ExpressVPN tops the list as its monthly plan offers the best value for money. For as low as $6.67/month, you’ll get a lightning-fast VPN with advanced security features and world-class customer support. Even better, all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN risk-free to see if it’s the monthly VPN for you. If you decide that it’s not, ExpressVPN will give you your money back, no questions asked. Try ExpressVPN risk-free
Quick Guide: Best VPNs with Cheap Monthly Deals in 2023
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The Best Cheap Monthly VPN Plans in 2023 (Pay as You Go) – Tested in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Audited TrustedServer Technology Guarantees Secure, Lightning-Fast Connections
Key Features: ExpressVPN’s extensive global network, lightning-fast speeds, and advanced security make it the best monthly VPN. All 3,000+ servers are secured with TrustedServer Technology, meaning they run only on RAM to ensure none of your traffic data is ever written to a disk. The whole setup (including its no-logs policy) is even independently audited by PWC. Multiple tests on various ExpressVPN servers also showed it to have consistently fast speeds. My connection speeds never strayed far from my default of 350Mbps, even with distant servers. Speeds dropped just 14.6% to an average of 289.9Mbps (the fastest on this list). This made it easy to download large files, play ping-sensitive games, and stream UHD content. Some of the streaming services ExpressVPN could successfully access included: Besides the aforementioned TrustedServer Technology, ExpressVPN also keeps your device secure in several other ways:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — keeps internet traffic concealed. Protection against DNS & IP leaks — averts unintentional data exposure. Obfuscation across all servers — conceals VPN activity, preventing connection blocks due to proxy detection. Auto kill switch — terminates internet connection if VPN is disrupted. Proprietary Lightway Protocol — gives you high speeds and security.
I’m a big fan of ExpressVPN’s overall user experience. It has a clean interface with a big “connect” button above a recommended server, which is handy when you need to get connected ASAP. Of course, you can also manually select servers, giving you the best of both worlds. ExpressVPN has multiple options for getting help if you need it. When I reached out to support via live chat, I was connected to a helpful agent who quickly sorted out my request. There’s also a detailed knowledgebase, which even features step-by-step installation guides that proves useful if you need to know how to use a VPN on a smart TV or other devices. Though it’s at the higher end of monthly VPN pricing, ExpressVPN is still the best-value monthly VPN considering all its premium features. You can even save up to 49% if you go for ExpressVPN’s 1-year plan, which allows you to enjoy top-notch protection and consistently high speeds for just $6.67 per month. All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN out risk-free. If it’s not the right fit, you can always get a full refund. I tested this by requesting a refund (via live chat) at the end of my 1-month subscription plan. The agent approved my request — no questions asked. The money was back in my account in a week. Try ExpressVPN risk-free
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Ensure Fast Speeds for Any Activity
Key Features: CyberGhost offers one of the biggest monthly savings among premium VPNs on this list. At $2.11/month, you can save up to 84% when you sign up for a 2-year + 3 months plan. For this price, you’ll be getting a high-speed VPN with a huge network of 9.500 servers perfect for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities. Within this network, CyberGhost offers a great selection of servers optimized for different uses. For instance, the gaming-optimized servers allowed me to play online with impressively low latency, while the torrenting servers ensured high speeds for downloads. CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers successfully accessed multiple popular services, including: Speed-wise, CyberGhost performed well: I measured average speeds of 228.41Mbps while connected to various global servers. Although this 34.7% drop is higher than ExpressVPN’s average, I didn’t experience major interruptions or slowdowns. In fact, I could still watch shows and movies in UHD with no noticeable buffering. It also takes device security very seriously, and includes the following security features:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — guarantees your connection is secure. Automatic kill switch — instantly blocks internet access if the VPN connection is interrupted. Data leak protection — blocks DNS and IP leaks. Malicious ad blocker — stops ads containing malware. “NoSpy” advanced obfuscated servers — offer heightened anonymity and data security.
