Currently, NordVPN is the best cheapest VPN service with the starting price of $ 3.49/month for a 2-year plan. NordVPN is one of the top providers that guarantees total security with advanced features and delivers the fastest speeds on the market.
Surfshark is another top cheap VPN service that costs only $ 2.49/month if you get its 2-year plan. While Surfshark is affordable, it’s a premium VPN that offers many additional features and has no connection limits. However, if you’re looking for the cheapest 1-month VPN, Proton VPN proved to be the best option at just $9.99 for its monthly plan. Proton VPN offers the best price for its monthly plan, yet it’s still a secure VPN that highly focuses on users’ privacy.
To find the best cheap VPN providers, I extensively reviewed each VPN’s pricing. While comparing them in terms of price was easy, finding a truly good VPN required testing them in terms of several key factors. During my in-house tests, I looked into each VPN’s server list, speed, features, and overall performance. After the examination, I was able to find the top 5 cheapest VPNs in 2026. Continue reading and learn more about the affordable VPN providers.
The cheapest VPNs we recommend
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1.NordVPN: $ 3.49/month | High-end security features | 30-day money-back guarantee
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2.Surfshark: $ 2.49/month | Unlimited devices | 30-day money-back guarantee
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3.Proton VPN: $ 2.99/month | Free app version | 30-day money-back guarantee
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4.IPVanish: $ 2.19/month | Reliable speeds | 30-day money-back guarantee
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5.ExpressVPN: $ 2.79/month | Intuitive interface | 30-day money-back guarantee
What is the cheapest VPN subscription?
If you want to save money and get the best price possible, you can get the cheapest VPN by choosing a long-term plan rather than a month-to-month subscription. For example, Surfshark is a cheap VPN whose 2-year plan costs only $ 2.49/month, but if you choose a monthly plan, it will cost you $15.45 per month. The situation is similar to other providers as well, such as IPVanish, which costs only $ 2.19/month if you get a 2-year plan, but $12.99 if you get a monthly plan.
However, after reviewing over 30 VPNs, I found that NordVPN is the best and cheapest VPN, starting at just $ 3.49/month. NordVPN wins over other VPN providers as it delivers fast speeds, guarantees total privacy, and offers advanced security features. Below, you can find a comparison of VPN prices for their 2-year plans.
While PrivadoVPN and TotalVPN are even cheaper than Surfshark, with the starting price of only $ 1.11/month and $ 1.59/month, they didn’t make the top 5 cheap VPN services list. Despite their low prices, they fall short in areas like performance, features, and reliability compared to the VPNs that made the list.
If you only need a VPN for a short period of time, I recommend getting a premium VPN, like NordVPN or Surfshark, and taking advantage of its money-back guarantee. Both Surfshark and NordVPN are premium providers, but they allow users to test the service first by offering 30-day money-back guarantees.
The best cheap VPN providers – detailed overview
Extensive testing of the above brings me to the following list! All these VPN services boast robust AES encryption, a kill switch to prevent data leakage when your VPN connection drops, and a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy.
To present only the best options, I didn’t just select the cheapest options, but also tested all of them and selected those that delivered strong performance, security, and reliability. Below, you can find the key factors that I looked for when testing each VPN.
- Security (30%). All top cheap VPNs use robust encryption, do not keep any logs, and offer additional security features like a kill switch for an extra layer of protection online.
- Value for money (30%). I only selected VPNs that offer quality services for a reasonable price. Additionally, I made sure that all top low-cost VPNs would have a free trial or a money-back guarantee.
- Performance (20%). For a smooth VPN experience, it is important to select an affordable VPN that delivers solid speeds and reliable connections for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, torrenting, or simple everyday browsing.
- Server fleet (20%). To ensure that you’ll be able to find a server in most locations worldwide and access geo-restricted services without issues, I only selected VPNs that have servers across the globe.
Some cheapest VPN providers even have lifetime subscriptions available, but I don’t recommend taking them. You will not be able to change your provider or plan by getting a lifetime subscription. Lifetime deals might be appealing and offer good pricing, but they will basically remove your flexibility and freedom.
1. NordVPN: best and cheapest VPN in 2026
NordVPN proved to be the best low-cost VPN in 2026 due to its fast speeds and advanced security measures. It offers premium services, so you will be protected online at all times.
