The 10 Best, Cheapest VPN Services – The Top Cheap VPNs Today

The cheapest VPN services ask for a fraction of the price of premium providers but deliver plenty. They’re tailor-made for budget-conscious users, and despite their low price tags, they offer top-notch speeds and security and employ the latest protocols and encryption technologies.

With so many affordable solutions on the market, finding the right one for you can be an uphill task, though. That’s why we’ve compared dozens of providers to create this guide of the 10 best, cheapest VPN providers on the market right now. We reviewed these tools across core features like speed, compatibility, server count, performance, and price. Read on to find out why PureVPN, IvacyVPN, and ExpressVPN are the cream of the crop.

Table of Contents Table of Contents
    1. 1. PureVPN – Best Cheapest Paid VPN 2023
    2. 2. IvacyVPN – VPN with the Cheapest Price Tag, Best-Suited for the Long Run
    3. 3. ExpressVPN – Best Overall VPN that’s Excellent on All Fronts
    4. 4. NordVPN – Fastest, Cheapest VPN for Netflix with Peak Speeds of Over 950 Mbps
    5. 5. Surfshark – Best Cheap VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
    6. 6. CyberGhost – Affordable Service with Dedicated Servers for Gaming, Streaming, and Torrenting 
    7. 7. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN with 12 Server Locations on the Free Version
    8. 8. Proton VPN – Ultra-Secure VPN with a Free Plan that Offers Unlimited Bandwidth 
    9. 9. IPVanish – Well-Rounded VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections and Class-Leading Speeds
    10. 10. VyprVPN – Best Affordable VPN with a Proprietary Protocol and Zero Renewal Hikes
    1. Server Network and Geographical Coverage
    2. User-Friendly Interference
    3. Reputation and Reviews
    4. Compatibility
    5. Customer Support and Reliability
    6. Speed
    7. Security Protocols
    8. Price and Payment Plans
    9. Streaming and P2P Support
    1. Step 1. Sign Up and Subscribe
    2. Step 2. Download and Install the App
    3. Step 3. Launch and Log In
    4. Step 4. Connect to a Server
    5. Step 5. Connect and Have Fun
Table of Contents
    1. 1. PureVPN – Best Cheapest Paid VPN 2023
    2. 2. IvacyVPN – VPN with the Cheapest Price Tag, Best-Suited for the Long Run
    3. 3. ExpressVPN – Best Overall VPN that’s Excellent on All Fronts
    4. 4. NordVPN – Fastest, Cheapest VPN for Netflix with Peak Speeds of Over 950 Mbps
    5. 5. Surfshark – Best Cheap VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
    6. 6. CyberGhost – Affordable Service with Dedicated Servers for Gaming, Streaming, and Torrenting 
    7. 7. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN with 12 Server Locations on the Free Version
    8. 8. Proton VPN – Ultra-Secure VPN with a Free Plan that Offers Unlimited Bandwidth 
    9. 9. IPVanish – Well-Rounded VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections and Class-Leading Speeds
    10. 10. VyprVPN – Best Affordable VPN with a Proprietary Protocol and Zero Renewal Hikes
  1. Show Full Guide
    1. Server Network and Geographical Coverage
    2. User-Friendly Interference
    3. Reputation and Reviews
    4. Compatibility
    5. Customer Support and Reliability
    6. Speed
    7. Security Protocols
    8. Price and Payment Plans
    9. Streaming and P2P Support
    1. Step 1. Sign Up and Subscribe
    2. Step 2. Download and Install the App
    3. Step 3. Launch and Log In
    4. Step 4. Connect to a Server
    5. Step 5. Connect and Have Fun

The Best Cheap VPNs for 2023

Before we dive into our detailed reviews of the cheapest VPN services, here’s a quick glance at the unique elements that separate them from each other:

