Top 9 Cheap VPNs That Cost Less Than $5/Mo

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You get what you pay for.” But when it comes to VPNs, that’s not always true. If you’re hunting for a bargain without sacrificing speed or security, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find nine VPNs—each under $5 per month on long-term plans—that independent experts consistently praise for airtight privacy, blistering fast connections, and rock-solid performance.

Why “Cheap” Doesn’t Mean “Compromised”

It’s easy to assume budget VPNs are weak or clunky. Yet, every provider on this list has passed strict no-logs audits, leverages AES-256 encryption, and taps modern protocols like WireGuard. In fact, many outperform pricier rivals when it comes to streaming and multi-device use. So go ahead—scrutinize the small print. You’ll see “cheap” here really just means “smartly priced.”

Unlimited Connections: Big Families, Big Value

Imagine securing your entire household under one roof—or one subscription. For several providers here, the sky’s the limit on simultaneous connections.

Surfshark: Best Value and Unlimited Devices

Under $2 a month sounds almost too good to be true, right? Yet Surfshark delivers. You can hook up every phone, laptop, tablet—even your smart TV—without breaking the bank. Independent audits have verified its zero-logs claims, and packed inside that modest price tag you’ll find AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and the speedy WireGuard protocol. Need Netflix U.S. or BBC iPlayer in India? Consider it unlocked.

Private Internet Access (PIA): For Experts and Customization

At just about $2.20 per month, PIA is a veteran. It’s transparent, it’s proven in court (they literally had nothing to hand over), and it puts customization front and center. Want to tinker with encryption levels or switch ports? Go for it. With one of the industry’s largest server fleets and unlimited device support, PIA is a playground for power users who crave choice.

IPVanish: Fast Speeds and Unlimited Connections

If speed is your top priority, IPVanish might be your match. WireGuard servers here often top speed tests, and—surprise—there’s no cap on how many devices you connect. You get standard security staples plus robust torrenting support. Its apps feel polished on every platform. So whether you’re gaming, streaming, or just browsing incognito, you’re covered.

Streaming and Simplicity

Not everyone wants to dive into granular settings. Some of us just want Netflix to work abroad or a hassle-free gaming session. Two names rise above in ease of use.

CyberGhost: Best for Beginners and Streaming
Picture a VPN that practically holds your hand: that’s CyberGhost. Under $2.20 per month, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee long enough to test every server. Its interface labels servers for Netflix, Hulu, torrenting, even gaming. You click, you connect, you go. Romania-based with a strict no-logs policy—privacy-friendly.

PrivateVPN: Great for Budget Streaming
It may not have thousands of servers, but PrivateVPN punches above its weight. For about $2.10 per month, you can unblock geo-locked libraries from all over the world. Military-grade encryption, an application guard… the essentials are all here. Think of it as the nimble, no-frills service that gets the job done without the fluff.

Privacy-First Picks

If you care more about anonymity than maxing out Netflix, you’ll want one of these.

Proton VPN: Champion of Privacy

Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN sits under the shield of some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. For just under $3 a month, you tap into Secure Core servers—routing your data through Switzerland or Iceland before it reaches the wider internet. An audited no-logs policy adds another layer of confidence. Plus, their free tier is famously generous, if you ever need a no-cost fallback.

Mullvad VPN: Best for Pure Anonymity

Here’s a curveball: Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month—no discounts, no long-term commitments. That converts to just over $5, which nudges the edge of our lineup, but its signup process barely asks for any information. No email required. Cash payments accepted. If you want to vanish without a trace, Mullvad is the blueprint for digital stealth.

A Premium Service at a Budget Price

NordVPN is everywhere on everyone’s lips. But did you know its two- or three-year plans dip under $3.10 a month? That’s premium-grade VPN at a fraction of the usual fee.

NordVPN’s secret weapon is NordLynx, its own spin on WireGuard, delivering consistently high throughput. Throw in Double VPN and Threat Protection, and you’ve got features most competitors reserve for top-tier packages. A strictly audited no-logs policy caps it all off. If you want consistency across streaming, privacy, and security, NordVPN is the surest choice—just on sale.

The Cheapest VPN: Trust.Zone

Under $1.80 per month—you read that right—is Trust.Zone’s going rate on a long-term plan. Based in Seychelles, where there are no data-retention laws, Trust.Zone keeps zero logs, wields AES-256 encryption, and offers a kill switch. The apps are simple—no fancy frills—yet you’ll find reliable speeds for torrenting and private browsing. If minimalism and rock-bottom pricing are your jam, this one’s hard to beat.

Choosing Your VPN: What Really Matters

So, which should you pick? Ask yourself:

• Do you need unlimited devices?
• Is streaming your top priority?
• How much do you value raw, untraceable privacy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you lock in a multi-year deal—most offer 24 or 36 months at these rates—you end up with top-tier features for less cash than many coffee subscriptions.

Ready to lock down your data, stream without borders, and keep your wallet happy? Dive into one of these nine budget-friendly VPNs today and let us know which one becomes your go-to. Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn for more savvy tech tips.

What’s the difference between a proxy and a VPN? Find out here.