Looking for a VPN that gives you the most bang for your buck can be tricky. There are many options out there, from budget-friendly services to premium ones with all the bells and whistles. It’s important to find one that balances cost with features you’ll actually use.
The best VPN for the money isn’t always the cheapest option, but rather the one that offers the right mix of security, speed, and features at a price that makes sense for your needs. Some top contenders like ExpressVPN offer excellent speed, while budget options such as Surfshark provide good value starting around $2 per month. When choosing, think about what matters most to you – privacy, streaming access, or connection speeds.
Quick Comparison Table (Spring 2025)
Here is a quick summary of our favorite VPN values this Spring:
| VPN | Starting Price | Best For | Simultaneous Connections | Free Plan | Trial/Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $12.95/mo | Speed & Streaming | 5 | No | 30-day money-back |
| NordVPN | $3.19/mo | All-Around | 6 | No | 30-day money-back |
| Surfshark | $2.19/mo | Families | Unlimited | No | 30-day money-back |
| ProtonVPN | Free / $4.99 | Privacy | 10 | Yes | 30-day money-back |
| CyberGhost | $2.03/mo | Beginners | 7 | Trial | 45-day refund |
| Mullvad | €5 flat | Anonymity | 5 | No | None (no account) |
| IPVanish | $3.99/mo | Device-heavy users | Unlimited | No | 30-day money-back |
| Hotspot Shield | $2.99/mo | Speed | 5 | Yes | 45-day refund |
| PIA | $2.03/mo | Customization | 10 | No | 30-day money-back |
Editor’s Pick: Surfshark – If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Surfshark nails the balance between affordability, features, and user-friendliness. With unlimited connections, strong security, and excellent streaming performance, it’s our top recommendation for most users in 2025.
Pro Tips When Shopping for a VPN
- 🔒 Privacy-First? Go with Mullvad. They don’t even ask for your email, and they accept cash. Literally unbeatable for anonymity.
- 📺 Need streaming access abroad? ExpressVPN and NordVPN unlock most major platforms consistently and quickly.
- 👨👩👧👦 Got a big family? Surfshark and IPVanish let you cover every device in your household with one plan—no hidden limits.
- 💸 Don’t trust the price alone. Many VPNs offer “promo pricing” that jumps at renewal. Always read the fine print.
- 🧪 Always use the trial/refund period. You won’t know if a VPN fits your needs until you try it during peak hours.
Which VPN Should You Choose?
- Best All-Around Option: NordVPN – Fast, secure, and feature-rich at a mid-range price.
- Best for Beginners: CyberGhost – User-friendly interface and generous refund policy.
- Best for Streaming: ExpressVPN – Consistently fast with near-universal unblocking.
- Best on a Budget: Surfshark – Affordable and still packed with premium features.
- Best Free Plan: ProtonVPN – Unlimited data without paywalls or ads.
- Best for Privacy Purists: Mullvad – No email, no data collection, and a transparent business model.
- Best for Multi-Device Homes: IPVanish – Unlimited connections for your entire household.
- Best for Customization: PIA – Open-source apps and advanced configuration tools.
Here’s a breakdown of each of our top rated VPNs:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands out as one of the most premium VPN services available in 2025. It offers top-tier security features and impressive speeds, though it comes with a higher price tag than many competitors.
Many tech reviewers and users rank ExpressVPN as the world’s best VPN. The service has built a strong reputation for reliability and performance over the years, winning trust from customers worldwide.
Speed is a major advantage with ExpressVPN. Users consistently report that ExpressVPN delivers the fastest connection speeds compared to other VPN providers, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.
The price point is worth mentioning. ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN providers on the market today. Based on recent reviews, some plans can cost around ExpressVPN offers three payment plans: $4.99/month for a 2 years, $6.25/month for 1 year, and $12.95/month for a one-month plan.
What do you get for the money? ExpressVPN offers excellent encryption standards, a strict no-logs policy, and servers spread across numerous countries. This global network allows users to access geo-restricted content from almost anywhere.
The service is particularly useful for online shopping. It can help users find better deals by connecting through different countries where prices might be lower. This feature alone can potentially offset the higher subscription cost.
