Best VPNs for Steam Deck in 2024: Unlock All Games

At a Glance

The Steam Deck is a great portable gaming machine, allowing you to play your favorite Steam games at any time and any place. Unfortunately, the Steam Deck’s portability can also be a downer, as some Steam games are not available outside of your home country, meaning you may have issues accessing all of your library when vacationing or working abroad.

Also, since the Steam Deck runs SteamOS 3.0, which is based on the Arch Linux distribution with KDE Plasma 5, the device can also act as a computer, thanks to its Desktop mode. Using Desktop mode, you can do just about anything you can do on any other Linux computer, including word processing, web surfing, and watching Netflix. Unfortunately, this means your Steam Deck is subject to the same online perils as any internet-connected device.

How Can a VPN Help Me on My Steam Deck?

A VPN offers two very important features that make it a must for Steam Deck owners on the go.

First off, a VPN has the ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your Steam Deck. This is an advantage, due to how IP addresses are usually assigned. Each country is assigned a range of IP addresses for use by connected devices in that country. This means you can identify the country where the device is connecting from.

A VPN’s ability to assign a new IP address to your Steam Deck can make it appear as if you’re connecting to the internet from another country. This usually enables access to content usually reserved for users in that country, such as Steam games, Netflix content, and much more.

Also, a VPN has the ability to encrypt your internet connection, encasing it in a virtual tunnel that hides your online activities from anyone attempting to monitor your online travels. This feature is especially important for mobile devices like the Steam Deck, as you may be connected to an unprotected WiFi hotspot, such as those found at airports, hotels, and coffee shops. Unprotected hotspots are favorite hangouts of hackers looking to steal your personal information.

This means that whether you’re on the road or at home, a VPN provides several useful features to protect and enhance your Steam Deck usage.

I have thoroughly tested several top VPN providers and I have determined the six best VPNs for your Steam Deck.

Best VPNs for Steam Deck

Based on all of my testing and the research I’ve done, I’ve determined that the following six VPNs are the best when it comes to protecting and enhancing your online Steam Deck activities.

The best VPNs for Steam Deck:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for the best VPN for your Steam Deck, NordVPN is it. This provider has a large global server network, fast and gaming-ready connections, comprehensive security, and much more. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Steam Deck. This provider is a great option for Steam Deck owners who would rather spend their money on games. In addition to a good price, the provider offers excellent content-unblocking power, excellent online protection, and much more.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium Steam Deck VPN. This admittedly expensive VPN provider is an excellent choice, scoring well in multiple categories, including global server coverage, fast connections, and comprehensive online protection.
4. CyberGhost: Best VPN option for rookie users. If you’re new to the world of VPNs, CyberGhost is a good choice. The provider’s easy-to-use VPN apps provide one-click protection, as well as fast and reliable connections to your favorite Steam content.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to Steam content. PIA provides reliable access to IP addresses and content from around most of the globe, while also keeping its customers’ online activities undercover.
6. PrivateVPN: Tiny but powerful VPN. This provider’s global server network may be small, but it does offer good access to content where it has servers. It also provides reliable online privacy and security protection.

Please note that while some of the above VPNs offer native Linux apps, they may not work on Arch Linux. If not, you will need to either configure the VPN manually or set it up on your WiFi router.

How to Choose the Right VPN for Your Steam Deck

When it came time to assess these VPNs, I did so by considering the following:

• Global server network
• Download speeds
• Online security and privacy protections
• Support for other platforms
• Customer support offerings

Best VPNs for Steam Deck – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Steam Deck.

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Below you’ll find the best six VPNs for Steam Deck.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the top VPN for your Steam Deck. The provider offers fast download speeds, as well as top-notch online protection.

The provider has 5,700+ servers in 60+ countries across the globe, providing access to Steam content in many different areas, as well as other types of content, including that offered by streaming services.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in the VPN business, offering plenty of bandwidth to handle fast-moving games and other popular online activities.

When you’re using the Steam Deck’s Desktop view, you may be browsing the web, using online apps, and sharing files. That’s where NordVPN’s comprehensive privacy and security features come in. NordVPN protects its customers’ connection with military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware blocking are also available.

NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and also accepts Bitcoin as a more private subscription payment method.

NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from your personal information. The provider’s servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive or SSD. This means that all data is securely wiped from the servers when they’re rebooted or powered down.

While this article is about protecting your Steam Deck, you likely have other connected devices. In addition to Linux support, native app support is available for macOS (with native Apple silicon support), iOS, Android, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, and the provider is compatible with select router makes and models.

Up to six devices can be simultaneously connected to the service on a single account.

