The Best VPNs for Steam Deck: Get the Most Out of Your Gaming Experience
If you’re a passionate gamer who likes to take your gaming experiences on-the-go, the new Steam Deck might be your perfect match. Designed to deliver PC-quality gaming in a handheld device, the Steam Deck can keep you entertained for hours. However, as you start exploring the Steam Deck’s capabilities, you’ll soon realize that using a VPN can significantly enhance your gaming experience. In this article, we’ll explore why you should use a VPN on your Steam Deck, the best VPNs to consider, and how to set up and optimize your VPN for the best results.
Why Use a VPN for Your Steam Deck?
By using a VPN on your Steam Deck, you gain access to a range of benefits that are not available otherwise. Here are some of the most significant advantages of using a VPN on your Steam Deck.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Using a VPN encrypts all data transmitted between your Steam Deck and the Internet, making it impossible for anyone to intercept or monitor your connection. This added layer of protection can prevent hackers, cybercriminals, and identity thieves from accessing your data, stealing your sensitive information or hacking your Steam account. Moreover, VPNs can also prevent your ISP from tracking your online activities or throttling your speeds, ensuring a faster and more stable gaming experience.
With the increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, it has become more important than ever to secure your online activities. A VPN not only encrypts your data but also hides your IP address, making it harder for anyone to trace your online activities back to your device.
Access Geo-Restricted Games
When you connect to a VPN server in a different country than where you are located, you can bypass geographical restrictions and access games that are not available in your region. This means you can unlock thousands of games that are blocked due to licensing or regulatory issues, and enjoy them on your Steam Deck, no matter where you are in the world.
For instance, if you are in a country where a particular game is not available due to censorship laws, you can connect to a VPN server in a different country where the game is available and play it on your Steam Deck. This expands your gaming options and allows you to play games that you would otherwise not have access to.
Bypass ISP Throttling for Faster Gaming
Another advantage of using a VPN on your Steam Deck is that it can help you bypass ISP throttling. If your ISP detects that you’re using a lot of bandwidth for gaming or streaming, they might intentionally slow down your connection to reduce their network congestion. By using a VPN, you obfuscate your connection, making it harder for your ISP to track and throttle your speeds.
Moreover, VPNs can also help you reduce lag and latency while gaming by connecting you to a server that is closer to the game server. This can result in a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, especially for online multiplayer games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a VPN on your Steam Deck can enhance your privacy, security, and gaming experience. It can help you bypass geographical restrictions, protect your data from cyber threats, and reduce lag and latency while gaming. Therefore, if you own a Steam Deck, it’s highly recommended that you use a VPN to get the most out of your gaming experience.
Top VPNs for Steam Deck: Our Recommendations
Now that you know why using a VPN is beneficial for your Steam Deck, which VPN should you choose? Here are our top recommendations:
ExpressVPN: High-Speed Gaming and Security
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN that delivers fast and reliable speeds, making it an excellent choice for gamers. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers excellent worldwide coverage, allowing you to connect to servers in almost any location. Furthermore, ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption and a range of security protocols to protect your data, making it one of the most secure VPNs available.
But that’s not all. ExpressVPN also offers a range of other features that make it a great choice for gamers. For example, the VPN has a built-in speed test that allows you to find the fastest server for your location, ensuring that you get the best possible gaming experience. Additionally, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logging policy, which means that your online activity will never be recorded or monitored.
NordVPN: Reliable Performance and Advanced Features
NordVPN is another popular VPN that has gained a reputation for its advanced features and reliable performance. With over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN provides excellent coverage, while also offering features like Onion over VPN, Double VPN, and Obfuscated Servers to ensure maximum security and privacy.
But what sets NordVPN apart from other VPNs is its commitment to user privacy. The VPN is based in Panama, which has no data retention laws, meaning that NordVPN is not required to keep any logs of your online activity. Additionally, NordVPN has a range of other privacy features, such as a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, and a DNS leak protection that ensures your real IP address is never exposed.
CyberGhost: User-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking for an affordable VPN that’s easy to use, CyberGhost might be the right choice for you. CyberGhost has over 7,000 servers in 91 countries, making it a great choice for gamers who want to connect to a variety of locations.
But what really sets CyberGhost apart is its user-friendly interface. The VPN has apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and its interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. Additionally, CyberGhost offers specialized servers for gaming and streaming to improve your connection speeds and reduce lag.
Surfshark: Unlimited Devices and Competitive Pricing
Surfshark is a comparatively new VPN that’s quickly gaining popularity among gamers. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use the same account on all your devices without any restrictions. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers excellent worldwide coverage, while also providing features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware, and Multihop, which routes your traffic through multiple servers for maximum security.
But what really sets Surfshark apart is its competitive pricing. Despite offering a range of advanced features, the VPN is one of the most affordable options on the market, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Private Internet Access: Strong Security and Customization Options
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a powerful and customizable VPN that’s ideal for experienced users who want to configure their VPN for maximum performance. With over 38,000 servers in 77 countries, PIA offers one of the largest VPN networks, making it easy to find a server close to your location.
But what really sets PIA apart is its range of customization options. The VPN allows you to choose from a range of encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec, and it also has a range of advanced features like port forwarding, split tunneling, and a kill switch. Additionally, PIA has a strict no-logging policy, which means that your online activity will never be recorded or monitored.
So there you have it – our top recommendations for VPNs to use with your Steam Deck. No matter which VPN you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy fast and secure gaming, no matter where you are in the world.
How to Set Up a VPN on Your Steam Deck
Now that you’ve selected the VPN you want to use for your Steam Deck, it’s time to set it up. Here’s how:
Choosing the Right VPN for Your Needs
Before you set up your VPN, make sure you’ve signed up for the VPN service you’ve chosen. Download and install the VPN app on your Steam Deck, and log in with your account credentials.
Installing and Configuring the VPN
Once the app is installed, open it and configure your settings to your preference. Choose a server location that’s closest to your location for the best speeds, or select a different country to unlock geo-restricted games.
Connecting to a VPN Server
Finally, connect to a server and start gaming. You’ll notice that your Internet traffic is now encrypted, ensuring your privacy and security while gaming.
Tips for Optimizing Your Steam Deck VPN Experience
To get the most out of your VPN on your Steam Deck, here are some tips you can use:
Selecting the Best Server Location
When choosing a server, look for servers that are closest to your physical location. This reduces latency and ensures stable and fast connections. If you’re playing a game that’s only available in a specific location, select a server in that country to unlock the game.
Balancing Speed and Security
Some VPN protocols are faster than others, but they may also be less secure. Choose a protocol that balances speed and security to ensure you get the best possible performance while maintaining maximum privacy.
Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues
If you encounter any issues with your VPN or Steam Deck, check the VPN’s website or support forums for solutions. You can also contact their customer support for assistance, as they are usually happy to help resolve any issues you might encounter.
Conclusion
If you want to get the most out of your Steam Deck gaming experience, using a VPN is a must-have. A VPN can help you improve your security and privacy, access geo-restricted games, and bypass ISP throttling for faster and more stable connections. By choosing one of our top VPN recommendations, configuring it correctly, and optimizing your settings, you can enjoy smooth and uninterrupted gaming on your Steam Deck.