Top 2025 best cheap VPN: Security tested from just $1.99

Let’s start with a refreshing truth: You absolutely don’t need to shell out over $10 a month for a premium VPN. The real challenge when searching for the best cheap VPN isn’t just finding a low price – it’s distinguishing a genuine bargain from a security risk in disguise.

I get the hesitation. The word ‘cheap’ can feel like a red flag, especially when your data privacy is on the line. After personally testing dozens of budget services for Safelyo, I’ve seen firsthand how some providers cut dangerous corners while others deliver incredible value. Will it sell your data? Will it slow your internet to a crawl? These are the right questions to ask for your online security.

That’s why I did the heavy lifting for you. This guide isn’t just another list; it’s your roadmap to making a smart, budget-conscious decision.

Let’s explore the best budget-friendly VPNs on the market and prove that premium privacy protection doesn’t need a premium price tag.

1. The best cheap VPNs of 2025: Quick picks

For those who want the bottom line right away, I’ve put together this simple table. This quick VPN comparison summarizes our top findings based on overall value, security, and performance. Each of these VPNs offers a fantastic deal, but the “best” one for you depends on your specific needs. The detailed reviews below will help you make the final call.

2. In-depth reviews of the top 5 best cheap VPNs

Now that you’ve seen the highlights, let’s dive into what makes each of these VPNs a fantastic choice. I’ve spent hours testing each one – from their speeds and security features to how easy they are to use for everyday tasks. Here’s my detailed breakdown.

2.1. #1 – Surfshark

Surfshark has completely redefined what a cheap VPN can be. You get premium performance and a generous feature set at a price that’s almost impossible to beat. For the price of one competitor’s subscription, Surfshark lets you protect your entire family’s digital life. That’s not just a good deal; it’s unbeatable value.

Value proposition: 
Unbeatable value with unlimited device connections and a solid money-back guarantee.

Best Price: 
~$2.49/month
(2-year plan)

Monthly Price:
~$12.95/month 
(1-month plan)

This is the perfect VPN for families, students living with roommates, or anyone who, like me, has a phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV they want to protect simultaneously.

Performance & features

Surfshark is the provider I recommend to most of my friends and family, and for one simple reason: it just works, on everything. With its modern WireGuard protocol, I’ve consistently experienced fast speeds; WireGuard is perfect for streaming Netflix in 4K. It reliably unblocks not just Netflix, but also other popular platforms like Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.

Beyond streaming, you get a suite of genuinely useful extra features. Its CleanWeb tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware links before they even load, which makes browsing feel faster and safer. There’s also a Rotating IP feature that periodically changes your IP address without dropping the connection, adding another layer of privacy.

But the real game-changer is the unlimited simultaneous connections. Most VPNs limit you to 5-7 devices. With Surfshark, you don’t have to count.

2.2. #2 – Private Internet Access (PIA)

If you want a gigantic server network and the flexibility to customize your connection down to the last detail, PIA is an absolute powerhouse. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice advanced features to get one of the best cheap VPN deals on the market.

Value proposition: 
A massive server network and advanced customization options for a very low price, backed by a money-back guarantee.

Best Price: 
~$2.11/month
(2-year plan)

Monthly Price:
~$11.99/month 
(1-month plan)

Experienced VPN users who love to tinker and want granular control will be right at home. It’s also a fantastic choice for anyone who needs access to a vast and diverse global server network.

Performance & features

When I first opened PIA’s settings panel, I felt like a pilot in a cockpit – there are buttons and switches for everything. You can change your encryption level, select specific ports, and choose between protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. This makes it a playground for tech-savvy users who want total control.

But here’s the great thing: you don’t have to touch any of that. Out of the box, PIA’s default settings use the WireGuard protocol and are perfectly optimized for speed and security. Its performance is rock-solid, and because all of its apps are 100% open-source, anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities. This level of transparency is rare and builds a huge amount of trust.

And then there’s the server network. With tens of thousands of servers in over 90 countries, you’ll never struggle to find a fast, uncongested connection, no matter where you are.

2.3. #3 – CyberGhost

CyberGhost makes online privacy and content unblocking accessible to everyone. With its specialized servers and incredibly generous refund policy, it’s the easiest and most risk-free way to get started with a quality VPN.

Value proposition: The most user-friendly interface with excellent streaming support, backed by the industry's longest money-back guarantee.

Best Price: 
~$2.19/month
(2-year plan)

Monthly Price:
~$12.99/month 
(1-month plan)

It’s the ideal choice for VPN beginners and for anyone whose primary goal is to unblock streaming content from around the world without any hassle.

Performance & features

I often call CyberGhost the “no-guesswork VPN” because it removes all the usual complexity, especially for streaming. Instead of trying random US servers to access geo-restricted content, the app includes a dedicated “For Streaming” section. You just choose “Netflix US,” click connect, and it sends you to a server that’s already verified to work. It’s incredibly convenient.

I’ve tested this feature extensively for platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and various European sports channels, and it works like a charm almost every time. This saves a ton of frustration. The app itself is bright and clean, and it supports the fast WireGuard protocol, making it a perfect first VPN.

