7 Best VPNs for Steam in 2024: Change Region and Unblock Games (Tested)
Steam is a big name in digital game distribution, with over 50,000 games and 120 million players. It’s a huge online gaming platform. But, it’s not without its problems.
Security and access issues are big concerns. Gamers often face scams, keylogging attacks, and other threats.
Steam also has restrictions for some countries and regions. This limits access to games and content.
But, there are ways to stay safe. Using a VPN for gaming is a great option.
A VPN can change your Steam region. This lets you access games and content not available in your country.
Choosing the best VPN for Steam can be tough. There are many options out there.
Our testing has shown that NordVPN is the best Steam VPN out there.
Steam VPN Key Points
- Steam VPNs can help you access games not available in your region by changing your virtual location.
- A VPN can also protect you from DDoS attacks during online gaming sessions. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address.
- VPNs may improve your ping and reduce lag. They connect you to faster servers and optimize your routing path.
- NordVPN and Surfshark are top choices for Steam. They offer fast speeds, large server networks, and reliable performance.
- It is against ToS to use a VPN to buy games on Steam in a geo-restricted region.
Why You Need a VPN for Steam
Here are the reasons why you need a VPN for Steam:
- Unblock Games and Change Regions: Some games are only available in certain areas. A VPN lets you play games from anywhere. You can also buy games from different regions.
- Protect Yourself from DDoS: Gamers often face DDoS and Swatting attacks. These can ruin your game and steal your info. A VPN hides your IP, making it hard for attackers to find you.
- Improve Ping and Lag: Slow connections can ruin your gaming. A VPN connects you to the nearest server. This cuts down on travel time, improving your ping and reducing lag.
- Access Exclusive Game Deals: Steam sometimes offers special deals in certain areas. A VPN lets you change your region to get these deals.
- Maintain Anonymity: A VPN keeps your identity safe while gaming. This is key in competitive games where players might try to find your info.
A VPN is key for serious online gamers. For Steam, the best VPNs let you play games from anywhere, change regions, and stay safe. They also help with ping, lag, and getting special deals, keeping your identity hidden.
Best Steam VPNs Tested in 2024 – our detailed list:
1. NordVPN
🌐 Website: | nordvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Panama |
📍Servers/Countries: | 5800+ servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Get 68% off + 3 months extra |
NordVPN is the top choice for Steam users. It offers great security, speed, and server options at a good price. It’s perfect for gamers who want to play games from anywhere without lag.
Privacy and Security: NordVPN keeps your data safe with a strict no-logging policy. It’s based in Panama for privacy and uses AES-256 encryption. It also blocks ads and trackers with CyberSec.
Performance and Speed: NordVPN has fast download and upload speeds. This means you can play games without lag. Its servers are reliable, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Servers and Apps: NordVPN has thousands of servers to help you bypass gaming bans. It works on many platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android. Its servers are optimized for gaming, reducing lag and buffering.
Features: NordVPN is great for more than just gaming. It unblocks Netflix and Hulu. It also supports P2P, making it easy to download game updates.
Pricing: NordVPN offers plans for every budget. Prices start at $4.99/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and accept cryptocurrencies.
Plan | 1-year plan | 1-month plan | 2-year plan |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Plan | $4.99/month | $12.99/month | – |
Plus Plan | $5.99/month | $13.99/month | – |
Complete Plan | $6.99/month | $14.99/month | $5.49/month |
Pros
- Thousands of lightning-fast and well-optimized servers
- Unblocks all the major streaming sites
- Fully supports Torrenting and P2P
- Strict no-logs policy and RAM-disk servers
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- Robust security features and military-grade encryption to protect you from DDoS attacks and other online threats
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
- No free trial
2. Surfshark
🌐 Website: | surfshark.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | The British Virgin Islands |
📍Servers/Countries: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Save 84% Now! |
Surfshark is a top Steam VPN. It offers great performance and solid security. You can easily change regions and unblock games for a low price.
Privacy and Security: Surfshark keeps gamers safe. It doesn’t collect your data and prevents DNS leaks. It encrypts your data with AES-256-GCM encryption.
- IP Masking
- Automatic Kill Switch
- Secure protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard
- Ad, malware blocking: CleanWeb
- Double VPN: MultiHop
Performance and Speed: Surfshark is fast and stable for gaming. It has download and upload speeds of 235 Mbps and 219 Mbps. This means you can play games without lag.
