Top 10 Best Cheap VPN Services of 2023

The internet has become a major and even vital part of our daily lives, being so integrated into how we operate that it’s used in almost every aspect of our lives. From simple research to shopping, the internet has become a constant fixture in our routines, especially because of the convenience it presents.

However, like with any new technology, there are risks when it comes to using the internet, especially when accessing other websites. This is why it’s necessary to take proper precautions to ensure that our data and other private information remain safe while online.

A great way to ensure your security online is by using a VPN or virtual private network. While the concept of using VPNs may seem daunting and complicated at first, they are actually easy to use and the benefits they provide in terms of security are unmatched.

With that said, if you have budget constraints but still want to ensure your safety, then check out our comprehensive guide of the Top 10 Most Affordable VPNs as well as detailed information about their service.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for a virtual private network, and it’s basically a service composed of various servers that allow you to securely access the world wide web. This is possible through a process called “tunnelling”, wherein the servers of your chosen VPN act as your temporary virtual space while online.

This process makes it possible for the data you send and receive while on the internet to become encrypted, giving you a measure of security and privacy while engaging in your online activities.

Two Types of VPN

Before we get to know the best and most affordable VPN these days, let us first know the two types of VPN. These are:

1. Corporate VPN

Also known as remote access VPN, a Corporate VPN is a tool used to support open communication for employees even on a distance while letting them be on the same network with other employees for tools like CRM, corporate instant messaging, and other apps that shows users’ availability. Connecting through this VPN allows employees to access everything related to the business network. This is mostly used by companies or businesses not only to provide secure access but also to allow more flexible work schedules for their employees.

2. Personal VPN

This type of VPN is commonly used by individuals who are just browsing the internet for personal use. This is essential to keep your data and activity secure even when using a public or unsafe Wi-Fi network.

Whether you want to use a Corporate VPN for business purposes or Personal VPN for personal use, either way, you are safely securing your information and data activity from all the vulnerabilities and threats from the internet. However, before you avail of a VPN, you must first determine the purpose of using a VPN so that you’ll know what type of VPN you must use.

Why Should You Use a VPN?

While the internet offers plenty of advantages to its users, there can be some disadvantages as well such as being vulnerable to circumstances that may possibly compromise your private information. This is why taking some precautions is necessary when engaging in online activities like using a VPN service as this can provide you with a level of security.

Aside from providing enhanced online security, here are some of the other purposes and benefits that VPNs can offer.

1. Allows you to bypass geographic limitations by websites

Some websites only allow access from specific locations, blocking you if you try to access it from where you are. Since a VPN hides your true IP address by using the IP address of the particular server you’re connected to, it can allow you to bypass the blocking placed by some websites. Many use this to stream from sites like Netflix and Hulu who place restrictions when it comes to what content can be viewed in each region.

2. Offers you a degree of anonymity

Aside from bypassing restrictions, VPNs can give you some form of anonymity on the internet. This means you can safely browse online without worries about your true location being revealed. If you’re dealing with especially sensitive matters, this can be helpful at concealing your location from prying eyes and ears.

3. Secures the data you receive and transmit online

This can be especially useful – and necessary – when using a public internet connection as there are people who can easily hack into the system and copy your information and use it for their own gain and sometimes illegal situations.

A VPN service will encrypt the data you receive and transmit while online, helping keep your data secure from anyone who might want to use it for illegal means.

4. Helps you make the most out of your internet connection speed

Depending on your location and your local laws, it has been discovered are some ISPs or internet service providers who intentionally reduce the speed of your internet so they can earn more. A VPN will prevent them from identifying you and lowering the speed of your connection.

Choosing a VPN: Factors You Need to Consider

There are many VPN providers out there, each with their own features and price ranges to offer internet users. This can make choosing a VPN for your needs more difficult and somewhat confusing.

That’s why there are some things you need to take into account when choosing your VPN provider. Check them out below.

1. Purpose

Before you avail of a VPN, you first need to consider what you’re going to use it for. Like with any purchase, it’s all going to depend on the exact reason why you’re availing of a VPN service in the first place. Is it for streaming movies from other locations? Or is security your main concern? Do you connect to public Wi-Fi networks often?

These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself when availing of a VPN service as it will make the selection process easier.

2. Device Compatibility

If you’re going to avail of a VPN service and will use it on multiple devices, then you will need a VPN compatible with multiple devices. This is because some VPNs can only support certain platforms due to their exclusivity. However, the majority of VPN services nowadays offer compatibility with multiple devices, ranging from your Windows PC to your iOS device.

Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to first check out their compatibility with your specific devices before you avail of one.

