How Much Does a VPN Cost?
Look at the amount due today, the time it covers, and the next bill before comparing a VPN’s advertised monthly price.
A VPN’s advertised monthly price can describe two different purchases: one month of service, or the average cost of a much longer plan. Start with the amount you will actually pay today.
Read the bill in three parts
Find the initial payment, the number of months it covers, and the next renewal charge. Keep those numbers together. A low monthly equivalent can come with a large upfront bill and a higher annual renewal.
On our product pages, Due today is the published initial amount before any additional tax noted on the card. Renews at describes the next billing amount and period when the provider makes them clear. If a matching renewal could not be verified, the page tells you to check it at checkout.
Decide how long you need it
For a short trip or a specific project, a monthly plan may be easier to judge. You pay for a shorter commitment, even if the monthly rate is higher. If you expect to keep a VPN, compare the initial total with the full renewal cycle, rather than choosing from the headline alone.
Mullvad is a useful different model: it sells prepaid time in euros. That is not the same as an automatically renewing dollar subscription. Your card issuer may charge a currency conversion fee.
Treat bonus months as part of the first term
When a verified offer includes extra months, divide the first payment by the full coverage period to understand the equivalent monthly cost. The next payment may cover a shorter period. Do not assume the introductory bonus repeats.
Our cards calculate an equivalent only from a documented initial total. We leave an unverified total blank instead of multiplying a rounded promotional monthly rate.
Check before paying
- Confirm the currency and your country at checkout.
- Read the amount charged now and the coverage end date.
- Find the renewal amount, billing cycle, and automatic renewal setting.
- Check whether tax changes the final total.
- Save the order confirmation and refund deadline.
An ongoing free tier, such as Proton VPN Free, avoids a paid subscription but has different limits. A trial that later bills your card needs a separate cancellation reminder. See how free plans and trials differ.