Updated for 2026 · 24 paid VPN services
Best paid VPN services compared by price and features
Twenty-four paid VPN services in one place: What a subscription really costs, what you get for the price difference, and who each service suits depending on how you use it. Search, sort and compare up to three services side by side before you decide.
- 24 paid VPN services
- 6 Use cases
- 3 Services in the smart comparison
The prices shown are the cheapest known monthly price when the longest subscription plan is divided out, in US dollars and after discount, and they may change with offers and vary by payment country. The rating is prepared by Top 7U based on price, servers, speed, support and money-back results.
Smart comparison table
Every service on one line: Monthly price, rating, number of servers, number of devices, and the value index that works out the relationship between price and rating automatically. Use search and filters or the price slider, and when you select “compare” a live comparison panel appears below.
| Service | Price / month | Top 7U rating | Servers | Devices | Value index | Compare |
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Live comparison
Select two or three services from the “Compare” column in the table.
Value index = 60% from the rating + 40% from the price gap against the most expensive service in the list. A higher number means better features per dollar.
All services at a glance
Click any card to jump to the full detail below: Features, price, a candid note about the downsides, and a practical tip.
Best overall
Three services that work as a default choice for most people: A large network, steady speed, and apps that work on the first try with no complicated setup.
NordVPN
The first balanced choice
A huge network, high speed, and extra protection against ads and malicious sites inside the same subscription.
The biggest advantage here is not speed alone but balance: More than 7,400 servers across 118 countries, an app that connects to the nearest suitable server in a second or two, and a “Double VPN” option that routes your data through two consecutive servers to make tracking harder. Add the threat protection feature that blocks ads and fake sites at the network level, which on its own is worth a separate subscription.
In practice, the difference you will really feel is steady speed over long hours of: downloading, streaming and work meetings with no reconnecting. Having many servers also means any crowded server has a nearby replacement, which solves most of the common complaints about smaller services. Short plans are clearly more expensive, but the guarantee runs a full 30 days so you can judge for yourself.
- More than 7,400 servers in 118 countries
- Protection from ads and malicious sites with no setup
- Double VPN through two servers for stronger concealment
- 6 simultaneous connections per account
The downsideThe one-month price is high, and the desktop app is a little heavier than its rivals on older devices.
TipChoose a “server made for streaming” before you launch any platform, as the feature already exists and you do not need to try servers one by one.
ExpressVPN
Easiest for beginners
The simplest experience of all the services: One button, a fast private protocol, and human support that replies within minutes.
If you do not want to read anything before installing, this is the service for you. The app picks the server itself and explains every option in one sentence, and the private LightWay protocol gives a fast connection with automatic reconnection when the network changes, a feature anyone moving between mobile and Wi-Fi networks will notice.
The price sits at the top of the list, but part of it pays for support: live chat with a real person rather than a bot, and that saves anyone who has no time to research. Those with a supported router benefit most, because the service includes ready-made software that runs on the router itself and protects every device at home at once.
- Fast LightWay protocol with automatic reconnection
- Instant human support in live chat
- Ready-made software for common routers
- Split tunnelling so you choose what stays outside the VPN
The downsideThe subscription costs more than the market, and the number of servers is lower than NordVPN and PIA.
TipTurn on split tunnelling and keep your banking app outside the tunnel. This prevents repeated security verification prompts when you log in to accounts.
Astrill VPN
The most reliable on restricted networks
Known for staying connected on the most restricted networks, with several disguise options.
Astrill It is neither the cheapest service nor the largest network, but it is the most resilient in environments where encrypted connections are cut quickly. It uses several methods to make the connection look like ordinary traffic, and lets you set some of them up manually if you know what you are doing. That is why travellers and residents of heavily censored countries pick it.
The cost is twofold: financial, since the price is relatively high, and technical, since the app looks built for professionals rather than beginners. In return you get router-level protection for every device, virtual LAN options, and technical support around the clock. If you do not have a real connectivity problem, you are paying for capabilities you will never use.
- Advanced disguise methods that beat strict restrictions
- Router-level protection for every device
- Round-the-clock technical support
- Advanced settings for those who need them
The downsideThe price is the highest in this list, and the 7-day guarantee is not enough for a comfortable trial.
