Best Cheap VPNs 2025: Affordable VPNs with Exceptional Features

You can use a virtual private network to hide your data and online activities from hackers and other prying eyes. These networks protect you by encrypting your traffic so no one can see or monitor your activities.

The VPN market is loaded with many VPN services, however, not all are created equal. Some are quite expensive, while some are affordable and still deliver good results.

I’ve tested various VPN services over the years, and I can tell you for free that you’re going to have to sign up for a paid service if you want true online protection.

However, that does not mean you have to break the bank to protect your privacy and identity online. After carefully analyzing and testing some of the most affordable VPN services, I have compiled a list of the best options.

Read on to find the right option for your unique needs and budget.

The Best Cheap VPNs Services 2025

1. Private Internet Access – Overall Best

Sitting at the number one spot on my list is Private Internet Access – a VPN service known for its exceptional performance, security, and privacy features.

Referring to Private Internet Access as merely a ‘budget-friendly VPN’ would be an injustice to this seasoned provider.

Indeed, its pricing is remarkably affordable, typically coming in at around the $1.98 per month mark (for the three-year contract), but what sets it apart is the exceptional quality it offers, a distinction I’ve witnessed throughout my extensive reviews.

The sheer scale of their network is a testament to this, boasting a colossal inventory of over 10,000 servers dispersed across 83 countries worldwide. Each state in the United States is graced with at least one PIA server, and this extensive presence illustrates that it’s far from a run-of-the-mill budget option.

Over the years, this VPN provider has proven its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the privacy of its users, a feat few can rival.

Notably, it holds the distinction of being the sole VPN provider that has had its zero-logging policy notarized in a court of law, not once, but on two separate occasions.

Private Internet Access doesn’t merely tick the standard security boxes; it excels in implementing industry-standard AES-256 encryption and equipping users with a reliable kill switch.

However, it’s not just a run-of-the-mill VPN. Enthusiasts in the VPN realm will particularly appreciate its inclusion of more specialized features, such as port forwarding, rendering it an ideal choice for those engaged in torrenting activities.

In my in-depth exploration of Private Internet Access, I was particularly impressed by its browser extensions. They stand out from the crowd by offering a plethora of functionalities not commonly found in other Chrome VPNs.

This additional versatility enhances the overall user experience, making Private Internet Access a noteworthy choice for anyone seeking comprehensive online privacy and security.

Private Internet Access Pricing

• One-Month Plan: This plan costs $11.95 and renews every month.
• One-Year Plan: You can get over 70% discount when you opt for the one-year plan. It costs $3.33/mo, bringing it to a total of $39.95 per year.
• Three-Year Plan: The three-year plan is the best deal they offer. It costs $1.98/mo, bringing it to a total of $79 per 3 years. You will also enjoy four months free.

Pros and Cons

pros

• Loads of servers.
• Excellent browser extensions.
• Supports a wide range of platforms and app.
• Unblocks various streaming platforms.
• 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Supports 10 simultaneous connections.

cons

• Not as fast as some rivals.

Rating Based on Expert Review

Attributes	Rating	Remark
Design	4.5/5	Attractive app and web design with many great functionalities
Unblocking	4.5/5	Unblocks many streaming platforms. However, some Netflix locations are unavailable.
Ease of Use	5/5	Simple and easy-to-use features
Pricing	5/5	Offers incredible value for your money
Support	5/5	Various support tools and well-written guides
Overall Rating	4.9/5	PIA offers incredible security and anonymity features suitable for various users

Read our fall review for Private Internet Access

2. Surfshark – Best for Online Security

Surfshark VPN, priced at a mere $2.30 per month, holds a remarkable position as one of the best VPN services out there.

It’s an impressively feature-rich solution, offering the enticing opportunity to upgrade to a complete security suite for just an additional $0.70 per month. This suite includes antivirus protection, ad-blocking, and dark web scanning, further enhancing the value proposition it brings to the table.

But there’s more to this than just the attractive price tag.

What truly sets Surfshark apart is its generous policy of allowing unlimited simultaneous device connections. This means that subscribing to Surfshark translates to significant value for your money, with the ability to share your login credentials with friends and family, ensuring their online safety without constraints.

Importantly, affordability doesn’t equate to compromising on quality or security.

Surfshark exhibits the robustness characteristic of premium VPN recommendations, offering a broad spectrum of security features as standard, accompanied by a stringent no-logs policy that safeguards your online activities from prying authorities.

The array of Surfshark features continues to expand, showcasing the provider’s dedication to digital privacy.

A notable addition is the Alternative ID functionality, which permits users to establish a fictitious online identity, complete with an associated email address, fortifying their digital security.

