Renting a car for your next trip can be costly, especially if you're booking from a high-demand area or waiting until the last minute.
However, there’s a quick trick you can use to save on car rentals: a VPN. By changing your virtual location with a VPN, you can often find cheaper rates on rental cars – sometimes saving you up to 50%!
In this guide, I’ll show how you can use a VPN to get the best deals on rental cars. But first, here are the five top VPNs for the job (based on IRL tests).
Best VPNs for getting cheaper rental cars:
- ExpressVPN - Best for reliable speed and easy location switching. One of the fastest VPNs in the world.
- Surfshark - Budget-friendly with extensive location options. Unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.
- NordVPN - Known for security and incredible connection speeds. Excellent global server coverage to find lower rental car rates.
- CyberGhost VPN - Simple setup with optimized servers for travel deals. Dedicated servers optimized for streaming and other online activities.
- IPVanish - Flexible and works well for changing regions. Fast and secure connections around the world.
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Are you wondering why we chose these VPNs for getting cheap rental cars anywhere in the world? Well, as you'll see in more detail further down, we screened every VPN based on strict criteria that included:
- Access to regional pricing
- Privacy and security tools
- Connection speeds
- Value for money
- Server locations
- Extra features
You can check out our testing methodology section for more information!
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | IPVanish |
| Ranking for rental car | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Free trial | |||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 3200 | 6200 | 11625 | 2000 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
Deep dive: The best VPNs for booking cheap rental cars in 2024
Now, let's take a closer look at the best VPNs. We’ll take you through each one, what they offer users, and why we think they're excellent choices for cheaper rentals.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for cheaper car rentals – and just about anything else! Enjoy fast speeds, secure connections, and servers located all around the world. I picked ExpressVPN as the top choice for snagging rental car deals, and here’s why. First off, it’s incredibly fast. Even when testing rates from multiple locations, I never experienced slowdowns, so you can quickly jump between regions to compare prices. It’s perfect for streaming, too, handling HD video without buffering on Netflix and other streamers. Plus, if you’re downloading any travel docs or itineraries, the speeds won’t disappoint. ExpressVPN even supports torrenting across all servers. The server network is extensive. With servers all over the US and in 105+ countries worldwide, you’re covered no matter where you want to "virtually" be. That means whether you’re testing rates across Europe, Asia, or just a few states away, you’ll get access to a wide range of options for the best deals. And then there’s privacy. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, well outside the reach of US data laws. It uses RAM-only servers, which means your data is wiped instantly with each reboot. On top of that, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and undergoes regular third-party audits to ensure everything stays private. Want to learn more? Check out our full ExpressVPN review and try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark offers incredible performance at competitive prices – perfect for value seekers. Boasts an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance and a strict no-logs policy. If you’re seeking cheaper car rentals, then budget is clearly a consideration. In that case, Surfshark’s got you covered. Surfshark allows unlimited connections, so you can compare prices on every device in your home with just one account. Laptop, phone, tablet – whatever you’re using to find deals, Surfshark keeps them all covered. Surfshark also packs in some fantastic privacy features. Its CleanWeb tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware, making for a smooth browsing experience with no pop-ups or interruptions. This is super useful when searching for rental car prices without being bombarded by retargeting ads or tracking. And if you’re new to VPNs, don’t worry. Surfshark’s app is incredibly user-friendly. With just a few taps, you’re connected and ready to browse for the best prices from different locations. No tech skills are needed! Curious? Read our full Surfshark review, and try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN combines high security with a vast range of servers across the globe, helping you find lower prices on rentals without exposing your data. You’ve probably seen and heard NordVPN ads all over your YouTube, Spotify, and social feeds. But does it live up to the hype? And can it save you money on rental cars? Definitely. I tested NordVPN myself, and here’s what makes it ideal for getting the best deals. NordVPN’s huge network of over 6,000+ servers worldwide means you can access rental prices from nearly any country, helping you quickly compare rates from different locations. The high server count ensures consistent speed, so you can switch regions and browse without annoying slowdowns. NordVPN’s “obfuscated servers” make it look like you’re not even using a VPN – useful if any sites start restricting VPN access. Want to know more? Check out our full NordVPN review, and test it with a 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost VPN blends user-friendly apps with fast