· Marvin Adams · Tech · 3 min read
How to Save Money on a VPN Subscription in the UK
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for online security, privacy, and accessing geo-restricted content. However, VPN subscriptions can be costly if you don’t choose wisely. If you’re looking to save money on a VPN subscription in the UK, here are some top strategies to cut costs while ensuring you get a reliable service.
1. Choose a Long-Term Subscription Plan
Most VPN providers offer significant discounts if you subscribe for a longer duration.
Cost Comparison:
- Monthly Plan: Typically costs £8-£12 per month.
- 1-Year Plan: Around £50-£70, saving over 40% compared to monthly billing.
- 2 or 3-Year Plan: Can be as low as £2-£3 per month, saving up to 80%.
Best VPNs Offering Long-Term Savings:
- NordVPN – Big discounts on 2-year plans.
- Surfshark – One of the most affordable multi-year options.
- CyberGhost – Frequently offers 3-year deals.
2. Look for Promotional Deals and Discounts
VPN services often run special promotions during major sales events.
When to Look for Deals:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday – The biggest discounts of the year.
- Boxing Day & New Year Sales – Great time to secure a deal.
- Back to School & Summer Sales – Some providers offer discounts at different times of the year.
Check official VPN websites or deal sites like HotUKDeals for promo codes.
3. Use Cashback Websites
Many VPN providers are listed on cashback sites, allowing you to get money back on your subscription.
Best UK Cashback Websites:
- TopCashback – Offers cashback on VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- Quidco – Frequently has cashback deals on major VPN brands.
Example Savings:
- If a 2-year VPN plan costs £50 and TopCashback offers 20% cashback, you get £10 back, reducing the actual cost to £40.
4. Share a Subscription with Friends or Family
Some VPNs allow multiple device connections, meaning you can split the cost with others.
VPNs That Allow Multiple Devices:
- Surfshark – Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- NordVPN – Up to 6 devices per account.
- ExpressVPN – Up to 5 devices.
Example Savings:
- If a £60 annual plan allows 6 connections, splitting with 5 others makes it just £10 per person per year.
5. Consider Bundled Offers
Some broadband, mobile, or security companies bundle VPNs with their services.
Where to Find VPN Bundles:
- EE & Vodafone – Sometimes offer free or discounted VPNs with mobile plans.
- Norton & McAfee Security Suites – Some antivirus packages include VPNs.
- Cloud Storage Services – Providers like ProtonVPN bundle VPNs with email or cloud storage.
6. Take Advantage of Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees
Many VPN services offer free trials or 30-45 day money-back guarantees, so you can test before committing.
VPNs Offering Free Trials:
- ProtonVPN – Completely free basic plan.
- Windscribe – Free limited-data plan.
- NordVPN & ExpressVPN – 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. Look for Student or Loyalty Discounts
Some VPN services offer student discounts or loyalty renewal discounts.
Where to Find Them:
- Student Beans & UNiDAYS – Occasionally have VPN discounts.
- Loyalty Renewals – Contact customer support for renewal discounts.
8. Avoid Overpaying for Features You Don’t Need
Not all VPN users need advanced security features. Some cheaper VPNs still provide solid performance at a lower price.
Affordable VPNs with Good Performance:
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – Low-cost with strong encryption.
- Windscribe – Free & budget-friendly paid plans.
- Atlas VPN – Offers a budget-friendly premium version.
Conclusion
Saving money on a VPN subscription in the UK is easy when you take advantage of long-term plans, cashback offers, promo deals, and sharing options. By choosing the right VPN at the best price, you can stay secure online without overspending.