While this valuable tool remains in beta testing, it underlines Surfshark’s commitment to preserving privacy in an age where websites incessantly demand your personal information.

Diversity in encryption protocols is another hallmark of Surfshark’s offering, featuring options like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard—the most cutting-edge technology in the VPN industry.

This flexibility empowers users to tailor their security to find the perfect balance between speed and protection, whether they are streaming on Netflix, engaging in online gaming, or downloading substantial files through torrenting.

Surfshark Pricing

Surfshark has three pricing models across its monthly, yearly, and two-year plans.

• Surfshark Starter: The one-month plan costs $15.45/mo, the 12-month plan costs $3.99/mo, and the 24-month plan costs $2.30/mo.
• Surfshark One: The one-month plan costs $17.95/mo, the 12-month plan costs $4.09/mo, and the 24-month plan costs $2.94/mo.
• Surfshark One+: The one-month plan costs $20.65/mo, the 12-month plan costs $6.49/mo, and the 24-month plan costs $4.59/mo.

Pros and Cons

pros

• Easy to use for beginners.
• Superfast speed.
• Suitable for streaming and torrenting.
• Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services.
• Connect unlimited devices simultaneously.
• Available in over 100.

cons

• Tests show cracks in the kill switch.
• Prices surge after the first term.

Rating Based on Expert Review

Attributes	Rating	Remark
Design	5/5	Simple and intuitive apps on all devices
Unblocking	4.5/5	Unblocks various streaming sites and censored content
Ease of Use	5/5	All features and services are designed with beginners in mind
Pricing	4.5/5	Offers incredible value for your money but surges upon renewal
Support	4.5/5	You can count on the support team when you run into technical issues
Overall Rating	4.7/5	They offer great value with exceptional performance, speed, and security

Read our full Surfshark review

3. Atlas VPN – Best for Unlimited Connections

Atlas VPN, priced at $1.82 per month, stands out as a remarkably budget-friendly solution, even offering a limited free plan for those seeking an economical yet dependable way to safeguard their online activities.

The affordability of this VPN doesn’t compromise on convenience, as it allows simultaneous device connections, permitting you to secure all your devices and those of your family members effortlessly.

When it comes to security, Atlas VPN is well-equipped. Its SafeBrowse feature ensures a secure internet browsing experience, while SafeSwap efficiently rotates your IP address along the way, adding an extra layer of protection.

Additionally, it offers essential features like a kill switch and employs the industry-leading AES-256 encryption cipher, reinforcing your digital fortress against potential threats.

Notably, Atlas VPN has significantly boosted its speed by incorporating the WireGuard protocol, enabling it to compete favorably with some of the fastest VPNs in the market.

Our performance tests have revealed that this VPN consistently maintains around 80% of the initial connection speeds, ensuring you can browse, stream, and download without frustrating lags or slowdowns.

For those seeking to unlock a world of content, Atlas VPN is a pleasant surprise. It effortlessly bypasses restrictions imposed by various streaming services, granting access to an array of entertainment hubs, including Netflix libraries, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer.

This feature-rich VPN also shines in terms of compatibility, seamlessly integrating with all popular platforms and enhancing the overall user experience.

In summary, Atlas VPN is an excellent choice for fundamental daily security and privacy in the online realm, and it comes at an astonishingly low cost, priced at just under $2 per month.

Atlas VPN Pricing

• One-Month Plan: The one-month plan costs $11.99/mo and has a 14-day money-back guarantee.
• One-Year Plan: The one-year plan costs $3.29/mo with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Two-Year Plan: You can save a lot when you opt for this plan. It costs $1.82/mo, bringing it to a total of $49.21 for the first two years.

Pros and Cons

pros

• Loads of servers.
• Excellent browser extensions.
• Supports a wide range of platforms and apps.
• Unblocks various streaming platforms.
• 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Supports 10 simultaneous connections.

cons

• Not as fast as some rivals.

Rating Based on Expert Review

Attributes	Rating	Remark
Design	4.5/5	Features a clean, attractive, and intuitive design across multiple platforms
Unblocking	4/5	Unblocks many streaming platforms.
Ease of Use	4.5/5	Suitable for beginners and experienced users
Pricing	4.5/5	Great starting price, but higher renewal rates
Support	4/5	Various support tools and well-written guides
Overall Rating	4.3/5	Delivers impressive performance and features at an affordable rate.

Read our Atlas VPN review

4. CyberGhost – Best Affordable VPN with Loads of Servers

When considering affordable VPN options, CyberGhost emerges as a top contender, with pricing commencing at a modest $2.11 per month.

Boasting a substantial server network featuring over 9,600 servers across 91 countries, CyberGhost takes the lead in offering a blend of robust security measures and feature-rich services to fortify your online activities and safeguard your data.

