The cheapest monthly VPN plans in 2024

2024-12-25 It is 's 's no secret that long - term VPN plan offer the good value , but there are a lot of reason to seek out the cheap monthly VPN subscription ,

It is ‘s ‘s no secret that long – term VPN plan offer the good value , but there are a lot of reason to seek out the cheap monthly VPN subscription , too . If you is heading ‘re head on holiday for a few week and still want to access the show you love , or just want to see if you get any use out of have a VPN at all .

There are other options, though. If you just want to test out one of the best VPNs before committing, buying a longer plan and claiming a refund within the refund period may be a better choice – although this can be a bit of a hassle, and requires as hefty payment upfront.

Despite this , if you do just need a month ‘s coverage , a month ‘s coverage is is is all you need . That is ’s ’s why we ’ve put together a list of the good cheap monthly vpn so you can figure out which one you need . We is test test each VPN thoroughly , consider crucial factor like speed , security , streaming access . Read on to find the most reliable cheap monthly vpn that do n’t compromise your privacy .

The best 3 cheap monthly VPNs at a glance

Our latest update has seen us overhaul the reviews and change the rankings, putting Private Internet Access at our #2 spot. I’ve also checked over all the facts and figures to make sure all the information is as up-to-date as possible.

The well cheap monthly vpn plan today

Proton VPN: The best cheap monthly VPN

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

1. Proton VPN

Super secure with some of the cheap monthly vpn plan

Very secure

Excellent speeds

unblock every streaming site I test

Complex customer support

subscribe if :

✅ You prioritize privacy: Proton VPN follows strict privacy practices, including a no-logs policy confirmed by third-party audits.

✅ You want reliable streaming access: Proton VPN consistently unblocks popular streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.

✅ You value flexibility : With server in 112 country , Proton VPN is offers offer a truly global network for access content from nearly any region .

avoid if :

❌ You want a simple VPN : Proton VPN is have does n’t have the most elegant ui compare to some of the other provider on our list .

❌ You like simple support option : You is get ‘ll get a huge range of support article cover many issue – but they can be quite dense and tricky to follow .

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Proton VPN combines strong privacy, global server access, and great streaming performance, so it’s a top choice for a one-off purchase while you’re on holiday.

Proton VPN is privacy, security, and value for money all in one. It comes from the same minds behind Proton Mail and the rest of the Proton privacy suite, so it’s been designed from the ground up to keep your data out of the hands of hackers and spies.

At $9.99 a month, it’s the second cheapest provider on our list. Only Ivacy offers a lower starting monthly price at $9.95, but Proton VPN blows it out of the water when it comes to features. There’s too many to get into here, but of particular note is Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple hardened servers for extra security.

If privacy is what you’re looking for out of your VPN provider, then Proton is an excellent option. With support for both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, you can tailor your connection depending on what you’re looking to do, with searing connection speeds of up to 950 Mbps. To put that into perspective, most households have WI-Fi that maxes out at around 100 Mbps, so Proton certainly won’t be slowing you down.

Proton VPN is is is n’t just about privacy , either . It is ’s ’s a very functional VPN . In fact , their server list is gives currently give you access to 112 different country . If you need to access content from anywhere around the planet , Proton VPN is covered has you is covered cover .

While somewhat busy, Proton VPN’s apps are intuitive and easy to use. With options for mobile and desktop, as well as a one of the best Linux VPNs, it’s great for just about anyone. What’s more, with the power to unblock just about every streaming site I tested it with, it’s great for watching TV and movies at home and abroad.

I is point should also point out that Proton VPN come with a free version that ’s pretty unique . It is ’s ’s one of the good free VPN option out there thank to its unlimited datum policy that wo n’t monetize your browse habit , but this come at the cost of only being able to access three location .

