10 Cheapest Monthly VPNs in 2023

Pricier VPNs don’t fit everyone’s budget and can cost you a hundred dollars a year. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of cheap monthly VPN plans you can get. So, you don’t have to worry about not having enough money for a solid VPN anymore.

By using a cheap VPN monthly plan, you’ll get to protect your privacy, change your virtual location, and access content from different countries worldwide - at a super-low price. Still, these plans are usually best for people who want to use a VPN for a short amount of time.

If you want to use a VPN for a longer period, it’s better for you to browse the best VPN deals and get a longer-term subscription. That way, you can enjoy premium VPN services and get the best value for your money. 

Longer-term subscriptions usually come with huge discounts and are the best option for those wanting to find a reliable cheap VPN that they can use for a long time.

However, if you’re looking for a cheap monthly VPN that you want to use for a shorter time, read on to learn which are the best VPN providers for you.

Let’s begin!

How to Get a Monthly VPN Cheaper

To get a monthly VPN cheaper, you need to subscribe to the most suitable and cheapest 1-month VPN plan you can find. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Subscribe to a provider with a cheap VPN monthly plan (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the provider’s app on the device(s) you’ll use.
3. Launch the VPN app and sign into your account.
4. Connect to one of the servers your VPN offers.
5. Now, you can browse the Internet safely. That’s it!

Best Cheap Monthly VPN

To rank the best cheapest monthly VPNs, we need to consider a few other factors besides their price. If we rank solely based on their prices, the ranking would be incorrect since VPNs must have certain capabilities to do their jobs right. So, the factors that we’ll use to assess the VPNs include the following: security and privacy – any solid VPN must have adequate security and privacy measures; unblocking capabilities – for a VPN to be able to unblock content that is restricted in your country, it needs to have sound content-unblocking capabilities; server network – the more servers a VPN has, the more reliable and fast your connection will be.

Based on the criteria mentioned above, these are the 10 best cheap monthly VPN providers:

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Cheap Monthly VPN
2. NordVPN - Affordable Monthly VPN for High-End Security
3. CyberGhost VPN - Affordable Monthly VPN Plan for Gaming
4. Private Internet Access - Best Cheap VPN Monthly Plan for Advanced Users
5. IPVanish - Best Option for Unlimited Connections
6. Surfshark - Best Option for First-Time Users
7. Ivacy VPN - Best Budget-Friendly Monthly VPN
8. Proton VPN - Best Cheap Monthly VPN for Privacy
9. Windscribe - Best Option with a Free Tier
10. PrivateVPN - Cheapest All-In-One Monthly VPN Plan

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Cheap Monthly VPN

It’s true that ExpressVPN doesn’t offer the most affordable monthly subscription. However, it's the best cheap monthly VPN because its price reflects its value, as ExpressVPN is one of the most capable VPNs overall. This is a hugely powerful and trustworthy VPN that our team strongly recommends. 

ExpressVPN does pretty much anything you can imagine. It protects your privacy using high-end protocols, has a strict no-logs policy (that has been audited multiple times), lets you download torrents, unblocks any website, and it’s great for streaming. On top of that, it comes with fast performance that enables you to bypass ISP-imposed throttling.

This VPN’s monthly price is $12.95. However, this VPN subscription comes risk-free because you’re covered by a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back policy. So, if ExpressVPN doesn’t meet your expectations (which we’re sure won’t happen), you can have your money back without any problems.

2. NordVPN - Affordable Monthly VPN for High-End Security

We’re sure that NordVPN needs no introduction, as it’s one of the most advertised VPNs on the Web. However, behind all those marketing messages hides a highly competent VPN that can meet the needs of both newbies and highly experienced users. 

NordVPN emphasizes its security-first features. That means you'll find a massive server network with many specialized servers. Using those, you can chain multiple servers, use obfuscated servers, and even access the Tor network. Also, NordVPN protects against advanced types of tracking, and there’s protection against malware.

All those high-end features come at a cost. NordVPN will set you back $11.99 per month. So, even though NordVPN isn't the most affordable option, you'll spend your money on a high-quality VPN service.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Affordable Monthly VPN Plan for Gaming

Another strong contender on our list of the cheapest monthly VPN services is CyberGhost. This is a well-known VPN brand that's been around for quite some time. So, it's no surprise that CyberGhost has a well-developed set of features.

