How much do VPNs cost?

The VPN market is filled with options for every budget, with plans ranging from just under $2 per month to $25.29/month, and even more. However, getting a VPN for a low price doesn’t mean it will be inferior to premium-priced options.

After reviewing 30+ VPNs from different app stores and search engines, I noticed a clear pattern: VPN providers set prices based on subscription length, included features, and whether it's an introductory offer or renewal price.

So, I set out to compare how much VPNs cost across different subscription lengths and explain the key factors behind VPN pricing.

How much does a VPN cost?

A VPN can cost between $2-5 per month for annual or 2-year plans. For example, you can get NordVPN, Proton VPN, or ExpressVPN under $4 per month, while Surfshark and Total VPN fall just under $2 per month.

When you pay for a high-quality VPN, you pay for access to the server network, security features, simultaneous connections, and streaming capabilities. Plus, the price largely depends on how long you buy the service for.

Monthly subscriptions can range between $9 and $15.45, and more, depending on the brand and the features offered. But if you buy the yearly plans, you can save way more money in the long run.

Top VPN prices compared

I reviewed the VPN market and created a comprehensive pricing table covering 30+ VPNs. Here's a link to the spreadsheet with their costs for different subscription periods, with all prices listed on a per-month basis to make comparison easier.

Last updated: January 2026

According to my list of top VPNs, these are the services that offer the lowest prices depending on subscription period:

• Cheapest VPNs for 1 year: PrivadoVPN ($1.33/month) and Total VPN ($1.59/month)
• Cheapest VPNs for 2 years: PrivadoVPN ($1.11/month) and Surfshark ($1.99/month)
• Cheapest VPN for 3 years: PrivateVPN ($2/month)

Keep in mind that the cheapest prices don’t always mean the best quality, and it’s important to review security features, privacy policies, and server quality to make the right choice.

For example, while you can get the lowest 1- or 2-year plan prices with PrivadoVPN, I noticed that it has servers in just 50 countries and doesn’t have any independent security audits.

At the same time, Total VPN offers servers in 90 countries, while Surfshark has thousands in 100 countries and has been audited multiple times.

Still, it’s also important to look at renewal prices. A cheaper VPN can turn out to be more expensive with renewal prices combined than a VPN with a bit more expensive introductory prices.

Note:

I checked the prices on the official websites of each VPN in the US. Prices may be different in other countries. Prices can also change, so double check them by visiting the official website of the VPN provider.

Introductory vs renewal pricing

First-time VPN users see introductory prices of each VPN, but most of them have much higher renewal pricing. For example, if you subscribe to Proton VPN for 2 years at $2.99/month, you’ll pay $9.99/month after renewal.

For this reason, I highly suggest choosing the longest subscription terms, so renewal prices would be postponed for a few years.

Here are a few VPN introductory vs renewal price comparisons for 2-year plans:

The table reveals that VPNs have different pricing strategies. For many VPNs, lower introductory prices can sometimes mean higher renewals.

For example, while Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN by $27.63 for the first 2 years, it becomes more expensive by $138.99 upon renewal. This technically makes NordVPN cheaper when you add up the prices.

So, when choosing a VPN, I recommend adding up the introductory and renewal prices if you’re ready to commit for longer than a few years.

Ways to save on VPNs

VPN companies, including cheap VPNs, often provide users with multiple ways to save money on their service. Here are a few methods on how you can get VPNs even cheaper:

1. Sign up for the longest possible subscription term, since they usually have cheaper monthly prices.
2. Look for special deals during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the academic year start, or other important dates.
3. Use influencer discounts, since many VPNs sponsor YouTubers or other creators. For example, NordVPN influencer codes offer up to 77% off. Meanwhile, Surfshark’s YouTuber codes come with up to 88% off, with influencers like TomSka being long-term users.
4. Check for student or employee discounts, which some VPNs offer, especially for teachers, healthcare professionals, or military personnel.

How to choose the right VPN

Choosing a high-quality VPN takes more than just looking at the price point. I recommend setting a budget, then looking at which VPN offers the best value and features.

Let’s review what you should take into consideration before investing in a VPN.

• Server network – the more servers a VPN offers, the more you can do with it. For example, you can access geo-restricted content in dozens of countries. Also, you can find servers in countries near your physical location, which can ensure better speeds.
• Speed – whether you’re using a VPN for browsing, streaming, gaming, or anything else, you want to ensure lag-free speeds at all times. That’s why I recommend you use VPN free trials to test internet speeds before connecting to a VPN and after. You can use tools like Speedtest by Ookla.
• Compatibility – VPNs should be compatible with major operating systems (OS), so you can connect it to your computer and your smartphone. Look for services that offer VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, or other OS that you own.
• Security features – look for a secure VPN that offers current encryption cipher standards, like AES-256 or ChaCha20, a kill switch to prevent leaks, an audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection.
• Streaming – if you want to access bigger streaming service libraries or geo-blocked streaming platforms, then you need a streaming VPN. Look for VPNs that claim to unblock specific streaming services you want, like Netflix, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, or others.

Can I use a free VPN?

Yes, you can use a free VPN, but I don’t always recommend it. It depends on the free VPN you choose, because completely free VPNs can be malware in disguise or sell your personal data to third parties. This would defeat the purpose of a VPN in the first place.

However, there’s an alternative – freemium VPNs – free plans of premium VPN providers. Since the companies have a steady income, they can provide secure free VPNs. That said, they’re limited in features, don’t have a lot of servers, and can even include data or speed caps. They work as an introductory service to premium VPN plans.

My best recommendation is to try out premium VPNs but use their free trials with money-back guarantees. This way, you can test how a VPN works without instantly committing long term.

Final thoughts

VPN prices vary based on features, subscription length, and whether it’s an introductory offer or renewal. Still, even spending $2-$5/month can get you a VPN with the same core features as premium-priced tools if you’re ready to commit to a longer subscription.

But price alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor. If the cheapest VPN lacks security audits, has a small server network, or shows DNS leaks, then the price may not even match its value. Buying even a $1 more expensive plan could get you better speeds, audited no-logs policies, and servers in over a hundred locations, depending on the brand.

To conclude, the best VPN choice is the one that can balance price, features, and privacy. Take the time to review renewal prices, compare security features, and make use of free trials to test services out.