TipStart with the default disguise options and keep manual setup for a last attempt, because some methods are noticeably slower than others.
Streaming
Services that reach video platforms and handle streaming faster, with enough devices for a single family.
CyberGhost
Fastest for streaming and live TV
The largest number of servers among paid services, with ready-made buttons sorted by streaming platform.
The simple idea that works here: Instead of hunting for a server that unlocks a given platform, the service gives you a ready streaming category telling you which server is tested for the platform you want. With more than 11,000 servers, the chance of an empty server near you is higher than with any rival, and that matters more for streaming quality than any advertised technology.
The 45-day guarantee is the longest in the list, a real advantage for anyone who wants to try the first month without worry. On the other hand, the mobile apps are less modern than rivals, and some streaming-specific servers sit far from your region so they show lower speeds than expected.
- More than 11,000 servers in 100 countries
- Ready servers made for each streaming platform
- The longest guarantee period: 45 days
- Automatic connection shutdown when protection drops
The downsideThe mobile interface is slower than rivals, and the speed of some distant servers is less steady.
TipDo not start with the geographically nearest server but with the one classified for the platform, then try the nearest alternative if high-quality playback stutters.
PureVPN
For streaming and everyday use
A large number of servers with short-term payment options, and a fully translated interface for those who prefer it.
The service suits anyone who wants a quick trial before committing: It offers a daily and a weekly option alongside long plans, which is rare in the market. The network has more than 6,500 servers in 78 countries, and the speed is enough for high-quality streaming on two screens at once if the underlying connection is good.
The interface is available in Arabic and the setup explanations are clear, which reduces the need for support. On the other hand, do not expect it to be the fastest with large files or competitive gaming, as its ranking in speed tests comes clearly behind NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- More than 6,500 servers in 78 countries
- Short plans: a day, a week or a month
- Interface and support in Arabic
- A dedicated mode for streaming and downloading
The downsideSpeed sits in the middle, and its privacy record drew criticism in the past before it adopted a no-logs policy.
TipThe long plan here is far cheaper than the monthly one, but start with the guarantee and make sure the server near you is stable.
StrongVPN
Best for unblocking services
A dedicated static IP address for you with 12 devices, the practical choice for anyone who needs an address that does not change.
The standout feature of StrongVPN is the option to get a dedicated IP address for a separate fee, useful for anyone who needs a fixed address to sign in to services or dashboards that reject changing addresses. The device count is high too, meaning one subscription covers a whole family with its tablets and phones.
On the other hand, the network is smaller than the big rivals with servers in only 35 countries, so the nearest server to you may be further than you would like. Speed is good for ordinary use and streaming, but it is not the first choice for gaming or moving huge files.
- Option of a static dedicated IP address
- 12 devices at the same time
- Ready setup for router devices
- Round-the-clock technical support
The downsideThe network is relatively small (35 country), and the static address is paid for separately as an add-on plan.
TipRequest the static address only if you keep getting rejected by a particular service, as most uses do not need it.
TunnelBear
The simplest of all
The service you will not need an explainer for: One big switch, a map, and that is it.
There is a whole group of users who want no dashboard and no protocol picking, just protection that works. TunnelBear was designed for them: a bear-shaped cursor closes the tunnel, and you also have an “exceptions” mode that keeps a chosen app from travelling inside the tunnel. Devices are unlimited, so protection covers everything at home.
The trade-off is clear: a small network (47 country), and slower speeds than bigger rivals when downloading large files. But it is a reasonable choice for someone who wants daily protection for browsing and is not building a whole business on it. Independence is lower too, as the service now belongs to a larger security company.
- The simplest interface in the whole list
- Unlimited devices with no upgrade
- An exception mode for every app
- Monthly plans with no long commitment
The downsideA small network and mid-range speed, and not the right choice for anyone who needs servers in rare countries.
TipUse the exception mode for banking apps and local apps that need your full speed.
Privacy & security
Services built around collecting as little data as possible: No logs, some with no account at all, and multi-layered concealment technologies.
Proton VPN
Strongest on privacy
From the same team as Proton Mail, with technical architecture built for privacy and Swiss legal constraints.
