10 Best Cheap VPNs for Your Business or Personal Use in 2025
Imagine this: You’re sipping coffee at your favorite café, working on a critical business proposal over public Wi-Fi. Out of nowhere, a nagging thought hits you—could someone be intercepting your data right now? Or maybe you’re at home, eagerly trying to stream the latest season of your favorite show, only to find it’s locked behind a geo-restriction wall.
Frustrating, isn’t it? In today’s digital world, these scenarios are all too common, but there’s a simple fix: a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN shields your data from prying eyes and unlocks content from across the globe. The catch? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get one.
In this article, we’re diving into the 10 best cheap VPNs for your business or personal use in 2025. These picks are affordable yet packed with features, making them perfect whether you’re safeguarding sensitive company info or just binge-watching in peace.
We’ve ranked Surfshark as number one for its unbeatable value, and we’ll break down why it—and nine other contenders—deserve your attention. Stick around for a detailed guide, a handy comparison table, FAQs, and credible references to back it all up.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network is a way to access the internet without the risk of being tracked.
A VPN works by providing you with an encrypted connection to the internet, so that you can access content and websites that are blocked by your ISP or government.
In the past, cheap VPN providers were frequently unable to compete with the very finest VPN services available on the market, and they were forced to sacrifice power and functionality in order to give the lowest possible price.
Fortunately, technology has advanced, and even the most inexpensive VPNs are now fast, secure, and easy to use.
What Makes a Cheap VPN Worth It?
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about what to look for in a budget-friendly VPN. “Cheap” doesn’t mean cutting corners—it’s about getting the most bang for your buck. Here’s what matters:
- Security: Strong encryption (think AES-256), a no-logs policy, and extras like a kill switch or DNS leak protection are non-negotiable.
- Speed: Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or hosting a video call, you need a VPN that won’t slow you down.
- Server Network: More servers in more countries mean better performance and access to geo-blocked content.
- Device Compatibility: It should work seamlessly on your phone, laptop, tablet—even your router.
- Customer Support: Quick, reliable help can save the day when tech hiccups strike.
- Pricing: Affordable plans that still deliver premium features are the sweet spot.
With these in mind, let’s explore the top 10 cheap VPNs for 2025.
The Top 10 Cheap VPNs for 2025
1. Surfshark
Why It’s Number 1: Surfshark takes the crown as the best cheap VPN for 2025. It’s a powerhouse of affordability and functionality, offering unlimited device connections, top-tier security, and stellar streaming capabilities. It’s the Swiss Army knife of VPNs—perfect for businesses and personal users alike.
Key Features:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- AES-256 encryption with a strict no-logs policy
- CleanWeb blocks ads and malware
- MultiHop for double encryption
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and more
Pricing: Starts at $2.49/month (two-year plan).
Why It’s Great: For businesses, unlimited connections mean every employee can stay secure without extra costs. For personal use, it’s a streaming dream—watch anything, anywhere, on any device. I’ve used Surfshark myself to catch shows unavailable in my region, and it’s never let me down.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a household name for a reason. It blends affordability with premium features, making it a close runner-up.
Key Features:
- 5,500+ servers in 60 countries
- Double VPN for extra security
- CyberSec ad and malware blocker
- Optional dedicated IP addresses
- Great for streaming and gaming
Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month (two-year plan).
Why It’s Great: Businesses love the dedicated IPs for consistent network access, while its speed keeps gamers and streamers happy. It’s a bit pricier than Surfshark but worth it for the extras.
3. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN stands out for its privacy-first approach, backed by its Swiss base and a solid free tier.
Key Features:
- 1,900+ servers in 65 countries
- Secure Core servers for added protection
- No-logs policy
- Supports up to 10 devices
- Good for streaming and torrenting
Pricing: Starts at $4.99/month (two-year plan).
Why It’s Great: Secure Core is a boon for businesses handling sensitive data, and the free tier is a budget-friendly perk for personal use. It’s privacy you can trust.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA has been around forever and keeps delivering with its massive server network and low price.
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in 78 countries
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Supports up to 10 devices
- Built-in ad and malware blocker
- Excellent for torrenting
Pricing: Starts at $2.19/month (three-year plan).
Why It’s Great: That server count ensures reliability for businesses, and its customization options let you tweak it just right. For personal use, it’s a steal.
5. Mullvad
Mullvad is the go-to for privacy buffs who want simplicity and anonymity.
Key Features:
- 750+ servers in 35 countries
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Anonymous sign-up (even accepts cash!)
