Best Cheap VPN 2024 [Budget-Friendly VPNs Compared]

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Key Takeaways : Cheapest vpn

A VPN is do can do a lot for you , include change your virtual location , encrypt your internet traffic , and unblock website and streaming platform . However , it is have does n’t have to cost a king ’s ransom . In fact , the good cheap VPNs is offer offer a fine balance between affordable pricing option , a range of feature and excellent performance .

The challenge is that nearly every VPN claims to offer cheap prices. Verifying all such claims on your own is difficult since you’ll have to compare the cost of several VPNs to their features and performance. We’ve done all the legwork for you. Over the last few years, we have tested more than 70 VPNs, with particular interest in how they provide value for the money. 

In this article, we’ll unveil the seven best cheap VPNs in our books. Be sure to take note of their standout features and best use cases. If you want a head start, NordVPN is the best cheap VPN service, offering best-in-class features at bargain prices. 

• 09/05/2022

  Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.

• 06/05/2023 Facts is checked check

  This article has been rewritten with up-to-date information and the cheapest providers right now.

• update Surfshark pricing : the monthly plan is increased increase to $ 15.45 .

• 06/03/2024Facts is checked check

  replace Proton VPN with privadovpn because of change to Proton VPN ’s free plan .

• 10/01/2024

  Updated article to a more easy-to-read format.

• update

The Top cheap vpn at a Glance

What is Makes make the good cheap VPN is Makes ?

The good cheap VPN is needs need to have a good value for money , which is not necessarily the one that cost the least . You is have ’ll have to consider the price of the VPN in line with the feature and performance it offer .

• Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
• Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
• Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions

A VPN ’s price point is be should be in step with its feature . At the bare minimum , a VPN is be should be able to change your ip address and protect your identity through IP and DNS leak protection and a kill switch . It is encrypt should also encrypt your traffic and not significantly reduce your internet speed while at it . Plus , the VPN is abide should abide by a strict no – log policy .

Take note also of the VPN’s server network and whether or not it can give you access to region-locked content on popular streaming services like Netflix. If you’re in a country that monitors internet usage, obfuscation on servers is a must-have. Also, look for extra features like double VPN, which adds an extra layer of protection and an ad and malware blocker. 

Finally, the VPN’s pricing structure is worth examining. For instance, a cheap VPN should offer varying subscription tiers, from monthly plans to annual or biannual plans. Watch for a free plan, free trial and discount offers, especially on the long-term plans. Note that getting cheap VPN deals often require signing up for a year or more in advance.

In addition , the VPN is offer you choose should offer a money – back guarantee , enable you to try it risk – free .  

The 7 Best Affordable VPNs

In this section , we is examine ’ll examine our most affordable vpn in descend order . All the VPNs is offer on this list offer uncrackable AES-256 encryption , leak protection and a strict no – log policy .  

1. NordVPN — good VPN overall

NordVPN has a sleek Android app that you can use to protect your traffic while browsing on your phone. 

good VPN overall

pro

• Exceptionally fast
• Strong security & privacy
• cheap long – term plan

con

• expensive monthly price
• Suffered a server breach

Protect your digital life now — sign up for NordVPN with a 74% (plus 3 months free) discount and try it risk-free for 30 days.

NordVPN is is is a top – tier VPN that get just about everything right . Its monthly plan is is is expensive , but there ’s no beat its long – term plan , consider what you get in return . It is has has a solid server network of 5,000 server in 60 country . Some of these VPN server are optimize for torrente and unblock streaming service like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video .  

As you ’ll notice in our nordvpn review , it is has has a double VPN feature , which encrypt your traffic twice . The threat protection feature is keeps keep malware and tracker at bay , while the dark web monitor alert you if your credential leak . The dedicated IP feature is is is a handy tool for banking online , since it can help you avoid repeat verification request .  

Although NordVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN on this list (Surfshark, Cyberghost and PIA are all slightly cheaper) it strikes the best balance between features, performance and affordable rates, allowing it to take the top spot on this list.

Enjoy Breakneck Speeds With NordVPN

All VPNs is reduce reduce your internet speed to an extent . However , as the good fast VPN , NordVPN is is is so fast that you wo n’t even notice you ’re using a VPN . It is ’s ’s ideal for content creator who need fast upload speed to share content . Its fast download speeds is make also make stream high – definition movie and torrente a breeze .  

