Proton VPN

Introduction

Proton VPN stands apart in the VPN industry by offering a genuinely unlimited free tier alongside premium paid plans—a rarity among quality VPN providers. PCWorld praises the service for privacy- and security-focused features in droves, including an easy-to-use multi-hop feature and support for Tor servers. Security.org highlights Proton VPN's strong privacy with no data logging, unlimited torrenting, and Netflix access.

Created by the CERN scientists behind ProtonMail, Proton VPN benefits from Swiss jurisdiction and privacy laws while maintaining complete transparency through open-source applications and regular independent security audits. For users seeking proven privacy protections with the option to start free, Proton VPN represents a compelling choice.

Performance & Speed

Proton VPN delivers respectable speeds on premium servers, though performance typically lags behind top-tier competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark. The free tier limits users to medium-speed servers in three countries, while Plus subscribers access high-speed servers worldwide with better performance. The service supports WireGuard (via Stealth protocol) and OpenVPN, with WireGuard delivering notably better speeds. While adequate for browsing, streaming, and most uses, power users seeking maximum speeds may find faster alternatives.

Security Features

Security is where Proton VPN truly excels. CNET emphasizes the clear, concise privacy policy and regularly audited no-logging policy that should put even the most privacy-conscious users at ease. The service employs strong encryption with multiple protocol options and includes advanced features like Secure Core (multi-hop) routing that protects against network-based attacks by routing traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting. Perfect Forward Secrecy ensures session keys can't be compromised even if the server key is stolen. NetShield ad and malware blocker filters threats at the DNS level.

Streaming Capabilities

Proton VPN Plus subscribers can access Netflix and other streaming platforms, with Security.org confirming Netflix access capabilities. The service unblocks major streaming platforms including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, though it may require server switching to find working connections. The free tier doesn't include streaming server access, limiting this capability to paid subscribers. Performance is generally adequate for HD streaming, though 4K content may occasionally buffer on distant servers.

Privacy Policy

Proton VPN operates under Swiss jurisdiction, benefiting from some of the world's strongest privacy laws. The service maintains a strict, independently audited no-logs policy verified by third-party security firms. Mashable highlights Proton VPN's eight-year track record supporting internet freedom causes and its free tier with zero data limits. The open-source applications allow independent verification of privacy claims, and the service accepts Bitcoin for anonymous payments. Regular transparency reports detail any legal requests received and the company's responses.

User Experience

Proton VPN applications are clean, modern, and user-friendly across all platforms. The interface clearly displays connection status, selected server, and data transfer statistics. Advanced features like Secure Core, split tunneling, and Kill Switch are easily accessible without cluttering the main interface. The Quick Connect feature automatically selects the fastest available server based on your location and current server loads. Integration with other Proton services (Mail, Drive, Calendar) provides a cohesive privacy-focused ecosystem for users invested in the Proton suite.

Customer Support

Proton VPN provides email-based support with generally helpful responses, though turnaround times can range from several hours to a day for complex inquiries. The knowledge base covers common questions and setup procedures for all supported platforms. Active community forums allow users to seek peer support and share configuration tips. While lacking 24/7 live chat of premium competitors, the available support channels adequately address most user needs. Premium subscribers receive priority support with faster response times.

Value for Money

Proton VPN's free tier offers unlimited data usage—a truly exceptional value for users with basic VPN needs, though it limits server selection and speeds. At $2.49/month, the Plus plan provides access to the full server network, streaming support, and advanced features like Secure Core and Tor servers. The 30-day money-back guarantee allows risk-free testing. The Unlimited plan bundles VPN access with premium features of Proton's entire service suite (Mail, Drive, Calendar, Pass) for users wanting comprehensive privacy protection. For privacy advocates, especially those already using Proton services, the value proposition is strong. The legitimate free tier makes Proton VPN accessible to anyone, regardless of budget.