Best Lifetime VPNs (and Why a Subscription Might Be Smarter)

A VPN lifetime subscription can sound like a dream—unblock your favorite content, secure your data from hackers and nosy ISPs, and bypass censorship, all with a single one-time payment. No recurring bills, no renewal hassles, just complete VPN freedom for life.

But here's the catch: most VPNs offering lifetime deals either go out of business, provide lackluster support and features over time, or get acquired (and cancel those plans), just like what happened with VPNSecure.

Another issue? There’s usually no real "lifetime" guarantee. Refunds are often capped at 15–30 days, and these offers rarely come from well-established brands. So, while they’re cheap upfront, you may end up paying for something that doesn’t last.

Still, if you go in with realistic expectations and understand the risks, a lifetime VPN can give you good value. In this guide, we’ll explore the 2 best VPNs with lifetime subscriptions in 2025, what they offer, their costs, and downsides, plus smarter long-term alternatives. In the end, we will finish with a round of FAQs.

What Does a Lifetime VPN Subscription Actually Mean?

A lifetime VPN subscription is a one-time payment to a VPN whose services you get to use without renewal. In other words, you pay once for a VPN, and then you get unrestricted access as long as the VPN exists.

In theory, that sounds like an amazing deal, but in reality, it's difficult to find a high-quality VPN provider willing to provide a lifetime subscription. That's why most VPNs, especially the good ones, offer monthly and yearly subscriptions. Nevertheless, if you truly want a lifetime deal, then you must check out these options mentioned in our next section. Currently, these are your best deals!

Editor's Picks: Top VPNs with Lifetime Subscriptions in 2025

1. FastestVPN - Perfect for beginners, it offers essential privacy tools, streaming support, and amazing lifetime value.
2. VPN Unlimited - Packed with advanced features, strong unblocking power, and wide device support—great for those who want more.

VPNs with lifetime subscriptions may seem like a one-time bargain, but they come with significant compromises. Most of these VPNs lack regular updates, offer slower speeds, and don’t guarantee long-term reliability. Since they rely on a one-time payment model, they can’t invest in critical features like next-gen protocols, obfuscation, or robust privacy protections, making them a risky long-term choice.

However, premium VPNs with long-term plans offer real value. You get constant updates, maximum speeds, watertight security, and access to the latest tech like WireGuard and obfuscated servers. These VPNs operate sustainably and are backed by 30-day money-back guarantees, giving you peace of mind and full protection in the long run.

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Lifetime VPN Alternative in 2025, offering unmatched security, blazing speeds, and reliable streaming access worldwide.
2. Surfshark - Lightning-fast and budget-friendly VPN with unlimited device connections—perfect for families and heavy streamers.
3. ExpressVPN - Premium privacy-focused VPN with ultra-secure encryption, top-tier performance, and a rock-solid no-logs policy.

	FastestVPN	VPN Unlimited	NordVPN	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Jurisdiction	✅Cayman Islands	❌United States (Five Eyes member)	✅Panama	✅Netherlands	✅British Virgin Islands
Price	✅$40 (Lifetime Plan)	❌$199.99 (5 devices) / $299.99 (10 devices + extras) (Lifetime Plan)	✅ $3.39 per month (for a 24 months plan)	✅ $2.19 per month (for a 24 months plan)	✅ $4.99 per month (for a 24 months plan)
Server Count	✅800+ servers in 49+ countries	❌500+ servers in 80+ countries	✅7,400+ servers in 118 countries	✅3,200+ servers in 100 countries	✅ undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries
Simultaneous Connections	✅10 simultaneous connections	❌5 (10 with upgraded plan)	✅ 10 simultaneous connections	✅ unlimited simultaneous connections	✅ 8 simultaneous connections
Robust Protocols	✅	✅	✅(NordLynx and NordWhisper)	✅	✅(Lightway Turbo)
Strong Encryption	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Good Streaming Support	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
No-Logs Policy	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅
Kill Switch	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Obfuscation	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Fast Speed	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅
Good App Availability	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
24/7 Customer Support	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Money-Back Guarantee	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

The Best Lifetime VPN Subscriptions in 2025

When picking a lifetime VPN, focus on what really matters. First, make sure it’s a true lifetime deal with no hidden limits. It should offer plenty of servers and locations, and it must unblock geo-restricted content.

Next, check for strong privacy—look for a no-logs policy, secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, and encryption like AES-256. Features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscation are also important, along with fast, stable speeds.

Make sure it works on all your devices, supports multiple connections, and comes with a solid money-back guarantee and reliable support. Based on all that, here are the 2 best VPNs with lifetime subscriptions:

1. FastestVPN

FastestVPN is the best VPN for a lifetime if you're looking to pay as little as possible, at only $40 per subscription. For that price, you get 800+ servers in 49+ countries, as well as polished apps for all platforms (desktops, smartphones, smart TVs, routers, and even browser extensions).

