A high-quality VPN doesn’t have to be expensive. You can protect all of your frequently used devices without spending hundreds of dollars per year on a pricey subscription. Free VPNs are also an option, but they often have built-in restrictions and have even been known to collect and sell the data they are supposed to protect. That's why we’ve assembled this list of industry-leading services with reliable privacy and affordable prices—you won't find any here for more than $9.99 per month. Proton tops the list thanks to its reasonable premium plan and stellar free version. However, there are plenty of other excellent options, so read on to find the best fit for you.
Overview
-
Jump To Details
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
-
Jump To Details
![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for Unlimited Device UsageTunnelBear VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best ValueMullvad VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best for Simplifying PrivacyWindscribe VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Hide.me VPN]()
Best for Video StreamingHide.me VPN
-
Jump To Details
![IVPN]()
Best for Staying AnonymousIVPN
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
-
Credit: Proton
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
Pros & Cons
Proton VPN costs $9.99 per month and offers a diverse selection of servers, along with ad blocking, double-hop connections, malware protection, split tunneling, and support for up to 10 simultaneous device connections. The free version is also a great option; for no cost, you can use the no-log VPN service on one device with no data limits.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Proton has a generous set of features at an affordable monthly price. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with a single subscription, and Proton’s built-in ad and tracker blocker works well at reducing ad clutter on text-based sites. Proton has servers tailored for streaming, peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, TOR access, and multi-hop SecureCore connections. You can try Proton out for free with its free plan, which offers eight servers to choose from and no data limits.
Privacy and security: Proton takes privacy seriously, with a rare, steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability in the VPN space. All of Proton’s apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Furthermore, annual audits and regular transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.
Speed and performance: Proton’s premium servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency.
Streaming: We had no issues streaming Netflix with Proton. Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested.
User experience and ease of use: Despite being an affordable VPN, Proton’s apps feel anything but cheap. The VPN app is streamlined and easy to use, suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks.
Who It's For
People who don't want to pay: Proton’s free version is robust and packs in many features that competing free options lack. It’s a great tool for securing your privacy on a budget. If you can deal with the limitations, Proton’s free version is more than viable as your main VPN.
Users who value transparency: Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for those who value their privacy. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can keep track of exactly how the company responds to threats to user data.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit US, Netherlands, Japan Free Version Data Limit Unlimited Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 129 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Proton VPN Review -
-
![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for Unlimited Device UsageTunnelBear VPN
Pros & Cons
TunnelBear's monthly plan is $9.99. For that price, you can use the service across an unlimited number of devices without any data limits. One notable feature is its city-level server selection, which makes it easy to find and save a familiar location.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: TunnelBear’s premium app is affordable and feature-rich. You receive advanced obfuscation via GhostBear, a protocol that mimics HTTPS to bypass common VPN blocks. TunnelBear also offers a free version that lets you try out all the app's features if you’re unsure it's the right choice for you. You aren’t limited to a slim selection of servers or barred from using advanced features or protocols. However, you are limited to 2GB of data per month. The premium version has servers in 47 countries and doesn’t place a cap on simultaneous device connections.
Privacy and security: TunnelBear’s privacy policy is thoughtfully designed and easy to read. Every point is illustrated with a real-world example of how TunnelBear handles that specific instance, inquiry, or data point. TunnelBear has undergone seven separate independent audits that have verified the company’s stalwart stance on privacy. Regularly updated transparency reports reinforce this point, revealing that the service has never disclosed user information in response to an inquiry or lawful order.
Speed and performance: TunnelBear performed below average in our most recent bout of speed tests. It decreased our download speeds by 83% and our upload speeds by 72%. Latency also saw a 109% increase. Keep in mind that speed tests vary based on a variety of local factors, so we don’t recommend purchasing a VPN solely based on them.
Streaming: Streaming with TunnelBear was reliable. The VPN consistently unblocked Netflix in all tested regions. TunnelBear has servers in 47 countries, offering extensive global coverage. While it may not have the most comprehensive server network, it services the most popular countries that offer regional streaming catalogs.
User experience and ease of use: One of TunnelBear’s standout features is its intuitive, fun design. The fun, brightly colored interface is easy to use, with bears at every turn. It’s not too cluttered or too sparse; this interface is just right. A map makes it easy to tell where you’re connecting to, and you’ll get a cute animation of a bear tunneling to the region that you choose to connect to. Advanced features and additional configuration options are just a couple of clicks away.
