The best cheap VPN in 2025
Get protected without the expense with the top 5 best cheap VPNs

You may think that a cheap VPN just won't have the power of a more expensive one, but thankfully you'd be wrong.
Some of the best VPNs are actually incredibly good value for money. It's important to note, however, that this lower price is usually the result of signing up for a contract that lasts multiple years. So, it's crucial to be sure about the VPN you're going for before you're locked in.
To help you out on this mission, I've tested dozens of VPNs and ranked the top 5 best cheap VPNs to give you an idea of which one is right for you. If you're in a hurry, check out the top three – Surfshark, NordVPN and Private Internet Access – below.
The 3 best cheap VPNs at a glance
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN overall
Surfshark offers top-of-the-line speed, streaming support and security all for $1.99 per month ($53 plus tax up front for 27 months' service). With its Starter subscription, you even get personal identity masking through Alternative ID and a cookie, pop-up, and ad blocker. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
NordVPN: a fairly cheap VPN and security suite
NordVPN not only offers great speeds and streaming support, but great cybersecurity extras, too. All tiers benefit from Threat Protection, which blocks ads and malicious domains. Prices start from $3.39 per month ($83 upfront plus tax for 24 months' coverage), and if you sign up for a two-year plan you'll get an Amazon gift card worth up to $50 (depending on which subscription tier you go for). There's a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
Private Internet Access: a VPN with a server in every state
Private Internet Access is the best cheap VPN for experts, with its extensive settings and configuration options meaning you can completely customize your VPN connection. Prices start from $2.19 per month for a two-year contract ($56.94 upfront for 26 months' service), with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out and see if it's right for you.
How we chose the best cheap VPNs
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
Of course, the most important thing to consider when ranking the best cheap VPNs is the price, so I've looked at how much each VPN is worth monthly, as well as how much you pay upfront. I've also taken a look at what you get with your basic subscription, as well as if there are any paid add-ons.
Beyond price, I've also looked at the VPN's performance – what kind of speeds you can expect while using it, and what its streaming support is like. In order to test this, I've booted up my chosen VPN and tried to stream content on a number of global and regional streaming platforms. I've also taken into account what fixes or support the VPN provider offers if you run into any issues while streaming, e.g. being unable to stream content due to your VPN being detected.
As well as this, I've taken into consideration the privacy and security on offer by each VPN service. Decent encryption is paramount in any VPN functioning as promised, and what encryption protocols a VPN provider offers can be important for different uses – for example, if you want to use WireGuard for a faster connection, or OpenVPN for a more secure one.
It's also important to properly represent what these VPNs feel like when you actually use them, so I've downloaded each and every one of them onto my personal phone and laptop – which run on iOS and Windows respectively – in order to give you a hands-on idea of what each VPN is like to use.
The facts and figures for all the VPNs have all been double-checked to ensure they reflect our latest testing and are all as up-to-date as possible. I've also included more information on recent updates from the VPN providers – for example, Proton VPN's redesign of its iOS, Android and Windows apps.
The best cheap VPN overall
1. Surfshark
Excellent speeds, flawless streaming support and top-of-the-line security – all for less than $2 per month
Number of servers: 3,200 | Server locations: 141 in 100 countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
What we like:
Surfshark is at #2 in our list of the best VPN services overall and it takes the crown as our best cheap VPN thanks to its stellar performance in a budget-friendly package.
Currently, you can get Surfshark's Starter plan for just $1.99 per month for a two-year subscription (around $53 plus tax upfront for 27 month's service). This makes it one of the cheapest VPNs around.
Another thing that makes Surfshark such good value is the fact that it does not have a limit on how many devices you can use your subscription on. This means you could share the cost of a subscription with your friends, partner or family, making it even cheaper overall.
Despite this price, Surfshark is the fastest VPN we've tested, with speeds maxing out at over 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps line, and around 1,300 Mbps on a 10 Gbps line. It's unlikely you have a base connection speed quite that fast, but Surfshark also works well on slower domestic connections, too.
In fact, Surfshark helped me uncover the fact that my ISP might be throttling my connection after giving me speeds of 63 Mbps in a test, when my usual internet speeds hover around the 50-55 Mbps mark on a good day without a VPN. This all means that Surfshark works effectively flawlessly, which I don't say lightly.
