Fortunately, there are a few VPNs that are not only cheap but also work exceptionally well for less than $5/month. Cheap VPNs aren’t necessarily bad quality — just because a VPN has a low price doesn’t mean it won’t provide top-tier protection for your iPhone, Android, Fire Stick, or other device. After extensive testing, CyberGhost is the best cheap VPN in 2025. It has an impressive feature set at a low cost, with plans starting at $2.19/month. You can try CyberGhost risk-free as well, because it’s backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology. Try CyberGhost risk-free
In a Rush? Here Are the Best Cheap VPNs in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best Cheap VPNs Under $5/Month (Updated in 2025)
1. CyberGhost — Premium Features and Fast Speeds at a Low Price
CyberGhost is the #1 cheap VPN in 2025. I found CyberGhost has a ton of top-tier features at a budget price, ensuring your connections and online activity are always secure when using its servers. These features include:
AES-256-bit encryption — keeps all data secure and private, away from prying eyes, hackers, and even your ISP. Leak protection — blocks DNS and IP leaks to make sure your data is hidden and private. Secure protocols — including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard for robust connections on its global network. Strict zero-log policy — independently audited to guarantee none of your data is logged or stored while you’re connected to CyberGhost’s servers. Content Blocker — blocks domains used for ads, trackers, and malware.
You’ll also find a selection of optimized servers for streaming and torrenting with CyberGhost. These servers are regularly tested by CyberGhost staff so you know you’ll get a fast, working connection — impressive when some of the more expensive VPNs don’t support torrenting or struggle to work with streaming services. I found CyberGhost is a reliably fast VPN when connected to nearby and optimized servers. Overall, my speeds reduced by just 24% on average, with a slightly greater slowdown over long distances. Fortunately, CyberGhost’s 11,670+ server network ensures you can always find a nearby connection for the fastest speeds. With an intuitive interface, CyberGhost is easy to use and a top choice for beginner users looking for a budget VPN. Plus, there are detailed VPN setup instructions for your smart TV, game console, and other devices that don’t natively support VPN apps. For a small extra fee, CyberGhost offers a security suite for Windows, which includes antivirus, a software updater, and a privacy guard. Considering the price, this makes CyberGhost a really affordable option for full device protection — I’d like to see it expand its security suite to more platforms in the future. A 2-year + 2 months plan is only $2.19/month and it’s backed by a 45-day guarantee in case you change your mind. I tested the process to make sure it was legit and found it easy to claim a refund. It took less than 5 minutes to arrange using the 24/7 live chat, and I had my money back within a week. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Server Network for Global Connections on a Budget
Private Internet Access (PIA) has an extensive server network of more than 35,000 servers — considerably more than some expensive VPNs. This expansive network provides flexibility and reliability for your online activities, as well as avoiding user congestion that slows speeds on smaller networks.
If you’re a torrent enthusiast, you’ll appreciate PIA’s support for P2P traffic on every server, along with port-forwarding capabilities (not available on US connections). Plus, PIA has a free SOCKS5 proxy that improves download speeds. These features ensure smooth and secure torrenting, maintaining your privacy throughout. I was pleased to find PIA offers the same high-level security as other premium VPNs, just for a fraction of the cost. To keep your connections safe, it uses the following features:
Robust security protocols — uses OpenVPN and WireGuard to ensure your data is encrypted and secure during transmission. Leak protection — your DNS and IP addresses are protected against leaks, maintaining your anonymity and privacy. Kill switch — automatically shuts down your internet connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly., preventing potential data leaks. MACE ad and malware blocking — blocks advertisements and malware, enhancing your browsing experience and protecting your device from online threats. Verified zero-log policy — verified through independent audits, PIA does not collect or store any logs of your online activities.
While PIA doesn’t offer the most user-friendly interface for beginners, its customizable nature appeals to advanced VPN users. With a bit of exploration and tinkering, you can tailor your VPN settings to suit your preferences and needs. As a plus for Linux users, PIA stands out as a top choice with its GUI apps designed for popular distros. You can try PIA for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested the refund process and it was easy — I contacted customer service using the 24/7 live chat and asked to cancel my subscription. The agent asked if I’d like to troubleshoot but I confirmed my cancellation and had the money back within a week. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
3. NordVPN — Affordable Service With Unique Security and Privacy Features
NordVPN is an affordable option with unique features that boost your security and privacy. Threat Protection provides an extra layer of security against malware, phishing, and online threats. Plus, Meshnet lets you establish secure connections between your devices from anywhere — I found it easy to set up in a few minutes.
Alongside these tools, NordVPN offers a range of top-tier features designed to protect your data and devices while you’re online. These include:
Kill switch — automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Top encryption — your data is protected with top-tier encryption methods, keeping it secure from unauthorized access or interception. Leak protection — stops DNS and IP leaks, ensuring that your true location and identity remain hidden. RAM-based servers — unable to store any data permanently, enhancing your privacy and security. Optimized servers — tailored for specific purposes, including torrenting, using Tor, and multi-hop connections.
