Cheapest VPN 2026: Best Budget Options Compared
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026
You do not need to spend $10+ per month for a great VPN. The best budget VPNs offer the same core security features - AES-256 encryption, no-logs policies, and kill switches - at a fraction of premium prices. We analyzed pricing, long-term value, and feature tradeoffs across 20+ VPN services to find the ones that deliver genuine value without cutting corners on security.
Quick Answer
| # | Tool | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surfshark | Families needing unlimited device connections | 4.5/5 |
| 2 | CyberGhost | VPN beginners | 4.3/5 |
| 3 | ProtonVPN | Privacy maximalists wanting Swiss jurisdiction | 4.4/5 |
| 4 | NordVPN | Privacy-conscious users wanting audited no-logs | 4.7/5 |
| 5 | ExpressVPN | Speed-obsessed users | 4.6/5 |
In-Depth Reviews
#1 Surfshark
Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: From $2.19/month
Best budget VPN with unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocking, and strong streaming access.
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Lowest price among top-rated VPNs
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
#2 CyberGhost
Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: From $2.19/mo
User-friendly VPN with streaming-optimized servers, 45-day money-back guarantee, and 11,500+ servers.
- 11,500+ servers — largest VPN network
- Streaming-optimized servers labeled by service
- 45-day money-back guarantee
#3 ProtonVPN
Rating: 4.4/5 | Pricing: Free – $9.99/mo
Swiss privacy-first VPN with free tier, open-source clients, and Secure Core architecture.
- Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads)
- Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws
- Open-source clients (publicly auditable)
#4 NordVPN
Rating: 4.7/5 | Pricing: From $3.09/month
Premium VPN with double encryption, Threat Protection, and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries.
- Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte)
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
#5 ExpressVPN
Rating: 4.6/5 | Pricing: From $6.67/month
Premium high-speed VPN with Lightway protocol, 105 countries coverage, and router support.
- Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent native router app (Aircove)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest good VPN?
Surfshark at $2.19/month (2-year plan) is the cheapest VPN we recommend. It includes unlimited devices, AES-256 encryption, a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, and reliable streaming access.
Is there a free VPN worth using?
ProtonVPN Free is the only free VPN we recommend. It has no data caps, no ads, and a verified no-logs policy. It is limited to 1 device and 3 server countries, but for basic privacy protection, it works well.
Do cheap VPNs compromise security?
Not necessarily. Surfshark ($2.19/month) and CyberGhost ($2.19/month) both use AES-256 encryption and have been independently audited. The security fundamentals are identical to premium VPNs.
Why do VPN prices increase at renewal?
Introductory VPN prices are promotional. Most services increase by 50-150% at renewal. Set a reminder and contact support for a retention deal, or switch to a new promotional offer.
Our Methodology
We test VPNs by measuring real-world speeds from 10+ global locations, testing streaming access across Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, verifying kill switch reliability, running DNS leak tests, and analyzing privacy policies and independent audit reports.