The only service in the list with a full security research team, and the effect shows in the details: servers running inside hardened boxes in Switzerland, the Secure Core feature that routes traffic through several countries before it exits, independent security audits, and a published no-logs policy. If your goal is to stop your activity being linked to your identity, this is what you pay for.
The paradox is that speed is good despite all this tightening, and has improved a great deal on the first releases. What you will really live with is a less “commercial-looking” interface than its rivals, and prices that do not offer huge discounts but are steady and clear. And because the company runs its email service too, the two accounts can be merged into one subscription.
- Secure Core architecture across several countries
- A no-logs policy and independent security audits
- A network of more than 9,000 servers in 117 countries
- An open-source app you can verify
The downsidePrices do not drop much with long plans, and some advanced features are reserved for plans above the basic one.
TipTurn on Secure Core when using a public network or signing in to important accounts, and turn it off when you need maximum speed.
Private Internet Access
Fine control and full customisation
The largest network in the list, with a settings panel that shows you every option instead of hiding it.
If you are the kind of person who wants to know the encryption type, the connection port and where the configuration file lives, this is your service. The network has more than 35,000 servers in 91 countries, the biggest here, and speed on long transfers is among the best in the market because the servers are owned rather than rented.
The customisation is not cosmetic: You can pick a custom port, an open-source protocol, and set the encryption level yourself. The cost is a steeper learning curve than the rest; the interface is crowded with settings, which is an advantage to those who know it and a burden to those who do not. Honesty requires mentioning that the company was once owned by a party previously accused of collecting data; today it is under different ownership and promotes an audited no-logs policy.
- More than 35,000 servers in 91 countries
- Owned servers and high download speed
- Full control of encryption, ports and protocol
- Option of a dedicated address and port forwarding
The downsideThe interface is crowded and takes time to learn, and the previous ownership record means users should read the privacy policy themselves.
TipIf your connection stutters in certain apps, try changing the port before changing the server; that solves most cases.
Mullvad
Privacy with no account and no email
No sign-up, no email, no automatic renewal: A random account number and one price for everyone.
The service reduces the idea of privacy to one decision: We do not want to know who you are. When you sign up you get a number from a pool with no personal data at all, and you can pay in cash by post or in cryptocurrency. There is no automatic renewal because the company has no payment method linked to you in the first place.
The price is a flat $5 a month for everyone, which is more than long plans at rivals and cheaper than their one-month prices. The network is limited to servers in more than 40 countries, speed is good, but the number of devices is only 5. The service is open source and has been audited, yet it remains a choice for those who put principle ahead of convenience.
- Sign-up with no email or personal data
- Pay in cash or with cryptocurrency
- One flat price for everyone with no fake discounts
- Open-source and audited apps
The downside5 devices only, a network smaller than rivals, and a price that does not fall with long commitment.
TipKeep your account number somewhere safe. If you lose it you cannot recover it, because nothing links the account to your identity.
IVPN
Transparency and open audits
Its security audit results are published openly, and it supports a strong box of advanced protocols.
The difference between IVPN and the others is that it treats transparency as a product: documented audit reports, detailed articles on the constraints any provider faces, and a plain explanation of what it can and cannot do. The account manager also needs nothing but a random identifier, which makes sign-up possible with no email address.
Technically, the service is strong: WireGuard with its own app, support for routing traffic over more than one hop, and the ability to bring the connection up automatically when you join an untrusted network. The network is small (about 90 servers in 35 countries) and that is its real limit if you need servers in many countries.
- Security audit reports published for everyone
- Sign-up with a random identifier and no email
- Multi-hop and automatic connection rules
- Open-source desktop client
The downsideA small network that does not suit anyone who needs servers in many countries, and only 5 devices.
TipSet the automatic connection rule for public Wi-Fi networks only, and leave your home network without the VPN so you get your full speed.
Perfect Privacy
Maximum secrecy possible
An old German service in this field, with several concealment protocols and a full focus on hiding the source of the connection.
This is not a service for streaming or speed, but for anyone who needs the connection itself to be untraceable. It can route traffic through four hops in different countries at the same time, supports split tunnelling to spread the traffic, and can run more than one tunnel at once. All of this clearly slows the connection, an acceptable price for anyone whose goal is concealment rather than performance.