Surfshark is also the best streaming VPN we've tested, flawlessly unblocking a range of streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 Play. It was the only VPN provider that had absolutely no issues in my streaming tests (although I should note the issues other providers did have tended to be relatively minor).
When it comes to security, Surfshark's no slouch either. It offers a range of different encryption protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols and uses super-secure AES-256-GCM encryption. It offers some handy added extras, including Alternative ID, and ad and cookie pop-up blocking. It also offers other cybersecurity features, including Alternative Number and antivirus – although these are paid add-ons and not included in the Starter subscription.
It's also pretty easy to use, with simple apps across the various different platforms you can download it on. This means you shouldn't struggle to get started, no matter what device you use it on.
What could improve:
Surfshark's introductory deal is great value, and there's no denying that. However, once you intial subscription is up, you'll be subjected to a sharp price increase. If you want to keep your subscription price low, you'll need to cancel your subscription before it ends, then re-subscribe – or just buy more time with a VPN deal and add it onto your account before it runs out.
Another factor to consider is Surfshark's paid add-ons. Of course, its basic subscription tier is an excellent choice as a VPN for those who don't want all the bells and whistles offered by the higher subscription tiers, but those who want a cybersecurity suite as well as a VPN might be a little disappointed.
You may also be a little disappointed in Surfshark if you're after a VPN you can really get under the hood of. While I praised Surfshark's simplicity above (and I stand by that praise) this simplicity does mean it simply does not have the configurability of other VPNs.
If you want a cheap VPN you can really mess around with the settings of, consider PIA instead.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You want the best cheap VPN. As the fastest provider in our last round of speed testing, Surfshark will protect you without slowing you down.
✅ Streaming is your top priority. Surfshark's performance in my streaming tests were completely flawless.
✅ You want a super-fast VPN. With speeds of over 950 Mbps, Surfshark has the fastest speeds of all the VPNs on this list.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You want to avoid price hikes. While it does initially have great value for money, you will be subject to strict price hikes when your initial subscription ends.
❌ You want a customizable VPN. Surfshark's apps are simple, which may be helpful to some users, but it does not have the level of configuration of other VPNs like PIA do.
The best cheap VPN for cybersecurity
2. NordVPN
An extensive server network, super-fast speeds, excellent unblocking and extra cybersecurity features make NordVPN great value for money
Number of servers: 7,700 | Server locations: 154 in 118 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Maximum devices supported: 10 | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
What we like:
NordVPN ranks at #1 in our best VPN services list, and it's just behind Surfshark in our list of the best cheap VPN services.
NordVPN's prices start from $3.39 per month ($83 plus tax upfront for 24 months' coverage), with this being the Basic subscription tier. In your Basic subscription you get access to the VPN, coverage for 10 different devices and Threat Protection, which helps keep you safe online by blocking ads and malicious domains.
By using NordVPN, you'll also be protected by it's five-times-verified no-logs policy. This means that it's been proven by external auditors on 5 separate occasions that NordVPN does not (and will not) collect, store or share any of your data.
You'll also gain access to NordVPN's excellent server spread of 7,700 servers across 154 locations in 118 countries. This server spread is one of the reasons why NordVPN is one of the best Netflix VPNs on the market, unblocking Netflix in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Japan.
In my testing it was also able to unblock Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4 and 9Now, so you'll be able to access whatever streaming service you like, no matter where you are.
You won't be slowed down during streaming sessions, either, as NordVPN has some of the fastest speeds we've seen in testing, too. Its max speeds on a 1 Gbps line were over 950 Mbps, meaning you shouldn't be slowed down by buffering or lag.
What could improve:
At $3.39 per month for a two-year subscription ($83 upfront plus tax for 24 months' coverage), NordVPN is the priciest VPN on this list.
It only gets pricier, too, when you consider the fact that this is for its basic tier – if you want access to Threat Protection Pro or a password manager, then you'll need to upgrade to its Plus plan ($4.39 per month, or $105.36 upfront for 24 months' coverage). However, if you sign up for this tier you'll currently also get a $20 Amazon voucher completely free.
Another thing to keep in mind is what platform you want to use, as NordVPN's mobile apps tend to be a little cluttered.
If you want the best Windows VPN for desktop VPN use, then this shouldn't be an issue, but if you think you want to use your VPN mostly on your phone, then you might want to go for something more streamlined like Surfshark.
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You want our top-rated VPN. NordVPN takes the #1 spot in our ranking of the best VPN services overall.
