What's the cheapest VPN that actually works for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions? I don't want to pay for a year upfront just to test it out.

I spent way too much on a “cheap” VPN that buffered through every big game and got instantly blocked by BBC iPlayer. After testing a few, I landed on CyberGhost because it has streaming-optimized servers that actually switch regions without fighting you. Still, paying for a full year before knowing if it works on your setup stings. What helped me: I grabbed one of those CyberGhost VPN promo codes and did their shortest plan first—like one month—just to verify it unblocks Netflix Japan and Hulu. Yeah, the monthly price is higher, but that’s the cost of honesty. Once I saw it held up for two weeks straight, I then used a promo code to lock in a longer deal for way less per month. Also, check if your router supports VPNs; that saved me from configuring every device separately. Bottom line: test month-to-month with a code, then commit.