Finding a good VPN that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a chore. There are so many options out there, and honestly, a lot of them just don’t perform well. We looked into some of the more budget-friendly VPN services to see which ones actually work well and offer decent privacy. This list focuses on VPNs that give you a good bang for your buck without a lot of hassle.
1. ProtonVPN
So, ProtonVPN. It’s one of those services that really seems to have its act together, especially if you’re a bit worried about your online privacy. They’ve got this free VPN plan, which is pretty generous – unlimited data, though you only get one connection. That’s a big deal if you’re just trying to dip your toes into the VPN world without spending cash.
When I tested it, the speeds were surprisingly good. It wasn’t the absolute fastest I’ve ever seen, but it was consistently quick, and connecting was pretty snappy. They also throw in some neat extras like ad and malware blockers, which is always a nice bonus. Plus, it handles streaming pretty well, so you can get around those annoying geo-restrictions if you’re on a paid plan.
Security and Privacy
ProtonVPN really shines here. They’re based in Switzerland, which is a good sign for privacy. They don’t keep activity logs, which is exactly what you want.
Speed and Performance
It’s fast. Not always the very fastest, but it’s reliable and consistent. Connection times are quick, which is great when you just want to get online without waiting around.
Features
- Unlimited data on the free plan
- Ad and malware blocking
- Split tunneling is available
- Supports P2P file sharing
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
Pricing
It’s not the cheapest option out there, especially compared to some of the budget players. But honestly, when you look at the security and the features you get, it feels like a fair deal. You get what you pay for, and with ProtonVPN, you’re getting a solid, secure product.
They’ve been putting a lot of work into improving their network and apps lately, adding things like WireGuard support. It makes a noticeable difference in how stable and secure everything feels.
2. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access, or PIA as most people call it, is a VPN that just keeps getting better. It’s got a massive server network, seriously, they claim over 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries. That’s a lot of options if you’re trying to find a fast connection or access content from different regions.
PIA is pretty good at unblocking streaming services too. You can usually get into US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without much fuss. While the speeds on their WireGuard protocol aren’t always the absolute fastest, it’s still more than enough for streaming in HD. Plus, their desktop apps have a port forwarding feature, which is kind of rare, and the kill switch seems pretty reliable.
They also have these browser extensions that are actually useful, which is a nice bonus. It’s a solid all-around choice if you want a VPN that’s packed with features and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Specs
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Apple TV+, Disney+, US Netflix, Prime Video
- Number of servers: 35,000+
- Server locations: 91 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 10
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial: 30 days
Pros
- Huge number of servers
- Apps are loaded with features
- Regularly gets new features
- Good value for the price
- Decent at unblocking streaming sites
- Very useful browser extensions
Cons
- WireGuard speeds could be faster
- No public security audit
SOCKS5 Proxy Setup in uTorrent
PIA also includes a SOCKS5 proxy, which is handy for torrent clients. Here’s a quick rundown on how to set it up in uTorrent:
- Open uTorrent and go to Options > Preferences > Connection.
- Under Proxy Server, select Socks5 as the “Type”.
- Enter the following details:
- Proxy Host: proxy-nl.privateinternetaccess.com
- Proxy Port: 1080
- Username: Your PIA proxy username
- Password: Your PIA proxy password
3. Mullvad
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN provider that really focuses on privacy. They’ve been around for a while and have a good reputation, especially among people who care a lot about keeping their online activity private. It’s not the flashiest service, but it gets the job done without a lot of fuss.
Privacy First
Mullvad takes privacy seriously. They don’t ask for much personal information when you sign up, and you can even pay with cash or cryptocurrency if you want to be extra anonymous. They also have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep records of what you do online. This is a big deal for anyone worried about their data being tracked.
Performance and Features
When it comes to speed, Mullvad is pretty good. They use WireGuard, which is a modern and fast VPN protocol. You can expect decent speeds for browsing, streaming, and even downloading files. They also offer a kill switch, which is important because it cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly, preventing any data leaks. They have apps for most major operating systems, including Linux, which is a nice touch.
Pricing
Mullvad has a simple, flat rate of €5 per month. There aren’t different tiers or complicated plans, which is refreshing. You can also pay annually for a slight discount. It’s not the absolute cheapest option out there, but considering the focus on privacy and the solid performance, it’s a fair price.
