When we think of getting a VPN subscription, we often think of the traditional method of actually going to a provider’s website and signing up for a subscription for 1-2-3 years.

But what if we’ve been given a voucher for Amazon or somewhere else, and we want to see if we can use that to get started with a VPN service? Are there any options open to use that way?

This was a position I was in recently, having an Amazon voucher I needed to get rid of, so I actually researched and tried it out. There are some options to use an Amazon voucher to purchase a VPN subscription and save some (and in one case, a LOT) of money.

It usually involves using your voucher to purchase a VPN activation code off Amazon, downloading/installing the VPN app yourself, and then using this code to activate your subscription. There are a few VPNs that allow you to do it this way rather than though their own site, but not many.

Let’s run through a few of these options.

Option #1 – AVG VPN (Best Value)

This is the option I’ve gone for, and I’ve got to say I’m impressed at the value, even if performance is not top of the range.

AVG VPN do offer activation codes for sale on Amazon at VERY cheap prices, meaning you can get 1-2 years of unlimited VPN access for a price not available anywhere else in the conventional VPN market.

Click here to view a 2 year AVG subscription activation code on Amazon (this the standalone VPN subscription; other bundled packages that also include other AVG products like Anti-virus are available as well, and on occasion may even be cheaper. Also 1 year VPN codes are available on some stores).

It’s more expensive in some countries than others, but can work out very cheap when a voucher is used towards the cost. It definitely was for when I used my UK voucher – I got 2 years unlimited VPN  access for basically £5. You wont beat that for value in the VPN market.

Once you’ve got your subscription code, you need to do the following:

1. Create an AVG account for free
2. Download and install the AVG VPN software for free
3. Open the VPN and enter your activation code to enable your subscription.

See our step by step guide on getting started with AVG VPN using this cheaper “DIY” route of using activation codes purchased online.

I love this option because it’s a great way of getting started using a VPN for low cost using a voucher.

However, AVG VPN is a basic service for sure and isn’t for everyone. Here are some major summary bullet points to the service:

• Works fine as a basic VPN, with acceptable function and speeds
• Servers in 37 countries (all major countries covered)
• Between 5 and 10 devices allowed depending on the store and subscription.
• Some streaming access but not guaranteed
• Reasonably private but not a 100% zero log VPN
• Connections not always reliable on slow Wi-Fi

See here for our full pros/cons guide for AVG VPN. Basically, if you’re not a particularly demanding user and just want a basic VPN to mask your IP address, it’s a great budget option to get a VPN for cheap when using a voucher.

Option #2 – NordVPN

AVG’s VPN offering is quite basic and not very sophisticated. If you’re wanting a higher quality, more recognized, long-standing VPN, then NordVPN do also offer activation codes on Amazon. Honestly, they’re not always great value compared to buying subscriptions directly on their website.

But if you’ve got a sizeable voucher to use, it can bring the price down to a reasonable level, where you’re getting a top notch VPN subscription for a discounted price.

Click here to view a 1 year NordVPN subscription activation code on Amazon. Codes for other lengths of time are also available.

Once you’ve got the code, you just need to follow the instructions provided to download the NordVPN app, and enter your activation code to enable the service. And you’re good to go!

If you’re wanting a more reputable brand, NordVPN have been around for a long time and have a strong reputation as being a reliable, privacy focused VPN. You’re paying more than AVG for sure, but you’re getting what you pay for.

Here are some bullet points to NordVPN:

• Based in Panama with a strict zero log policy (much better than AVG)
• Double encryption for added security
• Subscription covers up to 6 devices.
• Strong server selection in 60+ countries.
• Works with all major devices
• Router support as well.
• Strong and reliable streaming access.

Option #3 – Mullvad VPN

Honestly, this Swedish based provider aren’t someone I’d heard of before I researched this topic, but they’ve actually been around since 2009 and also offer activation codes for their service on Amazon.

Click here to view a 1 year Mullvad VPN activation code on Amazon.

It’s similarly priced to NordVPN’s codes – not super budget, but can be good value if you’re using a voucher towards the purchase.

Here are some bullet points on the Mullvad VPN service:

• Based in Sweden with strong privacy laws and a strong commitment to internet privacy.
• Strict zero log policy
• Provides servers in 70 cities in 39 countries
• Subscription protects up to  5 devices at once.

Honestly, in terms of value, Mullvad VPN doesn’t seem to be one of the better options here. You’re not getting a great server selection or super advanced features – you’re better off with NordVPN for these things.

But one good thing in it’s favor is the strong independence – it’s wholly owned by 2 of it’s founders, with no corporate/big tech influence. It’s a good “grassroots” VPN choice if that’s what you prefer.

Option #4 – Bitdefender Premium VPN (Total Protection)

Much like AVG VPN, this is a great budget VPN option that you can get for next to nothing using a voucher code towards the already low price on Amazon for a 1 year subscription code.

Click here to view a 1 year activation code for Bitdefender on Amazon. Other subscription lengths are also available.

It’s the same as the other options – you get your code, download the VPN app to your device (there’s a free version also available)

Here are you main features for Bitdefender:

• Based in Romania
• Works on all major platforms and devices.
• Totally unlimited use for up to 10 devices
• Strict zero log policy
• 50+ server locations
• Some streaming service access (including Netflix).

As with AVG, it’s not a top of the range VPN, but for basic users that just want a functioning VPN to mask their IP address and encrypt connections, it’s a decent option. Speeds are acceptable and their server selection is also better than AVG for a comparable price.