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Best Cheap VPNs for 2026: Top Cheapest Services from Just 5p a Day
It is entirely possible to secure a reliable VPN for mere pennies in 2026, with many budget-friendly options delivering feature sets that rival their more expensive counterparts. According to Alex Lee, senior tech critic at The Independent, paying even a small amount can significantly enhance privacy compared to free alternatives, which often log browsing activity or impose restrictive data caps.
Our Top Picks
- Best cheap VPN overall: Surfshark VPN
- Best cheap VPN for streaming: CyberGhost VPN
- Best cheap VPN for features: NordVPN
While premium VPN services can cost as much as a streaming subscription, committing to longer plans can reduce monthly expenses to just a few pounds. However, users should be cautious of renewal rates, as prices frequently increase after the initial term concludes.
How I Tested the Best Cheap VPNs
During rigorous testing, I evaluated each VPN provider on a range of devices, including Windows and Mac laptops, iPhones, and Android phones. Key criteria included encryption standards, no-logs policies, and additional privacy tools. Affordability was a central focus, with comparisons of pricing plans, discounts, and money-back guarantees to ensure genuine value. It is important to note that many providers only become cost-effective with one- or two-year commitments, and cancellation before renewal is essential to avoid steep fees.
1. Surfshark VPN: Best Cheap VPN Overall
Surfshark VPN stands out as the top overall pick, offering exceptional value at less than £2 per month on a 24-month plan. Despite its low price, it does not compromise on quality, featuring unlimited device connections, fast speeds with minimal drop-off, and robust security measures like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. Unique features include MultiHop for enhanced security and Alternative ID for spam protection. At the time of writing, the 27-month Starter plan costs £40.23 upfront, equating to approximately 5p per day. However, users must cancel before renewal to avoid a significant price hike.
2. CyberGhost VPN: Best Cheap VPN for Streaming
CyberGhost VPN is the ideal choice for streaming enthusiasts, with dedicated servers for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. It maintains speeds suitable for 4K streaming, supports up to seven devices, and includes standard security features such as AES-256 encryption. A 28-month plan is available for £49.92, or about 6p per day, backed by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. While excellent for Windows and Android users, its features are more limited on Mac and iOS devices.
3. NordVPN: Best Cheap VPN for Features
NordVPN, though not the cheapest option, offers the most feature-rich experience at an affordable price. It provides lightning-fast speeds, a vast server network across over 100 countries, and advanced tools like Meshnet for creating private networks. Security features include double VPN and split tunnelling. A 27-month subscription costs £62.16 upfront, roughly £2.59 per month or 9p per day. As with other services, cancelling before renewal is crucial to prevent a substantial fee increase.
Your Questions on Cheap VPNs Answered
What are the best cheap VPNs? For overall value, Surfshark is recommended due to its balance of price, performance, and features. CyberGhost excels in streaming, while NordVPN leads in advanced functionalities. IPVanish, previously listed, has seen price increases and no longer qualifies as a budget pick in 2026.
Why trust IndyBest reviews? With over eight years of experience in tech and cybersecurity testing, Alex Lee provides hands-on, research-backed recommendations to help users find the best VPN for their needs.
