Best cheap monthly VPN plans in 2026

A VPN typically costs $5–$18 for a 1‑month plan, but drops to $2–$5 per month with a 1–2 year subscription. If you’re looking for the cheapest monthly VPN, top options include Surfshark starting at $1.99/month with unlimited devices (or $15.45 monthly), Proton VPN at $2.99/month on a 2-year plan or $9.99 for one month with a free version to try, and NordVPN from $3.09/month for a 2-year plan or $12.99 monthly, widely rated among the best VPNs for speed and security.

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I’ve researched the VPN market to bring you a comprehensive guide to finding the cheapest VPN in 2026. Regardless of your reasons for seeking the most affordable VPN solutions, I have meticulously tested and included a diverse range of providers.

Top 3 cheapest monthly VPNs

1. Surfshark VPN

   Best value VPN | $1.99/month for 2-year plan | $15.45 for 1-month plan
   9.5
2. Proton VPN

   Most secure VPN | $2.99/month for 2-year plan | $9.99 for 1-month plan
   8.6
3. NordVPN

   Best overall VPN | $3.09/month for 2-year plan | $12.99 for 1-month plan
   9.8

Cheapest 1-month VPN price analysis

In May 2026, 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 May 2026.

From my findings, a one-month VPN subscription in 2026 can cost anywhere from $5 to $18 and beyond, if we’re talking about quality VPN services.

Based on my hands-on analysis of the top 20 providers, the three cheapest 1-month VPN options are VyprVPN ($5.00), Mullvad VPN ($5.43), and Bitdefender VPN ($6.99). However, while these providers offer the lowest entry prices, only Bitdefender is included in our tried-and-tested best VPN services out of the three.

VyprVPN and Mullvad VPN lack the high-performance protocols, higher connection speeds, and consistent geo-unblocking capabilities found in top-tier services. Specifically, Mullvad lacks the specialized streaming and Smart DNS tools to compete with the versatile, all-in-one functionality of our top picks.

The most common price point for a monthly VPN subscription is $12.99. This rate is shared by several industry leaders, including NordVPN, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. Other top providers hover near this mark, such as Surfshark ($15.45), which is currently the most expensive option. That said, Surfshark’s price is justified by its premium features and some of the fastest speeds on the market. Proton VPN remains a competitive outlier among high-end services with a monthly price of $9.99.

My verdict: 1-month VPN plans are often overpriced, reaching up to $18 and beyond, while the cheapest options are frequently unreliable or lack critical functionality. Instead of using a cheap 1-month plan, it is better to choose a premium provider like NordVPN or Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can pay upfront for a long-term plan and request a full refund within the first month, effectively allowing you to use a world-class service for free for 30 days.

Cheapest long-term VPN monthly pricing analysis

While the price of a 1-month VPN can range from $5 to $18 and more, committing to a 1–2 year plan usually reduces the cost to as little as $2–$5 per month. To help you choose the most cost-effective option for a recurring monthly budget, I have analyzed the effective monthly costs of the cheapest long-term plans of reliable VPNs based on 2-year subscription data.

According to my findings, the cheapest VPN price for a monthly plan with a long-term commitment is TotalVPN at $1.59/month, followed closely by Vee PN and our top recommendation, Surfshark ($1.99/month). While TotalVPN and VeePN offer the absolute lowest monthly rates on our list, they lack the massive server infrastructure and advanced security auditing found in our industry leaders. On the other end of the spectrum, Astrill VPN remains the most expensive long-term option at $12.50/month, a price that even exceeds what many other providers charge for a single month without any commitment.

Among my most-recommended premium providers, ExpressVPN ($2.44/month), Proton VPN ($2.99/month), and NordVPN ($3.09/month) offer a mid-range monthly VPN price. This fair pricing reflects their premium feature sets, such as specialty obfuscated servers, high-speed proprietary protocols, and massive, strategic server networks around the globe. While more expensive than TotalVPN, these providers justify their monthly cost with industry-leading reliability and superior streaming unblocking capabilities.

My verdict: Although long-term VPN plans significantly lower the monthly cost to under $2 in some cases, the cheapest options can sometimes compromise on speed and server diversity. For the best balance of value and performance, I recommend choosing a premium provider like Surfshark or NordVPN on a 2-year plan. These services offer some of the cheapest monthly VPN plans among "best-in-class" providers, and with 30-day money-back guarantees, you can lock in the lowest monthly rate risk-free.

