Best cheap VPNs: How to stay anonymous online for less than $4
All those hours you've spent searching for the perfect Arrested Development reaction GIF or drooling over mukbangs on YouTube seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things — but to Google, hackers, your internet service provider (ISP), and even certain government agencies, that browsing history is a valuable commodity.
And guess what? They're probably tracking and logging every digital move you make. Like, right now.
Such is the importance of a virtual private network, or VPN.
We've dedicated tens of thousands of words to waxing poetic about all of the benefits of using a VPN, but for the uninitiated, here's the gist: A VPN is a service that makes your web presence more difficult to track and trace. And if someone can't track or trace your web presence, they can't collect your personal data and do icky things with it — like sell it to advertisers or use it to incriminate you in nefarious activities. Read more...
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BEST OVERALL CHOICE
NordVPNWith a gigantic global network of servers and a suite of powerful security features, NordVPN is a best-in-class VPN.
- Monthly plan: $11.95/month
- One-year plan: $6.99/month (billed $83.88 every year)
- Two-year plan: $4.99/month (billed $119.76 every two years)
- Three-year plan: $3.49/month (billed $125.64 every three years)
BEST FOR TORRENTING
SurfsharkThis up-and-comer outshines its more established peers when it comes to support for P2P file-sharing.
- Monthly plan: $11.95/month
- 12-month plan: $5.99/month (billed $71.88 every 12 months)
- 24-month plan: $1.99/month with coupon code "sharkstart" (billed $47.76 every 24 months)
BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX
CyberGhost VPNThis widespread VPN offers dedicated streaming servers and friendly support resources that won't intimidate VPN newbies.
- Monthly plan: $12.95/month
- One-year plan: $5.95/month (billed $71.40 every year)
- Two-year plan: $3.65/month (billed $87.60 every two years)
- Three-year plan: $2.99/month (billed $107.64 every three years)
BEST FOR GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
PureVPNA basic but competent VPN with an impressive amount of servers in Africa — a rarity among its peers.
- Monthly plan: $10.95/month
- One-year plan: $5.81/month
- Two-year plan: $3.33/month
BEST FOR VPN EXPERTS
Private Internet AccessDo as much (or as little) fiddling as you want with this highly flexible VPN.
- Monthly plan: $6.95/month
- Six-month plan: $5.99/month (billed $35.95 every six months)
- Yearly plan: $3.33/month (billed $39.95 every year)
BEST FOR VPN NOVICES
Ivacy VPNThis dirt-cheap provider is an awesome introduction to the world of VPNs.
- Monthly plan: $9.95/month
- One-year plan: $3.33/month (billed $40 every year)
- Five-year plan: $1.33/month (billed $80 every five years)