Cheapest monthly VPN plans in 2024

Having a good VPN is essential in 2024, with cybercrime rising annually and governments placing increasing restrictions on web content. Fortunately, there are cheap monthly VPN services available that are perfect for short-term needs, such as traveling abroad or trying out the service before committing to a long-term plan.

Currently, the monthly cost of the cheapest monthly VPNs ranges from $5 to $30, varying by provider and subscription length. However, you can also find many cheap monthly VPN plans that cost less than $10 for a single month with no strings attached.

I’ve scoured the VPN landscape to bring you a comprehensive guide to finding the cheapest monthly VPN. Regardless of your reasons for seeking the most affordable VPN solutions, I have meticulously tested and included a diverse range of providers.

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Monthly VPN plans overview

I asked our researchers to help me analyze the costs of monthly VPN plans. The goal was to provide information on VPN affordability and current market trends so you could make well-informed, data-based decisions about your purchases.

The simplest way to summarize our team’s findings was to put the data in a graph. Here, all pricing is listed in USD, providing a clear view of average monthly costs and value-per-price points in December 2024.

During my testing, I found that the prices for a month of a VPN service have quite a wide range starting with just $5.00 a month and getting as high as $30 a month. If you take into consideration purely the monthly prices, then Mullvard VPN is the cheapest at $5.00 a month and Astrill VPN is the most expensive with a $30 fee for a month. The average price for one month is about $9.

However, to make this data on tiered pricing options truly informative, I also compared the 1-month price with the price you pay monthly if you choose a 2-year plan. So, while some of the best VPNs, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, might seem a bit pricy when compared to other VPNs, the costs even out and become highly affordable with long-term plans. Additionally, you should also consider the price-to-quality ratio and the features you get for your money. This way, it becomes pretty clear that choosing the best-in-class service and its long-term plan beats all other choices if you’re truly concerned about your cybersecurity.

Your best choice would be to stick with the VPNs priced around $9 to $13 a month for the best value and efficiency.

After researching, I found that NordVPN and Surfshark have the best cost-to-efficiency ratio. Not only are these services lauded for their security features, and reliability, but they also have extensive server fleets and are excellent for streaming.

TOP 10 best cheap monthly VPNs

NordVPN is the overall best choice, thanks to an excellent price-to-feature ratio. Surfshark stands out too, offering unlimited simultaneous connections; this makes it a cost-effective choice for groups or families. For short-term VPN needs, Bitdefender VPN offers the lowest monthly price, with IPVanish serving as a reliable alternative. Additionally, Proton VPN provides exceptionally affordable monthly plans, especially with a 3-year contract.

The cheapest monthly VPN plans in 2024

1. NordVPN – overall best monthly VPN in 2024
2. Surfshark – an ideal cheap monthly VPN for multiple users
3. IPVanish - great VPN with a cheap monthly subscription deal
4. Bitdefender VPN – cheapest 1-month VPN for a short-term solution
5. Proton VPN – great price-to-feature VPN with an affordable subscription

Going cheap doesn’t always mean going for the absolute bottom of the barrel. I’ve tested 27 of the best yet surprisingly affordable VPNs and found some tremendously valuable options for short-term services. In this list, I take into account not only the price but also the security, speeds, and features they bring to the table.

1. NordVPN – the best cheapest monthly VPN overall

NordVPN is the best monthly VPNs, at just $2.99/month on a two-year subscription. For short-term use, you can grab a one-month subscription for a one-off fee of $12.99, then get a full refund with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee. Of course, you can also sign up for a two-year subscription and pay the cheaper fee if you intend on getting a refund anyway.

This VPN is jam-packed with top security features that I'd expect from a leading VPN. Alongside AES-256 encryption and a powerful kill switch, I accessed a Threat Protection anti-malware package, Double VPN, and even the “Tor over VPN” feature. I've also found NordVPN’s 7000 servers in 118 countries invaluable; in the space of a month, I've unblocked hidden TV shows and movies in the US, Europe, and Japan, from my location in the UK. I've also been able to maintain access to all my essential UK-based apps and accounts by getting a UK IP address from NordVPN when I regularly travel.

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol ensures top-class connection speeds and network stability. Nowhere was this more evident than when I unblocked Netflix in the US to watch Supernatural with NordVPN’s exclusive SmartPlay feature; my HD streams loaded perfectly and without any lag or buffering.

