The best cheap VPNs in 2024

VPNs are great when it comes to accessing various content without purchasing additional subscriptions. Just like any service, the price range varies depending on the provider. You can find some truly cheap VPNs but opting for the cheapest VPN you can find comes with certain privacy and security risks.

Fortunately, that’s not the case with all VPN service providers. You can find a premium VPN cheaply by keeping your standards high and opting for long-term subscriptions. That’s why I have tested and reviewed the cheapest VPNs currently available in the market. I looked into each provider’s price and general features and determined whether they offer good value for money.

VPN cost comparison – which VPN is the cheapest

The majority of the VPN providers we’ve tested at Cybernews offer a 1-year subscription plan as it’s the most common plan available. That’s why in the bar chart below, you can see each provider’s yearly subscription price in USD and make comparisons.

As you can see, the most expensive provider is Express VPN with a yearly price being $99.95. On the opposite end, you’ll find Total VPN which offers their services for $19.00 a year. The average price for a 1-year subscription is $56.62 and my top two choices, Surfshark and NordVPN, are priced similarly around this average.

Most of the providers offer multiple subscription plans, including a monthly plan. However, as a rule of thumb, long-term subscriptions help you save a lot more in the long run. For example, Surfshark’s yearly plan is $41.88, meanwhile, its monthly option costs $10.99.

I’ve spent some time analyzing each provider’s pricing, plans, and overall user experience. I found that the cheapest VPNs may not necessarily work well for every use case, so I’ve decided to give my two cents on the best cheap VPNs as well. That’s why you’ll find two lists in this article.

Our recommended cheap VPNs

1. Surfshark – the best cheap VPN in 2024
2. NordVPN – ultra-fast best value VPN
3. IPVanish – inexpensive VPN with extra cybersecurity features
4. Ivacy VPN – the most affordable VPN for the long-term
5. CyberGhost – security-oriented low-cost VPN

Expert comment

Šarūnas Karbauskas

Security advocate and senior tech writer

In my opinion, a cheap VPN provider doesn’t necessarily mean poor service. When looking at the cheapest providers, I always make sure they employ AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. A huge bonus is if they offer additional security features like a kill switch or split tunnelling. Lastly, it’s important to me that the provider complies with a no-logs policy to protect my privacy online.

That’s why my go-to provider is Surfshark. With robust encryption and a bunch of security features, I trust this provider to protect my online activities at the fraction of the cost.

Best cheap VPNs we tested

To help you pick the best VPN service that wouldn’t break the bank but would also fit your VPN usage needs, I made a detailed cheap VPNs price comparison. I considered things like cost, performance, security, servers, and more.

1. Surfshark – the best cheap VPN in 2024

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is the best cheap VPN service on the market in 2024. You get numerous worldwide servers and unlimited simultaneous connections across all supported platforms for a highly affordable price.

Price. Surfshark offers 3 subscription plans – Starter, One, and One+. One and One+ are pricier, while the default Starter has plenty of desirable features for an affordable price, for example, a convenient ad blocker and cookie pop-up blocker. That’s why the prices in this review are for the Starter plan. Also, the longer your subscription, the cheaper it is, especially since you’ll pay upfront. You can check the price comparison of the Starter plan below:

As you can see when comparing single-year and two-year subscription plans, rather than doubling in price, Surfshark gets only slightly pricier, resulting in cheap monthly VPN costs.

Security. All data that goes through Surfshark VPN servers will be encrypted with an AES-256 cipher. It's an encryption standard that military and government institutions use for their communications – and you’re getting it for only $55.72 for two whole years. This low-cost VPN also has a kill switch, web filters, and doesn't leak your DNS or IP address.

Speed. Surfshark is the best cheap VPN that guarantees fast speeds as well. When I tested its WireGuard tunneling protocol, I found that it helps retain around 86% of initial connection speeds on average, letting you browse and stream buffering-free.

Extra features. Even at an affordable price, the service has many useful features. For example, you can hide that you're using a VPN via Camouflage Mode. Moreover, split tunneling gives you much better control over how your VPN connection is used. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections, which I find highly useful if you’re using more than one device.

