Cheap VPN: Best Low-Cost VPN Services Tested for 2026

Introduction: What I Actually Learned Testing Cheap VPNs

I spent the last few months of 2025 testing cheap VPNs for real-world tasks like watching Netflix, downloading torrents, and staying safe on coffee shop Wi-Fi. My name is Emma, and while I consider myself tech-savvy, I’m not a network engineer. I just wanted to find a virtual private network that works well without costing a fortune.

When I say “cheap VPN” in this guide, I mean a paid VPN service priced at around $4 per month or less on long-term plans. Most of the best options land between $2 and $3 per month when you commit to a year or two. I checked all these prices in December 2025 and January 2026.

Here’s what surprised me: many cheap VPN networks are genuinely excellent. They offer strong encryption, fast speeds, and reliable streaming. But I also found plenty of shady providers with slow servers, data leaks, and unclear privacy policies. The trick is knowing which cheap VPN providers to trust.

This guide focuses on paid cheap VPNs, not risky free options. If you’re in a hurry, I’ll give you my top picks right away. If you want the full picture, keep reading for detailed testing notes and comparisons.

Quick Answer: The Best Cheap VPNs Right Now (January 2026)

These are my top affordable VPN picks after hands-on testing in late 2025 and early 2026. All prices are approximate promotional rates I verified around December 2025 to January 2026.

• NordVPN – Best overall cheap VPN for 2026 (fast, secure, excellent streaming) – from around $3.09/month on a 2-year plan

• Surfshark – Cheapest great cheap VPN with unlimited device connections – from about $1.99/month on a 2-year plan

• Proton VPN – Best privacy-focused cheap VPN with a useful free version – from $2.49/month on a 2-year Plus plan

• Private Internet Access PIA – Most flexible and customizable budget VPN – from around $2.03/month on a 3-year plan

• Trust.Zone – Simple, no-frills affordable option – from about $3.33/month on a 2-year plan

• Ivacy – Ultra-cheap long-term option for the absolute cheapest VPN seekers – 5-year plan from about $1.19/month

All of these support at least one major streaming platform and allow torrenting on some or all VPN servers. Prices shown are promotional rates that can change at renewal—always check the current deal before buying.

What Counts as a “Cheap VPN” in 2026?

After comparing dozens of VPN companies, here’s how I define “cheap” in the current VPN market:

• Monthly price on a 1-3 year plan at or under about $4/month, with many good options landing between $2-3/month

• Single-month plans are almost always expensive, often $10-13/month even for the same VPN service

• “Under $2/month” deals usually require very long commitments (2-5 years) and may come with weaker support or fewer features

At this affordable price point, you should still expect essential security features: strong encryption (AES-256 or ChaCha20), a strict no logs policy, DNS leak protection, a working kill switch, and usable speeds for streaming and browsing.

In 2026, “cheap” no longer means “basic only.” Many sub-$3 VPN providers now support OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, streaming unblocking, and RAM only servers that don’t store any data after rebooting.

How I Tested and Ranked Cheap VPNs (Emma’s Simple Method)

I tested cheap VPN services myself on a Windows laptop and Android phone during November and December 2025. Here’s my straightforward approach:

• Price limit: Only considered VPNs with long-term plans under about $4/month, verified on official sites in December 2025 and January 2026

• Security basics: Looked for modern encryption, a working kill switch, no IP address leaks or DNS leaks, and a published no logs policy (preferably independently audited)

• Speed tests: Ran simple download tests using WireGuard or the fastest available protocol, aiming for at least 60-70% of my base internet connection on nearby servers

• Streaming: Tried US Netflix and at least one more major platform (Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer) from Europe using US and UK server locations

• Torrenting: Downloaded a legal Linux ISO over BitTorrent to check if P2P is allowed and whether speeds stay stable

• Apps and ease of use: Checked how easy the VPN apps were to install and navigate on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

• Privacy and company: Reviewed company location, logging history, and any independent security audits

I removed services with major leaks, unstable VPN software, or unclear logging policies from my recommendations—even if they were very cheap.

Best Cheap VPNs Under $4/Month: In-Depth Picks for 2026

This section goes through each recommended VPN in more detail, still in simple language. Each pick includes a short overview, clear pros/cons, and who it suits best. All pricing was checked around December 2025 and January 2026. These best VPNs also consistently offer robust security features that protect your internet connection effectively.

