5 Best VPNs for Steam — Access Games Safely in 2024

Steam collects a lot of data about what, when, where, and how you play your games. Not only that but playing multiplayer games opens you up to a new threat — distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. That’s why we always recommend using a VPN while gaming, but not all services offer low enough ping so you can play securely without it impacting your gameplay.

After rigorous testing of 50+ VPNs, we identified the best options for Steam. Our criteria included consistently low ping, robust security features to prevent DDoS attacks, and extensive server networks for global access. Each VPN on this list passed stringent tests to ensure it enhances rather than hinders your gaming.

ExpressVPN emerged as the best VPN for Steam in our tests. Its proprietary Lightway protocol maintained an impressively low latency rate for lag-free gaming sessions. Plus, it has an extensive server network and strong security to protect you against DDoS attacks. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free and get a refund if you’re not satisfied. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Steam in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Steam — Full Analysis (2024 Update)

1. ExpressVPN — Low Ping to Securely Play Steam Games Without Lag

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Tested November 2024

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ExpressVPN delivers the lowest ping we've seen in a VPN for Steam gaming. During our tests on ExpressVPN’s nearby servers, we experienced a minimal speed loss of only 3% (242 Mbps) and a ping of 12 ms. This excellent performance is due to its Lightway protocol, which is designed to maintain fast connections and low latency. You can play your desired games without any slowdowns or lag.

ExpressVPN’s London server gave us the fastest speeds and a ping rate of just 11ms

With ExpressVPN’s large server network, you have plenty of options to protect your gaming sessions from any prying eyes. It has servers all over the world, including in Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, the US, and more. This means that it's very likely to find a nearby one in your game’s region that isn't overcrowded. Plus, you can play with friends from all over the world.

ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it easier to play games on restrictive WiFi networks. Some networks (like those in schools or workplaces) block gaming traffic, while others won’t let you use a VPN at all. I played Warframe in my university library while connected to ExpressVPN, even though this network blocks P2P connections and VPNs.

On the downside, ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than other VPNs on this list. That said, it often offers generous discounts on its long-term plans. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. If you’re not satisfied with the service you get, it’s easy to get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Threat Manager. This built-in feature blocks known malicious domains. Hackers have been known to fake emails from Steam or post fake links on the forums to try and get your data or infect your device with malware, so this is a great level of extra protection while gaming.
• Compatible with Steam Deck. ExpressVPN seamlessly integrates with the Steam Deck. Since SteamOS is based on Linux, you can use ExpressVPN's Linux app directly on the device.
• Router support. ExpressVPN offers custom firmware that makes it super easy to install and use the VPN on routers. This means you can secure all your gaming devices without having to install the VPN separately on each device.
• Smart Location. You don’t need to hunt down a fast server for gaming. Simply click the Smart Location quick-connect button, and the app will connect you to the fastest available server near you. So, you can start gaming safely with only a few clicks.

2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers to Easily Find the Right Connection for Steam

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www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect server for Steam. Its gaming-optimized servers are designed to deliver low latency and reliable connections for a seamless gaming experience. No more trial and error — just head to the For Gaming tab and pick a server location of your choice.

Its user-friendly interface is suitable even for VPN beginners

During our tests, we connected to CyberGhost's gaming server in London and experienced a low ping of just 15 ms. The speeds are also impressive, though not quite as fast as ExpressVPN. For instance, we experienced an average speed loss of 9% (212 Mbps) on its nearby servers. Because of these fast speeds and low latency rates, I was able to play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Warzone on Steam without any lag.

The VPN also delivers on security. Its built-in NAT firewall assigns each user a unique private IP address and blocks all communication that isn’t specifically requested by a device on your home network. This, along with strong encryption and IP/DNS leak protection, protects your Steam gaming sessions from DDoS attacks.