- NordVPN 24 months $ 3.49mth Deal View offer
- NordVPN 12 months $ 4.99mth View offer
- NordVPN Monthly $ 12.99mth View offer
NordVPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, has a no-logs policy, has been audited five times already, and operates in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction (Panama). Besides, there are advanced features such as Meshnet, which allows you to connect devices securely, and Threat Protection, which will block malicious ads, websites, trackers, and even protect you from malware. What impressed me the most was NordVPN’s speed, which is even faster than Surfshark or IPVanish. During my in-house tests, the average download speed was 779Mbps. With such fast speeds, I had no issues streaming Disney+, Netflix, and other services, gaming, and even torrenting.
Why I picked NordVPN:
- High-end security features, including malware protection, a kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. You can select NordPass (password manager) or NordLayer (secure cloud storage) as add-ons to your subscription.
- Can unblock any streaming service, from HBO Max to Hulu, from BBC iPlayer to the American version of Netflix.
- 9300 servers in 137 countries across the world!
- Average download speed of 779Mbps, so you can enjoy lag-free browsing and gaming, no matter where you are.
The starting price for NordVPN is $ 3.49/month, making it one of the best VPN deals this month. You can also enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 3-day free trial available on the Google Play Store.
What I liked about NordVPN
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Compatible with all major operating systems
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more
- Fastest speeds on the market
- Threat Protection feature against malware
NordVPN weaknesses
- Web-based login
2. Surfshark: cheap VPN for streaming with unlimited connections
Surfshark is one of the top cheap VPNs as it offers quality services and many extra features for a budget-friendly price. The best part is that Surfshark has no connection limits, so you’ll be able to protect your identity and bypass geo-restrictions on all personal devices.
- Surfshark 24 months $ 2.49mth Deal View offer
- Surfshark 12 months $ 3.19mth View offer
- Surfshark 1 month $ 15.45mth View offer
Just like NordVPN, Surfshark guarantees security with robust AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and additional features, such as CleanWeb (ad blocker), kill switch, split tunneling, and Dynamic MultiHop, which will route your traffic through two servers at once. I was also very impressed with Surfshark’s Everlink feature, which basically instantly restores your dropped connections. I also found Surfshark to be the cheapest VPN for iPhone that offers excellent performance and speeds, as well as additional features. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for streaming or torrenting, as during my tests, the average download speed was 466Mbps. I personally had no issues accessing various websites and streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu.
Why I picked Surfshark:
- 4500 servers in 100 countries, giving you multiple server options regardless of your location.
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and all major streaming services.
- Reliable security features, such as CleanWeb, IP Rotator, Dynamic MultiHop, Everlink, NoBorders, and more.
- Unlimited connections, which allow you to use the VPN on as many devices as you want.
Check out our full Surfshark review for a comprehensive rundown. You can get Surfshark for only $ 2.49/month, which is one of the cheapest VPN prices on the market. If you’re not sure yet, Surfshark allows you to test the service by taking a 7-day free trial or using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
What I liked about Surfshark
- Allows unlimited devices with one subscription
- Unblocks streaming services with ease
- CleanWeb filter to get rid of annoying ads
- Cheap pricing starting at only $ 2.49 per month
- Strict no-logs policy and 256-bit encryption on all servers
Surfshark weaknesses
- Prices might increase after renewal
3. Proton VPN: affordable VPN with strong security
Proton VPN is also one of the best budget VPN providers, which even has a free version. It’s a privacy-oriented VPN provider, so your online identity will be protected while browsing the internet.
Check Proton VPN pricing to see which plan fits your needs:
- Proton VPN 24 mesi $ 2.99mth Deal View offer
- Proton VPN 12 mesi $ 4.32mth View offer
- Proton VPN 1 mese $ 9.99mth View offer
Proton VPN guarantees anonymity with its AES-256 encryption and a reliable no-logs policy. What I like most is that Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which has very strict privacy laws, meaning that your data will stay private. It also offers additional features like Tor over VPN for Tor users, Stealth, which provides obfuscation, and NetShield ad-blocker, which I often use to block ads and trackers online. During my testing, the average download speed was 428Mbps, which is a bit less than I expected. Additionally, Proton VPN has a trustworthy free version, which you can use for everyday browsing without losing any money. However, it’s important to note that it only provides servers in the US, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania, and it’s not ideal for streaming geo-restricted content.
Why I picked Proton VPN:
- Privacy-focused VPN, which uses robust encryption, doesn’t log user data, and operates in a privacy-friendly country.
