Best Monthly VPNs – Best Pay-As-You-Go Provider
Monthly VPN plans are the best way to test a VPN and decide if it’s right for you.
But most VPNs charge extortionate fees for shorter subscriptions – sometimes 4x what you pay on a one or two-year plan.
So, we’ve gone beyond standard reviews to uncover the best monthly VPNs that don’t break the bank. They balance flexibility, affordability, and performance for industry-leading experiences.
In a rush? Here are our top five choices:
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Here’s a quick breakdown of the criteria we used in selecting these VPNs (keep reading for more details):
- Affordable monthly plans
- Global server network
- Fast, reliable connections
- Excellent security
- Unlimited bandwidth (no limit to how much you can stream)
- Access any content, including popular global streaming sites
- Work on numerous devices (Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more)
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Deep dive: The best monthly VPNs in 2024
Let’s explore the best monthly VPNs, and what makes each one unique.
If you’re still curious after these mini-reviews, check out our complete VPN reviews for a deeper dive into every provider.
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Methodology: how we tested the best monthly VPNs
At ProPrivacy, we understand the importance of reliable information when choosing the best monthly VPN. That’s why we regularly speed-test top VPNs using servers on six continents. This proprietary method gives us real-time performance data, ensuring our assessments are independent and accurate.
Over the last three years, we’ve conducted over 250,000 tests using this system – the results you see are 100% authentic.
When recommending monthly VPNs, we prioritize:
- Affordable pricing: A good monthly VPN shouldn’t break the bank. We only included VPNs with affordable pay-as-you-go plans.
- Global server network: We specifically recommended VPNs boasting a robust global server network to optimize the browsing experience.
- Content access: Our chosen VPNs access every global streaming site, bypassing geo-restrictions on websites, including financial and personal portals, without location limitations.
- Fast connections: These VPNs minimize the impact on internet speeds and deliver reliable performance to accommodate HD streaming and consistent connectivity.
- Lightweight: Every VPN listed works without impacting your device’s battery, CPU, browser speed, and page load times.
- Top-notch security: The VPNs on our list offer industry-best security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protection, automatic kill-switches, and more. Rigorous testing verified the effectiveness of these features.
- User-friendly interface: Only VPNs with user-friendly apps and easy setups are included, catering to users new to VPN usage.
Refer to our comprehensive testing methodology overview for a more detailed breakdown.
How to set up a VPN
To set up a VPN for enhanced privacy and security, simply follow these steps:
- Sign up to your preferred VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install VPN on your preferred device.
- Open the VPN app and configure it to your device.
- Restart your device.
Viola!
You’re now ready to enjoy a seamless online experience on your devices.
If you encounter any issues, consider clearing your device’s cache and cookies to address temporary glitches. Ensure your device is connected to a server within your preferred location, then reconnect to the VPN.
Refresh any page or app, and you should have unrestricted access.
Can I use a free VPN?
While free VPNs might seem tempting, they often have significant drawbacks and hidden dangers. Here’s why you should be wary about free VPNs:
- Limit your server access. They usually restrict you to a handful of overcrowded servers, leading to slow speeds and connection issues.
- Too slow. Don’t expect smooth streaming or browsing. They often throttle your bandwidth so you’ll upgrade to a faster connection.
- Come bundled with ads. These are often intrusive, annoying, and embedded with malicious software.
- May sell your information. Data brokers and advertisers love VPN user data because it’s so private.
- Been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks. This poses an obvious danger to your safety – online and IRL.
Skip the free VPNs and invest $2/month in a budget-friendly premium VPN. They offer far superior protection and value compared to the risks of using a free VPN.
Best monthly VPNs FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”How much should a VPN cost per month?” answer=”
Monthly prices for VPNs vary widely and depend on the length of your plan and the quality of your VPN.
However, we can provide some basic benchmarks so you never overpay*:
- Monthly plans: $9.99 to $12.99 per month
- 1-year plan: $3.22 to $8.33 per month
- 2-year plan: $2.39 to $8.32 per month
As you can see, extending to a two-year plan costs significantly less than paying month-by-month. If you’re trying to save money, check out our guide to the best cheap VPNs.
*We calculated these ranges based on averages across every VPN we’ve tested over the last decade. We only used reliable VPNs we trust to calculate the averages. If you find a VPN cheaper, be careful and research it thoroughly.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Are monthly VPNs as secure as annual plans?” answer=”
Yes, reputable monthly VPNs offer the same level of security as their annual or longer-term plans. Here’s why:
- Encryption: The strength of encryption (e.g., AES-256) used to protect your data remains the same regardless of your subscription length. Monthly plans still ensure your traffic is unreadable to snoops.
- Security features: Features like automatic kill-switches, leak protection, and secure protocols protect your privacy and security across the board, not just on longer plans.
- No-logs policies: Trustworthy VPNs adhere to strict no-logs policies, meaning they don’t track or store your online activity, regardless of how long you subscribe.
- Reputation: Established VPNs value their reputation and prioritize providing consistent security for all users to maintain trust.
Opting for a monthly plan won’t compromise your security if you choose a VPN from our list (such as ExpressVPN). However, it will cost a lot more than a one or two-year subscription. So, once you’re happy with the VPN, switch over.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Do monthly VPNs work with Netflix and other streaming services?” answer=”
Yes, many reputable monthly VPNs work flawlessly with Netflix and other popular streaming services. Here’s why:
- Evading geo-restrictions: Top VPNs have servers optimized to bypass Netflix’s restrictions on content based on your location. Connecting to a server in the country where your desired content is available will trick Netflix into thinking you’re located there.
- Fast speeds: Streaming in HD or 4K requires a fast VPN connection. Premium monthly VPNs prioritize speed and have large server networks to prevent congestion, ensuring a smooth, buffer-free experience.
- Reliability: The best VPNs constantly update their servers and protocols to stay ahead of Netflix’s anti-VPN measures. This ensures you always have access to your favorite shows and movies.
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Conclusion: What’s the best monthly VPN?
PrivateVPN offers the most competitive monthly pricing – but it lacks many advanced features and has a tiny server network.
For the best mix of performance, speed, and affordability, we recommend ExpressVPN. Its monthly plans cost the same as many inferior competitors. And if you extend to a longer plan, you can get crazy discounts.
Regardless, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. So, there’s zero risk to trying it out.
