The Cheapest Monthly VPN Services
As the level of technology in our society has increased, the convenience it has been able to offer the average consumer has been nothing short of staggering. At the same time, the exponential increase in the price performance of information technology has also made it easier for those who wish to enrich themselves at our expense to carry out their evil deeds.
At the same time, the cost of living in many urban areas, places that more and more of the world’s population is flocking to, is on the rise. This carries the predictable result that people of average and modest means look for places to financially trim.
A good and cheap monthly VPN service has the potential to kill these two birds with one stone. Not only does a good VPN service provide the protection netizens so desperately need, but it is also something that does not break the bank.
Not only does a good VPN service shield you from unscrupulous third parties, but really good VPNs also have the ability to bypass streaming restrictions setup by the largest online reservoirs of visual entertainment which will serve to enhance humanity’s quality of life in ways previously thought impossible.
Why Choose a Monthly Subscription?
As with any competitive market, there are quite a number of VPNs to browse through when doing your research, which we trust you will do. Many VPNs overcome this competition by differentiating themselves qualitatively by either providing newer and more sophisticated features in their package, and some by simply catering to niche markets with very narrow scopes of VPN usage.
But many others still go the route of price competition. The most common way of going about this is by decreasing the marginal cost of adding subscription time. Nearly all VPNs offer longer subscription periods and entice users to sign up for those by lowering the price hike so that the average monthly cost is noticeably lower.
While that may sound attractive, something to keep in mind is that not all of us actually need the services of a VPN for two or three years. What if a brand new competitor shows up in the meantime and you want to switch? The thing is, just about all of these VPNs require you to pay for the entire time period upfront.
With that in mind, it might make sense to get a monthly subscription, even though it might cost a tad bit more in the long run.
Recommended Cheap Monthly VPN Services
In this article, we are going to take a dive specifically into the realm of monthly VPN subscriptions. We are going to look at how they work, why they might make more sense for you, and what the options out there are. All you have to do is read along.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
When most people who know a bit about VPNs think about ExpressVPN, they usually think of a high quality service that is worth what they paid for. Indeed, one of the main selling points of ExpressVPN is its massive fleet of servers at over three thousand and growing.
Those who follow global events might have some concerns over the Five Eyes intelligence collaboration as well as the Fourteen Eyes treaty. Fortunately for everyone using ExpressVPN, it is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. This means it is not under either surveillance jurisdiction and would not be required to hand over any log information they have, so users can rest easy.
The impressive arsenal of servers at ExpressVPN is spread over 160 locations in 94 countries around the world. Not only that, but ExpressVPN stands out in having quite a number of those servers in traditionally neglected markets such as South America and Africa, so that everyone can partake in privacy protection.
Because of their wide array of servers, ExpressVPN is able to ensure constant availability of high speed bandwidths by being able to switch between servers close by in the event where one goes offline. This is very good news for those who love streaming movies and videos in HD.
When you obtain a modest subscription from ExpressVPN, you also gain access to their 24/7 customer support system. There is a very comprehensive troubleshoot guide on the main page for those who wish, and there is also a live chat feature where you can communicate with an actual person at any day and anytime.
When it comes to getting a subscription, many will point out that ExpressVPN comes at a noticeable premium compared to other services out there. While this may be true, it is also to be noted that this comes out to just $12.95 a month, and you avail a quality of service that is top of the line in the industry. Many will say it is worth the extra few bucks.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN is another high quality service that carries with it military grade encryption, as well as double encryption, meaning you can choose two locations to route your exchanges from, giving you bulletproof anonymity online. You can stay protected when using public Wi-Fi and even save yourself the dread of those annoying ads.
On top of having military grade encryption, NordVPN is also headquartered in Panama. This is not done for the sunshine, but to keep outside the jurisdiction of the major intelligence compacts. This way, NordVPN will not be forced to keep logging information for any agency, which is usually done without the users even knowing about it.