  1. PureVPN – $2.29/month – The best, cheapest VPN provider with a massive catalog of 6,500+ servers in 78 countries. It offers excellent speeds, unblocking capabilities, and features like port forwarding and static IP addresses.
  2. IvacyVPN – $1/month – An affordable VPN best suited for those who want a service for the long run. It has servers in more than 100 countries, so there are abundant connection opportunities.
  3. ExpressVPN – $8.32/month – Overall, the best VPN provider with the most individual server locations on offer. It has its own VPN protocol and offers near-best-in-class speeds, privacy, and reliability.
  4. NordVPN – $3.79/month – The fastest VPN service with peak speeds of over 950 Mbps. Excellent at unblocking Netflix libraries from every corner of the world, and a built-in antivirus is an extra bonus.
  5. Surfshark – $2.39/month – Recommended for families and businesses – comes with unlimited simultaneous connections and some of the fastest speeds available, as well as servers in 100 countries.
  6. CyberGhost – $2.11/month – One of the most affordable options on our list, which also has the highest number of servers offered, at 9,000+. It’s a gamer’s favorite, thanks to its dedicated servers and ability to sort servers by ping, load, and distance.
  7. PrivadoVPN – $1.99/month – Ideal free VPN provider, as it comes with unblocking capabilities and access to 12 servers on the free plan. Speeds are top-notch, too, and its paid plans are great for budget-conscious users everywhere.
  8. Proton VPN – $4.99/month – The only free VPN on our list to come with unlimited bandwidth. Based in Switzerland, it’s also one of the most secure providers, and it has features such as auto-connect and Secure Core servers.
  9. IPVanish – $2.99/month – Popular, well-rounded VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and class-leading speeds that are on par with the big hitters. You’ll also love its server-sorting options and fully-owned serverbase, which maximizes privacy.
  10. VyprVPN – $5/month – Great pick, with the proprietary Chameleon protocol that offers excellent VPN obfuscation. It has a widely spread server network that covers key locations, and with no renewal hikes, it’s a solid choice for long-term use.

What is the Best and Cheapest VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) anonymizes your internet access by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through secure VPN networks and tunnels, hiding it and making it impossible to intercept.

This includes hiding it from hackers, government entities, and even Internet Service Providers (ISPs), who are known for curtailing internet speeds, which can easily be avoided by using a VPN.

It’s worth noting the best, most value-packed VPN for your needs may not necessarily be the very cheapest. It’s really about matching what you want a VPN service for and selecting a provider that does that, at an affordable price. This will be the best value, cheapest VPN for you.

For example, if you want unrivaled unblocking prowess, you’ll be better off with ExpressVPN or another provider that offers dynamic IP addresses.

On the other hand, PureVPN and NordVPN are better picks if you want to host gaming servers and have more control over your IP since they come with both dedicated and static IP addresses.

The Top Cheap VPN Services in 2023 Reviewed

We’ll now talk about the ten cheapest VPN services in detail, including their best features, pricing, and pros and cons. Let’s dive right in.

1. PureVPN – Best Cheapest Paid VPN 2023

PureVPN is the most value-packed security toolkit we’ve had the pleasure of testing, thanks to its massive catalog of 6,500+ servers in 78 countries and a super cheap price tag of just $2.29 per month on the two-year plan.

The high server count makes it a go-to choice for bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as streaming, online gaming, and torrenting.

We were impressed by its capacity to unblock every major streaming service we threw at it, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Hulu. It’s undoubtedly the cheapest VPN for streaming that really delivers.

PureVPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$2.29/month (2 years) $12.45/month 7-day free trial, 31-day money-back guarantee 10 6,500+ 78 countries

Connection speeds of 640 Mbps aren’t class-leading but are still over 25 times more than you need to stream content in Ultra HD or 4K. We tried it with popular games like Call of Duty Warzone and Modern Warfare, and it passed with flying colors with access to easy bot lobbies, no matter the time of day.

A highlight of the service is its Always-on Audit feature, which means that it’s open for inspection 24/7. This is an excellent point of differentiation and right up there with the very best for security and reliability.

Other security offerings, including dedicated IP addresses and port forwarding, are available as paid add-ons.

Being able to choose a dedicated or static IP address gives you more control and stability over your connections, and port forwarding will allow you to host your own servers, including game servers, and go about torrenting without any interruptions.

The Plus plan is $1 more and gives you the PureKeep password manager and end-to-end file encryption, so you can securely transfer documents and media files without worrying about your data being compromised via man-in-the-middle attacks or other security vulnerabilities.

These services make it more than just a VPN and massively enhance the value for money PureVPN delivers.

Pros 

  • Massive catalog of 6,500+ servers
  • Cheapest dedicated IP VPN
  • Always-on Audit feature for complete peace of mind
  • Port forwarding and static IP addresses are available
  • Great value for money and one of the cheapest options

Cons

  • Reddit users ask for more WireGuard features

2. IvacyVPN – VPN with the Cheapest Price Tag, Best-Suited for the Long Run

IvacyVPN is the cheapest VPN on the market right now, and with an asking price of just $1 a month and a full suite of security features, it gives more expensive services a run for their money.

