Do NOT use free VPNs, expert cautions — but these 5 cheap VPNs are safe, secure alternatives

What is a VPN?

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are applications that protect everything you do online by encrypting your web traffic — making it anonymous and untraceable to anyone outside of the secure connection between you and the website or service you're using.

It's like the difference between sending someone a heartfelt message on the back of a postcard (without a VPN) or a letter in a padlocked package (with a VPN).

That's because VPNs create an encryption tunnel where all of the communication between your gadget and the internet is funnelled. This is why it's so important not to rely on a VPN with speed or bandwidth restrictions, since you'll soon see a hit to your performance.

The best VPNs rely on the same military-grade encryption as governments in Britain and the USA, so even the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides your home Wi-Fi won't be able to record a list of the sites you're visiting, how long you spend on each site, and your devices.

Advertisers, website owners, and hackers will all be blind when trying to track your activity.

When you're away from home and using a public Wi-Fi network, like those available in coffee shops and airports, any personal data entered into forms and other sensitive information beamed to and from your device will also be shielded with VPN encryption.

It means even someone on the same Wi-Fi network cannot intercept the data on its way to the intended recipient — a type of hack known as a man-in-the-middle attack or on-path attack.

Lastly, since VPNs work by encrypting your data and routing it via a secure VPN server, it's also possible to pick a server location that gives the appearance that you're located somewhere else in the world. Websites and online services rely on an IP address to determine the current location of your device, so with a few clicks, you can appear as if you've travelled thousands of miles.

That's useful to unlock TV shows, sports fixtures, and websites that might not be available in your hometown. It also means you can avoid price discrimination as you're able to check what other people around the world are being charged for the same service. This means you can unlock cheaper flights and easier bot lobbies in Call of Duty.

5 benefits of using a VPN

• Boost your privacy online, so that not even your broadband provider can track you
• Unblock TV shows that wouldn't usually be available in your current location
• Access lower subscription prices from other countries

• Avoid any restrictions placed on your internet connection
• Stream live sports that would otherwise be unavailable

What devices work with a VPN?

The best recommendations from Reddit, as well as our own experience testing VPNs, means we've only selected services with a wide range of compatible devices.

Surfshark lets you sign into an unlimited number of devices with the same single subscription — in other words, it's like Netflix before it started to crackdown on password sharing. ExpressVPN offers a maximum of 14x devices, NordVPN tops out at 10x devices, while CyberGhost offers a maximum of 7x.

Supported platforms include...

• Google Chrome web browser
• Firefox web browser
• Safari web browser
• Microsoft Edge web browser
• iOS
• iPadOS
• macOS
• Android
• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• Linux
• Amazon Fire TV

If you've got a device that you need to secure with a VPN that isn't covered with this list, you can install the VPN onto the Wi-Fi router that so any gadget connected to your wireless network is automatically secured.

Does a VPN work without a Wi-Fi connection?

A VPN can only work without Wi-Fi as long as it's connected through another method, such as your mobile data or Ethernet.

If your VPN is connected to your mobile data, it provides the same privacy and encryption benefits as it normally would if you're connected to Wi-Fi.

On the other hand, you can also connect via an Ethernet cable — also known as a local area network (LAN). Ethernet is just as speedy as high bandwidth, so you won't have to worry about it slowing you down.

Should I trust VPNs?

Using a reliable VPN can be a safe and secure way to browse the internet. But it's best not to unreservedly place your trust in every VPN provider on the market. You should be looking for AES-256 encryption — this is the standard used by most VPN protocols. If the VPN provider says that it uses PPTP, it's best to avoid this option as it only relies on 128-bit encryption.

Are VPNs legal?

Let's set the record straight — using a VPN to safeguard your data online is not a legal offence.

If you've been issued a company laptop to work remotely, the IT department will likely require you to use a VPN before you start a shift. Needless to say, this isn't against the law.

But while VPNs were once solely used in enterprise and government spheres, these apps are becoming increasingly popular with people across the world to improve personal online security. As all of us rely on the internet for more and more of our daily lives, VPNs are an essential way to enhance privacy, block advertisers from tracking your movements, unlock streaming TV shows and sports coverage, and even find cheaper flights.

VPNs, however, are illegal in 10 countries: China, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Iraq, Turkey, UAE, and Oman. If you're currently based in any of these nations or plan on visiting one soon, consider uninstalling any VPN apps from your devices.

