A VPN is a powerful technology that allows users to create a secure connection over the internet between the computer and a VPN server. VPNs can access region-restricted websites, avoid censorship, access content that might otherwise be blocked or even browse the web anonymously. A VPN allows users to bypass these restrictions and access any blocked website in the country. A VPN keeps users’ data safe from hackers and other threats. This also encrypts users’ internet traffic with 256-bit military-grade encryption so that nobody can see what users are doing online.
The best cheap VPNs in 2023 are given below.
- Surfshark VPN
- CyberGhost VPN
- NordVPN
- IPVanish
- ExpressVPN
- Private Internet Access
- Hotspot Shield
Table of Contents
1. Surfshark
Surfshark VPN is one of the best VPNs in the world. This VPN has the fastest VPN servers, with no bandwidth limitations. This VPN also provides over 3,200 servers in around 95 countries. Surfshark VPN is a new service that is perfect for unblocking Netflix and other streaming services without adding too much to the user’s monthly bill. This service also works in China and allows torrenting.
One of the most important advantages of this VPN is Surfshark’s privacy policy, which was recently updated to include more information about how Surfshark uses customer data. Another advantage of Surfshark VPN is that this service provides users with access to over 3,200 servers around the world. This allows users to bypass geo-restrictions on content (such as Netflix) and protects users from government surveillance and censorship. This VPN service does not keep any logs of users’ activity or personal data. The first disadvantage of Surfshark VPN is that this VPN has a weak social media presence and slow customer support.
Some unique features of Surfshark VPN are strong encryption standards to keep users safe from hackers, spies and government surveillance agencies. Surfshark is easy to use, set up and maintain. Another strong side of Surfshark VPN is that this service has no bandwidth limits or restrictions of any kind.
Surfshark VPN offers a range of security protocols for users to choose from, including OpenVPN and IKEv2, which are both highly secure. These popular protocols provide strong security and fast speed, so users can enjoy online streaming without lag or buffering.
Surfshark VPN also comes with a kill switch feature that will automatically block all the internet traffic if a user’s connection drops out unexpectedly. This prevents hackers from being able to hijack a user’s connection or steal any sensitive information.
Surfshark VPN offers three different pricing plans: a monthly plan for $12.95, a yearly plan for $3.99 monthly and a two-year plan for $2.49 monthly. These pricing plans give users unlimited bandwidth and all the advanced features like ad-blocking and malware protection.
As discussed in the detailed Surfshark review, Surfshark VPN disguises users’ Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to stop hackers and other entities from accessing the information that could compromise users’ security.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN is a relatively new name in the VPN market, but this service is making waves as one of the most popular VPN services out there. This service has over 8,100 servers across 91 countries. CyberGhost VPN has been specially designed to provide users with a secure internet connection by creating a virtual tunnel between a user’s device and the site or app that a user needs to visit. This means that any data passing through this virtual tunnel is encrypted so users’ data cannot be intercepted by third parties, such as governments or hackers. CyberGhost VPN also offers seven simultaneous connections and powerful security features.
There are many advantages of CyberGhost VPN, including an extensive, well-distributed server network, many add-ons, seven simultaneous connections and support for multi-platform connections. The disadvantages of this VPN are that the service is a bit expensive and does not have third-party audits. This VPN service is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, Mac OS and Linux.
This service has a variety of features that make CyberGhost VPN stand out from other competitors. A unique feature is that this VPN uses OpenVPN, widely considered the most secure and effective VPN protocol. This service uses 256-bit military-grade encryption to protect data. CyberGhost VPN does not limit bandwidth so that users can download content without worrying about getting throttled by hackers, advertisers and ISPs.
This service’s strong sides are easy-to-use applications, unlimited server switching and unlimited bandwidth. If a user needs to know more technical details of this service, Security Gladiator has covered the complete CyberGhost review. This VPN service was founded in 2011 and is currently owned by Kape Technologies.
CyberGhost VPN supports 256-bit military-grade encryption and OpenVPN protocol to make sure that even if someone intercepts users’ data while being transmitted through an unsecured network, then users’ data cannot be decoded or read by unauthorized third parties. This service offers an extra layer of protection by encrypting all the traffic with 2048-bit encryption and a no-log policy.
This VPN service has four subscription plans: the one-month subscription plan costs $12.99, the one-year subscription plan costs $4.29 per month, the two-year subscription plan costs $3.25 per month and the three-year subscription plan costs $2.29 per month. CyberGhost VPN also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
This VPN works by creating a secure tunnel between a device and the VPN server. This tunnel is made more secure using encryption technologies like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP and FTPS.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is the world’s best VPN provider that provides private and secure access, allowing users to connect anonymously with a single click. This service is designed for speed and security so that users can enjoy the full benefits of all the modern technologies available. NordVPN protects users from hackers and ISPs while allowing users to access any restricted content.
