How much does a VPN cost? Do I need to pay for a VPN, or are free ones good enough? What are the best free VPNs?
If you’re new to VPNs, you might have these questions. Many people, like you, want a VPN that’s both reliable and affordable. So, this blog will compare the prices of the top 10 VPNs on the market and pick the best 3 free VPNs for you. Spoiler: We’ll also share some useful tips and tricks for choosing a VPN. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How Much Does a VPN Cost?
How much is a VPN? VPN prices can really vary—some are totally free, while others might cost over ten dollars a month. Here are 4 types of VPN pricing plans:
1. Free Plan
Free doesn’t always mean bad. With the competitive VPN market, many high-quality VPN providers offer free versions to attract more users. Some free VPNs even provide better security, faster speeds, and more features than some paid options. However, finding a good free VPN can be challenging.
2. Monthly Plan
Monthly subscriptions are usually the most expensive option, but they’re flexible. It is ideal if you need a VPN for a short time or want to test the service before committing to it for the long term.
3. Annual Plan
Annual plans give you the same features as monthly ones but are often cheaper. Many VPN providers offer big discounts for annual subscriptions to encourage long-term use.
4. Multi-Year Plan
This plan usually has the lowest monthly cost. If you need a VPN for a long time, go for it.
Yeah, you guessed it: the longer you subscribe, the lower the monthly cost. Now you’ve got a basic idea of VPN costs—let’s check out the pricing of the top 10 most popular VPNs in 2024!
Top 10 VPN Price Comparison for 2024
We’ve put together a list of subscription plans from the 10 most popular VPN providers so you can find one that fits your budget.
| VPN Services | Free Plan | 1-Month Plan | 6-Month Plan | 1-Year Plan | 2-Year Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-VPN | ✅ | $11.99/mo | $9.99/mo | $5.99/mo | N/A |
| Ivacy VPN | ✅ | $12.95/mo | N/A | $3.99/mo | $2.14/mo |
| Windscribe | 10GB Free Data | $9.00/mo | N/A | $5.75/mo | N/A |
| TunnelBear | 2GB Free Data | $9.99/mo | N/A | $3.33/mo | N/A |
| ExpressVPN | ❌ | $12.95/mo | N/A | $6.67/mo | $5.35/mo |
| NordVPN | ❌ | Starting at $12.99/mo | N/A | Starting at $4.59/mo | Starting at $3.59/mo |
| Surfshark | ❌ | Starting at $15.45/mo | N/A | $2.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
| CyberGhost | ❌ | $12.99/mo | $6.99/mo | N/A | $2.03/mo |
| PureVPN | ❌ | Starting at $12.95/mo | N/A | Starting at $3.99/mo | Starting at $2.15/mo |
| Private Internet Access | ❌ | $11.95/mo | N/A | $3.33/mo | N/A |
| Average Monthly Cost | / | ~$12.32/mo | ~$8.49/mo | ~$4.52/mo | ~$2.88/mo |
*Please note prices may change at any time.
As you can see, long-term plans usually save you a lot of money compared to monthly subscriptions.
Do You Have to Pay for a VPN?
The short answer is: not necessarily. Whether you should pay for a VPN depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re having trouble deciding, we’ll list the pros and cons of free and paid VPNs below to help you figure out which one is better for you.
1. Free VPNs
Suitable for: Occasional use, such as basic browsing or occasional access to restricted content.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cost nothing | ❌ Typically fewer server locations and features |
| ✅ Meet basic VPN needs | ❌ Some free VPNs are not secure |
| ❌ May come with ads | |
| ❌ Can be slow and have connection issues due to server congestion |
2. Paid VPNs
Suitable for: Those looking for a stronger, more reliable VPN experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ More server locations available | ❌ Cost money each month |
| ✅ Faster speed and more stable connection | ❌ Some paid VPNs can be worse than free ones, so you need to choose carefully |
| ✅ Extra security features |
While free VPNs can offer basic benefits, paid VPNs are often recommended for users looking for full protection and advanced features. But are free VPNs really not worth it? Are they safe or not? Keep reading to find out.
