The VPN niche is highly profitable and competitive.
It’s currently worth $44.6 billion and has vast growth potential, with the market expected to pass $77 billion by 2026.
But that’s not the only reason we love VPN affiliate programs. Here are three more:
- VPN prices are low, which makes the products easier to promote. That means more sales.
- Commission rates are comparatively high. That means more money per sale.
- Many programs offer recurring commissions, and top-performing affiliate marketers can sometimes negotiate their own commission rates.
However, not all VPN affiliate programs are created equal. Some products just aren’t up to scratch. Some offer poor customer support. Others just don’t convert well.
To give you the best chance of VPN affiliate marketing success, we’ve asked the experts and analyzed search trends to put together a comprehensive list of the 13 best affiliate programs in the VPN niche.
VPN Affiliate Programs
- ExpressVPN affiliate program
- NordVPN affiliate program
- Surfshark affiliate program
- IPVanish affiliate program
- CyberGhost affiliate program
- Private Internet Access affiliate program
- ProtonVPN affiliate program
- PrivateVPN affiliate program
- PureVPN affiliate program
- Hotspot Shield affiliate program
- Ivacy VPN affiliate program
- TunnelBear affiliate program
- VyprVPN affiliate program
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1 ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services among affiliates. In our research, ExpressVPN was the most commonly #1 ranked VPN provider among big news sites. 96% of all the VPN sites we analyzed recommended ExpressVPN.
The ExpressVPN affiliate program is managed internally, and site owners told us that their affiliate team is excellent to work with. Application reviews are supposed to take between one and two business days. Affiliates are required to have a live website with VPN-related content.
The base commission structure is as follows:
| Plan | Total Price | Commission $ | Commission % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-month package | $12.95 | $13 | 100% |
| 6-month subscription package | $80.04 | $22 | 45% |
| 12-month subscription package | $59.95 | $36 | 44% |
Starting at $12.95 per month, you earn 100% commissions on sales you refer. The most popular package (6-months) results in 45% commissions. However, these are not recurring (we listed some affiliate programs that offer lifetime recurring payments).
VPN site owners we spoke to told us that Express VPN is very proactive in significantly increasing commission rates to affiliates who refer a higher volume of customers. They also said Express VPN is one of the best converting VPN affiliate programs.
In addition to affiliate materials and customized landing pages, affiliates receive help with SEO, UX, design, and content from dedicated affiliate account managers.
Commissions are paid monthly via PayPal (before the 15th of every month) with a minimum payout of US$100, but they also offer wire transfers for commissions over US$1,000 a month.
- URL: ExpressVPN affiliate program
- Commission: Up to $36 per sale initially
- Payment Methods: Paypal, Direct Wire
- Cookie duration: Not listed
- Owner: Kape Technologies
2 NordVPN
NordVPN is the second most popular VPN program. 96% of analyzed sites recommended NordVPN. According to site owners, there were lower conversion rates with this program than with ExpressVPN.
NordVPN commission rates start at 100% revenue share for 1-month plans, 40% revenue share for 1-year and 2-year plans, and 30% revenue share for all recurring sales.
- 1-month offer – New Signup 100% / Renewal 30%
- 6-month offer – New Signup 40% / Renewal 30%
- 1-year offer – New Signup 40% / Renewal 30%
- 2-year offer – New Signup 40% / Renewal 30%
A monthly subscription ranges from $8.00 to $13.00 per month, while annual plans cost between $59.88 and $86.28, and two-year plans cost between $83.43 and $142.83. Affiliates can make up to $57 if they recommend the most expensive 2-year plan. A 30% renewal commission is also a nice addition.
Besides signing up directly through the site, affiliates can access the program through most affiliate networks: CJ, Impact, Awin, Tradedoubler, etc.
Affiliates work with dedicated account managers who assist with account setup, promo materials, conversions, and other inquiries. Owners of VPN sites shared that commissions can be negotiated and increased depending on sales referrals.
Cookie duration is 30 days, which is quite standard for affiliate programs. Several payment methods are available, including cryptocurrency, wire transfer, and PayPal.