The standout feature, however, is its industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee. Most competitors offer 30 days. This extra time gives you absolute peace of mind to test everything thoroughly without any financial risk.

2.4. #4 – NordVPN: Best value premium option

NordVPN is a premium service available at a surprisingly cheap price if you commit long-term. It delivers an elite, fast, and secure experience that feels a step above the rest. If you’re looking for the most security features for your money, grabbing a NordVPN deal is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Value proposition: 

A top-tier VPN with rich security features that becomes incredibly affordable with its long-term deals.

Best Price: 
~$3.79/month
(2-year plan)

Monthly Price:
~$12.99/month 
(1-month plan)

This is for the user who wants the best of the best but is smart enough to wait for a great deal. If you value top-tier speed and advanced security features like malware scanning, NordVPN’s long-term plan offers immense value.

Performance & features

NordVPN sits in a unique spot. While its monthly price is in the premium range, its frequent two-year deals make it a direct competitor to the budget players. What I’ve found is that with NordVPN, that slightly higher price gets you a noticeably more polished and feature-packed experience.

Its speeds, powered by the proprietary NordLynx protocol (a variation of WireGuard), are consistently among the fastest I’ve ever tested. But the standout of its security features for me is Threat Protection. This isn’t just a simple ad blocker; it’s a full security suite that scans downloads for malware and blocks trackers even when you’re not connected to the VPN. I leave it running all the time as an extra layer of defense for my computer.

It also has specialized servers for things like Onion Over VPN for maximum anonymity and Double VPN, which provides double encryption. This powerful encryption is a key feature. It’s a security powerhouse.

2.5. #5 – PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is proof that you don’t need a massive operation to deliver great results. It’s one of the absolute best cheap VPN options if your main goal is streaming. For the price of a single cup of coffee per month on its long-term plan, you get reliable access to a world of content. It’s simple, effective, and incredibly affordable.

Value proposition: 
A straightforward, no-frills VPN that excels at unblocking streaming services for one of the lowest prices available.

Best Price: 

~$2.00/month
(3-year plan)

Monthly Price:

~$9.90/month 
(1-month plan)

This is a fantastic choice for beginners, people on a very tight budget, or anyone who primarily wants a VPN to unblock streaming sites and doesn’t need a ton of extra features.

Performance & features

Don’t let PrivateVPN’s small server network fool you. I think of it as a small, specialized workshop rather than a giant factory. Each server is meticulously maintained to be highly effective, especially for streaming. In my tests, PrivateVPN has consistently been one of the most reliable services for getting into tricky streaming libraries like the Japanese Netflix catalog.

The app is clean and simple, but an “Advanced View” unlocks more technical settings, including protocol choices like OpenVPN. One of its best features is Stealth VPN, which is designed to disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This is incredibly useful for getting around tough VPN blocks on restrictive university, work, or public Wi-Fi networks.

While it may not have the bells and whistles of Surfshark or NordVPN, it nails the fundamentals: strong security, a strict no-logs policy, and reliable performance.

3. The best of the rest: Other budget-friendly categories

While our top 5 offer the best all-around value, I know that “cheap” can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s the lowest possible monthly cost without a long-term commitment. For others, it’s about finding a premium service during a great sale. Here are our top picks for those specific scenarios.

3.1. Cheapest monthly VPN: Mullvad

If the idea of signing up for a two or three-year plan makes you hesitate, Mullvad is your answer. Their approach is refreshingly simple: a flat fee of ~€5 (about $5.50) per month. That’s it. Their pricing plans are simple: the price is the same whether you subscribe for one month or one year. There are no long-term contracts, no confusing tiers, and no introductory deals that skyrocket upon renewal.

What I respect most about Mullvad is its absolute dedication to privacy, backed by its Swedish jurisdiction. You can sign up without an email address and use anonymous payment methods. They generate a random account number for you, and you can even mail them cash to pay for your subscription to remain completely anonymous. While it may not be the best for unblocking every streaming service, if you want a short-term, highly private VPN without any strings attached, Mullvad is unmatched.

3.2. Best premium VPN with great deals: NordVPN

I know we already listed it as the top 5 best VPN, but it’s worth highlighting again in this category. NordVPN is a powerhouse, consistently ranking as one of the best VPNs in the world, period. While its standard monthly price isn’t “cheap,” its long-term plans frequently feature massive discounts that bring the monthly cost down into the budget category.

Choosing a NordVPN deal means you’re not just getting a cheap VPN; you’re getting a premium VPN for a cheap price. You get access to best-in-class features like its Threat Protection suite (which blocks malware), blazing-fast NordLynx protocol, and a highly polished user experience. If your budget has a little flex and you want the most feature-rich option, keep an eye out for a NordVPN sale.

4. The truth about cheap VPNs: How to find value, not just a low price

When I first got into cybersecurity, I had the same skepticism you might have right now. The word “cheap” often implies a compromise. But with VPNs, it’s more like buying the generic version of a medicine – you get the exact same active ingredients and protection, just without the flashy brand-name price tag.

The key is knowing what to look for. “Cheap” shouldn’t mean weak security or slow speeds. It means finding a provider that offers long-term plans at a massive discount. That’s the real secret.

