3 Best Pay-Monthly VPNs With Cheap Offers in 2025

Most VPNs push long-term deals by luring you with big discounts, but that doesn’t give you the flexibility to react if things change. Features might get cut, servers can become unreliable, or the VPN may stop working with your favorite streaming platforms. The best monthly VPNs keep you free to move on before you’re stuck paying for something that no longer meets your needs.

We’ve experienced it all — long-term offers dropping in price after signup, features quietly removed, refund policies rewritten, and even providers shutting down. That’s why we tested 50+ VPNs and shortlisted the best pay-monthly options that give you everything you need without long-term commitment, so you can cancel anytime if the service stops delivering. The VPNs below strike the right balance between cost, performance, security, and ease of use.

Quick Comparison Table: Cheap Monthly VPN Features

The table below compares our top-recommended pay-as-you-go VPNs alongside other decent monthly VPNs that didn't quite make the cut in the main list. Note that the order of the VPNs is based on a mix of factors, not just the cost of the 1-month price.

Best Pay-Monthly VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. PrivateVPN — Cheapest Monthly VPN With Premium Security and Performance

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested August 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN offers strong security at one of the lowest monthly prices available. The VPN protects your traffic with AES-256 encryption with 4096‑bit RSA keys, the same used by governments and banks. It also passed all our tests for DNS and IPv6 leak protection, which helps prevent accidental exposure of your IP address. With reliable protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, it gives you flexible and reliable protection across devices.

It's even possible to change the port to further avoid VPN blocking systems

A built-in Stealth VPN mode helps PrivateVPN work reliably on restrictive networks. During our tests, we enabled it in the PrivateVPN app and instantly accessed various streaming and torrenting sites from restricted networks. It's even one of the few VPNs that work reliably in countries like China and Russia with robust VPN blocking and DPI technology. Combined with a kill switch, your identity should stay private, even when using public WiFi.

One con is its much smaller server network compared to VPNs like PIA and ExpressVPN, which could limit your access to certain content. However, we were impressed with its streaming capabilities overall, as it worked seamlessly with platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and multiple Netflix libraries. Its static and dedicated IP servers can help boost reliability further, especially if you frequently encounter CAPTCHAs.

The service also provides 30-day money-back guarantee coverage, so your entire first month of PrivateVPN is essentially risk-free. Even if you decide to commit, its longer-term offers are also very affordably priced. Despite being a smaller provider, you still get 24/7 live chat support with its monthly option, too, in case you need advice in tricky situations.

Useful Features:

• Skip the slow routes with direct-to-provider connections. PrivateVPN offsets potential congestion from its small network by purchasing internet capacity directly from transit providers. This helps reduce latency, cuts out extra routing hops, and improves overall speed and stability.
• Port forwarding support. PrivateVPN allows port forwarding on select servers, which can significantly improve download speeds for P2P activities and provide better connectivity when hosting online game lobbies.
• IPv6 leak protection. Advanced leak protection prevents IPv6 traffic from bypassing the VPN tunnel, helping keep your browsing activity private even on networks that support both IPv4 and IPv6.
• Own DNS servers. The VPN routes all DNS requests through its own servers for greater privacy and leak protection. This keeps your browsing activity from passing through third-party resolvers that could log or monitor your data.
• Server latency. PrivateVPN shows real-time latency for each server, making it easy to pick the fastest connection for streaming, gaming, or browsing.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Affordable Monthly Plan With Unlimited Connections

Works With:

ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix Disney+

APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA delivers exceptional value for monthly users by including unlimited connections at no extra cost. Unlike PrivateVPN, PIA allows you to connect as many devices as you have at the same time. There’s no need to log in and out of accounts or to disconnect one VPN device to use another. In our tests, we connected many gadgets, including 10 smartphones, 6 PCs, a tablet, and a smart TV simultaneously without a single hiccup.

It’s also one of the most customizable monthly VPNs, letting you adjust your connection based on what’s important to you. It offers the WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols — with OpenVPN, you can reduce the encryption level to 128-bit for faster speeds or stick with 256-bit for maximum security. WireGuard produced the best balance of both during our tests. Plus, PIA disables IPv6 by default to help prevent leaks, something most other VPNs don’t yet offer.