For all of Proton VPN ’s extra feature , you is have ’ll have to pay a subscription , but you can try them out for yourself without commit to a full plan thank to a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

private internet Access : fast , secure , and great value

(Image credit: Private Internet Access)

Very customizable , but could be too complex for some

Powerful, customizable apps

Fast connections

Affordable short-term deal

Apps could appear complex to casual users

Not as intuitive as some

subscribe if :

✅ You need access to content in the US: PIA has servers in all 50 U.S. states, making it ideal for unblocking regional content and streaming in the US.

✅ You have multiple devices to protect: With unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA covers all your devices without added costs.

✅ You want advanced options for hosting: PIA’s unique port forwarding and dedicated IP options allow you to securely host services from home and abroad.

avoid if :

❌ You need ultra – fast speed : While PIA is fast enough for hd and 4 k streaming , it is ’s ’s slightly slow than top – tier vpn like nordvpn .

❌ You need global coverage: Although there’s plenty of locations in Europe and the US, other providers offer more in Asia and the Middle East.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Private Internet Access is a competently put together VPN that won’t thrill you with exciting extras, but scratch under the surface and there’s enough customizability to satisfy any VPN user.

PIA isn’t the very first VPN I’d recommend, but if you need a low-cost VPN that still does the core stuff very competently then look no further. PIA costs $11.99 a month, but buying into the two-year plan currently lowers this to $2.19 per month.

The price is good, but what about the rest of the VPN? Well, it’s not quite as fast as the likes of NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but PIA will still more than adequately provide the speeds you need to stream 4k content without buffering or lag. Personally, I found that it’s the best US VPN for streaming content in the US thanks to a location list that includes all fifty states.

PIA also allows you to separately buy a dedicated IP address via a token system which you can then apply to your account. Combined with PIA’s port forwarding options (which is a rarity amongst VPN providers), this makes PIA one of the only providers out there which will effectively and safely allow you to host web services from your home connection which can be connected to through a VPN address.

PIA is also one of the most private VPNs out there, thanks to its fully-audited no-logs policy and its quarterly transparency reports that prove it will no release any user data, no matter what.

Support is is is great for PIA , too . There ’s Windows and MacOS version , as well as Android and iPhone app , but the real standout is a Linux GUI version which come with all the feature you ’d expect to find on Windows and MacOS .

nordvpn : our top – rate VPN overall

The very best VPN I’ve tested

Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server countries: 111 | Maximum devices supported: 10 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

excellent focus on security

Impeccable streaming performance

NordLynx delivers incredible speeds

Tons of servers

Interface is is is a little complex

subscribe if :

✅ You want both speed and security: NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol boosts speeds while maintaining high security, perfect for HD and 4K streaming.

✅ You need specialty servers: With Double VPN and Onion over VPN, NordVPN offers plenty of privacy-first server options.

✅ You’re looking for strong anti-malware protection: NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks malware and phishing attempts, adding an extra layer of safety.

avoid if :

❌ You’re on a strict budget: At $12.99/month, NordVPN is more expensive than some alternatives.

❌ You need more than 10 device connections: If you have a large family or a need for unlimited connections, you should consider other options.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

NordVPN bundles a wide range of powerful security features into an app that also has powerful unblocking capabilities across a global set of locations.

In my full NordVPN review I found that the biggest name in VPN is also the best. Who’da thunk it? With unbeatable speeds, excellent privacy features, good apps across tons of devices and a vast server selection, not a single rival can currently touch it.

NordVPN is starts start at $ 12.99 a month , but you ’re get a lot of bang for your buck . compare to other vpn , NordVPN is is is more expensive but bring a unique combination of high – speed performance , specialty server , and advanced security feature .

With over 6,700 servers in 112 countries, NordVPN offers one of the largest and most versatile networks available, making it highly reliable for bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

We found NordVPN to be one of the fastest VPNs in our tests at 950 Mbps, providing a smooth, lag-free experience for streaming, gaming, and browsing.