✅ You want a cheap VPN for Netflix. NordVPN unblocked the Netflix library of every country we tested it with.
✅ You want a fast, cheap VPN. With speeds of over 950 Mbps, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we've tested.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ You're on a very tight budget. While NordVPN does offer pretty good value for money, there are some other providers, like PIA, Surfshark, and PrivadoVPN that are cheaper.
❌ You want to use your VPN on your phone. NordVPN's phone apps tend to be a little cluttered, which might be overwhelming for first-time users.
The best cheap VPN for experts
3. Private Internet Access
PIA offers tons of customizable features and unlimited connections all for just over $2 per month
Number of servers: 10,000 | Server locations: 151 in 91 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, 9Now, 10 Play | Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
What we like:
Rounding out our top three best cheap VPNs is Private Internet Access (PIA). For this VPN, prices start from $2.19 per month for a two-year contract ($56.94 upfront for 26 months' service).
All subscriptions include ad and malware blocking via PIA's MACE, an email breach scanner to check if your email address has been exposed in a data breach
PIA offers P2P support on all its servers, and with at least 10,000 servers worldwide (PIA does not publicly report how many servers it has), this makes it one of the best VPNs for torrenting.
Speaking of servers, PIA offers a decent server spread too, with servers located in 151 locations across 91 countries. PIA is especially great value if you're looking for the best US VPN (or the best Canada VPN for that matter), as it has servers in every single US state in addition to 4 servers in Canada – that's one more than other top VPN providers like Surfshark offer.
PIA is one of the most private VPNs, with a no-logs policy that's been proven in court twice. It also publishes quarterly transparency reports which prove exactly how many times user data has been requested (and how many times it hasn't been shared). It even allows you to pay in cryptocurrency or third-party gift cards to keep your VPN use completely anonymous.
It's also one of the most secure VPNs, offering customizable encryption settings which allow you to select the protocol and algorithm used to encrypt your data. You also get access to a huge amount of advanced tools, including customizable encryption, two kill switches, split tunneling (even on Mac and iOS), multi-hop and port forwarding.
Finally, PIA is especially good value for money considering just one subscription can cover an entire household (or even several households) thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections.
What could improve:
As with other providers, there are add-ons. If you want to add PIA antivirus to your plan, this will cost an extra $1.45 per month (billed at $34.80), and if you want a dedicated IP this will cost a further $2.50 per month (billed at $60).
With this being said, this would push PIA's price to $3.82 per month for antivirus (or $91.74 upfront), which is about $0.50 cheaper per month than NordVPN's subscription tier that includes antivirus.
I also had some issues during my streaming tests when testing PIA, including issues unblocking Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and 10Play. While these issues were generally overcome by switching servers, if you want a completely flawless streaming experience you should go for Surfshark or NordVPN.
When I contacted PIA's support for help with this issue, they suggested doing the following:
- If the website is only available in a specific region, connect to at least 3 server locations in that region. If not, you may connect to at least 3 random server locations.
- Change to a different VPN protocol then try accessing again. To change VPN protocol, go to Settings > Protocols.
- Try a different browser or log out and log back into the app.
I do need to praise PIA for their support, as they were helpful and fast, getting back to me within 20 minutes of my initial email to them.
I was able to stream 10 Play the next day, although this wasn't down to using their advice – when I booted up PIA to test their fixes, I was suddenly able to access and play content. So, whether or not you can access streaming services may just depend on the day.
🔒 Read our in-depth Private Internet Access review for all the details.
Buy Private Internet Access if:
✅ You want a super-private VPN. PIA allows you to pay in cryptocurrency or even third-party gift cards to keep you completely anonymous.
✅ You want a cheap VPN that prioritizes security. PIA has a range of security extras, including customizable encryption, two kill switches, split tunneling, multi-hop and port forwarding.
✅ You want a cheap VPN for the US. With a server in every US state, PIA is perfect for those looking for a cheap VPN to use while they're in the US.
Don't buy Private Internet Access if:
❌ You're new to VPNs. PIA offers a lot of customization, but this may be overwhelming to those new to VPNs.
❌ Streaming is your top priority. While PIA was able to unblock most of the streaming sites I tested it with, it did have some issues.
