The best cheap VPN services in 2024 | The Independent (2024)

With countless VPN providers, you don’t have to sacrifice security and privacy by not buying into a costly subscription. The best cheap VPNs still provide competitive services and balance a budget-friendly price with robust encryption, tight security measures and reliable performance.

Cheap VPNs can rival their pricier counterparts in security and privacy features, such as independently verified no-logs policies, split tunnelling options and strong kill switches. They should allow your online activities and personal information to remain private as effectively as the more expensive VPN providers. While free VPNs can lack some crucial features, cheap VPNs offer reliable security without breaking the bank.

Our experts have assessed the best cheap VPNs, analysing security and privacy features, speed, performance, and value for money. While NordVPN offers the best overall service of all the providers we’ve tested, Surfshark is firmly at the top for cheap VPNs, delivering an impressive feature-filled performance for a wallet-friendly price.

Our latest round of extensive testing has revealed the best VPNs for 2024. While they’re not all what we’d consider to be cheap VPNs, we’ve chosen our top three based on different use cases: best value, best all-around package, and our Editor’s Choice, which we think is the best overall option.

We’ve tried to make the choice easy for you – just pick the VPN that best suits your needs.

There were several factors we considered when trying to find the best cheap VPN.

• Subscription price: a cheap VPN should have a monthly price of £2 or less. Typically, to subscribe for the lowest price, you’ll need to sign up for a lengthy one-, two-, or three-year plan, which is usually payable in one lump sum upfront. This upfront cost should also be affordable, and ideally no more than £50
• Privacy: cheap VPNs should never skimp on privacy, and we’ve only chosen ones that are encrypted by AES-256 – it’s the highest level of encryption and is used by governments and banks to secure sensitive information
• Security: is one of the most important parts of a VPN service, which is why we’ve only chosen cheap VPNs with a kill switch, split tunnelling and a range of VPN protocols to choose from
• Verified no-logs policy: VPNs should have a no-logs policy, and all the best services have their policy independently audited, but we found not all of the best cheap providers have taken this step.

Lowest price: £1.79 per month | Free version: No | Maximum number of connected devices: Unlimited | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Encryption: AES-256 | VPN protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2 and OpenVPN | No-log policy: Yes | Audited: Yes, by Deloitte | Headquarters: Netherlands

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, and also one of our best VPN providers – simply because its price is low without cutting corners when it comes to features. Surfshark’s security and privacy features include everything you’d expect to find from a good VPN provider – an audited no-logs policy, AES-256 and a decent selection of VPN protocols.

Cost

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee (which can work as a free trial if the VPN doesn’t suit you for the price) and monthly, 12-month and 24-month subscriptions. Customers can get the best deal by opting for the longest plan – although this does mean paying for the plan in one lump sum, our researchers believe the up-front price still offers good value for money.

Security

As well as being an affordable VPN, Surfshark offers a brilliant array of security features – its Multihop feature acts as a double VPN, which encrypts your internet connection twice, allowing for a robust extra layer of privacy.

All internet traffic is encrypted by AES-256, and users can turn on Surfshark’s kill switch – this will protect your online identity, even when your VPN connection drops. The service has a no-logs policy, which has also been independently audited. Surfshark has a variety of protocols to choose from – WireGaurd, OpenVPN and IKEv2 – and a split tunnelling feature, although this is not available for MacOS devices.

User experience

Our researchers found Surfshark’s apps – downloadable for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android – are ideal for beginners and the tech-savvy alike. Its apps follow a clean and clear interface, with an option to connect to a server from the main screen, while all of its security and privacy features are conveniently located in the settings menu.

Performance

Surfshark’s performance in our latest speed tests indicated its ability to maintain strong download speeds but revealed some challenges with upload speeds and latency over longer distances. In domestic settings, the service nearly mirrored the baseline download speed, making it ideal for tasks like downloading large datasets, streaming, and browsing. However, the upload speed maintained only about half of the base, potentially limiting high-demand upload activities such as real-time communications.

When connecting to the US, download speeds remained high, retaining 96 per cent of the no-VPN scenario download speed. Uploads drastically dropped to 10 per cent of the base speed. The most significant challenges arose in the UK-to-Australia connection, where download and upload speeds decreased to 46 and 4 per cent, respectively, coupled with a substantial increase in latency, potentially affecting streaming and video calls.

