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Your questions about cheap VPNs answered
What are the best cheap VPNs?
If you’re looking for an affordable VPN, I recommend Surfshark. It offers unlimited device connections, strong security and plenty of premium features, all for one low price. IPVanish is a solid second choice, especially for gaming, with fast speeds and more manual configuration options, but its interface is clunky. CyberGhost is the best for streaming, thanks to optimised servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more, but many of its best features are Windows-only. Overall, Surfshark has the best balance of price, performance and features.
Can you get a free VPN?
Yes, there are free VPNs out there, and I’ve written a guide to the best ones, but they almost always come with limits. You usually only get a small data cap, fewer server options, slower speeds and fewer devices that you can use it on. Some free providers also log your browsing data to make money from ads, which defeats the point of using a VPN in the first place. Most won’t work with your streaming services either. While there are some decent free VPNs out there, the paid ones offer a better overall experience.
How can I trust a cheap VPN to protect my privacy?
Price isn’t always the best indicator of trust. What matters is transparency. When looking for a VPN, you have to look for a clear no-logs policy that’s been independently audited, plus strong encryption (AES-256) and essential features like a kill switch. It’s also worth checking where the company is based and who owns it. Some budget VPNs are still secure, they might just offer fewer features than pricier alternatives.
Are cheaper VPNs less reliable?
Not at all. The only difference between a cheaper VPN and a more expensive VPN is the price. Surfshark, for example, might be one of the cheapest VPNs, but it provides the same (if not more) features than more expensive VPNs, like ExpressVPN. The only VPNs you need to worry about are the free ones.
What are the pros and cons of cheap VPNs?
When it comes to VPNs, price isn’t generally a signal of quality. You aren’t always going to get a better experience by opting for a more expensive VPN. Surfshark and NordVPN are two of the best VPNs on the market, and they also happen to be among the cheapest.
However, the term “cheap” can sometimes be misleading. When VPN providers sell themselves as “cheap”, they’re usually referring to their annual plans. Both NordVPN and Surfshark require users to lock themselves into long subscriptions in order to access their cheapest prices. If you just want to subscribe to a monthly rolling plan, you’ll find that the price balloons, and they’re generally not all that cheap anymore.
Are VPNs legal in the UK?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in the UK. And while it’s also legal to access geo-restricted streaming services, like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, through a VPN, it can breach the streaming service’s terms of use, meaning they could restrict or block your access if they catch you.
How I tested the best cheap VPNs in full
I put the above VPNs through a rigorous review process, where I looked at the following criteria :
- Pricing and renewal: Affordability is obviously key. I look at how clearly each provider communicates their pricing tiers, how steep the renewal hikes are, and how easy it is to apply for a money-back guarantee.
- Speed and stability: I compare download and upload speeds across UK, US and long-distance servers using WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, testing how each VPN handles streaming, downloads and general browsing.
- Security and privacy tools: I examine features like the kill switch, split tunnelling, ad-blockers and tracker protection. I also note which providers pass recent no-logs audits or open-source their apps.
- User experience: I assess how easy the apps are to use, how simple it is to connect to specific servers or use certain features, and whether the connection process is reliable.
- Streaming support: I test whether each VPN can access services like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 and Netflix, so I can access UK content while travelling abroad.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
With more than eight years of experience testing and writing about tech and cybersecurity – including VPNs – senior tech critic Alex Lee knows what makes a service worth your time and money. He’s personally used VPNs, so he understands which features actually matter. His recommendations are based on hands-on testing, detailed research and comparisons of key essentials, such as speed, security and pricing. Having also written extensively about cybersecurity, he knows what to look out for and is here to help you find the best VPN for your needs.
Want more recommendations? Check out our guide to the best VPN services
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