8 Cheapest Monthly VPNs in 2024

Getting a monthly VPN is a wise decision for many different reasons. That said, you'll find the lowest price possible only if you get a long-term plan. Still, using monthly subscriptions is a good way to test a few VPNs before getting a more affordable multi-year plan. And, of course, if you plan on traveling or need a VPN temporarily, a monthly plan is a great option.

Furthermore, it's important to compare the features each budget VPN offers to ensure they meet your specific needs and, despite being affordable, are still reliable and consistent. The solution is to use the cheapest monthly VPN that doesn't sacrifice quality. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers advanced features that meet most users’ needs.

In this article, we provide an overview of 8 best monthly VPNs. We'll compare all the services, give you tips on how to choose the best cheap VPNs, and guide you through setting one up. Then, we'll talk about choosing the best option, explain why monthly VPNs are so expensive, compare short-term and long-term providers, and we'll finish with a round of FAQs.

Best Cheap Monthly VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Cheap Monthly VPN in 2024
2. Surfshark – Monthly VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
3. ExpressVPN – Month-to-Month VPN with Blazing-Fast Speeds
4. CyberGhost – Streaming-Friendly VPN with a Monthly Subscription
5. PIA – Customizable Monthly VPN Service with Plenty of US Servers
6. IPVanish – Fully Automated and Intuitive VPN for Everyday Use
7. Ivacy – User-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers
8. Proton VPN – Trustworthy VPN for Security and Privacy Protection

How to Get the Cheapest 1-Month VPN Plan?

To get the cheapest 1-month VPN plan, you will have to subscribe to a service with an affordable monthly pricing plan. You'll then install its app and access its servers. Here are all the steps you'll need to take: 

1. Subscribe to a budget monthly VPN service (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Open and log in to your VPN service using your new credentials.
4. Connect to a VPN server with excellent connection strength.
5. That’s it! Now, you can unblock restricted sites and surf securely on a budget.

Keep in mind that VPNs billed monthly typically come without any savings or discounts, unlike long-term subscriptions. So, picking a yearly or multi-year subscription will help you save quite a lot in the long run. You can also count on money-back guarantees to try various VPNs risk-free.

The Best Cheap Monthly VPNs in 2024 

To decide on the best VPN with a monthly payment plan, we relied on the criteria defined in our article on the best VPNs. First, it’s crucial to get a service that has an affordable monthly plan. Plus, it should have a generous money-back guarantee. Of course, you'll also want a no-logs policy, strong VPN protocols, and bulletproof encryption.

You will want a provider with a huge server network that covers many locations worldwide, which will help you access censored or geo-blocked content. Let's not forget that fast speeds and stable performance are also essential.

Next, we advise you to get a VPN with obfuscation and a kill switch, which will help you reach a higher level of Internet privacy. You'll also want plenty of simultaneous connections, as well as support for a wide range of devices. Lastly, your VPN should offer 24/7 customer support through live chat.

According to all these criteria, these are the 8 best cheapest monthly VPNs in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Cheap Monthly VPN in 2024

NordVPN is the best cheap monthly VPN currently available. Its monthly plan starts from $12.99, and an annual subscription costs $4.59 monthly, while you can get a 2-year plan for just $3.09 per month. This VPN has a 7-day free trial for Android devices and a 30-day refund policy if you decide to get a full subscription for testing it on other platforms.

By subscribing, you will maintain your privacy, as this is a no-logs VPN. Its security is also airtight thanks to its combination of AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, a kill switch, and various data leak protection tools. Aside from that, NordVPN gives you access to 6,300+ servers in 111 countries.

We can also praise NordVPN's ability to bypass Internet censorship. It works great for unblocking sites and reaching digital platforms that are not usually available. You'll also like the fact that NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services. We'll also add that a part of its network is obfuscated. A kill switch is also there, ensuring that you get a leak-free environment.

NordVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections,  so you can use it on multiple devices. Its app is available on most modern devices, including routers, browsers, smartphones, and PCs. Lastly, it has responsive 24/7 live chat support, so you will never get stuck without help.