Despite its low price, it puts over 5,700 servers at your disposal, which are nicely spread out in 100 countries. Even industry juggernauts like ExpressVPN and NordVPN aren’t present in such a large number of countries.

IvacyVPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$1/month (5 years) $9.95/month Free-forever plan, 30-day money-back guarantee 10 5,700+ 100 countries

Alongside essentials like a kill switch and split tunneling, IvacyVPN – the cheapest VPN for Android and the cheapest VPN for iPhone – won our trust with excellent anti-tracking tools and DNS leak protection.

What’s more, it’s one of the few services to offer a dedicated application for Xbox. This separates it from the crowd, as other VPNs only offer apps for routers, which you generally have to use to secure a VPN connection on your gaming console.

Eliminating that extra step makes it a joy to use for Xbox owners and IvacyVPN one of the best VPNs for gaming.

If $1 per month wasn’t reason enough to opt for IvacyVPN, a free-forever plan will surely seal the deal for those pinching the pennies. The free version comes with unlimited bandwidth, and unlike other free plans, it’s also equipped with unblocking capabilities.

One limitation is that speeds on the free plan are capped at 35 Mbps. The paid plan, with peak speeds of over 630 Mbps, is undoubtedly a better pick, but the free plan is still a superb offering for trying out the tool risk-free for as long as you want.

If you’re interested in checking out effective free VPNs, head over to PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN.

Pros 

  • Cheapest VPN Reddit users recommend
  • Cheapest month-to-month VPN
  • 5,700+ servers in 100 countries is excellent
  • Fast enough for gaming, streaming, and torrenting
  • Pay via cryptocurrency for added privacy

Cons

  • Free plan is limited

3. ExpressVPN – Best Overall VPN that’s Excellent on All Fronts

ExpressVPN is usually at the top of our lists, and although it’s not as cheap as some of the other solutions here, there’s hardly a service that’s as comprehensive and easy-to-use as ExpressVPN – and our full ExpressVPN review covers in detail why we rate the service so highly.

For starters, it offers the highest number of server locations around the world, at 160. This means you’ll always find a super quick and low-ping server close to your location, even if you’re in obscure countries like China or Russia.

ExpressVPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$8.32/month (1 year + 3 months extra) $12.95/month 30-day money-back guarantee 8 3,000+ 94 countries, 160 locations

ExpressVPN also offers the proprietary Lightway VPN protocol. It’s more lightweight and secure than other popular protocols, including WireGuard.

Unlike WireGuard, Lightway obfuscates your VPN traffic, meaning prying eyes on the internet won’t know that you’re using a VPN and hence won’t be able to hinder your internet traffic with VPN blocks.

It also boasts just 2,000 lines of code, whereas OpenVPN’s code is 70,000 lines long, which makes it easy to audit and place your confidence in.

For gamers and streaming lovers, a reliable service is worth every penny, and ExpressVPN is an absolute workhorse when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. You’ll be able to watch your favorite movies and shows and get region-specific game’s deals, no matter where you are.

While ExpressVPN asks for a couple of bucks more than its peers, it delivers an experience unlike any other, thanks to straightforward apps for every platform, friendly 24/7 support, and a resourceful knowledge hub to help you out every step of the way.

It’s great for security, as well. Between an independently audited no-logs policy and an auto-connect feature that allows you to connect once and stay protected, you can rest assured you’ll be as anonymous and secure as you can be.

Signing up for the 12-month plan will give you the best bang for your buck, as you’ll get three months of extra protection for free. This beats other providers, as they only offer extra months on multi-year plans.

Pros 

  • Highest number of individual server locations
  • Three months of free protection on the annual plan
  • Easy to use and class-leading customer support
  • Proprietary VPN protocol for maximum performance
  • The best and arguably cheapest VPN for torrenting

Cons

  • Not as cheap as the other options

4. NordVPN – Fastest, Cheapest VPN for Netflix with Peak Speeds of Over 950 Mbps

NordVPN is one of the best all-purpose VPNs, and from security and unblocking to affordability and customer support, there’s hardly an area it doesn’t excel in.

We’re particularly heads over heels for how monstrously fast it is – we tested it on a 1 Gbps line and experienced peak speeds of over 950 Mbps.

This makes it the fastest VPN provider on the market right now, and you’ll enjoy ultra-stable connections, irrespective of whether you’re gaming, binging content, or downloading large files via P2P sharing.

NordVPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$3.79/month (2 years + 3 months extra) $12.99/month 30-day money-back guarantee 6 5,500+ 60 countries

While almost all our picks are able to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming sites, none does it better than NordVPN.