- Has robust security features, including NetShield ad-blocker, Tor over VPN, Stealth, kill switch, and split tunneling.
- Provides a free version, which has servers in the US, Romania, Japan, the Netherlands, and Poland.
- Reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to test all features risk-free.
While the starting price is $ 2.99/month, which is much higher compared to other providers, Proton VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can purchase a 1-year plan as well, though it is still pricier than the long-term option even with its current 60% discount. If you only need it for basic browsing, you can simply use the free version. For more information, be sure to check out the Proton VPN review.
What I liked about Proton VPN
- Reliable free version suitable for everyday browsing
- Supports all major operating systems
- 20300 servers in 148 countries
- Stealth protocol, which provides obfuscation
- Strict no-logs policy
Proton VPN weaknesses
- Limited free version
4. IPVanish: cheapest VPN service for everyday use
IPVanish is a great and cheap VPN that successfully bypasses geo-restrictions on various streaming platforms. Additionally, IPVanish is a perfect choice for torrenting.
- IPVanish 2 years $ 2.19mth Deal View offer
- IPVanish 1 year $3.33mth View offer
- IPVanish 1 month $12.99mth View offer
IPVanish has servers in countries, which is fewer than NordVPN or Proton VPN offer, but still enough for bypassing geo-restrictions. During my tests, the average download speed was 459Mbps, and I was able to stream various content on Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock without any issues. I also found out that IPVanish supports P2P traffic on all its servers and even has a SOCKS5 proxy, which is especially useful for torrent users. Additionally, IPVanish uses all the necessary security measures, like the standard AES-256 encryption and an audited no-logs policy. It even has additional features such as split tunneling, kill switch, and Double Hop VPN for extra encryption. Just like NordVPN, IPVanish also offers a Threat Protection feature to block harmful ads and websites.
Why I picked IPVanish:
- Suitable for torrenting as it’s a secure VPN that supports P2P traffic and even has a SOCKS5 proxy.
- Delivers solid speed (459Mbps) for smooth streaming and browsing.
- Unlocks Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, and other popular services.
- Doesn’t limit simultaneous connections, meaning that you can use IPVanish on all personal devices.
If you want to learn more about this provider, read our IPVanish review. To test it out yourself, you can get a subscription for $ 2.19/month or get the 7-day free trial. All paid subscriptions also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What I liked about IPVanish
- Suitable for streaming geo-restricted content
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Robust security measures
IPVanish weaknesses
- Based in the US, part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance
5. ExpressVPN: reliable cheap VPN with global servers
ExpressVPN also made the list as one of the best low-cost VPN providers due to its straightforward app, which is an excellent choice for beginners. No matter if you’re tech-savvy or just learning about VPNs, you’ll have no issues streaming and browsing safely with ExpressVPN.
- ExpressVPN 2 Years $ 2.79mth Deal View offer
- ExpressVPN 1 Year $ 3.99mth View offer
- ExpressVPN Monthly $ 12.99mth View offer
ExpressVPN guarantees privacy as it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of any surveillance alliances, has a strict no-logs policy, and uses the standard AES-256 encryption. Additionally, it offers useful additional features, such as a Tracker blocker, an Ad blocker, Parental controls, and a Password manager. I also liked ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, which is designed to deliver even faster speeds and stable connections. My tests revealed that ExpressVPN’s average download speed was 455Mbps, which is a similar result to IPVanish’s. With ExpressVPN, I also had no issues accessing Netflix, Paramount+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, so it’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a simple yet reliable streaming VPN.
Why I picked ExpressVPN:
- Successfully unblocks popular streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
- Suitable for gaming and torrenting as it delivers solid speeds and extra security features.
- Has extra features like a password manager, ad blocker, and parental controls for extra flexibility and security.
- Offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for both beginners and advanced users.
While ExpressVPN is quite expensive, with the starting price of $ 2.79/month, it has a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, you can test it first with a 7-day free trial. For more information, be sure to check our ExpressVPN review.