The advantages of this service include an audited no-log policy, powerful security protocols and a kill switch to prevent privacy compromise. The disadvantages of NordVPN are that the service only offers discounts for longer subscription plans only and does not have a router app.
As mentioned in the NordVPN review, the unique features of this VPN provider include a kill switch, DNS leak protection and CyberSec technology to secure all the online activities. The strong sides of this provider include powerful features, 256-bit military-grade encryption and dedicated IPs. This VPN protects users’ data using military-grade encryption, the same level of encryption used by ISPs and agencies.
NordVPN has IP leak protection and a kill switch feature that restricts access to internet traffic if the connection drops. NordVPN also offers a split tunneling feature that allows users to select which apps to use the VPN connection for and which can connect without a VPN connection. Users can easily configure this feature on Windows to disable or enable the VPN for specific applications only.
NordVPN subscription plans offer a flexible way to upgrade users’ online privacy. The one-month subscription plan costs $11.99 per month, the one-year subscription plan costs $4.99 monthly and the two-year subscription plan costs $3.99 monthly. NordVPN is currently owned by Nord Security.
This service works by setting up a tunnel between a user’s device and the server. The data that travels through this tunnel is encrypted. NordVPN allows users to surf the internet anonymously and freely.
4. IPVanish
IPVanish is a virtual private network (VPN) service that secures and anonymizes data from a user’s internet connection. The VPN has over 2,000 servers in 75 locations and a strict zero-logging policy, so users do not have to worry about online activities being tracked or recorded. IPVanish is an excellent choice for people who want to access blocked content and keep online browsing activity private.
This VPN provider is compatible with Android, Windows and iOS. IPVanish protects users’ internet traffic from snoopers over shared connections. The advantages of this service include a no-log policy, fast servers, customizable applications and different discounts. The disadvantages are that this service does not work in China and slow customer support response.
The unique features of this cheap VPN include a free SOCKS5 proxy and a powerful military-grade encryption implementation. As per the complete IPVanish review, the strong sides of this VPN include robust unblocking abilities and support for all major platforms. IPVanish uses 256-bit military-grade encryption and a no-log policy to protect users’ privacy. This VPN provider also boasts an automatic kill switch, IP leak protection and DNS leak protection. This service is also great for protecting users against accidental exposure to malware or malicious sites.
This VPN offers three subscription plans: the one-month subscription package costs $10.99 per month, the quarterly subscription package costs $5.32 monthly and the one-year subscription package costs $3.99 monthly. IPVanish is currently owned by J2 Global and was founded by Mudhook Media Inc. in 2012. This service allows users to connect up to five devices simultaneously, including laptops, tablets, computers, smartphones and TVs.
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that offers users the ability to unblock content, surf anonymously and hide IP addresses. This VPN also supports all devices, including Windows, MacOS and Linux computers, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as streaming media players like Apple TV, PlayStation, Android TV Boxes, Kodi boxes and Amazon Fire TV. This service is very easy to use, with an intuitive interface that will be familiar to anyone who has ever used a VPN before.
The advantages of this service include fast servers with minimal speed loss, powerful encryption technology, allowance for torrenting and P2P, a no-log policy and easy-to-use apps. The disadvantage of this VPN is that ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than rivals. Some unique features of this service include the “Lightway” protocol to enable fast speed servers, unlimited bandwidth, 256-bit encryption and high-performance abilities.
As the ExpressVPN review states, strong military-grade encryption, extensive server network, high-speed connection and excellent customer support are the strong sides of ExpressVPN. This service uses 256-bit encryption and offers DNS and IP leak protection. ExpressVPN also provides a kill switch feature to mask users’ internet activities while allowing users to access other networks on computers.
This VPN service is a bit expensive but provides the best value in the market. ExpressVPN has three subscription plans: the one-month subscription plan costs $12.95 monthly, the six-month subscription plan costs $9.99 per month and the 12-month subscription plan costs $8.32 per month. ExpressVPN is currently owned by Kape Technologies.
ExpressVPN works by encrypting all the users’ data with military-grade encryption protocols. This encryption tunnel makes sure that no one else can see users’ data while using ExpressVPN. This VPN does not keep any logs of what users do while connected to the network or what information a user is sending worldwide.
6. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a versatile VPN that provides added features like ad-blocking and browser extensions. This VPN has over 35,000 servers in around 84 countries. Private Internet Access uses 256-bit encryption and SHA256 authentication. This makes sure that users’ data remains safe and encrypted while passing through the VPN servers or any other third-party servers.
