Every VPN comparison site shows you the same thing: the lowest possible monthly price. "$1.99/month!" they scream. "Best deal ever!"
What they don't show you is what happens 24 months later when your "deal" expires and the real price kicks in.
We did the math so you don't have to. The results are shocking.
The Bait and Switch
Here's how the VPN pricing game works:
- The Hook: VPN companies advertise an impossibly low monthly price—but only if you commit to 2-3 years upfront.
- The Fine Print: That price is an "introductory offer." After your initial term, you renew at the "standard" rate.
- The Shock: The standard rate is 2-4x higher than what you originally paid.
Most people don't notice until they see the charge on their credit card. By then, you're either locked in or scrambling to cancel before the renewal hits.
The Real Numbers
We verified current pricing directly from each provider's website in December 2025. Here's what we found:
| VPN Provider | Advertised Price | Renewal Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN Basic | $2.99/mo | ~$8.29/mo | +177% |
| Surfshark Starter | $1.99/mo | $6.58/mo | +231% |
| ExpressVPN Basic | $3.49/mo | ~$8.33/mo | +139% |
| CyberGhost | $2.19/mo | ~$4.75/mo | +117% |
| PIA | $2.03/mo | ~$2.19/mo | +8% |
| Mullvad | €5.00/mo | €5.00/mo | 0% |
Why This Matters
A 231% price increase means Surfshark goes from $47.76/year to $78.96/year. Over 5 years, that's an extra $125+ you weren't expecting.
The 5-Year Reality Check
VPN subscriptions aren't one-time purchases—you'll likely keep one for years. So we calculated what each VPN actually costs over a 5-year period, including the renewal trap.
Surfshark
Advertised: $1.99/moPrivate Internet Access
Advertised: $2.03/moNordVPN Basic
Advertised: $2.99/moMullvad
Always: €5/moThe Rankings Flip
When you rank VPNs by advertised price vs. true 5-year cost, the order completely changes:
Ranked by Advertised Price
- 1. Surfshark $1.99/mo
- 2. PIA $2.03/mo
- 3. CyberGhost $2.19/mo
- 4. NordVPN $2.99/mo
- 5. ExpressVPN $3.49/mo
- 6. Mullvad $5.60/mo
Ranked by 5-Year True Cost
- 1. PIA $158
- 2. CyberGhost $228
- 3. Surfshark $291
- 4. Mullvad $336
- 5. NordVPN $379
- 6. ExpressVPN $398
Surfshark drops from #1 to #3. PIA, which looked slightly more expensive at first glance, is actually the cheapest option by a massive margin.
The Mullvad Exception
In a market full of pricing games, Mullvad stands out for doing the opposite: one price, forever.
Mullvad: €5/month since 2009
No introductory offers. No renewal surprises. No multi-year commitments required. They charge €5/month and have for 16 years straight.
For context: In 2009, the iPhone 3GS launched and Avatar was in theaters. Mullvad hasn't raised their price once.
Mullvad's pricing philosophy is simple: they believe discount games undermine trust. If a company is willing to charge you $79/year one day and $12/month the next, what does that say about the "value" of their service?
Why Do VPNs Do This?
The VPN market is brutally competitive. There are over 100 providers fighting for your attention, and most consumers shop purely on price. This creates a race to the bottom on advertised prices.
But VPN companies need to make money. So they:
- Hook you with a loss-leader intro rate — They may actually lose money on your first term.
- Bank on inertia — Most people don't cancel. They don't even notice the price hike until it hits their card.
- Make cancellation annoying — Ever tried canceling a VPN subscription? It's not always straightforward.
This isn't unique to VPNs—it's the same playbook used by cable companies, gyms, and subscription boxes. But in the VPN market, the gap between intro and renewal pricing is especially extreme.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Before You Subscribe
- ✓ Find the renewal price. Look for "renews at" or check the terms of service. It's usually buried.
- ✓ Calculate the 5-year cost. Multiply intro term + 3 years of renewals. Compare that number.
- ✓ Set a calendar reminder. Mark your renewal date and decide 2 weeks before if you want to continue.
- ✓ Turn off auto-renew immediately. Most VPNs let you disable auto-renew while keeping your subscription active.
🔄 At Renewal Time
- → Check for "win-back" offers. Cancel (or threaten to), and many VPNs will offer you a discount to stay.
- → Create a new account. Sometimes the intro offer is available again if you sign up with a different email.
- → Switch providers. There's no loyalty bonus in VPNs. If a competitor has a better intro offer, take it.
Our Recommendations
Based on true long-term cost and overall value:
Best Long-Term Value
No Pricing Games
Best Balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the renewal price increase?
Sometimes. Many VPNs offer "win-back" discounts if you cancel or contact support. You can also create a new account with a different email to get intro pricing again, though this may violate ToS. The safest bet is choosing a provider with fair renewal rates (PIA) or flat pricing (Mullvad).
Why don't comparison sites mention renewal prices?
Most comparison sites earn affiliate commissions. They're incentivized to promote VPNs with the most attractive-looking prices—which means intro rates. Showing the renewal reality would make their "best deals" look less appealing.
Is the intro pricing still a good deal?
It can be—if you're strategic. Take the 2-year intro deal, set a reminder before renewal, and either negotiate a discount or switch to another provider's intro offer. Just don't let auto-renew surprise you.
Why is Mullvad more expensive upfront but recommended?
Mullvad's €5/month ($5.60) looks expensive compared to "$1.99/month" intro rates. But over 5 years, Mullvad costs $336 total with zero surprises, while Surfshark's "$1.99" actually costs $291 with renewal shocks. For users who value transparency and hate pricing games, Mullvad's approach is worth the slight premium.
The Bottom Line
VPN pricing is designed to confuse you. The "$1.99/month" you see advertised becomes $6.58/month after your intro period—a 231% increase that most people don't expect.
Don't fall for the bait and switch. Calculate the true long-term cost before you subscribe, and you'll save hundreds of dollars over time.
Our advice: If long-term value matters most, go with PIA ($158/5 years). If you hate pricing games entirely, Mullvad's flat €5/month is refreshingly honest. And if you want the best features and don't mind paying more, NordVPN delivers—just know what you're signing up for at renewal.