NordVPN – Best Cheap VPN Overall in 2026

NordVPN ended up as my top cheap VPN choice because it delivered fast speeds, polished apps, and reliable streaming for around $3.09/month on a 2-year deal. It’s not the absolute cheapest VPN, but the balance of features and performance makes it the best value for most people.

Pricing and Plans:

• 2-year promotional price typically ranges from $3.00-3.50/month

• Standard monthly plan is much higher (around $12-14/month)

• Often includes a 30 day money back guarantee

Network and Infrastructure:

• 6,000+ VPN servers in 100+ countries

• Most servers are RAM only servers that wipe data on reboot

• Huge server network means less crowding and better speeds

Protocols and Security:

• Supports NordLynx (its WireGuard-based protocol) and OpenVPN

• In plain English: these are fast and secure connection methods that protect your internet traffic

• Strong AES-256 encryption, kill switch on all major apps

• Protection against DNS and IP address leaks

• Independently audited strict no logs policy

Streaming and Torrenting:

• Worked with US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video in my late 2025 tests

• Access geo restricted content from multiple regions

• Allows torrenting on many servers with P2P-optimized locations

• Fast download speeds for large files

Apps and Usability:

• VPN apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux (with GUI now), Android, iOS, smart TVs, and browser extensions

• Interface is simple enough for beginners

• Advanced features like split tunneling, double VPN servers, and Threat Protection are available but optional

Pros:

• Very fast speeds on nearby and distant servers

• Strong privacy record with audited no logs policy

• Excellent for streaming services

• Lots of server locations worldwide

• Good, polished apps across platforms

Cons:

• Cheapest prices require a 2-year commitment

• Add-on bundles can increase total cost

• Monthly plan is definitely not “cheap”

Best for: People who want one reliable VPN for everything—streaming, traveling, and public Wi-Fi—without going over budget. If you’re only going to pick one VPN, NordVPN is my recommendation.

Surfshark – Cheapest Good VPN with Unlimited Devices

Surfshark typically costs around $1.99-2.19/month on a 2-year plan, making it one of the lowest prices for a full-featured VPN service. What makes it stand out is the unlimited simultaneous connections—one subscription covers every device in your household.

Pricing and Value:

• Allows unlimited devices on a single account (great for families)

• One of the best cheap VPN services for multi-device households

• Renewal prices usually jump after the first term, so check the fine print

• Includes a 30 day money back guarantee

Network and Performance:

• Around 3,200+ RAM only servers in 100+ countries

• WireGuard support for fast speeds

• In my tests, I streamed 4K video without buffering on a 300 Mbps line

Privacy and Security:

• Strict no logs policy confirmed by independent audits

• Kill switch prevents IP address leaks if connection drops

• Split tunneling (called “Bypasser”) lets you choose which apps use the VPN

• MultiHop (double VPN) routes traffic through two server locations

• CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers

Streaming and Torrenting:

• Successfully unblocked multiple Netflix regions (US, UK, and others)

• Works with Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video

• Allows torrenting on all servers with unlimited bandwidth

• Speeds were close to NordVPN when using nearby server locations

Pros:

• Extremely cheap on multi-year pricing plans

• Unlimited devices on one subscription

• Strong streaming support across platforms

• Great for families or device-heavy households

Cons:

• Renewal can be noticeably higher than intro price

• Fewer security extras than some premium VPN providers

• Live chat customer support quality can vary

Best for: Users with many devices or households who want the lowest possible cost per person. If you have a family with phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, Surfshark makes the most financial sense.

Proton VPN – Cheap Swiss VPN with Great Privacy and a Free Tier

Proton VPN comes from the same team behind Proton Mail, based in Switzerland. The company focuses heavily on privacy, and their cheap plans start around $2.49/month on a 2-year Plus plan as of December 2025. They also offer the best VPN tier I’ve tested.

