Love gaming on the go? The Steam Deck could be just what you need. It’s a powerful handheld device that lets you play PC games anytime, anywhere. But if you really want to get the most out of it, using a VPN can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll explain why a VPN is useful on the Steam Deck, recommend the best VPNs to use, and show you how to set one up for the best gaming experience.
Why Use a VPN for Your Steam Deck?
Using a VPN on your Steam Deck gives you extra features and benefits you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Here are some of the top reasons to use one.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Using a VPN on your Steam Deck keeps your internet connection safe by hiding and protecting all the data you send and receive. This means no one can see what you’re doing online — not hackers, not cybercriminals, and not even your internet provider. It helps protect your personal info and keeps your Steam account safe from being hacked.
VPNs also stop your internet provider from slowing down your connection or tracking what you do online, which means smoother and faster gaming.
Since online threats are growing, it’s more important than ever to stay protected. A VPN not only locks your data but also hides your IP address, so it’s much harder for anyone to trace your activity back to you.
Access Geo-Restricted Games
If you use a VPN and connect to a server in another country, you can access games that aren’t available in your region. This helps you get around blocks caused by rules or licenses, so you can play thousands of extra games on your Steam Deck from anywhere in the world.
For example, if a game is blocked in your country because of local laws, you can connect to a VPN server in a country where it’s allowed and play it on your Steam Deck. This gives you more games to choose from that you normally couldn’t play.
Bypass ISP Throttling for Faster Gaming
Another good thing about using a VPN on your Steam Deck is that it can stop your internet provider from slowing down your connection. Sometimes, if they see you’re using a lot of data for gaming or streaming, they might make your internet slower on purpose. A VPN hides what you’re doing online, so it’s harder for them to do that.
Also, a VPN can help reduce lag while you’re gaming. It can connect you to a server that’s closer to the game server, which means the game responds faster and runs more smoothly — especially when you’re playing online with others.
Conclusion
Using a VPN on your Steam Deck is a smart way to stay safe and enjoy your games more. It can hide your data from hackers, let you play games from other countries, and even make your connection faster and smoother. So if you have a Steam Deck, using a VPN is a great idea to improve your gaming.
Top VPNs for Steam Deck: Our Recommendations
Now that you know how a VPN can help your Steam Deck, you might be wondering which one to use. Here are our top picks.
ExpressVPN: High-Speed Gaming and Security
xpressVPN is a well-known VPN that gives you fast and stable internet, which is great for gaming. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, so you can connect from almost anywhere in the world. It also uses strong military-level encryption and top security tools to keep your data safe, making it one of the most secure VPNs out there.
But there’s more! ExpressVPN also has features that are perfect for gamers. It includes a speed test tool to help you find the fastest server near you, so your games run smoothly. Plus, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t track or save what you do online.
NordVPN: Reliable Performance and Advanced Features
NordVPN is a well-known VPN that people like because it works well and has strong features. It has over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, so you can connect from many places around the world. It also includes special tools like Onion over VPN, Double VPN, and Obfuscated Servers to keep your online activity private and secure.
What makes NordVPN different is how seriously it takes your privacy. It’s based in Panama, a country with no laws that force companies to keep records of what you do online. This means NordVPN doesn’t keep logs of your internet activity. It also has other safety features, like a kill switch that cuts off your internet if the VPN stops working, and DNS leak protection to keep your real IP address hidden.
CyberGhost: User-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
If you want a low-cost VPN that’s easy to use, CyberGhost could be a good option. It has more than 7,000 servers in 91 countries, so it’s great for gamers who want to connect from different places.
What makes CyberGhost stand out is how easy it is to use. It has apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, and the design is simple and user-friendly. It also has special servers for gaming and streaming to help you get faster speeds and less lag.
Surfshark: Unlimited Devices and Competitive Pricing
Surfshark is a newer VPN that’s quickly becoming popular with gamers. It lets you connect as many devices as you want with one account, so you don’t have to worry about limits. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, it gives you strong global coverage. It also has cool features like CleanWeb to block ads and malware, and Multihop to send your traffic through two servers for extra security.
One big reason people like Surfshark is the price. Even though it has lots of advanced features, it’s still very affordable — perfect for gamers who want good value.
Private Internet Access: Strong Security and Customization Options
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a strong and flexible VPN that’s great for users who like to customize their settings for the best performance. It has over 38,000 servers in 77 countries, so it’s easy to find a fast connection near you.
What makes PIA special is how much you can tweak it. You can pick from different security options like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec. It also has advanced tools like port forwarding, split tunneling, and a kill switch. Plus, PIA doesn’t keep any logs, so your online activity stays private.
And that wraps up our top VPN picks for the Steam Deck! No matter which one you choose, you’ll be able to game safely and smoothly from anywhere in the world.
How to Set Up a VPN on Your Steam Deck
Once you’ve picked a VPN for your Steam Deck, it’s time to set it up. Here’s what to do:
Choosing the Right VPN for Your Needs
Before setting up your VPN, sign up for the VPN service you want to use. Then, download and install the VPN app on your Steam Deck, and log in with your account.
Installing and Configuring the VPN
After installing the app, open it and set it up how you like. Pick a server near you for faster speeds, or choose another country to access games that aren’t available in your area.
Connecting to a VPN Server
Now, just connect to a server and start playing. Your internet is now protected and private while you game.
Tips for Optimizing Your Steam Deck VPN Experience
Here are some easy tips to help you use your VPN better on your Steam Deck:
Selecting the Best Server Location
Pick a server that’s near where you are. This makes your connection faster and more stable. If a game only works in a certain country, choose a server in that country to play it
Balancing Speed and Security
Some VPN types work faster, but they might not be as safe. Pick one that gives you both good speed and strong privacy for the best results.
Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues
If you have problems with your VPN or Steam Deck, visit the VPN’s website or support forums to find help. You can also reach out to their customer support — they’re usually happy to help you fix the issue.
Conclusion
If you want to get the best gaming experience on your Steam Deck, using a VPN is a smart move. It can keep you safe online, let you play games that aren’t available in your country, and even make your connection faster and more stable. Just pick a good VPN from our list, set it up the right way, and tweak your settings a bit — then you’re all set for smooth, nonstop gaming.