7 Best VPNs for Steam in 2023: Change Region and Unblock Games (Tested)
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
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.
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.
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 |
Best Steam VPNs Tested in 2023 – our detailed list
To choose the best VPNs for Steam, we considered several factors, including:
- A fast and reliable connection to reduce lag and ping times during gaming sessions.
- Strong security features to protect users from DDoS and swatting attacks.
- Compatibility with Steam and other gaming platforms.
- Ability to unblock online games and change Steam regions.
- User-friendly interfaces and customer support.
- Price and value ratio
Based on these criteria, we have narrowed down the best VPNs for Steam to a select few that meet these requirements and provide the best overall experience for gamers.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent VPN service for gamers who use Steam. We believe it’s the best VPN for Steam due to its fast speeds, strong security protocols, and huge server network of 5400+ servers worldwide.
In our testing, we found that NordVPN offers a no-lag gaming experience, with minimal buffering and latency. It also unblocks Steam with ease, allowing you to access games and content from any region.
Additionally, NordVPN provides DDoS protection and a double VPN, which is essential for gamers who want to avoid falling victim to cyber-attacks.
Compared to competitors like ExpressVPN, NordVPN is a more affordable option while still delivering exceptional performance. While both services are great for gaming, we found NordVPN to have slightly better speeds and a more user-friendly interface.
However, NordVPN does have some limitations. It doesn’t offer split-tunneling on its mobile apps, only on desktop. Also, its customer support can be a bit slow at times.
Overall, we highly recommend NordVPN for Steam users. It offers excellent performance, strong security, and a vast server network at an affordable price point with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 46,4 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,3 Mbps |
| Best deal | 63% OFF + Gift |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong security features, including double VPN, built-in nat firewall, and CyberSec | Mobile apps can be difficult to navigate |
| Strict no-logs policy ensures user privacy | No split-tunneling feature on MacOS |
| Large server network with servers optimized for gaming | No free trial (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Allows users to change Steam region and unblock games | |
| DDoS protection and no lag gaming |
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is an excellent choice for gamers who want to enhance their gaming experience on Steam. With over 3200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers plenty of options for users to connect to servers in different regions, making it easy to bypass regional restrictions and unblock games on Steam.
I have personally used Surfshark for gaming and can attest that it provides a no-lag gaming experience and reduces buffering. The service also provides DDoS protection, which is essential for online gamers to avoid attacks that can disrupt their gaming sessions.
One of the biggest advantages of Surfshark is its affordable pricing, which makes it a great option for gamers who are on a budget. The service is also compatible with multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. You can also set IP up for other gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation.
While Surfshark may not have as many servers as NordVPN, it still offers enough server locations to access and buy Steam games from around the world.
The service also provides fast speeds that can support online gaming without buffering or lag. Also, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
However, compared to NordVPN, Surfshark may lack some advanced features, such as Dedicated IPs or more customizable security settings. But for gamers who want a simple and affordable VPN service that can enhance their gaming experience on Steam, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 39,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,8 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 81% |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing with unlimited simultaneous connections | Some servers can be slower than others |
| Strong security protocols, including MultiHop and CleanWeb | Mobile apps can be slow at times |
| Allows users to change Steam region and unblock games | No free trial (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| DDoS protection and fast speeds | |
| User-friendly interface |
3. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a great choice for gamers looking for a reliable and secure VPN for Steam. While it may not have the largest network or the fastest servers, it still provides a solid VPN service with great gaming speeds.
In fact, during our testing, we found that PrivateVPN performed exceptionally well when it came to online gaming.
PrivateVPN’s server network includes over 200 server locations in 63 countries worldwide. This means you can easily change your Steam region and play online games that may not be available in your region. Additionally, PrivateVPN offers DDoS protection, which is essential for online gaming.
PrivateVPN also offers strong security features, such as 256-bit encryption for VPN traffic, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and an automatic kill switch. Their apps are also easy-to-use and available across all Steam-supported platforms and devices.
Compared to competitors like Surfshark and NordVPN, PrivateVPN may not have the same extensive network or the fastest servers, but it provides a perfectly balanced VPN service that is ideal for gamers.
However, it may lack some state-of-the-art features that more experienced VPN users may be looking for such as split-tunneling.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and secure VPN for Steam, PrivateVPN is definitely worth considering as it also comes with a 30–day money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 43,6 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45.9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 85% |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong security features with customizable encryption settings | No 24/7 live chat support |
| No-logs policy | No free trial (Only a 30–day money-back guarantee) |
| Easy-to-use apps for all Steam-supported devices | Limited app customization |
| No split-tunneling feature |
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent choice for Steam users looking for a VPN. With over 35,000 servers worldwide, all supporting the WireGuard protocol, PIA provides one of the most extensive server networks in the industry. It also offers a dedicated IP address for an even better gaming experience.
PIA maintains a strict no-logs policy and has open-source transparency. Its top-standard encryption, advanced kill switch, and leak-proof features provide solid security protection for Steam users. Furthermore, its above-average speed is great for gaming over Steam, regardless of your global location.
PIA also offers split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which do not. This feature can help reduce any impact on your internet speeds when running multiple applications or services.
