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5 Best VPN Services for Steam


Most recommended
NordVPN
  • Uninterrupted streaming
  • Multiple devices
  • Split tunneling support
  • P2P welcome here
A good choice too
VPN-Surfshark
  • IKEv2/IPsec
  • Hide your IP
  • Camouflage Mode
  • Private DNS & leak protection
Great customer support
ExpressVPN
  • Network Lock kill switch
  • 160 server locations
  • IP address masking
  • No activity or connection logs
IPVanish VPN
  • Servers in 75+ regions
  • Shared IP addresses
  • Zero traffic logs
  • Proxy web server
PIA VPN
  • Multiple VPN Gateways
  • Unlimited Bandwidth
  • SOCKS5 Proxy Included
  • No traffic logs

Choose the Best VPN Service for Steam

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated VPN Services for Steam

2 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

50.00% of users selected NordVPN , 0.00% selected SurfsharkVPN , 50.00% selected expressVPN , 0.00% selected IPvanishVPN and 0.00% selected PrivateInternetAccessVPN . Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

For gamers, Steam is a go-to platform with loads of games available for download. Unfortunately, you may run into the issue of your network administrator blocking access to Steam at work or school. And if you’re traveling outside your home country, trying to play your favorite game from back home can be frustrating when you find it’s unavailable. But there’s no need to worry – using a VPN for Steam can help bypass these restrictions.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of your online activity, including that from applications like Steam, and routes it through a second server in another country. The content of the traffic is scrambled so that no one, not even your network administrator or internet service provider, can read it. In addition, your IP address is altered to appear to Steam and other sites as if you’re located in a different country.

If you’re a gamer, then you know that Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world. With over 120 million active users, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for the best VPN services for Steam. In this blog post, we will discuss why using a VPN is important when using Steam and recommend some of the best VPN providers to help you stay safe and secure online!

NordVPN – the Editor’s choice!

NordVPN is a premium VPN service that comes with a host of impressive features for Steam users. It has a vast server network covering more than 60 countries, allows up to six connections at once, and uses military-grade encryption to protect your data.

NordVPN is also one of the few VPNs that offer a money-back policy, making it a risk-free investment. Furthermore, it is compatible with the most popular operating systems, offers fast connection speeds, and has decent customer support.

However, there are some downsides to NordVPN. For instance, it does not have a GUI for the Linux app, and its torrenting option is average. Additionally, its speed in Malaysia can be inconsistent, and figuring out the OpenVPN configuration can be challenging. Despite these drawbacks, NordVPN remains a top-tier VPN service that is well worth the investment.

Pros
  • Impressive server network – 5200 servers in more than 60 countries;
  • 6 connections at once;
  • Military-grade encryption service;
  • Money-back policy;
  • Compatibility with most popular OS;
  • Decent pricing;
  • Easy to use for beginners;
  • Fast connection speed;
  • Decent customer support;
  • No privacy compromise thanks to the kill switch option;
  • No DNS leaks;
  • Stable connection;
  • Support cash and cryptocurrency payment options;
  • Located in Panama;
  • Great Netflix support;
  • No-log policy;
  • The premium design of all apps and extensions;
  • A week-long trial;
  • Double (multi-hop) encryption;

Cons
  • No GUI for the Linux app;
  • The torrenting option is average;
  • Inconsistent speed in Malaysia;
  • OpenVPN configuration is challenging to figure out;
  • Static IP addresses;
  • Expensive compared to some other VPN services;
  • Malware-blocking could be better;
  • Transparency reports are absent;
  • No default router app;
  • No in-app login;
  • Not many languages are supported;

NordVPN is a VPN service provider with more than 5200 servers in over 60 countries and offers a great level of security and privacy, thanks to its military-grade encryption services. It is also one of the most affordable VPN providers, with a decent pricing structure, and is easy to use for beginners. Additionally, NordVPN has a fast connection speed, making it a great option for streaming and gaming.


Surfshark – the best for simultaneous connections!

If you’re in the market for a reliable, affordable VPN with a good selection of features, Surfshark is a great option. With over 3200 servers in 95 countries, it’s one of the largest networks out there. And unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can protect all your devices with the installed Steam client at the same time. The streaming speed is also impressive, and it’s compatible with all major operating systems including Android and Linux.