Pricing Options:

• Free plan offers unlimited data but limited speeds and server locations (good for light use)

• The real “cheap but full” experience starts with Plus plans at around $2.49/month on 2-year deals

• VPN free trial isn’t needed since the free version lets you test the service indefinitely

Security and Privacy:

• Strong encryption with open-source VPN apps that anyone can audit

• Regular security audits by independent firms

• Based in Switzerland, outside EU and US data-retention laws

• Strict no logs policy with legal protections

• Secure Core (double-hop through privacy-friendly countries)

• NetShield blocks ads and trackers

Performance and Streaming:

• WireGuard support for decent speeds

• Slightly slower than NordVPN and Surfshark on long-distance connections in my tests

• Supports major streaming services like US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ on Plus servers

• May require trying a few server locations for some streaming platforms

Pros:

• Strong privacy focus with transparent company

• Good free tier for basic use

• Open-source apps you can trust

• Strong encryption and advanced security features

• Swiss legal jurisdiction

Cons:

• Best features locked to Plus plan

• Speeds are “good enough” but not the fastest

• Apps can feel more complex for beginners

Best for: Privacy-focused people who like open-source apps and want a balance between cost and strong legal protections. Also great if you want to try the free version before committing to a VPN subscription.

Private Internet Access (PIA) – Huge Server Network on a Tiny Budget

Private Internet Access is often one of the cheapest big-name VPN providers, with a year plan extending to 3 years at around $2.03/month as of January 2026. It’s been around for over a decade and has a proven track record.

Pricing and Network:

• 35,000+ VPN servers in 80+ countries (one of the largest networks available)

• Extra-long plans (39 months or similar) bring price below most competitors

• Requires a long commitment for the best deal

• Includes a 30 day money back guarantee

Security and Privacy:

• Strong encryption with OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols

• Proven no logs policy backed by actual court cases where PIA had no user data to hand over

• Port forwarding feature (helpful for torrenting and some advanced uses)

• Highly customizable encryption settings for power users

• Kill switch and DNS leak protection included

Streaming and Torrenting:

• Works with many Netflix regions and other streaming services like Hulu and Disney+

• Sometimes needs trial and error with different servers for geo restricted content

• Allows torrenting on all servers

• Port forwarding makes it attractive for heavy P2P users

Pros:

• Extremely large server list

• Very cheap on long-term VPN deals

• Strong, court-tested no logs policy

• Lots of tweakable settings for advanced users

• VPN logs have never been produced because they don’t exist

Cons:

• VPN apps can feel complex for new users

• Interface is less polished than NordVPN or Surfshark

• Speeds vary more by region

Best for: Power users, torrent fans, or anyone who wants lots of customization and a rock-bottom long-term price. If you like tinkering with settings, PIA gives you more control than most cheap VPN services.

Trust.Zone – Simple, Lightweight, and Affordable

Trust.Zone is a smaller VPN based in Seychelles that focuses on being simple and affordable rather than feature-rich. Their 2-year plans run around $3.33/month as of late 2025.

Pricing and Basics:

• Around 200+ servers in 40+ countries (small server network compared to big brands)

• Often offers a short free trial (e.g., 3 days or 3 GB) with no payment details required

• Easy way to test before committing

Security Features:

• Uses strong AES-256 encryption

• Kill switch available on Windows and Android

• No logs policy with offshore jurisdiction (Seychelles)

• Good for privacy-minded users on a tight budget

Performance and Usage:

• Speeds are stable on nearby servers but more limited than premium providers

• Good enough for HD streaming but not always ideal for 4K

• Supports Netflix and some other streaming platforms, but unblocking is less consistent

• Reasonable for basic browsing and internet security

Pros:

• Very simple apps

• Affordable pricing

• Privacy-friendly location

• Easy trial without credit card

Cons:

• Smaller server network limits options

• Fewer advanced features

• Limited app polish and reliable customer support compared to large brands

Best for: People who want a basic cheap VPN for occasional streaming and travel, not heavy power use. If you just need something simple that works, Trust.Zone delivers without complexity.

Ivacy – Ultra-Cheap if You’re Willing to Commit for Years

Ivacy often runs one of the lowest headline prices in the VPN industry—around $1.19/month on a 5-year plan as of December 2025. It’s tempting for very budget-conscious users, but there are trade-offs.