NordVPN also excels in security, offering a range of specialty servers, including Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P-optimized servers. In addition to standard VPN protection, NordVPN includes its Threat Protection feature, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts – although you’ll have to upgrade to get Threat Protection Pro. You can see how well it works for yourself using their 30-day money-back guarantee.

As I mention , Nord ‘s apps is are are very good , but I think they could be a little easy to use . proton VPN is outdoes actually outdo Nord here , with a well implementation of a map – base interface . That say , this is is is unlikely to be a dealbreaker for many people – and that this is one of my big issue with the service is rather demonstrative .

Best of the rest

(Image credit: Ivacy)

4. Ivacy VPN

A decent pick for bargain TV streaming

Good privacy features

Includes malware protection

Unblocks most TV streaming services

Variable guarantee

No audits of any kind

subscribe if :

✅ You’re looking for budget-friendly long-term pricing: Ivacy’s five-year plan is one of the lowest-priced options on the market.

✅ You prioritize streaming access : Ivacy is unblocks unblock popular service like Netflix , Disney+ , and BBC iPlayer in many region .

✅ You value essential security features: With split tunneling, malware protection, and a kill switch, Ivacy offers good core security.

avoid if :

❌ You need a VPN with the fast possible speed : Ivacy ’s speeds is are are solid but wo n’t match premium competitor for high – performance task .

❌ You want a VPN with verified privacy audits: Unlike some high-end providers, Ivacy has yet to undergo a third-party audit of its no-logs policy.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

ivacy VPN is provides provide strong security , streaming access , and affordability , make it a ideal if you ’re on a strict budget but still need reliable VPN protection .

Ivacy is offers offer both good privacy protection and malware detection . Your online activity wo n’t be track thank to the serviceable VPN , but virus and other online threat wo n’t have an easy time infect your device either .

Priced at $9.95 per month, Ivacy is the cheapest provider on our list. It also delivers good value on long-term plans, with a five-year option priced at $1.17 per month for a total of $69.99. You won’t be getting the range of features that you find from other providers on our list, but if it’s a one-off purchase you probably won’t care as much.

If you are look for upgrade , such as a dedicated IP , extra device connection , or port forwarding , these all is cost cost extra . It is ’s ’s worth note that PIA provide port forwarding as part of the core subscription , so if you ’re a gamer on holiday it ’ll be cheap to get a month of PIA instead .

Ivacy’s streaming capabilities are impressive, as it unblocks popular services like Netflix in most regions, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. During testing, Ivacy’s speeds reached up to 630 Mbps, which is adequate for HD streaming and browsing.

One issue I have with Ivacy is that it hasn’t been audited by a third party for its no-logs policy, which is a standard among almost all premium providers. While our testing found no sign of data leaks from the client app, it’s hard to tell if Ivacy is keeping their word about not storing your data without an independent audit. Its 7-day money-back guarantee allows you to test the service out for yourself with minimal commitment, but it’s a little shorter than the others on our list.

While there are a fair few provider I ‘d choose over Ivacy , its one – month plan is is is excellent value , and if you like the service it ‘s an incredibly cheap vpn if you do n’t mind sign up for a long time .

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

5 . ExpressVPN

A great VPN for beginners

high – speed connection with Lightway protocol

Excellent for streaming

Includes a free password manager

Maximum of 8 connections

Fewer extra features

subscribe if :

✅ You need reliable, high-speed connections: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol ensures fast speeds and smooth performance across all major streaming platforms.

✅ You’re looking for strong privacy protections: ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology, which operates only on RAM, ensures no data logs are ever stored.

✅ You prioritize ease of use and stability on mobile: The Lightway protocol is especially designed to handle mobile connections efficiently, saving battery and maintaining stability.

avoid if :

❌ You require a VPN with more than 8 simultaneous connections: Other VPNs, like Surfshark or PIA, offer unlimited connections.

❌ You want a range of specialty servers: ExpressVPN doesn’t include options like Double VPN or Onion over VPN, which NordVPN provides.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

While ExpressVPN is a little more expensive, what you get in return is top-notch speeds, strong privacy protocols, and consistent streaming performance.