Altogether, Surfshark ensures robust download speeds, even when opting for more distant VPN servers. Although users could face limitations in uploads, particularly across longer distances, Surfshark remains one of the best cheap VPNs for the UK, combining strong performance, comprehensive privacy features, and cost-effectiveness.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 3/12/2023

Customer service

Surfshark receives 4.4 stars out of five on the Google Play Store, 4.8 stars out of five on the Apple App Store and 4.5 stars on Trustpilot.

“[It] seems to work well enough. [It’s] easy to navigate and connect to. Overall, [I’m] happy and satisfied. Sometimes the connection has problems or is a bit slow, [but] usually, it works okay. Lots of different location connections are available. It is reasonably priced… Also, just as a note, the people at Surfshark have always been very responsive to me when I have contacted them, such as when I had to change some of my info.”

• Chris, via Google Play Store

Verdict

Surfshark provides a long list of privacy features and an excellent level of security, all for an affordable price. Its connection speeds were fast and better than some of its competitors, and it is good value for money – it’s an all-rounder for price, security and speed.

Score: ★★★★

Read our full Surfshark review.

Lowest price: £1.92/m | Free version: No | Maximum number of connected devices: Seven | Number of servers: 10,000+ | Encryption: AES-256 | VPN protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | No-log policy: Yes | Audited: Yes, by Deloitte | Headquarters: Bucharest, Romania

CyberGhost is an excellent choice of VPN for gaming and torrenting, and while it’s not the only VPN that’s good for those activities, its subscription prices are cheaper than most of its competitors. The provider also has more than 9,000 servers available worldwide and boasts fast connection speeds.

Cost

CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than most other providers. To get the best deal, you’ll need to subscribe to a longer plan and pay in one lump sum.

Security

CyberGhost has a large server base, including servers that are optimised for torrenting, which not all VPNs offer. Data is encrypted by AES-256, and the service has a kill switch that protects users even when their VPN connection drops.

CyberGhost’s service comes with many layers of security, including a range of VPN protocols, an audited no-logs policy and split tunnelling, which allows you to choose what internet traffic to run through the VPN and what to run outside of it.

User experience

CyberGhost has downloadable apps for iOS, MacOS, Android and Windows. As well as its affordable price, our researchers were fond of CyberGhost’s customisable apps. Its best feature is Smart Rules – this allows you to turn on auto-launch for selected apps, which means that when certain apps are opened, CyberGhost will automatically protect you.

Performance

Recent tests exhibited a change in CyberGhost’s performance depending on the location of the VPN servers. The impact of physical distance was particularly noticeable in uploads, while the download speeds remained relatively consistent, catering to most download-centred online activities. Within the UK, CyberGhost delivered 57 per cent of the original download speed, adequate for regular browsing and streaming needs. However, it only retained 32 per cent of the baseline upload speed, potentially limiting data-intensive upload activities.

When switching to a US server, the download speed maintained the domestic level with a negligible additional decrease, whereas uploads dropped dramatically to 6 per cent, introducing challenges to data-heavy transfers and real-time activities. Connecting to an Australian server showed a more pronounced slowdown in downloads to 35 per cent of the baseline speed, but it still remained adequate for most VPN uses. The major challenge was the upload speed of only 4 per cent of the no-VPN figures combined with increased latency, impairing streaming and browsing experiences.

Overall, CyberGhost suits users seeking cost-effective moderate streaming and secure browsing over short distances, but its performance is likely inadequate for intensive internet usage.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 3/12/2023

Customer service

CyberGhost receives 4.4 out of five stars on the Apple App Store, 4.4 stars on Trustpilot and 4.2 stars on the Google Play Store. Customer reviews have praised CyberGhost for its range of security features.

“[A] top-shelf [VPN] at a bargain price! The app is easy to use, more than enough high-quality servers in all the countries that matter (thousands?). I see very little reduction in the speed tests I’ve conducted (reviews that show big drops are simply wrong) and the service has all the key elements and features I would use and then some. If I paid the equivalent of NordVPN or ExpressVPN I’d still be happy. The fact I paid a fraction of their prices (paying for their TV ads) makes me ecstatic.”

• Thomas E van Dell, via Google Play Store

Verdict

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs on the market, and its dedicated torrenting servers are one of the features that sets it apart from competitors. The provider packs a lot into the service, all for a reasonable price.

Score: ★★★★

Read our full CyberGhost review.

