How much does a VPN cost? (12 Things To Know in 2022)

When you’re looking for a VPN service, one of the first things you’ll notice is that most of them cost money to use. This can be a bit confusing – after all, why should you have to pay for something that’s supposed to keep your data safe? In this article, we’ll explain why VPNs charge money for their services, and why that’s a good thing.

👋
This post may include affiliate links, and I may get a commission if you buy through the links on my website (at no additional cost to you).

NordVPN Special Deal

Get VPN protection from NordVPN, one of the most reliable VPN companies in the world, for just $3.99/month!

✅ Possibly, the best Double VPN implementation.
✅ Over 5000 servers in 60 countries.
✅ VPN split tunneling support.

Get the Deal

How much does it cost to use a VPN service?

The VPN price depends on the VPN service you choose. There are a variety of different plans available, with prices ranging from around $50 per year to several hundred dollars per year. Usually, if you decide to pay for a year or two at a time, your price per month will go down significantly. While this may seem like a good deal, you may want to test the reliability of the VPN company before you commit.

Some companies offer free trials, so you can test out the service before you buy.

Data center

Why do VPNs cost money to use?

There are a few reasons why VPNs charge for their services:

  1. VPNs are businesses
    Like any other business, they need to make money to stay afloat. They pay for internet connectivity, servers, people, marketing.
  2. VPNs provide a valuable service that not everyone can afford.
    In the same way that you wouldn’t expect free healthcare or education, you shouldn’t expect a free VPN.
  3. Paid VPNs offer additional features
    Paid VPNs offer many features, like malware protection and ad blocking, that are unavailable with their free counterparts, and they cost money to develop and maintain.

These features are important, so the price of a VPN service is in most cases justified.

The Best VPN Deal You Can Find Anywhere!

Get a VPN that lets you use an unlimited number of devices, offers amazing security features and has an unbeatable offer!

82% off + 2 Months Free

  • Unlimited Devices
  • Ad & malware blocker
  • Cookie pop-up blocker
  • Two-Factor Authentication
  • 24/7 support
  • $2.49/Month!

Get Deal Now

What do I get for paying for a VPN service?

When you pay for a VPN service, you’re not just paying for the ability to connect to a secure network. You’re also paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe and confidential.

Here are some of the usual features one might expect from paying for a VPN service:

1. Multiple servers to choose from in a variety of countries

This allows you to connect to the internet from virtually anywhere in the world.

No matter where you are, you can access a VPN server and get the privacy and security benefits of using a VPN.

2. Fast, reliable connections

VPNs are designed to provide a fast, reliable connection, so you can stay connected even when the network is busy.

This is essential for streaming video or music, gaming, and other activities that require a high-quality connection.

Many VPNs also offer dedicated servers for these activities, ensuring you get the best possible experience.

3. Zero-logging policy

This means that the VPN service does not keep track of your internet activity or store any logs of your data.

This is important for privacy and security, as it ensures that your activities cannot be traced back to you.

4. Strong encryption protocols

VPNs use a variety of encryption protocols to keep your data safe.

The most common are AES-256-bit encryption, which is considered unbreakable, and OpenVPN, which is considered the best VPN protocol available.

This means that your data is safe from prying eyes, even if it’s intercepted.

5. Ad and malware blocking

In addition, many VPNs offer features like malware protection and ad blocking. These are valuable additions that are not available with free VPN services.

Ad and malware blocking can help keep you safe online by preventing dangerous scripts from running on your computer.

6. Netflix and other media streaming services unblocking

Some VPNs also allow you to unblock popular media streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. This is a great feature if you travel or live in a country where these services are blocked.

There are a lot more features that may be included with a VPN service, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.

Special VPN Deal

Get VPN protection from NordVPN, one of the most reliable VPN companies in the world, for just $3.99/month!

Get the Deal

Private mobile connection

How much should I pay for a VPN?

VPNs vary in price from $0 per year to several hundred dollars per year, and the price you pay is directly related to what your needs are. Do you already have an ad blocker or an antivirus installed on your computer? You could reduce the cost of your VPN by choosing a service that does not include these features and therefore costs less.

Are you going to use the VPN connection all the time, or just when traveling or being connected to a free Wi-Fi network? The answer to these questions may influence the type of VPN you require and therefore may lower your VPN bill.

Do you need to connect many devices to the VPN, or just a handful? This again may influence the type and level of service you purchase.

The best thing to do is assess your needs and then find a VPN service that offers the features you’re looking for at a price, you’re comfortable with.

ExpressVPN Special Offer: 3 Free Months for our readers!

Get the best-rated VPN service in the world with a special offer just for the readers of PrivacyTutor!

Get the Deal

Is a VPN worth the price?