The provider is based in the Cayman Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws. What's more, FastestVPN has a truly strict no-logs policy, which also extends to their website as well. No IP or device-related data will ever be stored on their servers. You get a wide choice of protocols to choose from, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, OpenConnect, L2TP, and more. These are paired with 256-bit AES Encryption256-bit AES Encryption256-bit AES Encryption.

We'll also mention that Fastest VPN provides a kill switch, and there's split tunneling as well, but that feature is available only on Android for now. Sadly, there's no mention of obfuscation on Fastest VPN's website, so that feature is missing.

Also, it's not exactly the fastest VPN by any means, either. That said, it proves sufficient for high-quality streaming and even unblocks some of the more popular services (such as US Netflix). Subscribers get to connect up to 10 different devices per account.

Despite being a relatively small provider, they're nice enough to offer 24/7 live chat support. Furthermore, they also have a 31-day money-back guarantee.

2. VPN Unlimited

VPN Unlimited is a pricier VPN with a lifetime subscription than Fastest VPN, although the upgrade is well worth the extra cost. For a one-time fee of $199.99, you gain access to their 500+ servers in 80+ countries around the world.

You can use their intuitive apps on all major platforms, including Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. By default, there's a 5-device limit per account. Alternatively, you can opt for the $299.99 lifetime VPN option if you want to link five extra gadgets to your subscription, giving you access to a password manager, smart DNS, and a few extra tools.

Their privacy policy mentions that they follow a "strict no-logging policy", but that's not exactly the case. They collect a good chunk of device info, as well as your IP and geographic location (the latter of which is deleted after your session ends). As such, we don't recommend it for privacy purposes or torrenting, although it's pretty good for streaming.

This VPN uses proven protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and KeepSolid Wise protocols. It also has a kill switch, which means you won't have to worry about data leaks. However, there's no split tunneling on board. Obfuscation is available, though, through the KeepSolid Wise protocol.

VPN Unlimited has relatively fast speeds and works with services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max, which is a decent selection for a one-time payment VPN. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee or a 7-day free trial and live chat support for any issues you may encounter.

The Best Alternatives to Lifetime VPNs in 2025

As mentioned above, lifetime VPNs come with too many risks, such as unreliable performance, weak privacy, and no real guarantee of long-term service. So, rather than wasting money on a deal that might disappear, it's smarter to go for these trusted and fully-supported alternatives in 2025.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best alternative to a lifetime VPN, with tons of useful features. Besides the usual options, NordVPN offers NordLynx, its own take on the WireGuard protocol. In fact, you can trust its reliability as using its NordWhisper protocol, this VPN provider can easily bypass geo-blocks even in China. Expect fast speeds on 7,400+ servers in 118 countries worldwide.

Apart from this, NordVPN comes with strong protocols (NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN) paired with military grade encryption (AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 ).

Naturally, the VPN has passed multiple security audits and has RAM-only servers to protect your privacy against any potential threats. We like their various specialty servers - double VPN, onion-over-VPN, torrenting-optimized servers, obfuscated (stealth) servers, and so on.

We'll also mention that NordVPN offers obfuscated servers across the most popular locations. There are also plenty of advanced features. Its kill switch will keep data leaks away, while you can use split tunneling to create two separate tunnels for your data. That's one of the reasons why NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs, even without any fine-tuning.

Whether you need some extra anonymity, a better torrenting experience, or to bypass VPN blocks, NordVPN is a solid choice. Best of all, you get an all-in-one Threat Protection system. Block ads, intrusive trackers, malicious websites that may steal your data, and more. It even scans downloaded files for malware on Mac and Windows.

Their apps are easy to use and work on most major systems without a hitch. You get 10 simultaneous connections to stream all your favorite content on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and others.

NordVPN is priced at $3.39 per month if you opt for a 24 months subscription plan. All subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Finally, you can expect live chat support 24/7.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a well-known VPN brand, serving its customers for a long time now. It brings a sizable server network, with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. That is one of the reasons why it's highly suitable for bypassing geo-blocks, but it's capable of much more, of course.

This VPN comes with WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, paired with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption. And guess what? Surfshark has recently applied for a patent for its new encryption method that aims to reduce metadata collection.

Then, there's a no-logs policy, which has been audited many times in the past. We'll also add that obfuscation is on board through Surfshark's Camouflage mode. You also won't be surprised to know that there's a kill switch, split tunneling (now available for macOS), and unlimited simultaneous connections.

We can also praise Surfshark's performance. This VPN delivers very fast speeds no matter if you connect to its nearby or remote servers. Aside from that, it uses 'Nexus' technology, which relies on moving your traffic through Surfshark's entire network, rotating your IP address.