Compare the TOP 10 best cheap monthly VPNs

The cheapest monthly VPN in 2026

1. NordVPN – overall best monthly VPN in 2026
2. Surfshark – an ideal cheap monthly VPN for multiple users
3. Proton VPN – great pay-monthly VPN with an affordable subscription
4. Norton VPN – trusted monthly VPN with the longest money-back guarantee
5. TotalVPN – reliable VPN with the cheapest monthly long-term deal
6. Bitdefender VPN – a cheap monthly VPN without a long-term commitment

Going cheap doesn’t always mean going for the absolute bottom of the barrel. I’ve tested 27 of the best VPNs and found some tremendously valuable pay-monthly VPN options for short-term services. In this list, I considered not only the price but also the security, speeds, and features each VPN brings to the table.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best cheap monthly VPN overall

NordVPN is the best cheap monthly VPN, at just $3.09/month on a two-year subscription, and you can also test it out for free with its 3-day free trial. For short-term use, you can grab a 1-month VPN subscription for $12.99, then get a full refund with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee. On the other hand, if you’re considering a long-term plan, the two-year subscription offers the best value at the lowest monthly cost.

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This VPN is packed with top security features I’d expect from a leading provider, including AES-256 encryption, a robust kill switch, Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, and an independently audited no-logs policy.

In a month of testing, I used its smart global network of 9,300+ servers in 137+ countries to unblock geo-restricted TV shows and movies in the UK, Europe, and Japan from the US. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol delivered excellent speeds and stability when unblocking international Netflix libraries, and HD streams loaded instantly without lag or buffering.

SmartPlay, NordVPN’s integrated Smart DNS, bypasses geo-restrictions inside the encrypted tunnel so your IP stays hidden while you access content on Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and many other services. Torrenting fans also benefit from P2P-optimized servers and a SOCKS5 proxy.

Although NordVPN’s pricing is not the cheapest out there, its advanced security, fast performance, and global unblocking make it worth it. With NordLynx, P2P support, and SmartPlay, NordVPN is the best monthly VPN for anyone who wants top-tier protection at a reasonable price.

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

Top 2. Surfshark – cheapest monthly VPN with great streaming speeds

Surfshark is one of the cheapest monthly VPNs, with long-term plans starting at just $1.99/month on 2-year plans. If you’re after short-term use, you can grab a one-month subscription for $15.45. With it, you will get premium features like unlimited device connections, strong privacy protections, and blazing-fast speeds. Plus, all Surfshark plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial.

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Surfshark is an affordable long-term VPN that offers strong value for video streamers, with 4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries covering almost every region. The VPN’s NoBorders mode, Camouflage mode, and WireGuard protocol make bypassing geo-blocks smooth and buffer-free. I easily accessed global Netflix streams, including Japan’s library, and it reliably unblocked foreign sites in many regions.

Surfshark’s security package includes AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and an Alternative ID feature that lets you generate a fake persona with disposable emails and aliases for extra privacy.

Paired with unlimited device connections across PCs, phones, tablets, consoles, and routers, one subscription can protect your whole household. Surfshark’s premium features and competitive pricing make it an excellent value-for-money monthly VPN for both individuals and families.

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

Top 3. Proton VPN – great month-to-month VPN with an affordable subscription

Proton VPN is one of the best inexpensive VPNs on the market, costing just $2.99/month with a 2-year subscription. If you’re looking for a no-commitment option, the 1-month plan is $9.99. On top of that, Proton VPN coupons can help you secure the best price. While it may not have as many features as NordVPN or Surfshark, it’s a solid alternative to a cheap monthly VPN. You’ll also get 30 days to claim a full refund if you want to cancel. Plus, Proton VPN offers a free version to test the service out. However, the free plan is limited to 10 countries with advanced features locked behind a subscription.

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Proton VPN offers a huge fleet of 20,075+ servers spanning 145+ countries. By connecting to Proton VPN’s Plus servers and utilizing its Smart Routing feature, I was able to unlock streaming services like Netflix in various countries, 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 a strong privacy focus and fair pricing. 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.

