Cheapest monthly VPN plans in 2025

As of April 2025, NordVPN and Surfshark are the best cheap VPNs with monthly subscription plans, offering affordable pricing, top-tier security, and fast speeds.

Having a good VPN is essential in 2025, with cybercrime rising annually and governments placing increasing restrictions on web content. Fortunately, there are cheap monthly VPN services available that are perfect for short-term needs, such as traveling abroad or trying out the service before committing to a long-term plan.

Currently, the monthly cost of the cheapest monthly VPNs ranges from $5 to $30, varying by provider and subscription length. However, you can also find many cheap monthly VPN plans that cost less than $10 for a single month with no strings attached.

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

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Pay monthly VPN plans overview

In April 2025, 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 April 2025.

During my testing, I found that the prices for a month of a VPN service vary quite widely, starting at just $5.00 a month and going as high as $30 a month. If you take into account only the monthly prices, then Norton VPN is the cheapest at $4.99 a month, and Astrill VPN is the most expensive with a $30.00 fee for a month. On average, a one-month VPN subscription costs around $9.

However, to make this data on tiered pricing options truly informative, I also compared the 1-month price with the price you pay monthly when choosing a 2-year plan. So, while some of the best VPNs, like NordVPN and Surfshark, may seem pricey compared to other VPNs, their long-term plans make them significantly more affordable. Additionally, you should also consider the price-to-quality ratio and the features you get for your money. This way, it becomes pretty clear that choosing the best-in-class service and its long-term plan beats all other choices if you’re truly concerned about your cybersecurity.

Your best choice would be to stick with the VPNs priced around $9 to $15 a month for the best value and efficiency.

After researching, I found that NordVPN and Surfshark have the best cost-to-efficiency ratio. Not only are these services praised for their security and reliability, but they also have extensive server networks and excel at streaming.

TOP 10 best cheap monthly VPNs

NordVPN is the overall best choice, thanks to an excellent price-to-feature ratio. Surfshark stands out too, offering unlimited simultaneous connections; this makes it a cost-effective choice for groups or families. For short-term VPN needs, Bitdefender VPN offers the lowest monthly price, with IPVanish serving as a reliable alternative. Additionally, Proton VPN provides affordable monthly plans, especially with a 2-year contract.

The cheapest monthly VPN plans in 2025

1. NordVPN – overall best monthly VPN in 2025
2. Surfshark – an ideal cheap monthly VPN for multiple users
3. Proton VPN – great price-to-feature VPN with an affordable subscription
4. Bitdefender VPN – cheapest 1-month VPN for a short-term solution
   
5. Total VPN – reliable VPN with a cheap monthly subscription deal

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 cheapest monthly VPN overall

NordVPN is the best cheap monthly VPN, at just $3.09/month on a two-year subscription. For short-term use, you can grab a one-month subscription for a one-off fee of $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.

This VPN is packed with top security features that I'd expect from a leading VPN. Alongside AES-256 encryption and a powerful kill switch, I accessed a Threat Protection Pro anti-malware package, Double VPN, and even Onion over VPN specialty servers. I've also found NordVPN’s 7400+ servers in 118+ countries invaluable; in the space of a month, I've unlocked geo-blocked TV shows and movies in the US, Europe, and Japan while streaming from the UK. On top of that, while traveling, I've also been able to easily access all my essential UK-based apps and accounts by using a UK IP address via NordVPN.

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol ensures top-tier connection speeds and network stability. I tested this while unblocking Netflix US to watch Supernatural, and thanks to NordVPN’s built-in SmartPlay feature, my HD streams loaded instantly with no lag or buffering.

SmartPlay is NordVPN’s built-in Smart DNS feature, which was designed to bypass geo-restrictions seamlessly. Unlike the standalone SmartDNS feature, SmartPlay operates within NordVPN’s encrypted tunnel, ensuring your IP address stays hidden while accessing geo-blocked content. NordVPN easily bypassed geo-blocks and allowed me to access international content on Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and many other streaming services I tried.

Finally, torrenting fans can also enjoy P2P-optimized servers and a SOCKS5 proxy.

While NordVPN’s one-month plan is pricier than most, its advanced security, blazing speeds, and ability to unblock content worldwide make it worth the cost. With features like NordLynx, P2P support, and SmartPlay, it’s the most powerful monthly VPN option, making NordVPN ideal for those who need top-tier protection without a long-term commitment.

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

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

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.

