If you’re on the search for one of the best VPNs, you’ll likely be looking to test it out by using one of the best VPN free trials – after all, it can be quite an investment, so making sure to try before you buy is an essential part of making the right choice.
If your VPN isn't living up to expectations, you don't have to stick with it. However, very few providers offer genuine free trials, and instead work on a money-back guarantee basis.
Almost every major provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a full month to test the service risk-free. If you decide it's not for you, getting your money back is quick and straightforward, as long as you cancel before the trial period ends.
What is a VPN money-back guarantee?
Whether you want to use a NordVPN money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN money-back guarantee, or one from any other major provider, the general concept is the same.
First of all, you need to choose your plan and pay. Then, once you’re set up, you have a certain period of time to test out the software, and if you don’t like it you can claim a refund.
Most providers (including ExpressVPN and NordVPN) offer a 30-day guarantee on every plan. So, while you’re getting the best deal on longer plans, it might be worth buying a month to minimize your initial outlay.
Be aware that some providers offer longer money-back guarantees, but shorter plans may come with less generous periods. For example, if you buy a year-long plan with CyberGhost, you’ll have a massive 45 days to claim your refund. Go for a one-month plan, though, and you’ll only have two weeks to make up your mind.
How to claim a VPN money-back guarantee
Here's how to claim a VPN money-back guarantee in just a few minutes.
First, sign in to your VPN account on the provider's website or app. Locate the billing or subscription section and look for an option to cancel or request a refund. Some VPNs let you do this directly online, while others ask you to contact customer support.
If you need to reach support, start a live chat because that's usually the fastest route. Mention that you'd like to cancel under the 30-day money-back guarantee. The agent might ask you why you're leaving or offer a discount, but you're under no obligation to accept.
Once the request is confirmed, your subscription will be cancelled immediately, and the refund should appear within a few business days, depending on your payment method.
Testing a VPN this way is a smart way to compare features and performance without committing long-term. Just remember to mark your calendar, as refunds typically only apply within the first 30 days.
How many times can you claim a VPN refund?
To avoid abuse of the system, almost all VPNs operate a one-time refund policy. So, for example, if you signed up to ExpressVPN six months ago, used the service for 25 days and then claimed a refund, you’d likely be refused a refund if you did the same thing today. If this worries you, it’s definitely worth checking any small print on the eligibility of the money-back guarantee.
However, if you claimed a refund from a provider a long time ago – we’re talking several years at least – we would expect the provider to be lenient and offer you a refund again. This is by no means a guarantee, though, so make sure to check the small print before committing if you’ve claimed before.
Can I use the VPN as much as I want and still get a refund?
In most cases, yes. Top providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark and Hotspot Shield impose no restrictions on how much you can use your VPN within the stipulated time period. It’s true that some providers used to state that you could only use a certain amount of data before your refund would become invalid, but now these guarantees are usually unlimited and fairly standard industry-wide.
Again though, you should always read any terms and conditions to ensure your provider is on the same page.
Which VPN do we recommend?
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
