The best VPN deals: Up to 87 percent off ProtonVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and more
Source: Engadget
The Winter Olympics & VPNs
The Winter Olympics have been a blast so far, and there are still four days left. It’s the perfect time to get a virtual private network (VPN) and see how the games are broadcast in other countries—while improving your cybersecurity. By connecting to a VPN every time you get online, you can keep your activity hidden from your ISP (and anyone to whom it may sell that data) and stream sports and TV from across the globe.
We strongly recommend using a VPN, but shopping for one takes some care. If you jump on the very first deal you see, you might end up with a sub‑standard app. It’s also easy to pay more than you intended, since many respectable VPNs frame their prices in misleading ways—advertised deals aren’t always as available as they seem.
Even with those caveats, there are some great bargains on the table. Many of the best VPNs — including our top pick, Proton VPN — have deals that save you 70 %–87 % on annual subscriptions. Most Valentine’s‑Day sales have ended, but there are still plenty of chances to save money.
Best VPN Deals
| VPN & Plan | Price (2‑yr or 1‑yr) | Discount | Highlights | Renewal Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN Basic | $68.40 for a two‑year subscription with four months free (28 months total) | 81 % off | • Easy‑to‑use apps on all platforms • < 7 % speed loss in tests • 14/15 successful location changes | $99.95 / yr |
| ExpressVPN Advanced | $88.00 for a two‑year subscription with four months free (28 months total) | 77 % off | • 12 simultaneous connections • ExpressVPN Keys password manager • Advanced ad/tracker blocking, ID protection • 50 % off an AirCove router | $119.95 / yr |
| NordVPN Basic | $81.36 for a two‑year subscription (24 months) | 70 % off | • Fast, no‑leak service • Quick connections, solid live support • Tor‑on‑demand servers | $139.08 / yr |
| NordVPN Plus | $93.36 for a two‑year subscription (24 months) | 74 % off | • Powerful ad/tracker blocker with malware protection • NordPass password manager • Data‑breach scanner (dark‑web monitoring) | $179.88 / yr |
| Surfshark Starter | $53.73 for a two‑year subscription with three months free (27 months total) | 87 % off | • Full VPN service (no extra perks) • Rotating IP & double‑hop connections • Near‑invisible speed impact | — |
| Surfshark One | $61.83 for a two‑year subscription with three months free (27 months total) | 87 % off | • Includes Surfshark Antivirus, Alert, Search & Alternative ID • 88 % off the bundle • Optional “One+” adds Incogni data‑removal (pricey) | — |
| CyberGhost | $56.94 for a two‑year subscription with four months free (28 months total) | 84 % off | • Smart Rules automation for Wi‑Fi networks • Excellent streaming servers (better quality & consistency) | $56.94 / yr |
| hide.me | $69.99 for a two‑year subscription with four months free (28 months total) | 75 % off | • Great free tier; solid paid plan • No‑frills, beginner‑friendly • Guarantees same renewal length & price | — |
| Windscribe | $69.00 for a one‑year subscription | 32 % off | • Decent speed & privacy features • Lower discount than other deals listed | — |
Notes
- “Two‑year subscription with X months free” means you receive (24 + X) months of service for the price shown.
- Renewal prices are listed where known; they apply after the promotional period ends.
- All percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Quick Tips for Choosing a VPN
- Identify your priority: streaming, privacy, number of devices, or extra security tools.
- Check renewal terms: many deals lock in a low introductory price but revert to a higher annual rate.
- Read the fine print: look for hidden fees, limited server locations, or data caps.
- Test the service: most reputable VPNs offer a money‑back guarantee (usually 30 days).
Enjoy the rest of the Olympics—and stream safely!
Windscribe
- Deal: 32 % off the monthly price (cheaper than it sounds because the service is already inexpensive).
- Why upgrade: The free plan has a data cap. Upgrading gives you full access to Windscribe’s all‑real server network and removes the cap.
- More info: See the detailed Windscribe review for a full breakdown.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Deal: $79 for a three‑year subscription plus four months free – an 83 % discount (≈ $2 / month).
- Alternative: One‑year plan for $40 ($3.33 / month).
- Features:
- Own DNS servers
- Built‑in ad blocker
- Automation tools that rival CyberGhost
- Caveat: Internet speeds can fluctuate while connected.
What Makes a Good VPN Deal
- Long‑term discounts are common year‑round, with deeper cuts around holidays.
- Exception: Mullvad (the “Costco hot‑dog of VPNs”) – consistently low‑priced, no massive sales.
- Finding the best price:
- Look for seasonal promotions, student discounts, or exclusive coupons (e.g., Proton VPN’s coupon for Engadget readers).
- Watch for introductory offers that add extra months to lower the average monthly cost.
- Check the renewal terms – extra months usually disappear after the first term, and you may only be able to renew for a shorter period (e.g., a two‑year plan may only be renewable for one year).
Tip: If you plan to keep a VPN indefinitely, read the fine print to ensure the post‑renewal monthly price fits your budget.
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