10 Best Cheap Monthly VPN Plans in 2024 — Pay as You Go

Finding a worthwhile pay-as-you-go VPN is hard, as most VPNs only offer discounts on long-term plans. However, a long-term subscription isn’t suitable for everyone, as you might only need a VPN temporarily while traveling or for a specific task. So, I researched the best VPNs available to find the best ones with cheap 1-month plans.

After extensive testing, I’ve picked the best and cheapest monthly VPNs. These apps provide well-priced 1-month plans and offer even better value with their long-term subscriptions. Plus, they all ensure airtight security and superfast connection speeds.

Of my top choices, ExpressVPN is the best monthly VPN available. Its 1-month plan costs $12.95, which is great value considering the app’s impenetrable protection and superfast connection speeds.

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Quick Guide: Best VPNs With Cheap Monthly Plans in 2024

The Best Cheap Monthly VPN Plans (Pay as You Go) – Tested in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — The Best-Value Monthly VPN With Superfast Speeds and Unbreakable Protection

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN’s 1-month plan delivers excellent value at just $12.95. It’s worth the price, considering the app’s impenetrable encryption, strict no-logs policy, and various extra security features. Other apps have similar 1-month prices, but their speed and security aren’t nearly as good, making ExpressVPN my top choice here.

ExpressVPN delivers the fastest connection speeds of any VPN I’ve tried. I connected to various options in its network of 3,000+ servers, and the average speed drop I experienced was only 15% compared to baseline values. This ensures you can surf the web without lag and enjoy buffer-free UHD streams on all your favorite streaming platforms.

I also like that ExpressVPN ensures airtight protection. It has reliable leak protection, and the app never leaked my actual IP address during tests. Plus, it has the following tools for added security and privacy:

• AES 256-bit encryption — safeguards your traffic against prying eyes.
• No-logs policy — ensures none of your browsing activity is stored.
• Threat Manager — blocks trackers and malware while surfing the web.
• Ad blocker — blocks annoying ads to ensure smooth and lag-free browsing.
• Kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN connection is unstable to ensure you stay anonymous.

ExpressVPN offers native apps for several platforms, so you can use it on all your devices. It’s also easy to set up ExpressVPN on a smart TV, even if there’s no native app for your specific TV model. Plus, the app allows 8 simultaneous connections, ensuring a secure connection on all your devices.

Every ExpressVPN plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with the VPN, you can get a full refund within this window. When I tested the refund, the agent instantly approved my request — no questions asked.

2. CyberGhost — Includes Optimized Servers for Torrenting, Gaming, and Streaming in Its Monthly Plan

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,676+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost’s optimized servers make it a standout monthly VPN. It provides servers that are optimized for specific tasks, like gaming, torrenting, and streaming, ensuring you always get the best possible performance. I tried multiple optimized servers during my tests, and connection speeds never dropped more than 25% on these servers.

You’ll get airtight online protection with CyberGhost. The app has AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your traffic and also provides the following:

• No-logs policy — doesn’t keep logs of your browsing activity while using CyberGhost.
• Kill switch — stops your internet if the VPN connection drops to keep you anonymous.
• Leak protection — keeps you from leaking your IP address and other identifying information online.

At $12.99 for the 1-month plan, CyberGhost costs roughly the same as ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN delivers better value because of its faster speeds, but I consider CyberGhost worth the cost. You can also try CyberGhost risk-free, as the 1-month plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Well-Priced Monthly Plan to Access Massive Network of 35,000+ Servers

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PIA has one of the largest server networks available, offering 35,000+ options across 91 countries. This variety ensures you can avoid overcrowding and always get a reliable connection with fast speeds. Connection speeds dropped roughly 30% during my tests, which is a bigger drop than with ExpressVPN but still good enough for lag-free UHD streaming.

Alongside its AES 256-bit encryption and strict no-logs policy, PIA has MACE to block ads, trackers, and malware while surfing the web. The app also provides reliable leak protection to ensure you don’t leak any sensitive data online.

The 1-month price for PIA is among the cheapest on this list, costing just $11.99. You can also try PIA without risk, as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied, you can ask for a refund by contacting PIA’s support through any available channel.

