Surfshark is an affordable VPN we highly recommend. Typically, the most affordable VPNs cost less than $3 per month. Among these, Surfshark shines with its robust security and competitive pricing. While it might not be the absolute cheapest, Surfshark’s price is on par with the lowest-priced VPNs out there. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a selection of VPNs that deliver excellent value for your money.
- SurfShark
: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN (From $2.39/ month) - PureVPN: A Long-Established VPN Offering Low Prices (From $1.96/month)
- Private Internet Accesss: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price (From $2.03/month)
- CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (From $2.11/month)
- NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed (From $3.99/month)
Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN a leading player in the world of VPN services. Known for its impressive speed and reliable connectivity, ExpressVPN provides robust security that users can trust. With an extensive network of over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, it offers users the flexibility to choose a server that best fits their individual needs. While ExpressVPN is recognized as a premium service in the industry, we’ve made it more accessible with a special deal: purchase an annual plan through our website and you’ll receive a 3-month subscription for free. Try ExpressVPN
Is a Cheap VPN Secure?
Many users question the security of budget-friendly VPNs. It’s a valid concern as some providers may indeed compromise user security and privacy. Additionally, some inexpensive VPNs may come with limitations, such as slower speeds, fewer server locations, or restricted data usage. Therefore, finding the right VPN requires careful evaluation.
However, rest assured that all VPNs mentioned in this article are safe and reliable, backed by major VPN providers. For instance, while Surfshark is an affordable VPN we highly recommend, it’s worth noting that it is a subsidiary of Nord Security, the same parent company of NordVPN, one of the industry’s largest VPN providers.
How to Choose a Affordable VPN
When selecting a cost-effective VPN, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:
- Identify Your Needs: Understand why you need a VPN. Are you looking to access content from different countries, secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, or connect multiple devices? Your specific needs will guide your choice.
- Security Level: A reliable VPN should use robust encryption protocols and have a clear privacy policy. If these details aren’t readily available, consider looking elsewhere.
- No-Logs Policy: Choose a VPN that doesn’t collect or log your browsing data. This claim should ideally be verified by a third-party audit.
- Speed and Latency: Look for a VPN that provides fast download/upload speeds and low latency, especially if you plan to use it for gaming or streaming.
- Experience in the Market: While new VPN providers may offer attractive deals, providers with a proven track record are often more reliable.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports the devices and operating systems you use. Some VPNs can even secure your router, protecting all devices connected to it.
- Company Location: The VPN provider’s location can affect its data collection practices due to local laws. This could impact your privacy.
- Payment Options: Long-term contracts often offer better prices than monthly plans. However, remember that these contracts usually require upfront payment.
- Beware of ‘Free’ VPNs: While free VPNs may seem appealing, they often make money through advertising or selling your data, which can compromise your privacy.
Remember, the goal is to find a VPN that offers the best balance of price, security, and functionality to meet your specific needs.
The Best Affordable VPN Services
Here are some excellent affordable VPN services we recommend.
- SurfShark: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN (From $2.39/ month)
- PureVPN: A Long-Established VPN Offering Low Prices (From $1.96/month)
- Private Internet Accesss: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price (From $2.03/month)
- CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (From $2.11/month)
- NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed (From $3.99/month)
Below is a comparison of the monthly fees by plan (and contract period) along with other features.
SurfShark | PureVPN | Private Internet Accesss | CyberGhost | NordVPN | |
| 1-Month Plan | $12.95/month | $10.95/month | $11.95/month | $12.99/month | $11.99/month |
| 12-Months Plan | $3.99/month | $3.74/month | $3.33/month | – | $4.99/month |
| 24-Months Plan | $2.39/month | $1.96/month | – | $2.11/month | $3.99/month |
| 36-Months Plan | – | – | $2.03/month | – | – |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 31 days | 30 days | 1-Month: 14 days 6-Month/24-Month: 45 days | 30 days |
| Market Popularity | No.5 | – | No.3 | No.6 | No.1 |
| Countries | 100 | 70+ | 84 | 91 | 60 |
| Servers | 3,200+ | 6,500+ | Undisclosed | 9,500+ | 5,800+ |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited | 10 | unlimited | 7 | 6 |
| Connection Speed | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Surfshark: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 100/3,200+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark, established in 2018, has quickly gained a strong reputation and popularity worldwide despite being a relatively new service. While it may have some occasional delays in connecting and slightly weaker region-blocking capabilities compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it offers significant advantages. By opting for the 24-month plan, you can obtain Surfshark at a much lower price than ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Additionally, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you and your family to connect and use all your devices simultaneously. With over 3,200 servers in 99 countries, Surfshark offers a wide range of options. It also boasts a private and secure no-logs policy, a kill switch, and 24/7 customer support.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Who want to some constant quality and budget
- Who want to connect with lots of devices
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee/
PureVPN: A Long-Established VPN Offering Low Prices
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $10.95 12-Months: $3.74/month 24-Months: $1.96/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and severs | 70+/6,500+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 31 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
PureVPN has been a key player in the VPN market since 2008, headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. It stands out for its exceptionally low prices, with a 2-year subscription available at approximately $1.96 per month.