Who do I recommend Surfshark to? Surfshark deserves the top spot, considering its stellar price-to-performance ratio. This VPN doesn’t compromise on anything – speeds, security, or privacy. So, you’re getting a valuable service for a fair price. Plus, I find Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections highly convenient if you want to use a VPN on numerous devices.

2. NordVPN – ultra-fast best value VPN

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With twice as many servers as Surfshark and superior speed retention, NordVPN has been consistently ranked as the best-value VPN on the market. The only reason I didn’t place it higher is due to it being a bit pricier than Surfshark. But overall, NordVPN offers excellent value for money.

Price. NordVPN, like Surfshark, has three subscription plans – Standard, Plus, and Ultimate. In my opinion, the Standard plan is best if you want solid protection for a reasonable price. Hence, I mainly focused on this subscription plan. The service also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial for Android devices, which means you get to try this provider risk-free. You'll also get 10 simultaneous connections. Here are the Standard plan’s subscription prices:

Security. The service relies on AES-256 encryption to protect your data from unwanted eyes. No cyber criminal will be able to brute force it to reveal your data, which is sent in an encrypted tunnel.

Speed. During our NordVPN tests, the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol performed better than WireGuard, offering more consistent connections. While NordVPN is slightly more expensive than Surfshark, the download speeds of this VPN outweigh the difference. It was much faster, with retention rates averaging 90%, which makes your streaming or gaming experience lag-free.

Extra features. You can tweak the app quite a bit as there are many additional features. Threat Protection filters out malicious ads, trackers, and websites, and you can use Double VPN to connect through 2 VPN servers. There is also an option to mix the Tor network with a VPN connection using Onion over VPN for ultimate anonymity.

Who do I recommend NordVPN to? Overall, NordVPN is a VPN with excellent value for money. While the price is slightly higher than that of some other providers, NordVPN ensures exceptional speeds, great streaming capabilities, and robust security measures. I would suggest NordVPN to anyone willing to pay a little bit more for uncompromised safety and security.

3. IPVanish – inexpensive VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections

Visit IPVanish

IPVanish’s pricing barely differs from my top pick Surfshark, except that it has fewer servers and doesn't offer certain features like a double VPN. While its monthly plan costs a little bit more, the yearly plan pricing is nearly identical for both providers. Offering a range of features, IPVanish is an exceptional value-for-money investment.

Price. IPVanish offers only one subscription option for an entire year. You can get the same plan for a month, a year, or two years. Once the subscription period ends, the plan automatically renews at $89.99 but you can cancel anytime.

Security. You won’t have to worry about cybersecurity issues because IPVanish is packed with safety features. You’ll get AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Essentially, IPVanish is a safe VPN option available for a fraction of the cost.

Speed. IPVanish employs WireGuard protocol, so this provider maintains pretty good connection speeds. During Cybernews testing, IPVanish retained 80% of the original speeds on average. In my opinion, this is more than enough for buffer-free streaming.

Extra features. IPVanish features also include unlimited simultaneous connections. Just like my number one pick, Surfshark, IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you like. I find it highly convenient if you want to share an account or browse securely on different devices.

Who do I recommend IPVanish to? IPVanish is undoubtedly one of the best budget VPNs on the market. Besides, you can get a taste of all these perks risk-free using the provider’s reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. I think it’s safe to say that thanks to IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections, this provider is an ideal option for those looking to share one account.

4. Ivacy VPN – the most affordable VPN for the long-term

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Ivacy VPN offers the most affordable monthly option when choosing a long-term deal. Specifically, it's just $1.17 per month with the 5-year plan. So, with reasonably good speed retention and excellent long-term costs, it’s no surprise this VPN is on my list.

Price. Getting a 5-year subscription is a wiser choice when compared to the $9.95 monthly price. But if you're not ready for such a long commitment, there's a 2-year plan that's a bit more expensive than the 5-year one. It's important to know that you only get a 30-day money-back guarantee with long-term plans. On the other hand, if you opt for the monthly payment plan, you can still get a refund within 7 days.

