Using a VPN seemed like overkill to me until I found myself unable to stream shows while traveling abroad and started worrying about public Wi-Fi security. I tried a free VPN first, but slow speeds and constant ads made it nearly unusable. That frustration led me to invest in a paid service, and the difference was night and day: faster browsing, smoother streaming, and peace of mind.
If you’re wondering “how much does a VPN cost” and whether it’s worth the investment, you found the right article. In this guide, I’ll break it down clearly:
- Monthly, yearly, and multi-year VPN pricing
- Real examples from top providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN
- Key features and factors that affect pricing
- Whether free or cheap VPNs are safe
- Smart ways to save money without sacrificing security
Let’s start by breaking down how VPN pricing works across different plans and providers.
1. How much does a VPN cost?
VPN pricing varies depending on how long you subscribe, which provider you choose, and what features you need. Here’s how different pricing structures compare and what you actually get for your money.
1.1. Monthly vs. yearly vs. multi-year pricing
Most VPNs offer three pricing tiers: monthly, annual, and multi-year. Here’s how they typically break down:
- Monthly: $10–$15/month — high flexibility, no long-term commitment
- Yearly: $3–$6/month — paid upfront; major savings vs. monthly
- Multi-year (2–3 years): $2–$4/month — best value, but longer commitment
I initially subscribed to a monthly plan because I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it. After two months, I realized the cost was adding up quickly, so I switched to a two-year deal with Surfshark and paid under $60 total. That move saved me over $150 across the plan’s duration.
Here’s a simplified cost comparison across plan types:
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Cost | Total for Term |
| Monthly | $10–$15 | $10–$15 |
| Yearly | $3–$6 | ~$36–$72 |
| Multi-year | $2–$4 | ~$48–$96 (2–3 years) |
1.2. Example pricing from top VPNs (NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN)
Let’s look at real-world pricing from popular VPNs as of August 2025:
| VPN Provider | Monthly | 1-Year Plan | 2-Year Plan | Notable Features |
| NordVPN (Plus) | $13.99/mo | $5/mo | $4.39/mo | Threat Protection, Meshnet, audited |
| Surfshark (Starter) | $15.45/mo | $3.19/mo | $1.19/mo | Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker |
| Proton VPN (Plus) | $9.99/mo | $4.99/mo | $4.49/mo | Based in Switzerland, no-logs, open-source |
These plans often include features like secure streaming access, a kill switch, and malware blocking. Note that some providers offer tiered plans (e.g., Proton VPN’s “Plus” vs. free) with pricing based on feature sets.
If you’re still unsure which provider to pick, check out Best VPN list, recommended by tech expert Michale Dang, to find a service that matches your privacy and streaming needs.
Pro Tip: Always check whether renewal prices are the same; many VPNs raise prices after the first term ends.
2. Key factors that affect VPN pricing
VPN costs don’t just depend on how long you subscribe. They’re also shaped by what the provider offers, how secure it is, and how much trust it has earned. Here’s what really drives price differences across VPN services.
2.1. Subscription length & discount tiers
The longer the subscription, the lower the monthly rate almost always.
- Monthly plans offer flexibility, but cost the most per month.
- Annual plans often cut the price by 40–60%.
- Multi-year plans can reduce the monthly rate by up to 80%.
2.2. Features like streaming, kill switch, ad blocker
VPNs that support premium features tend to cost more but for good reason. Here’s a list of extras that can affect pricing:
- Streaming support: Lets you unblock services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer
- Kill switch: Automatically cuts your internet if the VPN drops
- Ad/malware blocker: Filters trackers and malicious content
- Dedicated IP: Useful for remote work or avoiding CAPTCHAs
- Split tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t
When I used a free VPN, I couldn’t access U.S. Netflix and constantly had to restart the connection. Upgrading to Surfshark gave me stable streaming and built-in tracker blocking, which made the extra couple of dollars per month worth it.
2.3. Provider reputation and audit status
Some VPNs charge more because they’ve earned user trust and back it up with third-party audits and transparent privacy policies.