UDP transport is generally faster, but TCP can be more reliable on unstable networks

My only gripe with PIA is that it's based in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance — nations that share intelligence, including citizens’ online data. However, PIA’s privacy policy is solid, backed by real-world proof: in multiple court cases, it had nothing to hand over, showing the VPN truly lives up to its word. Plus, its RAM-based servers wipe all data after every reboot, so there’s nothing to log in the first place.

PIA’s monthly option is reasonable and provides good value, considering you can use it on unlimited devices. Whichever option you choose, you’re eligible for its money-back guarantee, so you can try PIA for free for 30 days and get a full refund if it’s not for you.

Useful Features

• Locations in every US state. PIA is the only service on this list with a server in each US state. This makes it a great option for important live sporting events, like NFL or NBA games, that are typically subject to regional blackouts.
• Great for streaming. Although it doesn’t work with as many platforms as ExpressVPN, it still securely accessed major services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video in our tests. It also has streaming-optimized servers in 10+ countries.
• PIA MACE. This is PIA’s ad, tracker, and malware blocker called MACE. It effectively blocks intrusive pop-up ads on websites and helps keep malicious sites from loading, which can improve both your browsing speed and security.

3. ExpressVPN — Best Premium Monthly VPN With Premium Speeds and Streaming Performance

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the fastest monthly VPN we tested, with its Lightway protocol providing fast, reliable connections. As all servers are optimized for all activities, you don’t need to waste time testing different locations. We paired it with a monthly Disney+ subscription to binge-watch Shōgun on a Fire TV Stick smoothly while keeping our online activity private. In our tests, ExpressVPN easily handled HD and 4K streams — averaging 186.90Mbps.

Streams loaded fast, and we could watch on high quality without any pixelation

It’s also one of the best at working with popular streaming platforms, including 20+ Netflix libraries, Hulu, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, and Max. It keeps its IP addresses updated — so there’s no need to constantly switch servers. You can use its MediaStreamer smart DNS to stream US and UK platforms on devices that don’t support VPNs, like some smart TVs and gaming consoles, too.

One thing to improve is allowing more customizability of its privacy and security features. Still, it pulls ahead in all other aspects concerning privacy. For instance, ExpressVPN maintains an audited no-logs policy, proven in real-world situations like the Turkish server incident. It also operates in the British Virgin Islands (outside the 5-Eyes jurisdiction) to protect your data from government oversight.

ExpressVPN’s monthly price is comparable to most monthly VPNs. However, you’ll get the best value with its long-term offer. All the options are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so you can test it risk-free no matter which one you choose.

Useful Features

• Automatic obfuscation on every server. ExpressVPN can detect VPN blocks (like at work, school, or on public WiFi networks) and will automatically scramble your data to avoid detection.
• Ad, tracker, and adult content blockers. These Advanced Protection features included with every ExpressVPN purchase are filters for ads, trackers, and malicious sites, working like PIA’s MACE to keep browsing private and secure. ExpressVPN also goes further with parental controls that reliably block inappropriate content.
• Shortcuts feature. Lets you add your favorite apps and websites to ExpressVPN’s home screen for one-tap access once you establish a secure connection. Its kill switch (Network Lock) and DNS/IP leak protection prevent accidental exposure of your IP address while connected.

Our Methodology for Testing Monthly VPNs

Our approach to testing monthly VPNs focuses on balancing performance, security, and usability to ensure these services are worth it for short-term users. We start with each VPN’s speed tests across various locations, noting how quickly each service connects and whether speeds remain consistent over time. This is essential for activities like streaming, gaming, and large downloads, especially when travelling or being outside your home network.

When looking for a monthly VPN, it’s worth reviewing the provider’s pricing, money-back guarantee terms, and cancellation process — all typically available in the Terms of Service or FAQ sections. Also check for device support, whether the VPN works well for popular devices, and if it offers optimized servers for specific activities or regions. This can help you avoid trial-and-error and help you get value right from the start.

Free VPNs vs Pay-Monthly VPNs: Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, if you need a VPN for regular short-term use — whether for streaming, torrenting, or consistent privacy protection — a pay-monthly VPN is a better choice. For occasional or low-stakes use, a free VPN might work; however, you’ll often face restrictions on speeds, server access, and monthly data, making it hard to stream, torrent, or browse intensively in the short or long term.