CyberGhost is a great pick if you need support for a wide range of devices. It has several native apps, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire Stick, Android TV, routers, and more. The apps are designed with an intuitive interface, making it easy for users of all skill levels to get properly connected (further helped by the aforementioned optimized servers). If affordability is what you’re after, CyberGhost’s monthly rates are some of the lowest among the premium VPNs that I tested. However, its one-month plan is a bit pricier and only comes with a meager 14-day money-back guarantee. To get the most savings from CyberGhost, its longer-term plans are by far the best option. If you’re looking for a good VPN for streaming, torrenting, or gaming, you can try CyberGhost risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. If you decide that it’s not the right fit, getting a refund is simple. I contacted live chat to verify this for myself. A customer service representative approved my request within minutes, and I had the money back in 7 days. Try CyberGhost risk-free
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Inexpensive Monthly VPN With Customizable Security Options
Key Features: At $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months plan, PIA is an inexpensive premium VPN choice. It also offers a host of deep customization options that aren’t always available with many other VPNs, making it perfect for both beginner and advanced VPN users. With 35,000+ servers in over 84 countries, PIA also boasts the largest server network among the VPNs on this list. This helps prevent server overcrowding, especially in more popular regions. PIA’s heavy use of virtual servers also assists with this, since it can quickly spin up new servers without the need for physical hardware in a specific country. Speed tests across several global servers showed an average speed drop of 62%, although this was mainly due to slow speeds with faraway servers like Australia (which didn’t meet the UHD minimum speed for me). Luckily, servers closer to me fared much better, and PIA’s resulting 133Mbps average speed was plenty for high-bandwidth activities like streaming. PIA was able to access high-quality streams from multiple services, including the following: While PIA’s default security options provide high levels of protection, PIA’s settings are highly customizable. This includes changes to encryption options, protocol changes, or split tunneling. However, it provides plenty more security options, including:
Powerful 256-bit encryption — scrambles all online traffic. MACE ad blocker — removes annoying or malicious ads while you browse. DNS leak protection — prevents identifying data from being made visible. An audited no-logs policy — guarantees your web activity is never saved. WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec (on iOS) protocols — for a balance of speed and security.
PIA offers user-friendly apps for a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. In fact, if you’re a Linux user you’ll be happy to know that PIA provides a full graphical user interface for Linux users, making it much easier to use compared to the CLI approach common with other VPNs. No need to commit right away — you can try PIA risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. I verified this works by emailing PIA support and was impressed to get a reply with confirmation within 1 hour. I had the money back in my bank account 6 business days later. Try PIA risk-free
4. NordVPN — Advanced Privacy with Double VPN and Onion Over VPN Options
Key Features: NordVPN offers some unique security and privacy features, setting it apart from the competition. With Double VPN and Onion Over VPN options, your internet traffic is encrypted twice or passed through the Onion network for an extra layer of protection. This makes NordVPN an ideal choice for users who prioritize privacy and security above all else. There’s a network of 5700+ servers in 60 countries for you to choose from, ensuring reliable and fast connections worldwide. These high-speed servers ensured that I could stream in UHD, download large files, and browse the internet without any noticeable lag. In fact, it was able to access the following services for high-quality streaming: It also offers robust security features, including:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — ensures your data remains safe and secure. Automatic kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN connection is lost. DNS and IP leak protection — prevents accidental data exposure. CyberSec feature — blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Strict no-log policy and RAM-based servers — guarantee your data will never be stored.
NordVPN’s numerous native applications for well-known platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, left a strong impression on me. Its interface is simple and user-friendly, making it easy for VPN novices to locate the right server and customize the settings without difficulty. I was a little let down by the lack of obfuscated servers around the world, especially when you compare it to VPNs like ExpressVPN which offers obfuscation on a large percentage of servers. However, NordVPN still offers at least 2 obfuscated servers in each major region around the world, so you do have a few options. NordVPN is tied with CyberGhost as the most-expensive 1-month VPN option on this list. However, you can save up to 66% by opting for the 2-year plan, for $3.49 per month. It’s a highly affordable price for a VPN that has plenty to offer. You can test NordVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide it’s not the right fit, simply request a refund via live chat or email. I tested the refund process and received my money back within a week. Try NordVPN risk-free
5. Surfshark — Bypass Censorship on All Your Devices Simultaneously
Key Features: Surfshark’s NoBorders mode ensures that you can access blocked content and websites across its entire server network — something that few VPNs offer. Coupled with Unlimited simultaneous device connections, you can access the global internet on every device you own, providing wide-ranging access and protection for your entire digital ecosystem. It has a solid network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, providing fast and stable connections. In all of my tests, I was impressed by Surfshark’s speed across several global servers, as well as overall connection stability. I was easily able to browse the web, download large files, and even stream UHD content with minimal buffering. On the subject of streaming, Surfshark competently accesses numerous platforms, including the following: In terms of robust security features, Surfshark also offers:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — keeps your data safe and private. Automatic kill switch — disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. DNS and IP leak protection — ensures your data remains secure. MultiHop feature — routes your traffic through multiple servers for increased privacy. Rotating IP — regularly changes your IP address in the background for added anonymity.