User experience is another strong point. ExpressVPN offers intuitive apps for virtually all devices and operating systems. The one-click connect feature makes it easy even for beginners to use.
Recent reviews note that ExpressVPN keeps improving its service, though some users mention being charged for extra features they don’t necessarily want or use. This adds to the premium cost of the service.
Customer support responds quickly to issues, with 24/7 live chat available for immediate assistance. This level of support helps justify the higher price for many users who value responsive help when problems arise.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN ranks as one of the fastest VPN providers on the market today. This speed comes from their large server network and their special NordLynx protocol.
Users praise NordVPN for its strong security features. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been checked by outside auditors, which means they don’t track what you do online.
Another plus is that NordVPN is based in Panama. This location keeps them away from data retention laws that might force other VPNs to store your information.
For people who love streaming, NordVPN shines. It works well with many popular streaming services, making it a good choice for watching content from other countries.
NordVPN offers several pricing plans to fit different budgets. The Basic plan costs less but doesn’t include some special features.
The more complete plans include Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads and protects against malware. Some plans also come with NordPass, their password manager.
Long-time users say that NordVPN provides good value for the price. While not the cheapest option, the quality of service makes it worth considering.
The company offers apps for all major devices and systems. These apps are easy to use even if you’re new to VPNs.
Customer service is available 24/7 through live chat. This means you can get help any time you run into problems.
NordVPN also works well for people who use torrents. The service provides fast speeds and good privacy protection for these users.
For those worried about online tracking, NordVPN has a double VPN feature. This routes your traffic through two servers instead of one for extra privacy.
The company regularly updates its security measures. This shows their commitment to keeping user data safe from new threats.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark has built a reputation as a versatile VPN service that balances features and cost. It offers military-grade encryption to keep your online activities private and secure.
One standout feature is the ability to connect unlimited devices with a single subscription. This makes Surfshark ideal for families or people with many gadgets who want protection across all their devices.
The service includes helpful security tools like a Kill Switch that stops your internet if the VPN disconnects. It also has an Ad Blocker to remove annoying ads and trackers while you browse.
Split tunneling is another useful feature. It lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which ones connect normally to the internet.
Recent pricing changes have shifted Surfshark’s position in the market. It was once known as a budget-friendly option, but its prices have increased. It’s no longer the cheapest VPN available, though many users still find it offers good value.
According to user experiences shared on Reddit, Surfshark provides good value for money despite the price increases. The combination of security features and unlimited connections helps justify the cost.
The service performs well in speed tests too. Fast connection speeds mean you can stream videos, download files, and browse without frustrating lags or delays.
Surfshark’s privacy policy is another strong point. The company follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store information about what you do online.
For streaming fans, Surfshark can unblock content from various platforms. This helps you access shows and movies that might be restricted in your location.
The app works on many different devices and operating systems. Whether you use Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or other platforms, you can install and use Surfshark easily.
According to Security.org, Surfshark is a fast and versatile option suited for most people wanting to hide their web activity. Their simple interface makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
While not the cheapest VPN anymore, Surfshark continues to compete well against other top services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN in CNET’s best VPN rankings.
4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN stands out as a top choice for those seeking both value and security. Many users find it one of the best choices for privacy, especially when paired with their email service.
What makes ProtonVPN special is their commitment to free users. They offer a free plan with no data limits, no speed caps, and no compromises on security. This is rare in the VPN market where free usually means limited.
The paid plans build on this solid foundation. Users get access to a high-performance server network spanning multiple countries, giving plenty of options for connection points.
Streaming fans won’t be disappointed either. ProtonVPN has stellar streaming capabilities that work with most major platforms. This makes it a good pick for those who want to access geo-restricted content.
Speed is another area where this VPN shines. Connection speeds remain fast even when using their secure protocols. This means less buffering and waiting when browsing or streaming.
Security features are robust with ProtonVPN. They use strong encryption and maintain a strict no-logs policy. The company is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws that benefit users.
Their apps work on all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The interface is clean and easy to use, making it friendly for beginners while still offering advanced options.
For the money, ProtonVPN delivers exceptional value. The basic paid plan includes everything most users need without unnecessary extras that drive up the price.
