At a Glance
- VPN discounts start at $2/month.
- ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN lead the list.
- Surfshark offers the best deal: unlimited devices, $2/month.
- Why it matters: Protecting online data is easier and cheaper than most think.
Scams are a growing threat, with 96% of Americans saying they’ve been targeted. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can shield your data, and many top providers now offer plans that start at less than $2 a month.
Top VPN Deals
CNET’s experts tested the services and highlighted three that combine speed, security, and affordability.
- ExpressVPN: 24-month plan $78 upfront ($2.79/month). Advanced $101 ($3.59/month). Pro $168 ($5.99/month). Up to 8 devices. 30-day refund.
- Surfshark: 27-month Starter $54 ($2/month). One $62 ($2.29/month). One Plus $113 ($4/month). Unlimited devices. 30-day refund.
- NordVPN: 27-month Basic $81 ($3/month). Plus $105 ($4/month). Complete $132 ($5/month). Prime $186 ($7/month). Up to 10 devices. 30-day refund.
- Proton VPN Plus: 24-month $60 ($2.49/month). One-year $52. Unlimited devices. 30-day refund.
- Private Internet Access: 2-year with 4 extra months, just over $2/month. Up to 5 devices. 60-day refund.
- Norton VPN: Annual Standard $40 ($3.33/month). Plus $50. Ultimate $60. Unlimited devices. 30-day refund.
- IPVanish: 2-year $53 ($2/month). 30-day refund.
- PureVPN: 5-year Standard $1.49/month. 2-year >$2/month. Up to 10 logins. 30-day refund.
Evaluation Criteria
CNET evaluated speed, security, and price, plus refund policy, device limits, and suitability.
| VPN | Best Plan | Avg. Price /mo | Devices | Refund | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 24-month | $2.79 | 8 | 30 days | Fast, secure, Kape ownership |
| Surfshark | 27-month Starter | $2.00 | Unlimited | 30 days | Unlimited devices, ad blocker |
| NordVPN | 27-month Basic | $3.00 | 10 | 30 days | 77% off, malware blocking |
| Proton VPN | 24-month Plus | $2.49 | Unlimited | 30 days | Tor support, ad blocker |
| PIA | 2-year + 4 months | just over $2 | 5 | 60 days | AES-256, kill switch, 500GB cloud |
| Norton | Annual Standard | $3.33 | Unlimited | 30 days | Antivirus integration |
| IPVanish | 2-year | $2.00 | N/A | 30 days | Customizable settings |
| PureVPN | 5-year Standard | $1.49 | 10 | 30 days | 6,500+ servers |
Industry Landscape & Cautions
ExpressVPN now part of Kape Technologies (2021). NordVPN and Surfshark merged 2022 but remain separate.
- Most deals are 2-year or longer; check terms before committing.
- 30-day free cancellation is common, but ownership changes could affect service.
Key Takeaways
- VPN discounts start at $2/month, making privacy affordable.
- Surfshark’s unlimited-device plan is the best overall value.
- Keep an eye on ownership changes and long-term terms.
With discounts that bring premium VPNs under $2 a month, staying safe online is more affordable than ever, but keep an eye on terms and ownership changes.
