Top 5 Cheapest VPNs for Canada in 2024

No need to fork over serious cash for quality software in the modern era. There are plenty of providers who make it their mission to provide the goods at a reasonable price – which also applies to VPNs. 

Naturally, filtering out quality in the sea of services that suffer from crippling issues like low speeds and subpar security isn’t easy. Visit any provider’s website and you’ll likely see the claim that what they offer is special. Nine times out of ten, this is just empty marketing.

How about we save you some time browsing around and making comparisons yourself?

Today, we’ll talk about the cheapest VPNs in Canada that don’t compromise on speed and security. Heck, some of them (cough cough NordVPN) are currently the best overall VPNs on the market. 

Any app on this list will help you save money while also protecting your privacy. Reading through this guide will also make you somewhat of an expert on the subject, as you’ll have all the info you need to find a VPN that fits your specific needs – be it streaming or general online security. 

In our eyes, to qualify for the title of cheapest VPN Canada, a provider must offer a subscription that comes in under $4/month. It’s not just the price, though – you need a full suite of security features. 

Cheapest VPNs for Canada	Monthly Price
1. NordVPN (74% off coupon)	$2.99
2. Surfshark	$2.19
3. IPVanish	$3.99
4. Proton VPN	$4.49
5. VPN.ac	$3.75

Key Takeaways

• The top 5 budget-friendly VPNs for Canada all offer a fine balance of cost, security, speed, and overall usability. 
• Key criteria for an economical VPN include strong security, solid performance on Canadian servers, stable apps, and a positive track record.
• Despite their allure, free VPNs often come with limitations like restricted bandwidth and limited locations, and may even put your security in jeopardy. Thus, they’re best left alone. 
• Based on our tests, the best cheap VPN for Canada is NordVPN with the 74% off coupon.

For a general guide, check out our best VPNs for Canada overview.

How we ranked the cheapest VPNs in Canada

Properly ranking VPNs with a good price-to-quality ratio is more than just sorting them strictly based on dollar amount. We stuck to a limit of $4/month, but we also carefully evaluated the security and checked whether they were prone to DNS or IP address leaks. 

The provider also needs to be established and trustworthy, with an impeccable track record.

Performance was another one of our criteria. For an enjoyable experience, you should expect a reliable and fast connection regardless of network conditions. 

Lastly, the apps should be high-quality and all features should work as advertised.

Without further ado, here are the cheapest VPN Canada options you can rely on:

NordVPN – Best VPN service for Canada

Looking for a high-end VPN with top performance and security at a reasonable price tag? Look no further than NordVPN. While its presence on the list may lead you to believe there are sacrifices you need to expect in terms of quality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The company is based in Panama (a country with favorable privacy laws) with a strict no-logs policy that guarantees the provider isn’t keeping any data on your online activities. Not every provider that claims they keep a no-logs policy is truthful, so here’s a rundown of verified no-logs VPN services (NordVPN is one of them).

Plus, all servers run in RAM-disk mode, which means that data is wiped after you disconnect. So, you can use NordVPN without ever worrying that third parties will get their hands on your information. 

When it comes to server choice, you’ll be getting more options than you’ll likely ever need as NordVPN offers a network of 6300+ servers across 111 countries. Canucks rejoice – there are 480 Canada-based servers at your disposal. 

NordVPN features

The app is “graced” by a set of security features that drastically enhance your online safety, including:

• Double VPN servers: Internet traffic encryption through two different VPN servers.
• Obfuscated servers: Transform your VPN traffic into regular HTTPS encryption, thus hiding it from advanced censorship and blocking systems even in places like China.
• VPN Kill Switch: Ensures your real IP stays hidden if you’re suddenly disconnected from a VPN server.
• Threat Protection: Blocks ads, malware, and trackers, and keeps you safe from phishing websites. Want to find out which VPNs also provide ad blocking? Check out our article on the best VPN ad blockers.
• Onion-Over-VPN: Servers that provide an added layer of protection by routing your traffic through a NordVPN server and the Tor network, perfect for accessing the dark web.

See all NordVPN features here >
In other areas, NordVPN more than excels. For example, if you’re a streaming aficionado, this provider reliably unblocks the majority of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among others – which is why it’s #1 on our list of best VPNs for streaming too.

NordVPN supports all types of devices and operating systems. You can find apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, and various gaming systems. Regardless of the platform, you can expect a well-designed, intuitive UI that's super easy to navigate (even for beginners).

NordVPN speed test results

NordVPN is not only the fastest cheap VPN in Canada, it’s one of the fastest VPNs we ever tested – period. With its powerful NordLynx VPN protocol (NordVPN’s version of Wireguard protocol), it can deliver fast connections across its server network consistently – and that includes Canada.

We recently tested all three Canada locations in our NordVPN for Canada review (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal), and we got exceptional results on a 1,000 Mbps connection in our Pacific Northwest testing lab. Here’s just one:

Considering Toronto is miles away from our location (geographical proximity directly impacts connection quality), 626 Mbps is extraordinary – and at an affordable monthly price too.