What to Consider
- Anonymity: They allow anonymous sign-ups and offer various payment methods for privacy.
- Speed: Generally good speeds, especially with WireGuard.
- No-Logs Policy: They claim to not log user activity.
- Kill Switch: Included to prevent accidental data exposure.
- Platform Support: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Mullvad’s commitment to privacy is clear in their operations. They don’t require an email address to create an account, and they accept anonymous payments like cash and Bitcoin. This level of privacy is hard to find with many other VPN services.
Mullvad’s Server Network
Mullvad has servers in about 40 countries. While this isn’t as many countries as some of the bigger VPN providers, the server count is still respectable. They focus on quality over quantity, and the servers are generally well-maintained for good performance. You can check out their server locations for more details.
4. VPN.AC
VPN.AC
VPN.AC is a provider that really focuses on the technical side of things, which is pretty cool if you’re into that. They’re based in Romania, and the folks behind it seem to know their stuff when it comes to security and making VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic. This is a big deal if you’re in a country with strict internet rules, like China, or places like the UAE, Iran, Oman, and Pakistan. They’ve put a lot of effort into making their OpenVPN protocol harder to detect, even running it on port 443, which is usually used for secure web browsing. This makes it much tougher for firewalls to block.
They use strong encryption, like AES 256-bit and RSA 4096-bit with ECDHE for key exchange. Plus, they’ve added support for Elliptic Curve Cryptography and TLS 1.2, which are top-notch security features. It’s nice to see a VPN provider keeping up with the latest in encryption tech.
VPN.AC has servers in twenty-one countries, and they claim these servers can handle gigabit speeds. That’s pretty impressive, and it means you should get good speeds for browsing or streaming. They offer a single VPN package that gives you access to all their servers, costing $9 per month or $58 for a year. They accept a good range of payment methods, including PayPal, Bitcoin, and various other online payment systems.
- Platforms: Apps are available for Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Payment Options: They take cash, cryptocurrencies, bank wire, credit cards, PayPal, and several other regional payment methods.
- Trial: No free trial, but they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
They also have a Firefox extension that acts as a proxy, which is handy for quick tasks where you don’t need the full VPN encryption but still want some privacy. You can even run the proxy and the VPN at the same time for extra security.
While they don’t offer a free trial, that 30-day money-back guarantee is a good way to test out the VPN.AC service without commitment.
5. NordVPN
NordVPN is a big name in the VPN world, and for good reason. It’s known for being really fast and pretty secure, which is a solid combo. I’ve found it works well for getting around geo-blocks on streaming sites, so if you’re tired of seeing that “not available in your region” message, this might be a good pick. They’ve got a ton of servers, over 5,300 spread across 59 countries, so you usually have no trouble finding a fast connection. Plus, you can connect up to six devices at once, which is handy if you’ve got a lot of gadgets or share your account.
Key Features
- Security: Strong encryption and a kill switch to keep your connection safe.
- Speed: Uses the NordLynx protocol for impressive speeds.
- Unblocking: Good at accessing streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
- Servers: Over 5,300 servers in 59 countries.
- Connections: Supports up to 6 simultaneous connections.
Pricing
NordVPN usually has some pretty good deals, especially if you sign up for a longer plan. You can often find it for around $3.99 per month in the US, but that price can drop significantly with their longer-term subscriptions. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without much risk.
What We Like
- Excellent security features are a big plus.
- The NordLynx protocol really does make a difference in speed.
- It’s generally a good value for the price.
What Could Be Better
While NordVPN is a solid choice, the user interface could be a bit more polished, and sometimes customer support can be a little slow to respond. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of if you’re someone who needs instant help.
6. Surfshark
Surfshark is a really solid choice if you’re looking for a VPN that won’t break the bank. I’ve found it to be a great option for everyday use, especially if you’re tired of geo-restrictions popping up when you try to watch your favorite shows. It’s priced pretty low, starting at just a couple of bucks a month, which is hard to beat – definitely one of the top mentions whenever someone asks for a cheap VPN Reddit recommendation. Since it came out in 2018, it’s really made a name for itself, going toe-to-toe with some of the bigger players in the VPN world. They’ve got audited no-logs policies and use RAM-only servers, which is good for privacy. Plus, the unlimited simultaneous connections is a huge plus – you can put it on every device you own, and even share it with family or friends. That really bumps up the value proposition.
