otonVPN: A Practical Guide to Privacy, Performance, and Features
Keywords
ProtonVPN, VPN, Secure Core, WireGuard, no-logs, NetShield, VPN for streaming, Tor over VPN, free VPN, Proton AG, privacy-focused VPN
Description
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based, privacy-focused VPN offering Secure Core multi-hop, Tor integration, WireGuard speeds, a free tier, and apps for all major platforms.
Content
ProtonVPN is a well-known privacy-focused VPN service from Proton AG, the same team behind Proton Mail. Its core selling points are strong privacy protections, transparent development, and a range of features designed for different users — from casual browsers to privacy-conscious professionals.
Key features and privacy stance
ProtonVPN operates under Swiss jurisdiction and emphasizes a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store records of users’ internet activity. The apps are open source and the service has undergone third-party audits, which supports its credibility for security-minded users. ProtonVPN supports modern protocols such as WireGuard for fast, efficient connections as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2 for compatibility and reliability.
Secure Core and Tor integration
One standout feature is Secure Core, ProtonVPN’s multi-hop option that routes traffic through privacy-focused gateway servers before leaving their network. This adds another layer of protection against network-level surveillance. ProtonVPN also provides direct access to the Tor network (Tor over VPN), letting users reach .onion sites without running the Tor browser — useful for convenience while maintaining anonymity. Both features are valuable for users who need elevated privacy or censorship circumvention.
Performance and usability
ProtonVPN balances privacy and performance well. WireGuard support delivers strong throughput on modern devices, and the service generally performs well for streaming, browsing, and large downloads on paid plans. There’s a free tier that gives access to a limited server set and moderate speeds — a good way to try the service — but paid plans unlock global servers, faster speeds, P2P-friendly nodes, and streaming-optimized servers.
Additional protections and extras
ProtonVPN includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection to prevent accidental exposure if the VPN disconnects. NetShield, an integrated ad, tracker, and malware blocker, is available on higher-tier plans and helps improve privacy and browsing speed. Split tunneling is supported on many apps, allowing selective routing of apps through the VPN. ProtonVPN clients are available across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and compatible routers.
Who should consider ProtonVPN?
Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritize privacy, transparent practices, and features like multi-hop routing or Tor access. It’s well-suited for journalists, activists, travelers in censored regions, or anyone who wants strong privacy defaults. The free tier is useful for casual users testing a VPN, while paid tiers appeal to users needing faster connections, more simultaneous devices, or streaming and P2P support.
Trade-offs
ProtonVPN’s strength in privacy sometimes means a slightly higher price point compared with some competitors. The free plan has limitations in speed and server choice. If absolute maximum streaming performance at the lowest price is your only goal, there may be other services more narrowly optimized for that use case.
Conclusion
ProtonVPN is a robust, privacy-first VPN with modern protocols, thoughtful privacy features like Secure Core and Tor access, and a transparent approach to security. It’s a solid option for users who want meaningful privacy protections without sacrificing usability.#1#