In the realm of security, CyberGhost is a standout performer despite its budget-friendly price point. For just a tad over $2, it provides a comprehensive suite of advanced security features.

This includes the implementation of the industry-leading AES-256 encryption to create a formidable defense for your data.

Moreover, it staunchly upholds a strict no-logs policy, employs specialized servers for added protection, and maintains its headquarters in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, reinforcing your digital privacy and security.

CyberGhost doesn’t falter when it comes to speed, either. It delivers dependable connection speeds, bolstered by the use of the modern WireGuard tunneling protocol, alongside alternatives like IKEv2 and OpenVPN. In our rigorous testing, we encountered no discernible lag while streaming or transmitting data, with the service consistently preserving around 84% of the initial connection speeds.

In the realm of additional features, CyberGhost once again stands out. It excels in circumventing geo-restrictions, enabling access to a plethora of streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Furthermore, this VPN provider shines in terms of compatibility, seamlessly integrating with a variety of operating systems and web browsers, offering user-friendly accessibility.

Whether you’re seeking uninterrupted streaming or robust security without compromising on speed, CyberGhost emerges as an economical VPN solution that excels in catering to all your online needs.

CyberGhost Pricing

• One-Month Plan: The one-plan costs $12.99/mo and is backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee.
• 6-Month Plan: The monthly cost of this plan is $6.99, bringing it to a total of $41.94 for six months.
• Two-Year Plan: The monthly cost of this package is $2.11, so you will be billed $56.97 for the first two years. It also comes with free three months.

Pros and Cons

pros

• Simple, intuitive, and attractive design.
• 45-day money-back guarantee.
• Helpful filter system for P2P and streaming.
• Tons of servers.
• Amazing speed and performance.

cons

• Limited simultaneous connections.
• Doesn’t unblock all streaming platforms.

Rating Based on Expert Review

Attributes	Rating	Remark
Design	4/5	Cool design but could use some improvement, especially on the website.
Unblocking	4/5	Unblocks many streaming sites, but not all.
Ease of Use	5/5	Suitable for all levels of users
Pricing	5/5	Great starting price, better offer with the long-term plan
Support	4/5	Live chat, email, and ticket support
Overall Rating	4.4/5	You can rely on CyberGhost for quality online privacy and security that will not leave a hole in your pocket

Read our CyberGhost review

5. NordVPN – Best for Privacy

NordVPN emerges as another stellar and cost-effective VPN solution, available for a modest $2.99 per month. At this price point, it presents incredible value for your investment, combining exceptional performance and formidable security features to safeguard your online activities.

When it comes to security, NordVPN takes the protection of your data seriously.

It relies on rock-solid AES-256 encryption, effectively creating an impenetrable fortress around your data, rendering it impervious to prying eyes.

The level of encryption is so robust that even the most determined hackers would find it nearly impossible to brute force their way through the encrypted tunnel to reveal your confidential information.

NordVPN doesn’t just excel in security; it also demonstrates remarkable speed. My tests have shown that the proprietary

NordLynx tunneling protocol surpasses even the acclaimed WireGuard in terms of performance, offering more consistent and reliable connections.

Despite being marginally more expensive than Surfshark, NordVPN boasts download speeds that outpace the competition, with retention rates consistently hovering around 90%. This translates to a seamless streaming and gaming experience, ensuring minimal to no lag during your online activities.

The value doesn’t end there. NordVPN presents a host of additional features that allow you to tailor the app to your preferences. The Threat Protection feature acts as a guardian, filtering out malicious ads, trackers, and harmful websites, enhancing your overall browsing safety.

Moreover, the Double VPN feature allows you to connect through two VPN servers for added security, while an option to combine the Tor network with a VPN connection provides the utmost anonymity.

In summation, NordVPN is undoubtedly one of the most competitively priced VPNs on the market. While it may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to some other providers, it compensates with remarkable speed, exceptional streaming capabilities, and robust security measures, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of online needs.

NordVPN Pricing

• Complete: The monthly plan for this package is $14.99/mo, the one-year plan costs $6.49/mo plus three extra months, and the two-year plan costs $4.99/mo plus three extra months.
• Plus: The monthly plan for this package is $13.99/mo, the one-year plan costs $5.49/mo ($82.35 for a year), and the two-year plan costs $3.99/mo ($107.73 for two years).
• Standard: The monthly plan for this package is $12.99/mo, the one-year plan costs $4.49/mo ($67.35 for a year), and the two-year plan costs $2.99/mo ($80.73 for two years).