If you're still unsure whether NordVPN is the right choice for you, feel free to test drive it by leveraging the 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also unlock a sweet deal if you use the coupon below during your purchase.

Go through our comprehensive NordVPN review to get a complete picture. 

Surfshark – Versatile VPN with robust features

Surfshark is not only a VPN with the ability to match the reign of NordVPN in terms of speed, but it’s also the cheapest VPN you can get in Canada, starting at just $2.19/month. Another reason why users gravitate toward Surfshark is its support for unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription – providing privacy to all devices in your household. 

When you pull the trigger on this provider, you can rest easy about your data as it also enforces a third-party-verified no-logs policy.

Surfshark features

This little VPN has plenty of advanced features hiding under the hood, such as:

• Camouflage mode (obfuscation): Hide your online traffic and overcome any pesky VPN blocks.
• Multi-hop VPN: Identical to a regular double VPN that routes your connections through an additional VPN server for extra protection.
• Static and Dedicated IP servers: Provides a fixed IP address protected by a VPN.
• Bypasser (split tunneling): Choose which apps are routed through the VPN and which ones go through a regular connection. 
• CleanWeb: Ad blocker that also eliminates trackers and malicious websites.
• Rotating IP: Provides a brand new IP address at set intervals with no interruptions to your connection.

See all Surfshark VPN features here >

Surfshark offers a large collection of apps for different devices and operating systems – similar to NordVPN. The design and UI are sleek and simple to navigate, so you’ll become fully accustomed to it after a few uses.

Surfshark speed test results

Speed-wise, Surfshark is second to NordVPN, which is impressive in itself when you consider the price of the package. In our Surfshark for Canada overview, we put the Windows app through its paces and walked away positively surprised:

Wireguard really delivers here, allowing Surfshark to hit an impressive 594 Mbps. 

Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can use the coupon below to knock down the price even further:

Our Surfshark review contains more information and has updated speed test results, so be sure to check it out if you’re en route to a subscription.

IPVanish – Reliable choice with an extensive server network 

It might not be as established as the other names on this list, but IPVanish packs a hell of a punch at a low price point. Apart from strong security, it’s also fast and has a broad server network of over 2,200+ servers in 75+ countries (50+ of those in Canada), so you’ll always be able to find a stable connection. 

IPVanish also implements a verified no-logs policy. This is enough to give you peace of mind and may offset the fact that IPVanish is a US company – a country that is generally aggressive on surveillance. 

IPVanish features

In terms of security, IPVanish provides a hefty little package:

• Obfuscated servers: By switching to the OpenVPN protocol, you’ll hide the fact you’re using a VPN.
• Unlimited connections: Like Surfshark, IPVanish allows you to protect multiple devices under a single subscription. 
• Threat Protection: Provides ad-blocking capabilities and removes trackers and malware.
• Rotating IP: Cycles your IP address at set time intervals. 

See all IPVanish features here >

As you’d expect by this point, IPVanish supports all devices and operating systems, including great router support. 

Speed test results

While normally not viewed as being in the same rank as NordVPN or Surfshark, IPVanish is capable of incredible connections. Here’s the best example: 

Granted, these 829 Mbps were logged in Seattle (our US lab is close to the server) so the result makes a lot of sense. That being said, connecting to a server in Canada tends to yield a slower connection. It’s also worth noting that even though it outperforms NordVPN in some tests, it’s much slower on average. 

Not sure if IPVanish is the right choice for you? The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee you can utilize to try out the app risk-free. 

Here’s an updated version of our full IPVanish VPN review you should check out.

Proton VPN – Secure VPN on a budget

Another underdog on the list, this Swiss-based provider offers plenty of features while still meeting the price criteria to be considered one of the cheapest VPNs for Canada. Proton VPN is often touted among the best VPN services on the market.

With a strict no-logs policy in place, fast connections, and over 116 Canada-based servers, this is a great choice if you’re looking to protect your identity without spending a lot of money. 

Proton VPN features

The security features Proton VPN brings to the table are in line with what other, more notable providers, are also offering:

• Secure Core (double VPN): Routes the connection through servers in two different countries for extra protection.
• Tor over VPN: Uses Tor servers as an extra tunnel to protect your privacy and allow you to access the Dark Web privately. 
• 3-State Kill Switch: Cuts your internet traffic when your VPN connection fails, with the option of enabling a permanent kill switch that stops your device from connecting to the internet without the VPN being engaged.
• DNS Leak Protection: Encrypts your DNS queries, redirecting them to a safe, fully private system. 
• NetShield: Ad blocker that also eliminates trackers and malware

See all Proton VPN features here >

Proton VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and also offers apps for all types of devices in existence. 

In regards to speed, the company more than delivers. Here’s a recent speed test we did on Proton’s Toronto server:

This is only marginally slower than Surfshark, which is a testament to just how good Proton VPN is. In fact, this is a better speed test than we had when we evaluated ExpressVPN as one of the potential options for Canadian users.

Try it out – you’ve got nothing to lose as you can always take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get the full overview in our dedicated Proton VPN review.

