Welcome, dear reader, to the wild and wonderful world of VPN pricing! You might wonder, “Why would I want to learn more about VPN cost?” These handy tools are almost indispensable assets today. Everybody should use them.
The problem is that so many VPN brands are available. That makes VPN pricing as varied as the toppings at a build-your-own-pizza place.
You've got bargain-basement VPNs that are as reliable as a chocolate teapot, your mid-range marvels that offer a decent bang for your buck, and your premium providers with all the bells and whistles of a rockstar tour rider.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and we'll dive deeply into VPN costs.
Quick Answer: How Much Does a VPN Cost?
- The cost of a VPN varies significantly based on the provider, features, and subscription length.
- Month-to-month VPN subscriptions typically range from around $5 to $13.
- Annual or longer-term subscriptions reduce the monthly cost to between $2 and $5.
How Much Will a VPN Cost On Average?
The cost of a VPN can vary widely depending on the provider, the features offered, and the subscription length. We can generally split prices into a few categories;
Monthly Subscriptions typically range from around $5 to $12 per month. Some premium VPNs may charge more, especially if they offer advanced features or larger server networks.
Annual Subscriptions are more cost-effective on a per-month basis. The cost for an annual subscription can range from around $40 to $100 per year, which breaks down to about $3.33 to $8.33 per month.
Multi-year Subscriptions often see the most discounts thanks to the longer-term commitment needed. A two or three-year subscription might cost anywhere from $60 to $120, bringing the effective monthly cost down to less than $3 in some cases.
Remember, these are just averages, and prices can vary. Also, many VPNs offer special deals or discounts, especially for first-time users or during specific promotional periods, so it's worth shopping for the best deal.
To give you a better idea of VPN pricing, check out the tables below. We've collected some data on premium and free VPNs to understand better what charges are standard in this industry.
Paid VPN Prices
This table shows VPN brands that only offer premium subscriptions. There is no option for free usage, but many will offer a short trial period or a money-back guarantee.
| Brand | Monthly Subscription | Annual Subscription | Extended Subscription |
| Avast VPN | – | $4.59/mo | $4.39/mo |
| BolehVPN | $9.99/mo | $6.66/mo | – |
| CactusVPN | $9.99/mo | $5.83/mo | $3.95/mo |
| CyberGhost | $12.99/mo | – | $2.11/mo |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95/mo | $6.67/mo | – |
| FastestVPN | $5/mo | $2.08/mo | – |
| GhostVPN | $4.99/mo | $2.50/mo | – |
| Goose VPN | $10.84/mo | $5.41/mo | – |
| HideMyAss | – | $4.99/mo | $2.99/mo |
| IPVanish | $11.99/mo | $3.33/mo | $2.92/mo |
| Ivacy | $9.95/mo | $3.50/mo | $1/mo |
| IVPN | $6/mo | $5/mo | $3.88/mo |
| Malwarebytes | – | $3.75/mo | – |
| Mozilla VPN | $9.99/mo | $4.99/mo | – |
| Mullvad VPN | $5.43/mo | $5.43/mo | $5.43/mo |
| NameCheap VPN | $7.88/mo | $1.57/mo | – |
| NordVPN | $12.99/mo | $4.99/mo | $3.99/mo |
| PIA | $11.95/mo | $3.33/mo | $2.03/mo |
| PrivateVPN | $9.99/mo | – | $2/mo |
| PureVPN | $10.95/mo | $3.74/mo | $2.29/mo |
| RitaVPN | $6.99/mo | $5.34/mo | – |
| SquirrelVPN | $7.99/mo | $5.83/mo | – |
| StrongVPN | $11.99/mo | $3.97/mo | – |
| Surfshark | $12.95/mo | $3.99/mo | $2.49/mo |
| TorGuard | $9.99/mo | $2.50/mo | – |
| VyprVPN | $10/mo | $5/mo | – |
Free VPN Premium Upgrade Prices
This table consists of VPN providers that sell the brand on free VPN services. However, they also offer upgrades to paid plans. We're not overly fond of this freemium model since the upgrade prices are often more expensive than signing up for a top-tier premium VPN.
| Brand | Monthly Subscription | Annual Subscription | Extended Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1ClickVPN | – | $0.83/mo | – |
| AdGuard VPN | $11.99/mo | $3.99/mo | $2.99/mo |
| Atlas VPN | $11.99/mo | $4.98/mo | $1.83/mo |
| Hide.me | $9.95/mo | $4.99/mo | $2.59/mo |
| Hotspot Shield | $12.99/mo | $7.99/mo | – |
| PlanetVPN | $9.99/mo | $3.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
| PrivadoVPN | $10.99/mo | $2.50/mo | $1.99/mo |
| ProtonVPN | $12.48/mo | $6.51/mo | $5.42/mo |
| TunnelBear | $9.99/mo | $3.33/mo | – |
| Windscribe | $9/mo | $5.75/mo | – |
| ZoogVPN | $9/.99/mo | $2.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
Note: This list does not include VPN brands that claim to offer 100% services. Those brands are often outright scams and, in many cases, pose a greater danger to you than not using a VPN. Avoid a 100% free VPN at all costs!
Factors That Affect VPN Price
If you've ever tried to compare VPN prices, you'll know it's like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming torches. In other words, it's a chaotic mess. Fees range from “Wow, that's cheaper than my morning latte!” to “Yikes, do I need to sell a kidney?” So, what gives?
That's because several factors influence the cost of a VPN.
Technology and Infrastructure
A VPN's technology and infrastructure can significantly influence its price. This includes the sophistication of the encryption methods, the protocols supported, the robustness of the server network, and the overall performance and reliability.
Providers with more server locations, especially in diverse geographical regions, typically charge more due to the higher maintenance costs. Similarly, VPNs that offer more advanced technology or unique features (like proprietary protocols or specialized servers) may also command higher prices.
