How Much Does a VPN Cost?

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

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:

• Length of the Subscription Plan: VPN providers offer different subscription plans, including monthly, semi-annual, annual, and even biennial options. The longer the subscription period, the lower the cost per month. This is because VPN providers incentivize long-term commitments by offering significant discounts.
• Number of Devices Covered: The number of devices you can connect simultaneously on a single subscription also affects the cost. Some VPNs allow unlimited devices, while others limit the number of simultaneous connections. Hence, you should look for the best VPN for multiple devices.
• Server Network Size: The size and distribution of the VPN's server network can also impact the price. VPNs with a large server network across various countries are likely to cost more. VPNs with the most servers can be more reliable, as they give you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
• Features: More capable VPNs with advanced features like split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and access to Tor over VPN are often more expensive. So, the better the features, the higher the price.
• Privacy Policies: VPNs that have strict no-logs policies and are based in countries with strong privacy laws often charge more. These VPNs go the extra mile to ensure your online activities are not recorded and cannot be traced back to you. To cover such costs, these VPN providers may charge extra in their plans.
• Privacy & Security: The level of security provided by the VPN can affect its price, as the company must pay for the infrastructure’s upkeep and maintenance. VPNs that use advanced encryption standards offer a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks often cost more than those with basic security features.
• Speed and Performance: If you plan to use the VPN for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or gaming, you need to opt for a higher-priced, high-speed VPN. Such VPNs have servers capable of handling a lot of bandwidth at all times of the day.
• Customer Support: The quality of customer support can also affect the cost of a VPN. VPNs that offer 24/7 customer support, live chat options, and in-depth resources like guides and tutorials typically cost more than those with limited customer support options.

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.

• ExpressVPN: Known for its lightning-fast speeds and top-tier services, ExpressVPN is our top recommendation. Its yearly plan is the most affordable, costing only $6.67 per month (billed annually). You get unlimited bandwidth, advanced security features, support for up to 8 simultaneous connections, and a range of obfuscated servers. On top of that, it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 
• NordVPN: NordVPN is another reliable VPN that offers excellent security, including a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption. Its cheapest 2-year subscription plan costs only $3.49 per month. This VPN supports up to 6 simultaneous connections, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, advanced protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx, and top-notch security features.
• Surfshark: Surfshark is known for its lightning-fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. The most affordable plan is the 2-year subscription, which costs $2.30 per month. For this price, you’re getting advanced features like DNS & IP leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, and more. Furthermore, Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

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.

• 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: Another effective way to save money on a VPN is to take advantage of deals, discounts, and coupons. VPN providers often offer promotional deals during holidays, special events such as Black Friday, or even randomly throughout the year. 
• 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. 
• 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. 

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.

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!