Lowest price: £2.50 / month | Free version: Yes | Maximum number of connected devices: 10 | Number of servers: 330+ | Encryption: AES-256 | VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 | No-log policy: Yes |Audited: No | Headquarters: Switzerland

PrivadoVPN is still a relative newcomer to the industry, but that hasn’t hindered it from offering a good level of security for affordable prices. As well as this, Privado is headquartered in Switzerland and benefits from some of the best data privacy protection laws in the world.

Though it doesn’t offer the largest server base, Privado does allow for connection for up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is more than ExpressVPN (which is one of the most expensive providers on the market).

Cost

Privado has an option for both a free and paid plan. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its paid subscription can be taken monthly, annually, or every two years – with the latter working out the most cost-effective when broken down per month. Keep in mind the free version limits users to one simultaneous connection, a 10GB data cap and a selection of only 12 servers.

Security

Headquartered in Switzerland, PrivadoVPN benefits from some of the best data privacy protection laws in the world. However, although the service has a no-logs policy – outlining that it never stores or logs its customers’ data – this has not been independently audited.

PrivadoVPN offers a good level of privacy, with AES-256 encryption and three protocols to choose from – WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2.

User experience

PrivadoVPN has downloadable mobile and desktop apps, both of which are easy to use and follow a polished design. For its desktop app, users can choose between a docked or window style, which is a nice design element to have.

All of Privado’s privacy features can be found within the app’s settings and allow for changing protocols and using the kill switch. Privado also has an option to save your favourite servers so you can quickly connect to them anytime you open the app.

Performance

Our most recent tests indicated that PrivadoVPN is a strong and affordable option, delivering robust download and upload speeds, particularly across shorter distances. The increase in the distance to the VPN servers resulted in a pronounced degradation of upload speeds, while the downloads remained consistent. Within the UK, the service maintained 95 and 84 per cent of the baseline download and upload speeds, respectively, catering to high-bandwidth activities, such as streaming and gaming.

Using a VPN server in the US saw adequate download speeds, retaining 87 per cent of the no-VPN figure. However, the upload performance was dramatically slowed down, potentially impacting online activities requiring high bandwidths. The UK-to-Australia connection followed the same trend and experienced a further speed drop, which was more substantial in uploads. Combined with a noticeable latency increase, the performance degradation could affect streaming quality and interactive response times.

PrivadoVPN is a viable option for high-speed data downloading, especially in closer regions. However, over greater distances, the service can impose limitations on data-intensive uploads and increase latency.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 3/12/2023

Customer service

Compared to its competitors, PrivadoVPN doesn’t receive the best customer reviews. The provider receives four out of five stars on Google Play and Trustpilot and just 3.5 stars out of five on the Apple App Store. However, when our researchers read the reviews, customers praised the service for its stable connection.

“Excellent VPN. [I get a] clean, stable connection every time. [It has] a vast range of countries/connections to choose from. [I] needed this when abroad from the UK. [It’s the] best VPN I’ve tried in all honesty.”

• Red K, via Google Play Store

Verdict

PrivadoVPN might not offer as many simultaneous device connections as some of its competitors, but its longest subscription plan is very reasonably priced. It also offers a good level of security with a no-logs policy and is headquartered in Switzerland. PrivadoVPN is a good choice for both general online privacy concerns and bypassing geo-restrictions.

Score: ★★★½

Read our full PrivadoVPN review.

Lowest price: £1.34 month | Free version: Yes | Maximum number of connected devices: Unlimited | Number of servers: 1,000+| VPN protocol(s): IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard | No-log policy: Does not log user activity – not independently verified | Headquarters: Delaware, US

Atlas VPN has been part of Nord Security since 2021, and while it’s not the best cheap VPN on the market for number of server locations or premium features, the service is affordable and has a good level of security.

Atlas VPN is one of the cheapest options, and it even offers discounts for students. It also allows for unlimited device connections.

Cost

Atlas VPN’s subscription plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Opting for its longest plan is the most cost-effective, although this means paying in one lump sum. However, the fee is still considerably less than other providers. Atlas VPN also offers a free version.

Security

Atlas VPN offers a choice of two protocols – WireGuard and IKEv2; although this is less than some other providers, it’s cheap and its features reflect that.

The provider is also encrypted by AES-256 and is a Multihop+ VPN. This works similarly to a double VPN – MultiHop+ selects random exit servers from Atlas VPN’s pool of global servers, rotating between them as you browse. Atlas follows a strict no-logs policy, however this is yet to be independently audited.

