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How Much Does a VPN Cost? A Complete Pricing Breakdown

Last updated June 27, 2025
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Tech & VPN Content Specialist
Edited by:
Rachita Jain
Rachita Jain
VPN Staff Editor

VPN prices can vary depending on the provider and the length of your subscription. Most services offer monthly, 6-month, and yearly plans, while some go even further with 2- to 5-year options. The longer the plan, the bigger the savings, with discounts often reaching 50% or more. Even if you choose a monthly plan, most consumer VPNs remain very affordable.

In this guide, we’ll break down how much different VPNs cost, explore their pricing models, and show you how to unlock the best deals.

Key Notes: VPN Pricing at a Glance

Typical Price Range Cost Per Month (Approx.)
Monthly Plan $4 – $15 $4 – $15
Yearly Plan $60 to $100+ (billed upfront) $4 – $7
2–3 Year Plan $50 – $80 (billed upfront) As low as $2 – $6

How Much Is a VPN?

Now that you understand the value and flexibility VPNs offer, the next question is, what will it cost you? Whether you’re looking for short-term protection or a long-term investment, there’s a plan for every budget. Let us break down the numbers for you and see how much a VPN really costs.

1. Cost Per Month?

A VPN typically costs from $4 to $15 per month. As you can expect, the monthly cost varies from one provider to another, with more expensive VPNs typically offering better features.

Some providers offer lower rates for their services, but these often come with limitations, such as fewer server locations or slower connection speeds. That being said, it's crucial to consider what you're getting for your money and whether it meets your specific needs.

Our guide to the best cheap monthly VPNs can help you find some great picks.

2. Cost Per Year?

A VPN costs anywhere from $60 to $100+ per year, which breaks down to about $4 to $7 per month. While yearly plans can be heavier on your wallet because you are paying the full amount upfront, they are more cost-effective in the long term. 

For example, you can enjoy fast connection speeds and an expansive server network with our #1 pick – NordVPN, for $59.88 per year, which comes with 3 extra months free on select plans. On the other hand, its monthly plan starts at $12.99. So, if you do the math, you’re saving over $80 by choosing the yearly subscription.

3. Cost for Long-Term Plans (2–3 Years)?

Long-term VPN plans, usually covering two to three years, offer the lowest monthly pricing and are often the most cost-effective option. These plans typically reduce the monthly cost to anywhere between $2 and $6, depending on the provider and current promotions. While the upfront payment is higher, the total cost spread across the duration of the plan is significantly lower compared to monthly or yearly subscriptions.

Many providers also include a few extra months free as part of their long-term deals, adding even more value. This type of plan is ideal for users seeking consistent protection over time and who prefer to avoid frequent renewals. Most services offer a money-back guarantee, usually within 30 to 45 days, allowing users to test the service before fully committing.

VPN Price Comparison Table

TechNadu's team of experts has ranked these VPNs based on a combination of key performance factors including privacy protection, torrenting support, speed consistency, ease of use, server coverage, pricing value, refund policies, and much more. You may check out our complete criteria for ranking VPNs.

Higher scores were awarded to services that offer strong security features (like no-logs policies, obfuscation, dual VPN, split-tunneling and kill switches), reliable access to torrenting sites, fast download speeds, and user-friendly apps across devices.

VPN Overall Ranking Lowest Price/Month Plan Duration Upfront Cost Savings Money Back Guarantee
NordVPN 9.7 $3.39 2 years + 3 months free $86.13 75% 30 days
ExpressVPN 9.6 $4.99 2 years + 4 months free $139.72 61% 30 days
Surfshark 9.2 $2.19 2 years + 3 months free $52.56 86% 30 days
CyberGhost VPN 9.1 $2.29 3 years + 3 months free $89.31 82% 45 days
ProtonVPN 9.0 $9.99 2 years $86.11 64% 30 days
Private Internet Access 8.9 $2.19 2 years + 2 months free $56.94 83% 30 days
Hide.Me 8.6 $2.59 2 years + 3 months free $69.95 74% 30 days
PureVPN 7.8 $2.39 2 years + 4 months free $57.36 80% 31 days
IPVanish 7.7 $2.19 2 years $52.56 83% 30 days
Windscribe 7.7 $5.75 1 year $69.00 36% 3 days
FastestVPN 7.5 $1.66 1 year $19.95 45% 15 days
Mullvad 7.4 $5.47 1 month $5.47 No Savings 30 days
Hotspot Shield 7.1 $2.99 3 years $107.64 77% 45 days
VyprVPN 7.0 $5.00 1 year $60.00 50% 30 days
HideMyAss 6.9 $2.99 3 years $107.64 75% 30 days
TunnelBear 6.8 $4.17 2 years $99.99 58% No
StrongVPN 6.8 $3.97 1 year $47.69 67% 30 days
Astrill VPN 6.5 $12.50 2 years $300.00 58% No

Factors Affecting the Cost of a VPN

The cost of a VPN depends on various factors, such as the length of your subscription, the number of simultaneous connections, server network size, and more. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when choosing a VPN.

