With the growing importance of online privacy and security, the need to protect personal data has become a paramount concern for many internet users, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as one of the most efficient and user-friendly solutions to the problem.
There are plenty of options when it comes to VPNs, some available for free and others requiring a subscription. In this guide, we’re looking at VPN costs and comparing free and premium VPN services to give you insight into how you can better ensure anonymity on the internet and safeguard your valuable data from potential threats.
Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app
-
Surf the web without being tracked
-
Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data
-
Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information
-
Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries
-
Change digital locations to access websites while travelling
What is a VPN?
Definition
Using a VPN is essential for maintaining high privacy and security levels in a time characterized by increasing cyber threats. It helps safeguard valuable information, such as passwords, bank statements, file transfers, and browsing history, preventing potential hackers and monitoring bodies from accessing and exploiting your data.
In addition, VPNs allow users to bypass geographical restrictions and access media and websites that might be blocked in their region. In 2022, for example, VPN usage in Russia skyrocketed by 10,000% after a regional Instagram ban.
How much does it cost to use a VPN?
There are both free and premium VPNs. However, it’s important to understand that these two categories can differ significantly in terms of privacy and security levels, performance (i.e., speed), and additional features they offer.
Generally speaking, premium VPNs cost about $10 a month if you go for a monthly subscription. However, the price will vary depending on several factors, including the features and functionalities it offers, your subscription plan duration, and, of course, the policies of each VPN provider.
Free VPNs
Free VPNs such as TunnelBear, Hola, and ProtonVPN are widely available, often as browser extensions that do not require any downloads. This kind of solution might sound appealing given the need for accessible cyber protection, but it usually comes with several limitations and risks.
Namely, free VPNs often have restricted server locations and data caps, and they can severely impact your internet connection speed. Additionally, the companies behind them might log and sell your data, which is the kind of behavior using a VPN is meant to prevent in the first place.
Nonetheless, a free VPN solution can be a good entry point for users who want to test private networks before committing to any premium services.
Pros and cons of free VPNs
Pros
- Cost-efficient;
- Easy way to access at least some blocked content;
- They can provide some basic privacy protection if the company behind them is legit.
Cons
- They usually have limited features;
- Poor customer support;
- Your data could be logged and sold if you make use of sketchy VPN software.
Paid VPNs
Paid VPN solutions typically offer a wider range of features and greater security standards than their free counterparts.
It is worth mentioning that VPN providers like Surfshark prioritize user privacy by implementing strict no-logs policies and strong encryption protocols. In addition, premium VPN solutions usually do not impose data caps or hinder connection speed to the same extent a freemium piece of software might, all while providing a wider selection of server locations.
Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app
-
Surf the web without being tracked
-
Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data
-
Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information
-
Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries
-
Change digital locations to access websites while travelling
The three main factors that can influence the cost of a paid VPN subscription are:
- Subscription length: The cost of a VPN typically varies depending on the length of the subscription plans. For example, monthly plans are usually the most expensive, while yearly ones are the most affordable in the long run. Surfshark pricing plans, for example, include a monthly one going for $15.45 a month, a yearly one going for $2.99 a month, and a biannual one going for $1.99 a month;
- Features and functionality: Some more premium VPN providers give users access to features like split tunneling and ad-blockers, which can make their software more expensive;
- The number of server locations: One of the main reasons to get a premium VPN is that it will almost certainly offer a wider range of available server locations that you can choose from to add another layer of security to your internet activities.
Before committing to any one VPN provider, it is always important to compare different functionalities and see what each provider has to offer. That way, you can find the best VPN service that meets your security, privacy, and functionality requirements, ensuring a more stable and satisfying VPN experience.
Additional costs
In addition to the three factors mentioned above, there are a few other things that might impact the price of a premium VPN:
- Bandwidth: Some VPNs plans might come with data caps. The higher the cap, the more expensive the plan, at least in theory. Sometimes, VPN providers will offer limitless data plans but slow down your connection speed once you’ve passed a certain download threshold, so be sure you carefully read all the terms and services before committing to anything;
- Dedicated Internet Protocol (IP) addresses: A dedicated IP address is a unique IP address assigned to a single hosting account exclusively, which will usually cost you extra;
- Torrenting services: Some VPNs give users access to specialized servers dedicated to streaming blocked content or torrenting files, all of which can incur extra fees;
- The reputation of the provider: More well-known VPN providers with a strong reputation for reliable and secure products may charge higher prices for the same product compared to less reputable or new VPN providers. On the other hand, those without a long track record might charge less to attract more customers.
Pros and cons of paid VPNs
Pros
- Enhanced security and privacy compared to free VPNs;
- No or smaller data caps;
- High speed;
- Wider server network selection;
- Additional features, such as multi-device support, ad blocking, torrenting, etc.
Cons
- They might be expensive;
- Some VPNs do not offer money-back guarantees.
Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app
-
Surf the web without being tracked
-
Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data
-
Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information
-
Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries
-
Change digital locations to access websites while travelling
Are free and paid VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal almost everywhere in the world. In the US, Canada, and most of Europe, for example, users will have no trouble purchasing a VPN and connecting to another server. On the other hand, countries such as China might have more specific regulations and impose restrictions on VPN usage.
Note
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the cost of VPN services will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the provider, the specific subscription plans, and additional features, such as dedicated IP addresses and torrenting servers.
Those who are new to VPN technology might want to start with a free VPN, but with the caveat that they often come with limitations and potential privacy risks. If you can afford them, paid VPNs generally offer a more secure and reliable experience without making many sacrifices in connection speed.
FAQs about VPN costs
How much does a VPN cost?
There are both free and paid VPN clients. However, only the paid ones will provide you with a full range of privacy and security benefits.
Are there free VPNs available?
Yes, there are free VPNs available, although they are typically not as secure and efficient as their premium counterparts.
Are there different VPN pricing plans?
Yes, VPN providers usually offer users various pricing plans, from monthly to annual and even lifetime plans.
Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app
-
Surf the web without being tracked
-
Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data
-
Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information
-
Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries
-
Change digital locations to access websites while travelling