When it comes to sheer network size, NordVPN really takes the cake, fielding a whopping 5600 servers spread over 59 different countries. Not only does this mean that a large number of global netizens can benefit from NordVPN’s network, but any unexpected hiccup from a single server can be mitigated by another one close by.
Another benefit from this expansive network is that it is all but impossible for any streaming disruptions to occur. By having so many servers, each server has to take a lighter load, thereby minimizing the chances of overloading any one server, which allows streaming junkies to rest easy.
When it comes to tech support, NordVPN has a variety of assistance systems in place. You can reach them by email if you have something that is not extremely pressing or have some curiosities. Live chat is also something you can use to contact an actual person to help you. Lastly, NordVPN has a help center, as well as an FAQ section to further assist their customers.
At $11.95 a month, NordVPN’s subscription is about on par with that of ExpressVPN. NordVPN also carries with it a 30-day money back guarantee, just in case their services was not exactly what you were looking for.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
PrivateInternetAccess
Features
- IP cloaking? Yes
- Access to US domains? Yes
- Devices supported: Over 30 (including iOS and Android)
- Firewalls? Yes
- Servers: 3000+ in over 25 countries
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Firewall
- Completely private browsing
- Lesser known provider
PIA VPN boasts an instant setup system that they vouch is second to none. One of the world’s leading VPNs, PIA VPN allows for ten devices to be connected simultaneously to a single subscription, which is double the industry standard of five. With no limits on bandwidth, PIA VPN is definitely one to look out for.
PIA VPN is located in Denver, a location they say is preferable as the U.S. does not have the mandatory data retention laws that the EU has. This is good news for those who deal with sensitive information, because you will not have to worry about any data leakage.
PIA VPN has over 3375 servers at its disposal that are spread over 32 countries on all six continents. This sort of spread enables PIA VPN to benefit traditionally underserved markets in places like South America, as well as Africa, who are both seeing large increases in people going online and therefore potential customers.
With multiple VPN gateways, as well as P2P support, PIA VPN has many tools at its disposal in order to ensure its protective services are never compromised. This is of course very important not only for those who cannot afford any leaks in information, but also for those of us who require that our visual streams are always in HD.
In addition to a very responsive email portal, PIA VPN has a whole cache of helpful articles for your reading pleasure. They also have guides for users and post updates regularly so everyone can stay abreast. On top of that, there is a feedback icon where customers can go and give unfiltered opinions so that PIA VPN has a better idea of how to serve them better.
PIA VPN has its monthly subscription regularly priced at $9.95, with a mass promotion currently putting it at $6.95 a month. PIA VPN also carries with it a 7-day money back guarantee to put potential customers at ease with the assurance that they can test things out without any financial obligations.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Firewall; Completely private browsing;
- Lowest price: €2.50
Trust.Zone
Features
- Complete anonymity? Yes
- Unblocking of all websites? Yes
- Pricing options: 4
- Servers: 164 in 80+ zones
- Free trial: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Bitcoin accepted
- App for mobile devices
- Lesser known provider
One of the first things you see on the Trust.Zone main page is its commitment to preventing ISPs from tracking your online whereabouts, as well as their no log policy. All this and more make Trust.Zone a very trusted name in the industry.
Trust.Zone is based in the Seychelles, which keeps it far away from the prying eyes and tentacles of the main intelligence alliances. One benefit of locating so remotely is that the chances of any encroachments by the major powers sometime in the future are minimized.
Trust.Zone has with it 156 specialty servers located in 88 different zones around the world on all six continents. Indeed, the inroads it has made in Africa, South America, and even underserved parts of Asia, rival even the most prominent VPNs in terms of customer catchment.
Trust.Zone prides itself in offering unlimited bandwidth for its customers. On top of that, there are no restrictions on P2P traffic as well as speed. All of this and more mean that users do not need to dread the possibility of having their streams interrupted.
