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How Much Does A VPN Cost In 2024?

Written By
Small Business Writer

Reviewed

|Deputy Editor, SMB
& 1 other
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

A virtual private network (VPN) is an important tool for securing online privacy and data security. Evaluating VPN cost is not just about operating within budget but ensuring you are investing in a tool that will effectively safeguard your digital privacy and provide a reliable, high-quality service. This article will help you make an informed decision by weighing the price against the offered features and the value they bring to your personal or professional digital security strategy. Let’s dive in.

Example VPN Costs

Forbes Advisor analyzed 19 VPN service providers and their offerings in an attempt to understand the best VPN services of 2023. Here we compare the prices of 17 of them to help you understand average VPN costs, so you can make budgetary allocations accordingly.

All VPN services offer multiple pricing tiers, starting from monthly to two- or three-year plans. The introductory plans are very attractive, but you should consider the renewal pricing once the initial period is over.

Almost all VPN services have a free trial or money-back guarantee offer. You should take advantage of these offers to explore the nuances of their features and see if they fit your needs. Investing in a VPN is a long-term game, and you must approach it with strategy and caution.

Introductory Monthly Plan Introductory Annual Plan Renewal Pricing Guarantees Available
Private Internet Access (PIA) $11.95 per month $39.95 for one year $79 + three extra months for three years Same as introductory pricing 7-day money back guarantee
Proton VPN $9.99 per month $5.99 per month for one year $4.99 per month for two years $119.88 for one year $239.76 for two years 30-day money-back guarantee
hide.me $9.95 per month $15 every three months $4.99 per month for one year Not available publicly Free plan available 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark $10.99 per month, billed monthly $3.99 per month for one year $1.99 per month + four extra months for two years $47.88 billed annually 30-day money-back guarantee
TorGuard VPN $9.99 per month $29.99 for one year $59.99 billed annually Seven-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN $12.99 per month $4.49 per month + three extra months, paid annually $2.99 per month + three extra months, for two years $99.48 billed annually 30-day money-back guarantee
VPN Unlimited $9.99 per month $5 per month, billed annually $99.99 one-time payment for lifetime $59.99 billed annually 30-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost $12.99 per month $2.03 per month for 28 months $56.94 billed annually 14- to 45-day money-back guarantee
Windscribe Starting $3 per month for BYOP (Build Your Own Plan)

$9 per month for Pro version

$69 per year for Pro $69 per year for Pro Free plan available
Hotspot Shield $12.99 per month $7.99 per month, billed annually $7.99 per month, billed annually Free plan available 45-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN $12.95 per month $9.99 per month for six months $8.32 per month, billed annually $69.95 for six months $116.95 for 12 months, billed yearly 30-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish $11.99 per month $29.99 for three months $89.99 per year Same as introductory price 30-day money- back guarantee
IVPN $2 per week $6 per month $60 for one year $100 for two years $140 for three years $72 for one year 30-day money-back guarantee
Mullvad VPN $5.28 per month No annual plan Same as introductory price 30-day money-back guarantee, except for cash payments
Atlas VPN $11.99 per month $49.01 for one year $71.52 for three years $59 for one year Free app available 14- to 30-day money-back guarantee
Bitdefender Premium VPN $6.99 per month (up to 10 devices) $3.33 per month, billed annually $69.99 for one year Free plan available 30-day money-back guarantee
Mozilla VPN $9.99 per month $59.88 for one year Same as introductory prices 30-day money-back guarantee (for first-time customers only)

Are Cheap VPNs Safe?

Pricing is an important factor when you are considering VPN options. There has to be a balance between online safety provided by the VPN you choose and its price point. The safety of a VPN can depend on various factors, irrespective of its price. Here’s how you can assess the safety of a cheap VPN option:

Privacy Policies

Regardless of the cost, read the service’s privacy policy to find out what data it collects. A VPN should have a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t record your internet activities.

Security Features

Check for essential security features, including 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection and a kill switch, which prevents data transmission if the VPN connection drops. Even low-cost VPNs can offer these features.

Jurisdiction

Consider where the company is based. The local laws where the VPN provider is located will dictate how it handles your data. Ideally, the service should be based in a country with strong privacy laws.

Reputation

Search for reviews and testimonials from trusted sources. Many websites specialize in reviewing VPN services and might uncover potential red flags that aren’t immediately apparent to new users. Customer reviews can also highlight critical features and flag issues not apparent otherwise.