What You Get With Surfshark
Surfshark has a pretty decent server network, covering 100 countries, and it’s fast, thanks to protocols like WireGuard. It works well for streaming, like watching Netflix, and it’s also good for torrenting. They also have features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers, and something called Incogni that helps remove your personal data from data broker sites. It’s a nice bundle of extras.
What Could Be Better
There are a few downsides, though. If you want a dedicated IP address, that’s an extra cost, and you have to buy it when you first sign up. The macOS app is also a bit behind, missing some features like split tunneling that are on other versions. Also, not all their Smart DNS features work perfectly with every streaming service or region. And, they don’t offer port forwarding, which some users might miss.
Should You Get Surfshark?
Yeah, I’d say so. If you want a good VPN that’s also cheap, Surfshark is definitely worth checking out. It’s reliable for privacy, getting around streaming blocks, and it’s fast. It’s a great all-around VPN for most people, especially for home use. It’s just a really good deal for what you get.
Surfshark is a strong contender for anyone on a budget who needs a reliable VPN. Its combination of affordability, a wide range of features, and good performance makes it a standout option for everyday internet users.
7. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. On one hand, they’ve got a pretty solid network and a long history in the VPN game. They own and manage their entire server infrastructure, which is a big plus for security and speed. Plus, they have a proprietary VPN protocol called Chameleon, which is designed to bypass even tough VPN blocks. It’s pretty neat if you need to get around censorship.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. They used to be a bit pricier, but they’ve adjusted their pricing to be more competitive, which is good. Still, some users have reported less-than-stellar customer service experiences, and there have been past concerns about their logging policies, though they claim to be a no-logs VPN now. It’s one of those services where you have to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Key Features
- Proprietary Chameleon Protocol: Helps bypass VPN blocking.
- Owns Servers: Full control over their network infrastructure.
- No-Logs Policy: Claims to not keep user activity logs.
- Wide Device Support: Apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and more.
Pricing and Plans
VyprVPN offers a few different plans, usually with a discount for longer commitments. They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without too much risk. It’s not the absolute cheapest option out there, but it’s not the most expensive either, especially when you look at their longer-term deals. You can find out more about their VyprVPN plans.
Performance
Performance is generally good. Speeds are usually fast enough for streaming and general browsing. The Chameleon protocol can sometimes add a slight overhead, but it’s usually not noticeable unless you’re doing really demanding tasks. They have servers in a decent number of countries, which is helpful for accessing geo-restricted content.
8. Hide.me VPN
Hide.me VPN is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank. They’ve been around for a while and have built up a decent network. It’s not the flashiest service out there, but it gets the job done for everyday use, like browsing or streaming without too much fuss.
Server Network
Hide.me boasts a network of servers spread across 75 locations. While not the largest network, it’s enough to find a decent connection for most users. They do offer a good number of IP addresses, which can help with anonymity.
Features and Performance
They support standard protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP. One of the big pluses is unlimited data transfer, so you don’t have to worry about hitting a cap. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is always nice to have.
Pricing
While they have a free plan, it’s quite limited. The paid plans are reasonably priced, especially if you catch one of their promotions. It’s definitely on the cheaper side compared to some of the bigger names, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
It’s important to remember that even with a VPN, your online activity isn’t completely invisible. Always practice good online hygiene.
What to Consider
- Ease of Use: Their software is generally straightforward, making it easy for beginners.
- Customer Support: While they don’t have live chat, their email support is usually responsive.
- Security: They offer good basic security features, but advanced users might want more.
- Speed: Speeds can vary, but for general browsing, it’s usually acceptable.
9. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a pretty solid choice, especially if you’re into streaming or torrenting. They’ve got a massive server network, which is great for finding a fast connection no matter where you are. Honestly, the speeds are impressive, especially when using WireGuard. I mean, hitting speeds up to 860Mbps is no joke.
They’re based in Romania, which is good news for privacy folks since Romania doesn’t have any mandatory data retention laws. Plus, they’re not part of any big international surveillance groups. The app itself is pretty user-friendly, making it easy to switch servers for streaming, downloading, or just general browsing.
