The Best VPN Discount Programs in 2024
With so many people looking for a VPN, the various service providers need a way to stand out. To attract customers, these service providers engage in aggressive marketing campaigns that often include bonus and discount programs. Most of the programs entail reduced monthly costs on long-term subscriptions, while some offer access to additional tools and services. In this article, 9Ranks looks at the VPN service providers with the best discount programs in 2024.
Note to the Reader: Throughout this article, all discounts are expressed in comparison to the cost of a monthly subscription.
Index#1NordVPN
Pros
- Several Thousand Servers
- RAM-Only Servers
- Excellent Speeds
- Stable Connections
- Multi-Hop (double-vpn)
- Accepts Cryptocurrencies
Cons
- Limited to 6 Devices
- No GUI for Linux
NordVPN is among the most popular VPNs on the market, with nearly 15 million registered users. NordVPN has a massive server fleet: nearly 6000 servers across 60 countries. These servers are all "RAM-Only," which ensures you data is never stored. NordVPN is also known for its impressive speeds. While many VPNs slow your system to a crawl, NordVPN rarely causes speed-losses over 10%. The most extreme losses you're likely to experience occur in the East, where you might see a 25% loss on occasion, but in general you should get the types of speeds needed for torrenting and streaming.
In addition to its speeds, NordVPN offers several important features. The interface is available in several European and Asian languages, and is generally easy to navigate. The customer service is excellent, and there are numerous advanced features to help protect your device. For example, the Double-VPN mechanism makes it extremely difficult to track your real IP address. Access to The Onion Router (TOR) using "Onion Over VPN" hides your internet traffic. There's even a system that searches the internet for signs that your personal data has been leaked: the Dark-Web Monitor. In addition, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs outside the Five Eyes jurisdiction.
In addition to features included in the standard subscription, NordVPN has several add-ons you might enjoy. The NordPass password system allows you to generate very strong passwords using letters, numbers, and symbols. You can then store those passwords under a master password or biometric-entry, more effectively securing your personal data. There's also a business security mechanism called NordLayer, and a secure cloud called NordLocker.
NordVPN offers several subscription options, and basically the longer the subscription the cheaper the monthly cost. To be clear, that doesn't mean you'll be paying monthly. The annual subscription is paid in advance but amounts to a monthly savings. In addition, NordVPN gives you 3 months for free with the annual or bi-annual subscription.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
Add-on options
#2PureVPN
Pros
- Intuitive Apps
- Audited
- Excellent Linux GUI
- Security Add-Ons
- Large Server Fleet
Cons
- VPN Crashes Occasionally
- Speed Losses over 40%
PureVPN was founded in 2007, making it one of the veteran VPNs on the market. The company is based in the privacy friendly British Virgin Islands, and boasts one of the largest server fleets on the market. PureVPN has over 2200 servers just in North American, another 3000 in Europe, and around 1300 throughout the rest of the world—over 6500 servers in 80 countries. The servers in North America are lighting fast, but for some reason the VPN suffers when you connect to servers in Europe. Many of PureVPN's servers are "virtual servers," meaning they are digital subdivisions of an actual server, thereby allowing one server to act as several.
PureVPN prides itself on transparency, which is why they participate in an "always on" auditing program. The audits are conducted by KPMG, and "always on" means that KPMG can show up any time, unannounced, to audit PureVPN. In addition to its transparency, PureVPN offers a long list of features and tools. The PureKeep password manager allows users to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, credit-card info, and usernames under a single master password. You can even utilize your phone's biometric settings. There's also a file-encryption tool called PureEncrypt that allows you to protect personal data stored on your computer.
When signing up for a PureVPN subscription, you'll choose from three plans: Standard, Plus, and Max. If all you need is the VPN, the Standard plan is for you. It's comparatively inexpensive, especially when you sign up for the 2-year plan, which includes an additional 4 months at no extra charge. If you want the password manager and file encryption, you'll need to sign up for the Plus plan. If you want to add PurePrivacy, which prevents sites from tracking your activity and blocks ads, you'll have to sign up for the Max plan. Business owners should also take a look at PureDome, a VPN and cybersecurity solution for businesses.