Best cheap VPN just over $1
4. PrivadoVPN
Simple apps, good OpenVPN speeds and decent streaming support, all for just over $1 per month
Number of servers: Hundreds | Server locations: 67 locations in 50 cities | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, 9Now, 10 Play | Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Maximum devices supported: 10 | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
What we like:
If you're looking for the absolute lowest price for a VPN, then look no further. PrivadoVPN is the cheapest VPN on this list, with prices of just $1.11 per month for a two-year subscription ($30 upfront for 27 months' coverage.
Like PIA and CyberGhost, PrivadoVPN doesn't offer subscription tiers, with the only difference in price being based on how long your subscription tier is (for example, a monthly subscription costs $10.99). This means that what you pay for is what you get, no matter what.
As part of this subscription, you get access to traditional VPN features like a kill switch, IP masking and a no-logs guarantee. This means that your data will stay safe and encrypted while using the VPN, even if your connection fails. It also means that PrivadoVPN will not share, store or collect your data.
PrivadoVPN also includes some handy extras on top of these basic features including unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect as many devices as you want for just over $1 per month.
This protection is increased thanks to an ad blocker, threat prevention and parental controls. This is pretty great value for money considering PrivadoVPN is at least $1 per month cheaper than other VPNs that offer similar features.
Not only this, but if you wanted a truly budget option, you could always go for PrivadoVPN Free, which is the best free VPN on the market based on our testing.
PrivadoVPN Free gives you access to servers in 13 locations across 10 countries as well as 10 GB of data allowance (which switches over to unlimited, albeit very slow data when this is used up). It even includes streaming support, which is rare for a free VPN.
Speaking of streaming, PrivadoVPN performed very well in streaming testing, being able to unblock Netflix in the US, UK, Australia and Japan, as well as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITV, C4, 9Now and 10 Play.
This performance, while not quite as good as NordVPN or Surfshark, is still lightyears better than CyberGhost, and for just over half the price.
What could improve:
While PrivadoVPN doesn't officially state how many servers it has, it does say it has hundreds of servers across 67 locations in 50 cities. While this isn't bad, it certainly doesn't match up to the thousands of servers across hundreds of locations offered by every other provider on this list.
Its speeds leave a little to be desired, too, with its WireGuard speeds reaching 550 Mbps in our testing. This should definitely be enough to give you a stable connection, but it just isn't as fast as the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN.
Interestingly, PrivadoVPN's OpenVPN speeds were incredibly fast, even faster than Surfshark's at 806 Mbps. This is very rare in a VPN provider, as OpenVPN as an encryption protocol tends to favour security over speed. So, if you want the absolute best speeds out of PrivadoVPN, you'll have to switch to OpenVPN only.
Additionally, PrivadoVPN did run into some issues then unblocking Netflix in Canada. While this is an issue for those who want to stream Netflix in Canada specifically, overall this is an admirable performance, especially considering how cheap it is.
However, if you want to go for PrivadoVPN Free, you should be aware that its streaming support is reduced. In testing, it was unable to unblock Netflix in Australia, Canada or Japan, Amazon Prime Video, 9Now or 10 Play.
Still, being able to unblock Netflix in the US and UK, Disney+, iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 is pretty impressive for a free VPN.
🔒 Read our in-depth PrivadoVPN review for all the details.
Buy PrivadoVPN if:
✅ You want a VPN for less than $2. At $1.11 per month for a two-year subscription, PrivadoVPN is the cheapest VPN on this list.
✅ You want to use a free VPN. PrivadoVPN's free version is one of the best free VPNs on the market.
✅ You want to use OpenVPN. At 860 Mbps, PrivadoVPN's OpenVPN speeds are the fastest we've seen.
Don't buy PrivadoVPN if:
❌ You need an extensive server spread. With servers in 67 locations across 50 countries, PrivadoVPN has the smallest server network on this list.
❌ You want to use WireGuard. PrivadoVPN's WireGuard speeds are comparatively low at 550 Mbps.
Best cheap VPN for free trials
5. CyberGhost
Thousands of servers and top speeds at just over $2 per month – but its streaming support isn't the best
Number of servers: 9,200 | Server locations: 125 locations in 100 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, 9Now, 10 Play | Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Maximum devices supported: 7 | 45 day money back guarantee: Yes
What we like:
Finishing off our list of the best cheap VPNs is CyberGhost. At $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription ($56.94 for 26 months' coverage).