Premium users get even more value with extra features like a kill switch and GPS spoofing. Security is always a key concern with any VPN, and Surfshark passes the test with flying colors. It’s been independently audited by leading security firms and has a strict no-log policy.

Torrenting and streaming are both supported, and it can easily unblock geo-restricted content like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. The WireGuard protocol is one of the fastest on the market, and there’s even a 7-day free trial so you can try it out before you commit.

So if you’re looking for a top-notch VPN at a reasonable price, Surfshark is definitely worth considering.

Pros
  • Over 3200 servers in 95 countries;
  • Unlimited connections at the same time;
  • Great streaming speed;
  • WideGuard on all its apps;
  • Most popular OS compatibility, including Android and Linux;
  • Good live support chat;
  • Many extra features for premium users;
  • Great security audits;
  • Affordable;
  • Money-back guarantee;
  • Works well with any geo-blocked content;
  • Fast WireGuard protocol performance;
  • Offers a 7-day free trial;
  • No-log policy (RAM-servers);
  • Good for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, torrenting;
  • GPS-spoof;
  • User-friendly;

Cons
  • The app doesn’t have GUI;
  • The OpenVPN speed is average;
  • Kill switch issues are possible;
  • Apple apps could be better (no split tunneling);
  • Expensive;
  • The customer service could be better;
  • Static IP address;
  • P2P connection can be inconsistent;
  • Not the fastest connection speed;

Surfshark is a VPN service that promises to protect your online privacy and security. It has unlimited connections at the same time, great streaming speed, wide compatibility with the most popular OSes, and many extra features for premium users. Overall, Surfshark is a good VPN service that is worth considering if you value your online privacy and security.


ExpressVPN – the best refund policy!

Do you want to keep your online activity completely private? With ExpressVPN, you can rest assured that all your browsing and streaming will be securely encrypted. ExpressVPN offers more than 3000 servers in 90+ countries, ensuring that you’ll always be able to find a fast and reliable connection.

And with their supreme privacy options, military-grade encryption, and no-logs policy, you can be sure that your data will always be safe.

Plus, ExpressVPN is compatible with the most popular operating systems and offers great connection speeds. If you’re not completely satisfied with the service, they offer a money-back guarantee for 1 month. So why wait? Sign up for ExpressVPN today!

Pros
  • Offers more than 3000 servers in 90+ countries;
  • Supreme privacy options;
  • The military-grade encryption;
  • Money-back guarantee for 1 month;
  • Compatible with most popular operating systems;
  • Good connection speed;
  • One activation is required for stable work;
  • 24/7 live customer support;
  • No-logs policy;
  • Good for the UAE and China countries as well;
  • Secured apps and extensions for all platforms;
  • Easy to refund;
  • Unrestricted torrent traffic;
  • Specialized servers;
  • Split tunneling;
  • Independent audit;

Cons
  • More pricey than similar services;
  • Only 3-5 simultaneous connections per time;
  • Doesn’t offer a graphic interface;
  • Doesn’t block ads;
  • The Chrome extension is not working;
  • Streaming services are not labeled;
  • No split tunneling on MacOS Monterey;
  • No multi-hop connections;

One activation is required for stable work, and there is 24/7 live customer support. However, it’s more pricey than similar services and only offers 3-5 simultaneous connections per time. Additionally, it doesn’t offer a graphic interface or block ads.


IPVanish – the best customer support!

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable VPN with plenty of servers to choose from, you’ll want to check out IPVanish. With over 2000 servers in more than 75 locations, IPVanish is great for users who want to torrent or p2p share. You’ll always be able to find a server that suits your needs and with encrypted web browsing, you can rest assured that your data is safe.

Additionally, IPVanish supports multiple device connections and has a no-log policy, so your privacy is always protected.

If you’re not satisfied, there’s a money-back guarantee so you can get your investment back. And with split tunneling, you can decide which apps use the VPN and which don’t.

Overall, IPVanish is a great choice for users who are looking for a fast, reliable VPN.