Are Free VPNs Safe? 3 Best Free VPNs
Some free VPNs are safe and worth using. Not all free VPNs cut corners on security. Some still offer strong encryption and multiple security protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard), just like premium plans. You can check the VPN’s privacy policy to see how they handle your data. Avoid VPNs with unclear or suspicious practices. If you need help choosing, consider these 3 best free VPNs.
| X-VPN Free (The Best Overall) | Proton VPN Free | Windscribe Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completely Free | ✅ | ✅ | 10GB Free Data |
| No Data Limit | ✅ | ✅ | 10GB Data Limit |
| No Speed Limit | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Servers | 1,000+ free servers in 17 countries | 5 free servers in 5 countries | Free servers in 10 countries |
| Security (Editor’s Rating) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Privacy | No log | No log | Based on the Five Eyes alliance |
| Compatibility | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Chromebook, Chrome | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Chromebook, Linux | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Browsers, etc. |
| Simultaneous connection | 5 devices | 1 device | Unlimited |
| No ads | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
If you’re a VPN noob, the free X-VPN is a great start. As you can see, it is excellent in many ways. Plus, X-VPN is completely free and is praised by many users for its security, fast speeds, and strong ability to unblock content.
How to Choose a VPN? Factors to Consider
Aside from price, you need to consider the following key factors when picking a reliable VPN:
- Security and Privacy: Choose a VPN that uses AES-256 encryption and multiple security protocols (like OpenVPN or WireGuard). Also, make sure it has a strict no-logs policy. These features will keep your online activities and data safe and private.
- Server Locations and Numbers: Look for a VPN with a wide network of servers around the world. More servers mean faster and more stable connections, which is great for streaming, gaming, and downloading files.
- Performance and Reliability: Choose a VPN that is highly rated by users and has stable connections. This way, you won’t be frustrated by frequent disconnections or slow speeds.
- Compatibility and Ease of Use: Pick a VPN that supports multiple devices and operating systems and is easy to set up. This ensures you can protect your connection on your computer, phone, or tablet simultaneously.
- Extra VPN Features: A VPN with additional security features like a Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Double VPN is better. These features add layers of protection, allow flexible management of your traffic, and enhance privacy.
- Customer Support: Choose a VPN that offers 24/7 customer support so you can get help whenever you need it.
By considering these factors, you can better judge if a VPN is worth paying for and make a more informed decision.
How To Save Money On VPNs?
If you want to choose a paid VPN but save some money, here are a few tricks:
1. Go for Long-Term Plans: Choose yearly or multi-year plans instead of paying month-to-month to get big discounts.
2. Keep an Eye Out for Promotions and Discounts: Many VPN providers offer special deals during events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school sales.
3. Bundle Services: Some VPNs offer packages bundled with other security or software tools, which can be cheaper than buying them separately.
4. Check for Student Discounts: Some VPN services offer special discounts for students, so check if you qualify.
5. Compare Different VPNs: Shop around and compare prices from different VPN services to find the best deal for your needs.
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Conclusion
How much does a VPN cost? When paying for a VPN, always find a good balance between price and performance. If you think VPNs are too expensive, start with a free one. Just make sure to choose a trustworthy free VPN like X-VPN.
FAQs
Is it worth paying for a VPN?
Yes, paying for a VPN is usually worth it. Paid VPNs often offer more VPN servers, faster speeds, more security features, and better customer support.
Is there a completely free VPN?
Yes, there is. For example, X-VPN and Proton VPN are completely free.
How much does X-VPN cost?
X-VPN offers both free and premium plans. The premium plan costs $11.99 per month for the monthly option, $9.99 per month for the 6-month plan, and $5.99 per month for the yearly plan.
