We test software in-depth. We fund our research through affiliate links.
The Best Affordable VPNs of 2026
Updated: Today
By: Tibor Moes, founder of SoftwareLab. He has tested VPN services since 2014, and studied Cybersecurity at Stanford University. This year, he tested 25 VPN brands.
1 / Editor’s Choice
TotalVPN
Max privacy, fair price. Today: -80%
- Privacy 100%
- Value for Money 100%
✓ Return policy: 30 days
✓ Servers: 90 countries
✓ Protect: 6 devices
1-Year Plan: € 19
EXCELLENT
18,604 Reviews
Total annual prices, including VAT & fees. No surprises.
2
Norton
All-in-one: VPN, antivirus, and password manager.
- Privacy 100%
- Value for Money 94%
✓ Return policy: 60 days
✓ Servers: 100 countries
✓ Protect: 10 devices
1-Year Plan: € 20 – 50
EXCELLENT
9,467 Reviews
3
NordVPN
Advanced features for privacy experts.
- Privacy 100%
- Value for Money 87%
✓ Return policy: 30 days
✓ Servers: 127 countries
✓ Protect: 10 devices
1-Year Plan: € 71 – 127
EXCELLENT
5,289 Reviews
4
Surfshark
Protects unlimited devices.
- Privacy 100%
- Value for Money 85%
✓ Return policy: 30 days
✓ Servers: 100 countries
✓ Protect: Unlimited devices
1-Year Plan: € 57 – 116
VERY GOOD
1,727 Reviews
5
Proton
High speed, Swiss privacy.
- Privacy 100%
- Value for Money 82%
✓ Return policy: 30 days
✓ Servers: 127 countries
✓ Protect: 10 devices
1-Year Plan: € 48
VERY GOOD
923 Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “virtual private network” — a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online.
VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
Why do you need a VPN?
No one likes to be watched or tracked – even if they have nothing to hide. That’s why it’s important you step up your privacy game.
VPN is used to secure your connection, so you can browse in full privacy. Hackers have many methods to steal your data, but with a VPN your online traffic is invisible to them.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by creating a secure encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. This way, your data can travel in secrecy instead of through your internet service provider.
A VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection to make your browsing safer and more private.
The Best Affordable VPN of 2026
1 / Editor’s Choice
TotalVPN
Max privacy, fair price. Today: -80%
- Privacy 100%
- Value for Money 100%
✓ Return policy: 30 days
✓ Servers: 90 countries
✓ Protect: 6 devices
1-Year Plan: € 19
EXCELLENT
18,604 Reviews
TotalVPN is often featured across the web:
