I think most of our readers know and accept VPNs as the leaders in online security and privacy. Furthermore, there would be many amongst you that have a VPN subscription. Now, I know that most providers do not offer cheap services, especially the current market leaders. Not only does this lead to estrangement, but it also drives potential users into the embrace of fraudulent or so-called Free VPNs. Although we do recognize a handful of Free VPNs that have proven their mettle, we still instinctively advise users to stay away from suspiciously good deals. But what about a VPN lifetime subscription, is it worth it?
Again, I know it sounds too good to be true, and maybe it is. However, we have to concede that it is a genuine concept. Although, is it good or not? Well, that remains a mystery. Thus, we have brought you our article on VPN lifetime subscription, and we will attempt to learn more about it. And lastly, we will see whether it is worth your money or not.
What is a VPN lifetime subscription?
In simple terms, a VPN lifetime subscription is a VPN service with unlimited validity. It is a VPN where you do not have to pay a monthly fee for availing of the services. Like other software, all you need to do is make a one-off payment and enjoy. Now you own the product, and it will continue services until—well, lifetime.
Sounds absolutely fantastic, right? But it’s not. Sadly, a VPN is not a suitable technology for lifetime allegiance. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the product doesn’t exist. In fact, until recently, one of our favorite VPN services, NordVPN, used to proffer a lifetime subscription. But it has since then ceased to do so. Nowadays, NordVPN or most leading vendors only offer a couple of years’ worth of subscriptions. Why is that so, you may ask?
Frankly, a lifetime subscription is nothing short of malarkey. We live in a digital era where revolutions in tech happen in mere hours, if not days. In such a dynamic environment, betting on a virtual product (which, mind you, can be obsolete in the coming year), and that too at such higher costs, seems rather unwise. However, some vendors offer such plans. Why? Let’s find out.
Why do VPN companies offer a lifetime subscription?
The obvious answer will be—to make bank! Well, small or recently started VPN companies operate at a loss. VPN is a trust-based business that works on reputation. And reputation needs time to grow. So how would these newcomers do well in such an intensive and competitive market? The straightforward method would be to hold on and sustain losses as they gradually grow a user base with intuitive and futuristic technology. Another way would be to invest in aggressive marketing with a large capital influx that can put them on the radar. However, companies with limited capabilities and short-term goals can always lure customers in with a lucrative lifetime subscription.
But it is a model doomed to fail. Surely they would pull substantial income with a one-time payment, and they can use it to maintain servers and staff. But does it guarantee a regular stream of profit? Sooner rather than later, the company will find it harder to maintain daily operations. What then?
Another company can try and lure potential users with rich promises, make a quick buck, and close shop. They can then easily set up another company the very next day. The question remains, “Is it worth investing in a lifetime VPN subscription?”
Is a VPN lifetime subscription worth it?
In my humble opinion, no! A company exists for profit. If by offering a lifetime subscription they incur a financial loss, trust me, chances are they will find other avenues of income. You won’t like those. The company can either log your data to sell or cut corners with servers or encryption. They may offer a lackluster service with below-par customer support. They can easily give in to pressure as they do not have a reputation to uphold.
I’m not saying every VPN that proffers a lifetime subscription is at fault. Like, not all free VPNs are traps. There are a few trustworthy providers that do offer a genuine lifetime subscription. But same as a free VPN, I’d still advise users to refrain from them. VPNs are a trust game, and with a lifetime subscription, you do have a lot of money to lose. Why go with unreliable service? Still, given below are a few reasons to avoid a lifetime subscription.
Reasons to avoid a VPN lifetime subscription
VPNs are a solid investment in your online safety. But as with any investment, it is better to do research, primarily when your privacy and security are on the line. You can find a few reasons to avoid a VPN lifetime subscription as follows:
Possible scam
All that glitters is not gold! As stated earlier: a lifetime subscription can be a gambit to a scam. There have been examples in history where users were cheated out of their money by these so-called lifetime VPNs. A VPN company exists for profit, and anyone offering a cheap lifetime subscription needs to be under scrutiny.
Won’t get your money’s worth
Chances are, you won’t get the value you pay for with a lifetime subscription. Who can guarantee the provider will introduce or maintain quality service? What about the future? Will the provider include advanced features in the next few years? Will the company even survive until then? These are some questions you should be asking before applying for a lifetime subscription.
Unreliable service
Since you have already paid, how can you ensure quality service? Not like you can change providers, right? Unless you want to lose your premium. Doubts like these plague the VPN services offering lifetime subscriptions. A VPN provider that takes on lifetime members won’t have the resources to upgrade or increase the number of servers. Furthermore, customer support will be lacking as there is no need to retain customers. At some point, though, the servers will become bogged down with users and slow down.
Ever-changing technology
Technology is never static, i.e., it always advances. While it may be true that VPN as a whole has remained unchanged for the better part of two decades. There are some noteworthy additions to the service itself. However, you are likely to miss out on them with a lifetime subscription because there is a lack of motivation towards improvement. Also, there are chances the whole VPN concept will become obsolete due to the introduction of some newer technology.
There will always be factors outside your control
Numerous factors support a successful VPN. Favorable market conditions, innovation in technology, data retention laws, supply, demand, and more. As a user, you can’t control any of these factors. VPNs are a trust-based business. But, they depend on such factors for continued existence. If there are unfavorable factors, your provider has to cease operation.
Whose lifetime are we talking about?
Now, when we say lifetime, whose lifetime are we referring to? Surely you don’t think you will get a VPN for decades. Here, the term lifetime refers to the life of the company. It can be unpredictable. A company exists for profit, and if it runs a loss, chances are it will shut down its gates and cease operations. Thus, you can’t guarantee how long a lifetime would be.