With fast speeds and excellent performance, NordVPN is also an ideal choice for streaming. During tests by our global team, NordVPN’s reliable connections provided seamless streaming on Netflix US, Disney+, Max, and other top sites — free from buffering or lag, even using long-distance connections. My average drop in speed was just 19%. Unfortunately, NordVPN’s subscription prices dramatically increase after the initial subscription is finished. You may want to consider switching to a different VPN after your plan expires. I recommend that you try NordVPN and enjoy its premium features for a budget price. Plus, you can test the service risk-free, as every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I used the live chat to request a refund, and it took less than 5 minutes to process. I had my money back within a week.
4. Surfshark — Nexus Network Boosts Performance at a Budget Price
Surfshark’s Nexus network enhances VPN performance, ensuring reliable and speedy connections without straining your budget. This technology optimizes server connections to deliver consistent speeds, so you connect to the best-performing entry and exit servers. During my tests, Surfshark was fast enough for seamless streaming and torrenting.
I was impressed by Surfshark’s range of security and privacy features, especially as it’s a budget VPN. These include:
CleanWeb — blocks ads, trackers, and malware, providing a cleaner and safer browsing experience. NoBorders — lets you bypass network censorship in regions with internet restrictions. Camouflage Mode — disguises VPN traffic as regular traffic, making it harder for ISPs and third parties to detect and throttle VPN connections. GPS Spoofing — enables you to spoof your Android GPS location, enhancing privacy and security while using location-based services. Rotating IPs — provides an extra layer of anonymity and security by frequently changing your IP address while connected.
The biggest downside is that, like NordVPN, Surfshark’s price also significantly increases upon renewal, so make sure you read the fine print! I was also a bit annoyed that often, Surfshark can take up to 30 seconds to establish a connection. However, you shouldn’t experience this every time you connect. Like CyberGhost, Surfshark offers a complete security suite for a small extra monthly fee. Surfshark One includes a VPN, antivirus, secure browser, and data leak monitoring. Both Surfshark One and Surfshark VPN are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free and get a refund if you change your mind.
5. PrivateVPN — Cheapest VPN With Top Security Features
PrivateVPN is the overall cheapest VPN, with its 3-year plan that doesn’t rise in price on renewal. It’s an attractive option if you’re budget-conscious and looking for long-term affordability. Plus, it’s also one of the best-value month-to-month VPNs if you want a short-term plan. With a user-friendly interface, PrivateVPN caters to both beginners and advanced VPN users. Its intuitive design makes it easy to navigate and configure — it only took a couple of minutes to download and set up PrivateVPN before I was ready to connect.
To enhance privacy and security, PrivateVPN offers the following quality features:
Stealth VPN — disguises VPN traffic, making it harder for ISPs and third parties to detect and block VPN connections — it’s the best cheap VPN that works in China. Zero-log privacy policy — ensuring your online activities remain private and anonymous. SOCKS5 proxy — configurable with the Tor Browser and torrent clients for additional privacy when browsing or downloading. Automatic kill switch — cuts access to the internet, preventing accidental data leaks if the VPN connection is interrupted.
Unfortunately, PrivateVPN has a tiny server network compared to other VPNs — just 200 servers worldwide. Long-distance or peak-time connections may cause slower speeds or connectivity issues. You won’t face these issues with VPNs that have a bigger network. You can try PrivateVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. To get a refund, I sent an email saying that I no longer needed the service. I had an email response the same day, and my money back in a week.
Quick Comparison Table: The Best Cheap VPNs in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How I Tested & Ranked the Best Cheap VPN
I used the following criteria when testing the top VPNs in 2025 and ranked each service according to the results:
How to Use the Best Cheap VPN Service in 3 Easy Steps
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between a Quality VPN and a Cheap Price
When choosing a budget VPN, it’s essential to pick a service that will safeguard your online privacy. While some cheap VPNs could compromise your security, the VPNs recommended here prioritize robust protection without costing a fortune. The best cheap VPNs provide reliable security, dependable performance, and affordable plan prices. Overall, the best budget VPN for streaming is CyberGhost, with optimized connections available for a range of popular services. During tests, CyberGhost worked with many services without interruption, with fast speeds for lag-free UHD streaming. Cheap VPNs often don’t provide high-quality security and privacy features, but the price of a VPN isn’t always a good indication of how well it works. A service like CyberGhost is an affordable option with features that rival premium-price VPNs. I recommend using caution and researching any cheap VPNs you consider. While there are some secure and private free VPNs in 2025, even these can be frustratingly limiting. Instead, I recommend you try one of the best cheap VPNs in 2025. At less than $5 per month, it’s worth the small cost for guaranteed security and privacy, reliable connections, and solid speeds for streaming, torrenting, and browsing. CyberGhost stands out as the top choice for budget VPNs. It has a comprehensive range of security features, consistent speeds, and intuitive apps for many platforms. Plus, it has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee so you can explore the service risk-free. If it doesn’t meet your needs, you can get a full refund with no questions asked.
Summary: The Best Cheap VPNs in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.