Steam[1] is a video game digital distribution service and it is an ideal place to buy and play the video games, get the updates for them. Here you can find various games for your Windows or macOS. The only problem is that the access to it might be restricted from some countries or offices, schools, libraries and other similar places. The only way to bypass those access restrictions is by using a decent VPN[2]. In this article, we are going to review the best VPNs for steam.
If you don't have enough time to read the entire article, there is a summary of the best VPNs for steam:
- ExpressVPN – ultra-fast servers and high internet connection speeds make this service perfect for streaming online videos, playing games, or torrenting.
- NordVPN– one of the best VPN on the market. High internet connection speed and double data encryption make it unbeatable service on the market.
- CyberGhostVPN– an excellent user interface and simple navigation, makes this VPN one of the best VPN for beginners. Fits great for streaming videos online or playing games.
- ProtonVPN – high Swiss quality, high speeds, cross-platform, and multi-user support. What could be better?
- TorGuardVPN – one of the most known VPN on the market by its trustful service since 2012.
What are the best VPNs for Steam?
The best part, as already mentioned about VPNs, is that ‘roadblocks’ of any kind in networks can be minimized easily using VPNs. So whether you’re holidaying outside or working under strict IT monitoring done by employers, Steam itself won’t be able to detect any issue, if you happen to use the VPN.
After extensive research, we found that the following are the best VPNs that match the criteria (as stated above) and perfect for Steam.
1. ExpressVPN – unblock any geo restricted website with fast and secure VPN
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| Rating |  |
| Available applications |  |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-days |
| Price from | $6.67 (-49% deal) |
| Oder VPN with a discount |  |
| More information | ExpressVPN review |
Undoubtedly the best and all-round VPN meant for gaming purposes, this stands out for the swiftness it has from any corner of the world. With its immensely fast connection speeds, you can easily download every possible game as well as updates from Steam servers. This one is a hit in the mobile aspects, especially for the custom apps it provides. Of particular mention are the ones from Android and iOS. And without apparent performance levels of the VPN, this wouldn’t have been possible. The macOS and Windows apps have mainly stalled the ‘kill switch protection’ to see that the workings are not left open before the public.
ExpressVPN servers work all across the world, at a coverage capacity of about 3000 servers in 94 nations. So the ‘content-unlocking’ capacity is well gauged from this data. The speed of this VPN is safeguarded by military-level encryption(AES 256-BIT). This is exactly how personal information is not lost.
The VPN also follows a complete no-logs policy, sans record of users’ online working. There are only five connections that this VPN allows simultaneously from one account. But the router compatibility is excellent, and every device will be secure at the time of use.
Unfortunately, the VPN suffers on the grounds of expenses compared to its counterparts. However, customers have a 30-day money-back guarantee, and that’s a good measure.
2. NordVPN – get the most from the internet with military-grade encryption and wide server list
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| Rating |  |
| Available applications |  |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-days |
| Price from | $3.49 (-70% deal) |
| Oder VPN with a discount | |
| More information | NordVPN review |
Among the best VPNs to be used for Steam, this one inarguably occupies the second spot. Much like the predecessor, the provider offers private and secure connections with this. The server location count might not be as high as ExpressVPN, yet there are chances aplenty whereby it counters the obstacles that Steam or even the local network administrator might have created. About 58 countries are provided its servers, and all of them are reliable and fast VPN connections for Steam. Every browsing history and data is sent via encrypted tunnels, and that helps in users’ security, without anyone having access to private information.
Name a platform, and NordVPN does justice to each. From Windows, Linux, macOS to iOS and Android, this is compatible with each. Compared to the former, NordVPN allows for securing close to 6 devices using one single account only, and that includes the router and even Smart TV. Besides, there are browser extensions, too, meant for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome platforms.
Apart from the quick connection that NordVPN is known for, the use of military-grade encryption ensures that browsing details are safeguarded, regardless of any network or even public Wi-Fi. The kill-switch protected connections work manifold, and no logs are therefore retained.
NordVPN stands its ground for two features not provided by anyone else- Double VPN and servers. Also, it’s pricing is an effective one, alongside a 30-day money-back guarantee plan.
3. CyberGhost VPN – cheaper but not worser service from Romania, that is also can do a lot
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| Rating |  |
| Available applications |  |
| Money-back guarantee | 45-days |
| Price from | $2.75 (-80% deal) |
| Oder VPN with a discount | |
| More information | CyberGhost review |
For beginners, this is an excellent way to start. The apps from the provider are easy and convenient to use, and even the network connections stand protected via just a single click from the mouse. While it might not be as popular as others in the list, yet the easy-to-use interface and affordable rate scores good points. There’s a 45-day money-back guarantee alongside too. Besides, most regions around the world are well covered using this VPN. About 4600 servers are present in 60 nations.
