Media buyers are tired of low-paying offers and empty promises of quick money. A VPN affiliate program provides a real opportunity for stable income, as the demand for VPN services continues to grow every day. This rapidly expanding niche is set to deliver significant earnings in 2025. We’ve highlighted the 10 best VPN affiliate programs, their key features, and explained in detail how this market works, so you can choose the most suitable offer and start earning right away.
What is a VPN affiliate program?
A VPN affiliate program is a mutually beneficial partnership between media buyers and a VPN service, where the service pays the affiliates commissions for driving traffic and bringing in new customers. The affiliate program is open to arbitrators and other media buyers. The main goal is to encourage customers to subscribe to the VPN service through your unique affiliate link.
There are several reward models for media buyers who bring in new customers, such as CPI, CPS, and RevShare. Let’s go through them one by one:
CPI (Cost Per Install)
A model where partners receive a fixed payout for a specific action, namely when a user installs the VPN app.
CPS (Cost Per Sale)
Here, partners earn a commission only when someone makes a purchase on the VPN service’s website or app.
Revenue Share (RevShare)
A model where the partner receives a percentage of the revenue generated by the customer they referred.
So how does the process work? Imagine you’re a media buyer running paid ad campaigns for a VPN affiliate program. The first step is choosing a reliable VPN affiliate program and signing up. Later in this article, we’ll walk you through how to pick the right one.
Once registered, you’ll get a unique referral link that directs users to the VPN service’s website or app. Your job is to drive quality traffic to this link through advertising campaigns—whether on social media, search, or other platforms—and optimize targeting and creatives to maximize conversions.
From there, you’ll earn a commission for every customer you bring in, based on the payment model the program uses.
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Why VPN affiliate programs are profitable
According to statistics, the market volume of VPN services in 2025 will amount to 61 billion dollars. This is already an impressive figure, but it is expected to double to 124 billion by 2030. Do you want to find out what caused this growth and why the VPN niche is so popular and definitely worth it to start working with it. Here we have listed several reasons why in recent years we have seen an increase in users who use VPN services:
User data privacy
User data privacy is an issue that has been growing more serious each year, partly due to companies that collect and sell personal information. For example, in 2023, more than 8 billion records were breached, highlighting the significant threat to user data. According to statistics, phishing attacks accounted for 36% of all data breaches that same year. To reduce these risks, many users have started turning to VPN services. These services provide a reliable solution for protecting personal information and maintaining online privacy in an increasingly insecure digital environment.
Business Cybersecurity
Just like ordinary users, companies tend to hide their data on the Internet. Of course, their level of cybersecurity is many times higher, because they build multi-level systems to protect their data. One of the steps of protection, of course, is to install a VPN service. It is important to note here that large companies usually develop their own corporate VPN, but there are also a large number of companies that use reliable VPN services.
Remote Work
After the 2020 pandemic, many employees continued working remotely, and many companies became more flexible about work arrangements. However, remote work also requires strong cybersecurity, which is why companies mandate the use of VPN services. For example, in 2024, 43% of remote employees used a VPN for work purposes. Using a VPN helps prevent unauthorized interception of data over Wi-Fi or other networks.
Restrictions and blockages
This moment very much depends on the geographical location in which you are located. Each country sets its own terms of use for the Internet, which usually depend on the level of censorship or the availability of infrastructure. For example, in countries such as Somalia or Burundi, users have difficulty accessing the Internet due to insufficient infrastructure, and in countries such as China and Iran, censorship restrictions have been introduced that prevent users from accessing certain sites.
As you can see, we have enough reasons that encourage people to use VPNs. And since these services are used, it means that we will earn money from their advertising through affiliate programs.
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Top 10 VPN affiliate programs in 2025
Now that you’ve found out why it’s worth working in the VPN niche, let’s move on to the best affiliate programs that are worth your attention.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider founded in 2009 that has consistently ranked among the top VPN services. It offers apps for all major devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers, as well as browser extensions and gaming consoles. ExpressVPN’s affiliate program features a flexible commission structure, meaning the more sales you generate, the higher your earnings. One of the key advantages of this program is the support from a dedicated account manager, who can assist with any monetization questions, provide optimization tips—including SEO, UX, design, and content—and keep you informed about the latest trends.