- Supports up to 5 devices
- Privacy-first design
Pricing: Flat $5/month—no tiered plans.
Why It’s Great: Businesses and individuals who value anonymity will appreciate Mullvad’s no-nonsense approach. It’s not the flashiest, but it gets the job done.
6. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is the user-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features, especially for streaming fans.
Key Features:
- 9,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Dedicated streaming servers
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Supports up to 7 devices
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Pricing: Starts at $2.25/month (three-year plan).
Why It’s Great: Its streaming servers are a personal favorite for unwinding after work, while businesses benefit from its vast network and solid security.
7. IPVanish
IPVanish offers unlimited connections and dependable performance at a reasonable price.
Key Features:
- 2,000+ servers in 75 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Supports torrenting
- Good for streaming
Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month (one-year plan).
Why It’s Great: Like Surfshark, unlimited connections make it a business and family favorite. It’s fast enough for streaming too—I’ve tested it on multiple devices with no lag.
8. Windscribe
Windscribe brings flexibility with a solid free tier and affordable paid plans.
Key Features:
- 500+ servers in 60 countries
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Unlimited devices (paid plans)
- Ad and malware blocker
- Good for streaming and torrenting
Pricing: Starts at $5.75/month (one-year plan).
Why It’s Great: The free tier is perfect for casual personal use, while paid plans offer business-ready features like unlimited connections.
9. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield shines with its speed, thanks to its unique Hydra protocol.
Key Features:
- 1,800+ servers in 80 countries
- Hydra protocol for blazing speeds
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Supports up to 5 devices
- Great for streaming and gaming
Pricing: Starts at $7.99/month (one-year plan).
Why It’s Great: Businesses needing fast connections will love it, and its free tier is a nice bonus for personal users on a budget.
10. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the priciest on our list, but its premium quality justifies the cost for many.
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- Supports up to 5 devices
- Top-notch streaming and torrenting
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pricing: Starts at $8.32/month (one-year plan).
Why It’s Great: Businesses get rock-solid reliability, and personal users enjoy its ease of use and streaming prowess. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s a worthy splurge.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| VPN | Price (Starting) | Devices | Servers/Countries | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | $2.49/mo | Unlimited | 3,200+/100 | Unlimited devices, streaming |
| NordVPN | $3.99/mo | 6 | 5,500+/60 | Security, dedicated IPs |
| ProtonVPN | $4.99/mo | 10 | 1,900+/65 | Privacy, free tier |
| PIA | $2.19/mo | 10 | 35,000+/78 | Customization, affordability |
| Mullvad | $5/mo | 5 | 750+/35 | Anonymity, simplicity |
| CyberGhost | $2.25/mo | 7 | 9,000+/91 | Streaming, ease of use |
| IPVanish | $3.99/mo | Unlimited | 2,000+/75 | Unlimited devices, speed |
| Windscribe | $5.75/mo | Unlimited (paid) | 500+/60 | Free tier, flexibility |
| Hotspot Shield | $7.99/mo | 5 | 1,800+/80 | Speed, gaming |
| ExpressVPN | $8.32/mo | 5 | 3,000+/94 | Premium performance |
FAQs About Cheap VPNs
- Are cheap VPNs reliable?
Yes! Many budget VPNs, like those on this list, are dependable if you pick a reputable provider. Always check reviews and test them out—most offer money-back guarantees. - Can I use a cheap VPN for my business?
Definitely. Look for features like multiple connections (Surfshark, IPVanish) or dedicated IPs (NordVPN) to suit your team’s needs. - Are cheap VPNs secure?
Most on our list use AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies. Extras like kill switches add peace of mind—ProtonVPN’s Secure Core is a standout. - Will a cheap VPN work for streaming?
Absolutely. Surfshark, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN excel at unblocking Netflix and more. I’ve streamed across borders with zero buffering. - Are free VPNs a good option?
They can be, but expect limits like data caps or slower speeds. ProtonVPN and Windscribe offer decent free tiers, though paid plans unlock more power.
Final Thoughts: Secure Savings in 2025
You don’t need to drain your wallet to stay safe online or unlock the internet’s full potential. From Surfshark’s unbeatable value to ExpressVPN’s premium punch, these 10 cheap VPNs for 2025 cater to every need—business or personal. Think about what matters most to you—speed, security, or streaming—then pick the one that fits. With a little research, you’ll be browsing smarter and safer in no time.