Top 4. Norton VPN – cheap monthly VPN with the longest money-back guarantee

Norton VPN is one of the cheapest pay-monthly VPNs with a 1-year plan starting at $3.33/month. This trusted service operates around 2,000 servers in 65+ countries, covering key locations like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and beyond, and it’s straightforward to install and use.

The VPN includes essential security features such as AES-256 encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, a kill switch, WireGuard protocol, and its proprietary Mimic protocol to evade VPN detection, plus a strict no-logs policy. While it’s slower on distant connections and inconsistent for streaming (requiring retries on YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max), it works well for casual browsing and privacy.

All in all, Norton VPN is a straightforward, reliable VPN that’s easy to use across the board. Backed by a long-standing security reputation, Norton offers flexible plans and deals, each supported by a whole generous 60-day money-back guarantee, giving you nearly two months to test it risk-free.

For more information, read our Norton VPN review.

Top 5. TotalVPN – affordable and easy-to-use VPN

TotalVPN is an extremely affordable VPN at $1.59/month with its 1-year subscription plan. And although TotalVPN doesn’t currently offer a 1-month plan, its cheap yearly subscription makes up for the lack. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free to see if it fits you. Make sure to keep an eye on our Total VPN coupons for further deals and discounts.

TotalVPN has a compact but strategic server fleet with 90+ servers across 50+ countries. Because all of the servers come with the speedy WireGuard protocol, I had no issue accessing and streaming 9Now in Australia when I wanted to watch the Australian Open.

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With TotalVPN, 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 includes an ad and tracker blocker for additional privacy.

Overall, TotalVPN is a solid option for users who need a budget-friendly VPN for everyday tasks. Although there’s no 1-month plan option, I could benefit from the cheap $1.59/month subscription fee. This makes Total VPN one of the cheapest monthly VPNs available.

For a deeper investigation of Total VPN, read our TotalVPN review.

Top 6. Bitdefender VPN – cheapest short-term VPN

Bitefender VPN offers the cheapest monthly plan with no long-term commitment – monthly billing is just $6.99/month. However, its 1-year plan is worth considering as well, since the monthly price drops to a mere $2.92/month. Plus, Bitdefender VPN offers a limited free version and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service before committing.

Bitdefender VPN offers 4,000 servers across 50 countries. Combined with the fast WireGuard VPN protocol, it is reliable at unblocking a variety of content while maintaining a stable connection. Additionally, Bitdefender VPN has all the necessary features to keep your information private, follows a no-logs policy, and can be combined with Bitdefender Antivirus for a well-rounded online security.

To conclude, Bitdefender VPN is a solid choice for a cheap monthly VPN, with a starting price of just $2.92/month. It also offers one of the best rates for a 1-month subscription without a long-term commitment, as well as a free version.

For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender VPN, read our Bitdefender 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. I tested the VPNs on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, and I consistently worked with providers for over 2 weeks. Here is the full criteria to find the best cheapest monthly VPNs:

• Pricing (25%). 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 (20%). 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 (20%). In my experience with VPNs, the absolute minimum security requirements include strong connection protocols, reliable AES-256 encryption or similar, and a dependable kill switch. I looked for each of these with every VPN I recommended.
• Privacy (15%). As a bare minimum, I only included VPNs with no-logs policies, storing none of your data. That said, most of the VPNs above have fully audited policies, ensuring security.
• Speed (10%). 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 (10%). 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?

Monthly VPN plans tend to be pricey because providers prefer locking users into longer commitments, which reduces churn and makes revenue more predictable. To nudge you toward those longer deals, they keep 1‑month prices high and reserve the biggest discounts for 1–2 year subscriptions, which can work out times cheaper per month. If you want a short-term option, it’s worth looking at the cheapest 1‑month VPN deals.

Alternatively, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30‑day money-back guarantee to test a premium service thoroughly with no long-term commitment and free of charge.

Why buy a VPN for 1 month only?