Customer support responds quickly to questions. They offer help through email and an extensive knowledge base that covers common issues.
ProtonVPN has built a loyal following because of its balance of features, performance, and price. It manages to provide premium VPN service without the premium price tag that some competitors charge.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost stands out as one of the most affordable VPNs in 2025 while still offering solid performance. The service has earned a reputation for being budget-friendly without cutting too many corners.
For price-conscious users, CyberGhost offers extended free trials that many competitors don’t match. You can test the service with 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day free trials before committing. If you do subscribe, they provide a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
The server network is impressive for the price point. CyberGhost maintains fast servers that provide good speeds for streaming, browsing, and downloading. Connection stability is reliable in most locations.
Privacy features are robust with CyberGhost. The company follows a strict no-logs policy and includes standard security features like strong encryption and kill switch protection. These basics help keep user data safe while online.
The app works across all major platforms including Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, and Linux. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible even for VPN beginners.
In real-world performance, users find CyberGhost to be decent though not perfect. The service unlocks most streaming platforms consistently, though occasional hiccups occur with some services.
When compared to top-tier options, CyberGhost falls slightly behind. It’s not considered the absolute best when measured against premium competitors, but it remains a strong contender in its price range.
For torrenting and P2P activities, CyberGhost performs adequately. The service offers dedicated servers optimized for these activities, providing reasonable speeds and security for file-sharing.
Customer support options include 24/7 live chat and email support. Response times are generally quick, though the depth of technical assistance can vary depending on the complexity of the issue.
CyberGhost represents solid value in the VPN market. It’s particularly appealing for budget-conscious users who need basic VPN protection without premium pricing. While it may not top the charts in every category, the combination of affordability and decent performance makes it worth considering.
6. Mullvad
Mullvad stands out in the VPN market with its straightforward pricing and strong privacy focus. Unlike many competitors, it charges a flat fee of €5 per month with no long-term contracts or discounts that lock you in.
This VPN service takes privacy seriously. You don’t need to provide an email or personal details to sign up—just generate an account number and pay. This approach to privacy makes Mullvad popular among users who want to stay anonymous online.
For those who want to avoid mass surveillance and censorship, Mullvad offers a solid solution. The company openly fights for internet freedom and operates with transparency in its practices.
Speed is another area where Mullvad performs well. Users report excellent connection speeds that don’t significantly slow down their browsing or streaming activities. The service has cutting-edge performance that keeps up with daily internet needs.
While some VPNs focus on streaming capabilities, Mullvad prioritizes privacy over entertainment features. It’s considered the most reputable VPN provider for privacy, though it may not be the best choice if streaming is your main concern.
The app itself is simple to use but secure. It offers enough options for most users without overwhelming them with technical details. The interface is functional and secure, making it accessible even to VPN beginners.
Payment options add to Mullvad’s privacy credentials. Besides credit cards and PayPal, they accept Bitcoin and even cash sent by mail for complete anonymity.
The pricing structure is refreshingly simple. There are no confusing tiers or features locked behind more expensive plans. Everyone gets the same service at the same price, with the freedom to pay for exactly the time needed.
For budget-conscious users who value privacy above all, Mullvad represents excellent value. The combination of fair pricing, no-nonsense policies, and strong security features makes it worth considering when shopping for a VPN service.
7. IPVanish
IPVanish stands out as a solid VPN option for those looking to maximize value. This service offers unlimited simultaneous connections at a reasonable price point, making it perfect for households with multiple devices.
Speed is a key strength for IPVanish. Users won’t have to sacrifice performance while protecting their online activity. The service maintains fast connections that work well for streaming and downloading.
Privacy features meet industry standards with IPVanish. The service includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch to keep your data safe if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Server coverage is another plus. IPVanish covers an impressive portion of the globe with its server network, giving users plenty of options for connecting from different locations.
Customer satisfaction appears strong with IPVanish. The company maintains about 93% positive reviews across platforms, suggesting most users are happy with the service they receive.
The interface is user-friendly and works well for beginners. Even those new to VPNs should find IPVanish easy to set up and use on their devices.
