Best Cheap VPN: SafeShell Tops 2025 Rankings

Is it really possible to get premium VPN features without emptying your wallet in 2025? I've been asking myself this question for months, and after testing dozens of services, I'm ready to share what I've discovered about the best cheap VPN options available today.

The Affordable VPN Landscape in 2025

Let's face it - most of us want strong privacy protection and streaming capabilities without breaking the bank. The good news? The competition in the VPN market has driven prices down while quality has continued to improve. But not all budget VPNs deliver equal value.

I've spent countless hours testing connection speeds, streaming capabilities, and security features across numerous services to find the gems that offer premium features at budget prices.

Top 5 Cheap VPNs in 2025

After extensive testing, these are the VPNs that offer the best value for your money:

1. SafeShell VPN - Best overall for streaming and speed
2. Surfshark - Great all-rounder with unlimited connections
3. Proton VPN - Strong privacy focus with excellent free tier
4. Mullvad - Most transparent pricing with no email required
5. Windscribe - Best customizable pricing model

Let's dive deeper into why these made the cut.

SafeShell VPN: The Speed Champion

Price: $3.49/month (2-year plan)

SafeShell VPN has emerged as the dark horse in the VPN race, offering some of the most impressive speeds I've seen in my testing. What really sets it apart from other budget options is its specialized optimization for streaming services.

Key Features:

• ✅ Lightning-fast connection speeds (minimal speed loss in testing)
• ✅ Specialized servers for Netflix, Disney+, and sports streaming
• ✅ Support for up to 5 simultaneous connections
• ✅ Exclusive "App Mode" for accessing multiple regions simultaneously
• ✅ Proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol for enhanced security

When I tested SafeShell VPN with Netflix, I was genuinely surprised by how smoothly it handled 4K content. Most budget VPNs struggle with high-definition streaming, but SafeShell maintained impressive speeds even during peak hours.

The interface is clean and intuitive, making it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced features for power users. Their server network isn't as vast as some competitors, but they've strategically placed servers in key locations for optimal streaming performance.

Why It Stands Out:

What really impressed me was SafeShell's specialized streaming optimization. Many cheap VPNs can unblock streaming services, but they often suffer from buffering and quality issues. SafeShell's dedicated streaming infrastructure eliminates these problems, making it my top recommendation for streaming enthusiasts on a budget.

Surfshark: Unlimited Connections

Price: $2.19/month (2-year plan)

Surfshark continues to be an excellent value proposition in 2025, especially for households with multiple devices. Their unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you can protect every device in your home with a single subscription.

Key Features:

• ✅ Unlimited device connections
• ✅ CleanWeb technology (ad and malware blocking)
• ✅ MultiHop for extra security
• ✅ Servers in 100+ countries

Surfshark's speeds are good, though not quite as impressive as SafeShell in my testing. It dropped about 10-15% of my base speed when connected to nearby servers, which is still perfectly acceptable for most uses.

Proton VPN: Privacy Pioneer

Price: $4.99/month (2-year plan)

Proton VPN stands out for its strong privacy credentials and excellent free tier. Based in Switzerland with a transparent privacy policy, it's ideal for users who prioritize security.

Key Features:

• ✅ Excellent free tier with no data limits
• ✅ Strong privacy focus with independent audits
• ✅ Split tunneling and secure core servers
• ✅ NetShield ad-blocker

The free version is surprisingly capable, though limited to three countries and one connection. The paid tiers unlock the full server network and additional features.

Mullvad: Transparent Privacy

Price: €5/month (flat rate)

Mullvad takes a unique approach with a simple, flat pricing model and anonymous account system. There's no long-term subscription discount, but the standard price is reasonable.

Key Features:

• ✅ No email required (uses account number system)
• ✅ Accepts cash payments for complete anonymity
• ✅ Open-source apps with regular audits
• ✅ WireGuard protocol for speed

I appreciate Mullvad's transparency and commitment to privacy, though their server network is smaller than some competitors.

Windscribe: Build-Your-Own VPN

Price: $1/month per location (Build A Plan)

Windscribe offers the most flexible pricing model, allowing you to pay just for the locations you need at $1 per location per month.

Key Features:

• ✅ Build A Plan pricing (pay for what you need)
• ✅ Generous 10GB free tier
• ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. ad and malware blocking
• ✅ Unlimited simultaneous connections

This is an excellent option if you only need servers in a few specific countries.

SafeShell VPN vs. The Competition: Performance Comparison

I ran extensive speed tests across multiple locations to compare how these budget VPNs perform in real-world conditions:

SafeShell VPN consistently outperformed the competition in my streaming tests, with minimal buffering even during peak usage hours. This makes it particularly valuable for anyone who primarily uses a VPN for accessing geo-restricted content.

How to Choose the Best Cheap VPN

When evaluating budget VPNs, consider these factors:

1. True Cost - Look beyond the advertised price. Check renewal rates and refund policies.
2. Speed Performance - Cheaper VPNs often compromise on speed. Look for those using modern protocols like WireGuard.
3. Server Network - More servers generally means better performance due to lower congestion.
4. Privacy Policy - Verify the logging policy and jurisdiction.
5. Device Limits - Check how many simultaneous connections are allowed.

Setting Up SafeShell VPN (Quick Guide)

If you decide to try SafeShell VPN , here's how to get started:

1. Visit the SafeShell VPN website and subscribe to a plan
2. Download the appropriate app for your device
3. Install and launch the application
4. Log in using your credentials
5. Select either Standard mode or App mode (App mode is recommended for streaming)
6. Choose your server location
7. Click "Connect"

Once connected, you can enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite streaming content with minimal speed loss.

Are Free VPNs Worth Considering?

While there are some decent free VPNs (Proton VPN's free tier stands out), most come with significant limitations:

• Data caps (typically 500MB-10GB per month)
• Slower speeds
• Fewer server locations
• Limited streaming capabilities
• Potential privacy concerns

For occasional use, a free VPN might suffice, but for regular streaming or security needs, a budget paid option offers substantially better value.

Final Thoughts: Is a Cheap VPN Worth It in 2025?

After months of testing, I can confidently say that you don't need to spend a fortune to get excellent VPN performance in 2025. The best cheap VPNs now offer features that were once exclusive to premium services.

SafeShell VPN stands out as my top recommendation for users who prioritize streaming performance and speed, while Surfshark remains an excellent choice for households with many devices. Proton VPN offers the best free option, Mullvad the most transparent privacy, and Windscribe the most flexible pricing.

But here's something to consider: what does "cheap" really mean when it comes to digital privacy? Is saving a dollar or two per month worth compromising on security or performance? I'd argue that the sweet spot isn't necessarily the absolute cheapest option, but rather the service that offers the best value for your specific needs.