Best VPN deals: Unlock 4 months for FREE and 85% off subscriptions as Black Friday-style price cuts return

Surfshark, established in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, has rapidly emerged as a noteworthy VPN provider. It boasts over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, ensuring extensive global coverage.

The service includes advanced features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop for enhanced security. Surfshark has garnered several accolades, including the Best VPN award from Trusted Reviews in 2021 and recognition from CNET as the Best Value VPN in 2022.

While some users have reported variable speeds, its strong privacy policies and commitment to security make it a reliable choice for those seeking online anonymity at a cheap price.

Surfshark isn't just a VPN, either. At checkout, you can bundle 24/7 data breach alerts that flag when a site you use has been successfully attacked by hackers, antivirus software, and an adblocker.

These services are combined in an Amazon Prime-like membership, known as Surfshark One. For a limited time, Surfshark will bundle three months of free access when you sign up to its subscription, including additional features like Alternative ID data protection, antivirus, and data breach alerts.

It's a very generous offer ...but ExpressVPN tops this deal with its free four month subscription.

• View Deal | Surfshark VPN — Save 86% + 3 months FREE
• View Deal | Surfshark One — Save 86 + 3 months FREE

Another superb saving comes courtesy of powerhouse provider, NordVPN.

This well-loved brand has a shelf bulging with awards and recently expanded its VPN server locations to cover more than half of all countries worldwide. NordVPN recently upped the number of devices that can be signed into the same account to a maximum of 10, so you'll be able to protect every gadget you own.

Headquartered in Panama, this brand is known for its extensive server network with over 5,000 server locations spread across 60 countries. Notable features include double VPN encryption, Threat Protection, and Onion Over VPN, which enhance user security and anonymity. In 2022, NordVPN was recognized as one of TIME's Best Inventions, underscoring its innovative approach to cybersecurity.

While some users report occasional speed fluctuations, its strong reputation and comprehensive feature set make NordVPN a commendable choice for those seeking reliable online protection and privacy.

NordVPN has slashed the cost of a subscription by 71%— saving you as much as £126 on its flagship tier, which includes extras like an ad blocker for all of your devices, a secure password manager, data breach alerts, and 1TB of encrypted cloud storage for your files, photos, and videos.

With VPN packages now starting from £2.59, this is a solid deal.

• View Deal | NordVPN — Save 71%

Finally, ExpressVPN is one of the best-known VPN brands on the planet — so deserves a place on any list about the best VPN deals. Unfortunately, what ExpressVPN has in name recognition, it lacks in price.

Yes, this is far from the cheapest VPN subscription around, but it's still a good deal as it offers some of the fastest connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth.

Established in 2009 and based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers across 105 countries for extensive global coverage. It also has a dedicated team that ensures these server locations aren't blocked by prominent streamers, like Netflix. As such, it has a reputation as one of the most reliable VPN services when it comes to streaming video with a spoofed IP address.

Other premium features include a kill switch, split tunneling, and a proprietary Lightway protocol for enhanced speed and reliability. Recognized by CNET as an Editors' Choice award winner, ExpressVPN is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust performance in unblocking streaming services.

Despite some concerns regarding ownership by Kape Technologies, it maintains a strong reputation for security and privacy in the VPN landscape.

For a limited time, you'll get an extra 4 months of ExpressVPN for free with your subscription and save 41% on a two-year contract ...that drops to a more modest 48% off if you only want to commit to a 12-month deal with the brand.

• View Deal | ExpressVPN — Save 61% + 4 months FREE

Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can treat this no-quibbles cooling-off period like a one-month free trial — giving you enough time to carefully consider whether the VPN subscription you've chosen is right for you. Customer support is available 24/7 so you'll be able to flag any issues, ask any questions, or cancel any time — no matter what timezone you're in.

VPN providers often reserve their best deals for new customers, so it's a good idea to switch on a regular basis to ensure you're always getting the best offer. Signing-up for a longer subscription plan, either 12- or 24-months for most VPN firms, typically unlocks the biggest discount — just be sure to keep an eye on the calendar and initiate a switch as soon as your contract ends.