In addition to creating a very helpful FAQ section, Trust.Zone has also prepared a very comprehensive troubleshoot system to help with any minor problems customers might be facing. If problems are a little more substantial than that, you can send a problem ticket directly to them and they will look into each issue individually.
Trust.Zone comes with a very modest price tag of $8.88 a month, making it the most affordable option thus far. For the more cautious buyer, Trust.Zone does carry with it a free version that has a three day limit and a 1GB data cap for everyone to try out before making a purchase decision.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Bitcoin accepted; App for mobile devices;
- Lowest price: €3
UltraVPN
Features
- One click connect? Yes
- Servers: 100+ superfast servers
- Bandwidth cap? No
- Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
Pros/Cons
- Firewall
- Apps for all devices
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not as many servers as others
When it comes to VPNs that offer quality services for a low price, UltraVPN is always in line. This provider offers numerous features for a give-away price; with a monthly price of $6.99, it is one of the cheapest VPNs in terms of monthly payments.
To begin, UltraVPN assures you of ‘rock solid protection’ all the way. If privacy and anonymity is one of your main concerns, this should put your mind at rest.
It features over 100 server locations in about 58 countries, and is fitted with the AES 256-bit military-grade encryption that makes your data impenetrable to hackers. Its secure firewall ensures that your data is locked tight within the virtual walls of the VPN. This way, your internet activities also remain hidden from all sorts of snoops, including your ISP.
In terms of unblockability, UltraVPN works hard to maintain its standard of being able to give you access to Netflix, Hulu and HBO Go. This is pretty decent for the cheap price you have to pay.
UltraVPN offers you great value for your money. Its cheapest pricing option stands at only $2.99 every month for 12 months.
- Pros: Firewall; Apps for all devices; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: €2.99
ProtonVPN
Features
- P2P support? Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
- Country of origin? Switzerland
- Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
- Simultaneous devices: 5
Pros/Cons
- Professional support
- Modern interface and apps
- AES-256 encryption
- Lesser known provider
ProtonVPN is always keen to mention that its impeccable security apparatus is able to protect users regardless if they are in the comfort of their own home, or on a public Wi-Fi that might not be the safest. ProtonVPN also uses a secure code on top of normal encryption and routes it through safe locations to give you that extra layer of protection.
Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is out of reach of the main intelligence apparatuses of the EU and North America. It also routes users’ exchanges through safe jurisdictions such as Iceland and Switzerland itself. This gives users a peace of mind, especially those who stand to lose a lot in the event of a security breach.
With 498 servers spread throughout 40 countries internationally, ProtonVPN is able to properly cater to its subscriber base. What’s more, ProtonVPN is growing at a tremendous pace and is expected to double its overall network capacity in no time. ProtonVPN also appeals globally as it has servers on all six continents.
For the more recreational user who loves video streaming, it is to be noted that ProtonVPN has minimum bandwidth of 1 Gbps and offers most of its users 10 Gbps. What this means is that it is next to impossible for users to experience any lagging when seeking the best entertainment the Internet has to offer.
As far as technical support goes, ProtonVPN has compiled a list of all possible issue categories in a single page. This includes the usual troubleshoot support, but also general information and direct access to your account. If you require more specific assistance, the support team can be contacted on the same page.
ProtonVPN is quite unusual in that it does not have different pricing tiers based on length of subscription, but level of services. There are four tiers, the first being free and the most basic, all the way up to the visionary package at $24 a month. The most common subscription is the third tier, or Plus package at $8 a month.
- Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
- Lowest price: €4
PrivateVPN
Features
- Killswitch Yes
- iOS App Yes
- Data logging No
Pros/Cons
- Servers in 63 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
- App can seem complicated
Another efficient yet cheap VPN service provider is PrivateVPN. It offers great VPN service, speed, and security from as low as $2.08. It has flexible payment plans you can select, depending on your budget. It has a 12-month payment option at 2.08/ month, a 3-month plan at $5.03/month, and a one-month plan of $8.10/ month.
