If you only need a VPN now and then, Proton VPN's free plan costs nothing on one device with no data cap. For a paid replacement, Mullvad charges a flat $5.56 a month (billed as €5) with no renewal jump, and Private Internet Access matches Surfshark's unlimited devices with a renewal of $73.71 every 3 years. Compare the renewal price, not the intro price, because that is what you pay after the first term.
Surfshark is one of the cheapest well-known VPNs to start, at $2.49 a month on its 2-year plan as listed October 12, 2026. The catch is the renewal: Starter renews at $79 a year, and higher plans at $99 to $119, according to Surfshark's pricing terms.
This guide is for people who want a VPN that keeps costs predictable, works with the sites they use, or has a longer refund window. Note that NordVPN is owned by the same group as Surfshark, Nord Security, since a 2022 merger.
Below you will find six alternatives, a renewal cost table, why people leave Surfshark, and the steps to cancel.
Why people look for Surfshark alternatives
Surfshark’s customer reviews are mostly positive (4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot), but the complaints repeat the same themes:
- Renewal charges. The first term is cheap, then Starter renews at $79 a year and One+ at $119. Two California class actions have accused Surfshark of not making renewals clear. Look at: Mullvad (flat price) or CyberGhost ($56.94 a year).
- Streaming sites that block the VPN. No VPN can promise every service works. Look at: a plan with a long refund window, such as CyberGhost’s 45 days, so you can test.
- App problems on some devices. Test your own devices inside the refund window.
- Hard to reach a person about billing. Keep every confirmation email when you cancel or ask for a refund.
If the issue is the company itself, note that NordVPN belongs to the same group, Nord Security.
Free and low-cost options
Proton VPN Free costs nothing, has no data limit and no ads, and covers one device. You cannot pick the server country, and speeds are medium, so it suits occasional use on public Wi-Fi.
Also check whether you need a VPN at all. The FTC notes that a VPN shifts trust from your internet provider to the VPN company, so read its privacy policy.
What Surfshark alternatives cost after the first term
| VPN |
First term |
Renewal |
| Surfshark Starter |
$67.23 for 27 months |
$79 a year |
| Proton VPN Plus |
$83.76 for 24 months |
$83.88 a year |
| Mullvad |
$5.56 (€5) |
Same |
| Private Internet Access |
$1.89 a month for 39 months, paid up front (promotion as listed October 13, 2026; $2.03 earlier in October) |
$73.71 every 3 years |
| CyberGhost |
$56.94 for 26 months |
$56.94 a year |
| ExpressVPN Basic |
$83.72 for 28 months |
$99.95 a year |
| NordVPN Basic |
$94.23 for 27 months |
$139.08 a year |
Prices as listed October 2026, before tax. Promotions change often, so confirm the renewal line at checkout.
How to choose a replacement VPN
- Price the renewal. Add the first term to at least one renewal to see the real cost.
- Count your devices. Surfshark has no cap. Only Private Internet Access matches that among our picks.
- Test inside the refund window. Try your streaming apps, banking sites and games before the deadline.
- Check who owns it. Surfshark and NordVPN share a parent group.
- Set a reminder. Turn off auto-renew right after you buy if you are not sure you will stay.
How to cancel Surfshark
- Sign in to your Surfshark account and turn off automatic payments for your subscription, or email [email protected].
- If you are within 30 days of your first purchase, ask for a refund through your account or support. Renewals, gift card and prepaid card payments are not refundable.
- If you bought through Apple’s App Store or another reseller, cancel and request any refund through that seller.
- If you are on the 7-day free trial, cancel before it ends or it becomes a paid plan.
Steps per Surfshark’s Terms of Service, updated July 13, 2026.
Terms to know
- Renewal price
- What a VPN charges automatically when the first discounted term ends.
- Money-back guarantee
- A window after purchase in which you can ask for a full refund.
- No-logs policy
- A company's promise not to keep records of the sites you visit while connected.
- Simultaneous connections
- The number of devices that can use one account at the same time.
- Audit
- An outside firm's review of whether a VPN's systems match its privacy claims.
