Finding a quality VPN that won't break the bank can feel impossible. We've tested dozens to bring you the best cheap VPN services that still deliver on speed, security, and streaming – all under $4/month with long-term plans.
1. Surfshark – Best unlimited devices
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Consistently unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking
- From $2.49/month (24-month plan)
2. NordVPN – Fastest cheap option
- NordLynx protocol for gaming/4K streaming
- Threat Protection blocks malware
- 6 devices at once
- From $3.09/month (2-year plan)
3. PIA – Most configurable
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Open-source apps with advanced settings
- Proven no-logs policy
- From $2.19/month (3-year plan)
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest price | $2.49/month | $3.09/month | $2.19/month |
| Devices | Unlimited | 6 | 10 |
| Streaming | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime | Netflix, YouTube (region dependent) |
| Try | Get Surfshark | Get NordVPN | Get PIA |
Getting the best cheap VPN deal
All major VPNs offer significant discounts for long-term commitments. Here's how to maximize savings:
- Look for 2-3 year plans – Monthly rates drop 70-85% vs paying monthly
- Check coupon sites – Some providers offer extra months free
- Use money-back guarantees – Test thoroughly within 30 days
- Split costs with family – Surfshark's unlimited devices makes this easy
See our VPN deals page for current promotions across all providers.
Cheap VPN FAQs
Are cheap VPNs safe?
Yes, if you stick with reputable providers. All three we recommend have:
- No-logs policies (independently audited for Surfshark and NordVPN)
- Industry-standard AES-256 encryption
- Kill switches to prevent leaks
Why are long-term plans so much cheaper?
VPN companies prioritize subscriber retention. The initial discount locks you in, while their costs decrease over time (once apps are developed, infrastructure scales efficiently).
Can I get a free VPN instead?
We don't recommend free VPNs for regular use. Most have:
- Severe speed throttling
- Data caps (often under 2GB/month)
- Questionable privacy practices – Proton VPN's free tier is the only exception
How do I cancel if I change my mind?
All recommended providers offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Cancel through:
- Your account dashboard online
- Email support (required for PIA)
- Live chat (fastest for Surfshark/NordVPN)
Best value pick: Surfshark
For households or users with many devices, Surfshark delivers exceptional value at just $2.49/month. Its unlimited connections, consistent streaming performance, and CleanWeb features make it our top budget recommendation.
30-day money-back guarantee. See how we test VPNs.