What I liked about ExpressVPN
- Servers in 105 countries for global content access
- RAM-only servers
- Robust security measures
- Fast speed for streaming, torrenting, and overall browsing
ExpressVPN weaknesses
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
Cheapest VPNs price comparison
| Cheapest VPNs | Rating | Cheapest VPN monthly subscription | Money-back guarantee | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ 3.49/month (with an 75% off coupon) | 30-day money-back guarantee | 3-day free trial |
| 2. Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ 2.49/month (with an 85% off coupon) | 30-day money-back guarantee | 7-day free trial |
| 3. Proton VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ 2.99/month (with an 70% off coupon) | 30-day money-back guarantee | Free version |
| 4. IPVanish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ 2.19/month (with an 83% off coupon) | 30-day money-back guarantee | 7-day free trial |
| 5. ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ 2.79/month (with an 78% off coupon) | 30-day money-back guarantee | 7-day free trial |
What makes the best-value VPN?
While cheap VPNs are appealing, it’s important to evaluate performance and value before making a decision. Usually, VPNs that offer very cheap prices have some limitations, such as slower speeds or even data leaks. I also don’t recommend using free VPNs as they often lack necessary security measures and are not always transparent, which might put your privacy at risk. To avoid this, it’s better to choose a VPN that offers quality services.
For example, Surfshark does not limit simultaneous connections and has many additional features, which make it a cost-effective option for a bigger household, which you can get for only $ 2.49/month. Similarly, Proton VPN has a vast server network and guarantees total privacy, so you’ll be able to browse the internet smoothly for $ 2.99/month. In the end, while NordVPN is not the cheapest VPN option ($ 3.49/month), it is the best VPN on the market due to its overall value and security features, which you will be able to use for many use-cases.
Final thoughts: are cheap VPNs worth it?
There are many VPN providers that offer cheap VPN subscriptions, but it’s important to choose a provider that offers the best value for its price. After testing more than 30 services, I found that NordVPN is currently the best cheap VPN in 2026. It combines affordability with excellent performance, security, and reliability, making it the most cost-effective choice. With NordVPN, you get access to fast servers in 137 countries along with advanced features, ensuring smooth and private browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Need a VPN for specific purposes? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of the articles below:
- Best VPNs for Online Banking: Protect Your Bank Account
- The Best VPN for Business
- The Best VPN for School: Top VPNs for Students
- Best VPNs for Crypto Trading and Bitcoin
- Best Free VPN for Windows 11
Cheap VPN FAQ
Do you have a question about cheap VPNs? Simply click on any of the questions below to see the answer.
The best cheap VPNs are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. All providers offer affordable pricing and deliver excellent services, which make them the best options in 2026. NordVPN ($ 3.49/month) offers overall more value compared to other providers. Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN, with the starting price of only $ 2.49/month, that has many features and unlimited connections. Lastly, Proton VPN is a low-cost VPN that you can get for $ 2.99/month and expect nothing less than total privacy online.
The cheapest 1-month VPN is Proton VPN, as its monthly plan’s price is only $9.99. While Proton VPN is not the best VPN out there, it is still a reliable provider that guarantees total privacy online. Additionally, it has 20300 servers in 148 countries, which means that you’ll be able to bypass geo-restrictions from anywhere.
Monthly VPN plans are more expensive because providers want to encourage users to commit long-term. A 1-year or 2-year subscription guarantees steady revenue for the provider, so they can offer lower prices. Monthly users don’t provide the same stability, which is why the price per month is higher.
If you want to save money, it’s better to choose a yearly or two-year plan. Even if you’re unsure about committing, most VPNs include a money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free while still getting the cheaper long-term price.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing inexpensive VPN services:
- A large server network
- Support for various protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard
- Cheap long-term pricing, discounts and money-back guarantees
- Ability to connect to multiple devices
- Fast and stable connections
To get a reliable VPN at the lowest price, be sure to choose a reliable and robust VPN provider and take a long-term plan. Long-term plans are usually way cheaper than monthly plans, which will save you money in the long run. Additionally, look for special discounts or take part in referral programs, which usually have some sort of award. For example, Surfshark offers special discounts for students or military personnel.
Unlike free VPN providers, cheap VPNs will cost you some money. However, the best cheap VPNs ensure you get your money’s worth and avoid the problems of free VPNs. These issues include speed limitations, data limits, and a limited server network.
Yes, they are! Cheap VPNs have basic security features, such as robust encryption protocols, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. You can also get advanced security features like multi-hop VPN servers and dedicated IPs.
Thanks for this very informative article. How is hotspot shield for a free VPN?
We haven't revisited Hotspot Shield free for a while but what we remember is that the Android version is full of ads and that they severely throttle your download- and upload speed. On top of that, it only has servers available in the US. We do have an article on excellent free VPNs, but Hotspot Shield didn't make the list.