performance and a vast global server network. Offers dedicated servers optimized for streaming and other online activities. CyberGhost VPN is a top choice if you’re new to VPNs and want something easy to save on rental cars. Setup is quick, and CyberGhost’s apps are intuitive across every laptop, phone, and tablet OS. Servers are clearly labeled for different uses – just choose a location and start comparing rates! One standout feature is its dedicated servers, optimized for streaming and other online activities. So, when you’re finished car shopping, you can switch over to Netflix and enjoy fast, buffer-free streams from content across the globe. CyberGhost is also great value for money. You can connect up to seven devices simultaneously and compare prices on multiple devices simultaneously. Check out our complete CyberGhost VPN review for more. And with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, you have plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you. IPVanish offers an extensive network of servers and provides super-speedy connections, so you can easily search for cheaper rental car rates. Established in 2012, IPVanish provides fast, secure connections and a reliable network of global servers. This broad server selection is perfect for accessing rental car rates in multiple regions, helping you easily find the best prices without worrying about slowdowns. A top feature of IPVanish is its unlimited device connections. With one account, you can compare car rental rates on your phone, laptop, or tablet simultaneously – great for browsing from multiple locations. Now, one potential drawback: IPVanish is based in the USA. But rest easy – it follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t track or store any of your browsing activities. Session data is wiped after each use, keeping your searches private. See our full IPVanish review for more details, or try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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How to set up a VPN for cheaper rental car prices
To get the best rental car rates using a VPN, follow these steps:
- Download and install ExpressVPN on your device.
- Sign up or log in to your account.
- Connect to a server in a location where you want to check rental rates (start with lower-demand regions).
- Visit a rental car booking site and compare rates in different locations.
- Start browsing.
- Switch to a new server any time you see prices creeping back up based on your searches.
Methodology: How we tested the best VPNs for finding cheap rental car prices
We tested each VPN across multiple regions and rental sites, checking for price differences based on location.
We also looked at:
- Global server network: With servers in numerous locations, these VPNs allow you to check rates from different cities or countries quickly.
- Connection speeds: I selected VPNs with minimal impact on internet speed to ensure you can browse rental car sites smoothly without frustrating slowdowns.
- Access to regional pricing: The best VPNs allow you to bypass location-based pricing differences, giving you easy access to rates in various countries and regions.
- Security: Strong security is non-negotiable. These VPNs use 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and other advanced security features, ensuring your searches stay private, even on public Wi-Fi.
- Privacy: With a strict no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and other privacy measures, these VPNs ensure none of your browsing data is tracked or stored.
- Value for money: I focused on VPNs offering affordable plans that cover multiple devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you get great value while hunting for car rental deals.
- Ease of use: These VPNs are beginner-friendly, with simple setup and use across devices.
If you want to learn more, check out ProPrivacy’s complete VPN review process to see how these services stack up in greater detail.
Can I use a free VPN to find cheap rental car deals?
Most free VPNs aren’t good for finding cheaper rental rates because they have limited functionality.
- Limited server locations: Free VPNs only offer servers in two to three countries, quickly crowded by other users. This reduces your options for comparing rates from various regions.
- Slow speeds: Free VPNs often can’t deliver reliable speeds, or they throttle your connection, making it hard to browse rental sites and compare prices quickly.
- Ad intrusions: Free VPNs come bundled with ads interrupting your browsing experience. Worse, some of these ads may even carry malware, which could compromise your device.
- Data privacy risks: Free VPNs often make money by selling your data to advertisers and data brokers. This compromises your privacy, making it risky to use them to access sensitive information like booking and payment details.
- Malware and security concerns: Some free VPNs have been found hosting malware or exposing users to hackers, putting your personal information at risk.
Plenty of cheap VPNs provide faster speeds, better security, and a smooth browsing experience – ideal for finding rental deals without compromising your privacy. Stick with these to save yourself hassle and protect your data.
FAQs: Cheaper cars with a VPN
Get cheaper rental cars in 2024
Using a VPN to find cheap rental car rates is a smart, easy way to save on travel expenses.
By changing your virtual location, you can access different regional prices and choose the best deal – in minutes.
To maximize your savings, stick with a trusted VPN service like ExpressVPN. With the right VPN and a little browsing effort, you’ll be ready to hit the road without breaking the bank! Safe travels!