7 Best VPNs for Steam in 2024: Change Region and Unblock Games (Tested)

Steam is a huge name in the digital game distribution world, holding over 50,000 games and boasting a user base of over 120 million players. It’s one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world, but if you’re a part of the Steam community, you know that it’s not problem-free.

One of the most significant issues is related to security and platform access. Online gamers are frequently targeted by crucial license scammers, keylogging attacks, and other intrusions.

Additionally, Steam itself can be restrictive toward specific countries and regions, limiting access to games and content.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and avoid these issues. One of the best solutions is to use a VPN for gaming. 

A VPN can help you change your Steam region, allowing you to access games and content that might otherwise be unavailable in your country.

When it comes to finding the best VPN for Steam, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Our testing has shown that NordVPN is the best Steam VPN out there.

Steam VPN Key Points

• Steam VPNs can help you access games that are not available in your region by changing your virtual location.
• A VPN can also protect you from DDoS attacks during online gaming sessions by encrypting your data and masking your IP address.
• VPNs may improve your ping and reduce lag by connecting you to faster servers and optimizing your routing path.
• NordVPN and Surfshark are among the best VPNs for Steam due to their fast speeds, large server networks, and reliable performance.
• It is against ToS to use a VPN to purchase 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 region-locked, which means that they cannot be accessed or played in certain parts of the world. With a VPN, you can circumvent geographical restrictions and access any game from anywhere in the world. Additionally, you can change your Steam region to access and purchase games that are not available in your region.
• Protect Yourself from DDoS: Online gamers are often targeted by DDoS and Swatting attacks, which can disrupt gameplay and compromise your personal information. A VPN server can hide your IP address, making it difficult for attackers to locate and target you while playing online games.
• Improve Ping and Lag: If you’re experiencing slow connection speeds or high latency while gaming, using a VPN can help. A good VPN service will have servers located in various parts of the world, allowing you to connect to the server closest to your physical location. This reduces the distance your data has to travel, improving your ping and reducing lag.
• Access Exclusive Game Deals: Steam sometimes offers exclusive deals to users in certain regions. A VPN helps you change your region so you can take advantage of these deals and buy games at a discount.
• Maintain Anonymity: A secure VPN tunnel can help you maintain your anonymity while gaming. This can be especially important if you play multiplayer games that are competitive and where other players may try to find your personal information to gain an advantage.

Overall, a VPN is an essential tool for any serious online gamer. When it comes to Steam, the best VPNs for gaming will allow you to unblock games, change regions, and protect yourself from security threats. It can improve ping and lag, access exclusive game deals, and maintain anonymity.

Best Steam VPNs Tested in 2024 – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Steam users. It offers the ideal balance of security, speed, and server availability for a good price. NordVPN is for gamers who want to bypass regional restrictions and reduce lag in their games.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN ensures privacy with a strict no-logging policy. It is based in Panama jurisdiction for privacy and users AES-256 encryption. It uses RAM servers and CyberSec to block ads and trackers.

Performance and Speed: The high download speed of 248.7 Mbps and upload speed of 126.7 Mbps mean low latency when gaming. With NordVPN’s robust servers, you can expect consistent speed and stable connections. It’s perfect for action-packed online games.

Servers and Apps: When gaming IP bans can ruin the fun. NordPVN has thousands of servers that can bypass them. It is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Its specialized P2P servers and NordLynx protocol are gamer-friendly, reducing lag and buffering. With various server locations worldwide, you can easily change your region on Steam. And with dedicated IPs, you can limit the risk of VPN detection.

Features: For after-gaming chill, NordVPN doesn’t disappoint. It unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Furthermore, it supports P2P, offering fast download speeds for game patches and updates.

Pricing: NordVPN offers plans that suit various budget needs. It starts from a $4.99/month standard plan for a $14.99/month complete plan. All plans come with a 30-day money-back with payment options including 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

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great Steam VPN. It delivers great performance and solid security. You can easily change regions and unblock games for an affordable price.

Privacy and Security: Surfshark excels in keeping gamers secure. It doesn’t collect your data due to a no-log policy. It prevents DNS leaks and encrypts the data with AES-256-GCM encryption. Surfshark also has these features:

• IP Masking
• Automatic Kill Switch
• Secure protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard
• Ad, malware blocking: CleanWeb
• Double VPN: MultiHop

Performance and Speed: Connection stability and speed matter a lot when gaming. Surfshark tested for download (235 Mbps) and upload (219 Mbps) speeds, providing you with low ping. Rest assured, tight matches won’t be ruined by lag or connection drops.

