UPDATE: Oct. 19, 2023, 11:35 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest and greatest VPN deals.
Using a virtual private network (or VPN) is an easy way to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming and gaming content, protect company data while working remotely, and browse privately on public WiFi networks. Most providers’ plans cost anywhere from $2 to $13 per month, though many lure customers in with discounted introductory rates that skyrocket after your initial term. To help you lock in a plan that’ll fit your budget in the short and long run, we’re compiling a weekly roundup of the best deals on all the VPNs we’ve personally tested. Below, you can check out our top picks as of Oct. 19.
NordVPN
Read Mashable’s full review of NordVPN.
Power users shouldn’t think twice about signing up for NordVPN, an industry giant that bundles its highly customizable VPN service with advanced security features like Tor access, a dark web monitor, and malware protection. New users can sign up for a two-year Standard plan at just $2.99/month (billed $80.73 upfront) during its Black Friday sale, which is 77% off its usual $12.99/month rate and its cheapest price of the year. The plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and renews annually at $8.29/month after your first term ends.
Optional add-ons include:
ExpressVPN
Read Mashable’s full review of ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN service with a globally diverse server network, a user-friendly app, a built-in tracker blocker, and a strong commitment to user privacy. Its monthly rate also hovers around the high end of the spectrum at $12.95, so we recommend opting for its 15-month plan at $6.67/month (billed $99.95 upfront) — that’s a 49% savings and covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Your subscription will convert to an $8.32/month annual plan after the first term is up.
Proton VPN
Read Mashable’s full review of Proton VPN.
Proton VPN is another great pick for privacy wonks with open-source apps and ultra-transparent company policies. It offers a decent free plan, but we recommend its Plus tier for full access to its server network, streaming and P2P support, multi-hop, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and Tor access. Monthly subscriptions typically go for $9.99, but you’ll save 50% and pay $4.99/month (billed $119.76 upfront) if you commit to a two-year plan. That’s a fixed, lifetime price that won’t increase after your first term should you decide to renew, which is pretty rare. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies here, too.
CyberGhost VPN
Read Mashable’s full review of CyberGhost VPN.
CyberGhost lays claim to a massive network with special servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and P2P to help minimize lag. New customers can sign up for a 27-month plan at just $2.11/month (billed $56.97 upfront), saving 84% on its standard monthly fee of $12.99. Your subscription will renew as a $4.75/month annual plan after the initial term is up, which still isn’t terrible — and like all of CyberGhost’s multi-year plans, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee plus free access to its ID Guard and Privacy Guard tools. If you don’t want to commit to anything just yet, you can try CyberGhost for free for up to a week, depending on the platform.
Optional add-ons include:
TunnelBear
Read Mashable’s full review of TunnelBear.
Our go-to recommendation for anyone who’s never used the technology before, TunnelBear is a simple, lightweight VPN with an intuitive (and adorable) interface. Though it’s incapable of unblocking streaming sites, it should serve you well for basic web surfing. Pick its Unlimited plan over the free version for unlimited browsing and priority customer service, which costs $4.17/month (billed $99.99 upfront) when you enroll for two years — that’s 58% off its usual $9.99/month rate. There’s no money-back guarantee, unfortunately, but refunds are offered on a case-by-case basis.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Read Mashable’s full review of PIA.
It’s nothing particularly special, but for users in search of a basic VPN with open-source apps, built-in ad blocking, and unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA is worth a look. You’ll pay only $2.11/month (billed $56.94 upfront) for 27 months of coverage during its Digital Privacy Month Sale, which takes 82% off its regular rate of $11.99/month; that does include a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll switch to an annual plan at $4.75/month after the initial term is over.
Optional add-ons include:
IPVanish
Read Mashable’s full review of IPVanish.
Another middle-of-the-road pick, IPVanish makes up for a lack of advanced security features with a minimalist, straightforward app and support for unlimited simultaneous connections. You can get your first two years for $3.33/month (billed $79.99 upfront), which shaves 74% off its usual monthly rate of $12.99 and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. After that term is up, you’ll get bumped to $7.50/month on an annual plan.
Editor’s note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, Mashable’s publisher. Any IPVanish products or services featured on Mashable are covered independently by our team.