User experience

Atlas VPN’s apps are easy to navigate and would suit beginners. Changing servers is simple and can be done from the app’s interface – although a downside for the server list is that servers from the same country are all labelled the same, making it difficult to differentiate between different locations within that country.

All of Atlas VPN’s security features can be customised within the app’s settings, which is another reason why our researchers found the service to be suitable for beginners.

Performance

Our most recent speed tests demonstrated the ability of Atlas VPN to maintain fair download speeds. Although it struggled with upload speeds, particularly over long distances, the service is a viable option balancing affordability, performance, and privacy features. Connecting locally to a UK server, Atlas VPN delivered half of the baseline download speed and about a quarter of the upload speed, catering to the bandwidth requirements of light and moderate users.

Connections to the US showed a slight decrease in downloads combined with a dramatic drop in uploads to 6 per cent of the baseline, potentially impacting tasks that rely heavily on uploads. When switching to Australian servers, we registered further performance degradation, with downloads retaining a third of the no-VPN speed and uploads at as low as 2 per cent of the reference. This considerable performance deterioration, coupled with increased latency, suggests difficulties for activities requiring steady high-bandwidth connections like streaming, online gaming, or data-intensive traffic.

Overall, Atlas VPN is a perfect choice for general browsing, but its users may encounter challenges with activities demanding high bandwidths.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 4/12/2023

Customer service

Atlas VPN receives good customer reviews. On the Apple App Store, it gets 4.6 out of five stars, 4.2 stars on the Google Play Store and 4.3 stars on Trustpilot.

“Atlas VPN is one of the best VPN services I’ve seen on the market. It’s fast and efficient and doesn’t give you ads or promos; the premium version is cheap and has amazing features. I’m a software developer and sometimes I need to have that extra layer of security, and with Atlas VPN I can feel safe doing it. [I] would 100 per cent recommend”

• Matt_Evans2310, via Apple App Store

Verdict

Overall, Atlas VPN offers a good level of security. Although the provider’s no-logs policy has not been audited, there have been no reported data breaches. The provider has affordable plans and offers comparable services to more expensive VPNs, as well as fast connection speeds.

Score: ★★★½

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

Cheapest price: £1.57 per month | Free version: No | Maximum number of connected devices: Unlimited | Number of servers: 1,000+ | Encryption: AES-256 | VPN protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | No-log policy: Yes | Audited: Yes | Headquarters: United States

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a long-standing VPN – it allows for connection to an unlimited number of devices and its price tag is admirable.

PIA’s features list includes a dedicated IP (for an extra fee), something that’s not always provided, and an audited no-logs policy.

Cost

Private Internet Access offers three subscription lengths: monthly, annually, or a three-year plan, with the latter being the cheapest overall option. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its plans so you can try it before committing financially.

Security

PIA’s security is comparable to other top VPN providers – it has an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch and split tunnelling available.

One of its best features is the Dedicated IP, since it ensures an added layer of privacy for users. This is an add-on feature, costing an extra £2.25 to £4.50 per month, depending on the length of subscription you choose. The provider also has proxy servers – ShadowSocks and SOCKS5 – which allow users to route their VPN connection through an additional server location.

User experience

PIA’s apps are sleek in design, and the desktop app’s window is an ideal size to not cause too much disruption. Our researchers found its privacy features and range of protocols are all accessible via the app. Changing server location is simple and can be done via the main screen – each server location also shows the latency.

Performance

In our most recent speed tests, Private Internet Access demonstrated modest capabilities, providing for the needs of users who prioritise affordability and privacy but don’t require high bandwidth for their online activities. In the UK, the VPN retained just 28 and 24 per cent of the baseline download and upload speeds, respectively, signalling limitations for demanding tasks like HD streaming or online gaming.

The performance remained consistent when connecting to US servers, with identical download and upload percentages of the no-VPN speed. These results indicated uniform but restricted performance for the UK-to-US connections. Transitioning to an Australian server offered consistent download and upload speeds sufficient to support online activities requiring moderate bandwidths.

Therefore, Private Internet Access may face challenges in supporting more data-intensive or real-time applications but caters well to moderate internet uses irrespective of the distance between the user’s location and the VPN server.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 3/12/2023

Customer service

Private Internet Access is well-liked by customers and receives good reviews on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, where it receives 4.4 and 4.6 stars out of five, respectively. PIA receives 4.4 stars out of five on Trustpilot.