This is especially true for Netflix as it goes past every Netflix library, including hard-to-crack locations like Japan, with ease. Others, such as Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more, are smooth sailing as well.

While the lack of port forwarding could be considered a miss, it showcases NordVPN’s commitment to user security – port forwarding is prone to security breaches, which is why some VPNs, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, don’t offer it.

There’s a whole lot more to like on the security front. NordVPN’s highly-rated Double VPN provides extra protection to your internet traffic by encrypting your data twice by routing it through two NordVPN servers instead of one.

And its Onion over VPN will allow you access to the Tor network even if you choose not to download the Tor browser.

What’s more, NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by both PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte – two of the most reputable firms for the task – which further bolsters our confidence in the service.

A key differentiator here is that NordVPN offers built-in antivirus protection even on its most basic plan, which is priced at a very affordable $3.79 per month.

It’ll automatically scan all downloaded files on your system and delete those infected with malware. And higher plans come with a data breach scanner and Nord’s renowned password manager, too.

Pros 

  • Built-in antivirus, even on the cheapest plan
  • The fastest VPN service in the industry
  • Great at unblocking
  • Independently audited by PwC and Deloitte

Cons

  • Only six simultaneous connections

5. Surfshark – Best Cheap VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is tailor-made for large families and businesses, as it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that a single Surfshark account is going to be more than enough to secure any number of devices in your household.

Plus, you’ll also be able to share the VPN with your friends and gaming buddies, which seriously cranks up the service’s value for money. Speaking of that, Surfshark is among the cheapest VPNs on our list, thanks to a price point of just $2.39 per month on the 2-year plan.

Surfshark

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$2.39/month (2 years + 1 month extra) $15.45/month 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee Unlimited 3,200+ 100 countries

The provider is perfect for travelers and residents of far-off regions, as it has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Whether you’re a US-based gamer who wants to access servers in Egypt or a travel fanatic in China eager to access local banking sites from back home in the UK, you won’t be short on server options.

In addition to being a force to reckon with as far as getting past streaming sites and restricted game sales is concerned, Surfshark is also a delight for speed enthusiasts, thanks to peak speeds of over 950 Mbps, which puts it at par with industry leaders like NordVPN.

While the kill switch is not the best we’ve tried, it works perfectly well in real life and combined with RAM-only servers that wipe off user data with every reboot, you won’t have to worry about security if you’re a Surfshark user.

We love Surfshark’s Incogni service, which reaches out to data brokers, such as those with recruitment data, marketing data, and information from people search sites, and asks them to delete all the relevant data they have.

Signing up for this service is super easy, too – all you have to do is grant permission to Incogni to be your messenger.

Pros 

  • Industry-leading speeds of over 950 Mbps
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Cheapest VPN router service
  • Servers in 100 countries for maximum connectivity
  • One of the most value-for-money services

Cons

  • The kill switch failed under extreme pressure

6. CyberGhost – Affordable Service with Dedicated Servers for Gaming, Streaming, and Torrenting 

While CyberGhost doesn’t offer a free plan that works on its mobile or desktop apps, it does offer a free Chrome extension that comes with access to eight servers in four countries.

These include the United States, Germany, Netherlands, and Romania. CyberGhost is based in Romania, a country that doesn’t make it compulsory for VPN companies to store user logs.

However, we recommend opting for a paid CyberGhost plan, which will give you access to its massive catalog of 9,000+ servers in 91 countries. It’s worth noting that this is the highest number of servers for any VPN on our list.

cyberghost

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$2.11/month (2 years + 3 months extra) $12.99/month Free proxy VPN for Chrome, 45-day money-back guarantee 7 9,000+ 91 countries

Plus, you’ll only have to pay $2.11 per month for it, and you’ll get three months of extra protection for free. This becomes more appealing when you look at services like IvacyVPN and Surfshark that either don’t offer extra protection for free or only offer a single month.

Yes, CyberGhost has a lot of servers, but how it presents them is perhaps even more impressive – you’ll find different sections on the home screen labeled “For Gaming,” “For Streaming,” and “For Torrenting.”

These enable you to sort servers by ping, load time, and distance so you’re able to zero in on the best server for your particular use case.

Despite having dedicated servers for streaming, the service is unable to unblock Disney Plus and the UK Netflix library. If your favorite shows are on these platforms, you’ll be better off with PureVPN, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN. However, for every other major streaming site, CyberGhost pulls through nicely.