The legal record helps: The company is German and applies strict data protection laws, and it has never recorded a breach of user accounts the way some rivals have. But the network is small (24 country) and the price is in the top bracket with only a 7-day guarantee.
- Up to four hops in multiple countries at once
- Split tunnelling and running multiple tunnels
- A German company with strict data protection laws
- 10 devices at the same time
The downsideSpeed drops a lot when multi-hop is enabled, and the network is limited to 24 countries.
TipUse only two hops for daily use, and keep four hops for cases that need exceptional concealment.
OVPN
Servers owned by the operator itself
A Swedish company that physically owns its servers, so no cloud provider can look at the traffic.
Most services rent servers from big cloud companies, which means a third party owns the machine your data passes through. OVPN buys and runs servers in data centres it controls and encrypts the disk itself, closing that structural gap. The company also publishes details of its architecture and independent audit results.
The clear limit is size: servers in only 6 countries, which means lower speed and limited choices if you need an address in a particular country. Anyone who wants a wide network will find it elsewhere, and anyone who wants fully owned servers will find this is one of the few.
- Fully owned and operated servers
- Full disk encryption on the servers
- Sign-up without an email address
- Published security audits and documented architecture details
The downsideServers in only 6 countries, and the guarantee is 10 days, shorter than average.
TipIf the fastest server near you is crowded at peak time, use double-hop to the nearest server instead of switching to a distant country.
hide.me
Instant support and high flexibility
Alternative routes for ports and protocols with fast support, and a low price on long commitment.
Its practical strength is that blocking usually targets a specific protocol or port; if the first connection is blocked, the service moves to another protocol automatically. That makes it a good choice on networks that block encrypted connections, with no manual configuration as with more advanced services.
Technical support is among the fastest in the industry and uses real people, which matters when the connection fails at a critical time. The company is Malaysian, which means some users may prefer to read the privacy policy in detail before relying on it for sensitive work.
- Automatic protocol switching when blocked
- Fast support with real people
- An open-source protocol you can verify
- A low price on long plans
The downsideThe company is Malaysian rather than European, and distant server speeds are mid-range.
TipIf one app refuses to work, turn on the “proxy bypass” option in the app before blaming the service itself.
Speed & gaming
Services measured by upload, download and latency: Important for anyone who plays online or moves large files.
IPVanish
No limit on the number of devices
One subscription for every device at home, with owned servers and good speed for gaming and downloads.
The main benefit here is clear: there is no cap on the number of devices, so you will never need to upgrade the plan because the kids added new phones. The servers are owned rather than rented, which shows up in steadier gaming latency more than in peak speed.
The number of servers in 75 countries is lower than the big rivals, but the spread is deliberate in the regions where people play most. What you should know is that the company was once part of a party that collected some registration data, then moved to new ownership; this does not change the service's performance but matters to anyone who cares about legal details.
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Owned servers with low latency
- A dedicated port option to improve the connection
- A customisation mode that sends chosen apps outside the tunnel
The downsideThe network is less extensive than rivals, and the previous ownership record raises questions for anyone researching privacy.
TipFor online gaming, choose a server in your city or the nearest city rather than the least crowded one, because the latter can add delay despite its speed.
VyprVPN
A private protocol that defeats blocking
Its private Chameleon protocol hides the connection fingerprint, and all servers are owned rather than rented.
One of the oldest services in the market and among the most in control of its infrastructure: its servers are fully owned and it does not rely on a cloud provider, which makes the experience steadier between cities. Its private protocol is designed to work where standard protocols fail, and the company claims its optimisations add speed on slow networks.
The main weakness is size: about 700 servers in 64 countries, a relatively small number whose effect shows at peak times. The device count is only 5 and the price is above the market average, so the decision depends on your real need to get past blocking.
- Chameleon protocol to defeat blocking
- Fully owned servers run by the company
- Speed optimisation on slow networks
- An independent audit and a no-activity-logs policy
The downsideA small network that can get crowded, with a price in the top bracket and only 5 devices.
TipTurn on Chameleon only when the ordinary connection fails. Under normal conditions the default protocol is faster.
Hotspot Shield
Fastest handover
Its private protocol is the closest to your line's original speed, with a 45-day guarantee.
The company publishes its own speed test results for the Catapult protocol, and the point everyone accepts is that it is among the fastest at reloading web pages and downloading files. So it suits anyone who spends the day in a browser and does not want to feel the VPN is there at all.
