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A VPN is one of those services that’s always good to have around. These networks encrypt your traffic by sending it through proxies located around the globe, and they’re useful whether you need some extra privacy, or you want to watch content or access websites that are geo-blocked where you are.
And a VPN doesn’t need to cost a ton. If you go on a month-by-month basis, popular VPN services can get expensive, but they become much more attractive if you’re ready to pay for two or three years at once. Right now, with the right plan, you can get a reputable VPN service for as low as $2/month.
On top of encrypting all your data so a middle-man can’t snoop through it, the VPN services I’m recommending here have a no-log policy, so they don’t record your data anywhere. Just because they’re not pricey doesn’t mean they aren’t secure.
That said, you don’t have to pay if you don’t want to. While paying will net you more features, if you only need to use a VPN sparingly, check out this list of the best free VPNs instead.
Proton VPN
In his review of the best paid VPNs, my college Pranay Parab called Proton VPN “The best VPN for most people”. It’s a well-rounded service that offers something for everyone. And it’s secure, too, not collecting any user data whatsoever. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use, and it offers servers across over 110 countries. You can connect up to 10 devices at a time, and there’s a built-in ad-blocker as well. It costs $10/month on a monthly basis, but right no, Lifehacker sister site PCMag is offering an exclusive deal that gives you 70% off on a two-year plan. That means you can get Proton VPN for just $2.99 per month (billed as $71.76 for two years).
NordVPN
NordVPN offers a solid and budget-friendly VPN service, with some extra features on top. While it’s usually $11.29 per month, you can get NordVPN for $3.09/month when you sign up for two years upfront, plus you get three months extra for free. NordVPN has servers across 165 locations, and has its own threat protection system that blocks malicious downloads, phishing sites, and harmful ads and trackers.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is the simplest (and cutest) VPN service around. Its ease of use makes it a great starter VPN, and its limited free plan means you can try before you buy. Its three-year unlimited plan is currently on sale for $3.33/month, billed as $120 upfront. That’s 67% off the usual rate.
Surfshark
Surfshark consistently has excellent value plans. In this PXMag exclusive deal, you can currently get it for $1.69/month with three free months thrown in. Surfshark has servers in 100 locations, and offers malware protection, data breach alerts, and ad blocking.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services, and it’s great for location spoofing, letting you watch Netflix from another country. ExpressVPN has a large and distributed fleet of servers, and is known for its speed.
The only issue with ExpressVPN is that it normally has expensive monthly and yearly plans, plus its basic plans don’t offer features like ad-blocking. But opting for ExpressVPN’s longer-term plans can get you some good deals. Right now, the Basic plan with two years plus four months free can be yours for $3.49 per month (billed as $97.72 for 28 months). Usually, ExpressVPN starts at $12.99.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a trusted, reliable VPN provider, and its plans are currently deeply discounted. You’ll get 82% off a two-year plan, which comes down to $2/month, plus you get two months for free.
PureVPN
Pure VPN is one of the few providers that offers a deep discount on a one-year plan, which is less of a commitment than other upfront deals on this list. With its current sale, you can get a 12-month subscription at $29.99, which comes to $2.49 per month.
IPVanish
IPVanish offers a minimalist app and a straightforward interface. You get two years at just $2.19 per month, billed as $52.56 upfront (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, which also owns Lifehacker).