Servers and Apps: The service covers all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It even has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, making it a great fit for browser gaming.

Features: Aside from gaming, Surfshark excels in streaming and P2P. It can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video with its Smart DNS. It is P2P friendly with optimized servers making torrenting a breeze.

Pricing: Surfshark is also competitively priced. Starting from $2.30/month (2-year plan) to $12.95/month (1-month plan). And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, testing this VPN is risk-free. They also offer a 7-day free trial for mobiles, sans any credit card requirements.

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

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is one of the best VPNs for Steam due to its reliable performance for gamers. Upon testing, it can easily change regions and unblock games efficiently.

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: Despite not being the fastest VPN, its seeds are stable. It displayed no compromise on connection stability, vital for an uninterrupted gaming experience. The tests resulted in 148 Mbps Download speed and 190 Mbps upload speed.

Servers and Apps: The server network is not the largest but it is enough for region switches on Steam. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. However, it has no standalone app for Linux, requiring manual OpenVPN setup.

Features: PrivateVPN’s other features include streaming support and P2P servers. It is one of the few VPNs that allow port forwarding.

Pricing: PrivateVPN plans start from $2.00/month for a 36-month plan. A 1-month plan is available at $9.90/month. Each subscription comes with up to 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try risk-free.

PrivateVPN Plans	Price per Month
1-Month Plan	$9.90
3-Month Plan	$6.00
36-Month Plan	$2.00

4. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is one of the best gaming VPNs and due to a massive server network, it is great for Steam. Users that need regional flexibility and unblock game servers can use PIA.

Privacy and Security: Key features include solid AES-256 encryption and a no-activity-log policy. Tailored for gamers, a dedicated IP can reduce VPN visibility. It can bypass IP bans, while split tunneling allows apps to bypass a VPN without speed compromise. PIA can also unblock ads, trackers, and malicious sites.

Performance and Speed: PIA’s 111 Mbps download speed and 168 Mbps upload speed ensure low latency. Speeds are suitable for fast-paced gaming. Stability is good without any connection drops.

Servers and Apps: PIA is supported across all major platforms and routers for gaming consoles. Strong global coverage with RAM-only servers allows gaming even in restrictive regions.

Features: PIA also serves streaming and P2P needs. It is compatible with popular services like Netflix US, YouTube, and Hulu. However, it might struggle with non-US libraries.

Pricing: Despite a somewhat steep monthly price of $11.99, PIA is considerably affordable for long-term commitments. It goes as low as $1.98/month for a 2-year plan. A commendable 30-day money-back guarantee adds to its competitive pricing.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN for Steam. Its vast server network of 3000+ spread across 94 countries can easily bypass any IP ban or unbloick any region.

Privacy and Security: ExpressVPN comes with a strict no-logs policy that was proven by independent audits by PwC and Cure53. Its private DNS on each server, and AES 256-GCM encryption provides solid security.

Performance and Speed: ExpressVPN has great performance. It reaches download and upload speeds of 137 Mbps and 162 Mbps. It utilizes Lightway and OpenVPN protocols which result in low ping and latency for gamers.

Servers and Apps: ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Notably, it works on gaming consoles via router support. All servers run on RAM, so the data is wiped on every restart.

Features: Rich in features, ExpressVPN unblocks major streaming platforms and supports P2P. It also allows the changing of Netflix regions further broadening its usage.

Pricing: Price points range from $12.95/month for 1 month to $6.67/month for a 1-year plan, thus suiting varied user needs. A 30-day money-back guarantee offers scope to test the service worry-free.

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

6. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is one of the top picks for Steam. It impresses with its user-friendly interface and affordability with a free version available. It maintains robust security features, ensuring gamer safety.

Privacy and Security: AtlasVPN prioritizes security and privacy. Their features include:

• Shield for Malware and Ad-Free Browsing
• Data Breach Monitoring
• IP Rotator (SafeSwap)
• MultiHop+ for Enhanced Privacy
• Tracker Blocker
• No-logs policy
• Kill switch

Performance and Speed: The service offers gamers a fast and stable connection. It reaches a US download speed of 183 Mbps and an upload speed of 309 Mbps. This minimizes latency and ping time for smooth gaming.