3. Ease of Use

Many VPNs tend to have a user interface and set-up process that are somewhat complex. If you’re a beginner and don’t have that much knowledge about the intricacies of VPNs, then it’s best if you go for something that someone without a lot of technical knowledge can configure by themselves.

An easy to use VPN service can help you make the most out of it and ensure that your data is secure from any lurking internet predators.

4. Location Coverage

When it comes to choosing a VPN, the number of locations covered and servers can have a large impact on your decision to avail of that particular VPN, especially since some countries, like China, is known for restricting the internet access of its inhabitants. Because of this, you will need a VPN service that has servers in that particular country to effectively bypass the restrictions placed.

5.Budget

VPN services come in a wide range of budgets and payment plans, with many offering deals and discounts if you subscribe for a year or more. Depending on what you need, it can range from budget-friendly to expensive. The payment terms are also another factor you need to consider in terms of budget as sometimes you can save more when you pay annually instead of monthly.

Some VPNs are free, but the features they have to offer are limited when compared to their paid counterparts.

Paid VPNs vs Free VPNs

Running a VPN service is a costly and time-consuming business, as there are a lot of things needed to ensure that everything is running as smoothly as possible, and the data they are handling isn’t compromised.

VPN service providers need a large enough budget to ensure that they properly maintain their servers and infrastructures, protect the data passing through, and ensure they have enough to pay their employees’ wages.

While there are free VPNs out there, the quality of their service, the features they have to offer, and the assurance of your security are not as guaranteed as with paid VPN services. However, the price ranges of these services can range from affordable to expensive. If budget is a concern, there are still a lot of VPNs that offer high-quality services without needing to burn a hole in your pocket.

You don’t have to spend a lot to ensure quality as expensive doesn’t always mean good quality.

10 Best Cheap VPNs

With that said, here are some of the best and most affordable VPN services available today. The products we have highlighted here provide its users with high-quality services and enough features while still remaining budget-friendly enough for those with budget constraints.

With that said, check out the best 10 affordable VPNs below.

#1 PureVPN

Basic Features:

• Has more than 6,500 servers in over 78+ countries worldwide
• Uses OpenVPN, PPTP, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP/IPSec protocols
• Uses AES 256-bit encryption
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Optimized servers for P2P activities like torrents
• No logs whatsoever
• Capable of sustaining 10 connections at once
• Accepts a wide range of payment methods
• Compatible with all major platforms and devices

Plans and Pricing:

• 1 Month Plan: $10.95/month
• 1 Year Plan: $3.24/month
• 2 Year Plan: $1.99/month

Featuring a wide range of servers across the globe, PureVPN offers its clients premium high-quality service without burning a hole in their pockets. Part of this premium service is its optimized P2P servers that allow you to engage in activities like torrenting and others.

It offers unlimited bandwidth and compatibility with all major platforms and devices, offering increased flexibility and versatility to its users. It offers highly secure connections for up to 10 devices at once, allowing you and each family member to enjoy security while engaging in your respective online activities.

It’s one of the lowest-cost VPN services in the market, especially if you opt for longer tenures.

At times, they even come out with a special 5-Year deal wherein you can secure PureVPN for 5 years at a one-time fee of close to $90, which is insane!

You can use the code “alrigh” for an extra 25% discount on all PureVPN plans (except the 5-Year deal). If you want to purchase the 5-Year deal, you can get an extra 10% off with the coupon code “alrighsp”.

Pros & Cons

#2 NordVPN

Features:

• Capable of connecting up to 6 devices simultaneously
• Has more than 5800 servers
• Practices a no-logging policy
• Kill switch for compromised connections
• Compatible with all popular platforms
• Compatible for streaming videos on Netflix
• Features OpenVPN, WireGuard and AES 256-Bit encryptions
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Pricing and Plans:

• 1-Month: $11.95
• 1-Year (Monthly): $6.99
• 3-Year (Monthly): $3.49

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services out there and although it provides its users with high-quality and premium services, they are, by no means, expensive. Available in three subscription plans, the longer you subscribe, the more you save.

What’s more is that you’re protected by their 30-day money-back guarantee, something that can help you fully explore their services before committing to it full-time. This, combined with their already budget-friendly subscription plans, NordVPN offers their clients more than just amazing quality VPN services but also a chance to enhance their security while online without burning a hole in their pockets.

In addition, it also features a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily set it up and operate it once you have decided it’s the VPN service for you. With NordVPN, you can browse online and engage in your online activities safely, free from prying eyes and ears.

You can even extend the protection to your whole family as a single subscription is capable of covering up to 6 devices simultaneously, keeping you and your family, especially your children, safe from those with ill intent.

Save money on your NordVPN purchase!