Pros
  • Over 2000 servers in more than 75 locations;
  • Torrent-network friendly;
  • Great for p2p sharing;
  • Encrypted web browsing;
  • Support of multiple device connections;
  • No-log policy;
  • Money-back guarantee;
  • Split tunneling;
  • Good kill switch;
  • DNS leak protection;
  • Good download speed;
  • Over anonymous 40,000 IP addresses;
  • Good to unblock Hulu and Netflix US;
  • The choice of protocols is available;
  • No device limit;
  • The best for Fire TV Stick and Kodi TV;

Cons
  • No dedicated IP address;
  • Only some servers work with Netflix;
  • Complicated and rarely updated apps;
  • Not suitable for heavy streaming;
  • No support of Amazon Prime Video Access;
  • No kill switch in the iOS app;
  • The customer support could be better;
  • No browser extensions;
  • Not recommended for Chinese users;
  • The client application could work better;
  • Only manual kill switch;

IPVanish is great for unblocking Hulu and Netflix US. So, if you’re looking for a VPN that can access streaming content, this is a good option. You’ll also have the choice of protocols when using IPVanish. However, keep in mind that there is no dedicated IP address and that not all servers work with Netflix. Additionally, customer support could be better.


Private Internet Access – the best for malware blocking!

Private Internet Access is a great choice for anyone looking for a fast, reliable VPN service. PIA provides its users with a great deal of choice when it comes to finding a server location. Additionally, PIA offers a money-back guarantee, which is always a nice feature to have. And with the ability to connect up to 10 devices at the same time, PIA is perfect for families or small businesses who want to protect their online privacy.

The major downside of Private Internet Access is its price. At $9.95/month, it’s one of the more expensive VPN services on the market. However, you do get what you pay for with PIA. In terms of speed, PIA is middle-of-the-road. While it’s not the fastest VPN out there, it’s still fast enough for most people’s needs. Additionally, PIA doesn’t have a whitelisting feature, which some users may find disappointing.

Overall, Private Internet Access is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly VPN service. While it’s not the cheapest or fastest VPN on the market, it does offer a lot of features and server locations that make it worth the price.

Pros
  • Useful ad and malware blocking feature;
  • Over 35000 servers in more than 80 countries;
  • Money-back guarantee;
  • Can connect up to 10 devices at the same time;
  • Great iOS and Android apps;
  • No-logs policy;
  • Automatic kill switch;
  • Great connection speed;
  • Helps to unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer;
  • Good speed for nearby servers;
  • Good choice for torrenting (p2p);
  • User-friendly apps for all major OS;
  • Split tunneling;
  • Multiple server locations;
  • Independent third-party audit;
  • Anonymous payment methods are available;
  • Customizable features;
  • Dedicated IP address;

Cons
  • Pricey;
  • Not the fastest connection speed;
  • No whitelisting feature;
  • Netflix buffering issues;
  • No free pricing or trials;
  • Some streaming providers block this service;
  • The logic system is tricky;
  • No free version to test;
  • Won’t work in China and some countries with restrictive VPN policies;
  • Not compatible with unblocking Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, Kodi, or Sky;

If you’re looking for a great VPN service, Private Internet Access is a great choice. With over 35000 servers in more than 80 countries, you’ll be able to find a server that’s nearby and get great connection speeds. It’s a great choice for torrenting and unblocking Netflix and BBC iPlayer. And with its no-logs policy, you can be sure that your privacy is protected.


The Buyer’s Guide

Why Do You Need A VPN For Steam

Improve Speed And Performance

If you believe your ISP is limiting your data speed, a VPN for Steam can help. You may download games faster when you connect to a nearby VPN server. Furthermore, with lower latency and less lag while gaming, you will have a better experience [1].

Protect Your Network

A good VPN service encrypts your traffic, making it unreadable to your ISP. This way, they can no longer throttle or sell your data. A VPN also hides your real IP address, so you appear to be browsing from another location. As a result, you may avoid geo-restrictions and access games that are not available in your region.

Bypass Network Restrictions

Some schools, workplaces, and countries block access to Steam. However, you can use a VPN to unblock Steam and play your favorite games. All you need to do is connect to a server in a country where Steam is not blocked.

