9 Best & Cheapest VPNs in 2024 — Top Security on a Budget

Finding a VPN that balances quality and price can be challenging with so many available. Especially since a VPN’s price point doesn’t always determine the quality of its features and abilities.

My team and I tested 70+ cheap VPNs and found several great options with prices averaging under $3/month. Whether you want to protect your data or securely stream your favorite local shows without interruptions, these budget-friendly VPNs will do that without breaking the bank.

CyberGhost is the clear winner and my top recommended cheap VPN. It has top security features, optimized streaming, downloading, and gaming servers, and it's easy to use. It is a steal at just $2.03/month for CyberGhost's long-term plan. It also comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee to make this deal better.

Editors' Note: Cyberghost Vpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Try CyberGhost Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Cheap VPNs in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Best Cheap VPN Services — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. CyberGhost — A Secure, Cheap VPN That’s Easy to Use for Any Online Activity

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

Protecting your privacy is easy with CyberGhost's intuitive interface — just click the large power button to instantly connect to a server and secure your device. The VPN uses military-grade encryption that would take a supercomputer hundreds of years to crack. Plus, its IP/DNS leak protection and kill switch ensure your data is never accidentally exposed. I tested its kill switch by switching servers, and my internet connection was temporarily stopped until I was safely connected to the new server.

It also has specialty servers for streaming and torrenting. These servers are clearly labeled and continuously maintained to ensure they work. From the US, I tested its streaming-optimized servers in the US for Netflix and Disney+ and could immediately use my accounts. It also has dedicated gaming servers for low ping, they're currently only available on the Windows app.

Although it’s budget-friendly, CyberGhost doesn’t compromise your connection speeds. I tested several US servers near me and got an average speed drop of only 5% (from a base connection of 107.63Mbps to 102.02Mbps). That was easily enough for me to stream Netflix in Ultra HD without buffering (UHD requires 25Mbps).

The gaming servers give you fast speeds, but they’re not available for macOS or iOS

To get CyberGhost for the lowest price, make sure you get a long-term plan for $2.03/month. It's no different from the short-term plans, which can cost up to 84% more and come with a shorter money-back guarantee period (14 days vs 45 days). All plans give you 7 simultaneous device connections.

You can try CyberGhost totally risk-free with its money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, claiming a full refund is straightforward. I tested this myself by contacting 24/7 live chat and asking for my money back. My refund was approved after a brief convo, and my money landed back in my account 3 days later.

Useful Features

• NoSpy servers. These servers add another layer of privacy to your connection — they’re privately owned and maintained by CyberGhost to eliminate the risk of third-party interference. But you need to upgrade for a small extra fee.
• 7 simultaneous connections. You can use CyberGhost on all your devices at once and only pay for one subscription.
• Blocks malware. This cheap VPN includes Block Content, which prevents malicious sites and links from compromising your device.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Network For Reliable Streaming on a Budget

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

With a massive network of servers across the globe, PIA provides plenty of options for high-quality, low-latency streaming of local content using servers near you. You also get streaming-optimized servers in 8 countries (including the US, UK, and Australia). From Los Angeles, I tested the US East streaming server and had no issues watching Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. My colleagues in the UK and Australia also got smooth streams using their respective countries’ optimized servers.

PIA displays latency next to each server to quickly identify the fastest one

For how affordable it is, it’s impressive that it doesn’t limit how many devices you can connect at once. Plus, it comes equipped with a broad range of customizable features. For example, I used 128-bit encryption for better streaming speeds and picture quality. For activities involving my sensitive data (like banking), I switch to 256-bit — it’s more robust encryption but a bit slower.

These customizable features can be overwhelming to new users. However, apps come pre-configured, so you don’t need to tweak any settings to get started. My speeds also remained consistently fast, averaging 102.46Mbps (an 8% reduction from my base speed of 110.91Mbps) when simply tapping the power button and connecting to a local US server.

You can also take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and test all PIA’s features risk-free. I asked them to cancel my subscription over 24/7 live chat to see if this was legit. After answering a question about my experience, they approved my request, and I got all my money back after 4 business days.

