7 Best Cheap VPNs in 2024

Choosing a VPN based on its price only will lead you to choose a subpar provider that won't do the job you need it to do. Therefore, if you're choosing your VPN based only on its price, you won't be able to see the overall value the best VPN providers can give you. Thus, picking the cheapest VPN isn't always the smartest choice. 

The best thing to do is subscribe to a premium VPN for a longer term instead of for one month. Most VPNs offer excellent deals and discounts on their longer-term plans that are too good to miss. 

The best VPN deals are usually for plans that last at least a year. With those deals, you will get the best VPN services on the market at a huge discount. However, if you only want to use a VPN for a brief time, you can go for the cheapest monthly VPN you can find.

In this article, you will learn which are the 7 best cheap VPNs. We'll also explain why are the top VPNs on the expensive side, whether cheap VPNs are worth it, how secure cheap VPNs are, and why VPNs vary in price so much. We'll finish with a round of helpful FAQs.

Best Cheap VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. Surfshark - Our #1-Rated Cheapest VPN Service in 2024
2. NordVPN - Best Affordable VPN for Privacy Protection
3. CyberGhost VPN - Cheap VPN Service for Media Streaming
4. Private Internet Access - Inexpensive VPN for Advanced Users
5. ExpressVPN - Best Value VPN with a Wide Server Network
6. Ivacy VPN - User-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers
7. IPVanish - Fully Automated VPN for First-Time Users

How to Get a Cheap VPN Service

To get a cheap VPN that won’t compromise your privacy and security, you need to find a suitable VPN provider, subscribe to it, and connect to your preferred server. Here's everything you need to do:

1. Subscribe to a capable and affordable VPN provider (we recommend Surfshark).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your phone, computer, tablet, etc.
3. Open the app and log in to your VPN account.
4. Connect to a VPN server in whichever country you prefer.
5. You can now freely surf the Web. That’s all!

In terms of value for your money, Surfshark is unmatched. It offers high-end VPN features, tons of servers, blocks ads, supports any device imaginable, and is also among the fastest VPNs overall. That said, you can also check our NordVPN, our highest-rated VPN, just a tad pricier than Surfshark.

The Best Cheapest VPNs in 2024

As you search for the best cheap VPNs, don't stray away too far from the best VPNs overall, which means you need to follow some strict requirements. More precisely, you should be after a low price and plenty of value overall, but don't forget about the essentials. Speaking of which, you'll want a no-logs policy, time-proven VPN protocols, and high-end encryption.

Next, there should be plenty of servers worldwide and the ability to unblock censored or geo-blocked content. Related to that, you'll want smooth performance and fast speed. Also, obfuscated servers will help you hide your VPN data, a kill switch will prevent data leaks, and split tunneling can be useful to more advanced users.

Check how many simultaneous connections you'll get and whether there's native software for all your devices. Don't forget about money-back guarantees either, which will make your purchase risk-free. Lastly, you will need 24/7 live chat customer support in addition to other support resources.

Based on the criteria above, these are the 7 best cheap VPNs in 2024:

1. Surfshark - Our #1-Rated Cheapest VPN Service in 2024

Surfshark is the best cheapest VPN, offering one of the best deals overall in today's global VPN market. It's priced at $2.29/month for its 2-year subscription plan, which means you'll pay $59.54 for your first billing period. After that, the subscription will renew at $59.76/year.

This VPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activity is hidden. It also offers powerful protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. With Surfshark, you'll be completely protected online and able to browse the Internet with full anonymity.

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so you get plenty of options for obtaining foreign IPs. The provider also has excellent content-unblocking capabilities and advanced anti-tracking measures that will prevent third parties from watching you. It's also among the fastest VPNs right now.

There are also tons of advanced features. For example, you can use obfuscation to hide your VPN data and bypass content blocks more easily. You also get a kill switch, so you won't have to worry about data leaks. There's even split tunneling on board.

Also, this VPN allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, meaning that you can safely browse online on all your devices whenever you want. You can use Surfshark on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and plenty more.

Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use to get a full refund if you don't like its services. You will also enjoy its expert 24/7 live chat customer support. The provider also has plenty of helpful guides and tutorials you can use to set up your VPN and fully enjoy its services.

2. NordVPN - Best Affordable VPN for Privacy Protection

NordVPN is the best affordable VPN if you're after a capable all-in-one solution. You can get started for only $3.39/month if you get a 2-year subscription, which means you'll pay $81.36 for your first billing period. Your next billing period will be 1 year, and you'll be charged $99.48.

