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Home Tech Security VPN
ZDNET's experts list the best cheap VPNs that offer security without breaking the bank.
Written by Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
and David Gewirtz, Senior Contributing Editor
Reviewed by
Kayla SolinoWhy you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers perform extensive testing on the VPNs on this list. We test out connections through different countries, and run speed tests using speedtest.net to measure and compare results. We also test whether the VPN has any DNS leaks while connecting, which would potentially provide information to your ISP or other services about what sites you visit or your originating location or IP address. We evaluate how easy each service is to navigate via website and app, how well it works for streaming content, and its customer service offerings. All of these factors give us a view into how well the VPN works, and how secure it is.
What to Consider
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Performance
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Simultaneous connections
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Security
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Kill switch
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Geoblocks and streaming
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Platforms
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Countries and servers
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Trial length and price
Ivacy
Best cheap VPN overall
View now View at Ivacy
Surfshark VPN
Best cheap VPN runner-up
View now View at Surfshark
Private Internet Access
Best VPN for usability
View now View at PIA
CyberGhost
Best VPN for money-back guarantee
View now View at CyberGhost
Privado VPN
Best cheap VPN with a free option
View now View at PrivadoVPN
You may be concerned about your online security but dread adding yet another fee to your monthly budget by signing up for a VPN service.
Sure, there are free VPNs, but they often come with limitations and risks. It can be unclear how those vendors make their money and whether or not your data is being mined as it transits across the free VPN providers' networks.
It's better when VPN vendors make money from their customers rather than from shadowy marketing enterprises, but sometimes, cheap or limited VPNs can operate by using the cash flows from paying subscribers. If you want the best protection, consider choosing an option from our list of thebest VPNs. But there are also cheap VPN providers that can get the job done while keeping your data safe without requiring you to agree to shady data-sharing policies.
Also:The best VPN services you can buy
What is the best cheap VPN right now?
ZDNET has rounded up the top best budget VPN services. Our top pick used to beAtlas VPN, an extremely affordable VPN with a reasonable number of country and server options. But the service will be closed on April 24 and subscribers will be moved to NordVPN at no extra cost. Now, our favorite budget VPN isIvacy, a stable and cheap VPN with long-term plans, at only $1.17/month.
Read on for the rest of our picks for the best cheap VPNs of 2024.
The best cheap VPNs of 2024
Pros
- Available on all major platforms
- Split tunneling
- Very cheap long-term plans
Cons
- Only 10 simultaneous device connections
- Users report app issues
Ivacy
Best cheap VPN overall
Ivacy features: Money-back guarantee: 31 days|Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Kodi, and more|Simultaneous connections: 10|Kill switch: Yes|Logging: Payment information only|Countries:70+| Servers: 5,700+
Ivacy is a newer VPNs that's worth considering if you want a set-and-forget VPN that will last for years.
Ivacy has over 5,700 servers across over 100 locations, a zero-logs policy, split tunneling, and utilizes the WireGuard protocol. However, you are limited to 10 simultaneous device connections.
Also: The best VPNs for iPhone and iPad
Ivacy is compatible with many devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Kodi, alongside Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
At the moment, Ivacy has a deal running for five-year plans. If you're willing to sign up, you will pay the equivalent of only $1.17 a month. The company has also included optimized streaming support. You'll need to pay extra for a dedicated IP, though.
A one-year subscription costs 3.99, or you could pay $9.95 for a month of access. Customers applaud the firm's support team, although some users have noticedapp issues.
Show Expert Take Show less
Pros
- Unlimited connections
- Reliable network
- Efficient customer service
Cons
- Shortest plan is two years
Surfshark VPN
Best cheap VPN runner-up
Surfshark VPN features:Simultaneous Connections:Unlimited |Kill Switch:Yes |Platforms:Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Firefox, Android TV |Logging:None, except billing data |Countries: 100|Servers: 3,200+ |Money-back guarantee:30 days
In ourSurfshark VPN reviewand tests, we found this VPN performs well as a top-quality (but still cheap) VPN. Surfshark offers unlimited connections, a strong server network, WireGuard, and solid performance.
The cheapest option, a two-year subscription called Surfshark Starter, will only cost you $2.29 per month. Plus, two months of free access are thrown in. The mid-tier plan, Surfshark One is $2.89/month with two months for free. Alternatively, you can sign up for a yearly subscription at $3.99 per month, or pay $10.99 for a month of access.
Customers appreciate Surfshark's consistently cheap pricing and quick, efficient customer service.