Pricing Reality:

• Ultra-low price requires a 5-year commitment (that’s a long time to lock in)

• Month-to-month or 1-year plans are much less “cheap”

• Ivacy mainly makes sense if you want that extreme long-term discount

• Still includes a 30 day money back guarantee

Network and Features:

• Around 5,700+ servers in 60+ countries

• Supports WireGuard or IKEv2 depending on platform

• Basic features like kill switch and split tunneling included

• Reasonable price for what you get

Streaming and Torrenting:

• P2P-optimized servers for torrenting with decent speeds

• Streaming support is mixed: may unblock some Netflix regions

• Less consistent than NordVPN or Surfshark for streaming platforms

• Good enough for some users, not the best if streaming is your priority

Pros:

• One of the lowest long-term prices available

• Decent server coverage

• P2P-friendly with unlimited bandwidth

Cons:

• Requires a 5-year commitment for best deal

• Streaming unblocking is hit-and-miss

• Fewer independent audits and less transparency than bigger brands

Best for: Users mainly focused on basic privacy and torrenting who are comfortable pre-paying for several years. If upfront cost is your main concern and you’re patient with streaming, Ivacy works.

Are Cheap VPNs Safe, or Should You Pay More?

Price alone doesn’t tell you whether a VPN is safe. Some cheap VPN services are excellent, while some expensive VPNs have had security problems. The key is checking what actually matters.

When a cheap VPN is usually safe:

• Uses modern, well-known encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20) and tested protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN

• Has a clear no logs policy, ideally confirmed by an independent audit or strong legal track record

• Offers a working kill switch and passes simple leak tests (no IP or DNS leaks)

• Transparent about company ownership and location

Warning signs of unsafe cheap VPNs:

• Very little information about the company, no clear privacy policy, or vague language about VPN logs

• No external audits, history of leaks or scandals, or unrealistic claims like “100% anonymous”

• Free plans that show lots of ads, inject trackers, or ask for excessive permissions on mobile

• Dedicated IP addresses sold without clear privacy explanations

All the VPNs I recommended in this guide passed basic safety checks I could perform as a regular user. But no VPN can offer perfect protection against every threat—they’re a tool for privacy, not invisibility. Choosing the best cheap VPN means balancing affordability with these essential security features.

Free VPN Providers vs Cheap VPN: Which One Makes Sense in 2026?

I tried both free VPNs and paid cheap options during my testing. Here’s why I ended up preferring cheap paid services for daily use.

Problems with many free VPN services:

• Strict data caps (often 500 MB to 10 GB per month) that run out quickly with streaming

• Slower speeds and crowded servers lead to buffering and connection timeouts

• Many free VPNs log user activity and sell data or show targeted ads to make money

• Higher risk of weak encryption, IP address leaks, or even bundled malware

• Small server network with no choice of server locations

When free can still work:

• Reputable “freemium” services like Proton VPN Free with clear limits and transparent policies

• Occasional travel or emergency public Wi-Fi use where you don’t stream and only need light protection

• Testing a VPN before committing to a paid VPN subscription

Why I recommend cheap paid VPNs for most people:

• For around $2-3/month you get stronger privacy guarantees, faster speeds, and working streaming with the best cheap VPN options available

• Paid cheap VPN services usually include full features: kill switch, leak protection, multiple simultaneous connections, and customer support

• No ads, no data selling, no surprise limitations

• Unlimited data for streaming and torrenting

• Choosing an affordable VPN ensures you get reliable performance and essential security features without breaking the bank

The best free VPN options like Proton VPN’s free tier are genuinely useful, but they’re designed to convert you to paid plans. For most daily use, spending a few dollars monthly on the best cheap VPN or an affordable VPN is worth it.

How to Get the Best Price on a Quality VPN

The biggest savings usually come from timing and subscription length, not from choosing unknown brands.

Practical ways to save:

• Commit to longer plans (1-3 years): Many top VPNs drop from ~$12-13/month to ~$2-3/month when you choose a 2-year plan

• Watch seasonal sales: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, New Year, and back-to-school VPN deals were active in November-December 2025

• Use official coupons and deal pages: Many providers offer automatic discounts on their main site rather than third-party coupon sites

Renewal prices matter:

• Many cheap intro deals increase significantly at renewal

• Always check the “after first term” price on the checkout page

• Some VPNs allow “stacking” subscriptions, letting you buy several years at the promo rate in advance (NordVPN and Proton VPN have allowed this)

My advice: Combine a long-term plan with the 30 day money back guarantee. Test the VPN heavily in the first few weeks and cancel if it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s no risk if you act within the refund window.

