Best VPNs for Steam in 2024

Steam is arguably the best way to buy and play games over the internet on your Mac or Windows PC, as you can download them directly to your hard drive via the internet.

However, you may find that your access to the service is blocked when you’re connected to your school’s or employer’s network, or that you may not have access to the same content your friends in other regions do. This makes a VPN an essential part of any gamer’s toolbox.

How Can a VPN Help Me Access Steam?

By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can detour around any roadblocks in your way, whether they’re erected by your school or employer’s IT folks, your parents or even Steam itself.

In addition, a VPN keeps your other online activities undercover, safe and sound away from the eyes of third parties, like your ISP or the feds.

When considering a VPN for use with Steam, always carefully consider a VPN’s connection speeds, global server coverage and privacy protections.

Gaming-related file sizes can sometimes be massive, and a fast connection is always welcome when downloading any type of content. Meanwhile, comprehensive global server coverage opens access to content that might normally be blocked to you in your region.

In addition, your privacy is valuable, and any competent VPN will do a top-notch job of keeping your identity and your online activities incognito.

Best VPNs for Gaming With Steam

After extensive testing, I’ve found that the following six VPNs are the best for use with Steam. Here’s a short rundown in case you’re in a hurry:

1. NordVPN: My #1 Steam VPN provider. Wide-ranging server coverage, super-fast connection speeds, solid security and privacy. Delivers reliable, fast access to Steam content.
2. Surfshark: Budget-priced VPN protection. This provider delivers unlimited simultaneous connections, optimal encryption and privacy, access to Steam and much more, all for a reasonable price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium Steam VPN. Fast connections, impressive global server coverage, no logs and comprehensive online security and privacy, for a price.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for rookie VPN users. This provider’s easy to use apps, fast speeds, no logs and one-click access to fast connections make this a good choice for first-time VPN users.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable access to Steam. PIA continues to improve its access to geo-fenced online services, like Steam. While the provider’s global server network could stand a bit of a bump, it does a reliable job.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast, gaming-ready protected connections. This provider delivers plenty of gaming-ready bandwidth, while saving no logs, and easy-to-use apps delivering well-protected connections

I evaluated and ranked the top six VPNs according to the following criteria:

• Connection speeds
• Global server coverage
• Servers in Steam countries
• Comprehensive online security and privacy protections
• Apps for Steam-compatible devices

Best VPNs for Steam – 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.

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Here’s my list of the best VPNs for Steam:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is my top choice for Steam users.

The provider offers the fastest connection speeds available from any VPN provider, making it excellent for first-person shooters and other games that require a fast connection.

The service’s server location count (5,500+ servers in 60 countries) offers plenty of opportunities to unblock any barriers that Steam or your local network administrator may have thrown up. Plus, NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from your personal information.

NordVPN keeps no logs of any kind and offers kill switch-protected connections. Military-grade encryption keeps the bad guys away, shielding you from data theft while online. NordVPN also offers two features that most VPN providers don’t offer, which are Double VPN and obfuscated servers.

Double VPN routes your traffic through two VPN servers. This provides two layers of encryption, which is great for security but will slow down your connection speeds. Obfuscated servers make your VPN traffic appear to be normal internet traffic, which helps you avoid detection in overly restrictive countries, like China.

Privacy protections include a no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option. Plus, NordVPN runs every server in its network 100% from RAM, meaning no data is ever written to an actual hard drive. This means all data is securely wiped when a NordVPN server is rebooted or shutdown.

Native app support is available for the Windows, macOS (with M1 Mac support), Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Android TV platforms. In addition, in-browser streamers will be glad to know that browser extensions are available for the Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox platforms.

A total of 6 devices can be connected via a single NordVPN account. Plus, the provider offers support for various makes and models of routers, allowing you to protect all of your devices at once.

24/7 customer support includes always-available support chat, a searchable support library and email support.

BEST VPN FOR STEAM:NordVPN is my #1 choice. Its fast connections provide an optimal method of downloading Steam content, while its online protections help you avoid roadblocks along the way. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free proposition to try their service.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark snags the #2 spot in the “best VPN for Steam” rankings thanks to its low price, unlimited simultaneous connections policy, fast speeds and optimal security and privacy protections.

Surfshark delivers reliably fast speeds, ensuring you’ll have an excellent, no-lag gaming experience.

3,200+ Surfshark servers dot the globe in 95 countries, so if you’re after international gaming content and servers, Surfshark is a solid option.

