VPN

Unlock Savings: Tips & Tricks on VPN services with discounts

Marco Blaze

Marco Blaze

— 10 min read
Unlock Savings: Tips & Tricks on VPN services with discounts

Unlock Savings: Tips & Tricks on VPN Services with Discounts

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, online privacy and security are paramount. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a crucial tool for safeguarding your data, accessing geo-restricted content, and maintaining anonymity online. However, the cost of a VPN subscription can sometimes be a deterrent. This article aims to equip you with valuable tips and tricks to unlock savings on VPN services while ensuring you still get the security and performance you need. We're not recruiters, sellers, or service providers; our goal is purely informational, helping you navigate the complex landscape of VPNs and find the best deals available.

1. Understanding Your VPN Needs: A Foundation for Smart Savings

Before diving into discounts, it's crucial to understand what you need from a VPN. This will prevent you from overspending on features you won't use or, conversely, underspending on a service that doesn't meet your security and performance requirements.

  • Purpose: What do you primarily need a VPN for? Is it for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, accessing streaming services in different regions, gaming, torrenting, or a combination of these? Identifying your primary use case will help narrow down your options.
  • Security Requirements: How important is top-tier security to you? Do you need features like a kill switch (which cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops), strong encryption (like AES-256), and protection against DNS leaks? If you're handling sensitive data, prioritizing these features is essential.
  • Server Locations: Where do you need server locations? If you're trying to access content from a specific country, ensure the VPN has servers in that region. A wider server network generally offers better performance and reliability.
  • Device Compatibility: Which devices do you need to protect? Ensure the VPN offers apps for your computers, smartphones, tablets, and even routers if you want to protect your entire home network. Also, consider the number of simultaneous connections allowed.
  • Bandwidth and Speed: If you plan on streaming or downloading large files, you'll need a VPN with fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Read reviews and look for speed test results to get an idea of real-world performance.

2. The Power of Long-Term Subscriptions: The Most Reliable Discount

One of the most effective ways to save on VPN services is to commit to a longer subscription period. Most VPN providers offer significant discounts for annual, biennial, or even triennial plans compared to monthly subscriptions.

  • Example: A VPN might charge $12.99 per month for a monthly subscription, but only $4.99 per month for a two-year plan. Over the course of two years, this translates to substantial savings.
  • Considerations: Before committing to a long-term plan, research the VPN provider thoroughly. Read reviews from reputable sources and make sure the service meets your needs. Also, check for a money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, you can usually get a refund within a specified period (typically 30 days).
  • How to Find These Deals: Visit the VPN provider's website and look for their pricing page. Compare the different subscription options and pay close attention to the "per month" cost, as this can be misleading if you only look at the total price. Many VPN providers also promote long-term subscription deals on their homepage or through email newsletters.

3. Leveraging VPN Coupon Codes and Promo Codes: A Treasure Hunt

Coupon codes and promo codes are another excellent way to unlock savings on VPN services. These codes can often be found online and applied during the checkout process to reduce the price of your subscription.

  • Where to Find Coupon Codes:
    • VPN Review Websites: Many VPN review websites partner with VPN providers to offer exclusive coupon codes to their readers. Check these websites regularly for the latest deals. (Examples: VPNMentor, TechRadar, PCMag)
    • Coupon Websites: General coupon websites like RetailMeNot, Groupon, and Honey often list coupon codes for VPN services.
    • VPN Provider Websites: Sometimes, VPN providers will display coupon codes directly on their website, especially during promotional periods.
    • Social Media: Follow VPN providers on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They often announce exclusive deals and coupon codes to their followers.
    • Email Newsletters: Subscribe to VPN provider email newsletters. They often send out exclusive deals and coupon codes to their subscribers.
  • How to Use Coupon Codes:
    • Find a valid coupon code that applies to the VPN service you want to purchase.
    • Go to the VPN provider's website and select the subscription plan you want to buy.
    • During the checkout process, look for a field labeled "Coupon Code," "Promo Code," or "Discount Code."
    • Enter the coupon code into the field and click "Apply."
    • The discount should be applied to your order total.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Expiration Dates: Coupon codes often have expiration dates. Make sure the code is still valid before trying to use it.
    • Terms and Conditions: Read the terms and conditions of the coupon code carefully. Some codes may only apply to specific subscription plans or for new customers only.
    • Legitimacy: Be wary of coupon codes from untrusted sources. Stick to reputable VPN review websites and coupon websites.

4. Black Friday and Cyber Monday VPN Deals: The Biggest Savings of the Year

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days of the year, and VPN providers often offer some of their best deals during this period. If you can wait until late November, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on a VPN subscription.

