A VPN assigns you a new virtual location so you can update your Steam region, but only if you have a payment method and billing address that matches your new location. After testing the top VPNs in 2023, I recommend ExpressVPN as its high-speed global servers work seamlessly with Steam. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with Steam without any risk. Try ExpressVPN with Steam risk-free
Quick Guide: How to Change Your Region on Steam in 2023
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Change Your Steam Country
Steam recently updated its store country policy, and you can no longer select your region manually in your account settings. Instead, you can only change your Steam region while making a purchase using a payment method from that country. To stop people from jumping between stores to get cheaper games, Steam only lets you change regions once every 3 months. You can also change your store country by manually contacting Steam support. However, it’s not an easy process to find this option, and I can’t guarantee how long it’ll take to receive a response. Try ExpressVPN with Steam risk-free
The Best VPNs for Steam (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — #1 for Steam and Lag-Free Online Gaming
Key Features: ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast speeds and global server network make it the top choice for gaming with Steam. I ran multiple speed tests and was impressed with the fast speeds, even over long distances. On average, speed loss when connected was a tiny 12%, meaning I could game online without any lag, buffering, or interruptions. Both local and distant ExpressVPN servers were very speedy during my tests, so you won’t have to worry about significant slowdowns when you connect. These fast speeds are partly due to ExpressVPN’s global network of more than 3000 servers in 94+ countries. With so many reliable server connections, you’ll have no trouble finding a server in the region of your choice and changing your Steam country. There’s even an in-built speed test on the desktop apps, so you can quickly determine which server is the fastest choice for gaming with Steam. Ideally, ping should be less than 100ms for uninterrupted gaming — so I was pleasantly surprised when ExpressVPN’s ping reached 290ms, and there was still no lag. This was due to its proprietary Lightway protocol, developed exclusively for ExpressVPN and based on the new WireGuard protocol. My lag-free experience means that ExpressVPN is also a great choice for fast-paced online games like Call of Duty: Warzone. Speed isn’t the only reason why I highly rate ExpressVPN for gaming. It’s one of the only VPNs with an independent audit that proves its no-logs policy. This means you can trust its encrypted RAM-based servers to keep all your online activities safe, allowing you to securely change your Steam region without anyone knowing. Hackers won’t be able to discover who you are or launch DDoS attacks on your device either. You can even safely use ExpressVPN in countries with strict internet regulations, like China. It’s a little pricier than other VPN options at $6.67 for its 1-year + 3 months, but I believe it’s worth the investment for best-in-class speed and security. However, you can try ExpressVPN with Steam for yourself to make sure it’s right for you by signing up with the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with its performance, you can get a refund with no questions asked. When I tested the refund process myself, a support representative responded to my request in less than a minute through the 24/7 live chat. I wasn’t even asked to reconsider or troubleshoot — in fact, my request was processed immediately. Best of all, I had the money back in my account in less than 5 days! Game on Steam with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Offer Reliable Connections for Gaming on Steam
Key Features: CyberGhost’s optimized gaming servers are a reliable and fast way to connect to Steam. They’re available in 4 locations — France, Germany, the UK, and the US — and connections are almost instant. It took less than 5 seconds to connect to my local server so I could start gaming straight away. In addition, you can choose from CyberGhost’s regular 9633+ servers in 91+ countries. I ran multiple speed tests and found my average speed drop was 32% from my regular internet speed. While that may seem dramatic, I didn’t notice a difference in my online gameplay or overall connection — I could access Steam, download games, and play without issue. CyberGhost’s multi-level security keeps your data protected at all times. Every server is secured with military-grade encryption and leak protection. There’s also a kill switch available for every app, keeping your activity anonymous if the connection is interrupted. You’ll find most VPNs utilize many different IP addresses, which can set off red flags in Steam’s systems. CyberGhost is one of the few VPN services out there that provides a static IP address for its users. This means that Steam will be less likely to detect the use of this VPN. While it has a no-logs policy, CyberGhost has yet to undergo an independent audit. That said, I’m confident its RAM-based servers are unable to store my data while I’m connected. CyberGhost also offers its own ad and malware-blocker that protects you from malicious files hackers use to try and steal your Steam login credentials or other data. With the ability to connect 7 devices at the same time, CyberGhost is one of the most affordable premium VPNs on the market — its subscriptions start at just $2.19 for a 2-year + 2 months plan. While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, it’s a reliable option for connecting to Steam. You can try CyberGhost with Steam to see how well it works for you. There’s a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which is the longest period available out there. I even tested it myself — and I had my money back in less than a week after contacting customer support over 24/7 live chat. The process was simple and took only a couple of minutes for the representative to complete. Try CyberGhost with Steam
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network Enables Global Access to Steam
Key Features: Private Internet Access (PIA) has an enormous server network of over 35000 servers in 84 countries. I’ve found that PIA’s giant network makes accessing Steam easy as there is always a server nearby for a quick and reliable connection. I had decent speeds for browsing games on Steam and playing online, although I didn’t find it to be as fast as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. However, I successfully boosted my server speeds by around 10Mbps by connecting to the WireGuard protocol. When it comes to security, PIA uses military-grade encryption and leak protection to keep all online data anonymous. I ran multiple IP, DNS, and WebRTC tests on multiple servers, and no leaks were detected. Your internet activity is further protected by a kill switch, which is available on every app and blocks all online traffic if the server connection ever drops. Another standout feature is the MACE tool, which automatically blocks all ads and malware. My issue with PIA is that it’s based in the US, which isn’t ideal if you’re privacy-focused — the US is part of several intelligence-sharing alliances and has strict data-retention laws. However, PIA has been subpoenaed several times and handed over zero data, which proves to me that the service doesn’t log or store any user information. I find PIA to be great value for money as you can connect 10 devices at the same time. Plus, its subscriptions start at just $2.19 for a 2-year + 2 months, so it’s a low-price option. However, its speeds can be slow sometimes. That’s why I recommend you try PIA with Steam risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it’s right for you. Access Steam with PIA
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features: NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly. I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it worked and unblocked some streaming services, it sometimes had issues unblocking Netflix US and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
AES 256-bit encryptionA kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenlyBuilt-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blockerFully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server. With plans that cost as little as $3.49 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. To ensure that you’ll really get your money back, I tested NordVPN’s money-back guarantee. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days. Get NordVPN today NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features: Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out. I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality. When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised. Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android usersWireguard VPN protocol enabled by defaultDiskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)Kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account. While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming Netflix in UHD, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.
