Cheapest VPN comparison: what is the best cheap VPN?
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Finding a cheap and reliable VPN can be challenging. Together with the Cybernews research team, we tested and compared 41 VPN providers, narrowing the list down to 5, including Surfshark, NordVPN, and Bitdefender VPN, that provide the best value without sacrificing speed, security, or usability.
VPN prices start as low as $1.99/month, and most providers offer solid long-term plans with big discounts. Based on the latest deals, the average price for a 2-year plan is around $60.00, with annual plans typically ranging from $35.00 to $60.00. Some providers also include extra months for free, which helps stretch your money further.
To find the best deals, I focused on the lowest-cost long-term plans, mainly 1-year and 2-year subscriptions. If you’re looking for short-term solutions, check out our guide to the cheapest monthly VPNs.
My top 3 recommended cheap VPNs – short overview
- Surfshark – cheap VPN from $2.19 a month. Surfshark delivers a perfect blend of affordability and powerful features. The cheapest upfront cost is $47.85/month. Offering unlimited device connections, excellent streaming support, and standout speeds, Surfshark is a top choice for those wanting premium performance on a budget. Plus, there’s a 30-day refund policy, so you can test it out with peace of mind. Servers: 3200+ in 100 countries, Speed: Up to 950Mbps, Devices: Unlimited connections, Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Key security: RAM-only servers, AES-256, no-logs policy.
- NordVPN – the best premium VPN for value and reliability. NordVPN provides excellent value with top-tier security, speed, and streaming capabilities. The cheapest upfront cost is 59.88 Though not the cheapest, NordVPN’s price is mid-range, especially compared to pricier options like ExpressVPN. With a vast server network, high streaming performance, and extras like a password manager and cloud storage in higher plans, NordVPN is ideal for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Servers: 7800+ in 125 countries, Speed: Up to 950Mbps, Devices: 10 connections, Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Key security: Double VPN, RAM-only servers, audited no-logs.
- Bitdefender VPN is a great budget VPN for privacy-focused users. Pricing starts at $34.99/month making it one of the most affordable options for users prioritizing security. Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy are ideal for those focused on privacy rather than streaming. While it has limited streaming capabilities, Bitdefender VPN safeguards your online presence. A 30-day refund policy is included for added peace of mind. Servers: 3000+ in 100 countries, Speed: Up to 630Mbps, Devices: 10 connections, Streaming: Limited capabilities, Key security: AES-256, no-logs policy
Cheapest VPNs comparison
Below is our top selection of affordable VPNs, with a price comparison across different plans. This table focuses on the lowest-tier plans offered by each provider, which I discuss in detail throughout this article:
| VPN provider | 1-month plan | 1-year plan | 2-year plan |
| Surfshark | $15.45 | $47.84 | $59.13 + 3 months free |
| NordVPN | $12.99 | $59.88 | $81.36 |
| Bitdefender VPN | $6.99 | $34.99 | N/A |
| IPVanish | $12.99 | $39.99 | $52.56 |
| PureVPN | $12.95 | $84.95 | $109.95 + 3 months free |
It is important to note that, currently, several VPN providers are offering special deals that include additional free months with their plans:
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Surfshark. With the 2-year plan, Surfshark offers an extra 3 months free, totaling 27 months of service.
- PureVPN. Similarly to the above, PureVPN offers 3 extra months for its 2-year plans.
Cheapest VPNs’ detailed overview
Here’s a look at 5 VPNs that are solid on security and easy on your wallet.
1. Surfshark – the best cheap VPN in 2025
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Speed and performance
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Streaming
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Security
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Value
Surfshark is my most recommended cheap VPN, with plans starting at $2.19/month. It offers an excellent balance of affordability and robust features, including unlimited device connections on a single subscription – fantastic for users with multiple devices or families. While it costs slightly more than Bitdefender VPN, Surfshark justifies the difference with reliable speeds, effective streaming support, and additional privacy features.
Speed and performance. Surfshark performs excellently in speed tests, maintaining solid performance across various server locations, with an 92.5% average internet speed retention rate.
Streaming. This reliability is especially beneficial for streaming, where Surfshark really shines. In my own experience, it successfully unblocked popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+, giving access to a wide range of geo-restricted content. Furthermore, features like Smart DNS add extra convenience for streaming on devices that don’t typically support VPN apps.
Smart DNS enables streaming via smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Apple TV. Instead of encrypting your connection, it reroutes your DNS requests through a server in the desired region. This unlocks geo-restricted content without slowing down your speed. I used it on my PlayStation to stream US-exclusive Hulu content smoothly.
Security. Surfshark also includes additional privacy and security features often found only in pricier VPNs, such as AES-256 encryption, built-in ad and malware blocker, and a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark doesn’t store or track your online activity, ensuring your browsing history stays private. Even if someone requested your data, there would be nothing to share. For example, if a government agency or ISP tried to obtain records of your browsing habits, there would be no logs available to hand over.