For your favorite games, new content and recent updates can be easily downloaded, thanks to the VPN’s speed. Much like the previous two, the connections are well-secured using military-grade encryption. An add-on is a kill-switch protection. The provider also checks to see that no logs are kept, and hence browsing history and unessential details are kept hidden from the prying eyes of the public, and Steam as well.
Using CyberGhostVPN, about seven devices can be connected from one single account. And given the compatibility with popular platforms as Windows, Android, Android TV, iOS, and macOS, it only adds to its list of followers. Like the former, the extensions include Chrome and Mozilla Firefox too.
The only glitch that can come in the way of this VPN’s advantages is the slow connection, as compared to others. It just requires a few minutes to be connected to the VPN server for Steam, yet chances of delays cannot be warded off completely.
4. ProtonVPN – a product from Switzerland that has many functions as Swiss army knife
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| Rating | |
| Available applications | |
| Money-back guarantee | 45-days |
| Price from | $4.00 |
| Oder VPN with a discount |  |
| More information | ProtonVPN review |
ProtonVPN servers located in 42 countries and has more than 1000 different servers. Some of them are free and some of them are paid. It depends on you which one is for your needs.
ProtonVPN uses high-speed servers that have at minimum 1 Gbps bandwidth. Servers utilize 10 bps connections. However, these only include paid versions.
ProtonVPN uses AES-256 to encrypt users’ traffic. It uses 2048-bit RSA to do a key exchange. Also, it uses the algorithm of HMAC with SHA256 for message authentication. It is one of the most robust methods in the market and provides advanced encryption.
Among the compatible devices, the ProtonVPN works fine with macOS, Linux, Android, Windows, iOS. The pricing is quite basic, and customers usually get a chance of selecting the most appropriate pricing plan, which varies across locations.
For those wanting a free option and high-end security, this one’s a good bet. Besides, a wide range of devices(up to 10) can be connected to the VPN, and hence.
5. TorGuard VPN – robus and solid VPN that bypass variuos restrictions, including Steam's geo block
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| Rating | |
| Available applications | |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-days |
| Price from | $5.95 |
| Oder VPN with a discount | |
| More information | ToGuardVPN review |
One of the most comfortable and most affordable options of VPN with Steam is TorGuard. This VPN’s security system is well advanced. There are plenty of possibilities, and the software for the VPN is pre-configured, to protect the data using high-end applications. From the kill switch option to its 256-bit AES encryption, the protection factor is well seen in using this.
With a network spanning across 50 countries and more, there are about 3000 global VPN servers provided by TorGuard. Away from the monitoring and strict tab, users can enjoy unlimited bandwidth using the fast VPN. Besides, there are strict blocks with the invisible SSL Stealth VPN access, which TorGuard bypasses clearly. From Stunnel, Shadowsocks, OpenConnect, and more, the provider has it all.
The VPN usage is kept anonymous, and it holds a 100% no-logs policy. The unlimited speed ensures that at least 30 servers are well reached in about 8 countries.
People who wish to choose TorGuard can safely rely on budget-friendly pricing packages and a well-coordinated customer care team, known to provide support on a 24/7 basis for 365 days.
Steam can be accessible not for everybody without a VPN
For avid gamers, ‘Steam’ is a known concept in the gaming world. Starters can read up a bit about the platform in general and how it has made gaming a different experience altogether.
With multiple gaming forums, distribution patterns, servers, single and multiplayer usage, the concept of gaming has taken a different level using Steam.
The problem is that the connection to the Steam games and servers might be restricted for a particular group of people.
There are two reasons for switching to a VPN with Steam. The first of it is that it can be accessed by all, almost anywhere, and the second is the pricing strategy of the games.
Steam regulations says: ‘usage of IP proxy[3] or any other mode to mask the place of residence, just to bypass the geographical barriers applicable to the game content or to buy it at a rate that is not permitted as per the geography or any other purpose stands prohibited.’
Surprisingly is that the benefits of the VPN usage on Steam is scattered throughout the internet. No matter how much it has been mentioned in terms of the lurking dangers.
But Steam is smart enough to catch through the problems. So even when someone has happily bypassed the network regulations or is in the midst of the game, after purchasing at a far lesser rate; there will be no way of finishing it, since Steam will trace through.
Alongside this, there are some vital issues of prime concern while working with Steam. Few applications that run in the system can interfere with the use or performance of games played with Steam.
