The Best VPNs for Cheap 2024
See why Surfshark is the best cheap VPN for penny pinchers, why everyone should use NordVPN for streaming and gaming, and why Private Internet Access is great for torrent enthusiasts.
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Last updated Oct 9, 2024
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Best for Torrent Enthusiasts
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Private Internet Access's website
Private Internet Access
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Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
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Based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance
Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
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We determined that Surfshark, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access are the best cheap VPN services. Surfshark was our best choice for the penny pincher on a budget who seeks a high-quality VPN, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. Thanks to its specialty servers and other unique features, NordVPN was our pick for streaming and gaming. And PIA can support your torrenting needs on a budget.
Read on to learn why we favored these VPN providers based on their affordable pricing, valuable features, and more.
In this article
The best VPNs for cheapSurfshark: Best overall
NordVPN: Best for streaming and gaming
PIA: Best for torrent enthusiasts
Honorable mentions
Best cheap VPNs FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for cheap
The best VPNs for cheap
- Surfshark: Best overall
- NordVPN: Best for streaming and gaming
- Private Internet Access: Best for torrent enthusiasts
Top 3 cheap VPN services compared 2024
Best Overall
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| Starting price | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) |
| Money-back guarantee | |||
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | 10 | Unlimited |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get PIA Read PIA Review |
This article's top picks are affordable VPNs rather than free ones. If you are considering a free VPN instead, read our article on the top five best free VPNs.
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
Surfshark: Best overall
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Who it’s best for
Surfshark is an affordable, reliable, and secure VPN service with a wide range of features. It's ideal for the budget-conscious person seeking a cheap VPN provider but refusing to compromise on quality.
What we liked
Surfshark is the best VPN for the price because it offers a wide range of server locations to select from, allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, and can unblock and stream Netflix libraries around the world without any lag, all without breaking the bank.
In addition, this VPN offers plenty of tools to keep your device secure. Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption. Unlike AES-256, which only provides encryption for confidentiality purposes, AES-256-GCM encrypts and secures your data to remain confidential but also verifies its authenticity and integrity.
For VPN protocols, it uses WireGuard, a modern, fast, and secure tunneling profile (and it's faster than OpenVPN), and OpenVPN and IKEv2.
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Beyond a kill switch, split tunneling, and other common VPN features, Surfshark VPN's subscription plans also comes with the following:
- Dynamic multi-hop (also known as a double VPN): This lets you connect to the VPN via multiple server locations at once for enhanced security.
- IP Rotator: Changes your IP address periodically without disconnecting you from the VPN.
- Smart DNS: Helps you unlock streaming U.S. content by changing the DNS addresses on your device from your local ones to Surfshark’s DNS servers based in the U.S.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware and prevents phishing attempts.
- Surfshark Alert: Notifies you when your personal information is leaked online.
- Surfshark Antivirus: Protects against viruses, malware, and intrusive apps.
- Surfshark Search: Allows you to search private with a zero-logs private search engine.
- Incogni: Removes your name and other personal information from data broker sites.
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While Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes alliance country, it successfully passed an independent audit of its no-logs policy. Deloitte conducted Surfshark's latest audit on January 2023. As per its no-logs policy, Surfshark only processes minimal user information to maintain its services; it doesn't collect or store any data regarding your IP address, browsing activities, or internet traffic data.
Additionally, Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency payments, making it a viable choice for anyone seeking extra privacy. It also offers responsive customer support 24/7 via live chat or email.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark had some issues during our most recent round of testing. Surfshark's download speeds dropped about 41% during our speed tests when connecting to a nearby U.S. server. Our download speeds with U.K. servers were faster, which is out of the ordinary as far as speed tests go.
Surfshark specs
| Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days plus a seven-day free trial for macOS, iOS, and Android |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
NordVPN: Best for streaming and gaming
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is best for streaming enthusiasts and gamers who want a fast, secure, and powerful VPN service. It has an extensive catalog of advanced security features, such as lightning-fast servers, Onion Over VPN, and more.
What we liked
We loved that NordVPN is an all-in-one VPN solution with the fastest VPN speeds on the market. It can unblock geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix*, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more worldwide.
NordVPN uses a unique technology called Meshnet, which lets you directly connect to other devices worldwide and link up to 60 devices. This makes hosting and joining LAN parties easy—great for gamers. Additionally, it’s compatible with major operating systems, mobile devices, routers, and even other devices like smart TVs while offering impressive features to keep your online traffic secure without compromising speed.
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But wait, there’s more! NordVPN also supports torrenting and P2P networking, which we appreciate.
With its next-generation file encryption features, NordVPN adds extra layers of security to help you keep your data safe. It also has a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. And its data breach scanner checks to see if your sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) has been leaked. As you can see, NordVPN is packed with features.
