UPDATE: Jan. 4, 2024, 11:10 a.m. EST 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, 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 Jan. 4 — including several lingering holiday sales.
NordVPN
Read Mashable’s 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 27-month Standard plan at just $2.99/month (billed $80.73 upfront) during its still-live Christmas sale, which is 77% off its usual $12.99/month rate. (If you don’t see that discount reflected, try pulling up the NordVPN website in an incognito window.) 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 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 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. While monthly subscriptions typically go for $9.99, you can save 50% and pay just $4.99/month (billed $119.76 upfront) by committing to a two-year plan; that’s a fixed rate that won’t increase after your first term if you decide to extend the subscription, which is pretty rare. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies here, too.
CyberGhost VPN
Read Mashable’s 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 take advantage of its holiday deal and sign up for a 28-month plan at just $2.03/month (billed $56.94 upfront), saving 84% on its standard monthly fee of $12.99. The subscription will renew as a $4.75/month annual plan after your 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 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 international 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 $3.33/month (billed $39.99 upfront) when you enroll for a year while its Winter Sale is live — that’s 67% off its usual $9.99/month rate. (You might have to click through to its “Plans” page to see the offer, FYI.) It’ll renew at $4.99/month after the first term. There’s no money-back guarantee, unfortunately, but refunds are offered on a case-by-case basis.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Read Mashable’s review of PIA.
Mashable Deals
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 $2.03/month (billed $56.94 upfront) for 28 months of coverage during its ongoing Holiday Sale, saving 83% on its regular rate of $11.99/month; that does include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Your subscription will switch to an annual plan at $4.75/month after the initial term is over.
Optional add-ons include:
IPVanish
Read Mashable’s 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 27 months for $2.99/month (billed $80.75 upfront) as part of its holiday sale, which shaves 77% 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.
