Best Cheap VPNs / Best Value VPNs (2026)
Why this list exists
Searching for a “cheap VPN” often leads to poor outcomes: aggressive upsells, weak privacy posture, overloaded servers, or unclear logging practices. The lowest price is rarely the best value.
This list focuses on VPNs that are genuinely good for the money — services that stay affordable without cutting corners on core security, usability, or long-term trust.
Surfshark is the best cheap VPN for most people in 2026 thanks to its low effective price, unlimited devices, and strong everyday performance. NordVPN is the best long-term value if you’re willing to commit to a longer plan for premium features. Private Internet Access is a strong option for budget-conscious power users who want configurability.
- Surfshark — lowest friction + unlimited devices
- NordVPN — premium features at long-term value
- PIA — cheap, configurable, power-user friendly
The Best Cheap / Best Value VPNs (2026)
🏆 Surfshark — Best Cheap VPN Overall
Best for: Households, multi-device users, budget-conscious everyday use
- Very low effective monthly pricing on longer plans
- Unlimited device connections
- Strong everyday speeds and modern apps
Trade-offs: Feature density can add decision overhead for beginners.
NordVPN — Best Long-Term Value
Best for: Users who want premium features without paying premium prices long-term
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio on multi-year plans
- Broad feature set and strong platform support
- Feels “premium” without premium pricing commitment
Trade-offs: Best value requires longer-term subscription.
Private Internet Access — Best for Budget Power Users
Best for: Users who want control, customization, and low pricing
- Consistently cheap plans
- Advanced configuration options
- Good transparency track record
Trade-offs: Less “set-and-forget” than mainstream options.
CyberGhost — Budget-Friendly & Beginner-Friendly
Best for: New VPN users looking for low cost and simple apps
- Very competitive long-term pricing
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Good streaming presets
Trade-offs: Not ideal for privacy-maximalists.
IPVanish — Solid Value for Everyday Use
Best for: Users who want decent performance at a fair price
- Unlimited devices
- Good speeds on nearby servers
- Simple, consistent apps
Trade-offs: Trust optics matter more for high-risk users.
Windscribe — Flexible Value (Monthly & Free Tier)
Best for: Users who want transparency and flexible pricing
- Build-a-plan pricing option
- Transparent communication
- Generous free tier (with limits)
Trade-offs: Performance consistency varies by region.
Proton VPN — Value for Privacy-First Users
Best for: Users who prioritize trust over lowest price
- Strong privacy posture
- Reputable transparency model
- Free plan available (with limits)
Trade-offs: Not the cheapest paid option.
How we chose the best value VPNs
- Evaluated long-term pricing, not teaser rates
- Balanced cost against performance, usability, and trust
- Excluded ultra-cheap VPNs with unclear logging or poor transparency
- Prioritized services users are likely to keep enabled
Who this list is not for
- Users needing maximum anonymity against state-level adversaries
- Those looking for experimental or niche VPN features
- Anyone who wants the absolute cheapest option regardless of risk
FAQ
- Is a cheap VPN safe? Some are — many aren’t. Value matters more than price alone.
- What’s the best cheap VPN? For most people, Surfshark offers the best balance.
- Are free VPNs better? Free plans often come with performance or privacy limits.
- Does cheaper mean slower? Not always — consistency matters more than peak speed.
- Will a VPN make me anonymous? No. VPNs reduce exposure but don’t eliminate tracking.
Bottom line
If you want the best balance of affordability and usability, start with Surfshark. If you’re planning long-term and want premium features, NordVPN offers excellent value.