2. Surfshark – Monthly VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is a solid monthly VPN priced at $15.45 per month if you go with the month-to-month option. Then there’s an annual plan that costs $2.79/month, and its cheapest month-to-month VPN plan is its 2-year plan for $2.19/month. You can take advantage of its 7-day trial on iOS and Android, but we recommend testing out a full subscription risk-free thanks to its 30-day refund guarantee.

Surfshark supports VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN, which are secure and provide reliable connections. All your outgoing data is protected by AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, and due to its no-logs policy, none of your information will be stored long-term.

This VPN gives you access to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Surfshark is also highly suitable for bypassing geo-blocks and ensuring uninterrupted access to restricted sites. Plus, it's among the fastest VPN providers overall. It also has obfuscation on board and a capable kill switch that works in the background.

Moreover, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you'll never have to get another subscription to cover more devices. Also, it offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, streaming devices (Fire OS, Android TV), and even routers. On top of that, it has 24/7 live chat support.

3. ExpressVPN – Month-to-Month VPN with Blazing-Fast Speeds

ExpressVPN is a reliable month-to-month VPN service with plenty of value overall. You can choose between a monthly ($12.95), 6-month ($9.99/month), or an annual subscription ($6.67 per month). There's also a 7-day trial period for Android and iOS users. If you decide to get a full plan to try out the service, you’ll have peace of mind because a 30-day refund is available.

This VPN supports multiple protocols, such as Lightway, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN, so expect solid speeds and performance. ExpressVPN does not keep any of your private information, as It follows a strict no-logs policy. It's AES 256-bit, and WolfSSL encryption scrambles your outgoing data, while several leak protection systems ensure your information doesn't surface online.

ExpressVPN has thousands of servers in 105 countries. It's also one of the fastest VPNs, so you can expect fast nearby and remote connections. There's also obfuscation across its entire server network and a kill switch ('Network Lock') that prevents data leaks.

With one subscription, you can make up to 8 simultaneous connections. Its app is compatible with nearly every device, from routers and browsers to computers and smartphones. So, you can use ExpressVPN at home and on the go. Finally, it offers professional 24/7 live chat support.

4. CyberGhost – Streaming-Friendly VPN with a Monthly Subscription

CyberGhost is another affordable VPN service with monthly ($12.99), 6-month ($6.99/month), and 2-year ($2.19/month) plans. It also offers a 7-day trial for iOS and Android devices, as well as a 24-hour trial for Windows and macOS. You can test it on other devices for a longer period, though—if you get a 6-month or 2-year subscription, you’ll have 45 days to ask for a refund.

CyberGhost is a no-logs service (audited recently by an independent cyber-sec company) with AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, so both security and privacy are well covered. It also has robust protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. This VPN offers automated protection without much input needed. Also, you'll get thousands of servers in 100 countries.

You'll find optimized servers for streaming, downloading, and bypassing censorship. That said, this VPN is no stranger to defeating geo-blocks. However, we have to note that you'll get medium-fast speeds. Since this VPN doesn't allow a lot of fine-tuning, it would help to have a fast baseline connection. Also, there's no obfuscation, but you will get a privacy-protecting kill switch.

CyberGhost allows you to make 7 simultaneous connections, which is usually enough for a whole household. Its app is available on many devices, like smartphones, computers, tablets, and routers. If you encounter any problems, you can always contact its 24/7 live chat support. They are professional and responsive, so troubleshooting will be easy.

5. PIA – Customizable Monthly VPN Service with Plenty of US Servers

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a cheaper VPN that doesn't sacrifice quality. It has a monthly plan for $11.99, a 6-month plan for $7.50/month, and a 2-year subscription plan for $2.19/month. There's also a free 7-day trial for Android and iOS. However, if you get a longer subscription to evaluate the service, you can take advantage of PIA's 30-day refund policy.

Your privacy will remain intact, as PIA strictly follows a no-logs policy. It uses high-end AES 128/256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption to scramble your outgoing data, making it unreadable to third parties. Also, you'll find protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec. Aside from that, PIA has an extensive network that includes thousands of servers in 90+ countries.