- URL: NordVPN affiliate program
- Commission: from 40% to 100% per new signup & 30% renewal
- Payment Methods: Cryptocurrency, Wire Transfer, PayPal
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Owner: Nord Security
3 Surfshark
Surfshark is universally loved, with every VPN site we analyzed recommending it. However, no one awarded it the #1 spot, with most sites rating it as the second or third best VPN provider. It’s owned by Nord Security, which also owns NordVPN.
Affiliates earn a 40%+ revenue share on new sales, although Surfshark says its average commission comes to an estimated 60%. It also pays additional bonuses for performance. Prices currently start at $2.49 per month for its most popular 24-month package, which works out to a commission of around $36 over the life of the contract.
The Surfshark affiliate program can be found on several affiliate platforms, including Avant, Impact Radius, and Tunes. Alternatively, you can sign up via the Surfshark site. Either way, you’ll get access to a dedicated affiliate manager. You don’t need to own a website to join the program, although Surfshark says it would be preferable to have one.
The cookie duration is 30 days, and the program offers a choice of payment methods: wire transfer, PayPal, and cryptocurrency. Commissions will show on your account within 30 days of a purchase being cleared and payouts are made on request. If you’re a consistent earner, Surfshark will send your invoice at the start of each month without you messaging them first.
- URL: Surfshark affiliate program
- Commission: 40%+
- Payment Methods: Wire Transfer, PayPal, Crypto
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Owner: Nord Security
4 IPVanish
IPVanish was recommended by 84% of VPN websites we analyzed, which helped it place fourth in our ranking.
Its affiliate program pays a 50% commission on sales of monthly, quarterly, and annual plans. A private commission and consumer offer is also available. It offers a monthly plan, but its most popular package is an annual subscription, currently priced at $47.89 for the first year. That means a commission of about $24.
Unlike some VPN affiliate programs, the commissions aren’t recurring. But the program does offer unlimited occurrences. So if you refer a customer who buys multiple products within the 45-day cookie window, you’ll earn a commission on each sale.
Because IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on new, yearly plans, commissions are approved on the 31st day after the signup date. Payouts can be made via ACH (for affiliate marketers based in the US) and PayPal (for US and international payments).
The IPVanish affiliate program is available through the CJ Affiliate network. It’s managed by a dedicated team of experienced digital marketers from OPMpros, including designers, email marketers, and SEO strategists. They’re on hand to help you develop your campaigns and provide all the training and resources you need to drive sales.
- URL: IPVanish affiliate program
- Commission: 50% commission on monthly, quarterly, or annual plans
- Payment Methods: PayPal, ACH (only for US-based affiliates)
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Owner: Ziff Davis
5 CyberGhost
Ninety-six percent of VPN websites we analyzed were happy to recommend CyberGhost, although only two of those named it in their top two virtual private network providers. The company is owned by Kape Technologies — the same folks who own ExpressVPN and PIA, which also made our top 10.
CyberGhost pays up to 100% commissions on monthly sales and 45% on annual subscriptions referred within the 45-day cookie window, which CyberGhost describes as the “most competitive earnings in the industry”. Special commissions are offered to high-performing affiliates.
As with most VPN solutions, CyberGhost’s prices vary based on the subscription length. Its most popular plan runs for three years and three months and currently costs $89.31. So that’s a commission of around $40 per sale.
CyberGhost has a dedicated team of experienced affiliate account managers to help you promote VPN services more effectively. It also offers affiliates access to customized graphics and landing pages, as well as real-time performance statistics and notifications about upcoming promotions.
- URL: CyberGhost affiliate program
- Commission: Up to 100% on monthly sales; 45% on annual subscriptions
- Payment Methods: Unlisted
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Owner: Kape
6 Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) — another VPN service owned by Kape Technologies — was recommended by four-fifths of the leading VPN websites we analyzed.
Its VPN affiliate program pays up to 33% commissions on all new and recurring sales over the whole lifetime of the customer. The program is managed in-house and you can sign up via an online form on the PIA website. Commissions can be paid via PayPal or wire transfer.
PIA’s most popular package is the two-year-and-two-month option, which currently costs $56.94 for the first two years. That works out to a commission of approximately $19 over the life of the contract.
To help you close the deal, PIA offers a range of marketing materials, including banners, videos, and landing pages. Affiliate marketers can also access a free conversion rate optimization service.