SmartPlay combines the benefits of smart DNS – automatically switching DNS servers when you’re blocked by a website – with the added bonus of ensuring your IP address stays hidden throughout. In my experience, SmartDNS alone can’t do that. But it meant that Netflix isn’t the only streaming site I could unblock. NordVPN easily bypassed blocks and let me access international content libraries on Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and any other streaming service I tried.

Finally, torrenting fans can also enjoy P2P-optimized servers and a free SOCKS5 proxy.

While NordVPN’s one-month plan may seem high, the sheer number of features in this VPN made me feel as if I was getting my money’s worth. There really is something in this VPN for everyone, which is why in my opinion, NordVPN is the most advanced VPN you can get for a month and I readily recommend it for anyone who needs the best VPN solution available.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – cheapest monthly VPN with great streaming speeds on unlimited devices

Surfshark's 1-month subscription is $15.49, a saving on NordVPN despite being the second-fastest VPN with almost comparable speeds. You also benefit from unlimited connections – connect the whole family and save some serious money. But Surfshark really shines on the 2-year plan. I subscribed to this plan and paid just $2.19/month, with a 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee bundled in.

Aside from being an affordable long-term option, Surfshark brings awesome value for video streamers. Operating 3200+ RAM-only servers across whopping 100 countries, this VPN covers most regions globally. The powerful NoBorders mode also makes it really easy to bypass geo-blocks. I was able to unblock Netflix in America as well as Japan. Actually, so far, Surfshark has never failed to unblock a foreign website across numerous regions.

Surfshark’s security package includes everything you’d expect from a top VPN service: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. I was particularly impressed by the new Alternative ID feature, which lets you basically create a fake persona to further shield your personal data online. I was able to use a fake email address and name, ensuring there was no risk of a malicious site keylogging my data. And all of that for unlimited devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, consoles, and even routers.

Overall, this felt like the perfect cheap monthly VPN for families and groups of friends. With my subscription, I was able to get my parents and siblings protected for no extra cost, making Surfshark fantastic value for money.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. IPVanish - affordable and easy-to-use VPN

IPVanish is an extremely affordable VPN at $12.99, if you need a 1-month subscription plan. Of course, the longer the subscription you choose for this easy-to-use VPN, the better the price. For instance, a 2-year subscription comes only at $2.19 per month, plus you'll also be getting a 30-day money-back guarantee. And if you'd like an even better price, then take a look at our special IPVanish coupons that will shave off a good chunk of the sum.

IPVanish has a sizeable server fleet with 2200 pieces of hardware across 51 countries. Because all of the servers come with the speedy WireGuard protocol, I had no issue accessing and streaming Optus Sport in Australia when I wanted to watch the Australian Open. And, if you need a little help in picking the best location for your activities, then use the Optimal Location feature that'll choose the server with the best connection for you.

With IPVanish, you won't be missing any of the VPN security features, either. Besides the essentials like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, the service also has a Threat Protection feature, and a well-functioning ad & tracker blocker.

IPVanish could be right for you if you’re planning to use a VPN for various tasks. By choosing the 2-year plan, I could benefit from the cheap $2.19/month subscription fee, though you can also pay $12.99 for a month. Choosing this plan made it one of the cheapest monthly VPNs I’ve found.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

4. Bitdefender VPN – cheapest 1 month VPN for short-term use

Bitdefender VPN is the cheapest monthly VPN at $6.99, if you only want a 1-month subscription plan. This makes it ideal for short-term needs like accessing geo-restricted content or safeguarding privacy during travel. For example, I've been watching a number of US TV shows that are exclusive to Americans – but with Bitdefender, I can change my IP address for a month and access region-locked content. For temporary uses, this is an inexpensive deal.

Bitdefender’s longer plan starts at $2.92 per month, with a 30-day cash-back guarantee. There’s even a 7-day free trial to see what this VPN has to offer with no risks involved. Despite the low entry point, Bitdefender VPN offers a network of 4000+ servers across 50 countries, right on par with the biggest players on the market. This allowed me to catch the start of Euro 2024 on ITVX in the UK, even while I was abroad. Setup was also really simple on both desktop and mobile; the software doesn’t get in your way, and even beginners will navigate installation with ease.