Outside of these countries, VPNs are legal and can be used without restrictions.

But while it might be legal, it's worth noting that using a VPN might be against the Terms Of Service of some websites or mobile apps, so it's always worth checking the T&Cs to make sure you're in the clear.

Best cheap VPN deal

Surfshark tops our guide to the best VPN deals with its cheap subscription prices. Starting from £1.49 per month, it's one of the most affordable VPNs around.

As well as its core VPN service, which boasts faster RAM-only servers in more than 100 countries, Surfshark offers packages with 24/7 data breach alerts that flag when a website that you rely on has been hacked, antivirus software, its CleanWeb adblocker, and Alternative ID that generate a new email and phone number to enter into online forms — with communication forwarded to your real details, which remain anonymous.

Best cheap VPN speed

ExpressVPN is particularly well-suited for streaming as it boasts VPN server locations in 105 countries, providing access to global coverage. It offers ultra-fast speeds on a 10-Gbps network, essential for high-quality streaming without buffering.

With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like split tunneling and a kill switch, your online activity stays private.

Based in the British Virgin Islands — outside Five Eyes jurisdiction — it avoids mandatory data retention laws, which means that even if the company were collecting data (it's not), law enforcement from the UK and US would be unable to compel ExpressVPN to hand over any information about its subscribers.

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and routers. There's no limit on the number of ExpressVPN apps that you can download on your devices, and with a single subscription, you can connect to the VPN on up to 10 gadgets at once.

Best cheap VPN security

This award-winning VPN service starts from £2.29 per month, but bundles many of the extra features associated with Surfshark One. All NordVPN subscribers will enjoy automatic malware scans to save you from dodgy downloads and alerts about leaked credentials on the Dark Web. Of course, NordVPN also offers access to 6,400 server locations across the globe with fast connection speeds.

Best cheap VPN for media streaming

With servers in 100+ countries optimised for streaming, CyberGhost lets you unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more — while keeping your data safe from hackers, trackers, and snoops. Like other VPNs, it encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and helps you browse securely on any network.

What's particularly notable is that CyberGhost offers one of the longest money-back guarantee periods, with a generous 45 days to decide whether you want to stick with your new VPN subscription. Think of it almost like a free trial, where if you're not happy with the results, you will have tried the service for free. er

Best cheap VPN for privacy

Proton VPN is built with ultimate privacy in mind, created by the team behind Proton Mail and backed by Switzerland’s strong data protection laws. With a strict no-logs policy, open-source apps, and Secure Core servers that route your traffic through privacy-friendly countries, it keeps your online activity safe from hackers, trackers, and surveillance.

Will a free VPN work for me?

Of course, nothing is cheaper than free... so you might be wondering why our guide to the best cheap VPNs doesn't have a list of free services. Well, while free-to-use options can be handy in a pinch, many free VPNs come with many compromises that don't make them a viable long-term solution or the best secure option.

"Unfortunately, free VPNs can come with risks. Although it must be said, not always; if you’re using a free trial version of a reputable product, you’re likely fine. However, totally free VPNs do raise concerns," Jamie Akhtar, CEO and co-founder of CyberSmart, told Yahoo News.

That's because all free VPN providers will place restrictions on your account to incentivise you to upgrade to a paid subscription plan, including limiting the amount of data or slower transfer speeds. This can make browsing the internet, video calls, and streaming on Netflix and others arduous at best — and impossible at worst.

However, even "free" may mean you're paying a price in some other way.

"Most free products still need some way to monetise their service, so if you aren’t paying in cash, you’re probably paying with your data," said Mr. Akhtar.

With at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's possible to use the cheap VPN services for one month without any restrictions. This'll give you the best possible sense of whether these services will work for you. If you're unhappy, you'll pay no cost for VPN access.

• ExpressVPN | Subscribe for only £1.99 per month
• Proton | £0 plan available or 76% off subscription
• Surfshark | Get 3 months for free + 87% off remaining plan
• NordVPN | Get 3 months for free + 77% off remaining plan
• CyberGhost | Get 4 months for free + 84% off remaining plan

Best free VPN

Proton VPN offers one of the best free VPN plans available, with no data limits, strong encryption, and access to servers in multiple countries. Even on the free tier, you get the same commitment to privacy and security — backed by Switzerland’s strict data protection laws without ads or hidden catches.

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