The user interface is super user-friendly, making it easy to connect to the best server for your needs. My main issue with it is that you have to click a button to load in the server stats like load and latency, and it can take several seconds for them to appear. I’d prefer if this information were always present instead of having to wait. Surfshark’s 1-month plan isn’t the cheapest, but you can save up to 82% by opting for the 2-year plan at just $2.39 per month. This makes Surfshark one of the most affordable options among the top VPNs. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try Surfshark risk-free. If you decide it’s not the right fit, request a refund via live chat or email. I successfully tested the refund process and received my money back within a week. Try Surfshark risk-free
6. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN for Ultimate Anonymity
Key Features: When I saw that PrivateVPN only had 200 servers, I was initially skeptical. However, its surprisingly capable server network combined with its affordable 3-year plan helped it stand out to me as one of the cheapest monthly VPNs on this list. In tests conducted, PrivateVPN’s global servers demonstrated commendable speeds, averaging at 76.1Mbps. However, this resulted in a drop of approximately 78%. It is worth noting that this is the most significant decline among the options considered. Consequently, if you possess a high-speed connection that you wish to fully leverage, this may disqualify PrivateVPN as a suitable choice. Some of the supported services where you can enjoy these UHD streams include: PrivateVPN offers a solid set of security and privacy features to protect your online activities, including:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — ensures your data remains safe and secure. Automatic kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN connection is lost. DNS and IP leak protection — prevents accidental data exposure. Stealth VPN technology — bypasses VPN blocks and internet censorship.
Although PrivateVPN doesn’t provide malware or ad blockers, its focus on anonymity and unblocking make it a compelling choice. The Stealth VPN feature, in particular, helps it stand out. This hides the fact that you’re using a VPN to allow you to bypass VPN blocks and access restricted content in countries with strict online restrictions. Although its interface isn’t necessarily as slick as PIA’s, PrivateVPN provides easy-to-use apps for popular devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, ensuring all your devices are protected. You can try PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN and other security features by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide it’s not the right fit, simply request a refund via live chat or email. The refund process is straightforward — I had to email a request to customer support, but quickly receive confirmation and received my money back within 5 days. Try PrivateVPN risk-free
7. IPVanish — SOCKS5 Proxy Support for Improved Privacy
Key Features: IPVanish’s SOCKS5 proxy support offers an additional layer of privacy and security. The SOCKS5 proxy masks your IP address without encrypting your traffic, anonymizing your traffic without slowing it down as much as an encrypted connection. This is particularly useful if you need to bypass censorship or access geo-restricted content. You can connect unlimited simultaneous connections with IPVanish, making it extremely cost-effective considering its low monthly subscription cost. Although its 1-month plan isn’t cheap, you can get it for the low price of $3.33/month with a 2-year plan. I ran tests on various servers and measured an average speed drop of just 15.7% from my baseline speed — almost as good as ExpressVPN’s performance. These speeds make IPVanish a good option for UHD streaming. Some of the services that IPVanish can access include: IPVanish’s simplified yet detailed interface that gives you all the information you need to choose the best servers. The server details include load and ping, which can be very useful. Between the list and map of all the servers, it’s easy to see which server’s the best choice for you. It also keeps your devices secure, thanks to a number of powerful features, including:
AES-256 encryption — safeguards your data with the highest level of encryption. Built-in kill switch — cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops. Leak protection — shields your DNS and IP address from accidental exposure. Audited zero-log policy — ensuring your online activities remain private. Multiple VPN protocols — like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard for flexible and secure connections.