However, it’s not all perfect. Some users have reported minor issues with the app, particularly the kill switch. Sometimes it might show you as connected when you’re actually not, which could be a bit of a privacy concern if you’re not paying close attention. Also, they don’t seem to have had a recent security audit, which is something to consider if that’s a big deal for you.
Specs
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Disney, iPlayer, US Netflix, Prime Video
- Number of servers: 7,600+
- Server locations: 105+ in 91 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 7
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial: 45 days
Pros
- Well distributed server network
- Feature packed
- Responsive live chat support
- Incredibly fast
Cons
- No security audit
- Occasional usability issue
While CyberGhost offers a lot of servers and good speeds, keep an eye on those app quirks. It’s a decent option for many, but maybe not the absolute top pick if you need flawless performance or a recent audit.
If you’re looking for a reliable CyberGhost VPN service, this provider is definitely worth a look, especially for its vast server count and speed.
10. Windscribe
Windscribe is a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. On one hand, it’s got this really cool free tier that’s actually usable, which is pretty rare. Plus, you can connect an unlimited number of devices, which is awesome if you’ve got a lot of gadgets or a family to protect. They also have these neat browser extensions that work pretty well. The WireGuard protocol is supported, which is good for speed, but we’ll get to that.
Now, the not-so-great part. The server network isn’t as big as some of the other guys on this list, and while the speeds are okay for just browsing or streaming, they can be a bit slow if you’re trying to do something more demanding, like heavy torrenting. They also don’t offer 24/7 live chat support, which can be a pain if you run into a problem late at night. It’s based in Canada, too, which some people might not love from a privacy standpoint.
Specs
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: iPlayer, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu
- Number of servers: 400
- Server locations: 110 in 63 countries
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- 24/7 support: No
- Trial: N/A (Limited free version available)
Pros
- Unlimited device connections
- Lots of features and functionality
- Speedy WireGuard protocol supported
- Excellent browser extensions
- Usable free option
Cons
- Fewer servers than competition
- No live chat support
Windscribe’s network performance was less spectacular, offering slower connection speeds than some counterparts even when using WireGuard. It’s decent for streaming, but not the fastest out there.
If you’re looking for a VPN for torrenting, Windscribe might be an option, but keep an eye on those speeds. You can get Windscribe VPN starting at $0.00 per month.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. Finding a VPN that keeps your wallet happy without sacrificing your online privacy can feel like a chore, but it’s totally doable. We looked at a bunch, and while some free options are tempting, they often come with hidden costs like selling your data or just not working well. Stick to the paid ones, even the cheaper ones, and you’ll be much better off. Remember, a VPN is a tool for staying safe online, not a magic bullet, but a good, affordable VPN is a solid step in the right direction. Happy browsing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, acts like a secure tunnel for your internet traffic. It hides your real location and scrambles your data, making it much harder for anyone to see what you’re doing online or steal your information. Think of it as a private, encrypted road for your data.
Will using a VPN make my internet slower?
Using a VPN can slow down your internet speed a bit because your data has to travel through an extra step (the VPN server) and get encrypted. However, good VPNs minimize this speed loss, so you often won’t notice a big difference for everyday tasks like browsing or watching videos.
Are there free VPNs available?
Yes, many VPNs offer free versions, but they often come with limitations like slower speeds, data caps, or fewer server choices. Some free VPNs might also show you ads or even sell your data, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy. It’s usually better to go with a trusted, low-cost paid VPN.
What should I watch out for with free VPNs?
You should be very careful with VPNs that claim to be completely free. Some might sell your personal information or bombard you with ads. It’s safer to choose a reputable paid VPN, even if it’s a cheap one, to ensure your privacy is actually protected.
Why would I need a VPN?
A VPN is great for protecting your privacy online. It stops websites, your internet provider, and others from tracking your online activities. It also helps you stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks, which are often not very secure.
What makes a good VPN service?
When choosing a VPN, look for one that has a clear privacy policy (meaning they don’t keep logs of your activity), offers good speeds, has servers in the locations you need, and provides reliable customer support. Reading reviews from other users can also be helpful.