In most cases, yes. A good VPN service provides a valuable and necessary service that most people can afford. The trick is to make sure you do not overpay for your VPN service.

For example, if you don’t travel much, it’s pointless to pay for a VPN service that unblocks media streaming services. Instead, you could find a cheaper VPN that just encrypts your connection and provides you with privacy when browsing the internet.

Moreover, most of the VPNs offer fast, reliable connections and features that you won’t find with a free VPN service, making them well worth the price.

We wrote an article about why you should pay for a VPN service free to check it out here.

Why is it a good thing that VPNs cost money to use?

Firstly, when you pay money for a VPN service, you don’t have to pay with your private data and information. Online privacy is the main reason people use VPNs in the first place.

Second, by supporting your favorite VPN company by paying a subscription, you enable them to improve their service, add more features and in general improve the experience for everyone using their services. You make a long-term investment not just in the company, but in your online privacy.

Lastly, paying for a VPN service ensures that you are using a reputable and reliable company, instead of a free (and often unreliable) service. This is important because your data is at risk when using an unsecured connection.

When it comes down to it, paying for a VPN service is a good thing – it provides online privacy, supports the company behind the service, and ensures that you’re using a reputable and reliable VPN.

Special VPN Deal

Get VPN protection from NordVPN, one of the most reliable VPN companies in the world, for just $3.99/month!

Get the Deal

Person working on a server

How much does it cost to run a VPN service?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on the size and scope of the VPN service.

Generally, however, a good VPN service costs money to run due to the overhead associated with server maintenance, staff salaries, and other expenses.

This is one of the reasons why free VPNs are typically inferior to paid VPNs – they simply don’t have the resources to provide a good service.

VPN services are also often targeted by hackers and other online criminals, so the service must have the financial resources to stay safe and secure.

In short, the price of a VPN service is in most cases justified by the features and benefits it provides. If you’re looking for a good, reliable VPN service, it’s worth paying for one.

Special VPN Deal

Get VPN protection from NordVPN, one of the most reliable VPN companies in the world, for just $3.99/month!

Get the Deal

How do VPN services make money?

The paid VPN services make money from charging subscription fees to their users while the free VPNs support themselves with advertising, and sharing the data of their users with third-party companies. All VPN users will pay for the service one way or another.

How much does a VPN app cost?

In general, all the applications that are needed to be connected to a VPN service, whether paid or free, will be provided to the user at no cost.  The user is only required to pay for the subscription to the VPN service.

Is there a 100% free VPN service?

There are several so-called “100% free” VPN services, but these should be avoided at all costs. These services make money by selling your data to third-party companies or by showing advertisements.

These services are not secure and do not provide the same level of protection as a paid VPN service. Stick with a reputable, paid VPN service to ensure your privacy and security online.

Personal Data

How do free VPN services work?

Free VPN services work by sharing the data of their users with third-party companies to generate revenue. This means that your data is not secure and can be accessed by anyone who has access to these third-party companies.

In addition, free VPNs often use low-quality servers that can result in slow, unreliable connections.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to use a free VPN service. Instead, stick with a reputable, paid VPN service that will keep your data safe and secure.

Furthermore, the free VPN companies may miss important features like ad and malware blocking. These features can keep you safe online by preventing dangerous scripts from running on your computer.

Are there any free VPN apps for phones?

Yes, there are a few free VPN apps for phones that can be found in app stores. However, these apps should be avoided as they are not secure and do not provide the same level of protection as a paid VPN service.

Instead, stick with a respected, paid VPN service to keep your data safe and private. These services will also include features such as ad and malware blocking, which can keep you safe while online.

Special VPN Deal

Get VPN protection from NordVPN, one of the most reliable VPN companies in the world, for just $3.99/month!

Get the Deal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all VPNs make you pay all the money at once?

Many VPNs require you to pay for a subscription upfront, which can be a deterrent for people who are not sure if they will use the service frequently, and I recommend against it. This is especially true when you are trying to test the service, or you are deciding between multiple VPN providers.

There are some VPNs that allow you to pay for services on a monthly basis. This can be a great option for people who want to test out a VPN before committing to a subscription. It also allows you to cancel your subscription at any time if you decide the service is not for you.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that VPNs cost money to use for a reason – they provide a valuable and necessary service. In most cases, the price of a VPN service is justified, so it’s worth considering if you need the added security and privacy a VPN can offer.

VPNs are not free, but the cost is worth it for the added security and features they provide. If you’re looking for a way to stay safe online, a VPN is the best option available.

Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been helpful. Please don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family.

Radu Negrean
Radu Negrean

Radu Negrean is a UX designer with a strong passion for online privacy. He contributes to the Privacy Tutor blog, advocating for enhanced security and privacy for all online users.

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter