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How Much Does a VPN Cost?

Last updated August 25, 2023
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Senior VPN Editor

The pricing of a VPN varies greatly based on the quality of the service and the length of the plan you have chosen. Most VPNs offer monthly, 6-month, and yearly plans. However, some VPNs also offer plans ranging from 2 to 5 years. Generally speaking, long-term plans always come with massive discounts, such as 50% or more.

That being said, even if you get a monthly plan, most consumer-grade VPNs are quite affordable. You can compare their price to a single cup of coffee, which isn’t unreasonable at all given the benefits they come with.

Now that you know long-term plans are more economical, you may wonder how much different VPNs cost. In this article, we will break down the cost of various VPN services, talk about different pricing models, the factors that determine the price, and how you can get big discounts.

How Much Is a VPN?

Generally, a VPN costs between $4 to $15 per month upfront. The cost varies depending on several factors, such as the length of the subscription plan, the number of devices covered, and the features of the VPN.

How Much Does a VPN 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.

How Much Does a VPN Cost Per Year?

A VPN costs anywhere from $50 to $100+ per year, which breaks down to about $4 to $8 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 - ExpressVPN, for $99.99 per year, which comes with an additional 3 free months. On the other hand, its monthly plan starts at $12.95. So, if you do the math, you can see that you’re saving $55 by getting the yearly subscription.

VPN Price Comparison Table

VPN Lowest Price per Month Plan Duration Upfront Cost Savings Money Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN $6.67 1 year + 3 months free $99.95 48% 30 days
NordVPN $3.19 2 years + 3 months free $86.13 75% 30 days
CyberGhost VPN
$2.19 2 years + 2 months free $56.94 83% 45 days
Private Internet Access $2.19 2 years + 2 months free $56.94 83% 30 days
Surfshark $2.30 2 years + 2 months free $59.76 82% 30 days
IPVanish $2.99 2 years $71.69 75% 30 days
ProtonVPN $4.99 2 years $119.76 57%  30 days
Atlas VPN $1.82 2 years + 3 months free $49.21 85% 30 days
Ivacy VPN $1.00 5 years $60 90% 30 days
Windscribe $5.75 1 year $69 36% 3 days
Hide.Me $2.59 2 years + 3 months free $69.95 74% 30 days
PureVPN $2.39 2 years + 4 months free $57.36  80% 31 days
Hotspot Shield $2.99 3 years $107.64 77% 45 days
HideMyAss $2.99  3 years $107.64 75% 30 days
TunnelBear $4.17 2 years $99.99 58% No
Mullvad $5.47 1 month $5.47 No Savings 30 days
VyprVPN $5.00  1 year $60.00 50% 30 days
StrongVPN $3.97 1 year $47.69 67% 30 days
FastestVPN $1.66 1 year $19.95 45% 15 days
Astrill VPN $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.

Free VPN Services

For users who require basic Internet security and anonymity, free VPN services are a popular choice. These services offer limited features compared to their paid counterparts. 

However, they often come with data caps, slower connection speeds, and a limited number of server locations. Furthermore, to maintain their infrastructure, such providers rely on revenue from ad activity and selling user data to third parties.

Subscription-Based VPNs

Subscription-based VPNs require users to pay a regular fee, usually for a 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month period. Some VPNs also offer 2, 3, and 5-year plans. That being said, the best VPN services are usually paid, and they offer a more comprehensive set of features.

Common features include faster connection speeds, larger server networks, advanced security protocols, and, often, a no-logs policy. Furthermore, they also come with customer support, which is typically absent in free VPN services. 

What's the Cheapest VPN Subscription?

ExpressVPN is the cheapest VPN that offers military-grade security. Its yearly plan basically comes down to $6.67 per month, which is billed annually. However, other options exist as well, as highlighted just below.

Remember that price is not the only factor to consider. Instead, the VPN should also be capable enough. The best cheap VPNs offer top-notch security at an affordable price. 

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.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a VPN ranges between $4 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. 

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation because you can get it for as little as $6.67 per month if you subscribe to its yearly plan. For that price, you get an unmatched set of features and ultra-fast speed. So, if you can pay upfront, you’ll lower this VPN’s price, save money, and get a truly valuable VPN subscription.

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.

Does a VPN Cost Money?

No, a VPN does not necessarily cost money, as you can also find free VPNs. However, the downside is that free VPNs come with many risks, such as weak security and a blow to your privacy.

Is It Worth It to Buy a VPN?

Yes, it is totally worth it to buy a VPN. High-end VPNs like ExpressVPN cost no more than $6.67 monthly if you go for the annual plan. That is a small price to pay for guaranteed security.

Can You Get a Free VPN?

Yes, you can get a free VPN by choosing a free service or by getting a trial of a paid VPN. However, we do not recommend free VPNs because they lack security features and sell your data to other organizations. And if you’d like a trial, here are the best free VPN trials.

We hope this article answered all your questions about the cost of VPNs 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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