At a Glance
- ExpressVPN tops the list with a 24-month plan at just $3 a month.
- Surfshark offers the lowest entry price at $2 a month for a 27-month commitment.
- NordVPN, Proton VPN, and others follow with competitive discounts.
- Why it matters: Online scams hit 96% of Americans; a reliable VPN can protect you without breaking the bank.
Online scams and cybercrimes continue to siphon billions of dollars from users every year. The latest research shows that 96% of Americans have been targeted by some form of online scam. With that level of risk, a virtual private network (VPN) can add a vital layer of security when banking, shopping, or streaming. Fortunately, many top VPN providers now offer deep discounts for new users, with plans starting at just $2 a month.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN remains the benchmark for speed and security. The 24-month plan now costs $78 upfront, averaging $3 a month. A higher tier, the Advanced plan, is $101 for 24 months ($4 a month), and the Pro plan is $168 ($6 a month). ExpressVPN supports up to eight devices and offers a fully refundable 30-day policy.
Key features:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- AES-256 encryption
- Kill switch and split tunneling
- No data caps
Ownership changes have not affected performance. ExpressVPN joined Kape Technologies in 2021, a move that raised privacy concerns but has not yet impacted user experience.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a newer entrant that has quickly gained a reputation for speed. Its 27-month Starter plan is billed $54 upfront ($2 a month). The One plan adds a private search engine and 24/7 virus protection for $67 ($2 a month). One Plus, which includes data removal from company databases, costs $113 ($4 a month). Surfshark supports up to ten devices and offers a 30-day refund.
The company merged with NordVPN in 2022 but continues to operate independently.
NordVPN
NordVPN offers substantial savings, especially on its 27-month plans. The basic two-year plan is $81 upfront ($3 a month). The Plus plan, with malware, ad-blocking, and password management, is $105 ($4 a month). The Complete plan is $129 ($5 a month), and the Prime plan is $177 ($7 a month). NordVPN also supports up to ten devices and has a 30-day refund.
Like Surfshark, NordVPN is part of the 2022 merger but remains autonomous.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN’s free tier is the only one we recommend for users who need a zero-cost option. For more functionality, the Plus plan is $72 for 24 months ($3 a month) and renews at $84. A one-year subscription is $52 upfront, or $4 per month. Proton VPN offers unlimited devices, no data caps, and built-in Tor support.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is a budget favorite. The two-year plan with four extra months costs just over $2 a month. PIA provides AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and 500GB of cloud storage. The service is based in the US, which may concern security-focused users, but the company makes its source code publicly available.
Norton VPN
Norton VPN is a solid choice for those who already trust the brand. Annual plans start at $40 upfront ($3 a month) for the Standard tier. The Plus plan is $50, and the Ultimate plan, covering up to ten devices, is $60. Norton offers a fully refundable 30-day policy.
IPVanish
IPVanish is praised for its user interface and customization options. A two-year plan costs about $72 ($3 a month). Like PIA and Norton, IPVanish is US-based, which may raise jurisdiction concerns.
PureVPN
PureVPN offers a two-year plan with three free months, starting at $2 a month. The service boasts over 6,500 servers in 78 countries. PureVPN has undergone a third-party audit to confirm its no-log policy after a 2018 incident. It offers up to ten logins and optional password management.
Other Deals
While we haven’t fully tested every provider, the following are worth considering for casual use:
- Some unnamed VPN supports up to ten devices with a 30-day refund.
- Another unnamed VPN offers a 31-day refund and up to ten devices.
How We Evaluated These Deals
Our team of experts tested each VPN on three criteria: speed, security, and price. We considered:
- Discount level and subscription length
- Refund policy
- Internet speed loss
- Maximum device allowance
- Suitability for different user scenarios
We also monitor corporate ownership changes. In 2021, ExpressVPN joined Kape Technologies, raising privacy concerns. In 2022, NordVPN and Surfshark announced a merger but continue to operate independently.
Best Deal for Budget-Conscious Users
If you’re on a tight budget, Surfshark offers the best value. Starting at $2 a month, it allows unlimited devices and includes an ad blocker and masked email generator.
Tips for Choosing a VPN
- Check the refund policy: A 30-day free trial can protect you from long-term commitments.
- Consider device limits: If you have many devices, look for unlimited or high device allowances.
- Look at jurisdiction: US-based providers may be subject to government requests.
- Read the fine print: Some offers have countdown clocks that are marketing gimmicks.
Key Takeaways
- ExpressVPN leads in speed and security, but its 24-month plan is the most expensive.
- Surfshark provides the lowest entry price and unlimited device support.
- NordVPN, Proton VPN, and others offer solid alternatives with varying features.
- Ownership changes in 2021 and 2022 have not yet impacted user experience.
- Always review the refund policy and jurisdiction before committing.
Staying one step ahead of cybercriminals is easier than ever. With these deals, you can protect your data without draining your wallet.