Servers and Apps: AtlasVPN supports various platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It has a network of over 700 servers in 30 countries, ensuring access to global Steam content. Unfortunately, the Linux app is underdeveloped.

Features: Besides gaming, AtlasVPN unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix (11 libraries), YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. It also supports P2P sharing.

Pricing: AtlasVPN provides competitive pricing options. It includes a free version and a $11.99/month plan, a $3.29/month yearly plan, and a $1.82/month two-year plan. They back it up with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

AtlasVPN Plans	Pricing	Additional Benefits
Free Version	0.00$/month	5 GB data limit Access to 3 locations
1-Month Plan	11.99$/month	30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan	3.29$/month Billed $39.48 annually	30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan	1.82$/month Billed $43.68 biennially	30-day money-back guarantee

7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a good choice for Steam. It is tailored for unblocking games and changing regions. Its servers guarantee an uninterrupted gaming experience for gamers worldwide.

Privacy and Security: Ensuring your Steam account remains secure and private is a top priority. With CyberGhost, your worries are catered to:

Performance and Speed: CyberGhost offers optimal speed performance with a download speed of 46 Mbps and an upload speed of 174 Mbps. While it is not the fastest VPN you can still enjoy a lag-free gaming experience. With WireGuard protocol offers the best gaming speed, reducing your ping.

Servers and Apps: CyberGhost is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and supports routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Thus, catering to all major operating systems plus offering specialized servers for gaming.

Features: Besides gaming, CyberGhost unlocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more. It supports P2P traffic and torrenting with P2P-optimized servers.

Pricing: Budget-friendly plans start as low as $2.11/month for the 2-year plan with a 14 or 45-day money-back guarantee. It allows up to 7 simultaneous connections, ensuring non-stop gaming action.

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

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?

Choosing the best VPN for Steam can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to pick a reliable one that meets your needs. Here are some factors we considered when testing VPNs for Steam:

1. Speed and Performance: VPNs can slow down your internet connection speed, leading to lag and ping issues when gaming. We tested the VPNs to ensure they have fast servers that offer smooth and uninterrupted gaming.
2. DDoS and Swatting Protection: These are serious threats that gamers face when playing online. We looked for VPNs that offer protection against these attacks.
3. Support for Changing Steam Region: Changing Steam region is an important feature for accessing region-specific games and content. We tested VPNs that provide Steam support for this feature to make sure they work seamlessly with the platform.
4. Server Locations: The more VPN server locations you have access to, the better your chances of finding a server that suits your needs. We looked for VPNs with a large number of servers in various countries, including those that support changing Steam regions.
5. Security Features: Security is of utmost importance when it comes to VPNs. We looked for VPNs that offer robust encryption protocols, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to keep your data secure while gaming on Steam.
6. Price: The price of a VPN is an essential factor to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget. We looked for VPNs that offer reasonable pricing without compromising on quality.

By considering these factors, we were able to narrow down the list to the best VPNs for Steam. We made sure that the VPNs we recommend have all the necessary features to make your Steam gaming experience safe, secure, and enjoyable.

How to Change Steam Region with a VPN

While you can contact Steam support to request a region change, that process takes far too long. Your best bet is bypassing geo-restrictions through a VPN. 

Changing your store region with a VPN is a straightforward process that can give you the freedom to play Steam games and unlock features that might be blocked in your country. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:

1. 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.

2. Install and launch the VPN app on your device.

3. Connect to a VPN server in the country you want to change your Steam region to.

4. Launch the Steam app and log in to your account.

5. Go to “Account Details” and click on “Update store country” under “Country of residence”.

6. Select the country you want to switch your Steam region to and click “Continue”.

7. You will be asked to update your payment information to match the new country. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process.

8. 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 that changing your Steam region can have consequences, such as losing access to some games that are not available in your new region. It’s always a good idea to research the impact of switching your Steam region before you make any changes.

How Avoid Getting Banned on Steam for Using a VPN

Using VPNs for Steam can provide a range of benefits, but it’s important to use caution to avoid getting banned from the platform. To ensure that your Steam account doesn’t get banned for using a VPN, there are several steps you can take:

1. Choose a reputable VPN provider: It’s important to select a VPN provider with a good reputation for security and reliability. Look for providers that have strong privacy policies, no-logs policies, and use high-quality encryption.
2. Follow Valve’s Terms of Service: When using Steam, it’s important to follow the platform’s Terms of Service. This includes using the platform for its intended purpose and not circumventing any restrictions or limitations.
3. Be cautious when changing regions: If you plan to change your Steam region using a VPN, be sure to do so carefully. Valve has specific guidelines on how to change regions, and it’s important to follow these guidelines to avoid being flagged for suspicious activity.