Who It's For
VPN newbies: TunnelBear tops our list as the most beginner-friendly VPN app, offering a fun theme, easy-to-use features, and a clutter-free interface. You can try it out for free without entering any payment information or personal details.
Design fans: TunnelBear is one of the few services out there that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its design philosophy is a breath of fresh air compared with the many dark-themed VPN apps on the market. It’s fun and whimsical, yet seriously excellent.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Are All Features Available In Free Version? Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit All Servers Free Version Data Limit 2GB per month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit Unlimited Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 45 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More TunnelBear VPN Review -
-
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best ValueMullvad VPN
Pros & Cons
At 5 euros ($5.73 as of publication) per month, Mullvad VPN is a great value in a crowded market. The open-source app demonstrates a commitment to privacy from the outset by using an anonymous number system to identify your account, rather than relying on an email and password combination. The privacy policy is concise and easy to read, too.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Mullvad has a lot of great features at the affordable price of just five euros. It has a robust ad and tracker blocker that performed well on text-based sites during our tests. It offers advanced features such as multi-hop and split tunneling, as well as access to a customer-only, privacy-focused search engine called Leta. Each subscription supports five simultaneous device connections.
Privacy and security: You can use Mullvad without attaching any personal information to an account. You can purchase an account by sending cash directly to Mullvad. The privacy policy outlines how the company handles data in all respects. Mullvad is a no-logs VPN that does not retain user data, and the company takes a stance against affiliate marketing by not engaging in it or any paid sponsorships to promote its service. The VPN’s policy measures were put to the test in 2023 when it was searched by the Swiss police, which found no data and handed none over.
Speed and performance: Mullvad performed well in our latest bout of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 10.57%, upload speeds by 4.23%, and increased our latency by only 15.90%. Just keep in mind that we don’t recommend selecting a VPN solely based on speed scores. Our tests are a snapshot of a single location at a single time. Your experience will likely vary based on your proximity to a VPN server, among other factors.
Streaming: We test every VPN we review against five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Mullvad successfully granted open access to all catalogs without issue.
User experience and ease of use: Mullvad has a straightforward, no-frills interface that is clearly organized. It's easy to set up a connection and scroll through the server list. Advanced options are just a couple of clicks away, making it easy to configure the VPN to your liking. It’s not as flashy as its higher-priced competitors, but we appreciated its simplicity and ease of use.
Who It's For
Frequent public Wi-Fi users: There's a lot of privacy baked into Mullvad VPN, which is what you want if you're someone who frequently connects to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, coffee shops, hotels, or in public parks. You don't need to create a password when signing up or provide a lot of personal information while paying for the service. There are also few "extras" cluttering up the interface, which makes it easy to connect to a VPN right away.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 50 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 5 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, WireGuard Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Mullvad VPN Review -
-
Credit: Windscribe
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best for Simplifying PrivacyWindscribe VPN
Pros & Cons
Windscribe costs $9 per month, though you can save a little more with the app's unique Build a Plan feature. This pricing model starts at $3 per month and allows you to pay per location. There's also a free version of the app that limits you to 10GB of browsing data, which requires a confirmed email address. If you choose not to provide an email address, you can still use up to 2GB of data.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Windscribe’s premium plan allows unlimited simultaneous device connections and provides access to a sizable physical server network with connections in 69 countries. The VPN offers advanced features, including split tunneling and double-hop (also known as multi-hop) server connections. With support for all major operating systems, Windscribe makes it easy to connect all your devices under one roof.
Privacy and security: Windscribe doesn't log your data. The fast and anonymous signup process allows you to use the VPN app without giving up a lot of data about yourself. Next, you can pay for the app using various payment methods, including cryptocurrency. On Windscribe's website, you can find the company's ethics statement and a transparency report detailing every request it receives from law enforcement.
Speed and performance: Windscribe's performance was solid. Download speed test scores decreased by only 10.66%, upload speed test scores decreased by 13.20%, and latency increased by 67.01%. Windscribe offered reliable, above-average speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming video and downloading content.
Streaming: We were able to watch Netflix without any restrictions while connected to Windscribe’s network. We could access the entire library when connected to five Windscribe servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.
User experience and ease of use: Minimalists will appreciate Windscribe's modest app interface. The Settings menu features a helpful guide to all the app's functions. For example, if you're unsure which VPN protocol to use, click the information button next to the setting's label and read the corresponding support page, which explains what the feature is and how to use it.
Who It's For
People who value transparency: Windscribe VPN is purpose-built for anyone who values personal privacy and a transparent logging policy above all else. It offers a nearly unparalleled experience in the VPN space and should be a top consideration for both privacy- and feature-obsessed users.
