Frequently Asked Questions
Cheapest VPNs in 2026
Last updated: February 2026
You do not need to spend $10+/month on a VPN. These 5 budget options start at just $1.99/month and still deliver excellent speeds, streaming support, and strong security.
Top Budget VPNs
Surfshark
$1.99
2 years planCyberGhost
$2.19
2 years planPrivate Internet Access
$2.03
3 years planNordVPN
$2.99
2 years planProtonVPN
$3.99
2 years planPrice Comparison
All prices shown are for the cheapest available plan (usually 2-3 year commitment).
| VPN | Price/mo | Plan | Devices | Streaming | P2P | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | $1.99 | 2 years | Unlimited | 30 days | ||
| CyberGhost | $2.19 | 2 years | 7 | 45 days | ||
| Private Internet Access | $2.03 | 3 years | Unlimited | 30 days | ||
| NordVPN | $2.99 | 2 years | 10 | 30 days | ||
| ProtonVPN | $3.99 | 2 years | 10 | 30 days |
Cheap vs Premium: What You Get and What You Lose
What You Still Get
- AES-256 encryption (same as expensive VPNs)
- Kill switch and DNS leak protection
- No-logs policies (audited)
- Streaming support (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
- P2P/torrenting support
- Apps for all major platforms
Potential Tradeoffs
- Slightly slower speeds vs top-tier (5-15% difference)
- Fewer advanced features (some lack port forwarding)
- Smaller server networks (except PIA)
- Customer support may be slower
- Requires longer commitment (2-3 years) for best price
Get Premium VPN Protection for Less
No need to overpay. These budget VPNs deliver the same encryption, speed, and streaming access as expensive alternatives.
Cheap VPN FAQs
Is a cheap VPN safe to use?
Yes, all VPNs on our list use AES-256 encryption, have audited no-logs policies, and include kill switches. Being cheap does not mean insecure. Avoid free VPNs though, as many monetize by selling user data. Budget VPNs like Surfshark and CyberGhost are much safer than free alternatives.
Why are some VPNs so cheap?
Budget VPNs achieve low prices by offering discounts on long-term plans (2-3 years paid upfront). The monthly price for Surfshark is $15.45 but drops to $1.99/month on a 2-year plan. They also have lower marketing budgets compared to ExpressVPN.
What is the cheapest VPN overall?
Surfshark at $1.99/month (2-year plan) is the cheapest premium VPN in 2026 that we recommend. It offers unlimited devices, fast speeds, and unblocks Netflix and other streaming services. For a free option, ProtonVPN has a limited free tier.
Can cheap VPNs unblock Netflix?
Yes. Surfshark, CyberGhost, NordVPN, and PIA all successfully unblock Netflix US and other libraries. Cheap does not mean they cannot stream - all our recommended budget VPNs are tested monthly for streaming compatibility.
Should I get a free VPN instead?
We do not recommend free VPNs for most users. They typically have severe data limits (500MB-2GB/month), very slow speeds, and many sell your browsing data. ProtonVPN is the only trustworthy free option but its free tier lacks streaming support. Surfshark at $1.99/month is a much better investment.
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Last updated: February 2026
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