The trade-off is narrower than rivals: 5 devices only, and a network of about 1,800 servers in 80 countries. The company is American, which means a legal position in the United States that differs from European companies, so read its policy before making it the protection for sensitive data. The guarantee is long (45 days) and that gives you room for a comfortable trial.
- Among the fastest services for browsing and downloading
- A 45-day money-back guarantee
- Protection from malicious sites included in the subscription
- A browser extension for quick use with no install
The downside5 devices and a mid-sized network, and the company is American with a well-known legal record involving old data collection.
TipUse the browser extension for quick needs only, and rely on the full app for permanent protection.
Business & teams
Services that suit teams and business owners: Static addresses, wider protection scope, and clear account management.
TorGuard
For business and professionals
Static addresses and dedicated servers, with options built around a business rather than a personal device.
The service targets a different kind of user: someone who needs a fixed address to appear on the internet with, or a fully dedicated server, or set routes for teams working remotely. This kind of request is not offered by services aimed at ordinary users even when they are bigger.
For personal use, the service is enough and its prices are reasonable, but the interface is less polished and clear than rivals, and setup takes time the first round. Do not expect a “one-button”experience; it is closer to a work tool than a consumer app.
- Static and dedicated IP addresses
- Full dedicated servers for businesses
- Separate routes for each team or project
- Servers in 68 countries
The downsideThe interface is less simple, first setup takes time, and some important features are paid add-ons.
TipIf you run a team, create a separate account for each member instead of sharing one; this gives you a clear record if anything goes wrong.
CactusVPN
Smart features for everyday use
A small service offering one bundle that brings together VPN, proxy and DNS forwarding at no extra charge.
The service is built on the full-bundle idea: you subscribe once and get a VPN tunnel, a proxy to change your address in the browser only, and DNS forwarding that serves devices which do not support VPN apps such as some TVs. That variety helps anyone with different kinds of devices at home.
Size is the constraint: servers in only 35 countries, and mid-range speed. Still, anyone running a small home network with varied devices may find value in putting it all on one bill. Support is good and the company is small enough to make the personal ordering experience easier.
- VPN and proxy and DNS forwarding in one subscription
- A proxy you browse with without running a full tunnel
- DNS forwarding for devices that do not support VPN
- 5 devices with router installation options
The downsideA small network and mid-range speed, and apps less modern than the big services.
TipUse the browser proxy for sites that only need a local address, and save the full tunnel's speed for everything else.
Bitdefender VPN
Best if you already use Bitdefender
The real value here is not in the VPN alone, but in its integration into one protection bundle for all your devices.
If you already subscribe to one of Bitdefender's security products, adding the VPN usually costs you less than any standalone service, and it is managed from the same interface and bill. Setup takes minutes, and the app explains the options simply, which makes it suitable for families that do not want an extra app for every job.
As a standalone VPN service, it sits in the middle: servers in 50 countries, good rather than excellent speed, and reliance on standard protocols instead of private technologies. The price on its own is high for what it offers, and the logic here is the same as with every bundle: more value for the whole system, not for a single component.
- Full integration with the protection and antivirus bundle
- Quick setup for anyone with no experience
- 10 devices covering a whole family
- One place to manage protection and connection
The downsideThe standalone price is high for what it offers, and privacy records in security bundles are usually less clear than in dedicated VPN services.
TipBuy the protection first and add the VPN inside it if you have a real use for it, and do not pay the standalone VPN price.
Best value for money
Four services under two dollars and four dollars a month when the long plan is divided out. They are neither the fastest nor the widest networks, but they cover everything everyday use needs for a fraction of the price, and they are the rational choice for anyone who will not pay for features they will never use.
Surfshark
Best for a family with many devices
The cheapest way to cover every device at home with one subscription, with features you would not expect at this price.
Price alone is not enough to judge, but here the price works together with the features: the number of devices is unlimited on one account, any phone, computer or tablet, with no extra accounts. The network holds more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, and the speed is enough for high-quality streaming and downloading without picking your hours. Add extra tools such as the ad blocker and data leak checks, all included at no charge.