Parents: Windscribe has a content-filtering feature commonly seen in parental control apps called ROBERT, or the Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool. You can use it to block ads, gambling content, malware, porn, social media, and more during your browsing experience.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 69 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Learn More Windscribe VPN Review -
-
Credit: Hide.me
![Hide.me VPN]()
Best for Video StreamingHide.me VPN
Pros & Cons
For $9.95 per month, Hide.me offers access to thousands of servers in 91 countries. You can maintain up to 10 connections simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial for families or individuals with multiple devices. The free version has no data limits, which is excellent; however, its server selection is very limited, connection speeds are slower, and you can only connect one device at a time.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Hide.me’s must-haves include a firewall, a kill switch, multi-hop, and split tunneling. The interface offers numerous customization options, allowing you to configure your dashboard to your preferences. Every plan includes SmartGuard, Hideme’s ad and tracker blocker. We found it to be reliable at blocking ads on text-based sites. You can also make use of Hide.me’s Bolt Fast Proxy if you want to just spoof your location without the performance downsides of encryption.
Privacy and security: Hide.me only requires your email address to make an account. With a wide range of secure, anonymous payment options, it’s easy to limit the data the service has access to. According to the privacy policy, the company collects your email and stores it in an encrypted form in a secure facility. Hide.me doesn't store any customer payment information or data, including your IP address, physical address, or other personal details. Additionally, the service uses physical servers rather than virtual machines, giving the company greater control over how user data is handled.
Speed and performance: In our most recent tests, we were impressed with Hide.me’s performance. Download speeds decreased by 5.93%, upload speeds decreased by 22.72%, and latency increased by 92.11%. These results outperform the average impact across all VPNs we tested.
Streaming: The app's website claims it works seamlessly with popular streaming services, including BBC iPlayer and Disney+. During testing, we accessed Netflix while connected to servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US with no issues or limitations.
User experience and ease of use: The interface is somewhat busy on Windows, with a sectioned dashboard that lets you add the features and tools you want to keep front and center. Beginner users may find it especially challenging to determine which tools are essential and which ones can be overlooked. If you’d rather skip the clutter, then you can use the macOS or mobile apps for a simpler user experience.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious users: Hide.me offers a feature-packed free version you can try. The SmartGuard feature is particularly interesting: It is an all-in-one ad blocker, malware blocker, parental control app, and website filter.
Video streamers: If you plan to watch a lot of movies or shows on Hulu, Netflix, or other video streaming services, Hide.me's unlimited bandwidth is a major plus.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit Five Locations Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 89 Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Learn More Hide.me VPN Review -
-
Credit: IVPN
![IVPN]()
Best for Staying AnonymousIVPN
Pros & Cons
IVPN offers flexible pricing, allowing you to pay for periods ranging from 1 week to 3 years. The cheapest one-week plan starts at just $2, allowing you to try the service before committing to a longer subscription. The $10 per-month pro plan is still affordable and adds support for 7 simultaneous devices and multi-hop capability.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: IVPN supports 7 simultaneous device connections and offers advanced features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and multi-hop. AntiTracker does what its name implies, blocking unwanted trackers and ads while you browse the web. IVPN’s multi-hop implementation stands out by allowing you to build custom paths rather than choose from pre-made options. Keep in mind that you’ll need to opt for the slightly more expensive Pro plan to access advanced options, such as multi-hop.
Privacy and security: You don’t have to provide any personal information to use IVPN. Each account is tied to a unique identifier, rather than a traditional username and password. You can even send cash directly to IVPN to pay for your account if you prefer not to have a credit card or alternative payment method tied to your subscription. Beyond payment options, IVPN has an in-depth privacy policy, doesn’t keep any logs, and undergoes frequent third-party audits from Cure53 to verify its policies.
Speed and performance: IVPN performed below average in our latest round of speed tests. It slowed our download and upload speeds by 80.24% and 85.01%, respectively. Latency increased by 155.81%.
Streaming: We test every VPN to see if it can access five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia. IVPN performed well and gave us unrestricted access to each region’s library without any issues.
User experience and ease of use: IVPN features a simple and straightforward interface that we found easy to use. Despite its simplicity, it offers numerous configuration options, allowing you to tailor your connection to your specific needs. All operating systems share a similar design and experience, which makes it easy to switch between devices and platforms.