NordVPN has an audited no-logs policy, which prevents third parties from monitoring your online activity. Also, NordVPN can't see your online activity either, so only you will have access to it. Moreover, it offers military-grade encryption and strong protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx.

You also get access to 6,100+ servers in 83 countries, using which you can unblock any digital service. We can also praise NordVPN's performance, which is ultra-fast. This is one of the rare VPNs to offer equally fast connections whether you connect to a nearby or remote server.

As you can expect from such a powerful VPN, this one offers specialized obfuscated servers. It also employs a robust kill switch, eliminating accidental data leaks. There's also split tunneling, as well as tools for blocking ads and trackers, and even an anti-malware component is included.

With NordVPN, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and browse the Internet safely on all of them. You can also use it on virtually every device, including your phone, computer, tablet, streaming device, router, and more.

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which allows you to get a full refund if you want. And if you ever want to contact NordVPN's customer support to ask a question or report a problem, you can do so 24/7 via its live chat.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Cheap VPN Service for Media Streaming

If you need a cheap VPN service for streaming, then you might want to give CyberGhost a try. The cheapest price you can pay is $2.19/month if you get its 2-year plan. For this plan, you'll have to pay $56.94 in advance, and you get 2 months of services for free. The renewal price is $56.94/year.

CyberGhost has great security and privacy measures and a strict no-logs policy that keeps your online activity hidden from everyone. It's based on OpenVPN and WireGuard, which are paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers.

It's great for gaming, torrenting, and streaming because it has a wide server network of 11,700+ servers in 100 countries. On Windows, you get access to gaming servers, while all supported platforms also have access to torrenting- and streaming-friendly servers. That said, CyberGhost can unblock 50+ streaming apps. However, keep in mind that it offers medium-fast speeds.

Sadly, you won't find obfuscation here. So, if you're in a country with heavy Web restrictions, it would be a good idea to check CyberGhost's competitors. On the plus side, you will get a kill switch and split tunneling but don't expect in-depth customization.

Also, the provider allows you to have 7 simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough. You can use this VPN on multiple devices, including your phone, computer, tablet, streaming device, router, and more. By the way, its apps are quite user-friendly.

With CyberGhost, you can get a full refund within 45 days of subscribing. Another remarkable thing about this VPN is its customer support. It's available 24/7 via live chat and provides quick and knowledgeable responses.

4. Private Internet Access - Inexpensive VPN for Advanced Users

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an inexpensive VPN suitable for more advanced users. The cheapest price you can pay for PIA is $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. The total amount you would need to pay in advance for the 2-year plan is $56.94, and you'll get 4 months of free service with it. After your 2-year plan expires, the renewal price you would need to pay will be $56.94/year.

Like other trustworthy VPNs, PIA is backed by a solid no-logs policy. It uses OpenVPN and WireGuard and pairs them with AES-128/256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. As you can see, you can choose from several levels of encryption, which is rare to find in other VPNs.

Private Internet Access has thousands of servers in 90+ countries and works to bypass digital censorship and geo-blocks. It's not the most powerful VPN in that regard, but we're sure you won't be disappointed. It also offers medium-fast speeds, so be prepared to optimize its performance by diving into its settings.

As a hugely advanced VPN, it's no wonder that PIA supports obfuscation and offers several types of kill switches. You will also find split tunneling. So, if you need a VPN with advanced features and truly lots of customization, PIA seems like a great pick.

With PIA, you get unmetered (unlimited) simultaneous connections. You also get applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, streaming devices, and routers.

PIA's plans are covered by its 30-day money-back policy, which allows you to get a full refund within 30 days of your subscription if you don't want to use the provider's services anymore. You can also find 24/7 live chat support on the VPN's website.

5. ExpressVPN - Best Value VPN with a Wide Server Network

ExpressVPN is the best value VPN thanks to its capable set of features, which put it ahead of most of its competition. This capable VPN service costs $6.67/month for its annual plan, which is the lowest you'll pay for ExpressVPN. You'll get 3 free months added to your first billing period, so once your first year ends, you'll pay $99.95 per year.

ExpressVPN certainly delivers in terms of security and privacy. You can count on its audited no-logs policy, strong protocols (OpenVPN, Lightway), and robust encryption (AES-256). This VPN can also block ads, prevent advanced digital filters, and keep you away from malicious websites.

You'll also get access to thousands of servers in 105 countries. So, if you're interested in unblocking websites, ExpressVPN can help you defeat any geo-block. It's also one of the fastest VPN providers on the global market, introducing minimal slowdowns even on highly remote servers.