Interestingly enough, CyberGhost doesn't have paid tiers like many other VPN providers. Instead, the only paid add-on it offers is a dedicated IP, which costs $2.50 per month (billed at $60).
This does mean that CyberGhost overall offers fewer features than other VPNs, but it still includes the VPN basics like a functioning kill switch, a verified no-logs policy, IP masking and multi-device coverage with up to 7 simultaneous connections.
It also offers email leak monitoring, so you'll be alerted if your email address has been revealed in a data breach.
Its speeds are impressive at 950 Mbps in our latest test, matching up to the fastest VPN services, so you shouldn't be slowed down while using it.
If you like to try before you buy, then CyberGhost is an excellent choice for you. It has a range of the best VPN free trials for you take advantage of, including:
- A 24-hour free trial for Windows and MacOS.
- A 3-day trial for Android.
- A 7-day free trial for iOS.
- A 45 day money-back guarantee on its 6 month and two year subscriptions.
- A 14-day money-back guarantee for its monthly VPN subscription.
So, not only will you be paying just a couple of dollars a month if you choose to subscribe, you can try it out in multiple different ways before you do.
Plus, I actually was able to use its 24-hour trial on Windows for roughly 26 hours, although your experience may vary.
What could improve:
CyberGhost does have streaming optimized servers, but these tend to be optimized for a specific streaming service per server, for example NFL+ US for one of its US servers. This is great if you want to access that specific streaming service, but if you don't, you're better off just using one of its regular servers.
I also had some issues with its iPhone app. On iPhone, there is no way to manually change servers while connected. Other VPNs, for example Surfshark, have a list of servers you can still access when your VPN is connected, however CyberGhost doesn't.
This means you'll need to disconnect, click on the "connect to" button then select a server that works. This exposes your IP address – only for a second – so if you're looking for the best VPN for iPhone, I'd advise that you look elsewhere.
Additionally, CyberGhost does not list its individual servers like NordVPN, meaning if I ran into any issues during my streaming tests I just had to disconnect then reconnect to a server location in the hopes this would give me access.
Unfortunately, I did run into quite a few issues during testing, with CyberGhost unable to access BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Disney+, 9Now or 10 Play, even when using the servers specifically optimized for these streaming platforms.
So, if you want to use your VPN primarily for streaming, you should consider using Surfshark or NordVPN instead.
Additionally, you can only install CyberGhost on 7 individual devices. This is different to other VPNs, which usually restrict how many devices are simultaneously connected to the VPN – not how many you can install it on.
This is much less generous than NordVPN which offers 10 simultaneous connections, and incomparable to Surfshark, PIA and PrivadoVPN, which all offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
To be honest, this lack of simultaneous connections is pretty disappointing to see, especially considering that cheaper VPNs do offer more. While you should be able to cover your household with one subscription, you won't be able to cover much else.
🔒 Read our in-depth CyberGhost review for all the details.
Buy CyberGhost if:
✅ You need a fast VPN. At 950 Mbps, CyberGhost is just as fast as other top VPN services like Surfshark and NordVPN.
✅ You want to use a free trial. CyberGhost offers a number of different free trials for a range of platforms for you to take advantage of.
✅ You want to try out a VPN before committing. All of CyberGhost's longer subscriptions offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, with a 14-day free trial for its monthly option.
Don't buy CyberGhost if:
❌ You want to use your VPN for streaming. CyberGhost did struggle to unblock a number of streaming services in testing including.
❌ You want a cheap VPN for iPhone. CyberGhost's iOS app leaves much to be desired.
What is the best cheap VPN?
Based on our testing, Surfshark is the best cheap VPN on the market, thanks to its excellent speeds, flawless unblocking performance and excellent security all for just $1.99 per month.
If you're after the absolute cheapest VPN, then this s PrivadoVPN, which costs just $1.11 per month for a 2-year subscription.
On the other hand is CyberGhost, which offers a large amount of free trials for you to take advantage of across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
It costs $2.19 per month, which is slightly more than Surfshark or PrivadoVPN, but it does allow you to try it out on multiple different platforms before you commit.
Are cheap VPNs worth it?
You'd be forgiven for thinking a cheap VPN just won't perform in the same way as a more expensive one, but this simply isn't true.
Surfshark, our best cheap VPN, is not only the best VPN for streaming as well as fastest VPN on the market, proving that low price does not equal low quality.
