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How Much Does a VPN Cost? A Complete Pricing Breakdown
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
- Longer-term plans offer deep discounts, often up to 80% off the monthly rate. Opting for 1- to 3-year plans can save you the most money.
- NordVPN costs $3.39/month for a 2-year subscription and is our top recommendation overall.
But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative that still offers strong security and performance, Surfshark is a great option at just $2.19/month. - The price of a VPN depends on factors like the number of devices allowed, server coverage, security tools, and customer support.
- Free VPNs are available, but they often come with limitations (e.g., data caps, ads, and slower speeds) and may compromise your privacy.
- Paid VPNs are more reliable for streaming, gaming, secure browsing, and long-term privacy protection.
- Use strategies to save, such as referral programs, seasonal discounts, and comparing features before subscribing.
- Look for money-back guarantees or free trials to test the service before committing to a long-term plan.
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.
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.
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:
- Subscription Length: Longer plans (annual/biennial) are cheaper per month due to bulk discounts.
- Device Limit: More simultaneous connections often mean higher costs. Some VPNs with multiple device compatibility are priced relatively higher.
- Server Network: Larger, globally distributed server networks may raise the price due to better reliability and unblocking.
- Features: Premium features like split tunneling, multi-hop, or Tor support can increase pricing.
- Privacy Policies: VPNs with strict no-logs policies and privacy-friendly jurisdictions may charge more.
- Security: Strong encryption, protocols, kill switches, obfuscation, double VPN, and leak protection raise infrastructure costs and prices.
- Speed & Performance: High-speed servers for streaming/gaming often come with a premium.
- Customer Support: 24/7 support and detailed resources can lead to higher subscription costs.
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.
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.
Save 86% on Surfshark’s 2-year plan + get 3 months free – now priced at $2.19/month ($59.13 in total). 30-day money-back guarantees available!
$
$15.45
2.19
/mo
Save 86%
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.
- Surfshark’s No-Logs Policy Reverified by Deloitte in Latest Privacy Audit
- Surfshark Launches 'Everlink' to Keep VPN Connections Stable and Secure
- Surfshark Launches 7-Day Free Trial for All Devices and Long-Term Plans
- Surfshark Expands Dedicated IP Feature with 7 New Global Locations
- Surfshark Rolls Out Split Tunneling (Bypasser) Feature on macOS
- Surfshark Files Patent for New Encryption Method to Reduce Metadata Exposure
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.
- Choose Long-Term Subscription Plans: Most VPNs offer different subscription plans, including monthly, semi-annual, annual, and even biennial options. Generally, the longer the subscription period, the lower the cost per month. This is because VPNs incentivize long-term commitments by offering significant discounts.
- Use Deals, Discounts, and Coupons: If you're hunting for discounts, don’t miss the latest Black Friday & Cyber Monday VPN deals or the top Christmas VPN promotions. And if budget is your top concern, here’s a guide to the best cheap VPNs that offer great value without compromising on quality.
- Use Free Trials: Many VPN providers offer free trials, allowing you to test their services before committing to a paid plan. The best VPN free trial should not have limitations like speed caps. Instead, it should let you fully experience the VPN’s capabilities. It can help you decide whether that VPN meets your needs before committing for the long term.
- Buy During Major Shopping Events: VPN providers often run their biggest discounts during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year sales. We recommend you bookmark our deals page to be updated regarding the best VPN deals.
- Use Referral Programs: Many VPN providers reward loyal users through referral programs. By inviting friends or family to sign up using your referral link, you can often earn account credit, discounts, or even free months of service.
- Compare Features vs. Price: Not all VPNs are created equal, and you shouldn’t pay extra for features you won’t use. For example, if you’re primarily using a VPN for streaming or browsing, there's no need to pay for advanced tools like dedicated IPs unless those are essential to your needs. The key is to match the feature set to your specific use case, so you're not overspending on bells and whistles you won’t actually need.
- Use Money-Back Guarantee to Get a Refund: Most reputable VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if you're not satisfied with their service. This means you can use their services risk-free for up to a month and request a refund if you're not happy with the service.
- Avoid Plans with Extra Add-Ons: Some VPNs offer additional features or add-ons at an extra cost, such as dedicated IP addresses, additional device connections, or enhanced security features. While these add-ons can provide added benefits, they can also significantly increase the cost of your VPN subscription.
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:
- Best VPN Free Trials – Before opting for a VPN, you should give one a try by opting for a free trial.
- Free VPN vs Paid VPN vs Free Trial – Understand the pros and cons of each type of VPN before committing.
- How to Set Up a VPN – Step-by-step instructions to get your VPN running on any device.
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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