A cheap monthly VPN can be a good choice depending on your needs. Whether it’s testing leading providers or using a VPN only occasionally, a one-month subscription can make sense. Here are the main reasons for choosing this payment plan:

• Limited budget. If you’re on a tight budget but still need VPN benefits, a one‑month subscription is a flexible solution that keeps your privacy protected without the upfront cost of a long-term plan.
• Short-term needs. Sometimes you only need a VPN for a specific purpose, like a business trip, vacation, car rental, or accessing region-locked content for a limited time, and a one‑month plan covers that nicely.
• Demand-based needs. If you only need a VPN sporadically, an annual subscription may be too expensive, while a short-term plan lets you activate and deactivate service as needed.
• Wish to test the service. If you’re new to VPNs or a trial wasn’t enough, a one‑month plan lets you properly test a service without a big financial commitment.
• Avoid long-term commitments. Not everyone wants to sign up for a multi-year plan, and a one‑month subscription gives you full control over how long you stay subscribed. Auto-renewal usually applies here, too.

If you’re looking for the cheapest 1-month VPN plan, it’s better to choose a premium VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark and use their 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you’ll get premium features and reliable performance for a full month, completely free after you claim your refund.

Conclusion on the cheapest monthly VPN plans

Monthly VPN plans are attractive for their flexibility, but they usually cost more, with most reputable options ranging roughly from $5 to $18 for a single month in 2026. If you’re determined to go for a cheap 1-month plan, Bitdefender VPN ($6.99) and Proton VPN ($9.99) stand out for providing high-end security at a friendly price tag.

However, while monthly flexibility is appealing, long-term plans offer significantly better value, often reducing the monthly cost by roughly 80%. For those seeking the best balance of elite performance and affordability, Surfshark is a top-tier choice, dropping from a $15.45 monthly rate to just $1.99/month on its 2-year plan. Similarly, NordVPN remains a market leader, offering its full security suite for a fair $3.09/month, a significant drop from the $12.99 single-month cost.

Ultimately, if you only need a VPN for a few weeks, premium providers remain your best bet. By taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee offered by reliable services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN, you can enjoy world-class speeds and unblocking capabilities for a full month and receive a total refund – effectively getting a premium VPN for free.

You may also like to read:
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Cheap VPN FAQ

How much is a VPN per month?

VPN prices typically range from $2 to $17 per month, depending on your plan length and included features. Long-term subscriptions usually provide the best value — for instance, NordVPN’s 2-year plan costs $3.09/month, offering strong security and features at a lower monthly rate than shorter plans.

What is the lowest-cost VPN?

The cheapest premium VPNs in 2026 are TotalVPN at $1.59/month and Surfshark at $1.99/month if you subscribe long-term. Both VPN are reliable, tried-and-tested providers offering strong security, fast connections, easy-to-use interface.

What is the cheapest but best VPN?

NordVPN is the best cheap VPN overall, delivering premium features, top speeds, and strong security at $3.09/month on a long-term plan. Surfshark comes next with unbeatable value at $1.99/month long-term, unlimited devices, and reliable streaming unblocking. Proton VPN rounds out the top three with solid privacy (including a usable free tier), starting at $2.99/month long-term.

What is the best cheap VPN in the UK?

Surfshark is the best overall cheap VPN for the UK in 2026, with long-term plans starting at £1.69/month. Privacy-focused users may prefer Proton VPN, which starts at £3.59/month. For a low-cost alternative, Bitdefender VPN offers strong security at just £2.50/month.

Is there a $1 per month VPN?

Yes, $1 per month VPNs exist, but often have weak security, slow speeds, logging, or upsells, which are risks to your privacy. Choose Surfshark at $1.99/month or TotalVPN at $1.59/month yearly for reliable protection instead.

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 cheapest VPN with a monthly payment plan is Bitdefender VPN at $6.99. For a better deal, NordVPN offers the fastest, most feature-packed service at just $3.09/month on a long-term plan. If you want affordability and top-tier quality, NordVPN is the best choice.

How much is NordVPN monthly?

NordVPN’s monthly price depends on the plan you choose, with a 2-year plan costing $3.09/month, while a rolling 1-month plan is $12.99. The annual plans require upfront payment but include a 30-day money-back guarantee. The monthly plan, however, charges you on a recurring basis with no long-term commitment.

What is the cheapest VPN for 1 month only?

VyprVPN ($5.00), Mullvad VPN ($5.75), and Bitdefender VPN ($6.99) are the cheapest VPNs for just 1 month. However, these are not the fastest or most feature-rich VPNs. For a more advanced service, NordVPN offers better speeds, security, and a larger server network at $12.99. Still, out of the three cheapest VPNs, Bitdefender works well for basic streaming, browsing, and torrenting.