Last but not least, CyberGhost comes with a staggering 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than what any other VPN offers. You’ll have a great deal of time to try the service first-hand, and that too, without putting any money on the line.

Pros 

  • 9,000+ servers in over 91 countries is excellent
  • Dedicated servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting
  • Starts super cheap at just $2.11 per month
  • Class-leading 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Doesn’t unblock Disney Plus

7. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN with 12 Server Locations on the Free Version

PrivadoVPN packs a serious punch with its free forever plan, which comes with access to 12 servers in 10 countries – much more than Proton VPN’s free version.

Also, while other providers reserve their unblocking capabilities for paying users only, PrivadoVPN does no such thing and allows you to stream, including with Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and whatnot, for $0.

You’ll get 10 GB of data to play around with every month on the free plan, and while that’s not as exciting as Proton VPN’s unlimited bandwidth, it’ll do the job if you plan on using a VPN for securing your browsing data.

Privado-VPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$1.99/month (2 years) $10.99/month Free-forever plan, 30-day money-back guarantee 10 395+ 46 countries

For gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks, we recommend subscribing to a paid PrivadoVPN plan, whose price tag of just $1.99 per month will be very light on your pocket.

A service as cheap as PrivadoVPN needs to be lauded when it’s able to hit speeds as high as 880 Mbps and go past the toughest of geo-restrictions.

Like IvacyVPN, PrivadoVPN is yet to undergo an independent audit to prove its no-logs claims, but an intuitive kill switch, unfailing split tunneling, and an always-on VPN feature that works similarly to ExpressVPN’s auto-connect functionality ensure that you’ll not be left wanting for more on the security front in the slightest.

PrivadoVPN has 395 servers in 46 countries, which is admittedly lower than what you’d like to have, but its presence in prime VPN locations for security, including Switzerland and Singapore, means that it should make the cut for an average user.

It’s also very adept for multi-device users and those who want a VPN to share with their family members and friends, as you’ll be able to log into ten devices at the same time. This is a slightly better showing than Nord’s six and CyberGhost’s seven simultaneous connections.

Pros 

  • Best free VPN provider with 12 server locations on the free plan
  • Speeds are fantastic at 880 Mbps
  • Free plan includes great unblocking capabilities
  • Ten simultaneous connections beats a lot of VPNs

Cons

  • Low number of servers

8. Proton VPN – Ultra-Secure VPN with a Free Plan that Offers Unlimited Bandwidth 

Proton VPN offers a super handy free plan, which comes with unlimited bandwidth, zero ads, and access to three locations, including the United States, Netherlands, and Japan.

While the free plan doesn’t get Proton’s potent unblocking capabilities, it’s a superb choice if you want an unlimited VPN for browsing and a taste of what the platform feels like before carrying on with a paid subscription.

Proton VPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$4.99/month (2 years) $9.99/month Free-forever plan, 30-day money-back guarantee 10 2,900+ 68 countries

Speaking of that, at $4.99 per month, Proton VPN is not unbelievably cheap, but it’s one of the most secure VPNs on the market right now, thanks to Secure Core servers.

These route your internet traffic through an ultra-secure server in either Sweden, Iceland, or Switzerland before finally establishing a connection with the location of your choice.

What’s more, it’s based out of Switzerland, a country that’s well-known for its strict privacy laws. Plus, Switzerland is also outside the jurisdiction of the US and EU, so you can rest assured that your data will not be manhandled under any circumstances.

We also love its NetShield, which is an ad blocker at its heart but does so much more than that – if you’ve accidentally downloaded an image or script with hidden malware inside it, NetShield will remove it from your device almost instantaneously.

The VPN provider also comes with its own VPN Accelerator which increases server speeds by up to 400%. While it’s tough to accurately pinpoint the difference this makes in real life, we were pleased to see peak speeds of 510 Mbps when we used the ultra-fast WireGuard protocol with Proton VPN.

While this doesn’t quite challenge the industry heavyweights for speeds, like NordVPN and Surfshark, it’s sufficiently quick for everything you’ll need a VPN for, including streaming, online gaming, and more.

Pros 

  • Free version with unlimited bandwidth
  • Based in Switzerland and privacy is top-notch
  • One of the cheapest VPNs for one month
  • VPN Accelerator for better server speeds
  • Secure Core servers to steer clear of dangers on the internet

Cons

  • Paid plans are relatively expensive

9. IPVanish – Well-Rounded VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections and Class-Leading Speeds

IPVanish is on par with the most affordable VPN solutions, such as PureVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, courtesy of a $2.99 per month price point. It nudges past the competition and gives you the ability to share your VPN account with an unlimited number of devices, all of which will enjoy peak speeds of over 950 Mbps.