Servers and Apps: Surfshark works on many platforms, including Windows and Android. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Features: Surfshark is great for streaming and P2P. It can unblock Netflix and Hulu. It’s also P2P friendly, making torrenting easy.
Pricing: Surfshark is affordable. Prices start at $2.30/month. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for mobiles.
Surfshark Plans | 2-year price | 1-year price | 1-month price |
---|---|---|---|
Starter | $2.30/month | $3.99/month | $12.95/month |
Surfshark One | $3.22/month | $4.49/month | $17.95/month |
Surfshark One+ | $5.99/month | $8.29/month | $22.95/month |
Pros
- A very affordable VPN provider
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Ad-blocking feature
- Unblocks streaming platforms
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- Allows split-tunneling and has a multi-hop VPN feature
- No-log policy and robust security features
- GPS spoofing on Android devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No free version
- Does not allow P2P seeding
3. PrivateVPN
🌐 Website: | privatevpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Sweden |
📍Servers/Countries: | 200 servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Save 85% Now! |
PrivateVPN is a top choice for Steam gamers. It offers reliable performance for gaming. It can easily change regions and unblock games.
Privacy and Security: PrivateVPN has strong privacy and security features:
- No-logs policy
- Stealth VPN mode (disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic
- Customizable encryption levels (AES-256 or AES-128)
- Reliable kill switch
- Protection against IP and IPv6 leaks
Performance and Speed: PrivateVPN is stable for gaming. It has download and upload speeds of 148 Mbps and 190 Mbps. This ensures a smooth gaming experience.
Servers and Apps: PrivateVPN has a decent server network for Steam region switches. It works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. But, it lacks a Linux app, requiring manual OpenVPN setup.
Features: It supports streaming and P2P servers. It’s one of the few VPNs that allows port forwarding.
Pricing: PrivateVPN starts at $2.00/month for 36 months. The 1-month plan is $9.90/month. Each plan offers up to 10 connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN Plans | Price per Month |
---|---|
1-Month Plan | $9.90 |
3-Month Plan | $6.00 |
36-Month Plan | $2.00 |
Pros
- Supports P2P traffic and allows port forwarding
- Unlimited bandwidth and great speeds
- Unblocks most streaming platforms
- Zero-logging policy
- Free Static IP servers
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not as many servers as other VPN providers
- No split-tunneling
4. Private Internet Access
🌐 Website: | privateinternetaccess.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | United States |
📍Servers/Countries: | 30000+ servers in 60+ countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | 85% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
Private Internet Access is a top choice for gamers. Its large server network is perfect for Steam. It’s great for those needing to switch regions and unblock game servers.
Privacy and Security: It uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-activity-log policy. Gamers can get a dedicated IP to reduce VPN visibility. It can bypass IP bans and unblock ads and trackers.
Performance and Speed: It offers 111 Mbps download and 168 Mbps upload speeds. This ensures low latency for fast gaming. It’s stable without connection drops.
Servers and Apps: PIA supports all major platforms and routers for gaming consoles. Its global coverage and RAM-only servers allow gaming in restrictive regions.
Features: It meets streaming and P2P needs. It works with Netflix US, YouTube, and Hulu but might struggle with non-US libraries.
Pricing: PIA’s monthly price is $11.99, but it’s cheaper for long-term plans. It starts at $1.98/month for 2 years. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it competitive.
Pros
- Thousands of servers
- Great for torrenting and P2P
- Strong security and encryption
- Block ads, trackers, and malware
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Anonymous payment methods
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Based in the US
- Not all streaming services can be unblocked
5. ExpressVPN
🌐 Website: | expressvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | The British Virgin Islands |
📍Servers/Countries: | 3000+ servers in 94 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | +3 months FREE! |
ExpressVPN is a premium choice for Steam. Its 3000+ servers in 94 countries can bypass any IP ban or unblock any region.
Privacy and Security: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, proven by audits. It uses AES 256-GCM encryption and has private DNS on each server.
Performance and Speed: It offers download and upload speeds of 137 Mbps and 162 Mbps. Its Lightway and OpenVPN protocols ensure low ping and latency for gamers.
Servers and Apps: ExpressVPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports gaming consoles via router and uses RAM servers for data security.
Features: It unblocks major streaming platforms and supports P2P. It also allows changing Netflix regions, making it versatile.