In terms of the more advanced features, every server offers obfuscation (this feature works in the background, so no input or fine-tuning is needed). Of course, there's also a kill switch, called 'Network Lock' in this case, and split tunneling.

ExpressVPN supports 8 simultaneous connections and offers user-friendly applications for phones, computers, tablets, streaming devices, and routers. Getting started with this VPN is easy, and you don't need any prior experience with VPNs.

If you don't like ExpressVPN's offerings, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund if you cancel your subscription within 30 days of subscribing. Lastly, you can request a refund via ExpressVPN's 24/7 live chat, which is available to all users.

6. Ivacy VPN - User-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers

Ivacy VPN is a great option for those who want to unblock different streaming platforms on a budget. That's because Ivacy has one of the cheapest VPN plans. You can subscribe for only $1.17 per month if you get Ivacy's 5-year plan ($69.99 in total), so a long-term commitment is required. You'll pay the same in the future, as well, so there are no changes to Ivacy's renewal price.

You can expect an audited no-logs policy from this VPN, as well as protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and a range of faster but less secure options. Those are paired with AES-256 and/or ChaCha20, so the privacy of your data is guaranteed.

Ivacy has 6,500+ servers in 60+ countries and 100+ locations. It offers both standard and specialized servers, which means you can use it to unblock sites and access streaming apps. However, it's slower than its competitors, so it would help to have a fast baseline connection.

This also also delivers when it comes to more advanced features. You can find a kill switch and split tunneling. Also, Ivacy offers obfuscation when using the OpenVPN protocols, but you won't be able to pinpoint the exact servers that offer this option.

As an Ivacy subscriber, you can connect from 10 devices simultaneously. You can also use Ivacy on platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, streaming devices, and even routers.

The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its long-term subscription plans. You can request a refund via Ivacy's 24/7 live chat, which is accessible from any page on its website. Ivacy also has step-by-step installation guides on its website, an active blog, and more.

7. IPVanish - Fully Automated VPN for First-Time Users

IPVanish is a great cheap option for beginners because it offers all the basics. The cheapest price for this VPN is $2.75/month for its 2-year plan. It costs $65.99 in total, and you must pay for it in full in advance. Once your 2-year plan is up, the renewal price will be $89.99/year.

You can expect a no-logs policy from this provider, as well as protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. To ensure the integrity of your data tunnels, IPVanish uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. This VPN now also blocks ads, fights against trackers, and filters out malicious websites.

You also get access to 2,400+ servers in 55+ countries. When it comes to content unblocking, you can expect to unblock plenty of websites and some of the most popular streaming apps. We'll also note that IPVanish offers medium-fast performance.

If you need obfuscation, a kill switch, and split tunneling, know that you'll find all those features here. IPVanish doesn't have the most advanced VPN features, but it covers the basics quite well. On top of that, it's beginner-friendly and fully automated.

Also, you'll be able to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, which is a rare feature that not many other providers offer. You can connect IPVanish from multiple devices, including phones, PCs, tablets, streaming devices, and routers.

If you don't like the services and features that the provider offers, you can get a full refund within 30 days of your subscription. Furthermore, you can contact its team via its 24/7 live chat, email, and phone.

Cheapest VPN Services: Compared

In the table below, you can find a full comparison of the prices, deals, and free offers the providers on our best cheap VPN list have. That way, you'll easily find the best cheap VPN services. Take a look. 

How to Choose the Best Cheap VPN?

To choose the best cheap VPN, you must ensure it offers sound security and privacy. Other features you need to look out for during your search for the cheapest VPN service include the following:

• Price – Check both the price of the deal and the renewal price before you subscribe to a VPN. Usually, the renewal price is higher, so you should look out for that.
• No-Logs Policy – If a VPN has a no-logs policy, it promises never to log your online activity. That means no one will be able to track you online, not even your VPN.
• Encryption and VPN Protocols – With strong encryption, your VPN will encrypt your Internet connection and ensure no one decrypts it, monitors you online, or steals your data. Also, your connection will be more stable, secure, and faster if your VPN uses protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec/IKEv2.
• Server Network Size - Find a VPN that covers as many countries as possible. The more countries it covers, the better, as it will allow you to unblock content from many different places with the same VPN.
• Ability to Unblock Censored/Geo-Blocked Content - Your chosen VPN should be able to bypass any censorship measures your Internet provider implements. Also, you'll want unrestricted access to geo-blocked streaming services.
• Performance and Speed - Pick a good cheap VPN known for its performance. Remember that the best VPNs will slow you down by only 10-15%, which won't bring any disruption to your usual online activities.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling – Even the most affordable VPN must provide features like a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, IP leak protection, and anti-tracking.
• Supported Devices and Simultaneous Connections – Not all VPNs are compatible with different devices. If you want to use your VPN on your phone, tablet, or other devices, ensure the VPN you choose supports them.
• Money-Back Guarantee – Money-back guarantees can serve as a free trial. They allow you to try out a VPN's services risk-free, and if you don't like it, you can request a refund and get your money back.
• Customer Support – Customer support is essential for every VPN user. So, look for a provider that offers 24/7 support so that you can contact its team whenever you have a problem or a question.