One shortcoming is that CyberGhost’s long-distance connections can be a bit slow. For instance, we lost 42% on its Melbourne server. However, if your base internet speed is good, it won’t be a problem. And if you're unsure, it offers a money-back guarantee of up to 45 days so you can test it risk-free.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IP. For a small additional fee, CyberGhost offers a dedicated IP add-on. While it isn’t confirmed how Steam detects VPNs, a common method is blocking IPs that many users share at once. A dedicated IP is unique to you, so you’re less likely to run into IP-based VPN blocks.
• Gaming browser extension. CyberGhost offers a lightweight browser extension that's particularly useful if you frequently use Steam's web interface to browse the store or forums. It provides quick server switching without needing to open the full app.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for Steam

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www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA stands out with its highly customizable security features, letting you fine-tune your VPN connection for optimal Steam gaming. You can choose between WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. With OpenVPN, you also have the option to choose between AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryption. During our PIA tests, we found that AES 128-bit delivered faster speeds than the latter, but WireGuard gave us a respectable 15% drop (197 Mbps).

WireGuard delivered faster speeds and lower ping than OpenVPN

In addition, you can also switch between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. In our tests, IPv6 delivered slightly improved speeds and lower ping than IPv4 (19 ms vs 21 ms). While it’s not significant, you’ll see faster response times while playing Steam games, especially if you have higher latency to begin with.

One minor drawback of PIA is that its abundance of customization options can be overwhelming for VPN beginners. However, it comes pre-configured with balanced settings, so you don't necessarily need to adjust anything to start gaming securely on Steam right away.

PIA offers great value with prices starting at $2.03/month, and you can test it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, it’s easy to get a full refund.

Useful Features

• MultiHop connections. This feature routes your connection through a VPN server and then a SOCKS5 proxy, disguising your VPN usage. It adds an additional layer of security and may help prevent Steam VPN detection. But remember, it can affect your connection speed since your data travels through two servers.
• Split tunneling. This allows you to route only your Steam traffic through the VPN while other apps use your regular connection. It can help optimize your gaming speed and reduce unnecessary bandwidth usage.

4. NordVPN — Obfuscated Servers to Play Steam Games on Restrictive Networks

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www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN's obfuscated servers make it an excellent choice if you want to play Steam games on public restrictive networks. These servers hide VPN use by disguising your connection as regular traffic, letting you bypass tough firewalls and blocks. Even if your network administrator blocks Steam and VPNs, you can still play games. This also helps stop your ISP from throttling your speeds when playing on Steam.

Obfuscated servers can be a bit slower than regular servers as they have to do more work to hide VPN use

In terms of speed, NordVPN doesn’t disappoint. Our tests showed an average speed drop of about 10% (225 Mbps) and a ping of 17 ms on its nearby servers. This level of performance is sufficient for downloading Steam games quickly and enjoying smooth online gameplay, even in graphics-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077.

One minor drawback with NordVPN is that its Windows app can be slow to start up. However, once the app is running, connecting to servers is quick and easy.

You can try NordVPN for free by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not right for you, it’s easy to get a refund.

Useful Features

• Meshnet for LAN parties. NordVPN's Meshnet feature allows you to set up LAN parties with friends by creating a secure local network. This means you can game with friends without exposing your device's IP address or risking potential threats from unknown networks.
• NordLynx protocol. NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, NordLynx, is built around WireGuard to provide fast, secure connections. It also enhances this protocol’s built-in security with a double NAT system, which assigns you a unique and dynamic IP address and protects you from any unwanted traffic, like junk DDoS traffic sent by other players.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Play on Any Device Without Interruption

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www.surfshark.com

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all your Steam gaming devices under a single subscription. During my tests, I played Naraka: Bladepoint on my Windows PC with no lag, even though I had two laptops and a smartphone connected to the same server.

No matter how many devices I added, I noticed no speed drops or lag spikes

Our speed tests showed that Surfshark has gaming-friendly speeds, too. On nearby servers, we clocked a small speed drop of 14% (215 Mbps), with an average ping of 21 ms. Even though it’s slower than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, it was still fast enough to play fast-paced games like Fortnite with zero lag.

Unfortunately, some of its long-distance servers can take a while to connect. For example, it took me 25 seconds to connect to its Australian server. However, this wasn’t a common occurrence. And once connected, my gaming experience was consistently smooth.

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with every plan, so you can test it for free. Just ask for a refund via live chat if it’s not for you.

Useful Features

• Value for money. You can get a Surfshark subscription for just $1.99/month. Despite being affordable, it doesn’t skimp on security. All your sessions are well-protected from DDoS attacks.
• Bypasser (split tunneling). This lets you free up VPN bandwidth for your Steam gaming sessions by routing all your other traffic through your regular connection. Plus, this meant I had no problem ordering takeaway food to my house while I kept my gaming sessions protected from DDoS attacks.

