Are you tired of Netflix telling you what you can watch based on which country you’re in? Fed up with your ISP knowing everything you do online? Then you need a VPN.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the best tools for protecting your online privacy. How does it work? Essentially, it creates a secure “tunnel” between your device and the internet. All the information you send and receive gets encrypted, and your IP address remains hidden.
The Evolution of VPN Technology
VPNs aren’t something new. They began being used in corporate environments in the 1990s to protect companies’ internal networks and prevent risks like data theft or identity fraud. Back then, they were very expensive services designed for infrastructures with complex technological needs. However, today there are affordable VPNs that work perfectly for home use. Are they less secure? Not at all! While they may not have as many features as enterprise versions, they maintain the same security standards and typically cover the average user’s needs without any problems.
What You Should Know About Budget VPNs
When browsing using a VPN, you’ll always experience a slight speed loss since traffic is redirected to another server and then encrypted before reaching its destination. Server location significantly influences performance. For example, if you’re in Spain and connect to a server in Indonesia, you’ll notice a slower connection than if you choose one in Germany or France. That’s why many VPNs allow you to select nearby servers to minimize this impact.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that VPNs only protect against certain threats, but it’s necessary to continue using basic security measures like choosing strong passwords, keeping your browser and operating system updated, and avoiding open Wi-Fi networks.
Budget VPNs vs. Free VPNs
When searching for VPNs online, you might encounter several free options and wonder: why pay when there are services that cost nothing?
The answer is simple: you get what you pay for. Paid VPNs (even budget ones) will always be better than free ones. Free VPNs offer very slow speeds and questionable security. They’re likely loaded with intrusive ads or, even worse, they might sell your data to third parties to generate revenue.
Furthermore, if you’re into streaming or downloading torrents, forget about it. Most free VPNs don’t work well with platforms like Netflix or Disney+, and many directly block P2P traffic, preventing you from downloading files through networks like BitTorrent.
Although there are some free options worth considering (which we’ll mention later), we generally advise against using freemium VPNs.
The Best Budget VPNs of 2025
Given the wide variety of VPNs currently available, finding the ideal one for your needs can be complicated. In this beginner’s guide, we mention our 5 favorite options.
NordVPN
Price: Starting at $3.39/month
This is the most comprehensive VPN on the market, with over 7,400 servers in 118 countries and formidable speed that allows you to stream high-resolution content (like 4K) without problems.
Additionally, it offers advanced features like TOR network access via VPN, multi-hop connections, ad and malware blocking, and Meshnet file sharing.
Surfshark
Price: Starting at $2.19/month
This is the best budget VPN. This Netherlands-based provider currently has 3,200 RAM-based servers located in 100 different countries.
Surfshark uses WireGuard, a secure tunneling protocol that’s faster than OpenVPN. In fact, when comparing budget VPNs, we found it to be the fastest option after NordVPN.
User privacy is guaranteed thanks to its zero-logs policy. Additionally, it incorporates CleanWeb technology so you can enjoy your favorite movies and series without annoying ads.
Proton VPN
Price: Free version available, paid version at $3.59/month
While we discouraged freemium VPNs in the previous section, the truth is that Proton VPN’s free version isn’t bad at all since it works correctly and without annoying ads. However, it doesn’t work for watching Netflix.
If you want to upgrade to a superior plan, the paid versions offer robust encryption and Secure Core servers suitable for P2P and streaming.
ExpressVPN
Price: Starting at $4.99/month
It’s not the cheapest VPN on the market, but it has an excellent quality-to-price ratio.
Its main advantage is that it offers great device compatibility. We can use it on almost any platform and it supports up to 8 simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN’s servers don’t store data since they run 100% on RAM. Additionally, it incorporates an ad blocker and password manager to protect your browsing.
CyberGhost
Price: Starting at $2.19/month
It has 11,700 servers in 100 countries and an intuitive, easy-to-use Windows application. While it lacks some advanced security features like multi-hop or IP rotation, this usually isn’t a problem for home users.
Additional Recommendations for Choosing a Budget VPN
Still undecided? Here are some very useful tips for choosing the best VPN within a limited budget:
- Choose a VPN with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. The simpler it is to set up and use, the fewer headaches you’ll have.
- Want to avoid slow traffic? Make sure it has an extensive server network (over 1,000) and locations in 30 or more countries.
- Concerned about privacy? Choose a VPN with a zero-logs policy and independent server audits.
- Security is non-negotiable. Always look for 256-bit AES encryption, the standard used by governments and banks to protect information.
- Check the quality of customer service. A good method is reading reviews from other users to get better informed.
- Take advantage of free trial periods. It’s a good opportunity to experience the VPN’s performance firsthand and know if it really delivers what it promises.
Investing in a budget VPN is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your online security and privacy. While free options might seem tempting, the risks and limitations far outweigh any potential savings. With quality budget VPNs starting at just over $2 per month, the investment in your digital privacy and freedom is minimal compared to the protection and access you gain.
Whether you’re looking to stream geo-blocked content, protect your data on public Wi-Fi, or simply maintain your privacy from prying eyes, there’s a budget-friendly VPN solution that fits your needs. Take the time to evaluate your specific requirements, try out free trials, and choose the service that offers the best balance of features, performance, and price for your situation.