You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.05. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!). Get Surfshark today Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
6. PrivateVPN — Access Your Steam Account Anywhere With Stealth VPN
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature is ideal for accessing Steam and changing your region without issue. By obfuscating your VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, PrivateVPN won’t trigger Steam’s proxy detection or reset the 3-month cooldown period.
Stealth VPN is a premium feature, so I was surprised to see it on PrivateVPN. With subscriptions starting at just $2.00 for a 3-year, it’s one of the top monthly VPNs and a great choice if you need a VPN on a budget. Server obfuscation can slow speeds dramatically, so I was pleased to find PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN kept my speeds fast on nearby servers. My local speeds only dropped by 39% and had a ping of only 26ms (ideal for lag-free Steam gaming), but servers more than 5,000km away had a noticeable slowdown, with a ping of 300ms. I suggest choosing servers closer to your physical location for the best speeds. In terms of security and privacy, PrivateVPN uses military-grade encryption and data leak protection on every server. Plus, it has a kill switch on every app to keep your online activity secure. While PrivateVPN is a no-log service, it hasn’t yet been independently audited. Fortunately, there are no reports of any data logging or sharing. The downside to PrivateVPN is its small server network, with just 200 servers in 63 countries. I sometimes had trouble connecting to servers due to high user traffic, waiting several minutes to make a connection. However, it’s a minor inconvenience given PrivateVPN’s low price and premium features. I suggest you try PrivateVPN with Steam for yourself — if you change your mind, you can get a refund within 30 days. Use Steam with PrivateVPN
7. IPVanish — Detailed Interface Great for Choosing Fast Server for Steam
Key Features: IPVanish is great for gamers who want a high level of control and precision with their server connections. In tests, I could see ping and user load for every individual server — this allowed me to manually select the fastest server in my chosen location. By making precise server choices, I ensured I got the best download speeds to access Steam, change my region, and play online games like New World. The servers are equipped with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Multiple leak tests confirmed my data was kept securely within the encrypted tunnel. IPVanish has a no-logs policy as well, so none of your personal data or internet activities are monitored, stored, or shared. However, I wouldn’t recommend IPVanish if you’re new to VPNs. The app interface can be overwhelming with a large amount of data, dropdown menus, and configuration settings on display. If you’re new to VPNs, try ExpressVPN with its user-friendly UI that’s easy to navigate. It’s always best to test out a VPN on your own device, so I suggest you try IPVanish with Steam for yourself. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can explore every setting and see if it works for you before committing to a subscription. Access Steam with IPVanish
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for Steam
Will Steam REALLY Ban You for Using a VPN?
It’s not against the Terms of Service to use a VPN with Steam. However, Steam has the right to ban people who regularly abuse the system and use a VPN to get cheaper games outside of their permanent country of residence. The company’s Subscriber Agreement states: To date, my team and I haven’t heard of any cases where Steam has actually banned people. That being said, you shouldn’t run into issues with using a VPN to update your Steam region or to resolve technical issues with your IP address.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Steam
I tested all the best VPNs in 2022 against the following criteria and ranked them based on their performance.
Global server network — I looked for VPNs with servers in a wide range of countries, as well as multiple server options in each location. Strong security and privacy features — A quality VPN will have AES-256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy so your private data can’t be tracked or traced. Blazing-fast speeds — I ran multiple speed tests to ensure each VPN has good speeds for lag-free gaming, as well as streaming, browsing, and downloading. Unlimited bandwidth — Gaming and downloading games is data-intensive, so you don’t want to face any data caps.
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Is it safe to change my Steam region to Turkey, Argentina, and other countries?