Pros & Cons

#3 SurfShark

Basic Features:

• With over 1040 servers worldwide
• Uses AES-256, IKEv2, and OpenVPN encryption
• Supports all the major platforms
• Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
• Has a no-logging policy
• Allows the use of torrent
• Works with the streaming site Netflix
• With a Whitelist feature for exceptions
• Features a kill switch for compromised connections

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $11.95
• 12 months: $5.99 per month or $71.88 annually
• 24 months: $1.99 per month or $47.76 every 2 years

If you want a VPN service that offers extensive coverage for protection, then SurfShark is a service provider you should check out. It has a wide range of coverage in terms of servers and a single subscription plan can be used on an unlimited number of devices, ensuring that each and every one of your devices is protected, no longer need to decide which one to prioritize.

This, coupled with its compatibility with a wide range of platforms, allow you increased protection and flexibility. The unlimited number of devices also allow you to extend its protection to your family, ensuring that each one of them is safe while engaging in their respective online activities.

It features a user-friendly setup and interface, allowing you to easily operate it even with limited knowledge about technology. It offers a highly secure premium service at a fraction of the cost of more expensive VPNs.

Pros & Cons

#4 CyberGhost

Basic Features:

• Features a no-logging policy
• Uses 256-bit AES encryption
• With over 6800 servers in 90 countries
• Uses L2TP-IPsec, OpenVPN, and PPTP protocols
• Supports the WireGuard protocol on all apps
• Compatible with the most popular devices and platforms
• Simultaneous connections of up to 7 devices
• With IP Leak and DNS protection
• With a 45-day money-back guarantee

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $12.99
• 12 Months: $3.99 per month
• 24 Months: $3.49 per month
• 36 Months (3 Months bonus): $2.25 per month
• $5 additional for dedicated IP address

If you’re looking for another affordable yet high-quality VPN service, then CyberGhost is another option worth considering. With its wide and extensive reach, CyberGhost offers its users some degree of flexibility when it comes to choosing a server perfect for their needs.

As a VPN service, it offers increased speed connections and allows its users to bypass regional blocking – a helpful feature for when you want to stream movies and series that are only available in other regions. It also features optimized servers that make torrenting and other P2P activities easier and faster.

It’s compatible with a wide range of platforms, especially the major ones like Windows, iOS, and Android. Aside from its extensive compatibility, a single subscription is also good for covering and protecting the connection of up to 7 devices at a time, allowing you to extend its online protection to your family.

They offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you more than enough time to explore their services before you commit. The great thing is that these are all available at a price range that’s easy on the budget.

Check for CyberGhost deals here.

Pros & Cons

#5 Private Internet Access

Basic Features:

• With over 3300 servers worldwide
• Capable of supporting up to 10 connections at once
• Uses OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec protocols with AES 256-bit encryption
• Practices a no-logging policy
• Supports P2P activities like torrenting
• Features an ad-blocker
• Compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $9.99
• 1 year: $5.99 monthly
• 2 years: $3.49 monthly

As one of the most affordable VPN services out there, Private Internet Access features high-quality service without breaking the bank. With over 3300 servers available worldwide, securely accessing the internet has never been easier with this VPN.

Aside from offering you encrypted connections and unlimited bandwidth, Private Internet Access allows you to connect 10 different devices simultaneously with one subscription. It offers access to the most popular VPN protocols and even features a great ad-blocker to ensure your safety while browsing online.

It can easily be set up, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy to operate, even for complete beginners not having anything to do with technology.

Private Internet Access is reasonably priced, but you can still get an extra discount by using our special deal.

Pros & Cons

#6 Ivacy VPN

Basic Features:

• With over 1000 servers worldwide
• Uses OpenVPN protocol
• With a no-logging policy
• Uses an AES 256-Bit Encryption
• Optimized servers for P2P activities like torrenting
• With an internet kill switch
• Supports multiple platforms and devices
• Capable of handling 5 simultaneous connections
• Incompatible for use with Netflix
• With a 30-day money-back guarantee

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $9.95
• 1 year: $3.33 monthly or $40 per annum
• 2 year: $2.25 monthly or $54 per 2 years

With its budget-friendly pricing for its subscriptions, Ivacy VPN is one of the best affordable VPN service providers out there. Offering support for all the major platforms and devices, Ivacy provides its users with extensive coverage and protection which, when coupled with its more than 1000 servers, makes for an excellent VPN service.

If you’re looking for something that prevents trackers from keeping track of your online activities, like for torrents, then Ivacy is a great option because it has specially optimized servers for P2P activities like torrenting. With it, you can easily and quickly download files without worrying about trackers or your speed.