Rounding out the list of VPN heavyweights with a lengthy money-back guarantee is PureVPN, which was founded back in 2007 and headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. The latter is not subject to surveillance laws that enable intelligence agencies — like GCHQ and the FBI — to legally access or intercept customer data. Moreover, there are no data retention laws in the territory.

PureVPN offers access to over 6,500 servers across 78 countries, which should be plenty of choice for those who want to stream, share files and bolster their online security.

Key features include a kill switch, split tunnelling, and a tracker blocker, enhancing user privacy. Despite some criticism regarding the accessibility of Netflix (there isn't a dedicated team tasked with ensuring the world's most popular streamer doesn't block its VPN server locations, like ExpressVPN offers...) PureVPN has garnered praise for its comprehensive service and affordability.

• View Deal | PureVPN — Save 83% + 3 months FREE

Major awards have still eluded PureVPN. However, despite the lack of gongs on the mantlepiece, it remains a reputable choice among VPN enthusiasts seeking reliable online protection.

Other VPN deals

• Surfshark VPN — Save 85% + 3 months FREE
• NordVPN — Get 71% off
• ExpressVPN — Save 61% + 4 months FREE
• PureVPN — Save 83% + 3 months FREE
• ProtonVPN — Get 56% off
• CyberGhost — Save 82% + 2 months FREE

Created by scientists at CERN, Swiss-based ProtonVPN is another brilliant choice. It's a little pricier than Nord and Surfshark — not least because its best deal only offers 55% off. Prices start from €4.49 for a two-year plan, although it does claim to boost VPN download speeds by 400% with its proprietary tech.

• View Deal | ProtonVPN — Save 55% | From €4.49

Lastly, if you're looking for the longest money-back period — which serves like a VPN free trial for all new customers — take a look at CyberGhost. This VPN firm is offering 82% off subscriptions + 2 months free, with prices starting from £1.78.

• View Deal | CyberGhost — Save 82% + 2 months FREE | From £1.92

One of the cheapest VPN deals on the market came courtesy of Google, which bundled a VPN service with its Google One subscription for additional cloud storage. Starting from £1.59, Google VPN was a complete bargain...but the Californian company discontinued its VPN in April 2024.

Likewise, one of the best cheap VPN deals came courtesy of Atlas VPN, which has a generous free subscription. However, the company folded due to 'insurmountable challenges' in April 2024.

Whether you're looking at VPN deals to improve your online privacy, block broadband providers and advertisers from tracking you, stream from BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and US Netflix when abroad, or boost internet speeds — we've rounded up a definitive list of the best VPN deals to help you get the most for your hard-earned money.

What does a VPN let you do?

• Protect Your Data On Public Wi-Fi
• Unlock Access To Blocked Websites
• Access More Live Sport From Anywhere On The Planet
• Unlock Blocked Apps

• Avoid Censorship
• Stream TV From Around The World
• Bypass Restrictions From Your Broadband Provider
• Optimise Online Gameplay

• Avoid Price Discrimination
• Avoid Advertisers' Trackers

How to find the right VPN deal for you

With so many VPN providers offering generous discounts, there's no reason to pay full price for your VPN subscription. But with the sheer quantity of VPN deals available, it's easy to get lost.

But fear not — we've got some simple tips to help you unearth the best VPN deal for your needs.

First, it's helpful to figure out what you'll be using your VPN for. Want to encrypt your internet traffic for better security? In that case, you won't need a VPN with servers spread across hundreds of countries, since you'll probably only use the one closest to home. Want to stream shows only available on Netflix US? You should look for a VPN with the smallest impact on download speeds. Hoping to secure dozens of devices with a VPN? Find a VPN provider with the highest number of simultaneous connections.

Here's a serious money-saving tip: the biggest discounts are only available to those who commit to a one- to two-year subscription. That doesn't always mean you'll need to pay a hefty sum upfront, with some providers spreading the cost of a multi-year subscription — with the biggest discount — over several months.

While an annual subscription might seem daunting, especially for VPN newcomers, we've only recommended VPN services with a 30-day money-back guarantee. At any moment during the first month, you can leave with a full refund.

We recommend treating the first month of your subscription like a VPN free trial to put the service through its paces to establish whether it fits your needs. If not, cancel your subscription with a full refund and try another.