While the pricing isn’t the absolute lowest on the market, the value proposition is clear. Users get robust features and unlimited connections without paying premium prices.
For families or individuals with many devices, IPVanish makes particular sense. The unlimited connections policy means everyone can protect their browsing without additional costs.
Some users might find IPVanish less ideal for highly privacy-sensitive activities. While it offers good protection, those needing maximum privacy might want to consider other options.
8. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a well-known VPN service that offers both free and premium options. It’s recognized for its speed, which is an important factor when choosing a VPN.
The service uses a proprietary protocol called Hydra, which has been awarded for reliability and speed. Users can also connect through other protocols like OpenVPN and IPSec if they prefer.
One standout feature of Hotspot Shield is its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This gives users plenty of time to test the service thoroughly before fully committing.
Hotspot Shield can be used for common VPN tasks like unblocking websites and anonymous browsing. It’s available on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The free plan has a monetization model that some users might find intrusive. Additionally, some reviews mention slow speeds as a potential issue.
The premium version removes the limitations of the free plan and offers better performance. It’s worth considering if you need a VPN for streaming or gaming where speed is crucial.
Hotspot Shield’s pricing is competitive with other VPN services in its class. The longer subscription plans offer better value for money compared to monthly options.
For those concerned about privacy, it’s important to review Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy before signing up. Like all VPNs, understanding what data is collected and how it’s used is essential.
Customer support options include online resources and direct assistance channels. This can be helpful when setting up the VPN or troubleshooting any issues that arise.
9. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a trusted VPN service that has been around for over a decade. PIA stands out in the crowded VPN market by offering solid features at prices that won’t break the bank.
The service is known for being affordable and reliable, with monthly plans starting at $11.95. They also offer longer subscription options that bring the cost down significantly.
PIA provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it risk-free to try their service. This policy shows their confidence in their product.
What makes PIA special is its strong focus on privacy. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your online activities.
PIA’s apps are 100% open-source software, which is rare in the VPN industry. This transparency allows anyone to review their code for security issues.
Speed is another area where PIA performs well. The service has implemented WireGuard flawlessly, a modern protocol that offers faster connections than older VPN technologies.
Users appreciate the customizable settings in PIA’s apps. You can tweak various options to optimize your connection for different activities like gaming, streaming, or torrenting.
For those who share files, PIA offers port forwarding. This feature is particularly useful for torrenting and has made the service popular among P2P users.
Many Reddit users report being satisfied with PIA. They often mention the fair pricing, reliable service, and helpful port forwarding feature.
PIA works on all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. This wide compatibility ensures you can protect all your devices with a single subscription.
The company offers 24/7 live support to help with any issues. This level of customer service is important when using technical products like VPNs.
Understanding VPN Value
Finding a VPN that gives you the most for your money means looking beyond just the price tag. The right balance of cost, features, and security determines true VPN value.
Cost vs. Features
When evaluating VPNs, price shouldn’t be your only consideration. The cheapest options start around $1.33 per month, while premium services like ExpressVPN can cost up to $100 per year.
What matters is what you get for that money. Look at these key features:
- Server network size: More servers mean better connection options
- Device connections: How many devices can connect simultaneously
- Speed limitations: Cheaper VPNs often have more restrictions
- Data caps: Some budget options limit your data usage
Surfshark offers excellent value at $2.19/month with unlimited connections. This shows that affordable options can still provide robust features.
A good approach is to list what features you actually need. Many users pay for advanced capabilities they never use, while others choose cheap options that lack essentials.
Security and Privacy
Strong security and privacy protections form the foundation of VPN value. The best VPNs use AES-256 encryption—the same standard used by governments and militaries.
Look for these critical security features:
- No-logs policy: The VPN shouldn’t track your activities
- Kill switch: Protects your data if the VPN connection drops
- DNS leak protection: Prevents your real location from being revealed
- Strong protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 offer better security
NordVPN ranks highly for security features while maintaining reasonable pricing. Their independent security audits provide extra assurance.
Free VPNs often compromise on privacy. Many free services collect and sell user data, defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
Tips for Choosing the Best Value VPN
Finding a VPN that offers great value means looking beyond just the price tag. You need to consider what you’re actually getting for your money, including features, performance, and customer protections.