Pros and Cons

pros

• Supports a wide range of devices and platforms.
• Excellent speed.
• Double data encryption for enhanced security and anonymity.
• An all-in-one security suite.
• Unblocks dozens of streaming sites.
• 30-day money-back guarantee.

cons

• Free trial only on Android.

Rating Based on Expert Review

Attributes	Rating	Remark
Design	4.5/5	Great design and simple features
Unblocking	4.5/5	Unblocks a wide range of streaming sites, including Netflix, Prime Video, and more
Ease of Use	5/5	Suitable for newbies and experienced users
Pricing	4.5/5	Affordable starting price
Support	4.5/5	They provide 24/7 live chat support
Overall Rating	4.6/5	NordVPN offers great features, speed, and performance at reasonable pricing

Read our NordVPN review

Tips for Choosing the Best Cheap VPNs

When on the hunt for the most economical yet effective VPN, the quest naturally revolves around finding the optimal balance between cost and the value it delivers. To accomplish this, I embarked on a rigorous evaluation process, scrutinizing a multitude of budget-friendly VPN providers.

My selection criteria extended beyond the price point, encompassing considerations such as the overall value for money, the availability of flexible and cost-effective subscription plans, the inclusion of comprehensive security features, and various other essential criteria.

Here are some of the vital things I considered and believe you should pay close attention to when choosing a VPN.

1. Security

In the realm of VPNs, affordability should never translate to a compromise on security. It’s paramount that even cost-effective VPN solutions maintain high-security standards to safeguard your sensitive data from prying third parties, whether they be profit-driven corporations or malicious actors with nefarious intentions.

Your data, when amassed in bulk, can be a lucrative asset, and even individual data points have the potential to become a goldmine for marketers seeking to exploit your personal information. To ensure your digital fortress remains impenetrable, several technical attributes are essential, such as an active kill switch, secure tunneling, and strong encryption.

2. Privacy Policy

I firmly believe that when I choose a VPN service provider, they must demonstrate a deep commitment to safeguarding my online anonymity. One of the most vital aspects of this commitment is the implementation of a strict no-logs policy.

This means that the VPN provider refrains from keeping any records of my online activities, ensuring that even if someone, regardless of their identity, requests access to my data, there is nothing to share.

Moreover, it’s not just about having a no-logs policy; it’s about the transparency and reliability of this policy. Therefore, it is immensely reassuring when a VPN service undergoes an independent audit of their no-logs policy.

Such an audit serves as a way to verify that the service provider is indeed adhering to their commitment to privacy, further building my trust in their ability to keep me incognito and secure while I’m online.

3. Performance

In my experience, it’s important to acknowledge that when using a VPN, a certain degree of speed reduction is to be expected.

This is primarily because your internet connection takes a detour through an intermediary server, which naturally introduces some latency. However, the extent of this speed reduction can vary significantly between different VPN services.

What I’ve found particularly valuable is the optimization level of a VPN service. Some services are exceptionally well-optimized, meaning that you won’t encounter severe speed drop-offs or inconsistent connections during your online activities.

These well-optimized VPNs often boast a large server location list, allowing you to choose from a wide range of servers strategically placed across the globe. Furthermore, they implement fast tunneling protocols like WireGuard, which helps efficiently manage user load and maintain a smooth and speedy connection.

In essence, while some speed reduction is inevitable when using a VPN, the choice of a service provider that excels in optimization and offers a diverse range of servers, along with advanced tunneling protocols, can make a substantial difference in preserving a fast and reliable internet connection.

4. Usability

I’ve learned through my experiences that not every VPN is equally adept at unblocking media streaming websites.

It’s essential to recognize that some VPNs might blacklist or restrict P2P (peer-to-peer) connections, which could potentially limit your online activities. Therefore, it’s a wise idea to investigate the capabilities of any VPN you’re considering thoroughly.

When evaluating a VPN, it’s crucial to make sure it excels in the specific areas that matter most to you. For instance, if your primary use case is streaming content from geo-restricted websites, you should prioritize a VPN service that is renowned for its ability to bypass such restrictions.

On the other hand, if you frequently engage in P2P file sharing, ensure that your chosen VPN fully supports this functionality without any restrictions.

It’s not just about the core functionalities, either. Don’t forget to consider additional features offered by the VPN, such as malware protection, ad-blocking, or a kill switch for added security.

By conducting a comprehensive assessment of a VPN’s capabilities and ensuring it aligns with your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision that guarantees a seamless and secure online experience.

Wrapping Up

There you go! Those are some of the most affordable yet powerful VPN providers. Their affordability does not compromise their quality, security, and performance. You can always rely on them for enhanced speed, anonymity, and online privacy. These VPNs also have great torrenting and streaming capabilities, providing you with a great value for your money. You can browse the list and choose an option that best suits your needs and budget.