Even though VPN bundle subscriptions have been around for a few years now, the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. A handful of the companies we’ve traditionally thought of as “VPN companies” are becoming much more than just VPN companies. They’re essentially rebranding as comprehensive cybersecurity solutions -- a one-stop shop to cover all of your online privacy and security needs.
But there’s an abundance of bundles, and it can sometimes be challenging to tell which ones offer the services you need at a good value for comprehensive cybersecurity protection. Ultimately, it comes down to your specific use and needs, as well as your budget.
I’ve spent a decade reviewing VPNs, specifically, and have dabbled in reviews of other cybersecurity services like password managers. Based on that cumulative experience, I’ve laid out the most notable VPN bundles available, along with recommendations for both bundles and a la carte options, with the help of some reviews from other CNET colleagues, particularly for antivirus services.
Breaking down the bundles
Each VPN provider that offers bundled services delivers a slightly different suite of tools. The providers of note here are Proton, Nord Security, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Here is what each offers and what each one charges for its basic VPN plan as well as bundled subscription options. (Note that ExpressVPN currently doesn’t offer a tiered pricing structure.)
Proton
Proton is for the privacy purist who wants comprehensive privacy and security protections from a trailblazer in privacy tool bundling.
VPN Plus: $10 per month, $48 for the first year (then $80 per year) or $72 for the first two years combined (then $80 per year)
VPN
Proton Unlimited: $13 per month, $120 per year or $192 for the first two years combined (then $120 per year)
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