  • What to Expect: Expect to see discounts of up to 80% or more on VPN subscriptions during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many VPN providers also offer bundled deals that include additional features or services.
  • Preparation is Key:
    • Research VPN Providers in Advance: Don't wait until Black Friday to start researching VPN providers. Identify a few that meet your needs and compare their regular pricing and features. This will help you quickly recognize a good deal when you see one.
    • Subscribe to Email Newsletters: Subscribe to the email newsletters of the VPN providers you're interested in. They'll often announce their Black Friday deals to their subscribers first.
    • Bookmark Relevant Websites: Bookmark VPN review websites and coupon websites so you can quickly check them for the latest deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
    • Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on a VPN subscription. This will help you avoid overspending on impulse purchases.
  • Beware of Scams: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Stick to reputable VPN providers and avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources.

5. Referral Programs: Sharing the Savings

Many VPN providers offer referral programs that reward you for referring new customers. If you have friends or family members who are also interested in using a VPN, you can potentially earn discounts or even free subscriptions by referring them.

  • How Referral Programs Work:
    • Most VPN providers offer a unique referral link or code that you can share with your friends and family.
    • When someone signs up for a VPN subscription using your referral link or code, you and the new customer both receive a reward. The reward can be a discount on your subscription, a free month of service, or even a cash bonus.
  • Finding Referral Programs: Visit the VPN provider's website and look for a section labeled "Referral Program," "Invite Friends," or something similar. The terms and conditions of the referral program will be outlined on this page.
  • Maximizing Referral Rewards:
    • Share Your Referral Link Widely: Share your referral link with your friends and family through email, social media, and other channels.
    • Explain the Benefits of Using a VPN: Help your friends and family understand the benefits of using a VPN, such as increased online privacy and security.
    • Choose a VPN You Trust: Referral programs are most effective when you genuinely believe in the VPN service you're recommending.

6. Bundled Deals: Combining Services for Lower Costs

Some VPN providers offer bundled deals that combine their VPN service with other services, such as password managers, cloud storage, or antivirus software. These bundled deals can often be a more cost-effective way to get all the online security tools you need.

  • Benefits of Bundled Deals:
    • Cost Savings: Bundled deals typically offer a discount compared to purchasing each service separately.
    • Convenience: You can manage all your online security tools from a single provider.
    • Integration: The services in a bundled deal are often integrated with each other, providing a more seamless user experience.
  • Considerations:
    • Do You Need All the Services Included in the Bundle? Make sure you actually need all the services included in the bundle before purchasing it. If you only need a VPN, it might be cheaper to purchase it separately.
    • Quality of the Included Services: Research the quality of the other services included in the bundle. Just because they're included in a bundle doesn't mean they're high-quality.
    • Long-Term Cost: Consider the long-term cost of the bundle. Some bundles may offer a discounted price for the first year, but the price may increase in subsequent years.

7. Student Discounts: A Hidden Gem

If you're a student, you might be eligible for a student discount on VPN services. Some VPN providers offer exclusive discounts to students as a way to make their services more affordable.

  • How to Find Student Discounts:
    • Check the VPN provider's website for a section labeled "Student Discount" or "Education Discount."
    • Contact the VPN provider's customer support and ask if they offer student discounts.
    • Search online for "VPN student discount" to find websites that list student discounts for various VPN providers.
  • Verification: To verify your student status, you'll typically need to provide proof of enrollment, such as a student ID card or a transcript.

8. Free VPN Trials and Money-Back Guarantees: Testing the Waters

Before committing to a long-term VPN subscription, take advantage of free VPN trials and money-back guarantees to test the service and make sure it meets your needs.

  • Free VPN Trials:
    • Many VPN providers offer a free trial period, typically ranging from 7 to 30 days. This allows you to try out the VPN service without paying anything.
    • During the free trial period, you can test the VPN's speed, security features, server locations, and compatibility with your devices.
    • Important Note: Be sure to cancel your subscription before the free trial period ends if you don't want to be charged.
  • Money-Back Guarantees:
    • Most VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee, typically ranging from 30 to 45 days. This allows you to request a full refund if you're not satisfied with the VPN service within the specified period.
    • Money-back guarantees provide peace of mind and allow you to try out the VPN service risk-free.
    • Read the Fine Print: Before relying on a money-back guarantee, read the terms and conditions carefully. Some VPN providers may have restrictions on when and how you can request a refund.

9. Free VPNs: Proceed with Caution

While free VPNs might seem tempting, it's important to understand the potential risks involved. Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slow speeds, limited bandwidth, and a small number of server locations. More importantly, some free VPNs may collect your data and sell it to third parties, or even inject malware into your device.

