A virtual private network (VPN) provides an extra layer of privacy, enables you to access foreign websites, and can even provide secure connections for transferring sensitive business information. While they are typically used by individuals, VPNs also offer businesses the ability to manage multiple user accounts, block certain types of content and keep your data safe from prying eyes.
With more people traveling and using public Wi-Fi hotspots, they’re increasingly susceptible to security threats. One way to protect your data is to use a virtual private network, or VPN, to veil your data from unscrupulous hackers and prying eyes. These networks encrypt your traffic so no one can see your activity.
Not all VPNs are created equal, and some can be quite costly. That’s why Forbes Advisor has compiled a list of the nine best cheap VPNs. We’ve analyzed the key features you should consider in order to choose the best VPN service for your needs. Here are our top picks in 2022.
$3.33/Month
30,000+
AES with 256
Private Internet Access
On Privateinternetaccess.com’s Website
$11.95/Month
6
AES-256
NordVPN
The Best Cheap VPNs of 2022
Our Advisor Ratings
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | One-Year Plan Price | Money-Back Guarantee | Server locations | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CyberGhost |
4.6 |
$51.48 | 45 days | Located in 91 countries | Learn More
On CyberGhost’s Website |
 Private Internet Access |
4.5 |
$39.95 | 30 days | Located in 84 countries | Learn More
On Private Internet Access’ Website |
 Surfshark |
4.4 |
$47.88 (renews at $59.76) | 30 days | 65 countries | Learn More
On Surfshark’s Website |
 TorGuard |
4.2 |
$59.99 (or $9.99 per month) | 7 days | More than 3,000 | Learn More
On TorGuard’s Website |
 Hotspot Shield |
4.0 |
$95.99, plus free option available | 45 days | More than 80 countries | Learn More
Read Forbes’ Review |
 VyprVPN |
4.0 |
$100 | 30 days | More than 70 | Learn More
On VyprVPN’s Website |
 IPVanish |
3.7 |
$39.99 (renews at $89.99) | 30 days | More than 2,000 | Learn More
On IPVanish’s Website |
 Bitdefender Premium VPN |
3.1 |
$29.99 (renews at $69.99) | 30 days | More than 4,000 | View More
|
 Windscribe |
3.1 |
Free; or $69 per year (for premium plan) | 3 days | More than 63 countries | Learn More
Read Forbes’ Review |
On ExpressVPN’s Website
$3.33/Month
30,000+
AES with 256
2
Private Internet Access
On Privateinternetaccess.com’s Website
$11.95/Month
6
AES-256
3
NordVPN
Methodology
To find the best cheap VPNs, we first looked at 17 different providers across 35 data points to narrow it down to the top five options. Each provider can score up to 55 points based on the following criteria:
- Price: We looked at the price of each provider’s one-year plan.
- Free Trial: While rare for VPN services, we noted which provider offers a free trial.
- Money-Back Guarantee: If the provider offers a money-back guarantee, how long is it?
- Server Locations: We looked at the number of server locations each provider offers.
- Number of Devices: How many devices can you use with one subscription?
- Encryption: What type of encryption does the provider use?
- No-Logs Policy: Does the provider have a no-logs policy?
- Kill Switch: A kill switch is a must-have security feature for any VPN. It prevents your traffic from being exposed if your connection drops.
- Malware Protection: Does the provider offer malware protection?
- Customer Support: How can you contact support, and what are its hours?
We then weighted each criterion based on how important it is to a cheap VPN. For example, price is more important than customer support because you’re looking for a cheap VPN, not the best customer support. After scoring each provider, we ranked the scores to get our final rankings.
What Makes a Good, Cheap VPN?
When looking for a cheap VPN, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure the provider has a no-logs policy. This means it won’t store or track your data, which is important for privacy.
You’ll also want to make sure the provider has a kill switch. This is a security feature that prevents your traffic from being exposed if your connection drops.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the provider offers malware protection. This is important because VPNs are a popular target for malware and hackers.
What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that allows you to change your IP address and encrypt your traffic. This makes it difficult for your ISP or government to track and block your traffic.
VPNs are also a great way to unblock websites and streaming services that are blocked in your country. They can also improve your online security and privacy.
How Does a Cheap VPN Affect Your Speed?
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a cheap VPN is that you may experience some speed loss. This is because the encryption process used by VPNs slows down your traffic. However, the loss is usually minimal and won’t affect most activities, such as browsing the internet or streaming video.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best VPN?
Is a cheap VPN worth it?
Are cheap VPNs secure?
Can I use a VPN for streaming services?
Can I host my own VPN?
Technically, you can set up and host your own VPN on your home computer. It’s not the best idea to do so though, because you’ll miss out on the main reasons to use a VPN. Connecting to a third-party VPN can change your location, which lets you access otherwise blocked content, and you won’t be masking your location with a VPN. Plus, a VPN requires a bit of bandwidth, which you likely don’t have with your home internet connection.