- Commission: Up to $36 per sale
- Payment Methods: PayPal, Wire Transfer
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Minimum Payout: $100 (PayPal), $1,000 (Wire Transfer)
NordVPN
NordVPN launched in 2012 and has since become one of the leading VPN providers in the market. With a strong online presence and a solid reputation, the affiliate program is a pleasure for media buyers to work with. In addition to promoting a well-known brand, NordVPN offers competitive commission rates, marketing materials, and dedicated support. By joining this affiliate program, you can not only earn commissions but also boost your own credibility, as NordVPN already partners with major bloggers and popular influencers.
- Commission Structure: 100% on 1-month plans, 40% on 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans, plus 30% recurring on renewals
- Payout Methods: PayPal, Wire Transfer, Cryptocurrency
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Minimum Payout: $50
Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively young VPN service, founded in 2018, but it has quickly grown to become a market leader. Today, it operates servers in over 100 countries and ranks among the top three VPN services according to Forbes. The Surfshark affiliate program offers a flexible commission structure, the ability to promote its products in any language, and access to a dedicated account manager. Even if you don’t have your own website, you can participate in the program through social media or other platforms. Interestingly, affiliates can promote not only Surfshark VPN but also other products from the company, such as Antivirus, Alert, Search, or Incogni.
- Commission Structure: 40% basic + performance bonuses
- Payout Methods: PayPal
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Minimum Payout: $100
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN, founded in 2011 in Bucharest, is the creator of one of the most reliable platforms for privacy and online security. The company protects the online presence of over 38 million users worldwide and operates servers in more than 90 countries. CyberGhost offers high commissions for referrals, personalized support, and some of the fastest payouts in the industry. By joining the CyberGhost affiliate program, you also gain access to the highly intuitive and user-friendly HasOffers platform, as well as exclusive promotions and dedicated support for high-performing affiliates, which can be arranged through your affiliate manager.
- Commission Structure: up to 100% in first sale commissions
- Cookie Duration: 45 days
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is part of the Proton AG ecosystem, best known for its secure products (including Proton Mail), which gives both the service and its affiliate program a high level of credibility. Founded in Switzerland in 2014, the company benefits from the country’s strong privacy protections, adding an extra layer of security for user data. Proton VPN offers affiliates competitive commission rates ranging from 40% to 100%. This makes the program not only attractive in terms of payouts, but also effective at boosting conversions thanks to the strength and trusted reputation of the Proton brand.
- Commission Structure: 40-100% for new plans, 30% for extensions
- Payout Methods: Wire Transfer, PayPal
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Minimum Payout: $50
PureVPN
PureVPN, established back in 2007, has firmly secured its place among the top VPN services. It helps users bypass geo-restrictions, reduce lag on gaming consoles, and protect up to 10 devices at once. What makes its affiliate program stand out is the generous 90-day cookie tracking window, giving partners the chance to earn commissions even long after the initial referral. On top of that, affiliates benefit from 24/7 account manager support, performance-based bonuses, and even a referral program that rewards you for bringing new partners into the network.
- Commission Structure: 35-100%
- Cookie Duration: 90 days
- Minimum Payout: $50
IPVanish
This service stands out for its high speed, comprehensive security measures, unlimited simultaneous connections across multiple devices, and excellent customer support. The IPVanish VPN affiliate program provides affiliates with professional support from SEO specialists, designers, email marketers, and others who will help you build a successful marketing campaign. In addition, the program does not impose minimum or maximum payout limits, meaning your earnings depend solely on your effort and creativity.
- Commission Structure: 50% commission on monthly, quarterly, or annual plans
- Payout Methods: PayPal, ACH (only for US-based affiliates)
- Cookie Duration: 45 days
- Minimum Payout: $0
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a well-established VPN service owned by cybersecurity giant McAfee and trusted by users since 2011. Known for its simple design, strong privacy features, and regular independent security audits, it stands out in a crowded market. The affiliate program offers a generous 50% commission on all subscription plans and a 45-day cookie window, giving partners more time to earn. With no payout minimums, affiliates can start receiving commissions right away. Thanks to TunnelBear’s recognizable brand and wide appeal to both beginners and experienced users, the program provides excellent conversion potential and a steady source of income.