Here's a helpful hint: Sometimes it pays to wait a minute or two before signing up. Why? Because after around 90 seconds, you might get a pop-up that you've "unlocked a special offer." It's usually a 3-year at a greater discount than those offered on the pricing page.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
Add-on options
#3PrivateVPN
Pros
- Intuitive Interface
- Great for Torrenting
- Competitive Pricing
- Free Version
Cons
- Speed Problems
- Not Enough Servers
PrivateVPN was founded in Sweden in 2009, and has since grown into a small-sized VPN service provider. The company only operates a few hundred servers, but offers the key features required of a VPN. Users have access to all the major protocols: OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), L2tp, IPsec, and WireGuard. According to their website, PrivateVPN considers OpenVPN "the most secure VPN protocol, offering the highest level and compatibility with a range of encryption ciphers," and claims it has "no known vulnerabilities." On the other hand, the website points out that WireGuard is "simple, secure, and efficient."
PrivateVPN offers apps for the most common operating systems, including iOS, Windows, and Android. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer much else. For example, there are no browser extensions, and while it is one of the VPNs with a Linux version, it doesn't have a GUI. They do have an app for Kodi, however, on which users can connect to 6 devices simultaneously. The Kodi app works exceptionally well, providing the kinds of speeds one needs to watch in 4K without buffering. Users also have the option of running PrivateVPN directly through their routers, though the configuration process is a bit tedious.
PrivateVPN offers 3 plans: a monthly plan that renews automatically, a 3-month plan, and a one-time 3-year plan that converts into an annual plan on the fourth year. The latter offers a significant discount, though after 3 years the price is the same as the tri-monthly plan. Users can connect to 10 devices (except on Kodi, which allows only 6), making it a good choice for larger families.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
#4CyberGhost
Pros
- Immense Server Fleet
- Locations in 90+ Countries
- Servers for Streaming
- Servers for Torrenting
- "Request a Server" Option
Cons
- Expensive Add-Ons
- Third-Party Optimizations
CyberGhost is one of the largest service providers in the VPN business, with nearly 10,000 servers in 90 countries. In addition to its current server fleet, users can request a server via the website. The VPN also has clients and apps for just about everything you can think of, so it's no surprise that over 38 million users have registered for CyberGhost. In addition, Deloitte has audited CyberGhost's server network and management systems. According to the report, Deloitte's audit of CyberGhost "was conducted in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised)."
Because its server fleet is so large, CyberGhost has divided the fleet into various categories. On their website, CyberGhost helps you select the right server based on your needs. Whether you're interested in Uninterrupted Streaming, Comprehensive Anonymity, or Fast, Secure Downloads, there's a server for you. To find the right server, go to the VPN Servers page and scroll down to the section labeled "We Have the Perfect Server for You." If you're still not sure which server best meets your needs, ask for help using the 24/7 customer service chat.
When you go to purchase CyberGhost, you'll find there are several attractive add-ons to consider. They offer the CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows, which is an antivirus and automated app updater, and CyberGhost is one of the only VPN service providers that offer static-IPs. Each of these features, as well as the VPN itself, is available as a monthly, semi-annual, or bi-annual subscription. According to the site, you save 78% when signing up for the bi-annual add-on plans. As for the VPN, you save around 83% when signing up for the bi-annual plan, which includes 2 months free.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
Add-on options
#5ProtonVPN
Pros
- Free Version
- Complete Security Suite
- Swiss Privacy Laws
- Secured Servers
Cons
- Torrenting Lags
- Often Blocked by Netflix
- Not Effective Against China's Firewall
ProtonVPN was created by the same team that created ProtonMail. This team of mathematicians and developers from CERN is devoted to personal privacy. Being in Switzerland helps, as there are few (if any) countries with stricter privacy laws, including express protections for digital privacy. The quality of the products and the laws supporting them help explain why so many people have flocked to Proton. The company claims to have over 100 million registered users across its various security tools. Those tools include the aforementioned ProtonMail, ProtonVPN, as well as Proton Calendar, which is a secured calendar system that several users can coordinate.