If all the above sounds appealing but you’d like to test it out first, You can try IPVanish risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested it out myself by claiming a refund on my account dashboard. I received an approval email after an hour. However, I was slightly disappointed to see that the 1-month plan doesn’t qualify for a refund. Try IPVanish risk-free
8. PureVPN — 20Gbps Servers for Extreme Bandwidth Capacity
Key Features: 20Gbps servers aren’t common amongst VPNs, but PureVPN provides them to allow for more extreme bandwidth capacity. This manifested in high speeds in my tests, dropping an average of just 20% from my baseline. This made it perfect for high-speed activities, although I at times found it difficult to find a server that was low-latency enough for online gaming. Streaming UHD content was consistent. In fact, I was surprised that PureVPN could access most streaming platforms, with it only struggling to stream content from HBO Max. Otherwise, it could access the following platforms: PureVPN also offers robust security features, including:
Military-grade encryption — keeps your data safe from prying eyes. Network kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops. Leak protection — ensures your IP address and other sensitive data remain concealed. No-warning audits — help keep PureVPN accountable at all times.
However, I have one issue with PureVPN’s privacy history: in 2016, the company shared logs with authorities during a cyberstalking investigation. However, PureVPN now undergoes voluntary third-party audits by KPMG that verify its no-logs claims. PureVPN makes it easy to connect your device, with a wide range of app support. It’s got apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You’ll be able to secure your online activities across up to 10 of your devices simultaneously. PureVPN’s monthly rate is a bit steep for a VPN that you’re only planning to use for a month. However, the cheapest plan is priced at $2.29 a month for the 2-year + 4 months plan, making it a great value. You can try PureVPN in confidence with its 31-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund via live chat on the 25th day of my subscription and it took only a few minutes to be approved. The customer representative told me they would send my request to the billing team, and I got my money back after 3 days. Try PureVPN risk-free
9. Proton VPN — Swiss-based VPN with Secure Core Servers and Tor Integration
Key Features: Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers and Tor integration provide you with enhanced privacy and data security. These route traffic through multiple servers, making it more difficult for attackers to discover users’ true IP addresses and locations. They’re located in countries with strong privacy laws and housed in high-security data centers for further protection. The average speed drop for Proton VPN’s Plus Plan during testing was 29.8% — a respectable benchmark. My results with Proton VPN’s free plan, however, were significantly slower (I saw a 90% drop from my baseline on average!). Nonetheless, Proton VPN’s Plus Plan is a great choice if you want to support any high-bandwidth activities, such as torrenting or streaming. Although it has the speeds for it, my experience with Proton VPN’s streaming capabilities was mixed. I was able to access several of my favorite platforms but struggled to reach others, including HBO Max and Hulu. However, it worked with: Besides its Secure Core and Tor servers, Proton VPN also offers additional security features to protect your digital life, including:
Military-grade encryption — protects your data from eavesdropping and interception. DNS leak prevention — ensures your browsing activities remain hidden. TOR servers — for direct access to the Onion network.. NetShield — built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker for a cleaner browsing experience.
Its pricing goes as low as $4.99 if purchased with a 2-year subscription. This makes Proton VPN the second-cheapest VPN on a 1-month basis, but third-costliest with its longer plan. However, if you’re after its privacy-oriented feature-set, or are already embedded within its ecosystem of apps (like ProtonMail or Drive), it’s well worth a look. I was disappointed to find that Proton VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee only reimburses you for the days you haven’t used. This means you can still try Proton VPN relatively risk-free, but if you change your mind you won’t be getting a full refund. Try Proton VPN risk-free
10. StrongVPN — Wide Device Compatibility and Easy-to-Use Apps for All Platforms
Key Features: There’s a network of 950+ servers in 35 countries, which isn’t huge, but it still manages to deliver decent performance. In my tests, I experienced a 45% speed drop versus the baseline. Although not ideal, I was still left with more than adequate speeds for streaming, downloading files, and browsing the internet without significant interruptions. You can reliably access the following streaming services with StrongVPN: StrongVPN also provides robust security features, including:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — keeps your data safe from prying eyes. Automatic kill switch — disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. DNS and IP leak protection — prevents accidental data exposure. No-log policy — guarantees your data will never be stored.