VPN.ac – Sturdy VPN with a decent punch

From the mysterious land of the vampires (aka. Romania), we have a cheap and capable VPN with strong security and serious performance. All servers are bare-metal (physical servers used only by the provider) and offer great connections. Though not as feature-packed as other entries on this list, when combined with a no-logs policy, VPN.ac is worthy of consideration for a good Canada VPN.

With the addition of self-hosted servers, apps for multiple platforms, and robust browser extension proxies, you’ll have everything you need to keep your browsing safe and private. 

VPN.ac features

Key features included with VPN.ac are:

• Kill Switch – When your connection to a server disconnects, the kill switch disconnects you from the internet to prevent data leaks. 
• Perfect Forward Secrecy – Changes encryption keys for each session, hiding your encryption keys from hackers.
• DNS Filtering – Effective ad and malware blocker.
• Split Tunneling – Choose apps that will be routed through the VPN connection and which ones will retain your normal IP. Take a look at the best VPNs with split tunneling.

See all VPN.ac features here >

Speed tests are a mixed bag, but you’ll achieve stable connections to Canada-based servers. 

VPN.ac is available on multiple platforms and supports up to 12 simultaneous connections, so you can easily ensure that each device is connected. The only downside is that this provider only offers a 7-day refund window, which may not be enough if you want to conduct a detailed trial run of sorts before sticking with the purchase.

Check out other technical details and speed tests in our comprehensive VPN.ac review.

Are cheap VPNs secure?

The short answer is yes. However, you should tread carefully when checking out unpopular cheap VPNs. 

Some like Betternet will sell your data, and some providers are known for collecting data based on their jurisdiction, which is the case with Riseup VPN.

Cheap VPNs (not the ones on this list) may also be prone to traffic leaks and come with broken features like unreliable kill switches or split tunneling. 

Others may not compromise on the quality of their features but may cut costs on customer support. 

Fortunately, all the solutions we talked about in this article offer professional 24/7 customer service and detailed knowledge bases you can use to troubleshoot common and serious issues. 

Free vs. paid VPNs

The situation is even worse with free VPNs. While saving $3 per month seems like a good idea, free VPNs are notorious for cutbacks like reduced connection speeds, few server locations, and bandwidth restrictions. This means you can’t use them for streaming, and there is a very real chance you won’t find quality Canadian servers. 

Nothing in life is truly free, and this applies to free VPNs. It costs a lot of money to operate a service, so the way these companies recoup their costs is by selling your private data. 

In contrast, paid VPNs come with better privacy protections, no bandwidth limits, and perks like 24/7 customer support. 

Tips for VPN shopping on a budget

The economy is above the recession threshold and inflation is on its way down, but costs are still going up. This is why it’s not so surprising to see loads of price-conscious shoppers in Canada looking for affordable VPNs – which are also getting more expensive. 

When making your choice, go for a solution with a 30-day refund window as it allows you to back out of the deal at any moment in the timeframe. This means you can try out different providers until you find the right one.

Similarly, it’s worth exploring free trial VPNs where you can test out the app within the trial window. 

Lastly, in most cases, bundling services will help you save money. For instance, why buy only NordVPN when you can add NordLocker and NordPass to your subscription at a fraction of their original cost? 

Summary – Secure your identity without busting the bank

With this selection of the cheapest VPN Canada options, you’ll have an easier time choosing the right provider, thus opening yourself up to an enhanced online experience and access to geo-restricted content. According to our tests, each of these VPNs brings something special into the mix, and it’s on you to match them to your unique needs. 

While the beauty of the VPN is in the eye of the beholder, NordVPN came out as a winner. Despite not being the most affordable on the list, it provides an extraordinary level of excellence in each field, from its incredible speed to unmatched security standards – so you should definitely spare that dollar.

See the latest NordVPN deals here: https://nordvpn.com/special-offers

Other Canada VPN guides:

• Best VPN for Canada
• NordVPN for Canada
• Surfshark for Canada
• ExpressVPN for Canada
• Proton VPN for Canada
• How to get a Canadian IP Address
• Best VPNs for Toronto
• Best VPNs for Vancouver
• Best VPNs for Montreal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable VPN for Canada?

When considering only the price of the subscription, Surfshark is the most affordable full-featured VPN, costing just $2.19. However, in terms of features and performance NordVPN is worth the extra dollar as it’s the most reliable solution for Canada (and then some).

Can I use a free VPN to get a Canadian IP address?

Although you may be able to find a server in Canada and get a brand new IP address, free VPNs come with limitations and security risks that make the overall experience not only poor but dangerous. 

What is a no-logs policy in VPNs?

A no-logs policy means that the VPN provider isn’t keeping any record of your browsing activities, ensuring total anonymity. 

How does a kill switch protect my data?

A kill switch protects you from data leaks by automatically disconnecting you from the internet in case the VPN connection drops. This stops any unprotected data from being exposed, which is why it’s an essential VPN feature you should look for. 

Are paid VPNs better than free VPNs?

Absolutely! Paid VPNs blow free options out of the water in regards to performance, customer support, and most importantly, privacy.

This guide on the cheapest VPNs for Canada was last updated on August 18, 2024.