4. NordVPN — Delivers Advanced Privacy With Double VPN and Onion Over VPN With Monthly Options

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	6,300+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN has unique security and privacy features, and it’s reasonably priced. Its network of 6,300+ servers includes Double VPN and Onion Over VPN options to encrypt your traffic twice or pass it through the Onion network for added safety. These servers make NordVPN an ideal cheap monthly VPN for anyone who wants to ensure their privacy is always protected.

I was also impressed with connection speeds on NordVPN’s servers. On nearby servers, I only got an average drop of 30%, ensuring my connection was always fast enough for UHD streaming and lag-free browsing. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, though, as the connection speeds were up to 60% slower on long-distance connections.

You can get NordVPN’s 1-month plan for just $12.99, which is a good price considering the app’s performance and security. The VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try NordVPN risk-free. If you decide it’s not for you, simply request a refund by contacting support via live chat or email.

5. Surfshark — Secures Connections on unlimited Devices Simultaneously With Its Monthly Plan

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark stands out because it allows unlimited device connections. This means you can easily use the VPN to secure all your devices at home. I tested the VPN’s performance by connecting it to my Windows desktop and laptop, Android phone, and Android TV simultaneously, and the connection was smooth on all devices.

I also found that Surfshark has some unique features to enhance protection. Besides the AES 256-bit encryption and strict no-logs policy, it includes the following:

• Kill switch — stops your internet to keep you anonymous if the VPN disconnects.
• Camouflage Mode — obfuscates your traffic so it looks like a regular connection.
• MultiHop — routes traffic through multiple VPN servers for improved security.
• Leak protection — stops you from leaking any identifying information, like your IP address.

Note that Surfshark’s 1-month plan is the most expensive on this list, costing $15.45. So, it doesn’t deliver the same value as top choices like ExpressVPN. However, you can get Surfshark One for $15.95, which delivers much better value by including antivirus protection. Also, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try Surfshark without risk.

6. PrivateVPN — Offers the Stealth VPN Feature to Mask Your Traffic

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	200+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, ensuring you can easily access every website you need to. Also, this feature is great for avoiding throttling, as it prevents your ISP from seeing what you’re doing online. There’s also AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing complete safety and privacy.

When I tested various servers in its network of 200+ options, PrivateVPN maintained impressive connection speeds. The average connection speed drop on nearby servers was 35%, increasing to 50% on long-distance servers. However, my connection always stayed fast enough for smooth UHD streaming and lag-free browsing.

PrivateVPN’s 1-month plan costs just $11.99, making it an excellent value. You can also try the app completely risk-free, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. IPVanish — Has SOCKS5 Proxy Support for Safe and Quick Torrenting

Good Choice

Good Choice

📍Servers	2,400+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

IPVanish’s SOCKS5 proxy masks your IP address without encrypting your traffic, anonymizing your traffic without slowing it down as much as an encrypted connection. You can set it up by logging into the app’s web portal. The SOCKS5 proxy is useful for safe torrenting at faster speeds when you want to download large files without compromising security.

You can also connect unlimited devices simultaneously if you get IPVanish. I tested the app by connecting my laptop, desktop, and smartphone simultaneously, and the connection was fast and stable on every device.

IPVanish’s 1-month plan offers decent value at $12.99. One downside worth noting is that there’s no money-back guarantee for its 1-month plan, meaning you must get a long-term subscription if you want the 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. PureVPN — Includes 20Gbps Servers to Ensure Fast Speeds All the Time

Good Choice

Good Choice

📍Servers	6000
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	31 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PureVPN provides 20Gbps servers for higher bandwidth capacity — something uncommon even amongst premium VPNs. I got fast speeds while testing it, only 20% lower than my baseline. This is great for ensuring lag-free browsing, UHD streaming, and quick downloads. However, I found that the VPN was slower than ExpressVPN, even with the 20Gbps servers.

To ensure protection, PureVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your traffic and offers the following safety features:

• No-logs policy — ensures no logs of your browsing activity are stored on PureVPN servers.
• Leak protection — stops IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
• Kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN is unstable, ensuring you stay anonymous.

The $12.95 price for PureVPN’s 1-month plan is decent, and there’s a 31-day money-back guarantee that lets you try PureVPN risk-free. If you aren’t satisfied with the performance, you can easily get a refund by contacting support.