Although StrongVPN states that it takes user privacy seriously, it’s difficult to take these claims for granted without evidence. Especially in an industry where more and more providers are independently audited, not doing the same automatically puts a VPN at a disadvantage. If you need a firm guarantee of privacy with your VPN, you’re better off with one of the audited options. StrongVPN’s one-month plan is already pretty reasonable, but you can save up to 66% by opting for the 1-year plan, which costs just $3.97 per month. You can try StrongVPN with zero risk with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide it’s not the right fit, request a refund via live chat, email, or phone. I tested the refund process and received my money back within a week. Try StrongVPN risk-free
11. VyprVPN — Proprietary Chameleon Protocol for Circumventing Restrictions
Key Features: VyprVPN’s Chameleon Protocol circumvents restrictions and censorship imposed by businesses, ISPs, and more. By scrambling OpenVPN packet metadata, Chameleon prevents deep packet inspection while maintaining the security and reliability of OpenVPN. This is particularly beneficial for users in countries with strict censorship or prone to being throttled. Of course, it also provides several more security features, including:
AES 256-bit encryption — for data protection. Strict no-log policy — verified through third-party audits. Automatic kill switch — to safeguard your data in case of a connection drop.
When it comes to speed, VyprVPN excels on local servers, providing fast connections suitable for gaming with low ping. However, my tests showed up to a 90% drop in speed when connecting to more distant servers, such as those in Japan or Australia. Despite this, the performance on local servers ensured a smooth experience for me. VyprVPN is also capable of accessing various streaming platforms, which makes it a solid choice if you want to access your favorite content without geographical restrictions. These are a few of the services VyprVPN was able to access: VyprVPN’s pricing structure caters to short-term needs with one of the more affordable 1-month plans. However, its 1-year plan, working out at $5.00/month, makes it the second-most expensive long-term option on the list. If you’re looking for a highly secure VPN for a reasonable 1-month rate, you can try VyprVPN for 30 days, and claim a refund if you decide that it’s not for you. I’ve checked this and requested a refund via the live chat. The representative asked me why I was canceling, but immediately approved the refund once I answered. I had the money back in 3 days. Try VyprVPN risk-free
12. Ivacy VPN — Unbeatable Prices for a Feature-Rich VPN Experience
Key Features: Ivacy VPN distinguishes itself as an incredibly budget-friendly choice for both short-term and long-term users, with plans as low as $1.00/month. Despite its low cost, Ivacy VPN offers a feature-rich experience that caters to various user needs, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable VPN without compromising on quality. The Smart Purpose Selection feature allows you to tailor your VPN experience based on specific needs. By selecting from options such as streaming, secure download, or dedicated IP, Ivacy VPN configures the optimal settings for your desired purpose. Using the streaming-specialized servers, I was able to access the following services: When it comes to speed, Ivacy VPN performs reasonably well, with an average speed drop of 27% from the baseline. While download speeds were generally consistent, upload speeds varied significantly, often falling as low as 3Mbps. This was sometimes extremely noticeable, especially when I tried video chatting or uploading large files. Ivacy VPN’s security features include:
256-bit AES encryption — for strong data protection. Secure Downloading — blocks downloads from known malicious URLs. Internet kill switch — to prevent data leaks in case of a connection drop. No-log policy — to ensure user privacy.
Ivacy VPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily try the service risk-free. I tested it by requesting a refund via live chat. My request was approved immediately, and the money was back in my PayPal account after 2 days. Note that you’ll only get a 7-day money-back guarantee with Ivacy’s 1-month plan. Try Ivacy risk-free
VPNs That Didn’t Make the Cut
ZenMate
ZenMate, once a quality VPN service, didn’t make the cut primarily because it has merged with CyberGhost, meaning new users can no longer create accounts with ZenMate. However, there’s a silver lining, since CyberGhost provides a reliable and feature-packed alternative, so users can enjoy all the benefits ZenMate once provided and more.