“[I’ve only] been using it for a few days and it seems reliable. Barely any loss in speed (5-8Mbps). [I’m] still learning the desktop version. This one has plenty of settings to work with. The platform has a very clear and informative help desk database. So far, I like the simplicity of the software in general, but at the same time, it offers enough options for those who are more advanced. I am already enjoying a few of the many features discovered, such as automatic connection [to the] fastest server and spoof.”

• Armando Zaldivar, via Google Play Store

Verdict

Private Internet Access is a longstanding VPN and offers an excellent range of security features, including a dedicated IP (for an extra cost). Its connection speeds are comparable to other providers we’ve reviewed, and its subscription price is reasonable.

Score: ★★★★

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Dr Phil Legg, Professor of Cyber Security at UWE

Not necessarily – some reputable providers will offer a free service for personal use only that can be of high quality and service, as their core business model is set up around their enterprise customers, but they understand that security is important to all online. The same rules apply – do they offer a strong level of encryption and do they make clear what they will do with your traffic data? Do they impose some limitations on personal usage? You should read the terms of their service carefully, especially if the service is free so as to understand the provider’s business model, and to ensure that it is clear how your data is being used by the VPN provider.

To set up a VPN on any device, follow these steps:

1. Choose a reputable VPN provider: Thoroughly research and choose a trustworthy VPN provider. Check it has the features you need at an affordable price
2. Download the VPN from your chosen app store: Go to your device’s app store and search for the VPN provider and click download. You can also navigate to the provider’s website and follow the instructions to download the app
3. Install and launch the app: Open the VPN app and complete the installation process. Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one
4. Configure VPN settings: Follow the instructions for configuring your VPN on your device
5. Connect to the VPN: Once the app is set up, connect to a VPN server and customise your features

Consider the following when purchasing a cheap VPN for any of your devices:

• Price and subscription plans: Look for a provider with a good price for what it offers. Also, make sure its lump sum is still affordable, and don’t be fooled by the monthly price of a long plan – most providers will highlight their best and cheapest monthly VPN option and only include the up-front price in smaller print or during checkout
• Compatibility: Make sure the provider has apps suitable for your chosen devices
• Security: Check your chosen VPN service has a good level of encryption – ideally AES-256 – and a variety of protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2
• Speed: Choose a VPN with fast connection speeds
• Reputation and reviews: Research and read customer reviews comparing price and security features

Dr Phil Legg, Professor of Cyber Security at UWE

The main thing to consider when looking at VPN providers is whether they offer strong encryption (such as AES-256), and how they will use your data, such as your traffic activity logs when accessing online resources. You want to believe you can trust your VPN provider, since you are allowing your network traffic to go through their server. Also, think about why you want or need a VPN, and what device it is you need to use it on. Some VPNs may be more geared towards offering multiple geo-locations, that may optimise gaming and video streaming usage, whilst others may be specifically for keeping sensitive information within a particular geography. Therefore, a VPN for a laptop or mobile phone may have a different usage to that set up on a gaming or video streaming device.

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VPN experts consulted

Our reviewers are dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information so you can make an informed decision when it comes to buying a cheap VPN. We will only recommend a VPN after comparing price plans, hours of testing, head-to-head feature comparisons, and after taking into account verified customer feedback and reviews and the opinions of industry experts.

Our cheap VPN review scores are determined the following categories:

• Privacy and performance (30 per cent)
• Features and functionality (30 per cent)
• Reputation and credibility (25 per cent)
• Plans and pricing/value (10 per cent
• Customer experience (5 per cent)

We research and test a total of 25 elements within these categories including:

• Number and location of servers
• Streaming service accessibility
• Security features such as AES-256
• Performance (upload, download, latency)
• Value for money, guarantees, and customer service
• Independent server-site security audits

All of our VPN articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, so you can be assured that our content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. To find out more, read our article onhow we review VPNs.

The data in this review is reported from a neutral stance and should be used for informational purposes only. We review free VPN services from the perspective of:

• The quality of the product based on the security it affords the user
• User experience of the application(s)
• Level and quality of customer service

Independent Advisor does not endorse the streaming of content from regions other than where the subscription is held, nor does it endorse the downloading or consumption of illegally pirated content.