This VPN offers a massive server network that also features a range of specialized servers. You can use those to unblock websites, stream online media, download torrents quickly, and play games with minimal latency. You also get privacy protection and apps for practically any device imaginable.

CyberGhost VPN is priced at $12.99 per month. Its (ultra-affordable) long-term plans come with a 45-day money-back policy. However, the monthly plan is covered by a 14-day money-back policy, which still seems generous enough. 

4. Private Internet Access - Best Cheap VPN Monthly Plan for Advanced Users

Private Internet Access brings something you won’t find elsewhere – and that would be its high level of customization. Even though PIA has been simplified recently, we still recommend it to more advanced users who wish to control various aspects of their VPN connection.

So, it’s not a surprise that PIA offers a whole slate of basic and advanced features. You get solid protocols, customizable encryption, two types of kill switches, in-depth split-tunneling options, as well as support for torrenting and unblocking a small group of streaming sites.

Considering the power it brings, we believe PIA offers tremendous value. Those who wish to pay monthly will be charged $11.99 every month. To show that it has nothing to hide, PIA offers a 30-day money-back policy, returning your money without any questions asked.

5. IPVanish - Best Option for Unlimited Connections

IPVanish covers the basics quite extensively, which isn’t a surprise considering it’s one of the oldest VPNs. Unlike most other VPNs found on our list of the cheapest monthly VPNs, this one doesn’t try to do it all at once. Instead, it focuses on privacy protection.

Recently, this VPN implemented the WireGuard protocol, adding to a roster of high-end protocols led by OpenVPN. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections, a recently audited no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock a couple of popular streaming platforms.

Even though IPVanish comes with significant savings, those are featured across long-term plans. Still, its monthly plan is priced just right – considering the VPN’s capabilities. You’ll need to pay $11.99 per month. Also, keep in mind that IPVanish's money-back policies don't apply to its monthly plan. 

There’s plenty more to discover about this VPN, which you can do via our IPVanish review.

6. Surfshark - Best Option for First-Time Users

There's plenty to like about Surfshark, which comes as one of the best cheap monthly VPNs – if we're talking about more capable options. This trustworthy VPN service looks very simple but comes with a range of advanced features.

You can count on total privacy protection (on practically any device), easy website unblocking (even from restrictive countries), torrenting, gaming, and streaming. This VPN uses an innovative network of servers to rotate your IP address every couple of minutes. So, you’ll evade even the most persistent digital trackers.

To access all those impressive features, you’ll need to pay $12.95 per month. Like other highly reputable VPNs, this one has a 30-day money-back policy. That means you'll be buying this subscription without any risk, as you'll get to test Surfshark up to its full extent.

7. Ivacy VPN - Best Budget-Friendly Monthly VPN

Ivacy is a simple-looking VPN service that tries to do many things. Based on our tests, it mostly delivers on its promises. It’s not the most secure option available, but it should provide more than enough for the average home user.

In terms of its features, Ivacy focuses on a smaller group of standard protocols. That limits this VPN’s performance up to a point. So, we recommend Ivacy if you have a fast Web connection, which could allow you to download files and stream media without buffering.

In terms of its price, Ivacy has always been known as one of the most affordable VPNs. It comes with ultra-affordable long-term subscriptions. However, it’s also one of the best cheap monthly VPN services. You’ll need to pay $9.95 per month, and you’ll have 7 days to change your mind (if you decide to ask for your money back).

8. Proton VPN - Best Cheap Monthly VPN for Privacy

ProtonVPN promises to protect your privacy using high-end technologies and carefully designed infrastructure. As such, this is one of the most secure options available right now, which also features a very attractive price.

Know that ProtonVPN is an excellent choice if you want to protect your privacy. It doesn't have the biggest server network - but it has one of the most secure fleets. That means you'll get to hide your online whereabouts, block ads, download torrents, and more.

This VPN has recently changed its pricing structure and now features simplified monthly VPN plans. That said, you'll need to pay $9.99 per month, which seems like a great deal. On top of that, there's a free tier that you can use as a trial.

9. Windscribe - Best Option with a Free Tier

Our list of the cheapest monthly VPNs wouldn’t be complete without Windscribe. However, unlike most premium VPNs, this one offers a free tier. That might sound like a good deal, but that complicates things about Windscribe.

First and foremost, know that Windscribe can protect your privacy, unblock websites, access torrent repositories, and even stream media. However, this isn’t the fastest option right now. And also, its customization possibilities are somewhat limited. So, this VPN is a good pick if you want everything to be automated. 