This VPN plays well when it comes to content unblocking. You can do a lot to optimize its settings and fine-tune your VPN connection, making it easier to bypass tougher geo-blocks. By default, you get medium-fast speeds, so some optimization is needed on your part. Of course, obfuscation is on board, as well as several types of kill switches.

PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you won't have to get multiple subscriptions. It’s compatible with most modern devices, including routers, PCs, phones, and tablets. In case you get stuck, PIA's 24/7 customer service is available through live chat and will quickly solve your problems. 

6. IPVanish – Fully Automated and Intuitive VPN for Everyday Use

IPVanish is another promising VPN with a monthly subscription that will cost you $12.99. The annual plan goes for $3.99 per month, while a 2-year plan is even cheaper at $2.99 per month. There's a 7-day iOS and Android trial, but you will get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you subscribe to a 1- or 2-year plan. 

IPVanish is powered by an audited no-logs policy, protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, and encryption ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20. There's not much to fine-tune here, which isn't an issue, as IPVanish comes already optimized for security and privacy. Aside from that, you also get 2,400+ servers in 50+ countries and 90+ VPN locations in total.

Based on our tests, IPVanish can unblock most sites and digital services. It might not work with some niche options, but mainstream platforms can be accessed. You'll get relatively stable performance, with nearby servers typically offering faster speeds than remote ones. Let's not forget that obfuscation is present, and IPVanish also supports a handy kill switch.

Since it has unlimited simultaneous connections, you can really get the most out of your money. IPVanish supports nearly every device you may expect, like computers, smartphones, routers, and tablets. Lastly, while live chat support is available, you unfortunately can't access it 24/7.

7. Ivacy – User-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers

Ivacy is focused on bringing all-in-one data protection while offering the cheapest 1 month VPN plan. Its cost per month subscription is $9.95, an annual plan comes to $3.99 per month, and its 5-year subscription costs only $1.17 per month. While Ivacy doesn’t offer a free trial, long-term subscribers can count on its 30-day refund policy (monthly users will have 7 days to test-drive this VPN).

In terms of privacy protection, all of the basics are present. You get a no-logs policy, VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, as well as AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. This VPN doesn't offer a lot of high-end features, but it sticks to the proven basics. Also, it provides you with 6,500+ servers across 60+ countries and 100+ locations.

Ivacy offers specialized servers for unblocking digital content. Based on a website or streaming app you wish to unblock, this VPN will find the most suitable server. However, keep in mind that its performance might fluctuate. While nearby servers can be fast, remote ones can be quite slow at times. On the plus side, obfuscation and a kill switch ensure the safety of your sensitive information.

A single subscription will provide up to 10 simultaneous connections. Ivacy also has excellent device support, so you can use it on routers, smartphones, computers, and tablets. Finally, Ivacy provides reliable customer support with its 24/7 live chat service.

8. Proton VPN – Trustworthy VPN for Security and Privacy Protection

Proton VPN is a solid service that will cost you $9.99 for a monthly plan, $4.99/month for a yearly plan, or $4.49/month for a 2-year plan. While there is no free trial, Proton VPN has a limited free plan that you can use indefinitely, providing an excellent way to get to know this VPN. It also offers a 30-day refund policy if you want to test out the full version without risk.

Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, so your data won't be stored on its servers. Security is at a high level, thanks to the AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and Stealth, and there's also a kill switch, split tunneling, and leak protection. At the moment, this VPN offers close to 5,000 servers in 90+ countries.

We also used Proton VPN to unblock tons of online content. We were also happy with its speeds, as it generally delivered above-average performance. Also, as a privacy-first VPN provider, it's no surprise that it offers high-end obfuscation and a kill switch.

Proton VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections and offers software for practically any device. That includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, and routers. Proton VPN's customer support is available through email only, which is a bit disappointing.

Cheap Monthly VPNs: Compared

How to Choose the Cheapest VPN with a Monthly Subscription?