Features
The range and type of features a VPN offers can significantly impact its cost. Basic VPNs that route your traffic through a different server will generally be cheaper than those offering advanced features.
These can include;
- Kill switch.
- Split tunneling.
- Multi-hop connections.
- Server obfuscation.
- Ad or malware-blocking capabilities.
- Dark web monitoring services.
- Number of simultaneous connections.
- Platforms the VPN supports.
Quality of Privacy and Security
VPNs prioritizing user privacy and security often charge more. This can include using top-tier encryption standards, maintaining a strict no-logs policy (meaning they don't keep records of your online activity), and undergoing independent audits to verify these claims.
Some VPNs also offer additional security features, like protection against DNS leaks or the ability to work in countries with restrictive internet policies, which can add to the cost.
Customer Support Channels
The level and quality of customer support can influence a VPN's price. Providers offering 24/7 live chat support, extensive knowledge bases, or quick response times may charge more. This is because providing high-quality customer support can be resource-intensive.
Brand Reputation
Established VPN providers with a strong track record and positive user reviews sometimes charge more for their services. This is because they've built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, which can command a premium in the market.
Newer or less-known providers may charge less to attract customers, but they may have a different level of trust or proven performance.
How VPNs Typically Charge for Their Services
Most VPNs charge for their services using a subscription model. This means users pay a recurring fee, often monthly or annually, to use the service. Here's a more detailed look at how VPNs typically structure their pricing:
Subscription Length
VPNs usually offer several subscription options, typically monthly, yearly, or multi-year plans. The longer the subscription period, the lower the effective monthly cost. VPN providers often offer significant discounts for longer-term commitments to incentivize users to stay with the service.
Tiered Plans
Some VPNs offer different tiers of service at different price points. For example, a basic plan might offer standard features and a limited number of simultaneous connections, while a premium plan might offer more advanced features and allow for more simultaneous connections.
Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees
Many VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees. This allows users to try out the service risk-free for a certain period. If the user is unsatisfied, they can cancel their subscription and get a refund.
Bundled Services
Some VPN providers offer bundles with other services, such as password managers or secure cloud storage, for an additional fee. Some may also charge for specific types of IP addresses, such as a dedicated or residential IP address.
Special Offers and Discounts
VPN providers often offer special offers or discounts, especially during holidays or for first-time users. These can significantly reduce the cost of a subscription. In our experience, steep discounts are available year-round, but many providers tend to offer more freebies during Black Friday sales.
How to Choose the Right VPN Subscription
Choosing the right VPN subscription is not a one-size-fits-all process. It largely depends on your specific use case and how that aligns with the offerings of various VPN providers. Here's a guide to help you navigate this decision:
Define Your Use-Case
Start by clearly identifying why you need a VPN. Are you a frequent traveler needing to secure your data on public Wi-Fi networks? Are you an avid streamer looking to bypass geo-restrictions? Or are you a privacy-conscious individual seeking anonymity online? Your specific use case will significantly influence the type of VPN subscription you need.
Consider the Pricing Structure
Different VPNs have different pricing structures. Some offer lower prices for longer commitments, while others have a flat monthly fee. If you're a short-term user, a monthly subscription might make sense. But if you foresee long-term use, an annual or multi-year subscription could offer significant savings.
We recommend picking a good VPN service and signing up for an extended subscription. That will offer you the most cost-saving. Remember that many brands offer a money-back guarantee, which you can use to evaluate their service.
Evaluate Additional Costs
Some VPNs offer additional features at an extra cost, like dedicated IP addresses or extra device connections. The additional cost might be worth it if these features align with your use case.
For instance, a residential IP might be helpful if you're a big fan of media streaming services. It's beneficial for those who want to access the Netflix US content library or sign up for Hulu while overseas.
Comparing Free vs. Paid VPNs
Who doesn't love a freebie? It's like finding an extra fry at the bottom of your takeout bag – a delightful surprise. But the adage “you get what you pay for” rings particularly true regarding VPNs.
Free VPNs can be as tempting as a slice of cake when you're on a diet, but they often come with their own set of calories… we mean limitations.
First, running a VPN service is costly and must be covered somehow. If you're not paying with your wallet, you might be paying with your data. Some free VPNs have been caught selling user data to the highest bidder. Others are simply incompetent enough to have their user data stolen.
Then there's the issue of bandwidth. Free VPNs often limit the data you can use, which can be as frustrating as trying to squeeze into your jeans after the holiday season. The speed can be slower than a snail on a stroll, turning your Netflix binge into a buffering nightmare.
Why We Value Paid VPN Brands
Conversely, paid VPNs tend to offer a more reliable and comprehensive service. They're like the deluxe burger to the free VPN's soggy sandwich. With a paid VPN, you're more likely to get a broader range of server locations, higher speeds, and advanced features.
Plus, since you're the customer rather than the product, paid VPNs are vested in protecting your data.
Investing in Privacy: The True Cost of VPN Services
Privacy is a commodity; like any commodity, it comes with a price tag. VPNs, as a tool for enhancing online privacy and security, are no exception. The cost of a VPN can vary widely, with monthly subscriptions ranging from around $5 to $12 and annual subscriptions offering more cost-effective alternatives.
However, the cost of a VPN is not just about the price tag. It's about its value regarding security, privacy, and freedom online. While free VPNs might be tempting, they often have limitations and potential privacy concerns. On the other hand, paid VPNs, while requiring an upfront investment, offer superior features, performance, and privacy protections.
So, how much should a VPN cost? The answer is “as much as you're willing to invest in your online privacy and security.” But remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best, and the most expensive one isn't always the most reliable.
It's about finding a balance that suits your needs and your budget.