NordVPN’s excellent customer support includes always-available live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR STEAM DECK:NordVPN is my top provider for protecting and enhancing your Steam Deck activities. Comprehensive online protection keeps you safe from the bad guys, and NordVPN’s fast connections can easily keep up with your favorite gaming action. A no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent option for gamers on a budget. Games aren’t cheap and Surfshark’s low subscription fees will leave more in your pocket to buy the latest gaming hotness.

With 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, Surfshark offers the widest global server coverage of any VPN on this list. This provides plenty of access to geo-fenced content around the globe.

Surfshark provides speedy connections, with no data caps or bandwidth limitations. This makes it a great option for gaming, streaming, and sharing files.

This VPN uses military-grade encryption, as well as kill switch and IP/DNS leak prevention to keep your internet travels safe from the prying eyes of outsiders. Ad and tracking blocking, as well as malware and phishing protection, are all part of the Surfshark package.

Surfshark also doesn’t save any usage logs on its servers, and its payment options are cryptocurrency-friendly. Plus, the provider now runs all of its servers solely from RAM.

Surfshark offers native app support for Linux, as well as other popular device platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Edge, Firefox, and Chrome browsers are available, as is comprehensive router support.

An unlimited number of devices can be simultaneously connected to Surfshark’s servers, thanks to its unlimited concurrent connections policy.

If you ever have a VPN-related question, Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST VPN FOR USERS ON A BUDGET:Users who aren’t looking to save their money for the latest games will appreciate Surfshark’s bargain pricing. The provider’s privacy and security protections are top-notch, and it offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides premium VPN services for a somewhat higher price than others on this list. That said, the provider should prove to be attractive to many Steam Deck users.

ExpressVPN’s global server network includes more than 3,000 servers in 94+ countries around the globe. The provider has a good track record when it comes to unlocking geo-locked content.

When it comes to connection speeds, ExpressVPN also scores well, with gaming-ready connections. You can game, share files, and stream with no worries about data caps and throttled bandwidth.

Your connection is always well-protected, thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6/DNS leak protection.

Your privacy is also kept under wraps thanks to ExpressVPN’s strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

ExpressVPN was one of the first VPN providers to run all of its servers solely from volatile RAM, with no data whatsoever written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is wiped from an ExpressVPN server whenever it is shut down or rebooted.

ExpressVPN not only has Linux covered, but it also offers native apps available for Android, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire devices. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, and Firefox browser extensions will protect your browsing sessions. Router compatibility is available, too. The provider even offers custom firmware for select router makes and models.

Up to five devices can be simultaneously connected to ExpressVPN servers on a single monthly subscription or up to eight simultaneous connections on longer-term subscriptions.

Customer support is available 24/7, thanks to always-available live chat, email, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

PREMIUM VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN performs well in several VPN categories, with fast connection speeds, excellent online protection, access to content around the globe, and much more. In addition to Linux support, the provider offers native apps for several popular platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

If you’ve never used a VPN app, CyberGhost could be the VPN for you, due to the provider’s range of easy-to-use apps.

CyberGhost boasts a whopping 9,600+ servers in 90+ countries, offering access to IP addresses and geo-controlled content in most areas of the globe.

The provider’s download speeds are quite impressive, ensuring an excellent online gaming experience. There are no bandwidth limitations or data caps to deal with here.

CyberGhost protects its customers’ internet connections with military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6/DNS leak protections. The provider can also force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages, while blocking ads, malicious websites, and online trackers.

The provider also does a good job of protecting your privacy, thanks to its no-logging policy and acceptance of Bitcoin as a payment option.

CyberGhost also performs well when it comes to app support, offering easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. Firefox and Chrome browser extensions protect your browsing, and the service is compatible with several makes and models of routers.

CyberGhost customer support is available around the clock. 24/7 live chat, a support ticket system, and a searchable support library are always available.

BEST VPN BET FOR NEWBIES:CyberGhost is an excellent choice for a beginning VPN user. CyberGhost provides fast connection speeds and comprehensive privacy and security protections to keep your online antics undercover. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has 3,300+ servers located in 84+ countries, providing reliable access to IP addresses and content in a majority of countries around the globe.

All PIA-provided connections are kept private by banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ads, trackers, malware, and malicious websites can all be blocked by the provider’s services.

PIA servers are run 100% user log free, meaning there are no records kept of your online travels. Plus, a handy Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information private. PIA has also joined several providers that run their servers only from RAM, saving no data to a physical hard drive or SSD.

In addition to Linux, the provider’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. Private Internet Access is the only provider on this list that specifically mentions Arch Linux compatibility. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with select router makes and models.

The provider places no limits on the number of simultaneous connections that its customers can make to its servers.