Here are the key factors that affect the cost of a VPN:

VPN Pricing Model Types

VPNs offer a variety of pricing models to cater to different user needs, and they are generally divided into two categories: free VPN services and subscription-based VPNs. Let's have a side-by-side comparison and check which one is better and why.

Free VPN Services Subscription-Based VPNs
Cost ❌Free ✅Monthly, 6-month, 12-month, or multi-year subscriptions
Connection Speed ❌Slower due to limited bandwidth and server load ✅Generally faster with optimized servers
Data Limit ❌Often capped (e.g., 500MB to 10GB/month) ✅Typically unlimited
Server Network ❌Limited server locations ✅Wide selection of global servers
Security Features ❌Fine encryption and protocols, but they don't provide a kill switch and other features ✅Advanced security protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, etc.)
Privacy Policy ❌Often log user activity; may sell data to third parties ✅Usually follow a strict no-logs policy
Monetization ❌Ads and selling user data ✅Subscription revenue
Customer Support ❌Usually not available ✅24/7 live chat or ticket-based support
Streaming & Torrenting ❌Rarely supported Frequently optimized for both
Device Compatibility ❌Limited device/app support ✅Wide platform support (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers, etc.)
Reliability & Uptime ❌Inconsistent, frequent drops ✅Stable and high uptime
Best For ❌Basic anonymity, light browsing ✅Comprehensive privacy, streaming, gaming, and secure work

As shown in the comparison, while free VPNs may be suitable for casual users with minimal needs, subscription-based VPNs clearly offer better performance, security, and support. For those who value privacy and a seamless online experience, investing in a paid VPN is the smarter long-term choice.

What VPN is the Best and Cheapest?

If you're looking for the best combination of affordability and premium features, Surfshark is the top choice. Priced at just $2.19/month for a 2-year plan (with 3 extra months free), Surfshark delivers exceptional value without cutting corners on performance or security.

You get unlimited device connections, access to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, advanced privacy tools like CleanWeb, Multihop, and Rotating IP, plus round-the-clock live chat support. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or securing public Wi-Fi, Surfshark offers everything most users need at one of the lowest long-term costs in the VPN market.

Additionally, we would like to add that Surfshark constantly monitors its performance and updates its system. It keeps bringing in new developments. Let's have a look at some of it.

How to Save Money on VPN Subscription Plans? 

The best way to save money on VPN subscriptions is to do your research before you hit the buy button. Often, VPNs offer various deals, discounts, and coupons on their website that can lower your costs. Also, choosing a longer-term plan also lets you save in the long term. 

Here are our best tips to help you save money on VPN subscription plans.

Business VPNs and Pricing Differences

There are also business VPNs available that cater specifically to organizations, offering features like centralized management, dedicated IPs, and advanced security protocols. These services typically come at a higher price point compared to individual VPNs, and their pricing structures can vary based on the number of users, features offered, and level of support. If you're considering a VPN for business use, it's worth comparing plans from providers that specialize in enterprise-level security.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a VPN ranges between $2 to $15 per month upfront and varies depending on several factors, such as the length of the subscription plan, the number of devices covered, and the features of the VPN. It is also worth it to check if the VPN comes with a free trial so that you can test their service before subscribing. 

NordVPN, at $3.39/month for a 2-year plan, is our top overall recommendation, offering excellent speeds, robust security, and great reliability. In fact, it is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. For those looking to spend less while still getting a quality VPN, Surfshark, at $2.19/month, provides a great balance of affordability and core privacy features.

If you need additional help, these resources can help:

FAQ

Why Are VPNs So Expensive?

VPNs are expensive because companies must maintain their security infrastructure so that your valuable data stays safe. But generally, their monthly prices are comparable to a single meal or a cup of coffee, so they are not too expensive overall.

What is the Average Cost of a VPN?

The average cost of a VPN for individual users ranges from $2 to $15 per month, depending on the provider and subscription length. Long-term plans (1–3 years) offer the biggest discounts, often lowering the monthly cost to around $2 to $6.

How Much Does a VPN Cost for a Company?

Business VPNs typically cost $5 to $15 per user per month, with prices varying based on features, user count, and security needs. Enterprise-level solutions may include custom pricing, dedicated servers, and advanced management tools, making them more expensive than consumer-grade options.

Is Paying for a VPN Worth It?

Yes, paying for a VPN is worth it if you value privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. Paid VPNs offer faster speeds, stronger encryption, and better customer support than free versions, making them a reliable choice for both personal and professional use.

We hope this article answered all your questions about 'the cost of VPNs 'How Much Does a VPN Cost' and helped you find an affordable one for your needs. If you have anything to share, please use the comments section below. Thanks for reading!


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