- Commission Structure: 50% commission
- Cookie Duration: 45 days
- Minimum Payout: $0
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been a trusted name in the VPN industry since 2010 and today runs servers in more than 80 countries worldwide. The company was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2019, further cementing its reputation in the cybersecurity space. Its affiliate program is especially attractive, offering up to 33% commission on both new and recurring sales for as long as the customer stays subscribed—making it a genuine opportunity for long-term, passive income. Affiliates also get access to a full library of marketing tools, including banners, videos, and landing pages, along with a free conversion rate optimization service to help turn traffic into sales. With flexible payout options through PayPal or wire transfer and the backing of a well-known global brand, the PIA affiliate program gives marketers everything they need to build a reliable and profitable revenue stream.
- Commission Structure: Up to 33% on new and recurring sales over the lifetime of a customer
- Payout Methods: Wire Transfer, PayPal
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
Avast
Avast is a well-established name in cybersecurity, widely recognized for its antivirus software and trusted by millions of users worldwide. The Avast affiliate program lets partners promote both Avast Antivirus and Avast SecureLine VPN, offering commissions for every successful sale or registration. Affiliates benefit from the credibility of a respected brand, as well as access to marketing materials and dedicated support to help run effective campaigns. Avast SecureLine VPN provides strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption and allows users to secure up to ten devices across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. With its user-friendly products and solid reputation, the Avast affiliate program gives partners a real opportunity to earn income while promoting solutions people trust.
- Commission Structure: A standard tiered commission between 15%-30%, based on revenue
- Cookie Duration: 45 days
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Why is it so important to choose the best VPN affiliate program
First and foremost, your income will largely depend on which affiliate program you choose, as, as you’ve probably noticed, different services offer different commission rates. Payment frequency, minimum payout thresholds, and payment methods also play a significant role. Of course, the reputation of the brand behind the affiliate program can impact not only your earnings but even whether you get paid at all. That said, you can be confident that the programs we’ve highlighted above have stood the test of time and proven to be reliable.
Secondly, your success in the VPN niche largely depends on the affiliate program you choose, and it’s worth noting that this niche is currently very promising. Here’s why:
High demand for VPN services
As mentioned earlier, demand for VPNs continues to grow each year, meaning that starting now gives you the opportunity to earn significantly more over time.
Strong conversions
Because people are actively looking for VPN services, they are more likely to click your affiliate links. Many VPN brands are already well-known, so you won’t have to spend excessive time testing creatives to get results—recognizable brands often deliver solid conversions from the start.
High LTV
While large upfront commissions are appealing, affiliates seeking stable income often prioritize programs with recurring payments on renewals. For example, a customer generating $4 per month over 12 months brings $48 in total, whereas a one-time $10 commission is much lower and doesn’t provide long-term value.
Passive income potential
By driving targeted traffic through paid campaigns, you earn commissions on every subscription, including renewals. With consistent optimization, quality traffic sources, and trusted VPN brands, you can turn your campaigns into a reliable revenue stream with minimal manual effort once campaigns are properly scaled.
Where to get traffic to work with an affiliated VPN program
Choosing the right traffic source is crucial when working with a VPN affiliate program. While organic methods like social media posts, blogs, and email newsletters can bring in some conversions, paid traffic often delivers faster, more consistent results for media buyers. One of the most effective options for this is HilltopAds, the best ad network for VPN advertisers.
HilltopAds offers direct traffic sources, 273B+ of ad impressions from all 250+ countries, AI-optimization tools, Popunder, In-Page, Video, Banner ad formats, personal support and other benefits that will help advertisers to get the best results. You can use the advanced targeting options to show your ads the most interested audience: GEOs, cities, browsers and OS, interests-based and keywords, and other options. Plus you can buy Proxy or WebView traffic.
Beyond targeting, HilltopAds provides detailed analytics and optimization tools that let media buyers track campaign performance, test creatives, and scale what works. This combination of reliable traffic and actionable insights makes it easier to turn campaigns into profitable ventures.
Take a look at our case studies on how VPN offers can be successfully promoted with HilltopAds:
Conclusion
Today, the VPN market is growing rapidly, driven by rising demands for cybersecurity and increasing restrictions tied to geographic regulations. This makes the VPN niche particularly appealing for media buyers, providing high-converting offers, strong customer lifetime value, and the opportunity to turn paid traffic into a consistent and scalable revenue stream.
That said, choosing the right affiliate program requires careful consideration. Always review commission structures, payout terms, and other conditions before deciding whether to partner with one or multiple programs.