Introduction
Are you looking for a VPN service but unsure how much it will cost per month? VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are essential for online security, privacy, and bypassing restrictions, but pricing can vary greatly depending on the provider, plan length, and features. As of 2025–2026, VPN costs typically range from $2 to $12 per month, with long-term plans offering the best savings. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or premium features, this guide will break down VPN costs and help you find the best fit for your needs.
Quick Answer
VPN costs per month vary significantly, but typically fall between $2 and $12. Budget-friendly plans start around $2.49 per month with a multi-year commitment, while month-to-month plans often cost $6–$12.
TL;DR
• Long-term VPN plans can cost as low as $2 per month.
• Monthly subscription plans are usually priced $6–$15.
• Premium VPNs with extra features may cost up to $12 or more.
• Free VPNs are available but may come with limited features.
• For the best deals, look for yearly or 2-year plans.
How Much Does a VPN Cost Per Month?
VPN costs vary by subscription length and features offered. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly prices for VPN services in 2025:
• Month-to-month plans: Expect to pay between $6 and $15 per month for flexibility and no long-term commitment. Some VPNs may charge $9.99–$12.99 monthly without any discounts.
• Yearly plans: Subscriptions paid annually can drop the cost to $4 to $6 per month when split across 12 months. Providers like CyberGhost offer such plans.
• Multi-year plans: Signing up for a 2-year or 3-year contract can bring costs as low as $2 to $4 per month, making it the most economical option. For instance, Surfshark offers long-term plans starting at $2.49 per month.
Here’s a 2026 VPN Cost Comparison Table for popular VPN providers, reflecting current prices and features:
2026 VPN Cost Comparison (USA)
| VPN Provider | Monthly Cost (No Contract) | Yearly Cost (Per Month) | 2-Year Plan Cost (Per Month) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $12.99 | $4.99 | $2.99 | Fast speeds, 5500+ servers, security tools, streaming support |
| Surfshark | $15.49 | $3.99 | $2.49 | Unlimited devices, strong security, 3200+ servers |
| Proton VPN | $9.99 | $4.00 | $2.49 | Advanced privacy, no logs, large server selection |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 | $8.32 | $6.67 | Strong encryption, 3000+ servers, streaming & bypass censorship |
| CyberGhost | $12.99 | $3.99 | $2.19 | Excellent privacy, 7500+ servers, strong anonymity |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | $11.95 | $3.33 | $2.19 | Large server network, great privacy, customizable security options |
| TunnelBear | $9.99 | $5.00 | N/A | Easy-to-use, privacy-focused, fun interface, but fewer servers |
Notes:
- Long-Term Savings: Most providers offer significant savings if you commit to longer plans (e.g., 1-2 years).
- Month-to-Month Plans: Typically more expensive, ranging from $9.99 to $15.49/month.
- Advanced Features: High-priced plans often include advanced privacy protections, faster speeds, and support for streaming services like Netflix.
Why Are VPN Monthly Prices So Different?
VPN pricing is influenced by several factors:
• Plan Length: Longer subscriptions tend to offer significant discounts on monthly prices.
• Features Included: Premium VPNs with added security features (like ad-blocking and antivirus protection) will cost more.
• Device Support: VPNs supporting more devices (e.g., unlimited devices like Surfshark) may cost more than those limiting it to just 5 devices.
• Brand Reputation: Larger, more reputable providers with high server networks and fast speeds tend to charge a premium.
Cheapest VPNs for Month-to-Month Plans
Looking for a budget VPN? You can find monthly plans starting as low as $2.49/month. Here are a few cheap options:
• Private Internet Access (PIA): Costs about $3.33/month for a yearly plan, but month-to-month plans are slightly more expensive at $11.95/month.
• Proton VPN: Offers $9.99/month for short-term plans but offers discounts for long-term commitments.
• CyberGhost: Around $12.99/month for a no-commitment monthly plan.
• TunnelBear: At $9.99/month, this service is an easy-to-use, free alternative with limitations on server locations.
Best Value VPN Deals: Yearly and Multi-Year Plans
If you’re open to committing for a longer term, you can enjoy better rates. Here are some top VPNs offering great value:
• NordVPN: Starts at $2.99/month for a 2-year plan. The long-term savings make it one of the best deals for high-speed VPNs.
• Surfshark: With its long-term subscription, you can pay $2.49/month, providing unlimited device connections and strong privacy features.
• ExpressVPN: It offers $6.67/month with an annual plan, which is a solid deal for anyone looking for high speeds and good streaming support.
Free VPN vs. Paid VPN: Which Is Better?
Free VPNs might seem tempting, but there are drawbacks to consider:
• Free VPNs often have limited server locations, slower speeds, and fewer features. Some free services even sell your data to third parties.
• Paid VPNs provide faster speeds, stronger encryption, and more servers. They also protect your privacy better by offering no-logs policies.
• The price difference is generally worth it for better performance and security.
Can You Get a Good VPN for Under $5/Month?
Yes, it’s possible! Several VPNs offer solid plans for under $5/month with long-term contracts. Consider:
• PIA (Private Internet Access): Available at $2.19/month for a 2-year plan.
• CyberGhost: Starts at $2.19/month for a 3-year plan.
• Proton VPN: Offers discounts that can bring the cost as low as $3.99/month.
VPN Prices for Streaming
If you want to use a VPN for streaming, certain VPNs excel at bypassing geo-restrictions. Expect to pay a bit more for streaming VPNs. Examples include:
• NordVPN: Costs $4.99/month with a yearly plan, and it’s excellent for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
• ExpressVPN: Priced at $6.67/month, it’s optimized for fast streaming without buffering.
How to Save on VPN Subscriptions
If you’re looking to save money while using a VPN, here are some tips:
• Look for discounts: Many VPN services offer holiday sales, Black Friday discounts, or seasonal deals where you can get plans as low as $1.11/month.
• Avoid month-to-month plans: Always opt for a longer commitment to reduce costs.
• Choose multi-device plans: Some providers offer unlimited device connections, making them a better deal if you have multiple devices.
VPN Pricing for Families
For families or users with many devices, choose a VPN that offers multiple device support:
• Surfshark: Offers unlimited device connections for around $2.49/month on a long-term plan.
• NordVPN: Allows 6 simultaneous devices, priced at $2.99/month for a 2-year deal.
Conclusion
In summary, VPN prices can range from $2 to $12 per month, depending on the plan length and features. If you’re looking to save, consider long-term plans, which can bring the monthly cost down to $2–$4. For flexibility, monthly plans are available but generally cost more. If you’re serious about online privacy, a paid VPN is always better than a free option, and there are plenty of affordable options out there to suit all needs.
FAQs
What is the cheapest VPN per month?
The cheapest VPN services can cost as little as $2.49/month when signing up for a multi-year plan. Some options like Private Internet Access and CyberGhost offer low prices.
Are VPNs worth the cost?
Yes, VPNs are worth the cost if you value online privacy, security, and access to restricted content. They provide better protection and faster speeds than free alternatives.
How much is a VPN for streaming?
For streaming, VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN cost around $4.99–$6.67/month for yearly plans and are known for unblocking streaming services.
Can I use a free VPN instead of paying?
Free VPNs are less secure and slower than paid options. While they are fine for casual use, paying for a premium VPN provides better performance and privacy.
Why are VPNs so expensive?
VPNs may seem expensive because they offer high security, fast speeds, and reliable servers. Premium services often include no-logs policies and support for multiple devices.
