Best VPN deals for students

You'd be forgiven for thinking a virtual private network (VPN) is only useful for the very technically-minded, but you should know that they can be of immense value for students.
By using one of the best VPNs, you can bypass internet restrictions on school or university networks, stay safe on public Wi-Fi in libraries, dorms, and cafes, and even stream geo-restricted shows and sports.
That said, choosing the right VPN for you isn’t just about comparing prices and going for the cheapest option. With the best VPN deals available right now, you can secure even premium services at surprisingly affordable rates.
Best VPN deals for students at a glance
- Surfshark: 3 months FREE | $1.99/mo
- NordVPN: 3 months FREE | from $3.09/mo
- PrivadoVPN: 2 years | $1.11/mo
- Proton VPN: Save 64% | $3.59/mo
- PIA: 2 months FREE | $2.19/mo
- Hide.me: 2 months FREE | $2.69/mo
- IPVanish: 83% off | $2.19/mo
- CyberGhost: 2 months FREE | $2.19/mo
- Norton VPN: EXCLUSIVE | $2.50/mo
- PureVPN: 3 months FREE | $2.14/mo
- Hotspot Shield: EXCLUSIVE | $2.99/mo
- ExpressVPN: 4 months FREE | $4.99/mo
Best VPN deals for students
Surfshark | 2 years + 3 months FREE | $1.99/mo
Save up to 87%: Surfshark is hands down the best value-for-money VPN you can get – discount or not. But this deal makes it even sweeter, offering a 15-month subscription for just $1.99 per month $1.99 per month ($53.73 overall plus tax).
You’ll get everything Surfshark has to offer like excellent speeds and streaming support, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can cover your entire friend group with a single plan. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out completely risk-free.
NordVPN Basic | 2 years + 3 months free | $3.09/mo
Save up to 73%: NordVPN has consistently claimed the #1 spot in our VPN rankings, delivering rock-solid service no matter which plan you choose. For students, the NordVPN Basic entry-level plan offers everything you need, from airtight privacy to class-leading unblocking.
The 2-year plan comes in at just $3.09 per month ($83.43 overall plus tax) and even includes 3 extra months free. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test the service risk-free before committing.
PrivadoVPN | 2 years + 3 months free | $1.11/mo
Save 90%: If you’re on a really tight budget but don’t want to compromise on speed, security, or unblocking, PrivadoVPN might be exactly what you’re looking for. Priced at just $1.11 per month ($30 total upfront), it’s the cheapest VPN deal available right now. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll have plenty of time to test it out risk-free.
Proton VPN | 2 years | $3.59/mo
Save 64%: Proton VPN stands out for its privacy-first approach, featuring Secure Core servers, open-source apps, and a suite of add-on services (like encrypted email and cloud storage) that make it a well-rounded package for students.
While it’s traditionally on the pricier side, this Tom’s Guide-exclusive deal lets you grab it for just $3.59 per month ($86.11 overall). And, of course, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access | 2 years + 2 months FREE | $2.19/mo
Save up to 82%: Private Internet Access is a budget-friendly VPN that delivers a ton of value for just about everyone, whether you’re a large group looking to cover multiple devices or a techie who wants to fine-tune their VPN setup.
Even better, you can grab the 2-year plan (with 2 extra months free) for just $2.19 per month ($56.94 overall). Plus, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free before committing.
Hide.me | 2 years + 2 months FREE | $2.69/mo
Save 76%: Hide.me is a great choice if you’re after a solid blend of fast connection speeds, strong streaming support, and plenty of customization features. While it does offer a handy free plan, the paid version – now available at a chunky discount for $2.69 per month ($69.95 overall), plus 3 free months – unlocks everything the VPN has to offer. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out completely risk-free.
IPVanish | FREE 3 GB eSIM | $3.29/mo
Save 78%: IPVanish comfortably sits in the upper echelon of fast and secure VPNs. It's also great for torrenting, with P2P support on every single server. And, just like Surfshark, one IPVanish subscription covers unlimited devices – all for just $2.19 per month ($52.57 upfront).
CyberGhost | 2 years + 2 months FREE | $2.19/mo
Save 83%: CyberGhost hits it out of the park when it comes to device compatibility – from Windows and Mac to even gaming consoles, it covers everything, making it perfect for student dorm rooms. On top of that, it offers one of the lowest rates in the industry: just $2.19 per month ($56.94 upfront for 26 months). You'll also have a whopping 45 days to try it out on your devices.
Norton VPN Standard | 1 year | $2.50/mo
Norton VPN might not be the first name that comes to mind in VPN discussions, but its revamped package now delivers solid security, fast speeds, and strong streaming support, all at a super-low price of $2.50 per month ($29.99 upfront for 12 months). Even better, it comes with a class-leading 45-day refund period, giving you plenty of time to test it out risk-free.
PureVPN | 2 years + 3 months FREE | $2.14/mo
PureVPN isn’t just easy on the wallet, but it also packs in a seriously impressive list of features, from plenty of simultaneous connections and an audited no-logs policy to a massive server network and support across a wide range of devices.
Interested? You can grab it now for just $2.14 per month ($51.35 upfront for 27 months), and it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can take it for a completely risk-free spin.
Hotspot Shield | 3 years | $2.99/mo
Save 76%: With its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol that’s built for better speeds and stronger obfuscation, Hotspot Shield is more than up to the task of delivering an anonymous and secure experience, even under strict school or university restrictions. Right now, it’s available for just $2.99 per month ($107.64 overall), and it also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can take your time and see if it’s the right fit for you.
ExpressVPN | 24 months + 4 months FREE | $4.99/mo
Save 64%: ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and reputable VPNs, thanks to its flawless privacy, fast speeds, seamless unblocking, and a solid lineup of cybersecurity extras. While its $4.99 per month ($139.72 overall for a 2-year plan) price tag isn’t the cheapest, its focus on simplicity makes it a top choice for VPN beginners. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out completely risk-free.
How to choose the right VPN deal as a student
When choosing a VPN, you might be tempted to just grab the cheapest deal, but there are several other factors to consider to make sure you get the most out of your purchase.
That’s not to say low-price VPNs aren’t up to the task. In fact, some like Surfshark, PIA, and IPVanish rank among the best in the business. Still, it’s worth sitting down to evaluate what features you’re getting versus the price.
For example, if you're in shared accommodation or living with friends, it may be smarter to prioritize VPNs with unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can share your subscription with your roommates.
Similarly, if your main goal is streaming, you’ll benefit more from a VPN with a large server network and reliable unblocking capabilities, letting you access geo-restricted movies, shows, sports events, and websites without a hitch.
Next, for those looking for more than just a VPN, spending a little extra on providers like NordVPN can deliver far greater value. That’s because it includes a wealth of additional cybersecurity tools, such as dark web monitoring, ad and tracker blocking, and even cyber insurance, which would cost significantly more if purchased individually.
And the best part? The VPN deals above will help you lower the cost of your favorite subscription, allowing you to squeeze out extra value for the money you pay.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Krishi is a VPN writer covering buying guides, how-to's, and other cybersecurity content here at Tom's Guide. His expertise lies in reviewing products and software, from VPNs, online browsers, and antivirus solutions to smartphones and laptops. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.
- Olivia PowellTech Software Commissioning Editor