Hotspot Shield
Although Hotspot Shield is a decent VPN service, it didn’t make the cut due to its relatively expensive pricing structure. Its best monthly price is $1.00, which is pretty steep even with a longer-term plan. Its free version also lacks the features of its paid counterpart, making it a less attractive option for users seeking comprehensive VPN protection. Try ExpressVPN risk-free
Comparison Table: The Best Cheap Monthly VPNs in 2023
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Testing Criteria: How I Ranked the Cheapest Monthly VPN Plans
To ensure the highest quality and affordability, I checked each VPN against the following criteria:
Most affordable monthly rates with a money-back guarantee — I considered both the regular monthly rates and discounted rates to find the best value for money. I also ensured that every VPN offers a money-back guarantee, allowing you to claim a refund if you change your mind after subscribing. High speeds for a variety of online activities — Each VPN should be capable of streaming UHD-quality video, downloading files, and performing day-to-day activities without interruptions. I ran multiple speed tests to determine average speed drops and ping rates to determine which VPNs are suitable for gaming in titles like Warzone. Wide range of servers in different countries — I assessed the size and quality of each VPN’s server network, selecting VPNs that provide numerous connection options and an extensive global network. Advanced security features — Each VPN has military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch to safeguard your data while connected. I also looked for extra features like ad blockers and malware protection. Transparent privacy policies — I included only VPNs with a clear no-logs policy. Even better if a VPN goes above and beyond by subjecting its policies to third-party auditing. Device compatibility and multiple simultaneous connections — All the VPNs on this list work seamlessly with popular devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. I also chose VPNs that offer generous simultaneous device connections to secure all your household devices. Ease of use and intuitive interface — I assessed the user-friendliness of each VPN’s apps and software, prioritizing those with simple and intuitive interfaces. Dependable customer service — Getting essential help when you need it should be a quick and easy affair.
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How to Get the Best Monthly Deals on Premium VPNs
Since VPNs offer a host of important security and privacy features, many providers rely on the fact that you’ll need a VPN for longer than a month. Most premium VPNs offer at least 30-day money-back guarantees (CyberGhost even offers a guarantee for up to 45 days) to show how confident they are that you’ll want to keep the services for longer. Monthly plans cost less if you’re 100% sure that you only need a VPN for 1 month (all the VPNs on this list are within the average prices of $9.95 – $12.99 per month.) However, it will always be cheaper to use a VPN’s money-back guarantee — test the VPN using the money-back guarantee period and see if it’s something that you find value in. If you’re looking for even better offers, check out VPN providers’ websites for promotional offers. Lots of VPNs run one-time offers, especially during holidays.
Enjoy Premium Protection With a Cheap Monthly VPN Plan
Getting a VPN with a monthly plan is a great way to test the service before committing to a longer-term subscription. It’s also an excellent option if you’re on a budget, as it costs much less upfront to subscribe to a monthly plan. Keep in mind that some VPNs like IPVanish don’t have money-back guarantees available on their monthly plans. If you want to purchase a monthly plan risk-free, try ExpressVPN: all of its plans are backed by a legitimate 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy in confidence. As a frequent traveler, I use a premium VPN to protect my data from hackers and cybercriminals while connected to unsecured networks in cafes, airports, and hotels. A premium VPN also allows me to enjoy shows from streaming subscriptions I’ve already paid for, regardless of where I am. A top-tier VPN will deliver all these benefits without affecting your speeds too much. Ivacy also offers the cheapest 1-month plan on this list, although its money-back guarantee gets shortened to just 7 days if you opt for this plan. Note that using a VPN for activities such as downloading or distributing copyrighted content is illegal in many jurisdictions. However, in these cases, it’s your activity done in conjunction with the VPN that’s illegal in this case, not the VPN usage itself. Remember that using a VPN does not give you the license to commit illegal acts. Please consider your local laws before downloading copyrighted files without permission. In my experience, I’ve found that in the rare times when a platform blocks it, ExpressVPN is quick to establish a connection to a working server – you don’t have to go without your favorite streaming platform for long! Its 24/7 customer support staff are also happy to suggest working servers so you can get connected quickly. Running a VPN incurs a lot of running costs. It doesn’t make sense for a VPN service to simply ask for a small, one-time fee for unlimited service forever. If you purchase a lifetime plan from these unknown VPNs, the best-case scenario is that you’ll get a slow VPN; the worst case is that your data will be sold to keep the service running. In contrast, free VPNs often have restrictions such as data or speed limits, limited server options, or reduced device compatibility. While some free VPNs may provide decent service, they’re often limited to encourage users to upgrade to their paid plans, similar to the “freemium” business model. The real concern with free VPNs is the potential risks they pose to your online security. There have been reports of free VPNs injecting malware onto devices or collecting and selling user data to third parties. When it comes to your online security and privacy, it’s not worth taking chances with a free service. While it’s tempting to opt for a cheaper monthly plan, you may find that lower-priced VPNs don’t provide the comprehensive coverage you want. Instead, I recommend choosing a high-quality VPN with a slightly higher price point like ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN offers top-tier security and privacy, fast speeds for your online activities, and a huge network of servers for global content access. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN on up to 5 devices risk-free — if you don’t feel it’s right for you, you can get a full refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