In addition, Proton offers a password management system called Proton Pass, which allows users to store their passwords on their mobile devices and computers. To access the passwords, you simply enter a master key or use the biometric access on your device. Proton Pass allows you to generate extremely strong passwords comprised of letters, numbers, and symbols. You can choose how many characters the password should be, and you can store the passwords under aliases, avoiding the need to enter your email or user name. If you have files that need to be secured, you'll enjoy Proton Drive, which allows you to encrypt your files and store them on a secured file.
Users in need of extra layers of security can make use of ProtonVPN's Secure Core servers. These are special servers that ProtonVPN's team stores at private compounds only accessible to its employees. ProtonVPN builds, delivers, and maintains the servers without any third-party access. The servers are connected to Proton's own registry, and your traffic moves through them, which greatly improves overall security. There are 100 Secure Core servers in the ProtonVPN fleet, and around 2500 standard servers. You can toggle between servers via the ProtonVPN GUI. ProtonVPN also has one of the very best VPN clients from Android televisions, in case you're interested in streaming or surfing on your television.
ProtonVPN's pricing is a bit confusing. There is a one set of prices on the VPN site, but a different set on the ProtonMail site. The best value for money comes from the 2-year Proton Unlimited, which gives you access to all the services and tools mentioned herein. There are also 1-year and monthly version of that plan. Similarly, if all you want is the VPN, the 2-year plan is offers the most savings: 57% compared to the monthly plan. On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a VPN for occasional use, consider ProtonVPN's free version.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
#6BitdefenderVPN
Pros
- Complete Security Suite
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Free Version
- Excellent Speeds
- Customizable Features
Cons
- Overpriced Monthly Subscription
- Not Ideal for Streaming
BitDefender is one of the top cybersecurity brands on the market today. Their antivirus is so popular that the free version comes pre-installed on many computers. The VPN is part of the Bitdefender Internet Security package, which also includes the antivirus, anti-phishing tool, data protection, and other features. If you're in the market for a free VPN and don't use the internet all the often, the free version of Bitdefender VPN might be enough for you. You'll only be also to use 200MB per day, however, so plan wisely. If you're a regular user you'll need the paid version, which has no data limits and allows you to connect to 10 devices at once.
BitDefender VPN has all the important features you'd expect from a VPN. The system easily unblocks the American Netflix library, as well as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. Unfortunately, it doesn't fair as well against other Netflix libraries, such as Japan or the UK. Bitdefender VPN manages to download material very quickly, rarely losing speed in the process, but its upload speeds are far from ideal, often losing 60% or 70%. This makes Bitdefender VPN an excellent choice for downloading torrents, but not for uploading (seeding) them. There are also far better VPNs for live streamers and online-content creators looking to upload material in real time.
Another excellent feature is the auto-connect, which is designed to recognize when your computer or mobile device is at risk, or when the data your sending is sensitive and in need of protection. You can customize the auto-connect, whitelisting certain URLs while requiring others to connect. Similarly, there is an automatic kill switch that shuts down your internet connection the moment the VPN disconnects, thereby preventing leaks.
In terms of pricing, Bitdefender VPN has a monthly option and an annual option. The annual subscription offers a discount of 57% compared to the monthly subscription, but users should also look at the Bitdefender Ultimate Security bundle, which includes the VPN, as well as a password manager, an identity-theft prevention tool, and the Bitdefender antivirus and cybersecurity software.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
#7ZoogVPN
Pros
- Free Version Available
- P2P Friendly
- Gaming Friendly
- Streaming Friendly
- Comparatively Inexpensive
Cons
- Small Server Fleet
- Weak on Features
ZoogVPN was founded in 2013, and is headquartered in Greece, placing it outside of any major governmental-spying conglomerate. The Greek government does tend to comply with data-retention orders from the EU, but it seems ZoogVPN's policies are to strict for such directives to matter. ZoogVPN isn't the largest VPN on the market, but it does the job well and at an attractive price. There's even a free version for those who only need the basics. In addition, the paid version allows for unlimited devices, which is an obvious money saver.