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Pros
- Open source transparency
- Reliable speeds
- Dedicated IP availability
Cons
- US-based
- Users report poor customer service on occasion
Private Internet Access
Best VPN for usability
Private Internet Access features: Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and more|Simultaneous connections: Unlimited|Kill switch: Yes|Logging: Payment information only|Countries:91
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable, open-source VPN perfect for beginners because it's user-friendly. While the company's one-month and six-month plans are relatively expensive, two-year subscriptions are very affordable.
Review:Private Internet Access: A cheap, powerful, open-source VPN
ZDNET has consistently found PIA to be a solid VPN -- and customers say the same. PIA's VPN offers server connections in 84 countries, multi-hopping, split tunneling, ad and malware blocking, and encryption capabilities. PIA takes security seriously with a no-logs policy. The VPN's code is also publicly available on an open-source basis, so anyone can examine the code.
At the moment, the best price available for this VPN is $1.98 per month with four months of free access added to a three-year contract. Alternatively, a one-year subscription is the equivalent of 3.33 per month. A monthly subscription is $11.95.
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Pros
- Expansive server network
- Fast
- Great MBG
- Six-month plan available
Cons
- Limited simultaneous connections
- Expensive monthly contract
CyberGhost
Best VPN for money-back guarantee
CyberGhostfeatures: Money-back guarantee: 45 days | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, game consoles, and more| Simultaneous connections: 7| Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Payment information only | Countries: 100+ | Servers: 10,300+
CyberGhost is an affordable VPN that provides users with high levels of encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, customizable security options, and a vast network of over 100+ countries. However, simultaneous connections are limited to seven devices.
Customers find this VPN very easy to use and valuable for the price, although some users say that streaming services can be problematic.
Also: The best VPNs for streaming
Currently, the company is offering a deal on two-year subscriptions: $2.03 per month with four months free. There's also an interesting option you don't often find with VPN providers -- a six-month plan for $6.99 per month. CyberGhost also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for long contracts, which is more than most VPN providers.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to understand user interface
- Ad blocking
Cons
- Little evidence of third-party audits
- Low country and server numbers
Privado VPN
Best cheap VPN with a free option
Privado VPN features:Money-back guarantee:30 days |Platforms:Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and more|Simultaneous connections: Unlimited, 10 on a free plan|Kill switch: Yes|Logging:Credit card not required for a free plan|Countries: 47|Servers: 64
Privado VPN is another choice if you are looking for a cheap or free plan. This Swiss VPN offers a comprehensive free option with support for up to ten devices -- but you are limited to 10GB of monthly traffic.
The user interface is clean and easy to use, but beyond a bulit-in ad blocker, it lacks some advanced features offered by VPN competitors. Another point worth mentioning is that there appears to be little evidence of third-party auditing.
Prices begin at $1.99 per month for two years of access (with three months free) and $2.99 monthly for an annual plan, rising to $10.99 if you want to try out the software for a single month. Customers like it as a set-and-forget VPN, although some report technical issues.
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What is the best cheap VPN?
Our top pick is Ivacy, an extremely affordable VPN with long-term plans starting at only $1.17/month. Plus, you get a 31-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind about signing up for the long term.
Best cheap VPN | Best price | Free months? | No logs policy? | Simultaneous connections |
Ivacy | $1.17 | None | ✓ | 10 |
Surfshark VPN | $2.29 | Two months | ✓ | Unlimited |
PIA | $1.98 | Four months | ✓ | Unlimited |
CyberGhost | $2.03 | Four months | ✓ | 7 |
Privado VPN | $1.99 | Three months | ✓ | Unlimited, 10 on a free plan |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which is the best cheap VPN for you?
The best cheap VPN for you depends on various factors besides price. If you choose a low-cost service, but you can't unblock the streaming services you want to use, then what did you really save? Start by asking yourself why you need a VPN. Then, test out a reputable provider that has high standards for security.
If you want to learn more about how VPNs work and how to choose the best one for you, check out our guide: What is a VPN and why do we need one?
Choose this cheap VPN... | If you want... |
Ivacy | The most affordable, long-term option. Although it's a relatively new VPN service provider, Ivacy unblocks major streaming services. The current deal is for a five-year contract at only $1.17 per month. |
Surfshark | Top-tier performance and plenty of features wrapped up in an affordable package. Surfshark's VPN has long stood out as a top VPN provider that offers reliable, stable connections and security. |
PIA | Private Internet Access is a cheap, powerful VPN powered by open source technologies, and well worth considering if you want an affordable subscription service. |
CyberGhost | CyberGhost is another top choice for a fast connection in an extensive server network at a reasonable price. This VPN has a long money-back guarantee and is great for streaming. |
Privado VPN | Privado VPN is one of the cheapest options and also provides a free plan. You could try out this VPN's free solution, as long as you don't mind the 10GB monthly traffic limit. |
Factors to consider when choosing a cheap VPN
When you are considering what VPN to sign up for, there are a number of factors you should consider:
- Plan length: Before signing up for a new VPN service, consider which subscription length is right for you. Month-by-month plans are considerably more expensive than longer plans, of which you can choose six-month to five-year plans.