Better yet, choose a long-term option that offers discounts and coupons so you can save on your overall costs. Plus, longer offers almost always come with a money-back guarantee, whereas monthly options sometimes offer shorter refund periods or none at all. The only catch is that the overall cost will still be significantly higher than for a monthly VPN.

Here’s what you’ll likely be missing out on if you opt for a free VPN:

FAQs on the Best Cheap Monthly VPNs

What is the cheapest monthly VPN?

While there are cheaper monthly VPNs, the #1 VPN is the most affordable one that made our list. We chose VPNs that offer the best balance between reliable performance, security, unlimited device connections, and consistent regional pricing — including adjusted rates for the US, UK. India, and elsewhere. You can also explore our list of the cheapest VPNs if you’d like more options.

While some VPNs like Mullvad and FastVPN cost even less, they were excluded for lacking features like streaming support, broader device compatibility, or questionable privacy practices. Certain providers offer significantly lower monthly prices in India, though pricing varies by region and currency. However, while monthly costs are attractive thanks to their low upfront cost, you’ll almost always miss out on long-term savings.

Will my pay-monthly VPN work on my Fire Stick?

Yes, you can download your pay-monthly VPN directly onto your Fire Stick from the Amazon Appstore. The monthly VPNs on this list have native apps for Amazon Fire devices. Even if your VPN doesn’t have an app in the Amazon Appstore, you can sideload its APK file and just use the Android version. Make sure to only get APK files from the VPN’s official site to avoid security issues, though.

2nd-generation Fire Sticks and later are compatible with VPNs, including Fire TV Stick 4K, 4K Max, Lite, and Lite HD, but first-generation Fire Sticks don't support VPN apps. If you have one, I recommend installing a VPN on your router, which will also extend its protection to all your WiFi-enabled devices.

Why are monthly VPNs so expensive?

Monthly VPN purchases are often more expensive because providers encourage long-term commitments, where they can offer greater discounts. With a month-to-month option, you gain the flexibility to cancel anytime, making income less predictable for the VPN company, which leads to higher costs.

To offset this, monthly offers often come at a premium, covering extra overhead for short-term users. This includes higher administrative costs for billing and support, as well as the risk of customers using intensive bandwidth for short periods.

Can I try a monthly VPN for free?

Yes, you can try most of the listed monthly VPNs risk-free via money-back guarantees. Some, like IPVanish, don’t offer a refund for the one-month option, but I also tested those that do to ensure they were trustworthy. So, you can evaluate the VPN's performance, ease of use, and compatibility with your devices before committing to a paid option.

Rather than hunting for free VPNs, using money-back guarantees from premium services provides better security and performance. Free VPNs often have severe limitations, security risks, and may not work reliably with services or devices like Netflix or Fire TV Stick.

What can you do with a VPN for one month only?

A month of VPN access can accomplish quite a lot, even if you don't plan to continue long-term. Many users find that specific projects or situations require temporary VPN protection, which doesn’t justify the high one-time payment.

Common one-month VPN use cases include:

• Travel protection: Secure your connections while traveling for business or vacation, especially when using public WiFi at hotels, airports, and cafes.
• Service testing: Thoroughly evaluate a VPN's speed, reliability, and compatibility with your devices and streaming services before committing to longer terms.
• Remote work projects: Protect sensitive work data during short-term remote assignments or while working from temporary locations.

Do monthly VPN plans include the same features as annual plans?

Yes, all the VPNs on this list provide identical features with all their offers. Unlike some software that restricts features for monthly users, reputable VPN providers offer the same server networks, security features, and customer support to all users.

The only differences you might encounter are promotional bonuses (like extra months free) that apply to longer offers. PrivateVPN, PIA, and ExpressVPN all treat monthly customers the same as annual ones in terms of features and support quality.

Get the Best Cheap Monthly VPN

You wouldn’t marry someone without going on a few dates first, right? And, since a VPN offer can last longer than many relationships, you need to make sure you’ve chosen the right option. And a short-term option is perfect for that. It could even lead to something beautiful... Or, it could just be a one-month stand.

And while my team and I have go-to VPNs, we’re in full agreement that PrivateVPN offers the best monthly deal if you’re looking for a bargain. It’s ideal for everyday browsing as well as streaming, P2P, restrictive networks, and gaming. However, you can always try the other no-commitment VPNs on our list if you need server access in specific regions or more advanced online threat prevention.