The internet isn’t getting any quieter. Cybercriminals are hungry for your personal data, and they won’t knock before they barge in. This is exactly why you need a Virtual Private Network. It encrypts your traffic, making your online activity a mystery to interceptors. And here is the good news: getting that protection doesn’t require a second mortgage.
Major providers like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are slashing prices for new subscribers. Some deals start as low as $2 a month. CNET’s deal editors have scoured the web to find the strongest offers available right now. The landscape shifts quickly. We will keep this page fresh, so check back.
Which VPN offer provides the best value?
If every dollar counts, Surfshark is your answer. At $2.49 a month, it undercuts the competition while still packing essential extras. You get an ad blocker and a masked email service included in the base price. It’s not just about hiding your IP address; it’s about a cleaner, safer digital life for the lowest possible entry fee.
ExpressVPN: The Speed King on Sale
Price: $2.49/month for 28 months
Devices: Up to 8
Refund: 30 days
ExpressVPN remains our top pick. The 24-month plan drops the cost to just over $2 monthly if you pay the $70 upfront lump sum. You can upgrade to the Advanced tier for $84 total ($3/month) or go pro at $154 total ($5/month).
We judge VPNs on three pillars: speed, security, and price. Express might not be the absolute cheapest, but it consistently delivers the fastest speeds and highest security standards. This holds true even after Kape Technologies acquired the company.
Surfshark: Unlimited Devices for Pennies
Price: $2.49/month for 750 days (27 months)
Devices: Unlimited
Refund: 30 days
Surfshark arrived late to the party but moved fast. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large households or heavy tech users. The current promotion slashes prices by up to 85%.
The Starter VPN plan is $67 upfront for 27 months ($2.49/month). If you want the “One” add-on suite, including private search and 24/7 antivirus, it’s $75 upfront ($2.79/month). The “Plus” tier, which includes data removal from people-search sites, costs $121 upfront ($4.49/month).
Note: Surfshark merged with NordVPN in 2022. They still operate independently, which preserves their distinct market positioning.
NordVPN: The Industry Heavyweight
Price: $3.49/month for 27 months
Devices: Up to 10
Refund: 30 days
NordVPN offers substantial savings, with discounts up to 75%. The standard two-year plan requires $94 upfront ($3.49/month). The “Complete” plan, featuring malware protection and password management, runs $121 upfront ($4/month). For those wanting everything, the “Prime” plan costs $202 upfront ($7.49/month).
Proton VPN: The Trusted Free Option
Price: $3/month for 24 months
Devices: Up to 10
Refund: 30 days
Proton VPN stands out as the only free tier we actually recommend. But if you need power, the Plus plan offers no data caps, Tor support, and robust ad-blocking. The two-year deal is $72 upfront ($3/month). Renewals jump to $84/year. You can also opt for a one-year plan at $42 upfront or pay $5/month without a contract.
PIA VPN: The Ultra-Budget Contender
Price: $1.33/month for 39 months
Devices: Unlimited
Refund: 30 days
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a favorite among budget-conscious users. An 89% discount brings the three-year plan down to $52 upfront ($1.33/month). It includes 500GB of cloud storage.
Performance is respectable. PIA uses AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. Speed loss hovers around 24%. However, PIA is US-based. Jurisdiction matters. The company has released its source code to prove its no-log claims, but security purists may still hesitate.
Norton VPN: Antivirus Maker Steps Up
Price: $3.33/month for 12 months
Devices: Up to 5
Refund: 60 days
Norton is famous for antivirus, but their VPN is solid for privacy browsing. Annual plans see up to 60% off. The Standard plan is $40 upfront ($3.33/month). The Plus plan ($50) and Ultimate plan ($100 for 10 devices) offer added layers of protection. The 60-day refund window is generous.
IPVanish: User-Friendly Interface
Price: $2.19/month for 24 months
Devices: Unlimited
Refund: 30 days
IPVanish features one of the cleanest interfaces in the industry. It’s forgiving for beginners and flexible for tinkerers. Normally $156/year, the current deal nets you two years for just $53 upfront. Like PIA, IPVanish is US-based (owned by Ziff Davis), which is a consideration for privacy-focused users.
Unverified but Affordable Options
We haven’t fully stress-tested these services. Use them for casual tasks, like bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming. Do not rely on them for sensitive banking or high-security work.
PureVPN
Price: $3.55/month for 27 months
Devices: Up to 10
Refund: 31 days
PureVPN offers a massive server network (6,500+ servers in 78 countries). It promises reliability, but we haven’t verified that claim. There is a red flag in its history: ZDNET reported PureVPN handed over timestamp logs to the FBI during a 2018 cyberstalking investigation. They stopped that practice and underwent third-party audits since. Current deals offer up to 83% off. Plans range from $2 to $4 monthly.
How We Picked These Deals
We ignore services we haven’t tested. Your privacy isn’t a gamble for a few bucks saved. Our team analyzed discounts, subscription terms, refund policies, speed loss, and device limits.
Be wary of countdown clocks. They are often marketing tricks. Real deals don’t need false urgency. Check back often, as prices fluctuate.
The corporate structure of VPNs has changed. ExpressVPN joined Kape Technologies in 2021. Kape owns other VPNs and has faced past privacy scrutiny. NordVPN and Surfshark merged in 2022 but operate separately. These shifts trigger fresh reviews. Rankings can and do change.
Most deals require two-year commitments. That’s a long time. Companies can change terms. Security breaches happen. Always read the fine print before tying yourself to a long contract, even with a 30-day guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need a VPN?
Yes, if you value your privacy. Internet crime is rising. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the web. It stops your ISP from tracking what you do. It hides your passwords and bank info from prying eyes.
Is a VPN legal?
Yes, in most of the world. Countries like China, Iran, Russia, and the UAE restrict or ban them. Everywhere else, it’s legal. But remember: a VPN is not a “get out of jail free” card. If you commit crimes online, a VPN won’t save you from prosecution.
Are free VPNs a waste of time?
Except for Proton VPN’s limited free tier, avoid them entirely. Most free services monetize your data by selling it. You are the product. The risk isn’t worth the savings. Top-tier protection costs less than a coffee subscription.