Pros & Cons

#7 SaferVPN

Basic Features:

• Has more than 700 servers worldwide
• Uses IKEv2, SSTP, PPTP, and IPSec protocols
• Uses AES 256-bit encryption
• Capable of handling 5 simultaneous connections at once
• Bypasses regional locking by Netflix
• Supports for all major platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• With a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Comes with a kill switch in case of compromised connections

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $12.95
• 1 year: $5.49 monthly or $65.88 yearly
• 2 year: $3.29 monthly or $78.96 every 24 months

Featuring all the benefits of the more expensive premium VPNs but at a fraction of the cost, SaferVPN is another great and affordable option for a VPN if you’re constrained by budget concerns.

If your concern is your download speed, then SaferVPN has you covered. It operates smoothly and quickly no matter what server you use, no matter what country it’s in. In addition, the quick and easy installation, as well as the user-friendly interface, makes it a great VPN for those who aren’t as tech-savvy.

It supports the use of 5 devices at once, allowing you to have wide coverage and protection although it’s not as extensive as some of the others on this list.

Pros & Cons

#8 VPN Unlimited

Basic Features:

• Features more than 400 servers in over 70 locations worldwide
• Uses L2TP, IPSec/IKEv2, OpenVPN, and PPTP VPN protocols
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux
• Features a mobile app
• Capable of supporting 5 devices at once
• Uses AES 256-bit encryption
• Bypasses geographical limitations set by Netflix

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $9.99
• 1 year: $5 monthly
• 3-year plan: $2.78 monthly

Despite being only founded in 2013, VPN Unlimited has had a surge in popularity due to its ability to provide users with high-quality services at an affordable price range. It has a straightforward and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to operate, even for beginners to the concept of using VPNs.

With over 400 servers across the globe, VPN Unlimited offers you flexibility when it comes to your online safety. Its ability to support 5 devices at once is enough to provide protection for a standard-sized family.

It gives you access to all major VPN protocols and with its highly secure encryption, it allows you to safely engage in your online activities, away from prying eyes and ears. If streaming movies online is your hobby, then its ability to bypass regional limitations on Netflix is an advantage you shouldn’t miss.

VPN Unlimited also offers a lifetime plan thus making it the cheapest VPN service in the market.

Pros & Cons

#9 VPNArea

Basic Features:

• Has more than 230 servers in 70 different countries
• Capable of supporting up to 6 devices
• Features a kill switch system for compromised connections
• Features mobile apps for different platforms
• Has a no-logging policy
• Offers unlimited bandwidth
• Allows torrenting
• Bypasses Netflix geographical restrictions
• Offers plenty of payment methods
• Uses an AES 256-bit encryption

Pricing and Plans:

• Monthly: $9.90
• 1 year: $4.92 monthly
• 3 year: $2.99 monthly

VPNArea offers its clients a multitude of features in their subscription plans while still remaining budget-friendly for those with budget constraints, making it one of the best and most affordable VPN service providers out there. Despite not having as many servers as the others, VPNArea can still hold its own in terms of quality and service.

It is capable of supporting 6 devices at once and it’s compatible with all the major platforms like Windows, Android, and iOS, making it versatile in terms of compatibility. They follow a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that all your data is safe and solely your own.

This VPN service provider is capable of bypassing Netflix regional limitations and can be used for all your P2P activities like downloading torrents.

Pros & Cons

#10 Trust.Zone

Basic Features:

• With over 170 servers worldwide
• Capable of sustaining 3 connections at once
• Uses OpenVPN and L2TP protocols
• Uses AES 256-bit encryption
• Follows a no-logging policy
• Can bypass some regional Netflix restrictions
• Allows torrenting

Plans and Pricing:

• Monthly: $6.99
• 1 year: $3.99 monthly
• 2 years: $2.99 monthly

Although their coverage is not as comprehensive as some on this list, Trust.Zone is still one of the best yet affordable VPN services available nowadays. It offers you a secure browsing experience, protecting your data from malicious software and prevents your connection from being compromised.

It’s capable of sustaining 3 connections at once which, while not as many as the others, is still enough for a small family or an individual with multiple devices. It’s capable of bypassing some of Netflix’s regional restrictions although it couldn’t bypass all of them. Torrenting is also an option with this VPN – a handy feature for those engaging in P2P transfers.

Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts

With how integrated the internet has become into our daily lives, it has become vital that we learn how to protect ourselves when engaging in our online activities as sometimes we have to input sensitive or confidential data that others may use for evil means.

VPNs provide internet users with effective measures to protect themselves against those who might want to steal our data for their own means. However, a high-quality VPN service doesn’t come free and a subscription may sometimes cost more than it should.

Highlighted above are some of the VPN services that don’t just provide high-quality services to their clients but do so at a price point that anyone can afford. Besides those, you can also consider the likes of TorGuard & SurfShark.