Pricing: Prices range from $12.95/month for 1 month to $6.67/month for 1 year. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows for risk-free testing.
ExpressVPN Plans | Price per Month | Simultaneous Connections |
---|---|---|
1-Month Plan | $12.95 | 5 |
6-Month Plan | $9.99 | Up to 8 |
1-Year Plan | $6.67 | Up to 8 |
Pros
- Works with streaming
- Supports torrenting
- No-logs policy
- TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers
- Premium security features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive subscription plans
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
6. CyberGhost
🌐 Website: | cyberghostvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Romania |
📍Servers/Countries: | 9600+ servers in 91 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | 82% OFF +2 months FREE! |
CyberGhost is a solid choice for Steam. It’s great for unblocking games and changing regions. Its servers ensure a smooth gaming experience worldwide.
Privacy and Security: CyberGhost keeps your Steam account safe and private. It takes care of your security needs.
Performance and Speed: CyberGhost offers good speed with a download speed of 46 Mbps and an upload speed of 174 Mbps. It’s not the fastest, but it’s good enough for lag-free gaming. The WireGuard protocol helps reduce ping.
Servers and Apps: CyberGhost works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. It supports routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. It has specialized servers for gaming.
Features: It’s not just for gaming. It also unlocks Netflix and Amazon Prime. It supports P2P traffic and torrenting.
Pricing: It has affordable plans starting at $2.11/month for the 2-year plan. It offers a 14 or 45-day money-back guarantee. It allows up to 7 simultaneous connections for endless gaming.
CyberGhost Plans | Price per Month | Money-Back Guarantee |
---|---|---|
1-Month Plan | $12.99 | 14 Days |
6-Month Plan | $6.99 | 45 Days |
2-Year Plan | $2.11 | 45 Days |
Pros
- Good for streaming and torrenting
- WireGuard protocol available
- No Logs
- Offers Dedicated IP option
- Free browser extension
- Torrenting-friendly
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No third-party audits
- Messy app’s interface
Steam VPN Comparison
NordVPN | Surfshark | AtlasVPN | PrivateVPN | ExpressVPN | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | AtlasVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | ExpressVPN.com |
Ranking for Gaming | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
Avg. Speed | 46,4 Mbps | 40,1 Mbps | 35,9 Mbps | 43,6 Mbps | 42,2 Mbps |
Server count | 5400+ | 3200+ | 750+ | 200+ | 3000+ |
Logs | No-logs | No identifiable logs | No identifiable logs | No logs | No identifiable logs |
Suitable for Games | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Devices supported | Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles SmartTVs | Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles | Windows MacOS Android iOS | Windows MacOS Android iOS | Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles SmartTVs |
P2P Traffic | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Best Deals | 63% OFF + Gift | Save 81% | 83% OFF | Save 85% | 3 months FREE |
Testing Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best VPNs for Steam?
Finding the right VPN for Steam can be tough. But, it’s key to pick one that’s reliable and meets your needs. We looked at several factors when testing VPNs for Steam:
- Speed and Performance: VPNs can slow down your internet, causing lag and ping issues while gaming. We tested the VPNs to ensure they have fast servers for smooth gaming.
- DDoS and Swatting Protection: Gamers face threats like DDoS and swatting online. We searched for VPNs that protect against these attacks.
- Support for Changing Steam Region: Being able to change Steam region is important for accessing certain games and content. We tested VPNs that support this feature to ensure they work well with Steam.
- Server Locations: The more server locations a VPN has, the better your chances of finding a good one. We looked for VPNs with many servers in different countries, including those that support changing Steam regions.
- Security Features: Security is critical with VPNs. We sought out VPNs with strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to keep your data safe while gaming on Steam.
- Price: The cost of a VPN is important, too, if you’re on a budget. We found VPNs that are affordable without sacrificing quality.
We used these criteria to find the top VPNs for Steam. We made sure our recommendations have all the features you need for a safe, secure, and fun Steam gaming experience.
How to Change Steam Region with a VPN
Changing your Steam region through a VPN is faster than asking Steam support. It’s a great way to bypass geo-restrictions.
Switching your Steam region with a VPN is easy. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:
- Choose a VPN with servers in the country you want to switch your Steam region to. Check out our quick comparison table in section II to find the best VPNs for Steam that offer server locations in your desired country.
- Install and launch the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in the country you want to change your Steam region to.