Useful Features

• Kill switches. There are 2 kill switch settings to choose from. By enabling its Advanced Kill Switch, you can continue to prevent leaks even when the VPN is not connected.
• Solid torrenting VPN. Its port forwarding feature lets you directly connect with seeders and get faster download speeds. Plus, it offers MACE, which blocks malware and ads while you torrent (or browse online).
• Connection automation. Create your own rules for when the VPN automatically kicks in to protect you. Bind it to specific networks or general network types.

3. NordVPN — Fast Speeds Across All Distances So You Can Browse Without Delays

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN was the fastest VPN I tested. Using its in-house NordLynx protocol, I connected to nearby servers in the US, and speeds dropped by an insignificant 4% — 104.14Mbps, from a base connection of 108.66Mbps. My colleagues in Canada and France also tested servers near them, and their average download speed was reduced by 15%. This was still fast enough for streaming local platforms without any frustrating delays.

By clicking the lightning icon, NordVPN will automatically connect you to the fastest server

Despite its affordable price, NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blows other VPN ad/malware/tracker blockers out of the water. It prevented all of the annoying ads I usually encounter when visiting allrecipes.com. Most ad blockers I’ve used are less effective and still, let a couple of popups slip through. It works even when the VPN is not connected.

The Standard plan includes 10 simultaneous device connections and all of NordVPN’s most advanced security and privacy features. The biggest downside is that these cheap prices only apply for first-time subscribers — upon renewal, you end up paying about double.

You can try NordVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, it’s simple to claim a refund. I had to go through a chatbot before speaking to an agent, but once connected, my refund was quickly approved. My money was returned after 5 days.

Useful Features

• Meshnet. This feature lets you establish secure connections between multiple devices. It’s especially helpful for safe file sharing and overcoming the Netflix password-sharing ban.
• Reliable customer support. It offers 24/7 chat support, so you can get technical help whenever you get stuck.
• Split Tunneling. You can choose which apps or websites route through the VPN, while others can access the internet directly.

4. Surfshark — Great Value VPN To Protect an Unlimited Number of Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

With Surfshark, you can connect as many devices as you want. I tested it by connecting multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops, and PCs. My connection remained stable testing servers in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas from within the country, with an average download speed reduction of only 8%.

Videos always loaded within 5 seconds

My global testing team and I found that Surfshark works reliably with most streaming platforms, so we could use its fast speeds well. From the US, I watched movies on Netflix and Max without buffering; the only platform I struggled with was Prime Video. After trying a few locations, New York worked, so I favorited it for easy access in the future.

The only problem with Surfshark is that it's based in the Netherlands, part of the 9 Eyes Alliance group that shares information on its citizens with member nations. However, the VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, so all data is kept private.

All Surfshark’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The cheapest option is to go long-term; you can get a subscription for as little as $2.89/month. This is 85% cheaper than the month-to-month plan.

Useful Features

• Static IP servers. This gives you the same IP address whenever you connect to the server. It's handy for avoiding security checks (like CAPTCHAs) when logging into safe sites while using your VPN.
• CleanWeb. This feature is built-in and blocks malware, ads, and trackers.
• Advanced security features. If you encounter network restrictions, NoBorders detects them and presents you with a list of the best-equipped servers to bypass them. Then there's Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) which helps you overcome VPN blocks.

5. IPVanish — Self-Owned Network Gives You Airtight Privacy on the Cheap

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.IPVanishVPN.com

IPVanish privately owns every one of its 2,400 servers in 90 countries, to ensure your data is safe. Even some expensive VPNs rent servers and share facilities with other organizations, introducing the risk of third-party tampering.

The no-logs policy ensures that IPVanish won’t store or monitor any of your personal data

Its unlimited connections cover your devices with one affordable subscription. I tested it on 2 iPhones, an iPad, and macOS. I was in New York at the time, so I used them to stream YouTube TV simultaneously. Every connection remained stable, meaning no more battles over the VPN. With its fast speeds and worldwide network, IPVanish is also a solid choice for gaming or torrenting.