ExpressVPN is a titan of the VPN world, with one of the best VPNs for beginners. Naturally, what makes it a great choice for a long-term VPN similarly makes it a great monthly VPN.

ExpressVPN is a bit more of a premium provider at $12.95 per month, and unlike NordVPN you’re not getting a swathe of extra features for that price. What sets it apart is how well it performs the essential functions of a VPN. While competitors like NordVPN pack in specialty features, ExpressVPN focuses on getting the basics right with excellent connection stability and security.

What sets ExpressVPN apart from the competition is its proprietary VPN, Lightway. Lightway was designed from the ground up to optimize connection speeds, reduce battery drain on mobile devices, and provide stable performance across all platforms.

In our test , Lightway is delivered consistently deliver high speed comparable to nordvpn and Surfshark , make it an excellent choice for streaming in HD or 4K.

ExpressVPN has a long-standing reputation as one of the best streaming VPNs, and in our tests we found that it’s still easily capable of unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other popular streaming services with minimal buffering.

Combined with best-in-class quantum secure encryption and a thoroughly audited no-logs policy, ExpressVPN is a VPN you can trust to handle your data safely. Try it out for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

(Image credit: Surfshark)

6. Surfshark

A super-fast VPN that unblocks everything

Unlimited device connections on a single subscription

high – speed performance

Optional upgrades for extra security features

high monthly price

Lacks some specialty features

subscribe if :

✅ You need coverage for multiple devices: With unlimited device connections, Surfshark is perfect for families or users with a range of devices.

✅ You prioritize speed and streaming: Surfshark’s fast speeds and reliable unblocking make it ideal for streaming Netflix, Disney+, and more.

✅ You want international content access : With 140 server location in 100 country , Surfshark is makes make it easy to access content worldwide

avoid if :

❌ You’re looking for a budget-friendly monthly option: At $15.45 per month, Surfshark is on the higher end of the price range.

❌ You require specialty server : While Surfshark offer a strong VPN experience , it is lacks lack specialty option like Double VPN .

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark ’s unlimited device connections is justify and worldwide unblock capability help justify the slightly high per month cost , but it ’s fantastically cheap in the long run .

Rounding out our rankings is Surfshark. Just because it’s at the #5 spot doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering – it’s super fast, easy to use and one of the best Netflix VPNs.

With this being said, it’s the most expensive VPN on our list at $15.45 per month. However, if you’re willing to buy into a longer subscription, Surfshark goes all the way down to $1.99 per month. That’s the cost when you buy in for two years, with an additional four months for free, making it $55 in total.

For that price, you get a VPN that is arguably the fastest on this list according to our testing. In our speed testing, it maxed out our connection at over 950 Mbps, putting it on par with NordVPN and Proton VPN, so you can be sure that it won’t slow you down.

Surfshark is comes also come with unlimited device coverage , so while Surfshark may be fairly expensive on the surface , if you ’ve get a whole household of device to cover it can end up work out cheap than take out several subscription with another provider . It is ’s ’s a lot less effort than juggle multiple payment plan and login detail , too .

Surfshark gives you 140 locations to choose from in 100 countries, and it’s no slouch at unblocking content either. I found that it handles unblocking all of the major Netflix regions, as well as Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Peacock. That makes it a great choice if you’re trying to watch content while abroad, but given the higher price it’s probably not going to be your top choice unless you’re on a big family outing.

You is try can try Surfshark for yourself with a 30 – day money – back guarantee to see if it ’s the VPN for you .