If you are opting for the cheapest monthly subscription VPN, focus on finding a provider with an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Here are all the things you should consider when evaluating the cheapest 1-month VPN providers:

• Cheap Monthly Subscription Plan – If you want to pay for a VPN monthly, the first thing you need to do is look for an affordable VPN with monthly payment plan options.
• Generous Money-Back Guarantees – Make sure that your VPN has a solid refund policy. This ensures you can test the service and return it if it doesn't meet your requirements.
• Verified No-Logs Policy – Privacy is important, which is why you should only use no-logs VPNs. They won't monitor or record your online activities, so your data will never be compromised.
• Time-Tested VPN Protocols and Encryption - Our strong recommendation is to use OpenVPN with AES-256. Also, WireGuard paired with ChaCha20 is a good alternative.
• Evenly Distributed Network – A large global network of servers gives you more connection options. This way, you can easily switch servers to bypass geo-restrictions.
• Ability to Access Censored/Geo-Blocked Content - Your chosen VPN should offer a strong set of features designed to defeat censorship and geo-blocks.
• Fast Performance and Stable Speed – Even a cheap 1-month VPN should come with protocols that support fast speeds and instant connections on both nearby and remote servers.
• Support for Obfuscation - Obfuscation allows you to hide your VPN data, giving you an extra layer of privacy. Not even your Internet provider will know that you use a VPN.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling - Kill switch is great for preventing data leaks, while split tunneling allows you to route only a part of your traffic through your VPN connection.
• Sufficient Number of Simultaneous Connections – An ideal VPN will allow many simultaneous connections so that you can protect multiple devices at once.
• Supported Platforms and Native Software– Choose a provider that is compatible with most modern devices so you can install it on all your Internet-connected tech.
• 24/7 Customer Support – Look for VPNs offering 24/7 live chat support. This guarantees that you will always have troubleshooting help.

Why Are Monthly VPNs So Expensive?

Monthly VPNs are expensive because VPN providers want you to subscribe for a longer period of time. By providing steep discounts on the cost per month, VPN providers incentivize customers to sign up for longer plans. Doing so also prevents users from switching to another service because they keep using the VPN for the duration of their plan.

This is why we recommend getting an annual subscription instead of even the cheapest VPN monthly plan, as you can use the provider's refund policy to get your money back if you're not satisfied. On top of that, long-term plans often come with bonuses or extra, like a couple of free months added to your first billing period.

While some VPNs have a free trial, this feature is most often reserved for smartphones. You can find out more in our best VPN free trials article. More precisely, NordVPN is our #1 recommendation, as it offers a free 7-day Android trial, as well as 30-day money-back guarantees for other supported platforms.

Monthly VPNs vs Long-Term VPNs

Whether you should get a cheap VPN monthly subscription or a long-term VPN subscription will depend on what you are going to use the service for. 

When You Should Go with Monthly VPNs

• If you're traveling abroad and require VPN services for a shorter period of time.
• If you want to extensively test a given VPN app before fully committing.
• If you prefer the flexibility of switching between different providers.

When You Should Go with Long-Term VPN Plans

• When you've found a VPN that works for you and want to continue using it.
• When you want to save money, longer plans offer great discounts. 

In general, a long-term plan is usually better than a monthly plan. Aside from saving you a considerable amount of money, you might get a few extra benefits. For example, if you sign up for NordVPN's long-term subscription, you can save up to 74%, pay as little as $3.09/month, and you'll also get 3 months extra for your first billing period, making it one of the cheapest one-month VPNs.

Final Thoughts 

While VPNs are essential for improving your security and privacy, many of them can be quite expensive. Getting the cheapest monthly VPN may seem logical, especially if you wish to test a couple of them, the fact is that paying monthly for a VPN will cost a lot. This is why it’s important to evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio when choosing the best monthly VPN, and also - consider a long-term plan.

NordVPN provides the steepest discounts, as its monthly price is set at $12.99, while its 2-year plan costs only $3.09/month. For that price, you'll get tremendous value for your money, as NordVPN is one of the most feature-rich VPNs currently available. Also, getting this subscription is risk-free, as your purchase will be backed by a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back policy.

You've reached the end of our article on choosing the cheapest monthly VPN. Don't hesitate to drop a comment if you have any remaining questions. Thanks for reading!