Why Are the Top Best VPNs Expensive?

The top best VPNs are expensive because they offer thousands of servers. Running and maintaining those servers costs a lot of money, especially for servers with high energy usage. However, there are other reasons why the top best VPNs are expensive, including:

• Setup costs – Setting up a powerful server network with the needed features and hardware is expensive. This is even more expensive in countries that go out of their way to block sites because VPN providers need to set up stronger protocols and measures in place to unblock such services in those countries.
• Updates – In order for a VPN provider to always offer reliable and secure services, it needs to constantly update its software and hardware.
• Security – Security measures like malware protection, dedicated IP addresses, DNS leak protection, anti-virus, etc., can be expensive to implement. That's why mostly only premium VPNs offer them.
• Reliable support – As mentioned above, reliable customer support is essential for all VPN users. However, for a VPN to provide reliable and knowledgeable customer support, it needs to hire experts.

Is a Cheap VPN Worth It?

Yes, a cheap VPN is worth it - if you pick the right one, of course. However, you should pick your VPN provider carefully, as not all cheap VPNs offer good services. 

For instance, some cheap VPNs have a small server network, slow connections, and frequent data leaks. Also, some sell their users' data to make up for their low prices.

However, if you pick a powerful premium VPN and buy a cheap VPN long-term plan, you will get great services at a lower price. Thus, you’ll make the VPN more affordable. That way, you'll get the best value for your money and a great VPN service.

Premium VPNs frequently offer great deals with huge discounts, as highlighted in our guide to the best VPN deals. The only downside to those deals is that they require you to subscribe for at least 1 year in advance. However, by doing so, you'll get top-of-the-line VPN services for a much lower price.

We especially recommend Surfshark, which is available for only $2.29/month and offers high-end tools and features to enhance your Web experience. Another great option is NordVPN, priced at $3.39/month and featuring everything you need to secure your privacy, unblock sites, and more. Of course, those prices apply to the VPNs' 2-year subscription plans.

Are Cheap VPNs Secure?

Yes, cheap VPNs are secure. However, as mentioned above, not all of them offer good services and reliable security measures. 

Some of the features you should look out for include AES-256 encryption, IP leak protection, DNS leak protection, protocols, malware protection, anti-virus software, etc. All those features cost money and can be quite expensive. That's why some cheap VPNs don't provide them. 

However, many VPNs offer huge discounts and great longer-term deals that have excellent security. So, to make your VPN more affordable, you can get a longer-term plan. That way, you’ll get a cheap and secure VPN. 

For example, if you subscribe to NordVPN, you won't spend much, but you'll gain access to high-end protocols, strong encryption, anti-tracking tools, malicious website filtering, and more. That makes NordVPN one of the most secure VPNs available today.

Why Do VPNs Vary So Much in Price?

VPNs vary so much in price because each of them has different costs. A VPN’s costs depend on several factors, including the number of devices it supports, bandwidth limits, the number of servers it offers, the number of countries its servers cover, and the connection speeds it provides.

The more devices a VPN supports, the higher the costs can get. The same goes for all the other factors mentioned above. 

Also, some providers offer slow, and others provide fast connection speeds. To provide fast Internet connections for users all over the world, the VPN must use more powerful servers. Also, it must set up a sound infrastructure with a powerful CDN and protocols that allow you to have a faster Internet connection.

Final Thoughts

A high-end VPN doesn't have to be a major expense. In other words, going for the cheapest VPN doesn't mean that you'll have to sacrifice your privacy or security. In fact, you can get high-end features, lots of servers, and bulletproof security without paying a lot. On top of that, today's cheapest VPN deals come with free trials and money-back guarantees that make your purchase risk-free.

We recommend Surfshark as the cheapest VPN right now, as it's priced at only $2.29/month (2-year plan) and brings absolutely everything you need to safeguard your privacy and more. Another option is NordVPN, which is the best cheap VPN overall, as it offers privacy, speed, the ability to unblock websites, and more.

That's it for our guide on the best cheap VPN providers. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave us a comment via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!