It’s worth noting that using VPNs to circumvent geographical restrictions on Steam can be risky. Valve’s Terms of Service specifically prohibit IP proxying or using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions, and doing so can result in your account being banned or suspended. 

Additionally, some game developers may also have restrictions in place that prohibit the use of a VPN with their games.

In summary, if you choose to use Steam with a VPN, it’s important to select a reputable provider, follow Valve’s Terms of Service, and be cautious when changing regions. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN while minimizing the risk of being banned from the platform.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Steam?

Using a free VPN for Steam may seem like a tempting option to save money, but it’s not recommended. Most free VPNs come with significant limitations such as slow speeds, data caps, restricted server locations and throttling of internet traffic. 

These limitations can severely affect your gaming experience and cause lags and buffering issues, which can ultimately result in losing the game. You might also have a harder time downloading games on a limited bandwidth.

Furthermore, free VPN services are known to collect and sell user data to third-party advertisers, which can compromise your online privacy and security. Additionally, many free VPN services lack the necessary security features, such as kill switch protection, to safeguard your personal information from cyber threats.

Therefore, it’s highly recommended to use a paid VPN service, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, for Steam gaming. Paid VPNs provide unlimited bandwidth, faster speeds, and more VPN servers so you can choose your preferred server location. Plus, they offer robust security measures to protect your online privacy and security.

In summary, it’s not advisable to use a free VPN for Steam gaming. The limitations and security risks associated with free VPNs can ultimately ruin your gaming experience. It’s better to invest in a reliable paid VPN service to ensure uninterrupted gaming and optimal online 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 recommended to use a VPN to “trick” Steam through IP proxying. However, some reputable VPN providers may 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?

The use of a VPN with Steam is not explicitly disallowed, but it’s important to follow Steam’s Terms of Service and use a reputable VPN provider to avoid getting banned.

Is using a VPN Server with Steam legal?

Yes, using a VPN with Steam is legal. However, it is against Steam’s terms of service to use a VPN to bypass regional pricing or access content and play games that are not available in your region.

Can You Get Banned for Using a VPN With Steam?

It is unlikely to get banned for using Steam with a VPN, but it is possible if Steam detects you are using a VPN to violate their terms of service. 

Can I Avoid a Steam Ban?

Using a reputable VPN provider and connecting to servers in your region is recommended to avoid any issues.

Can You Get Cheaper Steam Games in Other Countries?

Yes, using an encrypted VPN tunnel to access Steam from another country can sometimes result in cheaper prices due to regional pricing. However, it is against Steam’s terms of service to use a VPN to bypass regional pricing.

Why Should I Use a Paid Steam VPN?

Paid VPN services provide unlimited bandwidth without restrictions from your Internet Service Provider, faster speeds, and more server locations in addition to robust security features. Overall, they provide a better experience than free VPNs.

Will using a Steam VPN improve my ping?

Using a VPN with Steam can improve your ping in some cases if you connect to a server that is closer to the game server. However, it can also add some extra latency due to the additional network routing.

In what countries is Steam unavailable?

Steam is currently unavailable in a few countries, including China, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, and Iran.

Can you unblock Steam with a VPN?

Yes, a VPN can unblock Steam if it is blocked in your region. By connecting to a server in a different location, you can bypass any restrictions and access Steam content. 

What games can you play with a VPN on Steam?

You can play the most popular games with a VPN on Steam such as GTA5, CS:GO, Apex Legends, Lost Ark, PUBG, and Destiny 2.

Final Thoughts

After comparing and analyzing some of the best VPNs for Steam, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Steam. It has a massive network of servers optimized for gaming with no lag and blazing fast speeds. It also offers features like DDoS protection, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling that is perfect for gaming.

Additionally, NordVPN can unblock Steam in regions where it is not available so you can easily play games online. You can also use it to change your Steam region to access different game libraries and buy games that aren’t available in your country. With its excellent customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN is a risk-free investment for any gamer.

While there are several VPN services such as Surfshark, PrivateVPN, and CyberGhost, NordVPN outperforms them with its extensive server network, unlimited bandwidth, advanced security protocols, and fast speeds, making it the best choice for Steam users.