Security. Ivacy VPN offers top-notch security features for $69.99, covering you for 5 years. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data, has a strict no-logs policy, and specialized servers. Plus, there's a strong kill switch on Android and Windows.

Speed. Ivacy VPN doesn't support the WireGuard protocol, opting for OpenVPN instead. As a result, during our Ivacy VPN testing, it retained an average of 32% of initial speeds. I noticed occasional lag or buffering when streaming and broadcasting, unlike with our top providers, Surfshark and NordVPN.

Extra features. I checked Ivacy VPN and found it's affordable and good at accessing geo-restricted content. It has special servers for streaming on different platforms. Another handy feature is split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don't.

Who do I recommend Ivacy VPN to? Whether you’re using it for streaming or staying secure without compromising speeds, Ivacy VPN is a cheap VPN solution. Although I have to admit it may not be ideal for streaming due to slower connection speeds. That’s why I think Ivacy VPN would suffice for casual browsing only.

5. CyberGhost – security-oriented low-cost VPN

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CyberGhost is a good and cheap VPN service provider that offers a massive server fleet and great security. In terms of performance, CyberGhost rarely disappoints, so I think this is definitely a worthy option to consider.

Price. CyberGhost offers competitive pricing plans, although you will not find an annual subscription plan. Users can only subscribe for half a year, or two years.

Security. This provider takes user privacy very seriously. Employing advanced encryption, an automatic kill switch, and complying with a strict no-logs policy, CyberGhost is a reliable VPN provider you can trust.

Speed. As for speed, I think you can’t really complain. During CyberGhost testing, it retained 86% of the original speeds, making it a fairly good option for streaming, torrenting, or simply browsing.

Extra features. What I liked about CyberGhost is that it offers specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Even better, these servers work wonders. The torrenting speeds are good and CyberGhost excels at unblocking streaming platforms.

Who do I recommend CyberGhost to? I would recommend this provider to anyone who needs specialized servers and good speeds as CyberGhost offers both. Plus, if you don’t want to commit for a year, its 6-month subscription would be just for you.

Cheapest VPNs overall

I have determined the best cheap VPNs based on the features they offer and testing results. However, I have also compiled a list of the cheapest VPNs overall if you’re keen on saving even more. They may not offer the same quality and features as my top providers, but feel free to check them out nonetheless.

1. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN provider available today
2. Norton VPN – cheap VPN provider with extra features
3. Bitdefender VPN – affordable VPN service with a yearly plan

Cheapest VPNs we have tested

Here are a few honorary VPN provider mentions that offer the cheapest yearly plans. While they aren’t as well-rounded as my previous suggestions, they’re worth considering if you want to save some cash.

1. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for IP variety

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TotalVPN has the most affordable 1-year plan. Most importantly, it includes ad blocking and antivirus perks at no extra cost, making it a worthy investment.

Price. TotalVPN provides one subscription option for an entire year. While the price may seem appealing, keep in mind that it’s only valid for a year and after this period ends, the subscription will cost $119/year unless you cancel it.

Security. TotalVPN is a relatively secure provider with features like a kill switch and rigorous AES-256 encryption. Plus, you can also take advantage of TotalVPN’s adblocker and antivirus for no additional cost.

Speed. Connectivity isn’t TotalVPN’s strong side because it lacks the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol. However, it provides solid speeds with OpenVPN and IKEv2 tunneling protocols.

Extra features. As mentioned before, the TotalVPN package covers every critical cybersecurity front. Total Adblock will block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Meanwhile, TotalAV will monitor your device 24/7 for malware and other potential dangers. You can also unlock Total Password to strengthen your online account security.

Who do I recommend TotalVPN to? TotalVPN is as budget as it gets, so if you’re really looking to save some money, then this is the provider for you. It may not be as fast as my previous suggestions but should be good enough for casual browsing.

2. Norton VPN – cheapest VPN with the best security

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Norton Secure VPN is a great cheap VPN if you’re looking for security features more than streaming, unblocking, or speed. Rather than the subscription duration, Norton Secure VPN’s price depends on the simultaneous device connection limit and if you want to pair it with Norton Antivirus.