Cheap VPNs for Streaming, Torrenting, and Everyday Privacy

Different people buy VPNs for different reasons. Cheap options can handle most common tasks if you pick carefully.

For streaming:

• NordVPN and Surfshark were the most reliable at unblocking US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ in my late 2025 tests

• Streaming platforms change VPN blocking rules often, so even the best VPNs occasionally need server updates

• Always test streaming during the refund window to confirm it works with your favorite services

• Look for VPNs with smart DNS service features for smart TVs that don’t support VPN apps directly

For torrenting:

• PIA, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Ivacy all allow P2P on many or all servers

• Fast protocols like WireGuard keep download speeds reasonable

• A kill switch is essential—it prevents your real IP from leaking if the VPN connection drops

• Only download legal content and respect local laws

For everyday privacy and travel:

• A cheap VPN protects you on public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, airports, and hotels by encrypting your internet traffic

• For general browsing and messaging, most recommended cheap VPN services feel similar on nearby servers

• In very restrictive countries, obfuscation features (like NordVPN’s obfuscated servers or Surfshark’s Camouflage mode) matter more than price alone

FAQ: Cheap VPNs in 2026

This section answers the most common questions I get about cheap VPN services in simple language.

What is the cheapest good VPN right now? Surfshark and Ivacy often show the lowest long-term prices under $2/month. However, NordVPN and PIA offer better overall balance of speed and features for only slightly more. I’d rather pay an extra dollar monthly for reliability.

Is a $1 VPN safe? Price alone doesn’t decide safety, but extremely low prices often mean trade-offs in customer support, transparency, or streaming ability. The VPN industry has some shady players at every price point. Stick to known brands with audited no logs policies even if they cost slightly more.

Can I use a cheap VPN on all my devices? Most recommended VPNs have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and sometimes smart TVs and routers. Device limits vary: NordVPN allows 6-10 devices, while Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited simultaneous connections. Browser extensions are also available for most services.

Will a cheap VPN slow my connection down a lot? Some slowdown is normal because traffic is encrypted and routed through VPN servers. With modern protocols like WireGuard, good cheap VPNs can still deliver 60-90% of your normal speed on nearby servers. I rarely noticed slowdowns for regular browsing.

Are lifetime VPN deals worth it? “Lifetime” subscriptions are risky because the business might close or reduce quality over years. I prefer clear 1-3 year plans with refund guarantees from established VPN providers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Do I really need a VPN if I already use HTTPS websites? HTTPS protects your connection to each individual site, but a VPN hides your IP address and traffic patterns from your internet provider, Wi-Fi owners, and some trackers. They serve different purposes—HTTPS secures the content, while a VPN secures who’s watching you access it.

Test any VPN you choose during the money-back period. Focus on what matters most to you—whether that’s streaming, speed, privacy, or all the VPNs combined.

Conclusion: How I’d Choose a Cheap VPN Today

If I were starting from scratch today, I’d pick from a small group of trusted cheap VPN services instead of chasing the absolute lowest price. The difference between $2 and $3 per month is negligible compared to the headache of dealing with a bad VPN.

My two “safe bets” for most people in 2026:

• NordVPN for the best overall experience (streaming, speed, security)

• Surfshark for the lowest price with unlimited devices

For specific needs:

• Proton VPN for privacy-focused users who value transparency

• Private Internet Access for power users who want customization

• Trust.Zone and Ivacy as niche options for certain budgets

Before you commit to any VPN subscription:

• Check current prices and renewal terms on the official site

• Use the 30 day money back guarantee to stress-test streaming, torrenting, and daily browsing

• Cancel and try another option if speeds or apps don’t feel right—there are several solid cheap choices now

A good cheap VPN in 2026 should feel simple and reliable. Once set up, you barely notice it running in the background, but your VPN connection is much better protected. That’s exactly what I look for, and what all the VPNs in this guide delivered during my testing.