Finding a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that doesn’t break the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack filled with dodgy deals and questionable promises. Many cheap VPNs cut corners, leaving you with snail’s pace speeds, spotty connections, or worse – selling your data to the highest bidder. But fear not! I’ve rolled up my sleeves, dove into the murky waters of budget VPNs, and emerged with a list of champions that offer top tier security without emptying your wallet.
Why Bother With a VPN Anyway?
Before we jump into the nitty gritty, let’s quickly recap why a VPN is a must have in this day and age:
- Privacy Protection: Keeps your online activities shrouded from prying eyes, like your ISP or that creepy neighbor who always seems to know what you’re up to.
- Security on Public Wi Fi: Turns that risky public Wi Fi hotspot into a fortress, shielding your data from hackers lurking in coffee shops.
- Bypass Geo Restrictions: Unlock content from around the globe, whether it’s binging shows on different Netflix libraries or accessing your favorite sports broadcasts while traveling.
- Torrenting Safely: Keeps your torrenting activity private and helps you dodge those pesky copyright notices.
What Makes a “Cheap” VPN Worth Considering?
Not all budget VPNs are created equal. Here’s what I looked for when compiling this list:
- No Logs Policy: The VPN doesn’t track or store your online activity, meaning your secrets stay safe even if someone comes knocking.
- Strong Encryption: AES 256 bit encryption, the gold standard for security, keeping your data scrambled and unreadable to intruders.
- Kill Switch: A safety net that automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your data from leaking into the open.
- Fast Speeds: No one wants a VPN that turns your speedy internet into dial up. I tested for VPNs that minimize speed loss.
- Large Server Network: A broad network of servers in many countries, giving you plenty of options for bypassing restrictions and finding a fast connection.
- Streaming Support: Ability to unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
- Affordable Price: It’s gotta be cheap, duh! But not so cheap that it raises red flags about its security practices.
My Top Cheap VPN Picks for 2025
Alright, drum roll please! Here are my top recommendations for cheap VPNs that deliver value without compromising your security or sanity:
1. Surfshark: The Speedy All Rounder
- Price: Starting at a measly $2.19 per month (with a 2 year plan)
- Why it’s awesome: Surfshark is the Usain Bolt of cheap VPNs, offering blazing fast speeds, a ton of features, and a price that’s hard to beat.
- What I love:
- Unlimited Devices: Use it on every gadget you own without batting an eye. Share it with the whole family!
- Speed Demon: It consistently clocked some of the fastest speeds in my tests.
- Streaming Superstar: Unblocks pretty much every streaming service under the sun.
- Clean Interface: Easy to use apps that won’t confuse your grandma (or you, if you’re not tech savvy).
- Things to consider:
- Price Hike After First Term: The low price is only for the initial subscription period, so be prepared for a bump when you renew.
- Not for Tinkerers: If you’re the type who likes to mess with every setting under the hood, Surfshark’s simplicity might leave you wanting more customization.
2. NordVPN: The Feature Packed Fortress
- Price: Starting at $3.39 per month (with a 2 year plan)
- Why it’s awesome: NordVPN is like the Swiss Army knife of VPNs, packing in a boatload of features alongside strong security and solid speeds.
- What I love:
- Top Tier Security: Robust encryption, a strict no logs policy, and features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra peace of mind.
- Massive Server Network: With thousands of servers in nearly 60 countries, you’ll always find a speedy connection.
- Streaming Powerhouse: Unlocks a huge range of streaming content from around the globe.
- Things to consider:
- Slightly More Expensive: It’s a bit pricier than Surfshark, but the extra features might be worth it for some users.
- App Interface Can Be Cluttered: The map based interface can feel a little overwhelming on smaller screens.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA): The Customizable Privacy Champion
- Price: Starting at $2.03 per month (with a 2 year plan)
- Why it’s awesome: PIA is all about privacy and customization, giving you a ton of options to tweak your connection to your liking.
- What I love:
- Proven No Logs Policy: PIA has proven in court that it doesn’t store user data.
- Highly Customizable: Offers a wealth of settings to fine tune your security and performance.
- Great for Torrenting: Supports port forwarding and has a mountain of torrent friendly servers.
- Things to consider:
- Not the Fastest: It’s not a speed demon compared to Surfshark or NordVPN.
- Can Be Overwhelming for Beginners: All the customization options can be a bit much for VPN newbies.
4. CyberGhost: The Streaming Specialist
- Price: Starting at $2.19 per month (with a 2 year plan)
- Why it’s awesome: CyberGhost is like the Netflix whisperer, offering specialized servers for streaming and a generous 45 day money back guarantee.
- What I love:
- Specialized Streaming Servers: Servers optimized for different streaming platforms, taking the guesswork out of finding a working connection.
- Longest Trial Period: A whopping 45 day money back guarantee gives you plenty of time to test it out.
- Easy to Use: Clean and intuitive apps that are perfect for beginners.
- Things to consider:
- Disney+ Issues: It struggled to unblock Disney+ in my testing.
- Customer Support Lacking: The support site isn’t as comprehensive as some of the other VPNs on this list.
5. IPVanish: The Unlimited Connection King
- Price: Starting at $2.19 per month (with a 2 year plan)
- Why it’s awesome: IPVanish lets you connect unlimited devices under one subscription, making it a great choice for large families or gadget hoarders.
- What I love:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device in your household without breaking a sweat.
- Things to consider:
- Based in the US: It’s headquartered in the US, which might raise privacy concerns for some.
- No Crypto Payments: Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments for added anonymity.
Other Cheap VPNs to Consider
While the above are my top picks, here are a few other budget friendly VPNs that are worth a look:
- PrivadoVPN: It’s one of the cheapest VPN below 2$ per month, you want a balance of very cheap and decent performance.
- PureVPN: Boasts a large server network.
Free VPNs: Are They Worth the Risk?
I generally advise steering clear of free VPNs. They often come with downsides:
- Data Logging: Many free VPNs track your data and sell it to advertisers.
- Limited Bandwidth: You’ll quickly run out of data, especially if you’re streaming or torrenting.
- Slow Speeds: Free VPNs often throttle your speed to a crawl.
- Security Risks: Some even contain malware.
While some decent free VPNs exist, the compromises are often too great. I think paying a few bucks a month for a reliable cheap VPN is a much better investment.
How to Choose the Right Cheap VPN for You
With so many options, how do you pick the best cheap VPN for your needs? Here are some things to consider:
- What do you plan to use it for? Streaming? Torrenting? General privacy? Pick a VPN that excels in those areas.
- What’s your budget? Figure out how much you’re willing to spend per month and stick to it.
- How many devices do you need to connect? Make sure the VPN offers enough simultaneous connections.
- Do you value ease of use or customization? Pick a VPN with an interface that suits your technical skill level.
- Do you need any specific features? Split tunneling? A built in ad blocker? Make a list of must have features and pick a VPN that ticks those boxes.
Maximizing Your Savings
Here are a few tricks to snag the best possible deal on a cheap VPN:
- Choose a Long Term Plan: Multiyear plans offer the steepest discounts.
- Look for Deals and Coupons: VPN providers regularly offer promotions.
- Take Advantage of Money Back Guarantees: Test out a VPN risk free before committing.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap VPN that doesn’t compromise on quality is definitely possible. By focusing on security, speed, server network, and price, you can snag a reliable VPN that protects your privacy and unlocks content without breaking the bank. My top picks are a great place to start your search!