ProtonVPN is a consumer VPN service developed by Proton AG, the same organization behind Proton Mail. Built with privacy as a core principle, ProtonVPN combines strong technical protections, transparency, and a user-friendly design to appeal to both privacy-conscious users and everyday consumers who want secure internet access.
Privacy and jurisdiction
One of ProtonVPN’s most notable selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has robust privacy laws and is outside EU and US intelligence-sharing agreements, which can make it harder for foreign governments to compel data disclosure. ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user activity or connection logs that could be used to identify users. The company also offers several transparency measures, including open-source client apps and independent security audits.
Security features
ProtonVPN uses modern encryption and secure VPN protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard support provides a good balance of speed and security for most users. Advanced features include a built-in kill switch to block traffic if the VPN connection drops, split tunneling on supported platforms, and DNS leak protection. ProtonVPN’s Secure Core multi-hop feature routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries under Proton’s control (for example, Switzerland and Iceland) to protect against network-based attacks and compromise of upstream servers.
Performance and streaming
Performance has improved substantially with WireGuard and a global network of servers. Speeds will vary by plan and server load, but ProtonVPN often performs well for general browsing, streaming, and video calls. Many servers support P2P/torrenting and specialized streaming servers are positioned to help access geo-restricted content. Results can vary by title and region, as streaming services continuously update their VPN detection.
Plans and apps
ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited servers and medium speeds, which is useful for casual users and testing. Paid tiers unlock full server access, higher speeds, Secure Core, NetShield (an ad/tracker/malware blocker on some plans), and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and select routers. The clients are open-source, which supports community review and transparency.
Who it’s for
ProtonVPN suits users who prioritize privacy and transparency, want an audited, open-source client, or prefer a provider based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Power users who need multi-hop routing and additional privacy features will appreciate the higher-tier plans. Casual users can also benefit from the free plan.
In short, ProtonVPN offers a balanced mix of privacy-focused features, modern security, and reasonable performance, making it a compelling option for users seeking a trustworthy VPN provider.#1#