Quick Comparison Table: Steam VPN Features

This table compares the key features of the top VPNs for Steam gaming. It covers important aspects like pricing, server network, speeds, and specific features relevant to enhancing your Steam gaming experience.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Steam

We rigorously tested each VPN's performance with Steam to ensure a seamless gaming experience. Our primary focus was on connection speeds and ping rates, as these are crucial for online gaming. We conducted multiple speed tests across various server locations to determine the average impact on connection quality.

Security features were another key consideration in our evaluation process. We scrutinized each VPN's encryption standards, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switch functionality to protect you from DDoS attacks and keep your sessions secure. Plus, we examined the size and distribution of server networks for low-latency connections. For a more detailed explanation of our testing process, please visit our methodology page.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on VPNs for Steam

Will Steam ban me for using a VPN?

Using a VPN with Steam goes against Valve’s Steam Subscriber Agreement, and the company does reserve the right to terminate your account if you do this. However, so far, I haven’t heard of a single instance where a user account was banned just because they were using a VPN to play games securely.

That said, Steam may ban your account if you’re using it to circumvent regional pricing or access region-locked content. To stay safe, avoid changing your store region frequently or purchasing games with a VPN connected.

Is using a VPN with Steam legal?

Using a VPN with Steam is legal in most countries. You won't face any issues for simply boosting your online security or improving your connection while gaming.

However, VPN use is restricted in a handful of countries, like China and Russia, and could potentially cause problems with Steam. We always recommend staying on the right side of the law, so it's wise to double-check your local regulations before using a VPN.

Why can't I change my Steam region?

Steam limits region changes to maintain the integrity of its regional pricing system. The platform uses your location to determine appropriate prices and available content. While it’s theoretically possible to use a VPN to change your region (which I don’t recommend unless you’ve actually moved there), you’ll still need a local payment method to purchase games.

This prevents users from easily switching to regions with lower prices. If you're traveling temporarily, your store region remains unchanged. You can also check out this article to learn how to change your Steam region if you’ve moved.

Can I use a VPN to buy Steam games at a cheaper price?

Using a VPN to purchase Steam games at lower regional prices is against Steam's Terms of Service. This practice, known as “geo-arbitrage,” can result in account suspension or banning. Steam actively monitors this behavior and has implemented measures to detect VPN usage for price manipulation. Instead of risking your account, only use a VPN for legitimate purposes like enhancing your online security or reducing lag.

If you're looking to save money on Steam games, keep an eye out for official sales or use authorized key resellers rather than attempting to bypass regional pricing. There are some reports that Steam has taken action against this practice by raising prices in certain regions, so waiting for an authorized sale will keep your account intact and may grant you a larger discount.

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

Using a VPN with Steam can potentially slow down your connection, but the impact is often minimal with a high-quality VPN. The encryption process and routing through remote servers can add some latency. However, top-tier VPNs keep this speed loss to a minimum to ensure lag-free gaming.

In some cases, a VPN might even improve your connection by providing a more direct route to the game servers or bypassing ISP throttling. To maintain optimal speeds, choose a VPN with servers close to your location and Steam's game servers.

Can I use a free VPN with Steam?

Using a free VPN with Steam is possible but not recommended due to several drawbacks. It’s much better to use a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee.

Free VPNs often have data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options, which can negatively impact your gaming experience. They may also lack crucial security features, potentially exposing your data. Some free VPNs have been known to log and sell user data, contradicting the privacy benefits of using a VPN.

Get the Best VPN for Steam

Using a VPN with Steam requires a delicate balance of speed, security, and compatibility. The VPNs listed here have been thoroughly tested to ensure they meet the demanding needs of Steam gamers, from reducing lag to protecting against potential threats.

I recommend ExpressVPN for Steam gaming. Its proprietary Lightway protocol provides the low latency and high speeds necessary for a smooth gaming experience. Plus, with strong security measures and a user-friendly interface, it caters to both casual and competitive gamers. You can test ExpressVPN's performance with Steam risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs for Steam are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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