Bypass Network Restrictions

You may use a VPN to get around any network restrictions and play your favorite games. This might be really useful if your local network (such as school or work) prohibits Steam and other gaming platforms. You can also use it to access geo-blocked Steam games, but we recommend taking precautions. If you utilize a VPN to access restricted games on Steam, you could be banned.

VPN Vs Proxy For Steam

While both a VPN and proxy can help you bypass Steam restrictions, we recommend using a VPN. A proxy only encrypts your web traffic, while a VPN encrypts all traffic [from your device]. This includes gaming traffic, which is often overlooked by proxies. In addition, many free proxies are unreliable and slow. Some may even sell your data or bandwidth.

A premium VPN will cost you around $12 per month, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind and security it provides [2].

Main Features To Consider When Choosing VPN Services For Steam

Server Network Worldwide

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a VPN service is the size of its server network.

A larger server network means more locations to connect to, which gives you more options for finding a fast and reliable connection.

A smaller server network can still be effective, but it may not be as reliable or offer as many connection options.

Another factor to consider is the quality of the servers themselves. Some VPN providers use lower-quality servers that are more likely to experience downtime or slow speeds. Others use high-quality servers that offer better performance but may cost more.

Connection Speed and Stability

Connection speed and stability are also important factors to consider when choosing a VPN service. A good VPN provider will offer fast speeds and stable connections, so you can browse the web, stream video, or download files without interruption. A bad VPN provider will have slow speeds and unreliable connections that often result in dropped connections or long wait times.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN service. A reliable VPN provider will offer strong encryption and security features that protect your data from eavesdroppers and hackers. An unreliable VPN provider will have weak or no encryption, which leaves your data vulnerable to theft and interception.

Ease Of Use

Ease of use is another important factor to consider when choosing a VPN service. A good VPN provider will offer an easy-to-use interface that makes it simple to connect to the internet and start browsing. A bad VPN provider will have a complicated or difficult-to-use interface that makes it hard to get online or find the features you need.

Value For Money

You’ll find the VPNs that offer all of the above features while remaining affordable. Money-back guarantees are included and vary between 30 to 45 days [3].

Fast Speeds And Low Ping

If you’re a diehard PC gamer, then you know that one of the most important factors in a great gaming experience is having low ping times and fast speeds.

Unfortunately, if you’re using a public or shared Wi-Fi connection, your chances of getting decent speeds are pretty slim.
That’s where a VPN comes in. A good VPN service will encrypt your traffic and route it through its servers, which can help improve your speeds and reduce your ping times.

Responsive Customer Support

Another important factor to consider when choosing a VPN service is customer support. If you run into any problems while using the VPN, you’ll want to be able to get help from a responsive and knowledgeable customer support team. The best VPN services have 24/7 live chat support so that you can get help as soon as possible.

Money-Back Guarantee

If a VPN service offers a money-back guarantee, it’s usually a good sign. This means that the company is confident in its product and is willing to put its money where its mouth is. A money-back guarantee also shows that the VPN service is serious about customer satisfaction.

Money-Back Guarantee

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a VPN with a money-back guarantee, however:

  • First, make sure that the guarantee covers the entire subscription period. Some companies only offer refunds for unused portions of a subscription, which isn’t much help if you’re trying to get your money back after using the VPN for several months;
  • Second, check to see what kind of conditions apply to the refund policy. Some companies require that you submit a support ticket or contact customer service before they’ll process a refund. Others have strict conditions about how many times you can request a refund, or how long you have to wait before requesting one;
  • Finally, be aware that some companies may only offer partial refunds. This means that if you paid for a year-long subscription up front, you might only get back a portion of what you paid if you decide to cancel early;

Gaming Features

  • Access to geo-blocked games;
  • Bypassing restrictions from game servers;
  • Possible to play with friends from around the world;
  • Improvements in ping times and connection stability;
  • Encrypts your traffic so that third parties can’t snoop on what you’re doing;

If you’re a PC gamer, chances are good that you’re using Steam. It’s easily the most popular gaming client out there with over 120 million registered users as of 2022 [4]. And it’s not hard to see why: it offers access to a huge library of games, both old and new, all at the click of a button.

