Engadget has evaluated and assessed consumer technology products since 2004. Some articles contain affiliate links, and purchases made via those links may generate a commission for us. Learn more about our product assessment process.

The Winter Olympics continue to deliver excitement, with four more days remaining. This presents an ideal opportunity to acquire a virtual private network (VPN) service for accessing international broadcasts of the events, while also enhancing online security. Using a VPN for all internet connections masks your online actions from your internet service provider and potential data buyers, enabling seamless global streaming of sports and television content.

Experts advocate for VPN adoption, yet selecting the right one requires diligence. Opting for the initial promotion encountered could result in an inferior application. Additionally, costs might exceed expectations, as even reputable providers occasionally present pricing in confusing formats, with promoted offers not always readily accessible.

Despite these challenges, substantial offers persist. Several leading VPN providers, such as our preferred option Proton VPN, provide reductions of 70% to 87% on yearly plans. Although most Valentine's Day promotions have concluded, numerous savings opportunities remain available.

This Switzerland-based service stands as Engadget's current favorite VPN, as detailed in a comprehensive Proton VPN analysis. It delivers a smooth and intuitive experience across various devices, ideal for homes with multiple users. It maintains high browsing velocities and minimal delays, even across extensive distances. For privacy-focused individuals, Proton VPN uniquely employs full-disk encryption, ensuring all traffic remains concealed from the provider.

ExpressVPN Basic — $68.40 for a two-year plan plus four extra months (81% discount): Ranked among the top VPNs, particularly for beginners, due to its user-friendly applications and site across all operating systems. Testing in an ExpressVPN evaluation revealed a speed reduction of under 7% and virtual location shifts succeeding 14 times out of 15. Overall, it excels comprehensively, though typically higher-priced, making this 81% off deal for 28 months particularly appealing. Renewal occurs at $99.95 annually.

ExpressVPN Advanced — $88.00 for a two-year plan plus four extra months (77% discount): The provider has introduced tiered pricing, yet long-term commitments yield comparable savings. Beyond premium VPN functionality, the advanced package includes two more concurrent connections (totaling 12), the ExpressVPN Keys password tool, enhanced blocking of ads and trackers, identity safeguards, and a 50% reduction on an AirCove router. As noted, it renews at $119.95 per year.

NordVPN Basic — $81.36 for a two-year plan (70% discount): NordVPN excels in core VPN essentials. It offers rapid performance, prevents data leaks, and reliably alters virtual positions. An NordVPN assessment highlighted swift connections and an accessible live support portal. It features innovative options, such as direct Tor server access. This promotion cuts 70% from the two-year rate, renewing at $139.08 yearly.

NordVPN Plus — $93.36 for a two-year plan (74% discount): A 74% reduction applies to the Plus tier. For a modest increase, users gain a robust blocker for ads, trackers, and malware in downloads, along with NordPass password management. The Plus option also incorporates a dark web scanner for personal data breaches. Renewal costs $179.88 per year.

Surfshark Starter — $53.73 for a two-year plan plus three extra months (87% discount): As Surfshark's entry-level offering, it encompasses the complete VPN suite, with Surfshark One add-ons being optional. Subscribers access cutting-edge capabilities, including automatic IP rotation to avoid detection and customizable entry/exit nodes for double encryption. Speed impacts remain negligible. This ongoing promotion saves 87% on 27 months of service.

Surfshark One — $61.83 for a two-year plan plus three extra months (87% discount): While a VPN provides strong protection, additional tools extend safeguards further. Surfshark One bundles antivirus scanning for devices and files, breach alerts for sensitive data exposure, plus search privacy and alternative identity tools from the base plan. This exceptional offer delivers 88% off these enhancements. Upgrading to Surfshark One+ adds Incogni data removal, but the price rise may not justify it.

CyberGhost — $56.94 for a two-year plan plus four extra months (84% discount): CyberGhost distinguishes itself with superior automation via its Smart Rules, allowing customized responses to Wi-Fi types or specific networks, such as auto-connection, disconnection, or prompts. Its dedicated streaming servers yield superior video clarity and reliable access bypassing. This deal offers 28 months at 79% below standard rates, renewing at $56.94 annually.

hide.me — $69.99 for a two-year plan plus four extra months (75% discount): Renowned as a top free VPN—outshining options like EventVPN and Proton VPN's gratis tier—hide.me impresses in its paid version too. The extended plan provides excellent value. It serves as a straightforward entry-level tool with robust apps and servers deserving higher fees. It commits to identical renewal terms for duration and cost.

Windscribe — $69 for a one-year plan (32% discount): Though less dramatic than other listings, Windscribe's baseline affordability amplifies this 32% cut from monthly rates. A recent in-depth Windscribe examination affirms the upgrade's merits from the free tier, granting unrestricted server access and eliminating data limits.

Private Internet Access — $79 for a three-year plan plus four extra months (83% discount): This secures 40 months of Private Internet Access (PIA) at under $2 monthly—83% off the standard rate. A one-year alternative costs $40 ($3.33 monthly). Despite the low cost, PIA packs features like custom DNS, ad blocking, and automation comparable to CyberGhost. Connection speeds may vary.

VPN providers routinely slash prices on extended plans throughout the year, with deeper cuts during holidays. Mullvad remains a rare exception, maintaining steady, value-driven pricing akin to a reliable staple. Amid perpetual promotions, discerning true value demands attention. Maximize savings by seeking seasonal offers, student rates, or exclusives, such as Proton VPN's special code for Engadget audiences.

A common tactic involves extending introductory periods with bonus months to lower effective costs. Such perks typically vanish upon renewal, which might also shorten plan lengths—for instance, reducing two-year renewals to one year. For long-term users, review renewal details to confirm post-initial pricing aligns with financial plans.

Track @EngadgetDeals on X for updates on technology bargains and purchase guidance.