You’ll also have the option to filter servers based on parameters such as ping, load, country, and favorites. This makes navigation super quick, and you’ll be able to locate a server ideal for your use case (you’ll select a server with low ping for gaming) and establish a connection in just a few seconds.

IPVanish

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$2.99/month (2 years) $12.99/month 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee Unlimited 2,200+ 50 countries

Its black and green interface deserves a special mention, too – it’s a bit polarizing, but plenty of people love it.

This all sounds pretty positive. However, IPVanish is present in just 50 countries and boasts a middling 2,200 servers, which could be why it was unable to unblock Disney Plus in our last round of testing.

On the plus side, support for other streaming channels, including Prime Video, Channel 4, Netflix, iPlayer, and more, is outstanding, and we didn’t face any issues while evading geo-blocks on them.

It also works perfectly well for games like Warzone, Minecraft, League of Legends, and Modern Warfare, stopping DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks, ISP throttling, and other cybersecurity threats right in their tracks.

Full ownership of servers means that your data will never interact with a third party, which is often the case with VPN providers who rent their servers.

The good news kept coming in the form of an independently audited no-logs policy, but it was the slightly oversensitive kill switch that held our attention as it shut off our internet even when we intentionally disconnected the VPN.

Pros 

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Neck-and-neck with NordVPN as the fastest VPN
  • Sort servers by ping, load, and more
  • Independently audited no-logs policy

Cons

  • Doesn’t get past Disney Plus

10. VyprVPN – Best Affordable VPN with a Proprietary Protocol and Zero Renewal Hikes

VyprVPN uses its proprietary VPN protocol, the Chameleon protocol, to evade speed-related issues and VPN restrictions from around the world, especially in difficult countries like China, Russia, and Turkey.

The Chameleon protocol offers VPN obfuscation, which simply means that authorities and ISPs won’t be able to irritate you with bandwidth throttling and the like.

VyprVPN

Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
$5/month (1 year) $10/month 30-day money-back guarantee 30 700+ 94+ locations

VyprVPN likes to keep things simple as far as pricing is concerned. There are no multi-year plans, just the annual plan at $5 per month and a monthly plan at $10 per month.

The reason it was able to bag a place in our guide today is that it doesn’t come with any renewal hikes – upon expiry of your first term, you won’t be looking down the barrel in the form of astonishing price jumps.

Connection speeds of around 420 Mbps aren’t super impressive, but given that you’ll be able to log into as many as 30 devices at the same time, they’re nothing to sniff at, either.

And the service is certainly more than capable of getting you past important streaming sites, with the only exception being the US Netflix – if that’s where your watchlist lies, consider opting for one of the best Netflix VPNs, including ExpressVPN, PureVPN and IvacyVPN.

VyprVPN, with 700+ servers in 70 locations, does better than other small providers like PrivadoVPN, especially with its servers in gaming-friendly locations like Singapore and Moscow that are well-known for providing easy matching opportunities for games like Warzone and other sports betting and online casinos.

This is why you’ll also find VyprVPN in our guide to the best VPN for gambling.

Pros 

  • Proprietary Chameleon protocol for evading internet and VPN restrictions
  • Servers in great locations
  • No renewal hikes
  • Unblocks most streaming sites with ease

Cons

  • Not the cheapest around

The Cheapest VPN Services Compared

Our table below provides a complete VPN price comparison and highlights the key differences between the best cheap VPNs on the market. It will enable you to quickly zero in on the best option for your needs.

VPN Providers Cheapest Long-Term Contract Cheapest Monthly Contract Free Version Simultaneous Devices/Subscription Server Count Server Locations
PureVPN $2.29/month (2 years) $12.45/month 7-day free trial, 31-day money-back guarantee 10 6,500+ 78 countries
IvacyVPN $1/month (5 years) $9.95/month Free-forever plan, 30-day money-back guarantee 10 5,700+ 100 countries
ExpressVPN $8.32/month (1 year + 3 months extra) $12.95/month 30-day money-back guarantee 8 3,000+ 94 countries, 160 locations
NordVPN $3.79/month (2 years + 3 months extra) $12.99/month 30-day money-back guarantee 6 5,500+ 60 countries
Surfshark $2.39/month (2 years + 1 month extra) $15.45/month 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee Unlimited 3,200+ 100 countries
CyberGhost $2.11/month (2 years + 3 months extra) $12.99/month Free proxy VPN for Chrome, 45-day money-back guarantee 7 9,000+ 91 countries
PrivadoVPN $1.99/month (2 years) $10.99/month Free-forever plan, 30-day money-back guarantee 10 395+ 46 countries
Proton VPN $4.99/month (2 years) $9.99/month Free-forever plan, 30-day money-back guarantee 10 2,900+ 68 countries
IPVanish $2.99/month (2 years) $12.99/month 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee Unlimited 2,200+ 50 countries
VyprVPN $5/month (1 year) $10/month 30-day money-back guarantee 30 700+ 94+ locations

