Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, we will provide comprehensive reviews of the top affordable VPNs available in the market. We understand the importance of finding a VPN that offers high-quality service at a reasonable price. To determine the best cheap VPNs, we have tested each VPN’s performance in key areas related to affordability, value, and overall capabilities. We have assigned ratings to each VPN in various categories and calculated an overall ‘cheapness’ rating. Our goal is to recommend VPNs that offer the highest quality service for the lowest price.
Key Decision-Making Areas
1. Price & Value: 40%
When considering the price and value of a VPN, we look for a monthly price of $3.50 or less. However, we recommend opting for a VPN that costs $2.50 or less per month. We take into account the VPN’s best deal, which often includes longer-term subscriptions. VPNs that offer a monthly price of $3.00 or lower receive the highest rating, regardless of quality. On the other hand, more expensive VPNs receive lower ratings. We consider the length of the subscription, other available pricing plans, lifetime offers, and the presence of a money-back guarantee or free trial option.
2. Privacy & Logging Policy: 20%
While cost is important, we prioritize the protection of users’ privacy when recommending the best cheap VPNs. We only recommend VPNs that have a trustworthy privacy policy. Our minimum requirement is a plain-language policy that only includes anonymized connection logs. However, we recommend VPNs with a zero-logs policy that strictly does not store any activity or connection logs. Our team thoroughly analyzes each VPN’s privacy policy, ensuring there are no hidden catches. Ideally, the VPN should have a zero-logs policy verified by an independent third-party audit.
3. Security & Technical Features: 20%
The security and technical features of a VPN play a crucial role in our evaluation process. We require a minimum of AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN protocol, and IP & DNS leak protection. However, we recommend VPNs that offer additional security measures such as multiple protocols, leak protection, and a VPN kill switch. It is essential for a VPN to be secure and safe to use. We conduct regular packet-inspection tests to ensure that the VPN does not expose users’ activity to ISPs, hackers, or eavesdroppers. Additionally, we perform leak tests to ensure that no personal information is revealed.
4. Streaming: 10%
Streaming capabilities are another important aspect we consider when evaluating a VPN. Our minimum requirement is that a VPN can unblock the American Netflix library from overseas. However, we recommend VPNs that can unblock multiple streaming platforms worldwide. We regularly test VPNs to determine their ability to bypass streaming geo-restrictions. We have active subscriptions to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Our goal is to identify VPNs that allow users to access a wide range of streaming platforms.
5. Speed: 10%
Even affordable VPNs can offer fast connection speeds. While all VPNs result in some degree of speed loss, the best cheap VPNs minimize this impact. We conduct regular manual speed tests, along with automated VPN speed tests, to accurately assess the speed of each VPN. For cheap VPNs, we are interested in local connection speeds (beneficial for regular browsing and torrenting downloads) as well as longer-distance speeds (important for unblocking Netflix libraries). The fastest VPNs have minimal impact on internet speed, allowing users to establish international connections with sufficient bandwidth for streaming Netflix in Ultra HD quality.
Conclusion
In summary, our reviews of affordable VPNs focus on the key decision-making areas of price & value, privacy & logging policy, security & technical features, streaming capabilities, and speed. By considering these factors, we are able to determine the best cheap VPNs that offer high-quality service at an affordable price. Our goal is to assist users in finding VPNs that prioritize privacy, provide top-notch security, unblock streaming platforms, and offer fast connection speeds. With our comprehensive evaluations, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect affordable VPN for your needs.