Yes, it’s safe to change your Steam region as long as you aren’t breaking any laws or service terms. You can easily change your Steam region if you are moving to a new country or traveling there for an extended period. However, changing your Steam region to get a lower price on games is breaking Steam’s Terms of Service, so you could be subject to an account ban. Make sure you’re aware of the rules and regulations before you change your Steam region.
Is using a VPN against Steam’s Terms of Service?
Yes and no — Steam allows the use of VPNs for several reasons, like updating your account region, protecting your personal data when gaming online, or even resolving issues with your IP address. However, using a VPN to get lower game prices or restricted content goes against Steam’s Terms of Service. If you’re caught using a VPN or proxy server in this way, you could face a permanent account ban and lose access to all of your purchased games.
Will Steam ban me if I use a VPN?
Maybe, but only if you use a VPN to break Steam’s Terms of Service. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to use a VPN with Steam — you can connect to a VPN server and change your Steam region, fix IP address issues, protect yourself from DDoS attacks, and even improve your online gaming quality. You will face a Steam account ban if you use a VPN in a way that violates the Subscriber Agreement. This means using a VPN to access games and content not available in your region, or changing countries to purchase games at a lower price.
Can I use a VPN to buy Steam games from a different country?
Yes, you can use a VPN with Steam to purchase games as long as you have a payment method and billing address in that country. However, using a VPN with Steam in this way is only technically allowed for users who are permanent residents elsewhere or are relocating — it’s not permitted to use a VPN to purchase games that are cheaper or content that is restricted in certain regions. If you use a VPN to purchase region-restricted content, you won’t be able to use it if you change your Steam region or your IP address is outside of the permitted locations. These restrictions are clearly stated before you make your purchase, so make sure you’re fully aware before you buy games or add-on content. Using a VPN to change your Steam region to access this content is against the Terms of Service and can result in a ban.
Can I get cheaper games if I change my region?
Game prices vary depending on region — Steam considers the current economy and popularity of the platform when pricing, so you may find games are cheaper in some locations than others. However, changing your region to get cheaper game prices goes against the Steam Subscriber Agreement. You must not use a VPN or proxy to purchase cheaper games or content that is unavailable in your region, otherwise, you may face account restrictions and even a permanent ban.
How long is the Steam region change cooldown period?
Steam lets you change your region once every 3 months. This is to stop users from abusing the region change feature to find cheaper game deals or access content not available in their country. Some users have reported that using a VPN while connected to Steam can reset the cooldown period, especially if Steam detects that you’re hiding your true IP address. This is why it’s so important to only use a high-quality VPN with Steam — a service like ExpressVPN has obfuscation on every server to hide your VPN traffic so it won’t be detected by Steam.
Why can’t I change my Steam region?
To have the option to change your Steam region, you need to connect to a VPN server first, then add an item to your cart. Steam will detect your IP address and let you make the change to your new region. You can follow this step-by-step guide to make changing your region with a VPN easy. However, there could be a few different reasons you can’t change your Steam region:
You’ve changed your region before and the 3-month cooldown period isn’t over. Your VPN is leaking your location data or not hiding your IP address. Steam has detected your VPN use and reset the 3-month cooldown period — a service like ExpressVPN has obfuscation on all servers so Steam can’t detect your VPN connection.
If you’ve tried the step-by-step guide and it doesn’t work, you can contact Steam support to change your region — this method can take some time so you may not receive a response right away.
Can I change my Steam region without a VPN?
Yes, you can change your Steam region without a VPN if you are physically in the country you want to change to. Steam detects your IP address when you connect so it can direct you to your local store and payment methods. Once you log in to your account, your region will automatically change based on your IP address. If you are relocating to a different country and want to change your Steam region prior to traveling, you can only do this with a VPN. Plus, to confirm the region change you’ll need to have a payment method and billing address linked to that country. If you have these details, you can use a VPN to change your region and check out local deals and in-game content before you move.
Can I use a free VPN with Steam?
Yes, but even the best free VPNs available have limitations so I don’t recommend it. This includes data caps, server restrictions, and speed limits to encourage you to upgrade to the premium service. While these “freemium” VPNs are secure, their limitations mean you can’t use Steam as much as you want, nor will you achieve the fast speeds required for downloading and gaming. Another option is to take advantage of a premium VPN’s money-back guarantee. For example, CyberGhost has an incredibly long money-back guarantee at 45 days. Before the end of the 45 days, you can simply request a refund over 24/7 live chat and get your money back.
Try CyberGhost with Steam today
Change Your Steam Region Easily With a Quality VPN
Using Steam with a VPN doesn’t automatically result in a ban — in fact, it can help to secure your data against hackers and DDoS attacks when gaming and navigate around network restrictions that block access to the service. A VPN can even help you update your Steam region if you’re facing technical issues with your local IP address. To minimize the risk of unfair bans, I recommend using a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN. You can use ExpressVPN’s global server network to connect to Steam, as well as enjoy blazing-fast speeds and top-tier security. You can even buy ExpressVPN with confidence knowing you can get a full refund within 30 days of purchase if you’re not totally satisfied.
