In our increasingly digital and connected world, protecting your online privacy and security is no longer optional – it’s become essential.
Whether you’re browsing from your favorite coffee shop’s Wi-Fi, streaming your favorite shows from abroad, or simply wanting to keep your data safe from prying eyes, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an important tool.
VPNs will encrypt your internet traffic and hide your true IP address from advertisers, hackers, and your own internet provider.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to select an affordable VPN that is just right for you between quality and cost, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a VPN without breaking the bank.
Why Do You Actually Need a VPN?
Before diving into the pricing and features, it helps to understand exactly why a VPN is important and what it can do for you. VPNs are useful for a wide range of personal and professional purposes, but here are some of the most common reasons people turn to them:
1. Streaming
One of the most widespread uses for VPNs these days is circumventing geographic limits on streaming platforms. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ typically have different libraries depending on where you’re accessing them.
By using a VPN, you can “cloak” your location so it appears that you’re connecting from a different country from where you are, thereby accessing content that’s not typically available in your region.
2. Privacy and Security
VPNs encrypt your internet connection, which is essential when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks in cafés, airports, or hotels. Encryption makes it far more difficult for hackers and cybercriminals to intercept your data or steal sensitive data such as passwords or credit card details.
Secondly, a VPN conceals your original IP address, and so websites and internet services are unable to track your geographical location and surfing activities. This shields your privacy from advertisers, ISPs, and even government monitoring in certain situations.
3. Location Masking for Different Purposes
Other than streaming, location masking can also help you view a site or service censored in your area. For example, if social media platforms, messaging apps, or news sites are censored, you can regain access with the help of a VPN. The above can be of great help to people who travel and those who live in very censored countries.
Device Compatibility Matters
When choosing a VPN, consider the devices you want to protect. Most VPNs support various platforms, including:
- Smartphones (iOS and Android).
- Desktop and laptop PCs (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Smart TVs and streaming devices (ie, Amazon Fire Stick or Roku).
- Gaming consoles.
A cheap VPN should cover your most-used devices without charging per connection.
Avoid Free VPNs – But Don’t Overpay
It might be tempting to use a free VPN to start with, but beware – free VPNs come with many concealed charges:
- Data Logging and Reselling: The majority of free VPNs log your browsing history and resell your data to third parties or advertisers to make money.
- Poor Security: Free services typically employ outdated or weak encryption protocols, which leave your data vulnerable to threats.
- Low Speed and Data Caps: Free VPNs cut your speed to save costs or impose harsh data caps that make streaming or downloading inconvenient.
- Overwhelming Ads: Free VPNs show frequent ads, which compromise your privacy and experience.
- Blocked Services: Free VPNs rarely work with streaming platforms, either getting blocked or unable to unblock geo-restricted content.
Don’t Fall for the Price Trap
On the other hand, just because a VPN costs more doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for you. High-end VPNs also include extras like several dedicated IP addresses, double VPN, or advanced malware protection – but most users don’t need these frills.
The ideal strategy is to find a VPN that is worth it: good security, consistent speeds, and widespread device support for a reasonable cost.
Comparing Pricing Models
VPN costs are notoriously difficult to compare because providers provide multiple plans and levels of subscription. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Monthly Plans: Monthly plans offer the most flexibility, since you can cancel at any time. However, they are typically the most expensive in the long run. Monthly VPN plans are ideal for you if you need a VPN for a short period (e.g., business trip) or want to test out a service without a long commitment.
- Annual and Multi-Year Plans: Prepaying for a year or several years saves you money, typically 50% or more off the monthly price. This is a good option if you know you will need the VPN frequently.
- Money-Back Guarantees: Check if the VPN provides money-back guarantees (typically within 30 days). This allows you to test the service risk-free and receive a refund if it falls short of your expectations.
- What’s Included in Each Plan: Not all prices are created equal. Lower-priced plans sometimes limit the number of devices that can be online simultaneously or restrict access to premium servers. Make sure the plan you choose has the essential features you require.
Key Features to Look for in a Budget VPN
A cheap VPN should never be a sacrifice for security and usability. These essentials must be included:
- No-Logs Policy: Select a VPN with an open no-logs policy, i.e., one that does not save or log your browsing history. This is necessary to ensure privacy.
- Strong Encryption and Advanced Protocols: Choose VPNs based on AES-256 encryption and with advanced protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. These provide the best security while offering a good balance with speed.
- Decent Server Network: A broad and spread-out network of servers means faster speeds and easier access to geo-blocked content all around the world. Even the most affordable VPNs must offer servers in a number of countries.
- Device Compatibility: The VPN should be compatible with all your devices and allow multiple simultaneous connections under the same account.
- Ease of Use: Good VPNs have user-friendly apps with easy installation and setup. This is more significant for beginners.
- Customer Support: Solid support through live chat or email can save you time in the event of setup or connection problems.
How to Find the Most Affordable VPN?
The following are some insider secrets to help you save money while looking for the best VPN for you:
1. Look Out for Seasonal Discounts and Sales
Most VPN service providers offer substantial discounts on major sale dates like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other festive seasons. The rates might go down by 50% or even more, so these are the optimum times to buy or renew your subscription.
Providers also offer special discounts during back-to-school seasons and special events, so being vigilant about them will help you find a good bargain.
2. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
If you are a student, the majority of VPN companies have exclusive discounted prices for you. By verifying your student status through tools like UNiDAYS or Student Beans, you can get these discounted prices and save a significant amount. This is a smart way to get good cover without paying full price.
3. Use Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees
All the best trusted VPNs include free trials or money-back guarantees so that you can test the service risk-free. Free trials allow you to test the VPN for a couple of days, and money-back guarantees allow you to get your money back within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.
Both of these options are ideal to ensure that the VPN is right for your needs before you commit long-term.
4. Share Plans with Family or Friends
Most VPN plans allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, typically between 5 and 10. That means you can share a plan with family or friends and split the cost, so it’s even less expensive per person. Just be sure to share with people you know you can trust!
5. Refer a Friend Programs
Most good VPNs reward clients for referring new clients. For example, Surfshark’s Refer & Earn program allows you to share your own personal referral link with friends.
Once they sign up and stay active for 31 days, you’re rewarded with things like up to $38 per referral or subscription-free months. This is a great way to save on the cost of your VPN if you have friends who need to use a VPN too.
6. Keep Track of Renewal Dates
When any promotional discounted terms of a VPN subscription expire, the plan will simply be renewed on a regular basis; many VPN subscriptions are billed automatically on renewal.
Before renewal, check your plan to avoid unwanted charges. You will have the ability to renew/tag the plan, change to another plan, or simply cancel the plan and obtain a better deal.
Last-Minute Tips for Getting the Best Affordable VPN
- Value for Money: The least expensive VPN may be slow or insecure. Get a VPN that meets your specific requirements and is still affordable.
- Prioritize What is Important to You: For example, if streaming is your primary concern, then you should choose a VPN that is capable of unblocking many geolocations. If privacy is essential, then a no-logging policy and security in their encryption are more important.
- User Reviews and Feedback: Product reviews will show what the strengths and weaknesses really are that may not be apparent to you in the marketing material.
Conclusion
While a cheap VPN is not security negligence, it is a value. Understanding what a VPN is, sidestepping the pitfalls of free alternatives, comparing prices with a critical eye, and looking for deal-breaker features gives you a cheap VPN that keeps you safe on the web.
It also offers a world of freedom on the web. The best cheap VPN is out there, and it might be right under your nose if you are willing to put in some time and energy to look for it.