Key Details to Consider When Comparing Cheap Monthly VPNs

While many premium VPNs exist, there’s also a growing market for affordable monthly VPN services.

These budget-friendly options make VPN protection accessible to a broader audience, but choosing the right one requires careful consideration, whether you’re looking for the cheapest VPN for Disney Plus or the best VPN on the cheap for lightning-fast connections.

Let’s look at the key details to remember when comparing cheap monthly VPNs:

Server Network and Geographical Coverage

Whether you’re looking to bypass geo-restrictions, enjoy fast and stable connections, or maintain anonymity, a VPN with a diverse and well-distributed server network can significantly enhance your online experience while keeping costs at a minimum.

A robust server network with extensive geographical coverage provides a lot of options. This provides flexibility in accessing content from different regions and helps reduce latency and improve overall speed when connecting to servers closer to your location.

User-Friendly Interference

A VPN should be easy to set up and navigate, especially for users who may not be tech-savvy. A straightforward interface ensures you can quickly connect to servers, change settings, and access features without frustration.

We recommend opting for VPNs that offer intuitive apps for various devices, making it hassle-free to protect your online privacy and security without extensive technical knowledge.

A user-friendly VPN interface enhances the overall experience and ensures that you can maximize the benefits of the service without unnecessary complexity.

Reputation and Reviews

While affordability is crucial, a VPN’s reputation and positive reviews ensure you’re not sacrificing quality for a lower price.

A VPN with a positive reputation and favorable reviews is more likely to deliver on its promises and provide a reliable and secure service, even if you’re on a budget.

We’ve only included providers with a solid track record of reliability, trustworthiness, and customer satisfaction. For this, we combed tons of user reviews and expert opinions on platforms like TrustPilot and Reddit to gain insights into the VPN’s performance, security, and customer support.

Compatibility

The VPN you choose should be compatible with your devices and operating systems, whether using Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux.

Additionally, check for the number of simultaneous connections allowed per subscription, as that will determine how many devices you can protect simultaneously.

A versatile VPN that supports various platforms and offers multiple connections will provide excellent value for your money, ensuring all your devices are secured without needing multiple subscriptions.

Customer Support and Reliability

Opt for a VPN provider that offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support via various channels like live chat, email, or phone.

Reliable customer support ensures you can quickly resolve any issues or concerns that you may run into. It’s also a good idea to prioritize a VPN service known for its uptime and stability.

A reliable VPN should maintain consistent and fast server connections, minimizing disruptions in your online activities. Combining affordability with dependable customer support and reliability ensures that your chosen cheap monthly VPN remains a trusted and effective tool for safeguarding your online privacy and security.

Speed

A VPN’s speed will significantly impact your online experience. Look for providers that offer fast and reliable connections, especially if you’re an avid gamer or streamer or need smooth browsing.

High-speed VPNs ensure minimal lag, quick downloads, and buffer-free streaming, allowing you to enjoy the internet without compromising performance.

Security Protocols

VPNs offer various security protocols, each with its own level of encryption and performance characteristics. Look for VPNs that support new-gen protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard – all our chosen options do.

These protocols ensure your data is encrypted and transmitted securely over the VPN tunnel, protecting your online activities from prying eyes and potential threats.

Also, check whether the VPN provider follows industry-standard security practices and has a strict no-logs policy in place to safeguard your privacy and personal details. While affordability is a key factor, it should not come at the expense of security.

Price and Payment Plans

It’s best to go for providers that offer flexible pricing options to suit your budget. Many VPNs offer tiered plans with varying features, such as the number of simultaneous connections, server locations, and speed.

Evaluate the monthly cost of the offered features and their benefits. Consider long-term subscription discounts, which can provide significant savings compared to month-to-month plans.

All the VPNs on our list also come with a money-back guarantee or a free trial so that you can test their performance and compatibility with your needs.