Customer Support

Reliable support is essential for smooth operation and maintenance of a VPN, especially if you encounter issues. Try to test its customer service to see how responsive and helpful they are.

Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees

Try out the service first. A company offering a free trial or a money-back guarantee shows confidence in its service, giving you a risk-free way to assess its performance. Take advantage of it without hesitating.

Payment Option

More anonymous payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies, show the company’s commitment to maintaining your privacy.

Remember, while many VPNs are offered at a lower price point, they may make up for these costs in other ways, such as advertising, lack of certain features or even by compromising on security measures. Sometimes, a higher-priced VPN may be more cost-effective in the long run, considering the features and level of security offered.

You should always weigh the costs against the features and level of security you need for your online activities.


5 Important VPN Features

When searching for the right VPN, you must be aware of the critical features essential for ensuring that the service meets high privacy and security standards. Here are the top five critical VPN features to look for:

No-Logs Policy

The most crucial feature of a trustworthy VPN is its commitment to user privacy, often indicated by a strict no-logs policy. The VPN must not record, store or share any of your online activity. This ensures that your data cannot be provided to third parties, including governments or advertisers. Make sure this policy is clearly stated and legally binding, not just a vague promise.

Strong Encryption

The VPN should use advanced encryption methods to protect your data from hackers, ISPs and anyone else looking to snoop on your activities. Ideally, the service should use AES-256 encryption, the current industry standard that is widely regarded as being near-impossible to crack.

Kill Switch

A kill switch is a security feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing your IP address and other sensitive information from being exposed. This feature is essential for maintaining a secure connection, especially in scenarios where consistent privacy is crucial.

DNS Leak Protection

VPNs should provide DNS leak protection to ensure your requests to access various websites (which are made through DNS servers) are not revealing your real IP address or the websites you visit. Without this feature, your browsing activity can be exposed to your ISP or third parties, even if you’re connected to the VPN.

Wide Server Network and Locations

A VPN with a broad range of server locations allows you to bypass geo-restrictions effectively. This is critical if you need access to content from various countries or want to maintain high-speed connections by choosing servers closer to their physical location. A wider server network means the service is less likely to be congested with traffic, leading to faster speeds.

While these are the critical features, some other factors you must consider include the VPN’s pricing, the company’s legal jurisdiction, compatibility with different devices and the overall reputation of the service among its users. User-friendly interfaces and reliable customer support are additional aspects that can significantly enhance the user experience.

Bottom Line

VPN cost is a pivotal factor when selecting the right VPN tool because it often reflects the quality of service, level of security and array of features offered. A cost-effective VPN can provide robust encryption, reliable data protection and enhanced privacy measures at affordable prices. Conversely, opting for less expensive or free services might mean compromising on security standards or limited functionalities.

Therefore, an informed decision requires balancing your financial considerations with the security necessities, ensuring that the investment ensures comprehensive protection, consistent performance and ease of use without breaking the bank.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a VPN cost?

A VPN can cost anywhere from $2 to $12 per month depending on your requirements and budget constraints. Typically the costs reduce drastically when you opt for long-term plans. But you should not rush into a long-term plan just to save money; check out the features through free trials or monthly subscriptions before committing long term.

Is it worth paying for a VPN?

Paying for a VPN is worth it due to the enhanced security, privacy features and reliability that these services offer compared to free alternatives. With a paid VPN, users typically benefit from robust encryption, zero-logging policies and a wider selection of secure server locations, which are crucial for maintaining anonymity and safety online. Additionally, investing in a VPN helps avoid the bandwidth throttling, data limits and intrusive advertising often associated with free services, ensuring a smoother and more secure browsing experience. Read about the best VPN services to learn more.

Can I get a VPN for free?

Yes, you can obtain a VPN for free, but it often comes with limitations. Free VPN services may impose restrictions on bandwidth, speed and server locations. They can also lack comprehensive security features and may even compromise your privacy by tracking data and serving ads. Here is a list of the best free VPN services to consider.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Shweta
Small Business Writer

A seasoned small business and technology writer and educator with more than 20 years of experience, Shweta excels in demystifying complex tech tools and concepts for small businesses. Her work has been featured in NewsWeek, Huffington Post and more. Her postgraduate degree in computer management fuels her comprehensive analysis and exploration of tech topics.

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