The advantages of Private Internet Access include unlimited bandwidth, server switching, high speed and powerful encryption. The disadvantages of this VPN provider include an average speed, being based in the U.S. and having no independent audit. Powerful encryption, a no-log policy and a kill switch feature are the unique features of this VPN provider. The strong sides of Private Internet Access include P2P support, a simple interface, anonymous torrenting and unlimited traffic.
Private Internet Access uses 256-bit encryption, which is strong but not unbreakable. This VPN also offers support for OpenVPN and PPTP encryption protocol.
As Security Gladiators discussed in the complete Private Internet Access review, the VPN provides three subscription plans: the one-month subscription plan costs $11.99 per month, the six-month subscription plan costs $7.50 per month and the two-year subscription plan costs $2.19 per month with two extra months. This VPN provider is based in the U.S.A. and is currently owned by Kape Technologies.
Private Internet Access is compatible with Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS and Linux, as well as a proxy server for Firefox and Chrome. This VPN is perfect for streaming and consistently works with many geo-restricted video services such as BBC iPlayer, US Netflix and Disney+.
7. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN service with over 500 million downloads. This VPN can hide users’ IP addresses, unblock sites and protect users from malware. Hotspot Shield is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Chrome OS. This provider uses 256-bit encryption to protect users’ internet connections while in use. Hotspot Shield provides a free version with ads, but users can upgrade to Hotspot Shield Premium plans to get rid of those ads and get more features like malware protection and automatic HTTPS redirection.
No-logging policy, remarkable speed, streaming optimization, unlimited bandwidth and malware protection are the advantages of Hotspot Shield. The disadvantages of this service include a small server network and the service being based in the U.S.
As covered in the complete Hotspot Shield review, robust protection against hackers and easy access to restricted sites are the strong sides of Hotspot Shield VPN. Unlimited bandwidth, unlimited data transfer and a no-log policy are the unique features of this service. Hotspot Shield blocks phishing attacks that try to steal users’ information.
This VPN provides powerful security features and lets users surf the internet anonymously without exposing a user’s identity to ISPs, hackers or third-party advertisers. Hotspot Shield uses powerful encryption technology to scramble all data sent from the user’s PC over a public network.
This service offers free and paid versions. Hotspot Shield’s Premium subscription plan costs $7.99 monthly, while the Premium Family subscription plan costs $11.99 monthly. The paid version also includes a built-in ad-blocker which will help users stay away from malicious websites.
Hotspot Shield works by encrypting and changing the user’s IP, making the process even harder for sites to track users. This means that users’ data sent over the internet is encrypted so that the data cannot be intercepted by third parties like government agencies or hackers.
Note:
Prices may differ from the ones shown as new plans and deals are launched on a regular basis. Please be sure to check the most current price on the official website.Are Cheap VPNs Secure?
Yes, cheap VPN services are generally secure. Most services offer military-grade encryption and different security protocols such as a kill switch, IP leak protection and other features. Some cheap VPNs also come with malware and ad blockers.
Pro Tip:
While users may be tempted to go with the cheapest VPN service, this is not always the best choice. Some services are reliable and secure, while others are slow and prone to connection drops.How Much Does a VPN Cost?
The average VPN cost is about $10 per month, but prices can be as low as $2 or as high as $15.
The price for a VPN service can vary widely depending on the quality and features of the product. Some providers offer free, ad-supported versions, while others charge up to $120 per year.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Affordable VPNs?
Yes, there are a few drawbacks associated with cheap VPNs. However, these disadvantages do not affect all affordable VPNs.
The main disadvantages of affordable VPN services are that these providers may not have the same level of connection reliability and privacy protection as the more expensive ones. These affordable VPNs tend to be less user-friendly, with fewer features and a smaller network of servers.
These services do not allow users to use P2P file sharing apps or other tools. This is because these services will throttle users’ bandwidth, and bandwidth throttling can lead to buffering issues and slow download speeds.
Another disadvantage of affordable VPN services is that these providers usually have poor customer support, which can be hard when something goes wrong with a user’s account or service.
Can You Get a VPN for Free?
Yes, there are many free VPNs out there. Free VPN services have been around for many years now and these services have gained popularity. Many people use free VPNs because these services are easy to set up and do not need users to register an account with any third-party services. Some of the best free VPNs are Hotspot Shield, TunnelBear and hide.Me.
Users can also get a VPN for free when signing up for a service that provides a free trial. There are also some ways to get a VPN for free by using one of the many free trials offered by popular VPN providers.