Unlimited Bandwidth

A lot of VPNs will throttle your connection if you start using too much data. This can be a real pain for gamers, who tend to use a lot of data when they’re playing online. But with a good Steam VPN, you’ll never have to worry about your bandwidth being capped [5].

Choosing a VPN service is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. By considering the factors listed above, you can find a VPN service that meets your needs and provides the level of protection you’re looking for. Stay safe and secure online with the right VPN service!

How To Unblock Steam With A VPN?

Simply subscribe to your preferred VPN provider to unblock Steam. Install their applications on your devices, login, and pick a VPN server near where your favorite material is hosted. Then you may play as much as you like [6].

For those who want to use a free option, we recommend trying ProtonVPN. This provider offers both free and paid plans, but the former should suffice for light users.

How To Change Stream Region With A VPN?

If you’re trying to change your Steam region but keep getting error messages, there’s a good chance that it’s because of your IP address. Your IP address is assigned to you by your internet service provider (ISP), and it identifies your location to the rest of the world.

However, with a VPN, you can change your IP address and choose from a wide range of different regions. This can be useful if you’re trying to access a game or other content that’s only available in certain regions.

To change your Steam region with a VPN, simply connect to a server in the desired country. Once connected, launch Steam and go to the “Store” page. From here, select the “Change my location” option and select the country that you want to appear in.

Once you’ve done this, all of the Steam content that’s available in that region will be accessible to you. This includes games, DLC, and other content that might not be available in your current region.

Can You Get Banned On Steam For Using A VPN?

The quick answer is no, you can’t get banned on Steam for using a VPN. However, if you use a VPN to access restricted content or cheat in games, then you might get into trouble. Cheating is against Steam’s terms of service, and if you are caught doing it, your account could be suspended or even banned. So, if you’re looking to use a VPN with Steam, just make sure that you’re not doing anything that could get you into trouble.

Should You Use Free VPNs For Steam?

If you’re looking for a free VPN to use with Steam, you should be aware that most free VPNs come with some major risks.

Free VPNs often sell your data to third parties, which can lead to problems like identity theft and fraud. Moreover, free VPNs typically have very slow speeds and unreliable connections, which can make gaming on Steam frustrating. Overall, we recommend avoiding free VPNs for Steam and instead opting for one of the paid options below.

Paid VPNs are much more reliable than free ones, and they offer several other benefits as well. Paid VPNs usually have fast speeds and strong connections, so you’ll be able to game on Steam without any lag or connection issues. Additionally, most paid VPNs have robust security features that free VPNs lack, making them a much safer option for online gaming. Finally, paid VPNs typically offer better customer support than free ones, so you’ll be able to get help if you run into any problems.

Region-Wise Availability Of Games On Steam

Different games are available in different regions on Steam. For instance, PUBG is not available in India but is available in most other countries.

To play such region-locked games, you will need a VPN that has servers in the appropriate region.
Not all VPNs have servers in all regions, so this is something to keep in mind when choosing a service.

Similarly, some games may be banned in certain countries. For example, China has banned Dota 2 and Overwatch. If you want to play these games while you are in China, you will need a VPN with servers outside of the country. Again, not all VPNs offer servers in China, so this is something to consider when making your choice.

Valve’s Terms Of Service And Using VPNs For Steam

Valve’s Terms of Service state that “you may not use cheats, hacks, bots, or any other unauthorized third-party software” while using Steam. This means that if you are caught using a VPN to bypass region restrictions or bans, you could be banned from Steam. However, Valve does not ban users from using VPNs, so this is not likely to happen [7].

Valve’s Terms Of Service And Using VPNs For Steam

While it is technically against Valve’s Terms of Service to use a VPN for Steam, there are no known cases of anyone being banned for doing so. Therefore, using a VPN for Steam is a perfectly safe and legal way to protect your identity and personal information online.


FAQ

Can you get banned for using a VPN on Steam?

The short answer is no. There is no way for Steam to know if you are using a VPN. However, using a VPN can get you banned from certain servers and in-game chat rooms.