- URL: PIA affiliate program
- Commission: Up to 33% on new and recurring sales over the lifetime of a customer
- Payment Methods: Wire Transfer, PayPal
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Owner: Kape
7 Proton VPN
Proton VPN appears on the “recommended” list for about two-thirds of the VPN websites in our analysis. Its VPN affiliate program has a commission structure that rewards affiliates for both new sales and renewals, with commissions paid as follows:
- New monthly plan sales: 100%
- New one- and two-year plan sales: 40%
- Renewals: 30%
It’s worth noting that by joining the Proton VPN affiliate program, you’ll also earn a 20% commission on any sales of ProtonMail that you refer.
Proton offers free VPN services. But unsurprisingly, you won’t earn a commission from promoting them. Its most popular paid product is the two-year plan, which currently costs $4.99 per month. If you sell that package, you’ll earn a commission of about $48 over the life of the contract.
Commissions are paid via bank transfer on the 30th of the next calendar month, provided the balance is more than $100. If not, the commissions will be rolled into the following month. PayPal payments are available for earnings of more than $1,000.
To sign up for Proton’s VPN affiliate program, you need to complete an on-site form. Once approved, you’ll find a host of marketing assets within the affiliate dashboard, and you’ll get access to dedicated affiliate support.
- URL: Proton affiliate program
- Commission: 40% – 100% on new plans, 30% on renewals
- Payment Methods: Wire Transfer, PayPal
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Owner: Proton Technologies AG
8 PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN was recommended by about one-third of the VPN websites we analyzed, with two sites naming it as the third best VPN service. Its VPN affiliate program pays a default commission of 30% per sale, although some affiliates earn up to 50% per action. It also offers the longest cookie duration of all the top VPN affiliate programs, at six months.
Prices for its VPN services vary based on subscription length, with the most popular three-year plan currently costing $2 per month. At a total price of $72 over the contract life, you could earn a commission of up to $36 per sale
Commissions are paid once a month, always on the 15th, via PayPal. The program has a payment threshold of $100, so if you don’t earn at least that amount, your commissions will roll into the next month.
Applications to the PrivateVPN program are made via an on-site form. An affiliate manager will then check your submission and, as long as you get approved, you’ll be sent an email containing a bunch of information, including your password to access the affiliate control panel.
Within the control panel, you’ll find detailed statistics on traffic and sales, plus news, training materials, and a choice of banner ads and text links. Further tips and resources are available in PrivateVPN’s affiliate newsletter.
- URL: PrivateVPN affiliate program
- Commission: 30% – 50%
- Payment Methods: PayPal $100 minimum, paid once a month, always on 15th
- Cookie duration: 6 months
- Owner: PrivateVPN Global AB
9 PureVPN
Just under half the VPN websites we analyzed recommend PureVPN as one of the best virtual private networks on the market.
Affiliates can earn two different types of commission. The PureVPN affiliate program pays a 100% flat commission on sales of monthly plans, while longer-term plans offer a 40% bounty payment plus a 35% recurring commission for the lifetime of the customer. Special commissions and bonuses are offered to high performers.
The cookie duration is 90 days, which is longer than average for the best VPN affiliate programs we analyzed.
Once again, prices vary based on subscription length. Most customers choose the 27-month plan, which is positioned as $1.99 per month for two years, with three months free. For each sale of this plan, you’ll receive a commission of about $22 (plus additional recurring commissions if the customer keeps using PureVPN after the contract expires).
Commission payouts are made from the 15th – 20th of every month, with a threshold of $100 for PayPal and $500 for wire transfers.
To apply for PureVPN’s affiliate program, fill out the form on its affiliate landing page (see below). Once approved, you’ll be assigned a dedicated account manager, who’ll keep you posted on the latest deals and coupons.
- URL: PureVPN affiliate program
- Commission: 40% – 100% bounty payment, plus 35% recurring commissions
- Payment Methods: PayPal, Wire Transfer
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Owner: GZ Systems Limited
10 Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield was recommended by 48% of the VPN and news websites we looked at.
There’s no complex commission structure here. Instead, affiliates earn a flat 50% on every sale they refer — whether that’s a monthly, yearly, Premium, or Premium Family subscription. The most popular option is the yearly Premium package, which pays a commission of roughly $48 at current pricing levels.