Since Windscribe offers a free plan, the VPN urges its users to try that plan first. Then, you can decide to upgrade to its monthly plan, which is priced at $9.00/month. As you can imagine, that plan unlocks Windscribe’s entire network and lifts other kinds of limitations. 

So, in case you switch from Windscribe’s free to paid plan, the VPN will limit your refund options. More precisely, you’ll have 3 days to change your mind. On top of that, there’s a bandwidth limit of 10GB that you must not cross. 

10. PrivateVPN - Cheapest All-In-One Monthly VPN Plan

PrivateVPN is oriented toward average home users who wish their VPN protection to be fully automated. This simple-to-use VPN covers a wide range of devices, provides reliable protection, and manages to unblock streaming platforms.

This VPN doesn’t have the latest protocols available. Instead, it focuses on those with a long history of providing strong VPN tunnels, such as OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2. You can also get servers found in 60+ countries and 200+ locations. The most prominent downside is that PrivateVPN can be slow when using remote servers.

Overall, this VPN provides a lot of value. You'll be charged $9.90 per month if you wish to pay monthly (you'll pay only $9.90 for the first 3 months). On top of that, PrivateVPN grants you 30-day money-back guarantees, which means you'll have plenty of time to test-drive this VPN provider.

What to Look for When Buying the Cheapest Monthly VPN? 

When looking to buy the cheapest monthly VPN plan, you need to pay attention to several things which will help you compare different VPNs easily. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Security- & Privacy-Related Features: The primary purpose of any VPN is to safeguard your privacy, so ensure the basics are covered. You should pick a trustworthy VPN with no data logging records in the past. Then, if you need more advanced features, inquire about a kill switch and split tunneling. 
• Platform Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections: VPNs are multi-platform services, which means they work on more than a single device. Based on which devices you use, pick a VPN that brings native apps that protect you at home and on the go. You can also cross-reference the VPNs in this guide with our article on the best VPN for multiple devices.
• Optimizations for Specific Needs: If you need a VPN that can do more than just protect your privacy, pay attention to features oriented toward specific online activities. For example, we have media streaming VPNs, torrenting VPNs, and gaming VPNs. You need to be aware of the features you need before you start searching for a VPN. 
• Money-Back Policy: Lastly, know that buying a cheap monthly VPN can be a risk-free investment. That’s because every reputable VPN offers a money-back policy. In general, you’ll have from 14 up to 30 days to test-drive your chosen VPN. If you’re not happy with how the VPN works, you can have your money back. 

If you’d like to expand your criteria, check our VPN buyer’s guide. That’s where you’ll find more information on how to find a VPN that’s worth your money. 

Should You Choose a Monthly or Yearly VPN Plan to Save Money? 

If you’re looking to save money, you should always go for a long-term VPN plan. In other words, yearly VPN plans are always more affordable than monthly plans.

We understand that what we said above might sound counterintuitive, so let’s give you an example. Our top recommendation (ExpressVPN) is priced at $12.95/month, which amounts to $155.40/year. That VPN also offers a discount on its yearly plan (with 3 free months), lowering its price to $6.67/month – with the VPN saying that you save 49% on ExpressVPN's annual plan.

Well, that’s actually true. You will save 49%, but you'll need to pay upfront for the yearly plan. In this case, that would mean paying $99.95/year. So, there’s a big catch after all. You will save quite a lot of money, but only if you can pay $99.95 right on the spot. 

If you don't wish to pay upfront, you have only one option – to choose the monthly plan and pay $12.95 every month. However, the good news is that no matter which plans you decide to purchase, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.

If you’re still confused by all those numbers, check out the following table. 

Paying upfront might sound enticing, but that option isn’t for everyone. So, if you wish to play it safe with a VPN, paying monthly will do the trick.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best cheap monthly VPN provider that is both reliable and affordable can be a difficult task. That’s why we created this article – to help you narrow down the search and choose among only the best monthly VPN providers available.

All of the VPN providers mentioned here can keep you safe online and provide you with an affordable monthly plan. However, some can do a better job than others. Namely, not all of them are equally as powerful, but they all get the job done successfully.

If you want to get the best monthly VPN that will provide you with the best performance and value for your money, then we recommend ExpressVPN. With ExpressVPN, you’ll enjoy top-of-the-line VPN services and get the most out of your money!

If you have any questions or doubts, know that we’re here to help. So, make sure to post your comment below. Finally, thank you for reading!