Streaming and P2P Support

A good VPN should provide reliable access to popular streaming services and maintain a no-logs policy to protect your online activities while enjoying streaming and P2P activities.

Many users seek VPNs not only for privacy and security but also to access streaming platforms and engage in torrenting. This is where VPNs with dedicated servers optimized for streaming become important, as they allow you to unblock geo-restricted content effortlessly.

Additionally, robust P2P support ensures you can safely and anonymously share files through torrenting networks.

What’s the Best VPN You Can Get For Free?

PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN provider on the market right now. On its free plan, you’ll have access to 12 servers in ten countries, which is significantly more than other free services like Proton VPN offer.

PrivadoVPN is also one of the very few providers whose free plan comes with unblocking capabilities. You’ll be able to stream platforms like Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more without having to pay a single penny or commit to a paid plan.

That said, if free VPN plans sound too good to be true, it’s probably because they are.

PrivadoVPN, for example, only gives you 10 GB of data per month, which isn’t going to be enough for most users, while Proton VPN reserves its superb unblocking capabilities for its paid plans.

Another free service, IvacyVPN, with a free-forever plan, limits users to the underwhelming speed of 35 Mbps, while those who choose to subscribe to its $1/month paid plan will benefit from lightning-fast connections at 630 Mbps or more.

Given how dirt cheap our selected VPNs are, choosing a paid plan will prove to be a much better option than settling for underperforming free plans.

The few bucks they ask for are absolutely worth the price, as they’ll offer better security, improved speeds, unlimited bandwidth and data, unblocking capabilities, and a massive catalog of servers – you’ll be able to secure a high-speed VPN connection in the location of your choosing, no matter where you are in the world.

Paid subscriptions also come with priority support, which is especially important for new VPN users who’d like to be guided by experts should they face difficulties during setup, installation, or use of the VPN app.

How To Use a VPN

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN. We’ve used ExpressVPN as an example, but the process will be similar for most tools on our list.

Step 1. Sign Up and Subscribe

Start by signing up for an ExpressVPN account. Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs and complete the payment process.

ExpressVPN pricing

 

Step 2. Download and Install the App

After signing up, download the ExpressVPN app for your device. It offers apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, Chromebooks, and more.

Step-1-Download-VPN

Step 3. Launch and Log In

Open the ExpressVPN app and log in using the credentials you created during the sign-up process. You may be asked to enter an activation code, which you can find in your account dashboard on the ExpressVPN website.

ExpressVPN log in

Step 4. Connect to a Server

Once you log in, you’ll see a list of server locations. Choose a server from the list based on your needs.

ExpressVPN

For privacy and security, select a server in a location of your choice. For specific purposes like streaming or torrenting, select a server optimized for that activity. For example, gamers will benefit from connections in countries like Switzerland and Russia.

Step 5. Connect and Have Fun

Click the “Connect” button in the app, and ExpressVPN will establish a secure connection within a matter of seconds.

ExpressVPN connected

You’ll see a green shield icon when you’re connected – your internet traffic is now encrypted, and you can browse the web safely and anonymously.

Top VPN Guides and Resources

Have a look at some of our other VPN guides, which will help you find the best VPN provider for a wide range of hardware, software, and use cases:

Conclusion – Which is the Best, Cheapest VPN Subscription in 2023?

Our guide lists VPN providers with varying prices and features, but regardless of the option you go for, you’ll be paying a very reasonable rate. We took great care to only include services that offer excellent value for money, providing great performance, speed, and features at an affordable price.

If we had to single out just one as the best affordable VPN, we’d go for PureVPN. It has everything you’d expect from a security package – near-class-leading speeds, fabulous performance, excellent unblocking capabilities, easy-to-use apps, and, last but not least, a super impressive price tag.

You’ll also get a native password management service and end-to-end file encryption for just a couple of dollars more than its basic plan. The value for money is insane, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t try it, especially when the 31-day money-back guarantee allows you to test it risk-free.

Cheapest VPNs FAQs

What is the cheapest fast VPN?

What is the cheapest VPN for Firestick?

What’s the cheapest monthly VPN?

What’s the cheapest dedicated IP VPN?

Are cheap VPNs secure?

Do cheap VPNs limit bandwidth?

References

Krishi Chowdhary

Krishi is an experienced B2B and B2C content writer who reviews and compares different software to help both individuals and businesses find the right programs for their needs. Krishi's specialized writing educational material on customer relationship management (CRM) software and project management tools, but he also covers many other software topics for Techopedia, including antivirus programs.