The best affordable VPNs: A virtual private network can be very useful when using public Wi-Fi, but you might not be ready to add another expensive subscription to your monthly expenses. So keep reading to discover the best budget-friendly VPNs we've tested.
The Best Affordable VPNs
Proton VPN (Windows)
Why We Chose It
Proton offers an impressive variety of servers to its VPN customers, along with ad-blocking, malware protection, split tunneling, and support for up to 10 simultaneous device connections. The free version is also a great option. At no cost, you can use the VPN service without any data limits on one device.
Who This Service Is For
If you're looking for an affordable, user-friendly VPN service with a clear privacy policy, Proton VPN is an excellent choice. Proton has a no-logs policy and regularly publishes transparency reports. They also accept cash and cryptocurrency payments, which is another nod to maintaining your privacy. Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscriptions.
Pros
The best free VPN subscription available
A variety of advanced privacy tools
A large server network
A smooth and accessible client
Excellent download speed results
Cons
Users in some regions may experience slower speeds, especially on the free plan
TunnelBear VPN
Why We Chose It
TunnelBear allows you to use an unlimited number of devices without any data limits. One notable feature is the city-level server selection, making it easy to find and save a familiar location.
Who This Service Is For
If you have many devices, TunnelBear is the right choice for you. In terms of other perks, the app includes a split tunneling feature, and the company's privacy policy states a no-logs commitment. This means TunnelBear VPN does not collect your IP address or any DNS queries while you are connected, which is fantastic. There is also a free option, but it is somewhat limited.
Pros
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Excellent privacy policies
Independent annual audits
User-friendly design
Cons
No multi-hop connections
Split tunneling is not available on all platforms
Data on the free subscription is limited
Bitdefender Premium VPN
Why We Chose It
Bitdefender Premium VPN is very affordable, and there is also a free option! Powered by Hotspot Shield VPN, Bitdefender Premium VPN stands out by allowing you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously—double what we typically see.
Who This Service Is For
If you're looking for a variety of servers, this is the service for you. The app offers over 4,000 servers to choose from, which is impressive, especially considering the price.
Pros
Affordable
Excellent app
Split tunneling
Cons
Confusing privacy policy
No multi-hop connections on Windows
No option to change the VPN protocol on Windows
Mullvad
Why We Chose It
Mullvad VPN offers great value in a crowded market. The open-source app demonstrates a commitment to privacy from the start by using an anonymous number system to identify your account instead of an email and password. The privacy policy is also concise and easy to read.
Who This Service Is For
If you're looking for a highly private VPN at a very low price, Mullvad is an excellent choice. Mullvad has a no-logs policy on its website that outlines its data retention strategy to some extent. Impressively, you can even pay for your Mullvad VPN subscription in cash! Just put the money in an envelope with your payment code. Mullvad's policy states that the staff handling the mail will shred all non-financial content, but of course, refrain from writing your name or return address on the envelope!
Pros
Affordable
Does not require any email or account information
Complete transparency
Cons
Unfriendly desktop interface
No transparency report
Servers in a small number of countries
Windscribe
Why We Chose It
There is a free version of the app, which gives you 10 GB of browsing data using a verified email across servers in 10 countries. If you choose not to provide an email address, you can still use up to 2 GB of data. The Windscribe Unlimited subscription gives you access to MAC address spoofing, a secure hotspot, proxy server creation tools, split tunneling, a firewall, and double connections.
Who This Service Is For
Like IVPN and Mullvad, Windscribe's privacy policy is easy to read. The app's code is open-source, and Windscribe has a no-logs policy. As an added bonus for privacy-conscious users, the company publishes regular updates to its transparency report.
Pros
Company transparency
A wide range of payment options
The best free plan available
Helpful AI support bot
Unlimited simultaneous connections and devices
Anonymous registration is allowed
Cons
Average speed results
Hide.me VPN
Why We Chose It
Hide.me provides access to thousands of servers in over 90 countries, firewall protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling. You can run up to 10 connections simultaneously, which is a big plus for families or anyone with multiple devices. The free version has no data limits, which is excellent, but server selection is very limited, connection speeds are slower, and you can only connect one device at a time.
Who This Service Is For
If you plan to watch a lot of videos, Hide.me's unlimited feature is a significant bonus. The app also follows a no-logs policy, undergoes independent security audits, and does not collect much personal data during registration, all of which are ideal for a privacy tool.
Pros
Ten simultaneous connections
Good server distribution
Strong results in speed tests
Supports anonymous payments
Affordable
Cons
Speed limitations on the free tier