One drawback is that IPVanish doesn't accept cryptocurrencies, which is great for added anonymity online. However, you can pay with all major credit cards or PayPal.

You can give IPVanish a risk-free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Unlike other VPNs, you don’t need to speak to an agent to get a refund. Just log into your account on the IPVanish website and click I wish to cancel my subscription. When I tested it, I got a full refund within 3 days.

Useful Features

• Large selection of protocols. IPVanish offers many different protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP. This way, you can choose one that best suits your needs — speed or security.
• Security essentials. It has everything you need for a secure connection, including 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection.
• P2P-friendly. Its entire server network supports torrenting and provides a SOCKS5 proxy connection for speedier downloads.

6. PrivateVPN — Intuitive User Interface, Best for Beginners

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN is the most user-friendly budget VPN I have tested. Once installed, just click the large power button to instantly secure your device. My colleague in Canada tested PrivateVPN by connecting to the Vancouver server and found it straightforward. You only need to hit change next to the server location and click on the server you want to use — that’s it. I also like that all of its settings can be toggled with one click.

PrivateVPN is a good no-fuss VPN if you’re not interested in advanced configurations

That’s not to say it doesn’t offer quality features. For instance, its Stealth VPN obfuscates your data under Advanced View to disguise it as regular internet traffic. That makes PrivateVPN one of the few cheap VPNs that work reliably in China.

One con is its smaller server network. However, servers are spread worldwide, and I got fast speeds on all the servers I tested. So you won't have to worry about delays while torrenting or gaming.

You can test PrivateVPN for 30 days as it’s backed by a money-back guarantee. You can easily claim a refund if you find it’s not the right VPN.

Useful Features

• Unlimited bandwidth. You can browse, stream, and download without restrictions or throttling, ensuring a seamless online experience.
• 10 device connections. You get multiple simultaneous connections with every plan.
• No-logs policy. Protecting your privacy is at the core of PrivateVPN. Your browsing history, connection logs, and other sensitive data are never stored.

7. Proton VPN — Secure Core Offers Strong Privacy Protection On a Budget

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

www.Proton VPN.com

SecureCore (MultiHop) adds an extra layer of protection by routing your data through secure servers in privacy-friendly countries. I tested this by connecting to the US via Switzerland. I was surprised my speeds dropped just 12% below my base — multi-hop usually causes serious slowdowns.

Its strong security features make Proton VPN a great budget VPN for security-conscious users

Like NordVPN's Presets, Proton VPN lets you set Profiles for your favorite online activities. You can also designate a Profile as your "Quick Connect", so it configures your settings with one click. That's a premium-quality feature from a low-cost VPN.

On the downside, the VPN live chat isn't available 24/7. However, email support answers within 4 hours, and it has an extensive FAQ section and clear step-by-step guides.

You can try Proton VPN’s features for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. Unlike other VPNs, it only refunds the unused portion of your plan. So, since I went for a monthly contract and asked for a refund after 15 days, I got 50% of my money back.

Useful Features

• Free plan. Proton VPN’s free plan offers unlimited data. You can even boost your speed by 10% with its VPN Accelerator.
• Tor integration. Proton VPN seamlessly integrates with the Tor network, offering an additional layer of anonymity.
• Ad blocker. Its built-in ad blocker helps enhance your browsing by blocking intrusive ads and reducing the risk of malware infections.

8. hide.me — Set the VPN to Auto-Start So You Never Have To Remember To Turn It On

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

Stealth Guard lets you customize when hide.me kicks in to prevent accidental data leaks. You can either Bind Internet to VPN, which makes your entire network only work with hide.me on. Or, you can Limit Apps to VPN to route specific apps through the VPN while the rest of your traffic stays on your local connection. When testing, I bound my torrenting app to the VPN and could still browse the internet with my normal connection.

hideme has a wide range of features for an affordable pricetag

Conversely, split tunneling lets specific applications avoid the VPN. By configuring Spotify and my favorite news websites to circumvent the VPN, I was able to get improved connection speeds.