PIA’s connection speeds are the second slowest on this list. That said, they can still easily handle most popular online activities. There are no data caps or bandwidth throttling when using this VPN.

PIA’s support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO ONLINE CONTENT:Private Internet Access has an impressive global server network, providing well-protected connections to several other countries around the globe. Customers can connect as many devices as they’d like to the provider’s servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

While it has a rather small global server network, PrivateVPN has made a name for itself when it comes to reliable VPN protection.

PrivateVPN’s global server coverage is somewhat limited. While its server network covers 63+ countries, it only offers 200+ servers.

The provider’s connection speeds are admittedly the slowest on this list, they’re still up to handling gaming, streaming of HD content, and sharing files.

PrivateVPN scores well in the protection arena. The provider offers military-grade encryption, IPv6/DNS leak protection, as well as a “Stealth VPN” feature to disguise your VPN traffic as normal browser activity.

It lives up to its name by providing comprehensive privacy protections. The service follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment.

Multi-platform support is somewhat lacking, as it offers native app support only for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices. Linux devices can be manually configured to work with PrivateVPN. There are no browser extensions. However, the provider does offer router support. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on a single account.

PrivateVPN doesn’t offer live support chat. However, the provider does respond quickly to inquiries. The support department also responds to emailed questions, and an FAQ section is also available.

ADVANCED OPTIONS FOR EXPERIENCED USERS:PrivateVPN offers advanced options for pro users. While the provider has a small global server network, it offers excellent privacy and security protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Steam Deck

There are several features to consider when deciding on a VPN to use with your Steam Deck.

The list below includes some of the features I considered when deciding on which VPN providers to include in this article.

• Connection speeds: A fast internet connection is your best friend, especially when it comes to gaming and streaming, two things the Steam Deck does well. The VPNs on my list all provide connections that are fast enough to easily handle popular online activities.
• Global server network: A large global server network provides better access to geo-fenced content in other countries. Also, more than a single server in each country helps to prevent a single server from being overloaded with too many users at once.
• Value: To compare a VPN provider’s true value, compare its asking price to the features it offers. Every VPN on my list offers an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: Many of us own more than one connected device, meaning a provider’s native app support is important. The VPNs on this list offer easy-to-use apps for most popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: VPN providers should keep your online activities undercover with banking-level encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS/IP leak prevention. A strict no-logs policy is also a requirement.
• Streaming: Streaming is a popular online activity, meaning that it’s important for a VPN to provide reliable access to several streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others.

The features I’ve listed above include just some of what I always research as part of my VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach provides a better understanding of each VPN provider, allowing me to recommend only the VPNs that best fit my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN for Steam Deck

You don’t need to be an IT professional to install a VPN on your Steam Deck, all you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions below.

I’ll be using NordVPN as an example, but the process will be similar for all of the VPN providers in this article.

How to install and use a VPN for Steam Deck:

1. Sign up for NordVPN, our number one recommended VPN. Alternatively, Surfshark or ExpressVPN are also excellent options.
2. Download the latest version of Decky Loader from GitHub and install it on your Steam Deck.
3. Once Decky Loader is installed, open up the Plugin loader (the right side of your Deck with the three dots…) and scroll to the bottom to find the plugin store. Search for TunnelDeck and install it.
4. Once installed, launch TunnelDeck and toggle the option to install OpenVPN if that’s what you want to use. You can skip this step if you’re using WireGuard.
5. Switch to Desktop Mode by clicking on the Steam button, going to Power, and selecting “Switch to Desktop.” Once your Deck reboots, move on to step 6.
6. Now that you’re in Desktop Mode, click the menu icon and go to “System Settings” -> “Network” -> “Connections.” Tap “+” to import a VPN connection (or select WireGuard if that’s what you use).
7. Download the VPN provider’s OpenVPN configuration file, browse to the location you saved the file, and add it. You’ll now see an empty Username and Password field. Now enter the username and password that you use to log into your chosen VPN. Tap “Save” again, and change the dropdown below your password, so it stores for all users.
8. Now it’s time to boot back into Gaming mode – but before connecting, make sure to enter Offline Mode in Steam by clicking on the Steam button -> “Settings” -> “Internet” -> “Enter Offline Mode.”

Time to enjoy lag-free and private gaming!

Steam Deck VPN FAQs

Conclusion

Steam Deck users will find that NordVPN is the optimal option for reliable protection and enhancement for their online activities, gaming and otherwise.

NordVPN not only supplies access to geo-restricted content, but it also protects your connections with banking-grade encryption and other security features. It provides fast connection speeds, and its customer support and multi-platform support are some of the best in the industry.

For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit their website.