How to ensure you get the best VPN deal

1. Choose the right time to buy

The best time to buy a VPN is during seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year. Many VPN providers offer discounts of up to 80% during these times. Timing your purchase for these events can help you secure a significant deal.

2. Compare subscription plans and features

Before committing to a VPN, compare the pricing plans and features of multiple providers. Check for discounts on multi-year plans, which often come at a much lower monthly rate. Look for additional benefits such as ad blockers or malware protection included in premium packages.

3. Use discount codes and cashback and offers

Many websites offer exclusive VPN coupon codes. Search for these before making a purchase. Also, look for cash-back offers that give you a percentage of your purchase back, reducing the overall cost.

4. Opt for services with money-back guarantees

Take advantage of free trials to test the VPN’s performance before committing. Many VPNs also offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to try their service risk-free.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online.

VPNs can disguise your online activity by routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel that connects to secure servers across the globe. The best VPNs use the same encryption standard as governments in Britain and the USA, so even the Internet Service Provider (ISP) connecting you to Wi-Fi can't see a record of the websites you're visiting, how long you're spending on each site, and your current location.

Advertisers, trackers, and hackers are also blind when trying to track your activity.

Likewise, personal information entered into online forms and other sensitive data sent to and from your device will also be shielded from hackers with strong encryption from a VPN.

What is a VPN for?

VPNs offer enterprise-grade security when visiting websites, filling out forms, and sending messages. But the best VPN services aren't only used to boost privacy online as the encryption can unlock extra perks too.

It can restrict the ability of your ISP to restrict broadband speed for certain types of traffic, a common practice known as bandwidth-throttling that usually applies to playing online multiplayer games and watching streaming services at peak times.

VPNs can be used to manually spoof your IP address. This unique label, usually in the form 192.0.2.1, is assigned to every device when it connects to the internet and includes information like the name of your broadband supplier and a rough approximation of your current location.

It's the IP address that enables websites to offer turn-by-turn directions from your location, or find your nearest branch of a popular shop or restaurant.

Several streaming services use this location data to adjust the library of titles available to you (usually based on the licencing deals struck in each country) or block its service entirely.

With a VPN, you can change your IP address by routing your internet traffic via one of the thousands of servers located around the globe. This can make it appear as if you're in another country, letting you stream from services that can't be used outside of the UK (Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4) or altering the catalogue of films, documentaries, and shows available to watch in Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.

It's this capability that allows VPNs users to watch Wimbledon live from anywhere on the planet.

Always check the small print of the streaming service to ensure you’re not breaking the rules by spoofing your location to unlock more shows to watch.

What's the best VPN to buy in the UK?

If you're based in the UK and looking to subscribe to a VPN — we'd recommend taking a look at the brilliant Surfsharkor NordVPN. Both of these VPNs offer a number of server locations across the UK, so you're able to maintain fast broadband speeds and avoid any geo-blocks that kick-in outside of the UK.

Both of these subscription offers pricing in £ GBP, something that isn't always the case.

Surfsharkor NordVPN both offer chat helplines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you'll be able to contact a customer service representative in a UK timezone without issue.

Is using a VPN 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, unlock easy lobbies in Warzone and CoD: MW3, and even find cheaper flights.

VPNs 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.

Do VPNs take part in Black Friday deals?

Yes, the biggest VPN brands will frequently participate in the Black Friday sales, offering generous discounts and giveaways to attract new customers and retain existing ones who might be coming to the end of their current subscription.

Once a shopping event reserved for malls across North America, Black Friday is now a pivotal time for businesses worldwide across almost every industry. And VPN providers are no exception.

During Black Friday, VPN companies will often offer some of their best deals of the year. Consumers looking to invest in VPN services can leverage these Black Friday sales to secure premium features at more affordable rates. However, it's essential to exercise due diligence and choose a reputable VPN provider known for prioritising internet privacy, high-security standards, and reliable performance.

If you need a VPN now, it might be worth taking advantage of the latest slew of VPN deals. That way your internet activity is protected long before the Black Friday sale starts on November 29, 2024.

What's the best value VPN?

Unless you're hoping to sign-up for a specific provider, the best value VPN will always be the cheapest deal on offer. In a bid to attract new customers, VPN providers often cut monthly subscription costs and bundle free access or giveaways. These perks will remain for the duration of the initial contract period.