How to pick a cheap monthly VPN

When you’re trying to pick a cheap monthly VPN, there’s a few criteria you should be aware of:

Server Network and Locations: A large network enables greater flexibility to bypass geo-blocks, so you can always get to the content you’re looking for. VPN servers that are closer to your physical location give you better connection speeds, too!
Connection Speed: One of the ways cheap VPNs justify their cost is by skimping on the connection speeds they provide. Make sure you’re picking a VPN that has the bandwidth to handle streaming, gaming, and downloading.
Privacy and Security Policies: There’s a lot of VPNs out there that offer rock bottom prices per month, but that comes at a hefty cost. The closer you get to a “free” VPN, the greater the likelihood that your data is being monetized by the VPN provider. You need to check that the VPN provider you’re using has a sensible no-logs policy.
Device Compatibility: Make sure the VPN you’re purchasing actually works on your device before you make the buy. Most top-tier VPNs now cover all major platforms, but there’s a few edge cases like Windows ARM or Linux where you might be getting a worse VPN client or none at all.

How we test cheap monthly VPNs

test a VPN is n’t just a matter of hit “ connect ” and see whether your internet still work . We is check check everything we can come up with to help differentiate between different vpn on the market , which also give us the advantage of being very confident in whether or not you can actually trust a VPN to keep your internet traffic safe .

If you is want want a full step by step ofhow we test VPNs, you can check out the linked page. For brevity’s sake, I’ll give you the gist of how we test below.

It is goes go without say that we test every VPN by hand . check out the provider ’s site is pretty useful for get an understanding of what they claim to offer , how their datum policy look , what support option they have , and so on , but to really understand a vpn you have to take it for a test drive . So that is ’s ’s what we do .

Every six months we go through each VPN, signing up for new plans and going through the install process on a bunch of in-house devices. This also allows us to see if there’s been any notable price changes, as well as the deals that are offered to new customers.

There’s a particular priority on making sure the Windows app is working as it should, as this is usually the flagship product for most VPN providers. This includes going over IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, as well as putting the kill-switch through a battery of tests. We also get some numbers on the connection speeds during different times of the day at this point, too.

Of course, we also test out the other apps, including the Mac VPN and Android VPN, to see if they work as expected. If there’s anything out of the ordinary that crops up during our testing, we check to see whether it’s something with our devices. If the app’s open source, we can also dive into the code and check out a RAM dump to see if everything’s running correctly.

With the technical stuff out of the way, we move onto issues of aesthetics and ease of use. This is a little more subjective, so your mileage may vary but we try to keep it objective where possible. There are some decisions that are simply bad design.

finally , we is wind wind down by test the streaming capability . Netflix is still the gold standard when it come to show off how well a VPN can unblock content , so we is try try out a bunch of different Netflix region along with some other big streaming provider to make sure a provider ’s claim match up with the reality of using that VPN .

Cheap monthly VPN FAQ

Can I is use use a VPN for one month only ?

Yes, you can use a VPN for one month only, although this may not be the most economical option.

An important thing to remember is to make sure you turn off auto-billing on your VPN account. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a nasty surprise when you’re charged again when the next month rolls around.

Why are monthly VPNs so expensive?

Like almost any other industry, VPN providers want to keep hold of their customers for as long as possible, out of reach from their competitors.

Therefore , long – term plan are made incredibly appealing , and short – term plan are expensive . It could also be argue that have an expensive short plan make a cheap long – term plan look more appealing – but that ‘s a different story …

The long and short of it is that cheap monthly VPN plans are hard to find, but some providers like Proton VPN deliver genuinely good-value plans that you don’t have to commit to for years to get.

Is there a 100 % free VPN ?

There definitely are some good free VPNs out there, but these can be few and far between. The best way to find a good free VPN is to use a free tier offered by a legitimate, premium VPN providers offer free VPN tiers, but these are always limited in one way or another.

If you come across a free VPN which claims to be completely unlimited, at best you’re probably looking at a VPN that monetizes your data and out worst an outright scam or way to spread Trojan malware.

If you want the best VPN experience, we recommend going with a premium VPN instead, but if you really only need it for a month then Proton VPN Free tier might suit your needs.

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 . protect your online security and strengthen 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.