ZoogVPN's small server fleet is a source of concern, but on its blog ZoogVPN explains that they're focused on quality, rather than quantity. They insist the 70 locations they offer will suffice, due to the various dedicated servers and numerous IPs offered. The fleet includes dedicated peer-to-peer servers, making one of the best VPNs for torrenting. There are also gaming servers, streaming servers, and a few obfuscated servers, known as ZoogShadowing, in case you need to get past a major firewall. If you're planning a trip to China, Dubai, or Turkey, this is a VPN that can circumvent those countries' internet restrictions.
If you're looking to save money, consider ZoogVPN's free version. The free version grants you access to 5 server locations, and limits your data usage to 10GB per month. It also uses 128-bit encryption, rather than the 256-bit option available on the paid version. Nevertheless, if you're just doing a few tasks a day that should be enough. If you decide you want the paid version, you'll be happy to learn it's cheaper than just about any other VPN on the market. The best deal you'll get from ZoogVPN is their 2-year plan, which offers 80% savings compared to their monthly plan, including 3 months free. You'll also be allowed to connect to an unlimited number of devices, which is great for large families.
Specifications
Servers/Countries
Browser extensions
Leaks
VPN Subscriptions
NordVPN | AtlasVPN | PureVPN | PrivateVPN | CyberGhost | ProtonVPN | BitdefenderVPN | StrongVPN | ZoogVPN | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free Version | |||||||||
Trial period | 30 days | 30 days | 31 days | 30 days | 45 days | 30 days | — | 30 days | 7 days |
Servers/Countries | |||||||||
Number of servers | 5710 | 750 | 6500 | 200 | 9500 | 2992 | 1300 | 950 | 50 |
Number of countries | 60 | 38 | 78 | 63 | 90 | 68 | 30 | 30 | 25 |
Split Tunneling | |||||||||
Speed Loss | 25 | 5 | 5 | 45 | 40 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
Protocol | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | ChaCha20 | AES-256 | WireGuard | AES-256 |
Five Eyes Jurisdiction | |||||||||
Ad Blocker | |||||||||
KillSwitch | |||||||||
Malware protection | |||||||||
P2P Servers | Full | Full | Limited | — | Full | Limited | Limited | Full | — |
Streaming support | Full | Full | Full | — | Limited | Limited | Limited | — | |
Browser extensions | |||||||||
Chrome extension | |||||||||
Firefox extension | |||||||||
Edge extension | |||||||||
Router Client | |||||||||
Leaks | |||||||||
IP/DNS address | |||||||||
Keeps web logs | |||||||||
Live chat support | |||||||||
Public Auditing |
How to Find the Best VPN Discount Program
Finding the best discount on a VPN subscription can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, and it seems the offers change every few hours. To help you choose the program that best suits your needs, 9Ranks would like to provide a bit of guidance. These are the points you should consider before subscribing to a VPN:
Retention
Many companies have retention policies, especially those that rely on subscriptions. You might be surprised to learn that a simple phone call or email could be all you need to get a price reduction. Remember: Companies need your business more than you need their services. You can always find another VPN provider, but companies can't afford to alienate and lose customers. A tough-but-firm approach could same you money.
Price versus Scope
On the other hand, perhaps you've already decided to switch services and you're just looking for the least expensive option. In that case there are two points to consider: actual costs per month, and the number of devices allowed per subscription. There's a huge difference between a $5 monthly plan that lets you use 5 devices, and one that lets you use 15. To be sure, you can run your VPN through your router to cut costs, but if you and the other people using the VPN are on constantly on the go, that solution won't suffice.
Long-Term Plans
Are you prepared to make a long-term commitment? If you are, you should have no trouble finding a great discount. Generally speaking, the longer the commitment you make, the cheaper the monthly price. A few VPNs offer 3-year contracts, and some even offer 5-year contract. Most VPNs have a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a month is more than enough time to determine whether the VPN meets your needs.
Technical Requirements
Which operating system you use makes a huge difference, and so does the device. Not all VPNs are compatible with all devices, and certainly not to the same extent. For example, just about every VPN offers something for iOS, but the quality varies. When it comes to Linux, the quality varies even more. If you're planning to use a VPN on a mobile device, that is a consideration as well. You'll also need to make sure the VPN you're chosen has the protocols you need, such as WireGuard or OpenVPN, and the features you needs, such as a kill switch or a dedicated-IP.