But when that deal comes to an end, your monthly subscription price will returns to its full RRP. If you managed to secure a discount of over 80% — something that's regularly available with some of the best VPN deals — this change represents a monumental price rise.

At this moment, it's best to switch to a new VPN service, where you'll be treated as a new customer again, or renegotiate with your current provider to secure a better deal. Either way, you must not simply let the Direct Debit continue to come out of your account without making any changes.

That's the only guaranteed way to ensure you're not getting the best value VPN offer.

• Surfshark — Save 86% + 3 months FREE • from £1.49
• NordVPN — Save 73% + 3 months FREE • from £2.29
• ExpressVPN — Save 49% + 3 months FREE • from £5.26
• ProtonVPN — Save 55% • from €4.49
• CyberGhost — Save 82% + 2 months FREE • from £1.92

Will a free VPN work for me?

A free VPN can be useful in a pinch, but there are too many compromises to make this a viable long-term solution for most. Most 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. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's possible to use the best VPN services for one month without restrictions. If you're unhappy, you'll pay no cost for VPN access.

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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.

Should you leave a VPN on or off?

VPNs are designed to shield everything you do online against prying eyes. As such, it makes sense to leave these important privacy and security tools running in the background at all times.

Most VPNs offer the ability to automatically switch on every time your device connects to the internet, so you don't need to remember to enable the service each time. As long as there are no compatibility problems with your favourite applications, it's worth keeping the VPN running at all times.

Is it worth having a VPN at home?

It's true VPNs were once the domain of enterprise users, but in recent years, they've become mainstream. With the exponential rise in online scams, more people want to shield themselves by hiding their IP addresses and encrypting their online traffic to keep it safe from prying eyes.

Research from BDO, the fifth-largest accounting network on the planet, shows that online fraud has cost the UK an eye-watering £2.3 billion last year — more than double the figure from 2022 and the second-highest annual total recorded by BDO in two decades.

Not only that, but the shift to online streaming with services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video makes geolocation more important than ever before. Since the streamers have to cut licensing deals for each territory, the catalogue of TV shows and films can be very different between countries.

By manually changing your IP address and spoofing your location with a VPN, you can access a library of TV shows, films, and documentaries unavailable in your country.

With people looking to get the most from their monthly streaming subscriptions and wary of the increased risk of scams, identity fraud, and other hacks online — VPNs have become an essential tool to use at home. In fact, Apple offers some limited VPN functionality, known as iCloud Private Relay, to its iCloud+ subscribers to help safeguard their personal data when browsing the web.

Are cheap VPNs worth it?

It depends on what you plan to do with your VPN. There are several completely free VPNs available to download, but these all impose restrictions on users to incentivise upgrading to a paid plan.

Some will restrict the bandwidth available, slowing internet speeds when connected to a VPN server, which makes them almost impossible to use for tasks like streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Go, or playing online video games, especially those with a multiplayer component.

Others will place a ceiling on the amount of data that can be used when connected to a VPN. While that's unlikely to be an issue for basic tasks, like sending and receiving emails, or browsing some lightweight websites, it rules out anything too intensive — like browsing photos on Facebook, watching YouTube videos, or backing up photos and other data to the cloud.

Free VPNs can be helpful to test out these services for the first time and experience the benefits first-hand. However, it's also worth noting that many of the best VPN services offer a 30-day no-questions-asked refund period, which serves as a month-long free trial.

With customer service representatives available 24/7, you'll be able to raise any concerns or walk away from your subscription no matter what timezone you're in.

Is a VPN safe for banking?

Most experts agree that using a VPN for online banking is generally safe and will enhance your security. This is because VPNs will encrypt your internet connection, making it tough for hackers to intercept sensitive information — such as login credentials or banking details — as it's beamed from your device to the bank. This added layer of protection is especially beneficial when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

However, it's important to choose a reputable VPN provider.

Some free or disreputable VPNs have been known to log data, sell information on your browsing habits, or expose you to malware. Paid services from well-known providers are usually more secure, offering stronger encryption protocols and privacy policies that prioritize user security.

That said, a VPN is not a foolproof solution. Always ensure that you access your bank's website through its official domain and use two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible to further safeguard your accounts.