If you are looking for a full cybersecurity suite as well as a VPN, then you won't be able to find this in a cheap VPN. For the majority of VPNs, cybersecurity extras like antivirus are paid add-ons. If you want the best value VPN based on the extra features it offers, consider going for ExpressVPN.
While it does cost $4.99 per month for a two year subscription ($139 paid up front, for 28 months' coverage), all of its subscriptions come with its ad and malware blocker, Threat Manager, ID Theft Insurance, and a password manager.
If you compare the price of ExpressVPN as is ($4.99) to the price of NordVPN if you wanted all these extras ($6.99), ExpressVPN is actually pretty good value for money. Although, it is definitely much more expensive than the basic tier VPN subscriptions on this list.
Should I use a free VPN?
In the same way that cheaper VPNs tend to be limited in the extra features they offer, free VPNs are more limited than this.
This can be in a number of different ways, from slower speeds to less or no streaming support, to restrictive data and/or device limits.
For example, PrivadoVPN Free (while still being one of the best free VPN services), has a high-speed data limit of 10GB per month which switches to unlimited 1 Mbps data after this has been used, gives you access to servers in 13 locations and can only be used on one device.
Still, if you consider what you're paying (i.e. nothing), these limitations seem pretty reasonable, especially considering the fact that it is only thanks to the premium service that this free service exists.
However, if you want to access the best speeds, streaming support and security these VPNs have to offer, you should consider going for the paid version over the free version.
Why are VPNs so expensive?
Well, I'd hope that this buying guide has proved that not all VPNs are expensive, but I understand the frustration.
Even cheap VPNs (which do work out to be just a couple of dollars per month) require you to pay upfront, meaning this can be a more expensive upfront cost.
You may think that using a monthly VPN will be cheaper, and while it's a cheaper upfront cost, it will work out more expensive long-term. Even the cheapest monthly VPNs have a much more expensive month-to-month cost than their years-long subscriptions.
The only exception to this is Mullvad, which costs $5 a month, no matter what, and no matter how long you use it for. However, this does make it more expensive than all the VPNs on this list (at least for the first two years).
Another thing to consider the fact is that the more expensive a VPN subscription is, the most cybersecurity extras it tends to offer. For example, ExpressVPN offers ad and malware blocking, Threat Manager, ID Theft Insurance, and a password manager, but it does cost $4.99 per month for a two year subscription ($139 paid up front, for 28 months' coverage).
So, if these cybersecurity extras are worth it to you, then consider going for a more expensive VPN or a more expensive subscription tier of your chosen VPN. If they're not, just stick to the basic (and cheapest) tier.
How does a VPN work?
There are many reasons you might want to use a VPN, whether this is protecting your data online from prying eyes, or to access content inaccessible in your region.
A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This protects your data from any prying eyes, for instance your internet service provider (ISP) or the government.
As you connect to a server before connecting to the internet, this assigns you a different IP address to your home address, meaning your online activity cannot be traced back to you.
You can also give yourself the IP address of a specific country, and even appear to be there virtually, by connecting to a server in the country you wish to appear in.
How to choose the right cheap VPN
If you're on a hunt for the best cheap VPN, price is most likely your top consideration when it comes to your chosen VPN.
While price is of course important, there are other factors you should take into account when making your decision, as they will determine how good value for money the VPN is.
You should firstly consider how long the subscription term lasts for, as well as the upfront cost of the VPN. While some may be initially more expensive, its subscription may last for longer, meaning that you'll be getting more for your money.
You should also take a look at whatever extra features the VPN offers (if it offers any at all) within its basic tier. This will give you an idea of what you're getting for your money, as well as if it's worth it to upgrade to any higher tiers in the future.
Beyond this, high speeds will ensure that your connection stays smooth and stable while using the VPN, and will stop you from experiencing buffering or lag when using it for streaming or gaming.
Speaking of streaming, making sure your chosen VPN can unblock the streaming services you want to use it with is important.
Finally, ease of use is also important. If you're new to VPNs or want a more simple experience, then you probably won't want to use PIA. On the other hand, if you're after a customizable VPN experience, Surfshark most likely won't suit your needs.
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide

Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023, and is currently VPN Commissioning Editor. She regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites. For this guide, they tested and evaluated all the VPNs in terms of speed, streaming support, security and price to determine the best cheap VPN.

Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Tech Software team, and is currently VPN Commissioning Editor. She regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
- Mo Harber-LamondVPN Editor