Price. Norton Secure VPN offers yearly subscriptions, and the price differs depending on how many devices you want to cover – one, five, or ten. Additionally, for a higher cost, you can combine the VPN subscription with Norton Antivirus. Still, a single-device VPN-only subscription is best if you’re looking for the most cost-effective option. To provide only the best price, I focused on a single-device plan.

Security. Coming from one of the most well-known antivirus providers, Norton VPN takes its security seriously. It uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and offers essential security features such as a kill switch, auto-connect, and an ad blocker.

Speed. Although it is slightly slower than VPNs such as NordVPN, I found during our Norton VPN testing that it provides decent speeds. In my tests, the average speed retention rate was 74%, which is enough for a fast and smooth browsing experience, and high-quality streaming.

Extra features. Norton VPN doesn’t have many extra features – it offers the most basic ones, like an ad blocker and auto connect. Plus, it doesn’t include any specialized servers for streaming or security.

Who do I recommend Norton VPN to? Norton Secure VPN is one of the most affordable VPN services, so it's an ideal option for anyone with a tight budget. Besides, you can try Norton VPN for free with the 7-day free trial, and also use the 14-day money-back guarantee for monthly, and 60-day money-back guarantee for yearly plans.

3. Bitdefender VPN – cheapest VPN for monthly payments

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Go with Bitdefender VPN if you need a worthwhile VPN with the cheapest monthly payment rates. Plus, you can take advantage of its antivirus software.

Price. Bitdefender’s annual plan is the third cheapest I could find. Although, keep in mind that this price is only valid for a year and the subscription is renewed at $69.99. A good thing is that your purchases are insured with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Security. Just like most providers, Bitdefender VPN relies on AES-256 encryption to protect your traffic. You’ll also find a kill switch. However, this provider collects some user data and processes for marketing and statistical analysis purposes.

Speed. During Bitdefender VPN testing, it retained X of the original speeds on average. I didn’t notice any significant lags, but when I tried streaming Netflix, I encountered some major buffering. That’s why I don’t think this provider is suitable for streaming, torrenting, or gaming.

Extra features. There aren’t many extra features that Bitdefender could offer besides a free version and antivirus software.

Who do I recommend Bitdefender VPN to? Being the third cheapest VPN service provider on my list, I think it’s great for users who are not too keen to splurge. Despite its adequate security, Bitdefender VPN hasn’t had any major data leaks, so you can browse with peace of mind.

VPN cost comparison – which VPN is the cheapest?

If you’re wondering which is the cheapest yet high-quality VPN subscription, look at a quick VPN price comparison of our chosen services below. The prices are written as total costs because all VPN services ask you to pay upfront anyway. I also only compared the cheapest subscription plans of each provider.

Also, the prices you get when you first sign up might not apply if you were to renew your subscription. So, the prices in this table only reflect first-time subscription costs under current VPN deals.

Winner

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Are cheap VPNs secure?

Cheap VPNs can be secure, but not all are. Some low-cost VPNs are known to have a questionable reputation regarding data collection practices and weak encryption.

It’s essential to pick time-tested and trustworthy cheap VPN services that encrypt your data, making it unreadable to third parties. All cheap VPNs on my list include AES-256 encryption with Wireguard, OpenPN, or IKEv2 protocols. Besides, any low-cost VPN you choose should implement an audited no-logs policy.

All my listed services are among the most secure VPNs, yet they also come cheap. Pick any from my list, and you’ll be as safe as you would with any reliable VPN. I evaluated Surfshark as the best cheap VPN on the market for a number of reasons.

Final thoughts

A good VPN doesn’t have to be expensive; luckily, there are plenty of options if you want an outstanding balance between affordability and performance. Moreover, many top-quality providers offer free trials and lengthy money-back guarantees, allowing potential customers to test them before purchase.

My top recommendation as the overall best-value VPN is Surfshark. It’s fast, secure, reliable, and supports unlimited device connections. You can take it for a spin using the 7-day free trial on mobile app stores. Alternatively, each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee to prevent buyer’s remorse.

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