It can be fast, but isn’t always consistent. First, I got 73.67Mbps while connected to Japan — but later, the same server gave me just 19.47Mbps. Other locations were more stable.

Its 30-day money-back guarantee is trustworthy. You can claim a refund by contacting customer support. I used live chat and got my money back 5 days later.

Useful Features

• Kill switch. Even when your VPN connection drops suddenly, the kill switch kicks in to stop any data from leaking.
• Unlimited bandwidth. With hide.me, you can enjoy unlimited bandwidth, ensuring fast and unrestricted access to your favorite websites and online services.

9. TunnelBear — A Fun App for Simple Online Privacy Protection

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear gives you a quirky bear-themed app to make privacy protection kinda fun. Choose your location from the world map display, click connect, and a cartoon bear tunnels its way to your chosen location. For a cheap VPN, it looks slick and well-branded.

TunnelBear’s world map feature gives you quick and easy access

It has decent speeds across most of its servers. With a base speed of 104.91 Mbps, I tested various US servers from New York, and my speeds never dropped below 68.63 Mbps. That’s not bad, considering this is a low-cost VPN with a smaller server network than some others on this list.

Unfortunately, Tunnelbear doesn’t work with many streaming services. While connected to local servers in the US, I couldn’t stream on Disney+. My UK colleague also failed to watch BBC iPlayer with servers in her country. However, Tunnelbear works well with Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime.

You also get unlimited device connections. All sales are final — there’s no money-back guarantee, which is pretty disappointing. At least it provides a limited free plan that gives you 2GB of data/month, which is enough to test it out for a short time.

Useful Features

• Robust Security. With its strong encryption protocols and AES 256-bit, TunnelBear ensures that your online activities are protected from prying eyes.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Quick Comparison Table: Cheap VPN Features

All the VPNs on my list are affordable; some even offer free plans. However, they differ slightly in the features they offer. As a result, some VPNs might be more appropriate for your needs than others. Here's a quick side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Tips on Choosing the Best Cheap VPN for You

When selecting the top affordable VPNs, I employed the criteria listed below. You're welcome to use this list as a guideline to assist you in finding your perfect budget-friendly VPN.

• Affordable prices. I only selected VPNs that offer a plan for under $5 a month because protecting your privacy does not have to break the bank.
• Fast speeds. It’s normal for a VPN to decrease your speeds, but a high-speed VPN makes the drop barely noticeable. I tested every VPN on this list for speeds and only chose ones that didn’t make a significant difference to my average download speed.
• Global server network. Many servers worldwide mean you can use your local websites and online services when traveling. A larger number of servers also reduces the risk delays due to overcrowding.
• Robust security features. It’s common for cheap VPNs to have poor security features, so I prioritized those with top-class security to protect your data. That includes military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and advanced protocols.
• Trustworthy privacy practices. Every cheap VPN in this article keeps your online activity private with a strict no-logs policy. Plus, they hide your IP address, further concealing your identity and location.
• Vast device compatibility. Choose a VPN with native apps for all the major operating systems so you can easily protect your devices.
• Reliable customer support. Look for a VPN that has 24/7 customer support (live chat and email) so you quickly get help if you need it.
• P2P-friendly. Choose a VPN that supports torrenting and doesn't limit bandwidth, so you can safely file-share.
• Reliable money-back guarantee. A VPN with a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days provides you the opportunity to test it first and get a full refund if you're not 100% happy.

Editors' Note: Cyberghost Vpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs on the Best Cheap VPNs

What’s the fastest cheap VPN?

CyberGhost is the fastest cheap VPN available in the market. It has 11,690 servers in 100 countries, and no matter how far the server, CyberGhost always provides an impressively fast connection. It also has optimized servers for torrenting and gaming that gives you a slight speed boost.

Can I use a cheap VPN for Netflix?

Yes. Some cheap VPNs like CyberGhost work well with Netflix and other popular streaming platforms. It has 25+ specialty servers for Netflix, including some optimized for Firestick and Android TV. Plus, all servers are continuously tested to ensure they continue to work and are running smoothly.