Military-grade encryption protects your connection, as does a kill switch and an ad blocking feature. If you want even more security, Surfshark offers a “MultiHop” feature, which routes your connection through two VPN servers for added protection.

When it comes to privacy, Surfshark is also tops, following a no-logs policy and accepting Bitcoin as a secure payment method.

Surfshark has the Big 4 platforms (iOS, macOS (including native M1 Mac support), Windows and Android) covered with apps, as well as Linux, Amazon TV and Amazon Fire. Browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox are available, and there’s router support to protect all of your devices through one access point.

In case you have a lot of gamers in the house, no worries. Surfshark offers an unlimited simultaneous connection policy, allowing as many devices (and people) as you want to connect to the provider’s servers on one account.

Always-available support chat, a contact form and a searchable support digital library are all included as part of the provider’s customer support.

BEST FOR BUDGET:Gamers looking for a VPN provider that won’t break the bank will appreciate Surfshark’s service, which includes an unlimited simultaneous connections policy and above-average security and privacy protections for a low cost. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN‘s large global server network will connect you to gaming servers and content across the globe.

The provider supplies fast connection speeds, allowing you to quickly download games and updates from the Steam servers.

ExpressVPN also offers wide global server coverage, with more than 3,000 servers located in 94 countries. That kind of coverage means you’ll have plenty of content-unlocking power at your fingertips.

The provider makes its home in the British Virgin Islands, where the government doesn’t require VPN services to keep any logs recording their customers’ online activities while connected to the service. This allows ExpressVPN to follow a total no-logs policy, recording none of its users’ online antics.

In addition to a no logs policy, ExpressVPN runs all of its servers using its proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, which runs all server operations from volatile RAM. No data is ever written to a physical hard drive, meaning all data is completely wiped when a server is restarted or shutdown.

ExpressVPN’s speedy connections are protected by military-grade encryption, keeping your online travels and personal information safe from the prying eyes of others.

Kill-switch protection in their macOS and Windows apps ensures your activities won’t be left open to observation. The provider also offers native app support for iOS and Android devices, as well as Chromebook, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Linux and other devices. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser users can make use of the provider’s browser extensions.

Keep in mind that this provider only allows 5 simultaneous connections for a single account. However, it offers excellent router compatibility, making it easy to protect all of your devices.

Support options include 24/7 live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support database.

GREAT WORLDWIDE COVERAGE:ExpressVPN is a great option for gamers who want to have access to international gaming content and servers. The provider offers fast speeds, excellent security and privacy protections, and comprehensive app support. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is arguably the best available option on this list for the first-time VPN user. The provider’s apps are easy to use and can protect your connection with a single click of the mouse.

CyberGhost’s global server coverage is very wide, including 8,300 servers in 90+ countries across the world.

This provider offers speedy connections, meaning it won’t take long to download updates and new content for your favorite games. Your connections are protected by military-grade encryption, and kill switch protection is available.

Top-notch identity protection is available, as the provider keeps no logs of any type and accepts Bitcoin as payment.

Easy-to-use native apps are available for the Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV and iOS platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox browsers, and up to 7 devices can be concurrently connected on a single account.

Users with a large number of connected devices can protect themselves via various makes and models of routers.

In addition to comprehensive VPN services, the provider also offers other security and privacy protection. This includes a password manager, as well as alerts when your email is exposed in data breaches. Windows security protection is available in privacy customizations, antivirus and anti-malware protection and more.

24/7 customer support options include always-available support chat, a trouble ticket submission system and a searchable support library.

GREAT OPTION FOR FIRST-TIME USERS:CyberGhost is an excellent option for first-time VPN users. Their apps offer one-click protection, and the service does a fine job of protecting your privacy. A 45-day no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) delivers reliable access to Steam content. The provider has improved its access to geo-fenced content in recent years.

The provider’s global server network includes 3,300+ servers based in more than 80 countries, providing access to Steam, as well as other content in most areas around the globe.

PIA’s download speeds are not the fastest around. However, it does provide more than enough bandwidth for online gaming and downloading games from Steam. The provider never inflicts data caps or bandwidth throttling on its users.

PIA does an excellent job of keeping its users online travels incognito. This is thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and kill switch protection. Ad, tracker, malware and malicious site blocking is also available.

PIA servers never save server logs, and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, keeping your usage and payment privacy protected.