Affiliates can choose from a wide range of payment methods, including check, wire transfer, direct deposit, and PayPal. The program has a payment threshold of $25. Earn less than that in a month and your commissions will roll over.
Hotspot Shield invites affiliates to use its marketing resources, including high-quality promotional videos. Its affiliate hub features a variety of branded badges and banners, while affiliates can also request custom coupon codes to share with their audience.
- URL: Hotspot Shield affiliate program
- Commission: 50%
- Payment Methods: Check, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit, PayPal
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Owner: Aura
11 Ivacy VPN
Ivacy VPN was recommended by four sites we reviewed. The VPN provider operates over 5,700 servers in 100+ locations and supports up to 10 devices simultaneously. All its plans unblock various streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and 16 major Netflix regions.
Ivacy VPN pays bounty commissions of up to 100% commission on new sales and 35% on subscription renewals.
| Plan | Total Price | Bounty commission $ | Bounty commission % | Recurring commission % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-month package | $9.95 | $9.95 | 100% | 35% |
| 1-year subscription package | $47.76 | $19 | 40% | 35% |
| 5-year subscription package | $60 | $24 | 40% | 35% |
Ivacy VPN affiliates benefit from the brand’s strong conversion and retention rates. According to Ivacy, top-performing affiliates see conversion rates of 7% – 10% and churn rates of less than 10%, meaning nine in 10 customers renew their accounts after the subscription period ends.
To help optimize performance, Ivacy gives its partners access to a dedicated account manager, a large selection of marketing materials, and reporting tools that offer real-time insights into clicks, sales, and commissions.
- URL: Ivacy VPN affiliate program
- Commission: Up to 100%
- Payment Methods: Unlisted
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Owner: PMG Pte. Ltd
12 TunnelBear
TunnelBear, a VPN service owned by computer security giant McAfee, allows users to browse the internet from 47 countries. It claims to be the world’s only VPN software provider to offer regular independent security audits of its VPN apps.
TunnelBear’s service was recommended by 11 of the sites we analyzed.
Sign up for the company’s VPN affiliate program through CJ Affiliate. It offers a 45-day cookie window and a simple commission structure, paying a flat 50% rate on sales of all monthly, yearly, and two-year plans.
TunnelBear’s most popular three-year unlimited VPN product costs $120, representing a one-off commission of $60 per sale.
According to CJ Affiliate, this affiliate program boasts a three-month EPC of $9.61, so there’s clearly decent earning potential here.
- URL: TunnelBear affiliate program
- Commission: 50%
- Payment Methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Owner: McAfee
13 VyprVPN
VyprVPN was recommended by 12 authority and tech news sites we analyzed. The VPN service is owned by Golden Frog, a global internet privacy and security solutions firm that also owns Outfox, an “optimized gaming network.” Whatever that means.
The company is incorporated in Switzerland, placing it outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance, protecting Vypr and its customers against governmental or court-ordered attempts to access its servers.
Vypr’s VPN affiliate program, managed through CJ Affiliate, offers a 30-day cookie window and pays bounty commissions of:
- $10 for sales of one-month packages
- $20 for sales of six-month subscriptions
- $30 for sales of one-year subscriptions
CJ Affiliate’s figures show a three-month EPC of $2.05, which is solid if unspectacular. VyprVPN provides various marketing tools and resources to boost sales, including reliable promotional materials and exclusive discount codes.
- URL: VyprVPN affiliate program
- Commission: $10 – $30 per sale
- Payment Methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Owner: Golden Frog
Over to You
We make no secret of the fact that we love VPN affiliate programs. In fact, several of the entries in our roundup of best recurring affiliate programs are in the VPN industry.
But that doesn’t mean every VPN affiliate program is worth promoting. To separate the very best VPN services from the also-rans, we analyzed 26 authority sites that review, compare, and sell VPN services, including vpnMentor, VPNOverview, and BestVPN.org. We also looked at big tech news sites like PCMag and CNET.
Those sites are making big money from the high paying affiliate programs in our roundup. And you can do the same with a well-optimized, high-converting affiliate website.
All you need to do is sign up for our free training!