This VPN is ideal for those who are looking for affordability without compromising quality. With a long-standing reputation, PureVPN boasts a wide network of servers across numerous countries, comparable to those of leading providers.
- Who prioritize cost-effectiveness.
\31-day Money-Back Guarantee /
Private Internet Access: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price
| Prices | 1-Month: $11.95 12-Months: $3.33/month 36-Months: $2.03/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 84/Undisclosed |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Private Internet Access, commonly abbreviated as PIA, has secured the third position in market popularity following ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Its established reputation has enabled PIA to capture a significant market share worldwide. Particularly known for its relatively long-standing presence, PIA offers competitive pricing, making it a more affordable choice compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Applying for the 36-month plan, in particular, allows you to obtain PIA at a much cheaper price.
- Who prioritize affordability and popularity
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee /
CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
| Prices | 1-Month: $12.99 6-Months: $6.99/month 24-Months: $2.11/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 91/9,500+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 1-Month: 14 days 6-Month/24-Month: 45 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | 7 |
CyberGhost is a powerful VPN service that excels at unblocking websites. With streaming-optimized servers dedicated to Netflix, you can enjoy ultra-fast speeds and buffer-free streaming. CyberGhost boasts a vast network of 9,200 servers across 91 countries, making it an excellent choice for unblocking Netflix in various countries. Additionally, you can take advantage of its cost-effectiveness and a 45-day money-back guarantee, surpassing the standard 30-day period, by opting for the 24-month plan.
- Want to expand your Netflix experience across borders
- Seeking an ample trial period
\45-day Money-Back Guarantee /
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 60/5,800+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | 6 |
NordVPN has established itself as a leading VPN service, offering an excellent balance of price, internet speed, server coverage, and global reach. As a result, NordVPN has gained the largest market share worldwide. It consistently receives positive reviews from top experts in the industry. With a vast network of over 5,800 servers across 60 countries, NordVPN provides a wide range of options for changing your IP address to various locations. NordVPN prioritizes user privacy with a secure no-logs policy, along with additional features such as a kill switch and 24/7 customer support.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- Want to balance price and internet speed
- Want to use the VPN with the highest market popularity
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQ
Which is the cheapest VPN for a monthly plan?
While VPN prices can vary greatly depending on the length of the subscription, the difference in cost for one-month plans is typically not as significant. The prices for monthly plans of each VPN service are as follows:
- SurfShark: $12.95 / month
- Atlas VPN: $11.99 / month
- Private Internet Accesss: $11.95 / month
- CyberGhost: $12.99 / month
- NordVPN: $12.99 / month
Is a cheap VPN worth it?
Yes, a budget-friendly VPN can certainly be worth the investment, especially when compared to a free VPN. Despite being low-cost, these VPNs are paid services, which means they often provide essential security features and reliable encryption protocols. By investing in a reputable VPN at a reasonable price, you can ensure that your privacy and security are well protected. However, it’s important to do your research and choose a VPN that meets your specific needs and budget.
Should I use a paid or free VPN?
There are free VPNs and paid VPNs. Decide whether you want to go with a paid or free VPN service. While free options may be tempting, we recommend paid services in terms of privacy and security because we don’t know how free VPNs manage our log traffic data. It is also said that free VPNs are more likely to track our data. Paid VPNs typically offer better performance, more features, and enhanced security.
Are there any risks associated with using a cheap VPN?
While budget-friendly VPNs can provide value, it’s crucial to ensure that the provider doesn’t compromise on security or privacy. Some low-cost VPNs may have limitations, such as slower speeds, fewer server locations, or data restrictions. Always check the provider’s privacy policy, security features, and customer reviews before making a decision.
Can I use a cheap VPN for streaming?
Yes, many affordable VPNs offer good streaming capabilities, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from various regions. However, the performance can vary between providers, so it’s recommended to choose a VPN known for its reliable and fast connections.
Can I use a cheap VPN on multiple devices?
Most VPNs, including budget-friendly ones, allow you to use the service on multiple devices simultaneously. However, the number of devices can vary between providers, so it’s important to check this before purchasing a plan.
Conclusion
- Affordable Doesn’t Mean Insecure: While some cheap VPNs may have limitations, all the VPNs we’ve recommended, such as Surfshark, are backed by reputable companies and offer robust security measures. They provide a balance of affordability and reliability, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
- Know Your Needs: Identifying your specific needs is crucial when choosing a VPN. Whether you need to access geo-restricted content, secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, or connect multiple devices, the right VPN should cater to these requirements.
- SurfShark: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN (From $2.39/ month)
- PureVPN: A Long-Established VPN Offering Low Prices (From $1.96/month)
- Private Internet Accesss: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price (From $2.03/month)
- CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (From $2.11/month)
- NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed (From $3.99/month)