Also, few applications can pose severe threats in the form of app crash or loss in connectivity. So it makes absolute sense to assess the system thoroughly and disable those apps that run the risk of damaging themselves or others or result in slower and poor performances of games.
If required, seeking help from a specialist is also recommended. The expert might check to see that the network is configured well to allow the use and traffic of Steam and supporting games.
VPN is a powerful tool that can help you access Steam from the restricted territory
It is a service that can change your IP and encrypt your browsing data. It means that if you cannot access Steam from your country, you can connect to the VPN server located in the United States. By doing this, you will bypass your network or geographical restrictions[4].
Also, VPN encrypts your browsing data and makes it unreadable to your internet service provider, government, or hackers. In other words, it makes your presence on the internet invisible. For this reason, it is excellent to use it on Steam when it is not accessible in normal conditions.
An unsecured network that reveals the data of IP address or any Wi-Fi network stays at a high probability of being exposed, particularly browsing history or any private information.
In these circumstances, virtual private networks come handy. After all, security and privacy cannot go unnoticed online, and resorting to VPNs is a wise choice.
Logging on to a private network using a password or secret code makes things easier to understand. The data, when transmitted at the time of using a VPN service, stays protected and secure. Most importantly, the identity of the concerned person remains anonymous.
Free VPN can steal your data, avoid it
There’s a continuing debate about whether you must opt for a paid or free VPN, and the reasons are many. A quick search and review would help disclose how free VPNs suffer on the grounds of trust, reliability, and such, despite scoring exceptionally well in terms of appeal from the ‘free’ factor. This is not to say that such VPNs are always best discarded, but recommended to be avoided for the most part.
Limited bandwidth – Almost every free VPN service provider limits their traffic bandwidth up to 10 Gb. So if you want to stream videos online, you will be able to use it for one day.
Connection speed – Rest assured, disappointment is on the radar with free VPNs in regards to connection speed. So your free VPN is an absolute no-no when it comes to streaming videos, downloading torrents, and playing games.
Surveillance – Free VPNs log into the activities of users and sell the data furthermore. This is a fact that’s kept hidden in many aspects, and users who have been regulars with it, are aware. In this way, there’s no security.
Too many ads – In selling the ads, VPN services make profits maximally. So if the provider is not tracking the activities or selling data, the constant intrusion via ads can create unnecessary hampering of the service continuity.
Encryption and security – The security of data will always stay questionable with a free VPN. Paid users indeed have more options, and the encryption value is higher. Those VPN services offering PPTP must be avoided at all costs or those that fail to share protocols that they use or support.
Customer support- Free VPNs will never match to the requirements of providing reliable and professional customer support. After all, there’s no hard and fast rule to abide by your needs if free services are what you opted for.
| Options | free VPN | paid VPN |
| Changes your IP | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited bandwidth | ✗ | ✔ |
| Fast internet connection | ✗ | ✔ |
| No-logs, no tracking | ✗ | ✔ |
| No annoying ads | ✗ | ✔ |
| Millitary-grade encryption | ✗ | ✔ |
| Wide range of server selection | ✗ | ✔ |
| Customer support | ✗ | ✔ |
The benefits using a VPN with Steam
Put, VPN tunnels are unmatched when it comes to unblocking any content that’s much required using a feature termed as ‘IP address making.’ In using this, the computer, tab, or any other device can seek or ‘borrow’ for an IP address from any different VPN server.
On your behalf, the server can get the address asked for, and then, it transports the data to the concerned device. If you take the example of Steam, the VPN server can also give out data from the device to the destination (here: Steam) from the IP address on which working was going on.
This is precisely why many servers of Steam feel like they’re communicating with the VPN server. Hence, it makes absolute sense to choose the best VPN tunnel that will see through the restrictions often imposed upon using Steam. By doing so, the limits do not apply, and Steam usage is bound to become smoother.
Learn important factors to before taking the best VPN for Steam
Easier said than done, the task of choosing the best VPN is quite a difficult one. Today, creating virtual networks is a quick and hassle-free solution coming from different zones, yet there are few criteria based on which you can classify a good VPN server from the other. To select the ideal one for Steam, here are a few factors that you can assess.
- Compatibility with several devices and locations – Most VPNs majorly support almost every single platform, including Mac, Android, Linux, Windows, iOS, and so on. However, one must ensure to see that if the VPN will be found for all the platforms. Also, one must understand how many devices in total can be connected to the VPN simultaneously. Some support unending VPNs, while few can accommodate a maximum of two or three.