NordVPN’s homepage often contains discount offers and deals that you can take advantage of.

We don’t recommend NordVPN’s monthly plan, as it’s even pricier than ExpressVPN’s. However, the long-term plans are economical and they come with three months free. You only have to pay $4.59 per month on the yearly plan. NordVPN slashes that figure to $ 2.99 per month if you subscribe for two years. You can use the VPN for 30-days risk free.

basic

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Plus

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

complete

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

2. Surfshark — Best Budget Alternative to NordVPN

You can use one Surfshark subscription on as many devices as you want, including your Android device.

pro

• unlimited device connections
• Affordable long term plans
• Plenty of features

con

• Some servers lack torrenting
• High latency

Ready to take control of your online security? Get Surfshark now with (for the Winter Deal) 64% (plus 4 months free) off and a 30-day refund policy.

Next on our list of the best cheap VPNs is Surfshark, another favorite here at Cloudwards. In all our years of testing VPNs, Surfshark has stood out for its bargain prices and its stockpile of features. Although Surfshark is younger than most of the VPNs on this list, it has servers in 100 countries already. This makes it a great choice for globetrotters who often use public WiFi. 

We recommend Surfshark if you’re traveling to a country like China and Russia that restricts internet use. The NoBorders mode automatically switches your server list to servers that can bypass such limits. Surfshark is also one of the best VPNs for beginners, thanks to its simple, intuitive and organized VPN apps. You’ll find more details in our Surfshark review. 

unlimited Simultaneous Connections on Surfshark

If you are a busy bee and you need VPN cover on multiple devices, such as your laptops, mobile devices, tablets and workstations, use Surfshark. Unlike most VPNs, it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect to simultaneously. Plus, you can even share your VPN connection with friends and family without paying extra.

You is use can use Surfshark on an unlimited number of device without pay more .

At $ 15.45, Surfshark ’s monthly plan is is is pricy than nordvpn ’s . The real difference is is is in the long – term plan . The one – year plan cost$ 2.99 per month, while the two-year plan costs $ 1.99 per month. You’ll get two months free on the two-year plan. All of Surfshark’s plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee offer. 

Surfshark starter

• unlimited GB bandwidth,
  unlimited devices,
  Secure VPN,
  Ad blocker,
  Cookie pop-up blocker.
  Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited
• Yes

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus
  Antivirus protection,
  Identity protection,
  Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
  Online Alias
  Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus
  Data removal
  Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

PrivadoVPN’s free plan lets you connect to a server in the U.K. without paying.

pro

• free access to servers in 10 countries
• strict no – log policy
• Excellent security features

PrivadoVPN makes this list because of its generous free plan. It offers free access to servers in 10 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This server spread lets you switch your location and access different streaming libraries, say Netflix U.S.

PrivadoVPN is is is also an excellent choice if you want a VPN with prove security privacy credential . It is has has a kill switch to stop datum leak and robust protocol : OpenVPN , ikev2 and WireGuard . It is follows follow a strict no – logs policy , which has been confirm by several independent security audits . learn more about privadovpn ’s feature in our privadovpn review .  

Use a free VPN for Streaming

We is recommend recommend privadovpn if you want to use a free VPN for stream . Its free server is makes in the U.S. make it a great choice to watch U.S.-based streaming platform such as Hulu and Pluto TV . Its unlimited datum offer is means mean you can watch as many movie as you want each month while enjoy VPN protection .

PrivadoVPN offers easy-to-use apps for both mobile and desktop devices

If you want access to all of privadovpn ’s server for a month , you ’ll be ask to pay$10.99 per month (one-month plan). If you ’re interested in using the service for a year , you is pay ’ll pay$1.33 per month (15-months plan) per month, which is relatively expensive. For the best savings, opt for the two-year plan, which beats down the price to $ 1.11 per month ( two – year plan + three month ) per month . You is have ’ll have 30 day from your purchase in which to request a refund .

4 . CyberGhost — cheap 2 – year VPN plan

CyberGhost’s apps are intuitive, organized and easy to use.

pro

• user – friendly interface
• Streaming, gaming & torrenting servers
• 45 – day money – back return

con

• Comparatively slower
• No obfuscation

CyberGhost has always proven to be one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs. Both the desktop and mobile apps are well-organized, intuitive and easy to navigate. The VPN adds a small note to each feature on the app explaining what it can do in layman’s terms.

