Deal-Hopping vs Staying Put: 5-Year Cost Model
Some VPN users chase deals — re-subscribing at introductory rates by switching providers every 2 years. Others stay with one provider and pay renewal rates. Here's the 5-year cost model for both approaches.
| Year | Deal-Hopper (switch every 2yr) | Loyalist (NordVPN annual renewal) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1–2 | $3.49/mo × 24 = $83.76 | $3.49/mo × 24 = $83.76 |
| Year 3 | New intro: $3.49/mo × 12 = $41.88 | Renewal: $5.75/mo × 12 = $69.00 |
| Year 4–5 | Next intro: $3.49/mo × 24 = $83.76 | Renewal: $5.75/mo × 24 = $138.00 |
| 5-year total | ~$209.40 | ~$290.76 |
| 5-year savings | — | Deal-hopper saves ~$81.36 |
The Deal-Hopper Approach
Re-subscribing at introductory rates — either by switching providers or by using a new email on the same provider — saves approximately $81 over 5 years in this model. The real cost is: switching overhead (new account setup, app re-installation, learning a new interface), the risk that the "new" intro rate isn't as good as your original, and the ToS risk of creating multiple accounts at the same provider.
Flat-Rate Alternative: Mullvad
A third option: Mullvad at €5/mo flat, no deal-chasing required. At current EUR/USD rates (~$5.50/mo), Mullvad over 5 years = ~$330. More expensive than the deal-hopper but more convenient — and Mullvad's privacy model (anonymous accounts, no email required, cash payment) is qualitatively different from either NordVPN approach.
Get NordVPN — Current Intro Rate Get Surfshark — Lowest Per-MonthFrequently Asked Questions
Is it worth switching VPNs to get the introductory rate?
It saves approximately $81 over 5 years in the NordVPN model — real money but not dramatic. The effort required (new account, app setup, possible ToS risk) may or may not be worth it depending on how much you value your time. For cost-focused users, one provider switch per 2-year cycle is manageable and worthwhile.
Can I create a new account at the same VPN provider to get the intro rate again?
Technically yes — a new email address creates a new account. Most providers' ToS prohibit this for exploiting introductory pricing. In practice, providers rarely enforce this aggressively for individual accounts. The ethical and ToS-compliant approach is to switch providers and return after a period.
How much does Mullvad cost vs deal-chasing over 5 years?
Mullvad: ~€300 (5 × 12 × €5) = approximately $330 at current rates. Deal-hopper across providers: ~$209. Loyalist with one provider at renewal rates: ~$291. Deal-hopping is cheapest in the 5-year model; Mullvad is most expensive but simplest.