I spotted all of the industry-standard security features I’d expect from a strong VPN, including AES-256 encryption and a functional kill switch. It’s also equipped with fast and secure WireGuard and Catapult Hydra tunneling protocols, which I’ve found to be excellent for all-round browsing, torrenting, and streaming. Also, Bitdefender VPN is based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Romania, well known for its lack of user data retention laws.

Speaking of streaming capabilities, during my tests, Bitdefender VPN easily unblocked various international libraries of Netflix, Disney+, MAX, and Hulu. However, I did encounter a few buffering issues and loading difficulties, but those were pretty rare and took no longer than a few seconds.

If you’re absolutely set on getting a 1-month subscription, then Bitdefender is your cheapest monthly VPN. While it doesn’t match up to the power of NordVPN, it does provide a solid VPN for an affordable price, and its integration with the Bitdefender suite makes it a smart pick if you’re a security-focused user.

For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender VPN, read our Bitdefender VPN review.

5. ProtonVPN – great month-to-month VPN with an affordable subscription

Proton VPN costs $9.99 per month. However, if you choose the 2-year plan, then a month of ProtonVPN services comes only at $3.59. The current Proton VPN coupons will ensure you get the best price, too. While it may not have as many features as NordVPN and Surfshark, it’s a solid alternative cheap monthly VPN. You’ll also get 30 days to claim a full refund if you want to cancel.

Proton VPN is a medium-sized provider with 9200+ servers spanning 110 countries. With the Smart DNS feature, I was able to unlock streaming services like Netflix in countries where I found servers, including the US.

Proton VPN is a solid choice for your browsing privacy and security, too. You get industry-standard AES-256 encryption, WireGuard tunneling protocol, plus IP and DNS leak protection.

I would recommend Proton VPN to anyone searching for a cheap monthly VPN with all the essentials and no unnecessary bloat. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and supports all major platforms – an easy pick even if you’ve never used a VPN before.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

How I tested and selected the best cheap monthly VPNs

In order to find the best cheap monthly VPNs that also provide high-quality service, I tested 27 of the best-known brands out there. Overall, the testing took place on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, and I consistently worked with providers for over 2 weeks. Here are the full criteria for my best cheapest monthly VPN list:

• Pricing. I sought out VPNs that let you buy a month’s access, but I also compared the monthly prices over longer terms, as this gets you the best deals..
• Money-back guarantee. You need time to see whether a VPN is right for you, which is why I only selected VPNs with a minimum 30-day money-back guarantee..
• Security. In my experience with VPNs, the absolute minimum security requirements include strong protocols, reliable AES-256 encryption or similar, and a dependable kill switch. I checked for each of these with each VPN I recommended.
• Privacy. As a bare minimum, I only included VPNs with no-logs policies, storing none of your data. But most of the VPNs above have fully audited policies, ensuring security.
• Speed. I’ve chosen VPNs that have a negligible impact on your speed. Any VPN will slow your connection slightly, but the best VPNs won’t get in your way.
• Customer support. Along with my team, I regularly review VPN providers, which includes checking that customer support is responsive and helpful.

Why are monthly VPN plans so expensive?

VPN subscriptions come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from $2 to $17 a month, but it mostly depends on the length of your subscription. In fact, buying a VPN subscription for a month is usually way pricier than opting for an annual one because monthly users are harder to maintain. Long-term plans ensure VPN providers you’re not quitting or switching to the competitors a couple of months down the line.

If you want to pay monthly for a VPN service, that’s understandable. But I highly advise considering a long-term VPN subscription because these are tremendously cheaper. Especially when you look at the monthly breakdown, which usually ends up costing 2-3 times less than a single-month plan.

A good example is my top pick NordVPN, which delivers exceptional value, no matter which plan you choose. However, while a 1-month plan will set you back $12.99, a 24-month contract can cost you a mere $2.99/month monthly, saving you nearly 80% of the price every single month.

Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a whole year’s worth of subscriptions or break your piggy bank just to test the service you’re interested in. Most of the best VPNs, including NordVPN, give you a whole month to try the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why buy a VPN for 1 month only?

