A virtual private network (VPN) has become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. By encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through remote servers, a VPN allows you to browse the web anonymously, access restricted content, and prevent your online activities from being tracked.
Many VPN services require users to purchase monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription plans. But some providers offer lifetime VPN subscriptions – a one-time payment that gives you unlimited access to the VPN service forever.
Lifetime VPN plans seem enticing, especially for privacy-focused users who want to lock in long-term protection. But are these plans really a good value? Do they come with any downsides or risks?
This comprehensive guide examines the key pros and cons of lifetime VPN subscriptions. It also recommends top-rated providers that offer lifetime plans, as well as alternatives for securing your privacy online.
Pros of Lifetime VPN Subscriptions
Lifetime VPN subscriptions come with some attractive benefits that make them an appealing choice for certain users.
Good Value
The main advantage of a lifetime VPN subscription is the potential long-term value. Instead of paying a recurring subscription fee, you pay one upfront cost for unlimited access to the VPN. This can add up to significant savings compared to monthly or even annual plans.
For example, a lifetime subscription may cost $100 to $300 upfront. If you were subscribing to the same VPN on a monthly basis at $10 per month, you would end up paying $120 to $360 per year – meaning the lifetime deal pays for itself in around one to three years.
If you plan to use a VPN for many years to come, the lifetime subscription results in better overall value for your money by locking in the service at a fixed, one-time price.
Initial Profit
From the VPN provider’s perspective, lifetime deals allow them to collect a large, upfront payment from customers. This provides an influx of capital that can be invested into improving their service, infrastructure, and security.
The provider also benefits by locking in customers for the long haul. Even if they start losing money on the deal down the road as costs rise, they already collected a healthy profit upfront from the lifetime subscription.
This model incentivizes providers to offer lifetime subscriptions as a way to quickly scale up their user base and fund investments for growth.
Cons of Lifetime VPN Subscriptions
However, lifetime VPN subscriptions also come with some significant downsides and risks to be aware of.
Risk of Policy Changes
One of the biggest risks is that the VPN provider could change their policies down the road in ways that negatively impact your service. For example, they may:
- Implement bandwidth caps or speed throttling that degrade performance
- Start logging user activity or sharing data with third parties
- Remove server locations or restrict access to certain sites or services
- Stop supporting certain platforms or devices
Since you already paid for the lifetime subscription, you have little leverage or recourse if the VPN makes unfriendly policy shifts like these. You simply have to accept the changes or stop using the service.
Potential Acquisition or Shutdown
It’s also possible the VPN company could go out of business, get acquired by another company, or suddenly shut down. This would abruptly end your lifetime subscription.
Keep in mind that most lifetime deals do not come with any guarantee or warranty. If the service shuts down, you are not entitled to a refund.
This is a particular risk with new or small VPN providers who offer lifetime plans as a tactic to rapidly expand their user base. The business may not be sustainable in the long run.
Limited Availability
Because of the financial risks and uncertainty, many reputable VPN providers do not offer lifetime subscription options.
Industry leaders like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and others only offer monthly, 6-month, and 1-year plans. They avoid lifetime deals to reduce the risk of long-term losses.
This means lifetime subscriptions are usually limited to less established brands, making it harder to find a trustworthy provider that offers this kind of long-term plan.
Top Lifetime VPN Subscription Providers
If you decide the benefits outweigh the risks, here are two highly rated VPN services that offer lifetime subscription options:
1. PureVPN
- Cost: $89.99 one-time payment
- Servers: 6,500+ worldwide
- Maximum devices: 10 simultaneous connections
PureVPN consistently ranks as one of the top VPN providers that offers a lifetime plan. They have a large server network that delivers fast speeds for streaming, browsing, and torrenting.
The $89.99 lifetime subscription provides unlimited access on up to 10 devices. You can connect on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux operating systems.
The company has been in business since 2007, giving them a long track record of reliable service. And their 31-day money back guarantee allows you to obtain a full refund if you aren’t satisfied.
2. VPN Unlimited
- Cost: $69.99 one-time payment
- Servers: 3,000+ worldwide
- Maximum devices: 5 simultaneous connections
VPN Unlimited offers lifetime subscriptions for just $69.99, making it one of the most affordable long-term VPN options.
They have an international network of over 3,000 servers spread across 80+ locations. This allows you to unlock geo-restricted content andsurf the web anonymously from anywhere.
The service supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, KeepSolid Wise protocols, and includes useful extras like a browser extension and Smart DNS service. VPN Unlimited has over 10 million users, making it one of the most popular lifetime VPN choices.
Alternatives to Lifetime VPN Subscriptions
If you are wary of the risks that come with lifetime VPN plans, here are a few alternative options for protecting your privacy over the long run:
Long-Term Plans
Rather than a lifetime deal, consider signing up for the longest subscription plan your VPN provider offers.
For example, many top services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and TunnelBear now offer 1-year or even 2- or 3-year plans.
While not as long as a lifetime, locking in a 12, 24, or 36 month subscription offers security and value. It protects you from price increases over the subscription period.
Pay with Cryptocurrency
Paying with anonymous cryptocurrency like Bitcoin can enhance your privacy protection. Avoiding credit cards and online payments removes financial ties to your real identity.
Many VPNs such as Ivacy and OVPN accept various crypto coins as payment. Look for providers that offer discounts for crypto payments.
Use Multiple Providers
Sign up with two or more reputable VPN services, and alternate between them every few months. This reduces your risk if one provider changes policies or goes out of business.
Having multiple VPN subscriptions also allows you to take advantage of promotions and test new services. Competition will encourage providers to maintain quality and security.
Focus on Quality over Lifetime Plans
Rather than fixating on lifetime deals, zero in on premium VPN services with a reputation for security, speeds, and reliability. Providers like ProtonVPN, Private Internet Access, and Mullvad offer top-notch privacy protection.
Avoid unproven brands that rely on lifetime subscriptions as a marketing gimmick. Seek out established VPNs who invest in their technology, infrastructure, and policies. Then take advantage of their longest-term subscription deals.
In Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Lifetime VPN subscriptions provide obvious appeal by allowing you to pay once and access the service forever. But long-term sustainability and service changes remain significant risks.
It is important to carefully assess reputable providers who offer lifetime plans, and read their policies closely to understand any limitations. Avoid less proven brands who appear to rely heavily on lifetime deals.
While lifetime VPN subscriptions can offer good value for the right user, they are still a gamble compared to long-term plans from established brands. Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to virtual private network protection.