What Amount Should You Pay for a VPN?

Updated October 2026 · by WhatAmount
Short answer: most paid VPNs run about $2 to $5 per month on a 1 to 2 year plan, and about $8 to $13 per month if you pay month to month.

Typical VPN prices

Plan lengthTypical monthly cost
Month to month$8 - $13
1 year$3 - $7
2 years or more$2 - $5
Free tier$0 (limited)

Why the price varies

Longer commitments are discounted heavily, but you pay the whole term up front. Number of devices, server count, and extras like dedicated IPs or bundled antivirus also move the price.

Watch the renewal price

Many providers advertise a low introductory rate and renew at a higher one. Check the renewal price before you check out, and set a calendar reminder a few weeks before it hits.

What about free VPNs?

Free VPNs usually cap speed or data, and some make money in ways you may not like, such as ads or selling usage data. Read the privacy policy before trusting one with your traffic.

Is it worth paying for?

A VPN is useful on public Wi-Fi, for avoiding ISP tracking of the sites you visit, and for streaming from other regions where the service allows it. It does not make you anonymous and does not replace antivirus or good passwords.

Disclosure: some links on this site may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. See the full disclosure. Prices are typical ranges as of October 2026 and change often, so confirm current pricing with the provider before buying.