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*NordVPN doesn't currently list support for Netflix, though it's worked for us in the past. Netflix actively works to block VPNs, so a VPN that works with Netflix today may not work tomorrow.
What we didn’t like
One drawback we found with NordVPN is that its VPN cost can be higher than other VPN prices in the upper range. Additionally, NordVPN only offers its split tunneling features, “inverse split tunneling” for Android, Android TV, and Windows 8.1 and up, and “app-based split tunneling” for Windows 8.1 and up, at this time.
Even though it isn’t the cheapest VPN on this list, we can surely agree that it offers more bang for your buck than Hotspot Shield or TunnelBear.
NordVPN specs
| Price range | $2.99–$15.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days |
| Number of servers | 6,200+ servers in 111 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard) |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Private Internet Access: Best for torrent enthusiasts
Private Internet Access
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More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
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Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
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Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
- Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
- Based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance
Who it’s best for
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is the best VPN for torrent enthusiasts. You will be pleased if you desire a VPN service with servers worldwide that supports torrenting with fast speeds, strong encryption, and other advanced features.
Additionally, it's very affordable, coming in at a low cost of $2.19/mo (billed every two years) if you select the two-year plan or $11.99/mo if you choose the annual plan.
What we liked
We liked that Private Internet Access has servers in 91 countries, is reliable and fast, and has robust online privacy and security features. It's a fast VPN for torrenting, supports all popular BitTorrent clients, and has its own SOCKS5 proxy server.
SOCKS5 is an internet protocol that Tor uses. Since PIA supports SOCKS5, it can send the traffic through the Tor network instead of sending it from your IP address into the open network. It also allows port forwarding (except in the U.S.), which boosts torrenting speeds.
To keep your device safe while torrenting, PIA offers AES-128 and AES-256 encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec protocols, a kill switch, split tunneling, and more. Some of PIA’s top features for privacy and security are as follows:
- Dedicated IP addresses
- Multi-hop servers with Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 proxies
- Smart DNS
- DNS leak protection
- Port forwarding
- PIA MACE, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level
- Antivirus protection (premium add-on)
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What we didn’t like
While PIA has many great features to offer, we didn’t like that it’s headquartered in the U.S. This means that PIA is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand. Countries in the Five Eyes alliance have made agreements to share intelligence.
In other words, your data can be potentially collected and shared, which is a privacy risk to consider, especially for torrenters.
Private Internet Access specs
| Price range | $2.19–$11.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days plus a seven-day free trial for iOS and Android |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 91 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Private Internet Access Read Private Internet Access Review |
Honorable mentions
If you're not sold on our cheap VPN picks, plenty of other service providers are available.
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is a good VPN for beginners, thanks to its user-friendly interface. It has the largest VPN server network on this list, with tons of servers in 100 countries, and it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a great premium VPN for securely browsing the web, streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It also has a no-logs policy that is routinely audited by reputable third-party companies.
Best cheap VPNs FAQs
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How much is a VPN typically?
According to Security.org, a VPN costs about $10/mo for a monthly plan, and annual contracts are about $5.12 when broken down monthly.[1] However, we've found cheaper options, especially when you purchase a longer-term plan.
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What is the best VPN service for the price?
Depending on your needs, you should ultimately decide on the best cheap VPN for you.
If you want to connect multiple devices at once or get around geo-restricted or blocked content, Surfshark is the best VPN for the money.
NordVPN is the best value VPN if you’re seeking an extensive network of servers and want to use its Onion Over VPN feature for torrenting.
PIA is a strong contender for torrenting.
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What is the best cheap VPN app?
Surfshark is the best cheap VPN app for a number of reasons. It is very intuitive and user-friendly, offers strong encryption, supports unlimited devices simultaneously, and is packed with more features that give you lots of bang for the buck for a very low price.
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Is a cheap VPN worth it?
A cheap VPN is worth it if you’re seeking an affordable option that can do at least the bare minimum of protecting your identity and keeping your online traffic and data secure.
Keep in mind that using a cheap VPN can have some drawbacks, like limited privacy and security features, a lack of servers, slower speeds, unreliable services, and poor customer support.
VPN services that are free or cheap may also make money from other avenues, like collecting your data and selling it to third parties. Always check your VPN service’s privacy policy before signing up to ensure your privacy remains safe. And only use the best free VPNs if you need a no-cost option.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for cheap
Everyone should be able to afford a VPN to encrypt their online activities. Our top cheap VPNs are Surfshark for the penny-pincher who desires a high-quality VPN, NordVPN for streaming and gaming, and PIA for torrent enthusiasts. With these VPN subscriptions, you can protect your device and your personal data from hackers and other cyber threats.
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
-
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Author Details
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Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.
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Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.
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