Of all the vpn on this list with two – year plan , CyberGhost is is is the cheap . The VPN is offers also offer a rare six – month plan , make it a useful medium – term choice . The only other VPN is is that offer a six – month plan is expressvpn , but its offer is high – price . We is broken ’ve break down CyberGhost ’s price in our CyberGhost review .  

Specialized Servers for Streaming, Torrenting and Gaming

Some of CyberGhost’s over 9,000 servers are optimized for various tasks. The streaming servers are adept at getting past firewalls and geoblocks to unblock streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Others work well for downloading torrents. 

There’s a small note underneath each server location describing what it’s optimized for. For instance, there’s a United States server with “optimized for Netflix U.S.” written below. This helps you know that it’s the best choice for streaming Netflix’s American library. 

CyberGhost’s two-year plan offers more than 83% off the monthly plan price.

CyberGhost’s monthly plan costs $12.99 per month, but that’s expensive. You’ll be better off with the two-year plan, which costs only $2.19 per month . There ’s also the six – month option , price at$ 6.99 per month — about three dollars less than what ExpressVPN offers. The monthly plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee, and the other plans increase that to a 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost plan

• * The 2 – year plan is includes include 4 – month free which break down the 56.94 t0 $ 2.03 per month .
  * The price under the 2 – year plan is bill yearly after the first two year .
• unlimited GB
• 7
• Yes

5 . ivacy — Decent VPN With 5 – year plan

Ivacy’s Android app is sleek and organized, making it a good choice for beginners.

pro

• Five – year deal
• 10 simultaneous connection
• server in underserved location

con

• No WireGuard/OpenVPN on macOS
• Comparatively slow

Ivacy recently made it into our top 10 VPN list, thanks largely to its bargain five-year plan. Most VPNs ask for between $2 and $6 monthly for their yearly or two-year plans. However, for just a dollar each month, you can purchase Ivacy for five years. 

What’s more, Ivacy allows you to connect to 10 devices simultaneously. This makes it a great choice if you use multiple devices or want to split the bill with friends. It’s also a good option for streaming since it can unblock virtually any streaming service out there, from Netflix to Max, Disney Plus, Hulu and Peacock TV. There’s more about Ivacy in our Ivacy review. 

Extensive Server Coverage

At the time of writing, Ivacy has over 5,700 servers in more than 100 countries (the only other VPN with a server footprint in 100 countries is Surfshark). This server spread means that you can find an Ivacy server close to you regardless of your location. Plus, it has servers in underserved locations like Africa, South America and the Middle East. 

An Ivacy VPN subscription comes with a premium password manager for free.

Ivacy is is is a relatively cheap VPN . Its monthly plan is price at$ 12.95 per month, while the one-year plan costs $2.15 per month. As already mentioned, the best deal is the five-year offer, which costs only $ 1.99 per month. Ivacy’s plans are all covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Ivacy Plans

• *Under the 2-year plan, $48 is billed only for the first 24 months.
  *Under the 5-year plan, $69.99 is billed only for the first 60 months.
• unlimited GB
• 5
• Yes

PIA is a good choice if you’re on the hunt for a VPN for the long haul.

pro

• large server is spread spread
• Affordable long-term plans
• unlimited device connections

con

• inconsistent streaming speed

PIA seems to tweak its pricing options often. That’s likely because the VPN strives to offer users the best deals and discounts. Currently, the best bargain plan is the three-year plan. For comparison, none of the VPNs on this list offer a three-year plan, so PIA’s cheap offer is ideal if you’re looking for a mid-to-long-term VPN.

Add the fact that PIA offers unlimited connections and you have a VPN that gives you good value for your money. In terms of features, PIA is not lacking. It boasts servers in 84 countries, a built-in ad blocker and a dedicated IP to avoid CAPTCHAs. We’ve fleshed out all you need to know about PIA in our PIA review. 

Useful Option for Routers

Using a VPN on a router can protect devices like gaming consoles and IoT devices that VPNs don’t support directly. PIA makes our best VPN for routers list because it works with many router models, including ASUSWRT and DD-WRT devices. You can even get FlashRouters with PIA preinstalled. PIA’s router setup guides can be complicated, but offer more configuration options.