Trial and Refund Policies
Before committing your money to any VPN service, check if they offer a free trial period. Many top VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark provide trial periods that let you test their services without paying upfront. This hands-on experience is worth its weight in gold.
Look for money-back guarantees too. The industry standard is about 30 days, but some services offer longer refund windows. These policies show the company’s confidence in their product and protect you if the service doesn’t meet your needs.
Read the fine print carefully! Some VPNs have conditions attached to their refund policies. For instance, you might not qualify for a refund if you exceed a certain data usage threshold.
User reviews can also reveal how smoothly the refund process actually works. Reddit discussions often provide real customer experiences with refund processes.
Assessing Speed and Performance
VPN speed directly impacts your online experience. A bargain VPN that slows your connection to a crawl isn’t a good value, no matter how cheap it is.
Check independent speed tests from tech sites like CNET or PCWorld. These tests show how much a VPN might slow down your connection compared to your normal speeds.
Consider these performance factors:
- Server network size: More servers generally means better performance and fewer overcrowded connections
- Server locations: Servers closer to your actual location typically provide faster speeds
- Connection protocols: Modern protocols like WireGuard often outperform older options
Some budget-friendly options like Surfshark offer excellent performance without breaking the bank. Starting at just $2.19 per month, this service proves that “affordable” doesn’t have to mean “slow.”
Test connections during different times of day to see how the VPN handles peak usage hours. Even cheap VPNs should maintain reasonable speeds during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
VPN services vary widely in price and features. Here are answers to common questions about finding the best value VPN for your needs.
What’s the most cost-effective VPN service available today?
Surfshark stands out as one of the most cost-effective VPN options on the market today. Their multi-year plans bring the monthly cost down significantly compared to month-to-month pricing.
ProtonVPN offers a unique free plan with no data limits, though with speed restrictions and limited server access. For those willing to pay, their basic paid plans provide good value without breaking the bank.
Mullvad maintains a simple pricing structure at around $5 per month with no complicated discounts or promotional pricing to track, making it refreshingly straightforward.
Which VPNs offer the best value for their performance?
NordVPN balances cost and performance exceptionally well. It consistently ranks high in speed tests while maintaining mid-range pricing, especially with its longer-term subscriptions.
ExpressVPN commands a higher price point but delivers with blazing fast speeds and extremely reliable connections. Many users find the premium worth paying for consistent performance.
CyberGhost offers a good middle ground with competitive speeds and features at a more modest price point than premium options.
Can you recommend a VPN with a balance of affordability and reliability?
Surfshark hits the sweet spot between affordability and reliability. Despite being cheaper than many competitors, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections and maintains consistent service quality.
ProtonVPN’s paid tiers provide strong security credentials with reliable performance. Their transparency and security-focused approach inspire confidence.
Mullvad VPN earns praise for its straightforward approach and rock-solid reliability without complicated pricing tiers.
What are users saying about budget-friendly VPNs that don’t compromise on quality?
Reddit users frequently recommend Surfshark as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t cut corners on important features. Many appreciate the unlimited device connections.
ProtonVPN receives positive feedback for its strong privacy focus and transparent operations, even at lower price points.
Mullvad users praise its simplified approach and commitment to privacy, with many noting they’ve stayed loyal for years despite trying other services.
Which VPN services offer the best deals for long-term subscriptions?
NordVPN regularly offers significant discounts on two-year plans, bringing the effective monthly cost down substantially from their monthly rate.
Surfshark provides some of the most aggressive long-term pricing, with their multi-year plans often dipping below $2.50 per month during promotional periods.
CyberGhost offers some of the longest subscription options, with plans extending to three years plus additional months free, resulting in very low monthly rates.
Are there any strong VPNs available that provide free plans or trials?
ProtonVPN offers the most robust free plan among reputable providers. Their free tier includes unlimited data with servers in three countries, though with speed limitations.
Most premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer 30-day money-back guarantees that function effectively as risk-free trials.
Windscribe provides a generous 10GB monthly data allowance on their free plan with access to servers in 10 countries, making it viable for occasional use.