Besides its affordable plans, PrivateVPN has great security and privacy features to help keep you safe. It uses the AES 256 bit encryption model and has protocols like OpenVPN. It also has a kill switch and a strict zero-logs policy.
PrivateVPN has hundreds of servers in 60+ countries. You can use it to stream geo-restricted content, play online games, download content, or browse on the internet. It also has good speed and doesn’t affect your internet connection.
Furthermore, PrivateVPN offers a 7-days free trial and a 30-days money-back guarantee after the free trial. You can ask for a refund within 30-days and get your money back. This gives you more than enough time to try out the features for free.
PrivateVPN is compatible with nearly every device. With a single subscription, you can use the VPN service on multiple devices. It allows a simultaneous connection of up to six devices.
- Pros: Servers in 63 countries; 30-day money-back guarantee; 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256;
- Lowest price: €2.04
IPVanish
Features
- One click connect? Yes
- Bandwidth cap? No
- Servers: 100+ superfast servers
- Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, Routers
Pros/Cons
- Firewall
- Apps for all devices
- 40,000+ shared IPs, 1,300+ VPN servers in 75+ locations
- Not the cheapest out there
IP Vanish is an affordable VPN service with a reliable service. It has a yearly plan of $3.75/ month and a one-month plan of $10.99 per month. At this price, you’ll have access to geo-restricted sites, prevent cyberattacks on your device, and hide your location.
The VPN service provider has thousands of servers in 55+ countries. These servers will help you easily hide your location and gain access to geo-restricted sites. You can stream, and play only games at good speed with PrivateVPN.
The US-based VPN provider has essential security and privacy features to keep you safe. It uses the AES 256-bit encryption model, and several protocols to help keep you secure. IPVanish also has a kill switch, and zero logs policy to help keep you private.
Before choosing IPVanish as your VPN service, you can test out its efficiency with the 30-days money-back guarantee. You can use the VPN for 30 days and get a refund on your subscription. Additionally, a single subscription will allow you to connect to up to ten (10) devices simultaneously.
The VPN software has a mobile and desktop-friendly interface, and a 24/7 customer support service to help you navigate. It is compatible with Android, Linux, Windows, Mac, and iOs.
- Pros: Firewall; Apps for all devices; 40,000+ shared IPs, 1,300+ VPN servers in 75+ locations;
- Lowest price: $2.62
Find Your VPN Today
This is just a sample of what the VPN industry has to offer. Online protection is becoming increasingly important and will continue to be in the coming years. The ultimate decision on which VPN works best is up to you, but we hope this helped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions on VPNs.
How much do VPNs cost per month?
The cost of a VPN differs from one provider to the other. It depends on the service they offer and the size of the service. VPNs generally cost from $2 to $13 per month. What is the cheapest monthly VPN service?
The cheapest recommended monthly VPN on this list is PrivateVPN. It offers great services in security, speed, accessing geo-restricted sites, and privacy. It costs as low as $2.08/ month.
What does a money-back guarantee mean?
Some VPN service providers offer up to a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can subscribe to the service and get a refund within the stipulated period. During this period you will have full access to all the services offered by the VPN provider. Before subscribing to a cheap monthly VPN, you can enjoy premium services for free with the money-back guarantee offer.
Can I use a free VPN instead of a cheap VPN?
Yes, you can use free VPNs to help hide your IP address or gain access to geo-restricted sites. It will save you the cost you would have spent on a cheap monthly VPN service. However, they may not provide you the best VPN services, especially in terms of security. It is safer and more advisable to use a paid VPN. Many affordable VPNs can meet your budget.
Are cheap VPNs safe?
Whether a cheap VPN is safe or not largely depends on the provider. Generally, VPNs are safe and can help prevent cyberattacks and protect your privacy when using the internet. Your cheap monthly VPN service, however, needs to have the necessary security features and protocols to keep you safe.