Cheapest Paid VPNs

Introduction

In today’s online world, protecting your privacy doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re streaming, torrenting, or browsing securely—there are trustworthy VPNs priced under $4/month that deliver solid security, fast speeds, and streaming-unblocking capabilities. In this guide, VPN AdWiser walks you through the cheapest paid VPNs, comparing pricing, features, and real‑world performance so you can decide without breaking the bank.

You’ll learn:

• The best low‑cost VPN services backed by expert reviews and real usage
• How each stacks up in security, speed, privacy audits, and features
• Which VPN is best for streaming, torrenting, or sheer affordability
• Common caveats like renewal pricing, free‑tier tradeoffs, and long‑term commitments

Let’s dive in.

What Defines a “Cheap” VPN?

A cheap paid VPN typically costs ≤ $4 monthly on multi‑year plans. These VPNs often offer:

• Strong encryption (AES‑256, WireGuard, ChaCha20)
• Zero‑logs or independently audited privacy policies
• Streaming support (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
• A refund window (usually 30–45 days)

These providers strike a balance between cost and features—avoiding sketchy free options that may sell your data.

Top Cheapest Paid VPNs (Under $4/month)

Surfshark – Best Overall Budget VPN

• Pricing: Starts at $1.99/month (27‑month plan)
• Unlimited simultaneous devices
• High speeds (~950 Mbps), excellent streaming unblock support across Netflix, Amazon, BBC iPlayer
• Includes CleanWeb ad‑tracker/malware blocker, identity breach alerts
• No‑logs policy and audited security

Best For: streaming on multiple devices, great all‑round value.

Private Internet Access (PIA) – Runner‑Up Value Option

• Pricing: Around $2.19/month on a 26‑month plan
• Huge server network, ad + malware blocking with “MACE”
• Unlimited connections, multi‑hop and split tunneling features
• Independently audited no‑log policy

Best For: tech‑savvy users who want customizability and privacy assurance.

PrivadoVPN – Swiss Low‑Cost with Streaming Support

• Pricing: As low as $1.11/month on two‑year plan
• AES‑256 encryption, no‑log guarantee, supports Netflix and torrenting
• Ten simultaneous connections, split tunneling support
• Based in Switzerland under privacy‑friendly laws

Best For: strict budgets or users who need basic streaming support from a privacy‑focused jurisdiction.

CyberGhost – Broad Access & Free Trials

• Pricing: $2.19/month for 26‑month plan with extra free months
• Massive server spread (over 9,000 servers, 125 locations)
• Supports Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ in many regions
• 45‑day money‑back guarantee and trials across platforms

Best For: beginners, trial users, and those needing wide server variety.

NordVPN – Premium Features at Entry-Level Pricing

• Pricing: Starting ~$3.39/month on 2‑year plan (with promotions)
• AES‑256 encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, WireGuard (NordLynx)
• Advanced extras: Threat Protection Pro, post‑quantum crypto, password manager, eSIM combos
• Strict no‑logs policy audited; massive server network in 111+ countries

Best For: users who want advanced privacy/security tools while staying under $4.

Proton VPN – Privacy-Focused Value

• Pricing: About $3.59/month for 2‑year plan (from ~$9.99/month base
• Swiss‑based, independently audited no‑logs, supports Secure Core (multi‑hop) and Tor over VPN
• OpenVPN, WireGuard, plus ad‑blocking and DNS leak protection
• Free tier exists, but paid gives full speeds and global access

Best For: privacy‑conscious users, VPN over Tor, Secure Core routing usage.

Pricing Comparison Table

VPN Service	2‑Year Price (USD/mo)	Streaming Support	Simultaneous Connections	No‑Logs Audit
Surfshark	~$1.99	Netflix, Prime, etc.	Unlimited	Yes
Private Internet Access	~$2.19	Netflix, general streaming	Unlimited	Yes
PrivadoVPN	~$1.11	Basic Netflix region access	Up to 10	Yes
CyberGhost	~$2.19	Wide platform support	Up to 7	Yes
NordVPN	~$3.39	All major platforms	Up to 6	Yes
Proton VPN	~$3.59	Netflix, Prime, Disney+	Up to 10	Yes

Why These VPNs Stand Out

Security & Privacy

All of the above providers have clear privacy policies and most are audited—ensuring they do not collect logs. Proton and NordVPN offer advanced features like Secure Core and post‑quantum encryption, placing privacy first

Speed & Streaming

Surfshark and CyberGhost clock in at nearly 950+ Mbps speeds, excelling at streaming and torrenting without buffering. NordVPN and Proton also deliver solid streaming performance.