Who It's For
Short-term users: IVPN has the most flexible subscription terms we’ve seen. If you only need a VPN for a few days, then the one-week plan is an excellent choice that we rarely see offered from competing companies.
People who value transparency: IVPN's policies suggest that the company is committed to protecting your online identity. The app doesn't require an email address to sign up; it's open source, accepts crypto payments, and features private DNS servers.
Specs & Configurations
Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Server Locations 32 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 7 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More IVPN Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | |||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Overall | Best for Unlimited Device Usage | Best Value | Best for Simplifying Privacy | Best for Video Streaming | Best for Staying Anonymous | Best Overall | Best for Unlimited Device Usage | Best Value |
Blocks Ads | |||||||||
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 5 | Unlimited | 10 | 7 | 10 | Unlimited | 5 |
500+ Servers | |||||||||
Server Locations | 129 countries | 45 Countries | 50 Countries | 69 Countries | 89 | 32 Countries | 129 countries | 45 Countries | 50 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |||||||||
Free Version | |||||||||
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited | 2GB per month | No Free Version | 10GB Per Month | 10GB Per Month | No Free Version | Unlimited | 2GB per month | No Free Version |
Buying Guide: The Best Cheap VPNs for 2026
How We Choose the Best Cheap VPN Services
We've set the standard for affordability at $10 per month. Many VPNs advertise incredibly cheap long-term subscriptions of $2 to $4 per month, but those deals aren’t always what they seem. More often than not, you have to pay for two or three years at once to get that discount. A true monthly subscription offers much more flexibility if the VPN no longer covers the regions you need or if its quality drops. When we say a subscription costs X dollars per month, we're referring to the standard plan without any discounts. You can view the price breakdown for every VPN we have reviewed in the chart below:
Additionally, only VPNs that scored at least four out of five stars in our tests were considered for this list. Cheap doesn’t need to mean a poor experience. Oh, and if you don't want to spend any cash at all, we have a list of free VPNs that offer some compelling features if you’re willing to compromise on speed and server access.
Should I Pay for a VPN?
Free VPNs are, at best, a temporary solution. Even the best free options will have major restrictions, such as limited bandwidth, capped speeds, data limits, and reduced server access. Privacy protection comes at a cost. While there are a handful of good free options, there are just as many that profit from your data. A no-name service offering a free plan that appears too good to be true is often exactly that.
Paying for a VPN doesn’t eliminate that risk entirely, which is why we’ve curated this list of affordable services we trust won't pilfer your data. If you stray from this selection, be sure to research each company you intend to purchase from thoroughly by reading the privacy policy and terms of service. Additionally, consider reading our guide on the criteria we use when evaluating a VPN to help you make an informed decision.
Are Cheap VPNs Fast?
It depends. As with more expensive VPNs, your performance will be influenced by factors such as your region, local infrastructure, server load, and proximity to the nearest physical server. A higher-priced subscription tier doesn’t necessarily translate into better speeds. Given the variables at play, performance scores aren’t the main feature we look for when reviewing a VPN.
That said, we prefer that the performance impact be minimal. Your speeds shouldn’t slow to a crawl while you’re connected to a VPN. Each option on this list meets or exceeds expectations for speed. The chart below lists the performance results of every VPN we've tested.
Recommended by Our Editors
It’s worth noting that chasing optimal performance is only effective locally. You’ll get the best speeds when connected to a nearby server. If you were using a VPN to circumvent the Pornhub ban in the US, you may want to connect to a server in Mexico or Canada. That connection will be much slower than if you connected to a server in your home state or city. Instead of focusing on speed, we recommend finding a reputable VPN at a reasonable price that offers the features you want.
Are Cheap VPNs Trustworthy?
Some are. Some aren’t. Whether you can trust a VPN depends on its history, privacy policy, and how it has handled real-world requests for user data. A no-name service promising rock-bottom prices with no backing to support them isn’t trustworthy. Whichever company you pick has the potential to have complete insight into your online activities. The best VPNs have clear and transparent policies for protecting your information.
We review privacy policies, conduct recent audits, consult with company representatives, and assess the VPN’s response to past inquiries from government agencies when evaluating a service. This process provides a clear picture of how much you can trust an individual company, and you can review these findings in any of our full-length reviews. It's best to conduct your own similar research when choosing a VPN, especially if you’re unfamiliar with VPNs.
However, data leaks do happen. Every week, thousands of private data records fall into the hands of hackers because a company fails to secure its customers' data. Governments around the world have yet to do anything effective to stop this, so you have to take precautions to avoid giving up so much of your private information online, including when using a VPN.