That said, some cheap VPNs have small server networks and slow speeds that won’t support Ultra HD streaming. Others simply don’t work with Netflix. Therefore, choosing a VPN that’s been tried and tested with Netflix is crucial.

What's the best cheap VPN for gaming?

All the VPNs on this list support gaming, but the best is CyberGhost. It has specialty gaming servers optimized for fast speeds and low ping (available on PC and Android). I used a location in Paris to play Fortnite, and my ping was below 50 ms the whole time (under 100 ms is recommended for smooth gaming).

Plus, its top-notch security protects your gaming accounts from hackers and prevents DDoS attacks. And it offers Smart DNS and router support, so there are 2 options for installing the VPN on your games console.

What's the best cheap VPN for torrenting?

Any of the VPNs in this list are good options for torrenting, but CyberGhost is the best. It has P2P-optimized servers in over 75 countries, allowing you to download torrent files quickly and safely. You can also enable “Block content” to protect against the malicious content and ads that can be prevalent on popular torrenting sites.

Additionally, all the VPNs listed hide your IP address and use military-grade encryption to prevent your ISP from seeing your torrenting activity and throttling your connection.

How can I get a cheaper VPN?

There are some great VPNs available for less than $4/month. And what you get for this is well worth the cost. They help you stay secure online anywhere in the world and protect your data. However, there are a few ways to get more value from your subscription:

• Use a coupon or a discount. Many VPNs have regular discounts and cheap deals which anyone can use. Check out our deals and coupons page for the most recent offers.
• Use a money-back guarantee. The VPNs on this list all offer money-back guarantees. You can easily claim your money back if you're not completely satisfied. Once you find the right VPN for you, you can stay subscribed.
• Subscribe to a long-term plan. As with most subscription-based services, longer plans are cheaper than short-term ones. For example, you can save 84% on a long-term CyberGhost subscription.

Are there cheap VPNs that bill monthly?

Yes, but signing up month-to-month will always cost more than going long-term. When signing up for a VPN, I recommend comparing prices — usually, you’ll see that the longest plan available will save you the most money.

Of the VPNs listed, the cheapest monthly plans are available from PrivateVPN and hide.me, at about $10/month, but this is still more than double what you’d pay if you commit to a long-term plan, and it’s the same with most VPNs. That’s because VPN providers usually offer discounts when you commit to a long-term plan.

Is it worth getting a cheap VPN for Firestick?

Yes, many cheap VPNs will allow you to securely stream on your Firestick. Once you have a subscription, you can download the app directly to your Firestick or Fire TV. Then you’ll have all the functionality and privacy of a VPN on your smart TV or projector screen.

Are cheap VPNs safe and reliable?

Not always. Some cheap VPNs may cut corners on security, have limited server options, or log user data, which can compromise privacy. So, choosing a cheap VPN that offers at least AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy is essential.

What's better, a free or cheap VPN?

A cheap VPN is better because it doesn't restrict you like free VPNs do. While free VPNs may seem tempting, they often come with data caps, slower speeds, limited server options, and intrusive advertisements. With a good cheap VPN, you get fast speeds, strong security, unlimited data, and a global server network.

Free VPNs also often have weak security and can leak identifying information. Some even sell your data to third parties to make money. You're better off with an affordable VPN with the funds and resources to protect you properly.

Get the Best Cheap VPN

With so many VPNs available at all prices, finding a reliable, low-cost option is challenging. That’s not to say that price is always equivalent to quality. My team and I found plenty of safe, fast, and reliable VPNs that won’t leave a hole in your wallet.

From the dozens of VPNs we tested, CyberGhost provides the best quality and value, with prices starting at $2.03/month. It’s optimized for various activities, like streaming, gaming, and downloading. Plus, its first-rate security features will keep you protected. Since it has a money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost free for 45 days. If you’re not 100% happy, it's easy to get a refund.

To summarize, these are the best cheap VPNs…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

Discount

Visit Website

1

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 84%!

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2

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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3

9.4 /10

9.4 Our Score

Save 69%!

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4

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 85%!

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5

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

Save 78%!

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