PIA native support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your web browsing, while compatibility with various router makes and models protects all of your connected devices when they connect to your network.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected on a single account.

PIA customer support includes live support chat, a trouble ticket form and a searchable support database.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO STEAM:Private Internet Access delivers reliable excellent access to Steam and other popular gaming sites and services. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections are a great solution for any online activity. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is newer to the scene than the other providers on this list, but they are rapidly gaining a good reputation in the industry.

The provider offers fast, well-protected connections, providing military-grade encryption to keep your online activities out of sight.

Native apps are available for the macOS and Windows platforms, and you’re covered when out and about thanks to apps for the Android and iOS platforms.

Up to six simultaneous connections to the service via a single account are allowed. Plus, select routers can also be configured to protect all of your connected devices.

PrivateVPN is a strict “no-logs” provider, so there’s no evidence connected to your online antics. Bitcoin is happily accepted here.

The service could do better when it comes to global server coverage, though, with just 200+ servers spread out among 63 countries.

Live chat, email, and an FAQ page are among the provider’s customer support options.

PLENTY OF CONNECTIONS:PrivateVPN is perfect for families that have more than one Steam gamer in the house, as the provider allows up to 6 devices to connect at the same time to a single login. Users adverse to financial risk will like the provider’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Steam

When you’re considering which VPN provider is right for your Steam-based gaming, there are several important factors to consider. Any VPN isn’t necessarily right for the job, as not all of them offer the necessary features.

Here are the main features I consider and why they’re important:

• Connection Speed: Connection speeds and low lag is critical for gaming. Slow speeds and lag can be deadly, especially when it comes to battle royal games and shooters. Each VPN on my list offers low lag, fast connections.
• Server Network: When it comes to accessing geo-controlled gaming content, a large global server network is a good tool to have handy. Plus, the more servers a provider has stationed around the globe the better, as it helps prevent a single server from being bogged down with users.
• Value: It is important to consider the features and functionality of any VPN you’re researching. Take a close look at whether or not the asking price makes sense for services offered. All of the VPNs on my list provide an excellent value for the price they ask.
• Ease of Use: VPN apps should not be overly complicated, as players want to connect and start gaming right away. App support also needs to be available for your preferred gaming platform. Each VPN I include on my lists offer wide multi-platform support and easy-to-use apps.
• Security and Privacy: While this article is primarily concerned with gaming, a VPN is also good for protecting your digital security and privacy. All the VPNs on my list offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection, along with other safeguards. None of them keep any logs of your online activities.
• Gaming: VPNs should offer optimal performance for gaming. In addition to Steam, the VPNs on my list work well for Minecraft, LoL, WoW and Final Fantasy. A VPN can also be used for watching Twitch and unblocking Twitch, removing bans from Fortnite, Runescape, and Discord and much more.

While you might think that my research ends here, this is just a small part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach allows me to better understand each VPNs offerings. This allows me to recommend VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

Can I Use a Free VPN With Steam?

While you can certainly use a free VPN with Steam, in my humble opinion, you’re not going to be satisfied, and I strongly urge you not to do so.

Free VPN connection speeds are usually underwhelming, and slow speeds mean it’ll take longer to download your new game and jump into the action. And Steam is all about instant-gratification gaming, right?

Plus, some free VPNs will make you wait in a queue before connecting, which brings us back to the whole “instant gratification” issue.

Also, free VPNs have been known to keep logs of their users’ online activities, often selling the information to advertisers and other interested parties. (If you get a free service on the internet, there’s a good chance you and your personal information are what they’re selling. Just ask Facebook or Google.)

All of these reasons make the idea of using a free VPN with Steam a less-than-optimal solution.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using a VPN With Steam

While using a VPN to access Steam is an excellent solution for those users that may find the service blocked due to local network usage policies (which can be put in place by network administrators at school or work, or even at home by mom or dad), there are risks connected to using the service.

Much like the regional restrictions that film and television studios put on Netflix streaming content, Steam’s contracts with game publishers restrict the sale of games and their downloadable content to certain regions of the globe.

Steam can and will block your account for using a VPN to access their services. While the games provider doesn’t usually block users who are using a VPN to avoid school or work roadblocks, they do frown on accessing the service from regions of the world where you normally wouldn’t have access.

While you can always create another Steam account, if you’re blocked because of using a VPN, you’ll lose access to all of the games and content you purchased on your old account.

Steam VPN FAQs