Based on our tests, Surfshark can unblock any website. This applies to streaming services as well, including Netflix (many different libraries), Hulu, Disney+, Max, and more. Aside from that, you'll find some unique features as well, like the ability to scan for malware, block ads and trackers, and dedicated IPs in Surfshark recently added 7 new locations.

Surfshark's 24 months subscription is priced at $2.19 per month and you can also count on Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee. Should you ever need help, this VPN will be there thanks to its 24/7 live chat support.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a highly trustworthy VPN provider, and they have a great track record to prove it. Their subscription nets you access to an ultra-fast network with an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries. ExpressVPN works on pretty much any major operating system, and allows you to make up to 8 simultaneous connections.

Their service has successfully passed an independent security audit and comes with the super fast and safe Lightway Turbo protocol as well. All these protocols are paired with strong AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption. Aside from that one, you'll find OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. Without any surprise, ExpressVPN also has a kill switch, split tunneling, and more.

The provider keeps no identifiable user logs and even has RAM-based servers to discard any data present on their systems when reset. Basically, you won't have to worry about privacy when torrenting or performing sensitive transactions online.

ExpressVPN can unblock pretty much any streaming site out there, including popular options like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. All their servers come with built-in obfuscation. In other words, your VPN activity is hidden in areas with VPN blocks, as well as any online services that try to filter VPNs (e.g., Netflix).

On top of everything, you get the free Threat Manager feature, which blocks intrusive ad trackers at the DNS level. Everything listed above is priced at $4.99 per month (24 months plan). ExpressVPN comes with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee and also offers live chat support 24/7.

So, Are Lifetime VPN Subscriptions Really Worth their Cost?

While lifetime VPN subscriptions sound tempting, most are simply not worth the risk. They often fail to deliver on performance, privacy, and long-term value. Here's why you should be cautious:

• Unreliable service quality – Frequent connection drops and poor streaming support are common.
• Outdated or weak VPN protocols – Often missing modern options like WireGuard or secure AES encryption.
• No real long-term guarantee – Providers can shut down or revoke your access anytime.
• Unsustainable business model – One-time payments can't support server maintenance or innovation.
• Slower speeds – Limited server investment means poor performance, especially for streaming or gaming.
• Questionable privacy – Many lack independently audited no-logs policies or basic data protection.
• Inconsistent unblocking – Even if it works with Netflix or ITVX today, that may change without warning.
• No meaningful refund policy – Most only offer a short 15–30 day money-back guarantee, if at all.
• High risk of shutdown – Many lifetime VPNs disappear after a few years, leaving users stranded.
• Selling fine prints – Most lifetime deals usually come with some fine print. In other words, most VPN lifetime plans last three to five years. Even if there's no fine print, there's nothing stopping a VPN from ceasing operations and shutting down your access.

Lifetime VPNs vs. Premium Long-Term VPNs: Which Should You Choose?

Lifetime VPN subscriptions may seem like a smart one-time investment, but they often sacrifice quality for cost. On the other hand, premium VPNs with long-term plans offer far better reliability, stronger security, and more advanced features. Here's a quick comparison to help you make the right call:

	Lifetime VPNs	Premium VPNs (Long-Term Plans)
One-Time Payment	✅	❌
Affordable Upfront Cost	✅	❌
Sustainable Business Model	❌	✅
Regular Security Updates	❌	✅
Modern VPN Protocols	❌	✅
Consistent Speeds	❌	✅
Audited No-Logs Policy	❌	✅
Obfuscation & Advanced Features	❌	✅
Long-Term Reliability	❌	✅

As you can see, lifetime VPN subscriptions may seem like a bargain, but they come with serious trade-offs. From unreliable performance to weak privacy protections and the constant threat of shutdown, they simply aren't built to last. You're better off investing in a trusted, regularly updated VPN with a transparent business model and long-term support.

Final Thoughts

Lifetime VPNs might seem like a steal—you pay once and get years of encrypted browsing, unlimited streaming, and privacy protection. But that low upfront cost comes with risks. Many providers struggle to maintain servers, update protocols, or offer long-term support. FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option for light users who don't need advanced features, while VPN Unlimited offers better coverage and obfuscation but logs data and is based in the U.S., making it less ideal for privacy-focused users.

As long as you understand the risks of using a one-time payment VPN and do your research, you're good to go. However, if you wish to play it safe, it's always better to invest in a long-standing and trustworthy VPN provider. In that sense, our strongest recommendation is NordVPN because it offers affordable long-term plans while bringing high-end features and ultra-fast performance.

Surfshark is ideal for families or power users with unlimited connections, solid streaming support, and impressive speeds. ExpressVPN is your go-to if you want the highest security standards, fast servers worldwide, and reliable access to every major platform.

Have you ever used a lifetime VPN provider? What were your experiences with their app? Let us know through the comments section below.