Best suited to everyday use: browsing, streaming and casual gaming with acceptable latency. You will not find the huge server numbers of some rivals, nor advanced concealment technologies, but the practical difference is small compared with the price gap. The 30-day guarantee gives you room for a real trial, and its interface is among the easiest on the page.
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- More than 3,200 servers in 100 countries
- An ad and tracker blocker inside the app
- Affordable price on long plans
The downsideDistant server speeds are less steady than with higher-priced services, and the number of available cities for some small countries is limited.
TipTake the annual plan rather than the monthly one, as the difference is close to three times the price for exactly the same service.
Windscribe
Deep connection customisation
For anyone who wants to build custom connection ports: Routing rules, ad blocking, and free choice of protocol and port.
The difference between Windscribe and ready-made services is that you can route every app according to its needs: one app outside the tunnel, another inside it, and a chosen server for each. There is also a custom port builder that gives you a private address and number to connect with, useful on networks that block well-known domains. The ad and tracker blocker is built in and works at system level.
The price is very reasonable for an annual plan, the number of devices is unlimited, and the servers are spread across 69 countries. On the other hand, the total number of servers is below average, and the attractive prices are concentrated in the annual plan. The refund policy is short (three days) which is weaker than the usual thirty-day guarantee, so test it quickly if you are hesitant.
- Building custom connection ports for each device
- Routing each app separately
- System-level ad and tracker blocking
- Unlimited devices on the account
The downsideThe refund window is only three days, and the advanced settings interface needs a little technical understanding.
TipBuild one custom port before taking the long subscription, and test it for a few hours in each use case that matters to you.
PrivateVPN
A personal service with no middlemen
A small company offering fast human support and a low price, with a limited but stable network.
What sets small services apart most is support: here a person who understands connection settings talks to you, and may help you install the VPN on a router or on an old device that does not support modern apps. The price is among the cheapest in the list on a long subscription, and 10 devices are enough for a whole family. Double VPN over several servers is also available for anyone who wants an extra layer of concealment.
The network itself is small: around 200 servers in 63 countries, which means fewer options in distant cities and uneven speeds at peak hours. When you choose a server near you, the result is good for everyday use: browsing, high-quality streaming, and gaming with acceptable latency. The thirty-day guarantee makes it a low-risk choice for anyone who wants to try personal support.
- Fast, responsive human support
- Manual setup on routers and older devices
- One of the cheapest prices in the list
- Double VPN across multiple servers
The downsideThe number of servers is low (around 200 in 63 countries), and speed is not steady in distant cities.
TipAsk support directly about setting up your router before buying, because a fast reply is this service's real advantage.
FastestVPN
The cheapest among good services
The cheapest valid subscription in the list: it covers the basics with a guarantee of almost a month, for the smallest possible amount.
If budget is the main constraint, this service solves the problem: a monthly price lower than a cup of coffee when the long plan is divided out, with ten devices and a trial guarantee of almost a full month. The essential features are there: ad blocking, leak protection, and a double tunnel for anyone who wants an extra layer, with apps that do the job without complications.
For the price, the network is limited: servers in 39 countries, and speeds lower than higher-priced services over long distances and at peak times. So its best use is browsing and nearby streaming, not huge downloads or competitive gaming. Even so, it is the smartest way to test the idea of a VPN or to cover a secondary device with a cheap extra subscription.
- The lowest monthly price in the list
- A usage guarantee of almost 31 days
- 10 devices at the same time
- Ad blocking and a double tunnel
The downsideThe network is small (servers in 39 countries), and speed is below average on distant servers.
TipTreat it as a second line for the family's devices, not the main service for the whole house, and remember the guarantee is your chance to try it at no loss.
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How we calculate the value index: Sixty percent of the rating (which combines price, servers, speed, support, ease of setup and the guarantee outcome), and forty percent of the price gap against the most expensive service in the list. So a mid-rated service can move ahead of a slightly more expensive one: you pay for what you actually use, not for a big number on the page.
A note on prices: All prices are in US dollars for the cheapest monthly deal when the longest subscription plan is divided out, and they may change with the offer, the payment country and the payment method. Check the final price on the service page before subscribing.
A note on links: The site links mentioned go directly to the official pages and are not affiliate marketing links. The comparison is entirely editorial and is updated regularly when prices or features change.