- Server locations and coverage – It’s quite likely that living in a less developed nation or where availability of resources is lesser, VPN servers must be within that same location or at proximity. This is, however, not the case with other nations that has full availability of VPN servers for Steam. For example, in China, a VPN must be able to see through restrictions and censorship, owing to its strict monitoring and limited internet service.
- Security and Privacy – This is one aspect where a VPN must score high. There’s no point in having a VPN server with Steam if it fails to check for security settings and cover the identity, to prevent data from leaking. Privacy is the most crucial factor while choosing a VPN. Nowadays, the best VPN should offer AES 256-BIT encryption[5].
- Internet connection speed – Your internet connection might affect the overall private network operations. When using the VPN for Steam, you might find that some technical glitch was responsible for causing an intrusion into your signal, owing to the presence of some other similar device transmitting the same message. To stay safe, check for the internet connection speed ahead of time. Alternatively, you can think of any wireless device if any slowdown has occurred in the connection.
- Reliable customer service – What is often overlooked in the process of finding the best VPN service for Steam is a trustworthy customer service that operates on a 24/7 basis. There are frequent changes that keep happening in the VPN services, so finding someone or a team of dedicated workmen who would be available and thereby help, regardless of any snag, is a must. Also, choosing live chats is a better option.
- Convenient pricing plans – Accurate pricing pushes customers and users to find the best and most suitable one for their needs. In a bid to check for the offerings, many take to the free plans. Realistically speaking, you shell out more money than expected because the costs incurred as a result becomes far more with the passing days.
Set up a new VPN easily for Steam by the following
To set up a VPN it is a simple process and you don’t need any special computer knowledge. You just need to pick up a desired VPN provider and do the following steps. You are not risking, because of 30 days money back guaranty.
- Go to VPN service provider website:
- Subscribe to service. You will receive a username and password.
- Press download the VPN software.
- Install it on your computers or smart devices or router.
- Enter username and password.
- Press Connect to the VPN server.
- Enjoy
This process will take for you around 2 minutes. You will have 30 days money back guaranty if you will not be satisfied with the service. I think that you will be satisfied because we have picked only those VPNs which are trustful and worth attention.
Other uses of VPN instead of Steam
The fact that there’s excellent utility about VPN points to the fact that plenty of tasks can be accomplished using it. Much like the gaming industry, VPN use is mostly done for unlocking global content, keeping search history private for personal data and web browsing, commenting with anonymity, shopping online, and, most importantly, streaming across sites like
Netflix, YouTube, or any other sourcing unlimited and appealing content.
Generally, it is only when you seek to keep your privacy intact in an increasingly open world that VPNs are utilized the most.
Final Thoughts
The market is currently flooded with plenty of VPN options. And for Steam, several of them are safe (which have been mentioned).
However, before choosing an ideal one, check for the one that suits you best. You should keep in mind how requirements vary, and it makes total sense in assessing the most befitting one for your needs. If required, you can talk to experts for their invaluable suggestions.
Recommended VPNs
| Options |  |
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| Location | B.V.I. Islands | Panama | Romania |
| Servers | 3000+ | 5000+ | 3500+ |
| Countries | 160 | 60 | 60 |
| Supported devices | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Torrenting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| U.S.Netflix | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Encryption and protocols | |||
| AES-256 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| OpenVPN | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| PPTP | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| L2TP | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SSTP | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| IPsec | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Internet connection speed | |||
| Download speed | 83.15 | 72.33 | 71.10 |
| Upload speed | 35.18 | 48.18 | 36.45 |
| Security features | |||
| SSL | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| No-Log | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kill Switch | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ad-Blocking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Double encryption | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| IP Leak protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Operating systems | |||
| Windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mac | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Android | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Linux | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| iOS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| XBox | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| PS4 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Browser extension | |||
| Chrome | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Firefox | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Other features | |||
| Router support | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free version | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Accepts Bitcoins | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Money back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days |
| Read a review | review | review | review |
| Paid version from | $6.67/month | $3.49/month | $2.75/month |
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Olivia Morelli is a senior media writer on Reviewedbypro.com. Her favorite topic to write about is ransomware attacks and how to deal with them, but she also enjoys covering the topics of other types of malware and VPNs.
- ^ Wikipedia.org. Steam (service). What is Steam (service)?.
- ^ Wikipedia.org. Virtual private network. What is Virtual private network?.
- ^ Wikipedia.org. Proxy. What is Proxy?.
- ^ Wikipedia.org. Geo-blocking. What is Geo-blocking?.
- ^ Wikipedia.org. Advanced Encryption Standard. What is Advanced Encryption Standard?.