If you are caught using a VPN on Steam, the worst that can happen is that you will be banned from the server or chat room you are using it in. However, this is rare and most people who use VPNs on Steam do not have any problems.

Overall, using a VPN on Steam is perfectly safe and will not get you banned from the platform.

Can you get banned for using a VPN on Warzone?

Not only is it unfair to use unauthorized software to gain an advantage, but Activision also strictly prohibited this. For example, many people think that they can get around by using a VPN to join easier lobbies. However, according to this Reddit thread, utilizing a VPN could result in getting banned from COD [8].

Can you get banned for changing the Steam region?

Yes. If you’re caught changing your Steam region frequently, you could be banned from the service. This is because Valve doesn’t want people to abuse the system and use it for nefarious purposes, such as cheating in games or scamming other users.

If you’re simply trying to access Steam content that’s not available in your country, there are other ways to do so without breaking the rules. For example, you can use a VPN service to route your traffic through a different country and bypass any regional restrictions.

Are Steam games cheaper in other countries?

It’s no secret that games are often cheaper in other countries. This is especially true for Steam games. If you’re looking to save some money on your next purchase, you may be wondering if using a VPN to connect to another country’s Steam store is worth it.

Will using a VPN with Steam slow down my Internet connection?

This is a common concern, but it’s important to remember that not all VPNs are created equal. A good quality VPN will improve your Internet speed by routing your traffic through a server that’s closer to your physical location.

Is using a VPN with Steam legal?

The simple answer is yes – using a VPN with Steam is legal. However, there are some caveats to this. For example, if you use a VPN to commit fraud or engage in other illegal activities, then that would be against the law. Additionally, some countries have restrictions on using VPNs – so if you’re planning on using a VPN while traveling, make sure to check the local laws beforehand.

Can I use a VPN to buy Steam games?

A virtual private network (VPN) may help you access the Steam marketplace from a country where games are cheaper than on your own. Some users, on the other hand, advise making use of a payment method that is also based in the same nation as the VPN server you choose to connect to [9].

Can Steam detect VPN services?

Valve, the company that owns and operates Steam, is very clear in its Subscriber Agreement that using a VPN to circumvent geo-restrictions is not allowed. The same goes for buying games on Steam using a VPN to take advantage of lower prices in other countries.

Can Steam detect VPN services?

If you violate either of these rules, your account may be subject to a VAC ban or other action by Valve. That said, there have been reports of users being banned from Steam after using a VPN service.

Is it safe to change my Steam region to Turkey or Argentina?

If you want to purchase games at a lower price by using a VPN to change your store region, be aware that Steam may ban you from their site. Additionally, using a VPN to access region-locked Steam content can result in account deactivation. If you’re looking for a safe and secure way to change your store region on Steam, consider using one of the best VPN services for Steam [10].

How long is the Steam region’s cooldown period?

According to Steam support, the cooldown period for changing your store region is 3 months. This means that you won’t be able to change your store region again for three months after making a change.

If you’re looking to change your Steam region, make sure to do so with a VPN service that offers safety and security features like military-grade encryption. This will ensure that your account remains safe and secure while you’re enjoying lower prices on games in another country.

Useful Video: How to Change Steam to ANY Country and Currency using VPN

Final thoughts

If you’re a gamer, then you know that Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world. With over 120 million active users, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for the best VPN providers for Steam. In this blog post, we have discussed why using a VPN is important when using Steam and recommended some of the best VPN providers. We hope that this information will help you make an informed decision about which VPN service is right for you.


References:

  1. https://cyberwaters.com/best-vpn-for-steam/
  2. https://www.vpnranks.com/best-vpn/steam/
  3. https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/best-vpn-steam/
  4. https://backlinko.com/steam-users
  5. https://pixelprivacy.com/vpn/gaming/vpn-steam/
  6. https://pixelprivacy.com/vpn/gaming/vpn-steam/
  7. https://www.vpnbrains.com/blog/best-vpn-for-steam/
  8. https://stealthoptional.com/gaming/warzone-vpn-ban/
  9. https://vpncentral.com/use-vpn-buy-steam-games
  10. https://cybernews.com/how-to-use-vpn/change-region-on-steam/