Value. Overall, Surfshark’s mix of affordability, reliable performance, and extensive features make it a robust and versatile option for anyone seeking a well-rounded VPN without overspending. While some providers may offer slightly cheaper monthly rates, Surfshark’s balance of quality and value places it at the top of my list for the best cheap VPNs.
2. NordVPN – ultra-fast best value VPN
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Speed and performance
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Streaming
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Security
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Value
While not the cheapest option, starting at $3.39/month, NordVPN is a top choice for those willing to invest a bit more for advanced security features and reliable performance. NordVPN is a top pick due to its robust encryption and extra privacy features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN. These features, combined with strong streaming capabilities and consistent speeds, make NordVPN ideal for users who value security and performance without compromise.
Speed and performance. During NordVPN testing, its speed stood out as a highlight. NordVPN retained 93.6% of the original internet speed. When using the NordLynx protocol, the average download speed it was 468.2Mbps, with an upload speed of 354.1Mbps (baseline: 500Mbps).
Streaming. I noticed consistently smooth streaming on major platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video without buffering issues. With over 7800 servers in 125 countries, NordVPN offers extensive global coverage, making it a superior choice for users seeking a wide range of unblocking options compared to VPNs like IPVanish or Bitdefender VPN, which have more limited streaming support.
Security. A notable advantage is NordVPN’s no-logs policy, verified by an independent audit, which gives users added confidence in their privacy. Additionally, the provider is based in Panama, a jurisdiction known for strong data privacy, unlike some VPNs that operate within the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes alliances (such as IPVanish, based in the US).
Value. On the downside, NordVPN is slightly more expensive than Surfshark, especially for users who don’t need advanced security tools like the Dark Web Monitor or Double VPN. However, if you prioritize privacy and advanced features in a VPN, NordVPN is an exceptionally reliable choice.
3. Bitdefender VPN – security-focused cheap VPN
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Speed and performance
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Streaming
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Security
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Value
Bitdefender VPN stands out for users looking for essential privacy at an affordable starting price of $2.92/month, which makes it one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. It’s ideal for users focused on security without the need for high-speed streaming or advanced functionality, making it an excellent pick for straightforward, budget-friendly VPN protection.
Speed and performance. During testing, Bitdefender VPN’s speed was adequate for general browsing, but it fell short in terms of streaming. It maintained 82.9% of the original download speed, ensuring fast browsing and downloads, but retained only 54.92% of the upload speed, making file sharing noticeably slower.
Streaming. Unlike Surfshark and NordVPN, which consistently bypassed geo-restrictions on major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Bitdefender VPN struggles with unblocking most streaming services. This limitation makes it a less versatile choice for users interested in global media access.
Security. Although it doesn’t include Surfshark's or NordVPN's streaming capabilities, Bitdefender VPN offers robust privacy features for everyday browsing, such as AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is kept private. However, it lacks some advanced privacy tools found in NordVPN, such as the Dark Web Monitor or Double VPN, which may appeal to those who want a more robust security setup.
Bitdefender VPN’s network consists of 3000+ servers in 100 countries. This smaller network may impact connection speeds and availability, especially for users in distant locations. Compared to NordVPN, which offers 7800 servers across 125 countries, Bitdefender’s reach is notably smaller, though it remains a reliable choice for secure browsing within its coverage area.
Value. For those focused on basic privacy at a reasonable price, Bitdefender VPN is a solid option. However, for streaming, advanced features, and more comprehensive server coverage, Surfshark and NordVPN provide a better overall experience for slightly higher costs.
4. IPVanish – inexpensive VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
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Speed and performance
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Streaming
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Security
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Value
IPVanish offers good value, particularly with its unlimited device connections, making it a good choice for individuals with many devices or large households. Its competitive pricing, starting at $2.19/month, positions it as an affordable option for general usage. However, IPVanish may not fully match the trust levels of more expensive VPNs like NordVPN, mainly because of its US jurisdiction. The United States is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which imposes stringent data retention laws, potentially affecting privacy-focused users.
Speed and performance. In IPVanish testing, its speeds held up pretty well, especially when using the WireGuard protocol, which really boosted streaming performance. IPVanish is fast, keeping about 84% of your original speed.
Streaming. However, while streaming Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ was smooth and relatively fast, during my own testing, I hit some hiccups when trying to access Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. So, while IPVanish can handle unblocking some popular streaming platforms, it’s not a guaranteed ticket to every international library out there.
Security. Despite being based in the US, IPVanish upholds its no-logs policy, confirmed by independent audits, which helps to ensure that user data remains confidential and untraceable. It also employs robust AES-256 encryption, providing a strong layer of security. These measures make IPVanish a strong contender in the VPN market, balancing cost with a commitment to user privacy and security.
Value. Overall, IPVanish offers a well-rounded VPN solution that balances performance, security, and cost-effectiveness, making it a compelling choice for users looking to enhance their internet privacy and unlock the full potential of their online experience.
5. PureVPN – cheap VPN service with continuous auditing
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Speed and performance
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Streaming
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Security
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Value
Starting at $2.14/month, PureVPN offers a range of subscription plans to cater to different user needs. The Standard plan provides essential VPN services, while the Plus and Max plans include additional features like a secure password manager and personal privacy manager, respectively. Pricing varies based on the subscription length and selected plan, with longer commitments offering more cost-effective rates.