Device Support

Surfshark’s unlimited device support is rare among premium VPNs. Others like PrivadoVPN, PIA, and Proton typically range from 6–10 devices.

Value‑Added Features

• Surfshark includes CleanWeb and breach alerts
• NordVPN adds antivirus, password manager, threat protection
• PIA offers multi‑hop, split tunneling and ad/malware blocker
• Proton offers Tor over VPN and Secure Core routing

Things to Consider Before Buying

• Upfront payment requirement: Most cheap pricing requires paying for 2+ years upfront.
• Renewal pricing: After the initial term, prices may rise—read fine print carefully.
• Free trials vs refunds: CyberGhost offers trial periods; others rely on 30/45‑day money‑back guarantees.
• Platform limitations: Some features or servers may be restricted on mobile or router versions.

How to Choose the Best Cheap VPN for Your Use Case

Budget < $2/month

• Choose: PrivadoVPN or Surfshark

If You Need Unlimited Devices

• Choose: Surfshark or PIA

Maximum Streaming Access

• Choose: Surfshark, CyberGhost, NordVPN

Privacy-Focused Tools & Jurisdiction

• Choose: Proton VPN or NordVPN

Pros & Cons Summary

Surfshark

• ✅ Lowest pricing, unlimited devices, strong streaming support
• ❌ Long commitment required; renewal prices may be higher

PIA

• ✅ Strong privacy, customizable feature set, unlimited devices
• ❌ Interface not as user‑friendly; middling speeds

PrivadoVPN

• ✅ Cheapest plans, Swiss jurisdiction, basic streaming unblocking
• ❌ Smaller server network; fewer advanced features

CyberGhost

• ✅ Large server network, easy‑to‑use, trial options
• ❌ Streaming reliability varies; capped to 7 devices

NordVPN

• ✅ Premium security extras, audit‑verified, broad features
• ❌ Slightly higher monthly cost within the cheap category

Proton VPN

• ✅ Privacy‑first design, Secure Core/Tor routing, independent audits
• ❌ Speeds sometimes slower; paid plans start higher than others

FAQ

Q1: Are cheap VPNs safe?

Yes—many cheap VPN providers like Surfshark, PIA, NordVPN, and Proton have been independently audited and enforce no‑logs policies, plus they use industry‑standard encryption

Q2: Is there a free VPN as good as paid options?

Free VPNs usually have data caps, slow speeds, and limited servers. The few good ones like Proton’s free tier are solid for casual use—but lack streaming or full speed. Paid plans deliver full features and security.

Q3: Why do prices shoot up after renewal?

Most budget VPNs offer steep discounts for first‑time long‑term subscriptions. Once this term ends, renewal rates revert to standard pricing—so it’s vital to check the terms before subscribing.

Q4: Can budget VPNs unblock popular streaming services?

Yes—Surfshark, CyberGhost, PIA, NordVPN, and Proton can all unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and others with consistent results.

Q5: How many devices can I connect at once?

• Surfshark: Unlimited
• PIA: Unlimited
• PrivadoVPN / Proton: Typically up to 10 devices
• CyberGhost: Up to 7 devices
  Check provider details for exact limits.

Conclusion

In 2025, affordable VPNs no longer mean sacrificing quality. Whether you’re seeking ultra-low cost, unlimited simultaneous device support, or reinforced privacy protections, the list above caters to all needs:

• Go with Surfshark for overall best cheap option with unlimited devices.
• Pick PrivadoVPN if you want the absolute lowest price and basic streaming.
• Choose PIA if you value flexibility and custom features.
• Consider CyberGhost for trial options and huge server coverage.
• Opt for NordVPN or Proton VPN if you want advanced tools and audit-backed privacy.

Each offers a money-back guarantee—so you can test and switch risk‑free. Make your pick based on which features matter most to you: speed, streaming access, device support, or enhanced privacy.