- Launch the Steam app and log in to your account.
- Go to “Account Details” and click on “Update store country” under “Country of residence”.
- Select the country you want to switch your Steam region to and click “Continue”.
- You will be asked to update your payment information to match the new country. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process.
- Once your payment information is updated, your Steam store country should be changed, and you should have access to games and features that were previously unavailable in your region.
Remember, changing your Steam region can affect your access to some games. It’s wise to research the impact before making any changes.
How Avoid Getting Banned on Steam for Using a VPN
Using VPNs for Steam can offer many benefits. But, it’s key to be careful to avoid getting banned. Here are steps to keep your Steam account safe:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider: Pick a VPN known for security and reliability. Look for strong privacy policies and no-logs policies.
- Follow Valve’s Terms of Service: Always use Steam as intended. Don’t try to bypass any rules or limits.
- Be cautious when changing regions: Changing your Steam region with a VPN needs care. Follow Valve’s guidelines to avoid trouble.
Using VPNs to bypass Steam’s geo-restrictions is risky. Valve’s Terms of Service ban IP proxying and VPN use for this. Doing so can get your account banned or suspended.
Some game developers also block VPN use with their games.
In short, using Steam with a VPN is okay if you’re careful. Choose a good provider, follow Steam’s rules, and be careful with region changes. This way, you can enjoy VPN benefits without getting banned.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Steam?
Free VPNs for Steam might seem like a good deal to save money. But, they have big downsides. They often have slow speeds, data limits, and can’t access many servers.
These issues can ruin your gaming experience. You might face lag, buffering, and struggle to download games.
Free VPNs also collect and sell your data to advertisers. They often lack security features like kill switches. This puts your personal info at risk.
So, it’s best to use a paid VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark for Steam. Paid VPNs offer better speeds, more servers, and strong security.
In summary, free VPNs are not good for Steam gaming. Their limitations and security risks can spoil your gaming. It’s safer to invest in a reliable paid VPN for better gaming and security.
Steam VPN FAQs
Can I use VPN on Steam?
Yes, you can use a VPN on Steam.
What VPN can trick Steam?
It’s not wise to use a VPN to trick Steam. But, some good VPNs might work well with Steam.
Can I change my Steam Account region?
Yes, you can change your Steam region with a VPN.
Is VPN allowed by Steam?
Using a VPN with Steam is not strictly forbidden. But, you must follow Steam’s rules and use a trusted VPN to avoid bans.
Is using a VPN Server with Steam legal?
Yes, using a VPN with Steam is legal. But, Steam’s terms ban using a VPN to bypass prices or access restricted content.
Can You Get Banned for Using a VPN With Steam?
It’s rare to get banned for using Steam with a VPN. But, Steam might ban you if they find out you’re using it to break their rules.
Can I Avoid a Steam Ban?
Yes, you can avoid a ban by using a trusted VPN. Make sure to connect to servers in your area.
Can You Get Cheaper Steam Games in Other Countries?
Yes, using a VPN can sometimes make games cheaper in other countries. But, Steam doesn’t allow using VPNs to get around price differences.
Why Should I Use a Paid Steam VPN?
Paid VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds. They also have more servers and better security than free ones.
Will using a Steam VPN improve my ping?
Using a VPN might make your ping better if you connect to a closer server. But, it can also add some extra delay.
In what countries is Steam unavailable?
Steam is not available in countries like China, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, and Iran.
Can you unblock Steam with a VPN?
Yes, a VPN can help you access Steam if it’s blocked in your area. Just connect to a server in a different location.
What games can you play with a VPN on Steam?
You can play popular games like GTA5, CS:GO, Apex Legends, Lost Ark, PUBG, and Destiny 2 with a VPN.
Final Thoughts
NordVPN is the top choice for Steam users. It has a huge server network for gaming without lag. It also has DDoS protection and DNS leak protection.
NordVPN can unblock Steam in restricted areas. It also lets you change your Steam region to access more games. With great customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s a safe choice for gamers.
NordVPN beats other VPNs like Surfshark, PrivateVPN, and CyberGhost. It has more servers, unlimited bandwidth, and fast speeds. It’s the best VPN for Steam users.
🌐 Website: | nordvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Panama |
📍Servers/Countries: | 5800+ servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Get 68% off + 3 months extra |
Cybersecurity and VPN researcher