4.1. Long-term vs. monthly plans: The real cost explained

Here’s the single biggest money-saving tip I can give anyone looking for a VPN: never pay month-to-month if you can avoid it.

VPN providers want you as a customer for the long haul. It’s much more cost-effective for them to keep a happy customer than to constantly find new ones. To encourage this, their long-term pricing plans offer incredible discounts on 1-year, 2-year, or even 3-year commitments. You’re essentially buying in bulk to get a wholesale price.

Think of it like a gym membership. The drop-in day pass is always the most expensive option. Committing to a year saves you a huge amount of money because the gym has secured your business. VPNs work the same way.

4.2. Cheap VPN vs. free VPN: Why paying a little is better than paying nothing

This is a critical distinction. It’s the difference between being a customer and being the product.

A cheap VPN has a straightforward business model: you use secure payment methods to pay a small fee, and in return, they provide a secure connection. Their primary goal is to keep you happy so you continue paying. Your privacy protection is their service.

A free VPN has to make money somehow, and it’s usually not in a way that benefits you. I’ve analyzed countless free VPNs, and the story is almost always the same. They often make money by:

• Selling your browsing data to advertisers and data brokers.
• Bombarding you with intrusive ads.
• Severely limiting your speed and data, making the service unusable for streaming or large downloads.
• Using weak security puts your information at risk.

Imagine a “free” security guard who secretly sells copies of your house key to make a living. That’s the risk you run with most free VPNs. For just a couple of dollars a month, a reputable, cheap VPN eliminates all of those worries.

4.3. What you don’t lose with a top cheap VPN

The best budget VPNs don’t skimp on the essential security features that actually matter for your privacy. When you choose one of the services we recommend, you are not sacrificing the core pillars of protection. You will still get:

• AES-256 Encryption: This is the gold standard of encryption, the same level used by banks and militaries to protect their most sensitive data. Your connection is virtually uncrackable.
• Audited No-Logs Policy: This is a promise, verified by independent audits, that the provider does not track what you do online.
• Kill Switch: This is a crucial safety net. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch cuts your internet access to prevent data leaks.
• Fast Speeds for Streaming & Gaming: All our picks, which offer a money-back guarantee that works like a risk-free free trial, are more than fast enough for buffer-free 4K streaming.
• Reliable Customer Support: You’re not left in the dark if you have an issue, as good customer support is available. Reputable cheap VPNs still offer reliable customer support, including 24/7 live chat and extensive knowledge bases.

Choosing one of the best cheap VPNs isn’t about settling for less; it’s about shopping smarter.

5. How we determine the “best value” for a cheap VPN

Finding the best value VPN isn’t as simple as sorting a list by price. At Safelyo, “best value” is our guiding principle. It’s a score we calculate based on a careful balance of price, performance, and trust. After years of testing, I’ve found this method gives the most realistic picture of what you actually get for your money.

Here’s a look inside our methodology:

5.1. Price-to-feature ratio (40% of score)

This is the most heavily weighted factor. We don’t just look at the price tag; we ask, “What do you get for that price?” A VPN that costs $2.50/month but allows unlimited connections (like Surfshark) offers a far better ratio than a $2.00/month VPN that only allows one connection and has no kill switch. We look for crucial features like a kill switch, split tunneling, modern protocols, and good P2P support.

5.2. Long-term cost (30% of score)

As we’ve discussed, the lowest price almost always comes from a long-term subscription. This part of our score directly rewards providers with the most significant discounts on their long-term subscription options. This reflects how most users can get the best possible deal.

5.3. Security and privacy credentials (20% of score)

This is non-negotiable. A VPN is worthless if it’s not secure. We will never recommend a service, no matter how cheap, if it compromises your safety. We verify that each VPN has a strict, independently audited no-logs policy and uses unbreakable AES-256 encryption. A provider that is transparent about its security practices and its jurisdiction will always score higher.

5.4. Performance and speed (10% of score)

Even the most secure, cheapest VPN is frustrating to use if it slows your internet to a crawl. We run regular speed tests connecting to servers in various locations (US, UK, and Asia) to measure download speed, upload speed, and latency (ping). We ensure that our recommended VPNs are more than fast enough for lag-free gaming, 4K streaming, and smooth video calls.

6. FAQ about the best cheap VPN

I get a lot of questions about budget-friendly VPNs, and many of them revolve around the same core concerns: safety, value, and real-world cost. Here are the direct answers to the most common questions we receive at Safelyo.

7. Conclusion

Finding a VPN that protects your digital life shouldn’t force you to empty your wallet. As we’ve shown, the search for the best cheap VPN isn’t about accepting risks or compromising on quality; it’s about making a smart, informed decision. By understanding the value of long-term plans and focusing on reputable providers, you can secure top-tier protection for the price of a coffee.

The myth that you have to pay a premium for online privacy is just that – a myth. The team at Safelyo has researched to prove that you can stay safe and secure without breaking the bank. Stop overpaying for digital privacy. Grab a deal from our list of the best VPN and get the protection you deserve at a price you’ll love.