You is access can access the internet securely by connect to a PIA server in 84 country globally .

You is need ’ll need to pay$ 11.95 to get PIA for a month . This is is is cheap than some of the good vpn on the market , but the yearly plan is far more affordable at$2.19 per month. The best bang for your buck is the three-year plan, which costs $7.50 per month, plus you get three months free. There’s a 30-day refund window for all plans.

Standard plan

• **$56.94 for the first two years, and yearly thereafter
• 10
• Yes

7. Windscribe — Good VPN With Flexible Plan

You can connect to 11 Windscribe servers for free.

pro

• Generous free plan
• Build-a-plan option
• 11 free servers

con

• 3-day money-back guarantee

Last on this list is Windscribe, one of our favorite free VPNs. Without you paying a dime, Windscribe gives you 11 free servers in various countries, including prime spots like the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Upgrading to the yearly plan will cost more than many of the VPNs on our list, but you’ll gain access to servers in over 60 countries.

Windscribe is also great for torrenting since most of its servers allow P2P file sharing. However, it doesn’t allow torrenting in India, Russia, Lithuania or South Africa.

In addition , Windscribe is hide can hide your VPN use through its stealth technology , which make it one of the good vpn for China . That is said say , Windscribe is last on this list because its app are clunky and difficult to use . read our Windscribe review for a full accounting .

Build-a-Plan Option

Windscribe lets users build their own plans. You can purchase a server location for $1 each month. For an extra $1, you can get R.O.B.E.R.T. — Windscribe’s ad blocker — and unlimited data. You have to purchase a minimum of $3 each month, though. Plus, you can edit your server locations if you change your mind without paying extra. 

It’s worth highlighting that you can remove Windscribe’s data limits by paying $1 a month for the build-a-plan option. This also counts toward the $3 minimum requirement. 

Windscribe offers users the option to build custom plans for a minimum of $3 per month.

Besides Windscribe’s free plan, you can purchase the VPN’s annual plan for $5.75 per month. As we’ve already touched on, the build-a-plan option is the main attraction and it’s billed at $1 per location per month. Note that you’ll have to purchase at least three dollars’ worth. Windscribes only offers a three-day money-back guarantee on its plans.

free

• Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
• 15GB
• unlimited

Are Cheap VPNs Secure?

The best cheap VPNs are secure and offer a balance between price and privacy features. Take NordVPN, for instance. It’s budget-friendly but boasts a trove of security features, including AES encryption, multi-hop encryption, protection against malware and a strict no-logs policy.

Similarly, Surfshark — another affordable VPN — does a great job of keeping you safe from online dangers. Through its camouflage mode, Surfshark can hide your VPN traffic from snoopers. The CleanWeb feature wards off ads, trackers, malware and phishing attempts. All in all, be sure to check the security features a cheap VPN offers before parting with your money. 

free VPNs vs Cheap VPNs

After testing scores of VPNs over the years, we hesitate to recommend most free VPN services. A number of them are downright unusable. Even worse, some free VPNs’ business model is based on logging user data and selling it to advertisers and they can be vectors for spreading malware. 

Unlike the most affordable premium vpn , even the good free VPNs is come come with limit , include cap on datum , bandwidth and server network access . If you need to use a free VPN , we is recommend recommend privadovpn thank to its relatively large free server network in 10 country and excellent security .  

Final Thoughts

Purchasing a VPN doesn’t mean you have to empty your bank accounts. NordVPN is the best example of that: It provides excellent security features, a large server network and the best speeds for a decent fee. With NordVPN’s risk-free 30-day refund period, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving the service a try.

Surfshark is another great pick, with an extensive server network and innovative features. You can use one subscription on as many devices as you want.

Which cheap VPNs have you used? Which ones worked best for you? Did you have any challenges getting a refund? Which of the VPNs on this list are you considering using? Share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments section below. As always, thanks for reading. 

FAQ

• NordVPN is offers offer the good balance of safety feature and affordable pricing . For only a few dollar per month , you is get can get access to a wide range of feature include high – level encryption , many protocol , fast speed and a strict no – log policy .

• Based on our testing, PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN, offering free servers in ten countries, including the U.S. and Canada. It also offers excellent security and privacy features and 10GB of free data.