Speed and performance. PureVPN uses WireGuard and OpenVPN for fast connections. Its download speed retention is impressive at 93%, but its upload retention of 60% is below average compared to top providers like Surfshark and NordVPN.
Streaming. If you’re mainly after a VPN for standard streaming, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, or basic browsing, PureVPN holds up pretty well. But if you’re looking to access a wider variety of global content across different platforms, you might run into some limitations here and there. In my own experience, PureVPN wasn’t as reliable for tougher streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, where it struggled to bypass geo-blocks, leading to a few frustrating dead ends.
Security. On the security front, PureVPN uses 256-bit encryption, ensuring robust data protection. Features like a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection add further safeguards, keeping user information private even if the VPN connection drops. Additionally, PureVPN’s no-logs assessment shows a genuine commitment to transparency, reinforcing user trust.
Value. PureVPN combines solid security features with user-friendly functionality, making it a practical option for those focused on privacy and straightforward streaming.
How I selected the best cheap VPNs
When evaluating the best affordable VPNs, I prioritized privacy, security, features, and performance. Every tested VPN on this list balances quality and affordability to suit a variety of user needs.
- Security and privacy foundation (35%). I verified that each VPN has an independently audited no-logs policy and uses strong encryption standards like AES-256 or ChaCha20 to ensure maximum data protection.
- Performance metrics (25%). With the help of the Cybernews research team, I checked speed retention across distances and server network size. VPNs that maintained higher speeds over long distances and had a well-distributed server network ranked higher.
- Streaming and practicality (20%). We also tested how many streaming services each VPN could unblock, its 4K streaming performance, and whether it offers Smart DNS. I also checked the number of simultaneous connections and device compatibility for flexibility.
- Value and additional features (20%). I evaluated the price-to-feature ratio, money-back guarantee length, and extra security tools like ad blocking and malware protection. I also checked customer support quality and special features like Double VPN and split tunneling.
In the end, these criteria helped me identify the most affordable VPNs that don’t compromise on quality, privacy, or performance. Each VPN on this list meets a high standard for user protection, and our tests verified that they can support diverse online activities effectively and efficiently.
1-year plan VPNs price comparison
Based on the VPN price chart below, starting with the least expensive options, TotalVPN at $19.00/month, offers the cheapest yearly VPN rate, but it lags behind on the privacy and security front compared to recommended VPNs on my list. Unlike the recommended VPNs, TotalVPN has yet to undergo an independent audit and has inferior server hardware, such as a lack of RAM-only servers. Also, TotalVPN has a less robust server network, which is essential for high speed and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively and avoid CAPTCHAS.
In contrast, VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN not only offer competitive VPN yearly costs but also include far superior security features, such as RAM-only servers, AES-256 encryption, audited no-logs policies, and leak protection. These features are crucial for users seeking robust online privacy and are often lacking in the cheaper options like TotalVPN.
Additionally, Surfshark and NordVPN's effectiveness in unblocking major streaming services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video makes them useful for accessing media content from various regions. Their extensive server networks globally help maintain fast and reliable connections essential for a smooth streaming experience.
Services like Bitdefender VPN, PureVPN, and IPVanish offer a balance of cost and performance, providing solid security enhancements, respectable speeds, and sufficient server coverage.
NordVPN costs $59.88 per year, slightly below the average VPN price of $63.48. However, it justifies its price with a strong reputation for security, a vast server network, and premium features like double VPN and Onion over VPN – options that may be missing from cheaper alternatives.
That said, all VPNs selected for inclusion in the list offer a blend of affordability, extensive features, robust security, and reliable customer support, creating a well-rounded service offering.
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Final thoughts
In summary, a quality VPN doesn’t have to break the bank, and several affordable options deliver excellent security and performance. Many top providers also offer generous money-back guarantees or free trials, so you can try out their features without committing right away.
If you want the best value, my top choice is Surfshark. It combines speed, robust security, and the convenience of unlimited device connections. Plus, you can test it risk-free with its 7-day mobile free trial or the 30-day refund policy on all plans, ensuring a seamless, worry-free experience.
FAQ
What is the average price of a good VPN?
The average price for a good VPN is around $60.00 for a 2-year plan, which comes to about $2.50/month. Annual plans usually cost from $35.00 to $60.00, and many providers add extra months for free to increase the value of their offer.
Can I find a reliable cheap VPN?
Yes. For example, Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that combines quality and affordability. With unlimited device connections, AES-256 encryption, and a strict no-logs policy, it’s ideal for users needing strong security across multiple devices without overspending.
What is the best cheap VPN for security and privacy?
NordVPN is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize security and privacy. It offers AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and independent audits, ensuring solid protection at a reasonable price.
What is a good VPN for streaming and privacy?
Surfshark is ideal for streaming and privacy on a budget. It unblocks popular services like Netflix and Disney+, offers unlimited devices, and includes extra privacy tools like a kill switch and ad blocker.