- Features: Many cheap VPNs don't offer advanced features on their basic or longest plans. If you want a specific feature, such as a password manager, you may need to pay more.
- Pricing: The cost of your VPN subscription, naturally, should factor into your decision. Choose one that is affordable for you.
- Use cases: If you want a VPN for a specific purpose beyond day-to-day browsing -- such as traveling -- check whether or not the VPN will be suitable. You may need to opt for a particular VPN if you want to use it in different countries, for example, or you may want to choose a VPN known for great streaming support.
How did we choose these cheap VPNs?
Price is a significant factor when we choose VPNs, but it's not the be-all and end-all when choosing the best cheap VPN. There are several cheap and free VPN services that aren't trustworthy. Saving a little bit of cash isn't worth putting your privacy at risk.
If ZDNET is going to recommend a VPN, it needs to meet specific, minimum standards and use cases:
- Server network: A VPN vendor's server range and capacity is important to provide customers with flexibility and decent speeds.
- Features: We like to see features such as kill switches, pause functionality, multiple platform support, security options, and high encryption standards.
- Money-back guarantee: It is important for our top VPNs to offer a reasonable money-back guarantee. All of our top picks offer at least 30 days, although up to 45 days is even better.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections is the best option. But if there is a reasonable number available on cheap plans, we take that into account.
How do free months on a VPN contract work?
Free months, added as an incentive for users to sign up for a VPN service, are typically added to the length of your contract. For example, if you sign up for a two-year contract with three months free, you pay for 24 months of access and then enjoy an additional three months for free.
Should I use a VPN on my phone or tablet?
If you want your data to be secure, then yes. VPNs offer protection no matter what kind of device you use to transmit and receive data. Before you commit to a VPN service, it's a good idea to test it out and see how well it works with all of your devices. The best VPN for Android may not be the same as thebest VPN for iOS, and vice versa.
Can using a VPN get you cheaper flights?
A VPN may help you get cheaper flights by connecting you with foreign servers and hiding your IP address. But airline prices shift based on various factors, and the impact of changing your location could be negligible or at the very least, hard to confirm.
It's worth trying to use a VPN to save money on flights. I've managed to score slightly cheaper long-haul flights by appearing to come from my destination country, for example, but the discounts haven't been huge.
Does a VPN slow down my connection?
Let's be clear: Yes. Using a VPN will slow down your connection because your data is encrypted, decrypted, and sent through intermediate servers. Your online gaming experience might suffer. You might have enough lag to miss shots if you're a first-person shooter player. That said, both computers and VPNs have gotten much faster. Years ago, VPNs caused everything to slow down far more than today's services.
But now the negative impact is almost unnoticeable, especially with the fastest VPN services. Most (but not all) VPN providers also limit the number of devices you can connect to simultaneously, so you may have to pick and choose which home devices to connect to.
What's the best free VPN service?
We've shone a spotlight on paid services in this article, although some of them offer a free tier. We don't usually recommend free VPN services because we don't consider them secure, the exception being ProtonVPN.
Running a good VPN service requires hundreds of servers worldwide and a ton of networking resources -- it's expensive. If you're not paying to support that infrastructure, who is? Probably advertisers or data miners. What's the point of a VPN if it doesn't keep your data secure?
However, we want to clarify that no one tool can guarantee your privacy. First, anything can be hacked. Second, a VPN protects your data when it transits from your computer to the VPN service, but it doesn't protect what you put on servers or whatever cloud-based application you're using. It doesn't typically offer password security or multi-factor authentication unless you pay for these add-ons. Privacy and security require you to be diligent throughout your digital journey, and VPNs, while helpful, are not a miracle cure.
Are there alternative VPNs worth considering?
There is no shortage of reputable VPNs that get the job done.
If what has been highlighted here doesn't suit your needs, you can try out other services that may meet your requirements. Some may be free, even -- with limited capacity and network scope -- whereas others are still cheap, but might not perform quite as well as our top picks. Below, you can check out other VPNs that are worth consideration.
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