A cheap monthly VPN can be a smart choice depending on your reasons behind it. Whether it’s testing the best providers or needing the service only for a few occasions, getting a VPN monthly subscription is a good call. Here are the main reasons for choosing this payment plan:

• Limited budget. If you’re on a tight budget but still need the benefits of a VPN, a one-month subscription is a solution right up your alley. That way, your online privacy remains secure without the upfront cost of a longer commitment.
• Short-term needs. Sometimes, you only need a VPN for a specific, short-term purpose. It could be for a business trip, a vacation, a car rental, or to access region-locked content for a limited time. In such cases, a VPN for one month provides the flexibility you need.
• Demand-based needs. You might need a VPN sporadically, which makes an annual subscription too pricey for your needs. Meanwhile, a short-term VPN subscription grants you the flexibility to activate and deactivate, giving you control over the service.
• Wish to test the service. Perhaps you’re new to the world of VPNs and want to dip your toes in before committing to a long-term subscription. And the trial period wasn’t enough. Then, a one-month VPN plan is your holy grail for testing the service without a significant financial commitment.
• Escape from auto-renewal. Some folks prefer not to be tied to auto-renewing annual plans. Choosing a VPN for one month ensures you won’t accidentally continue a subscription you no longer require.

Conclusion

Monthly subscriptions can be alluring because of their noncommittal nature, but they’re usually much pricier than the annual plans. However, if you’re absolutely sure you won’t need a VPN for longer than a month, I’ve found that a cheap 1 month VPN is a great choice to save a few bucks.

NordVPN is the best cheap monthly VPN with top-tier software that offers the best-in-class security, while being beginner-friendly and the fastest on the market.. You can grab a month’s access for $12.99, but the $2.99/month, 2-year plan offers fantastic value in my opinion. With its robust performance and user-friendly features, NordVPN ensures that you can enjoy a secure and seamless online experience without breaking the bank.

If you want to pay monthly for a VPN service, that’s understandable. But I highly advise considering a long-term VPN subscription because these are tremendously cheaper. Especially when you look at the monthly breakdown, which usually ends up costing 2-3 times less than a single-month plan.

Which monthly VPN do you think is the best? Let us know in the comments!

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Cheap VPN FAQ

Can I get a VPN for just one month?

Yes, you can get a VPN for just one month from a number of providers. NordVPN and Surfshark both offer 1-month plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. But if you've already used these deals up and are ineligible for a new guarantee, the best cheap monthly VPN for a 1-month sub is Bitdefender, providing VPN connections for $6.99 per month.

What is the cheapest VPN with a monthly payment plan?

The most affordable VPN for a one-month subscription is Bitdefender VPN, costing $6.99. However, if you’re on the hunt for an even better deal and long-term option, I recommend NordVPN. It costs $3.09/month and by far offers the fastest and most feature-packed service on the market in my experience. So, for affordability, quality, and peace of mind, NordVPN is the best monthly VPN.

How much is NordVPN monthly?

NordVPN’s monthly price depends on the plan you choose, with a 2-year plan costing $2.99/month, while a rolling 1-month plan is $12.99. The annual plans require immediate payment – but include a 30-day money-back guarantee that I can confirm is no-fuss – while the monthly plan charges you on a monthly basis.

What is the cheapest VPN for 1 month only?

Bitdefender is the cheapest VPN for just 1 month, priced at $6.99 with no commitment. Based on my tests, it isn’t the fastest or most feature-stuffed VPN. For instance, NordVPN is much more advanced. But if price trumps functionality for you, it’s still a solid VPN that’ll support streaming, browsing, and torrenting. Just be aware that the server network is a little smaller too.

Are there any good VPNs under $5/month?

Yes, I’ve found and tested some great VPN options for under $5 per month, such as NordVPN, or Surfshark. However, the cheapest monthly prices are available with longer subscriptions. For example, you can get NordVPN for just $2.99/month if you take a 2-year plan, while a monthly plan costs $12.99/month. If you only need NordVPN for a month, take my advice – get the 2-year plan and then get a full refund before your 30-day money-back guarantee expires.

Can I get a monthly VPN for free?

Yes, you can get a monthly VPN for free, but you’ll likely hit the same obstacles that I did – poor security, very few servers, far less functionality, and a limit on speed and data use. You can forget about all of these drawbacks by choosing a premium VPN. I recommend downloading NordVPN and making use of the 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.

What is the average cost of a VPN per month?

The average VPN cost per month is between $2 and $13/month, though the exact price comes down to your chosen subscription plan and any add-on features you’d like. Or, just do what I did and opt for the 2-year NordVPN plan. It’ll give you the best VPN functionality and security available right now for only $2.99/month per month for a two-year subscription.