Aside from being an affordable long-term option, Surfshark brings incredible value for video streamers. Operating 3200+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries, this VPN covers most regions globally. The powerful NoBorders mode, Camouflage mode, and the WireGuard protocol also make it really easy to bypass geo-blocks without any buffering. I was able to unblock American Netflix and access Netflix’s Japan library. On top of that, Surfshark has never failed to unblock a foreign website across numerous regions.

Surfshark’s security package includes everything you’d expect from a top VPN service: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. I was particularly impressed by Surfshark’s Alternative ID feature, which lets you generate a fake persona for added privacy online. I tested it by creating a disposable email and alias, keeping my real identity hidden when signing up for websites. Combined with Surfshark’s unlimited device connections, this feature adds an extra layer of security across PCs, smartphones, tablets, consoles, and even routers.

Overall, this is the perfect monthly VPN for families and groups of friends. With just one subscription, I was able to get my parents and siblings protected at no extra cost, making Surfshark one of the best value-for-money VPNs on the market.

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 another great cheap monthly VPN option, costing just $3.59/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, almost all of its features are locked behind a subscription.

Proton VPN offers a huge fleet of 9900+ servers spanning 117+ 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 all the essentials and no unnecessary bloat. 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. Bitdefender VPN – cheapest 1 month VPN for short-term use

Bitdefender VPN is the cheapest monthly VPN, with its long-term plans starting at just $2.92 per month. However, if you only want a 1-month subscription plan, Bitdefender can be yours for just $6.99. This makes it ideal for short-term needs like accessing geo-restricted content or safeguarding privacy during travel. For example, I've been watching a number of US TV shows that are exclusive to Americans, but with Bitdefender, I can change my IP address for a month and access region-locked content. That said, for temporary uses, this is an inexpensive deal.

Bitdefender VPN comes with a 30-day cash-back guarantee, and there’s even a 7-day free trial to see what this VPN has to offer with no risks involved. Despite the low entry point, Bitdefender VPN offers a network of 4000+ servers across 50+ countries, right on par with the biggest players on the market. This allowed me to catch the start of Euro 2025 on ITVX in the UK, even while I was abroad. Setup was also really simple on both desktop and mobile; the software doesn’t get in your way, and even beginners will navigate installation with ease.

I spotted all of the industry-standard security features I’d expect from a strong VPN, including AES-256 encryption and a functional kill switch. It’s also equipped with fast and secure WireGuard and Catapult Hydra tunneling protocols, which I’ve found to be excellent for all-round browsing, torrenting, and streaming. Also, Bitdefender VPN is based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Romania, which is well known for its lack of user data retention laws.

Speaking of streaming capabilities, during my tests, Bitdefender VPN easily unblocked various international libraries of Netflix, Disney+, MAX, and Hulu. However, I did encounter occasional buffering issues and loading difficulties, but they resolved themselves in just a few seconds.

If you’re absolutely set on getting a 1-month subscription, then Bitdefender is your cheapest monthly VPN. While it doesn’t match the capabilities of NordVPN, it proves to be a solid VPN for an affordable price. On top of that, its integration with the Bitdefender suite makes it a smart pick if you’re a security-focused user. Be sure to check out Bitdefender VPN coupons to save even more.

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

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

Total VPN is an extremely affordable VPN at $1.59/month per month if you choose a 1-year subscription plan. Of course, the longer your subscription for this easy-to-use VPN, the better the price. However, if you’re interested in a short-term plan, you can get a 1-month Total VPN subscription for just $5.99. Plus, all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you'd like an even better price, take a look at our special Total VPN coupons that will shave off a good chunk of the sum.

Total VPN has a compact server fleet with 50+ pieces of hardware across 35+ countries. Because all of the servers come with the speedy WireGuard protocol, I had no issue accessing and streaming Optus Sport in Australia when I wanted to watch the Australian Open.

With Total VPN, 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, Total VPN is a solid option for users who need a budget-friendly VPN for everyday tasks. By choosing the 1-year plan, I could benefit from the cheap $1.59/month subscription fee, though you can also pay $5.99 for a month. This makes Total VPN one of the cheapest monthly VPNs available.

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

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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. 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. 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. 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 out for each of these with every VPN I recommended.
• Privacy. 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. 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. 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?

VPN subscriptions come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from $2 to $17 a month, but it mostly depends on the length of your subscription. In fact, buying a VPN subscription for a month is usually way pricier than opting for an annual one since monthly users are harder to maintain. Long-term plans ensure VPN providers that you’re not quitting or switching to competitors a couple of months down the line.