9. Proton VPN — Offers the Cheapest 1-Month Plan of All Options

Tested & Approved

Tested & Approved

📍Servers	4,690+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	No

See Deals

Key Features:

Proton VPN is the cheapest pay-as-you-go VPN available. Its 1-month plan costs only $9.99, which is less than any other app on this list. Considering its impressive server network, reliable protection, and various features, this is one of the best-value 1-month VPNs available.

For security, Proton VPN includes unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and more. Plus, its Secure Core servers route traffic through multiple servers, making it harder for hackers to track your IP and location. They’re also located in countries with strong privacy laws, meaning they aren’t subject to government surveillance.

Proton VPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try the VPN without risk. If you’re unsatisfied, just contact support via any available channel and ask for a full refund.

10. StrongVPN — Provides Simple and Beginner-Friendly Apps for All Major Platforms

Tested & Approved

Tested & Approved

📍Servers	950+
📱Devices	12
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

Try StrongVPN!

Key Features:

StrongVPN has impressive device compatibility and user-friendly apps, making it ideal for users with multiple devices or those new to VPNs. Its apps have simple designs, making it easy to connect to the best server quickly. You can install it natively on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

You’ll also get reliable protection with StrongVPN. The app has AES 256-bit encryption, a transparent no-logs policy, leak protection, and more to ensure you stay completely safe and anonymous online.

StrongVPN’s 1-month plan costs $11.99, putting it roughly in the middle ground of this list. Plus, you can try StrongVPN without risk with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Comparison Table: The Best Cheap Monthly VPNs in 2024

Testing Criteria: How I Ranked the Cheapest Monthly VPN Plans

To ensure I pick the best VPNs in 2024 with the highest quality and affordability, I checked each VPN against the following criteria:

• Affordable monthly rates — I chose VPNs that offer good value for money with their 1-month and long-term plans.
• Money-back guarantee — I picked VPNs with money-back guarantees to ensure you can try them without risk.
• Fast connection speeds — I found VPNs that deliver fast connection speeds, even on long-distance servers.
• Vast server variety — I selected VPNs offering a vast server network, letting you avoid overcrowding.
• Airtight security and privacy — I prioritized VPNs with airtight encryption and strict no-logs policies, ensuring you stay safe and anonymous online.
• Device support — I chose VPNs that offer native apps for all major platforms and allow multiple simultaneous connections.
• Ease of use — I found VPNs that offer beginner-friendly apps that anyone can easily navigate.
• Customer service — I picked VPNs with responsive customer support available to help whenever needed.

Monthly VPN Plans vs Long-Term VPN Plans: Which is Better?

When deciding between monthly and long-term VPN plans, it’s crucial to consider both cost and practicality. 1-month plans are typically more expensive. This pricing is deliberate, encouraging customers to commit for longer.

On the other hand, long-term VPN subscriptions are a win-win scenario. They benefit VPN providers by providing a stable revenue stream, and customers pay a lower price. While long-term is usually better (because it’s cheaper), there are cases where a 1-month VPN plan might be more suitable, like the following:

• You’re planning to travel. If you only need a VPN for a short time, a 1-month plan is a better option.
• Testing a VPN. A full month is a long time to test a VPN and see if it’s right for you, making these plans great for people who aren’t sure whether they want to commit.
• Waiting for a better deal. If you know a good Black Friday or holiday deal is coming, getting a 1-month plan is a good way to stay protected until you can get the discounted price.

Of course, there’s no right answer to which subscription plan is better, so the right choice depends on your situation. 1-month plans are better for short-term use cases, while yearly (or longer) subscriptions deliver better value if you want long-term online security at a discount.

FAQs: Best Cheap Monthly VPN Plans

Enjoy Premium Protection With a Cheap Monthly VPN Plan

The above VPNs are all excellent choices if you’re looking for a cheap monthly VPN. However, they also offer long-term plans that cost less monthly and deliver much better value for money. The VPNs I’ve chosen also ensure fast connection speeds across all their servers and have advanced security features to ensure you stay safe online.

While all the above choices are reliable, ExpressVPN is the best-value monthly VPN, and it delivers even better value if you get a long-term plan. It has unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and more for protection. Also, its Lightway protocol guarantees fast speeds without compromising security.

You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free. The app provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its plans, letting you get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with it.

Summary — Best Cheap Monthly VPN Plans in 2024 — Pay as You Go

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.03 / month Save 83%

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4.

9.4

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$4.39 / month Save 69%

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5.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 86%

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