost of a VPN subscription needs to be weighed against the number and quality of tools you’ll have to choose from. All my recommended VPNs deliver top-tier features at cheap prices.
• Security: To deal with a cybersecurity threat environment that is constantly evolving, your Steam VPN needs to have cutting-edge security features. A top VPN should also offer Double VPN servers and defend against DDoS attacks, DNS leaks, phishing attempts, and viruses.
• Ease of use: A reliable VPN needs to have beginner-friendly applications for several popular operating systems. I’ve suggested providers with 24/7 customer support and no simultaneous connection limits.

To learn more about how I test and rate the best VPNs, check out the testing methodology page.

How to use a VPN with Steam

Keen to get started? Here’s how to use a VPN with Steam:

1. Sign up for one of the Steam VPNs on this list. I strongly recommend NordVPN.
2. Install your VPN’s app onto whichever device you normally use to access Steam. It’s okay if you use different devices since all the VPNs on this list allow multiple simultaneous connections.
3. Log in and select one of the servers in your home country or a country where the platform is not restricted.
4. Head over to Steam and enjoy unrestricted access. You should now be able to use the platform from anywhere.

In case you run into any issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. If this doesn’t work, just reach out to your VPN’s customer support team.

Steam VPN FAQs