  • Risks of Using Free VPNs:
    • Data Logging: Many free VPNs log your browsing activity and sell it to advertisers or other third parties. This defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy.
    • Malware: Some free VPNs contain malware that can infect your device and steal your personal information.
    • Limited Bandwidth and Speed: Free VPNs typically offer limited bandwidth and slow speeds, making them unsuitable for streaming or downloading large files.
    • Advertising: Free VPNs often display intrusive ads that can be annoying and distracting.
    • Lack of Security: Some free VPNs use weak encryption or have security vulnerabilities that can leave your data exposed.
  • When a Free VPN Might Be Acceptable:
    • Short-Term Use for Non-Sensitive Tasks: If you only need a VPN for a short period of time for non-sensitive tasks, such as browsing the web or checking email on public Wi-Fi, a free VPN might be acceptable.
    • As a Trial Before Upgrading: Some free VPNs offer a limited free version of their service that you can use as a trial before upgrading to a paid plan.
  • Reputable Free VPN Options (with caveats):Important: Even with reputable free VPNs, be aware of the limitations and potential privacy concerns. Always read the privacy policy carefully.
    • ProtonVPN (Free Plan): Offers unlimited bandwidth but limited server locations.
    • TunnelBear (Free Plan): Offers a limited amount of data each month.
    • Hide.me (Free Plan): Offers a limited amount of data and server locations.

10. Checking for Regional Price Differences: A Global Perspective

VPN providers sometimes offer different prices in different regions, based on factors such as local currency exchange rates and market competition. It might be possible to save money by purchasing a VPN subscription from a region where the price is lower.

  • How to Check for Regional Price Differences:
    • Use a VPN to Change Your IP Address: Connect to a VPN server in a different region and then visit the VPN provider's website. The price displayed should be in the local currency of the region you're connected to.
    • Compare Prices in Different Currencies: Use a currency converter to compare the prices in different currencies.
  • Considerations:
    • Payment Methods: Make sure you have a payment method that is accepted in the region you're trying to purchase from.
    • Terms and Conditions: Check the VPN provider's terms and conditions to see if there are any restrictions on purchasing from different regions.
    • Tax Implications: Be aware of any tax implications associated with purchasing goods or services from a foreign country.

11. Negotiating with the VPN Provider: The Art of the Deal

While not always successful, it's sometimes possible to negotiate a better price with a VPN provider, especially if you're a long-term customer or are considering switching from a competitor.

  • How to Negotiate:
    • Contact Customer Support: Contact the VPN provider's customer support and explain that you're considering switching to a competitor that offers a lower price. Ask if they can match or beat the competitor's price.
    • Mention Loyalty: If you've been a long-term customer, mention your loyalty and ask if they can offer you a discount.
    • Be Polite and Respectful: Be polite and respectful throughout the negotiation process. Customer support representatives are more likely to help you if you're friendly and understanding.
  • What to Offer:
    • Offer to Commit to a Longer Subscription: Offer to commit to a longer subscription period in exchange for a discount.
    • Offer to Refer New Customers: Offer to refer new customers to the VPN provider in exchange for a discount.

12. Following VPN News and Deals Websites: Staying Informed

Staying informed about the latest VPN news and deals is essential for finding the best savings opportunities. There are many websites and blogs that regularly publish articles and reviews about VPN services, as well as information about discounts and promotions.

  • Recommended Websites and Blogs:
    • VPNMentor: Offers comprehensive VPN reviews, comparisons, and deals.
    • TechRadar: Provides in-depth reviews and buying guides for VPN services.
    • PCMag: Offers expert reviews and ratings of VPNs.
    • Tom's Guide: Provides reviews and comparisons of VPNs, as well as tips on online privacy and security.
    • VPN Comparison Websites: Websites that allow you to compare VPN services side-by-side based on features, pricing, and other factors.
  • Set Up Alerts: Set up Google Alerts or other notification services to receive alerts when new articles or deals are published about VPN services.

Conclusion: Secure Savings and Secure Browsing

Finding a VPN that fits your needs and budget requires a bit of research and effort, but it's well worth it to protect your online privacy and security. By understanding your VPN needs, leveraging long-term subscriptions, using coupon codes, taking advantage of Black Friday deals, exploring referral programs, and staying informed about the latest VPN news and deals, you can unlock significant savings on VPN services without compromising on quality or security. Remember to always prioritize your security and privacy, and choose a VPN provider that you trust. Happy and secure browsing!

Read more