Here’s what adds to credibility (and often costs):
- No-logs policy verified by independent auditors
- Jurisdiction in privacy-friendly countries (e.g., Switzerland, Panama)
- Open-source apps that allow code transparency
- Regular security audits from firms like Deloitte or Cure53
According to CISA, evaluating the trustworthiness of VPN services is critical for avoiding insecure or data-leaking tools. I always look for audit history and breach transparency before committing to any VPN plan.
Key factors that affect VPN pricing
3. Are free or cheap VPNs actually safe?
It’s tempting to use a free or ultra-cheap VPN, especially when privacy should be a right not a luxury. But not all free or low-cost VPNs offer the security and reliability you need. In fact, some may do more harm than good.
3.1. Limitations of free VPNs (speed, security)
Free VPNs usually come with serious trade-offs:
- Slow speeds due to overloaded servers
- Limited server options (usually 1–3 locations)
- No streaming or torrenting support
- Weak or outdated encryption
- Annoying ads or data caps
Limitations of free VPNs
Keep in mind: Some free VPNs have been caught logging user activity or injecting ads, practices that defeat the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
3.2. Risks with ultra-cheap providers
“Too good to be true” often applies here. VPNs charging just $1–2 per month without transparency may:
- Log your browsing activity
- Sell your data to third parties
- Lack proper encryption protocols
- Have unclear company ownership or no public audits
One Reddit user shared how they found a super cheap VPN through a random ad. It worked fine at first, but a few weeks later, it vanished completely along with their payment. No support, no refund, and no service.
Even if your budget is tight, it’s worth prioritizing providers with a solid reputation, a no-logs policy, and third-party audits.
If you want more tips for choosing a trustworthy VPN and staying secure online, safelyo.com offers practical guides and up-to-date recommendations.
According to OWASP, using unverified or obscure VPN apps increases the risk of data leakage, malware, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
4. FAQs
What is a good monthly price for a VPN?
A good monthly price for a premium VPN typically falls between $2–$4 per month when paid annually or via a multi-year plan. If you prefer a monthly subscription, expect to pay $10–$13/month. Lower prices can signal fewer features or questionable security, so always evaluate the provider’s reputation.
Can I trust free VPNs?
You should be cautious with free VPNs. While some—like Proton VPN’s free tier—are reputable and privacy-focused, many free VPNs:
- Log user activity
- Inject ads or trackers
- Offer poor speeds and limited features
Trustworthy free VPNs are rare. For essential use, like occasional browsing, a vetted free option can suffice, but for security or streaming, a paid VPN is safer.
How much do long-term plans save me?
Long-term VPN plans can save you 60–80% compared to monthly pricing. For example:
- A monthly plan at $12.99 totals over $155/year
- A 2-year plan at $2.19/month costs just $52.56
- That’s a $100+ savings over two years
Opting for annual or multi-year plans gives you the most value for your money.
5. Conclusion
So, how much does a VPN cost? It depends on the plan you choose, the provider’s features, and how long you’re willing to commit. But one thing is clear: a quality VPN doesn’t have to be expensive—and often pays for itself in privacy, speed, and peace of mind.
To wrap things up, keep these points in mind:
- Monthly plans cost the most, typically $10–$15/month
- Multi-year plans offer the best deals, as low as $2/month
- Top providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN offer feature-rich options at fair rates
- Free VPNs often come with major limitations and privacy risks
- Smart savings come from long-term plans, discounts, and bundled tools
- Always verify the provider’s audit status, policies, and reputation
Personally, investing in a trusted VPN transformed how I browse, stream, and work online. I no longer worry about logging into bank accounts on public Wi-Fi or hitting geo-restrictions while abroad. It’s a small cost that yields big peace of mind.
If you’re ready to take control of your digital privacy, now’s the perfect time to apply what you’ve learned.
For more straightforward tech guides like this, check out the “How-to Tech Simplified” section at Safelyo.