Virtual private networks (VPNs) have exploded in popularity in recent years as more people become concerned about their online privacy and security. VPN usage grew by 41% globally in 2022 alone. With privacy threats like data breaches and surveillance on the rise, experts predict the VPN market will continue rapid growth over the next several years.
This presents a major opportunity for bloggers and website owners to profit by promoting VPN services through affiliate marketing programs. As a VPN affiliate, you can earn commissions when readers you refer sign up for VPN subscriptions.
But with so many VPN affiliate programs out there, how do you decide which ones to join? In this post, I’ll compare the top 11 VPN affiliate programs across key factors like commissions, tracking, resources, and more. I’ll also share tips on what to look for so you can determine the best VPN affiliate programs for your blog.
How Do VPN Affiliate Programs Work?
VPN services operate affiliate programs to help acquire more users through external websites. As a VPN affiliate, you place links or ads for a particular VPN provider on your site. When visitors from your site sign up for that VPN service, you earn an affiliate commission.
Commissions structures vary by program, but they typically pay:
- Signup commission: One-time percentage on initial VPN subscriptions
- Recurring commission: Percentage on ongoing monthly/yearly subscription fees
Most programs require you to submit an application to join. Once approved, you’re provided special affiliate links to place on your website. The provider tracks clicks/sales from your links so they know how much to pay you.
Now let’s dive into the top VPN affiliate programs available today.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services with over 3,000 servers worldwide and fast connection speeds. Their affiliate program offers:
- Commission: Up to $135 per user acquired
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Payment method: Payoneer, bank transfer, check
- Min payout: $50
- Reporting: Detailed dashboards for tracking sales, clicks and more
ExpressVPN provides banners, text links, product images, and more you can use to promote their service. They also offer the highest commissions in the industry.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN has over 5,200 servers worldwide and robust privacy features. Their affiliate program includes:
- Commission: Up to $252 per user
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Payment method: PayPal, wire transfer
- Min payout: $100
- Reporting: Real-time stats panel
NordVPN offers one of the most generous commission rates. They provide customized landing pages and a large library of banners, text links and creatives to choose from to match the look and feel of your website.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a fast-growing VPN with over 3,200 servers worldwide. Their affiliate program offers:
- Commission: Over 40% revenue share
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payment method: PayPal, wire transfer, crypto
- Min payout: $50
- Reporting: Advanced real-time tracking platform
Surfshark provides a high commission rate and offers special incentives like bonuses for top performing affiliates. Their program is managed through Refersion affiliate tracking software.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular choice with strict no-logging policies and over 7,400 servers. Their affiliate program includes:
- Commission: Up to $45 per user
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Payment method: PayPal, bank transfer, Skrill, crypto
- Min payout: $50
- Reporting: HasOffers affiliate platform
While commissions are lower, CyberGhost offers helpful tools like geospecific landing pages and their own affiliate platform for transparent tracking and reporting.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish provides high-speed connections with 1,600+ servers in 75+ locations. Their affiliate program offers:
- Commission: 50% revenue share
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Payment method: PayPal, check
- Min payout: $100
- Reporting: In-house dashboard
IPVanish focuses heavily on providing partners the best resources and support possible to drive conversions and earnings. However, their commissions are on the lower side.
6. Tunnelbear
Tunnelbear is known for providing a simple, easy-to-use VPN app. Their affiliate program provides:
- Commission: $3 – $15 per user depending on plan
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Payment method: Payoneer, wire transfer, crypto
- Min payout: $10
- Reporting: Refersion affiliate platform
Tunnelbear offers a low minimum payout so you can start receiving commissions quickly. Their program is easy to join and managed via Refersion.
7. FastestVPN
FastestVPN focuses on providing lightning-fast speeds with minimal lag. Their affiliate program includes:
- Commission: 100% of sales during first month
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payment method: PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, wire transfer
- Min payout: $50
- Reporting: Direct affiliate dashboard
While FastestVPN offers industry-leading commissions, they only track users during first 30 days so lifetime value will be lower.
8. Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA offers advanced privacy protection features like port forwarding and multihop. Their affiliate program provides:
- Commission: Recurring revenue share up to 30%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Payment method: PayPal, Bitcoin, check
- Min payout: $20
- Reporting: Direct affiliate area
PIA offers the lowest minimum payout threshold. However, their commissions don’t compare as favorably to other top VPN affiliate programs.
9. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is an award-winning VPN provider focused on providing elite performance and speed. Their affiliate program includes:
- Commission: 50% revenue share
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payment method: PayPal, wire transfer, Payoneer, crypto
- Min payout: $20
- Reporting: HasOffers platform
Like other programs, Hotspot Shield relies on HasOffers software to manage tracking, reporting, and payments. One downside – their 30 day cookie window is lower than some alternatives.
10. Avast SecureLine VPN
Avast is a well-known antivirus software company that also offers a full-featured VPN product called SecureLine. Their affiliate program provides:
- Commission: Up to 40%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Payment method: PayPal, wire transfer, Skrill
- Min payout: $50
- Reporting: In-house dashboard
Since Avast already has high brand familiarity from their antivirus products, it can be easier to promote their VPN. However, their payout threshold is on the high side.
11. HideMyAss (HMA)
HideMyAss (owned by Avast) offers fast speeds with 900+ servers in 190+ countries. Details on their affiliate program include:
- Commission: $50 flat rate
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payment method: PayPal
- Min payout: $50
- Reporting: In-house system
The flat $50 signup bonus means lifetime value will be lower compared to ongoing commissions from other providers. But their program is easy to join and manage.
What Makes the Best VPN Affiliate Program?
With lots of choices available, what should you look for when evaluating VPN affiliate programs? Here are top factors to consider:
Commissions – Look for the highest commission rates and lifetime recurring payouts since users often stick with VPN services long-term.
Resources – Choose programs that provide useful tools like customize landing pages, banners, and text links to help drive conversions.
Tracking and Reporting – Ensure the program uses a transparent tracking platform so you can monitor your key metrics.
Payments and Support – Look for low minimum payouts, multiple payment options, and responsive account management.
Start Promoting Top VPN Affiliate Programs
I hope this guide has helped shed light on some of the best VPN affiliate marketing programs available today.VPN adoption will likely continue rising, so now is a prime time to capitalize by promoting a VPN service on your website.
Just make sure to research each program carefully in terms of commissions, cookie duration, marketing materials, and reporting capabilities.
Many of the top providers offer bonuses and incentives for bringing on new partners so be sure to see if they have any special offers.
Then place your affiliate links prominently on site content related to privacy, security, online safety and start earning from this high-growth niche!