When compared to its competitors like Surfshark and PrivateVPN, PIA offers a larger server network, better speeds, and dedicated IP addresses. However, it might lack some of the more advanced features that some other VPN providers offer.
In conclusion, PIA is an excellent choice for Steam gamers looking for a reliable and fast VPN with a broad network of servers worldwide.
Private Internet Access Speed Test Results for Gaming
| Speed Test | PrivateInternetAccess |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 49,5 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 40.5 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 39,4 Mbps |
| Best deal | 83% OFF + 3 Months Free |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide server network with over 35,000 servers | Mobile app can be clunky and slow |
| Dedicated IP available for better gaming | Limited device connections (up to 10) |
| Top-standard encryption and advanced kill switch | Some servers can be slow and unreliable for gaming |
| WireGuard protocol for fast speed | No free trial or refund policy (only a 7-day money-back guarantee) |
| No-logs policy and leak-proof features | GUI can be complicated for beginners |
| Great for unblocking regions and gaming on Steam |
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features, making it a great choice for Steam users. It has a vast network of servers, with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, which makes it easy to unblock Steam games and change your region.
One of the key advantages of using ExpressVPN is its fast speed and low latency, which are crucial for a seamless gaming experience on Steam. It also offers reliable protection against DDoS attacks, which can be a major concern for gamers.
ExpressVPN has a user-friendly interface and is easy to set up on all Steam-supported devices. Its apps come with strong encryption and leak protection, as well as a kill switch feature that will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN’s secure connection drops.
Compared to NordVPN, ExpressVPN might have a slightly higher price point and less streamlined and user-friendly interface. It might not have as many extended features as NordVPN, such as split tunneling.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and fast VPN for Steam, ExpressVPN is a great choice as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 42,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 40,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 38,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | +3 months FREE |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast speed and low latency for gaming | Slightly more expensive than some competitors |
| Large network with servers in 94 countries | Limited to 5 simultaneous connections per account |
| Secure military grade encryption and leak protection | No dedicated IP address option |
| Allows unblocking of Steam and changing regions | No free trial (Only a 30-day money-back guarantee) |
| 24/7 live chat support |
6. AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN is a lesser-known VPN service provider that offers a solid VPN experience at an affordable price. While it might not have the extensive network of some of the bigger VPNs, it has over 700 servers spread across 30 countries, which should be more than enough for most Steam gamers.
One of the standout features of AtlasVPN is its free version, which provides you with 3 server locations, unlimited data usage, and a 24-hour trial period for its premium version.
Its premium version, which is available at a competitive price, offers faster speeds, more server locations, and advanced security protocols like AES-256 encryption and DDoS protection.
During our testing, AtlasVPN proved to be reliable and fast enough for gaming on Steam providing lag-free gaming without any buffering issues. Its easy-to-use mobile and desktop apps are available across all Steam-supported devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
While AtlasVPN lacks some of the advanced features offered by bigger VPNs like Surfshark, such as split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses, it is a great option for Steam gamers looking for an affordable and reliable VPN service.
AtlasVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | AtlasVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | AtlasVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 35,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 34,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 29,9 Mbps |
| Best deal | 83% OFF |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free version available | Limited number of servers compared to rivals |
| Strong encryption and no-logs policy | No dedicated IP option |
| Fast and reliable servers for gaming | No split-tunneling feature |
| Easy-to-use apps on all Steam platforms | Limited streaming services and torrenting capabilities |
| Unblocks Steam and allows region switching | Customer support can be slow to respond. |
7. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a reliable VPN service that offers users a range of features, making it one of the best VPNs for Steam. Its extensive network of servers provides a fast and stable connection, making it easy to access Steam games from anywhere in the world.
The VPN offers AES-256 military-grade encryption, which is the industry standard for data security. It also comes with a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet in case of VPN disconnection. CyberGhost’s no-logs policy ensures that your online activity is kept private and anonymous.
In terms of user-friendliness, CyberGhost’s apps are easy to use and available on all Steam-supported devices. Its servers are also optimized for gaming, providing users with fast and lag-free gameplay. CyberGhost also offers users the ability to unblock any region-restricted game and change their Steam store region.
Compared to competitors like Private Internet Access, CyberGhost might lack in terms of advanced customization options. However, for those looking for a simple and effective VPN solution for Steam gaming, CyberGhost is a great choice.
CyberGhost Speed Test Results for Gaming
| Speed Test | CyberGhost |
|---|---|
| Website | cyberghostvpn.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 38,5Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 39,6 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 37,5 Mbps |
| Best deal | 84% OFF + 3 Months Free |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Over 7,300 servers in 90 countries | Inconsistent speeds on some servers |
| Excellent unblocking capabilities for Steam regions | Limited support for split tunneling |
| Dedicated gaming servers for optimized gaming experience | No free trial or plan |
| Strong military grade encryption and robust security protocols | |
| Easy-to-use apps on all Steam-supported devices |
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:
- 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.
- DDoS and Swatting Protection: These are serious threats that gamers face when playing online. We looked for VPNs that offer protection against these attacks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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 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 to Not Get 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