If you want to pay monthly for a VPN service, that’s understandable. However, I highly recommend a long-term VPN subscription because these are significantly cheaper. When you look at the monthly breakdown, long-term subscriptions usually end up costing 2-3 times less than a single-month plan.

A good example is NordVPN, which delivers exceptional value, no matter which plan you choose. Nevertheless, while a 1-month plan will set you back $12.99, a 24-month contract can cost you just $3.09/month, saving you nearly 80% per month.

Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a whole year’s worth of subscriptions or break your bank just to test the service you’re interested in. Most of the best VPNs, including NordVPN, give you a whole month to try the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why buy a VPN for 1 month only?

A cheap monthly VPN can be a smart choice depending on your reasons behind it. Whether it’s testing the best providers or needing the service only for a few occasions, getting a monthly VPN subscription is a good call. Here are the main reasons for choosing this payment plan:

• Limited budget. If you’re on a tight budget but still need the benefits of a VPN, a one-month subscription is a flexible solution. That way, your online privacy remains secure without the upfront cost of a long-term commitment.
• Short-term needs. Sometimes, you only need a VPN for a specific, short-term purpose. It could be for a business trip, a vacation, a car rental, or to access region-locked content for a limited time. In such cases, a VPN for one month provides the convenience you need.
• Demand-based needs. You might need a VPN sporadically, which makes an annual subscription too pricey for your needs. Meanwhile, a short-term VPN subscription grants you the flexibility to activate and deactivate, giving you control over the service.
• Wish to test the service. Perhaps you’re new to the world of VPNs and want to dip your toes in before committing to a long-term subscription. In case the trial period wasn’t enough, then, a one-month VPN plan is your solution for testing the service without a significant financial commitment.
• Avoid long-term commitments. Not everyone wants to commit to a multi-year VPN plan upfront. For those, the one-month subscription gives full control over how long you use the service. However, keep in mind that auto-renewal applies to monthly plans too, so if you tend to forget cancellations, a long-term plan might actually be the better deal.

Conclusion

Monthly subscriptions can be appealing because they offer flexibility, but they’re usually much pricier than annual plans. However, if you’re absolutely sure you won’t need a VPN for more than a month, a cheap 1-month VPN is a great choice to save a few bucks.

NordVPN is the best cheap monthly VPN with top-tier software that offers top-tier security, while also being beginner-friendly and the fastest on the market. You can grab a monthly subscription for $12.99, but the $3.09/month deal for a 2-year plan is a much better deal overall. With its robust performance and user-friendly features, NordVPN ensures that you can enjoy a secure and seamless online experience without breaking the bank.

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Cheap VPN FAQ

What is the cheapest but best VPN?

Surfshark is the best cheap VPN, balancing affordability with premium features. While there are some lower-cost VPNs, like Proton VPN and TotalVPN, few match Surfshark’s unlimited device connections, fast speeds, and strong security at just $1.99/month on a long-term plan.

What is the best cheap VPN in the UK?

Surfshark is the best overall cheap VPN for the UK in 2025, 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?

Currently, there are no VPNs for $1 per month. However, Surfshark and Total VPN often have discounts, during which the prices drop close to the $1 per month margin. For instance, now you can get Surfshark for $1.99/month + 3 months free or Total VPN for $1.59/month with the 1-year plan.

What VPN is $2 per month?

Currently, Surfshark is a VPN provider that often offers plans starting at around $2 per month. This makes Surfshark one of the most affordable premium VPNs.

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?

Bitdefender is the cheapest VPN for just 1 month, priced at $6.99. However, it isn’t the fastest or most feature-rich VPN. For a more advanced service, NordVPN offers better speeds, security, and a larger server network. Still, Bitdefender works well for basic streaming, browsing, and torrenting.

Are there any good VPNs under $5/month?

Yes, there are great VPNs for under $5/month, including NordVPN and Surfshark. However, the lowest prices come with long-term plans – NordVPN costs just $3.09/month on a 2-year plan, while its 1-month plan is $12.99. For short term, you can try NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee risk-free.

Can I get a monthly VPN for free?

Yes, you can get a monthly VPN for free, but you may run into major limitations – restricted speeds, data caps, fewer servers, and weaker security. If you want a full-featured VPN without restrictions, a premium provider like NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What is the average cost of a VPN per month?

The average VPN cost per month is between $2 and $17/month, depending on the subscription length and extra features. Overall, long-term plans offer the best value – NordVPN’s 2-year plan, for example, costs just $3.09/month, making premium security and functionality far more affordable than paying monthly.