Proton VPN Review

Proton VPN is a popular VPN service developed by the Swiss company Proton AG (the team behind ProtonMail). It's known for its strong focus on privacy, offering advanced security features and an unlimited free plan - something rare among VPNs.

Plans and Pricing Options

Proton VPN offers one free plan and two paid subscription tiers: Proton Free, VPN Plus, and Proton Unlimited. The paid plans have monthly, 1-year, or 2-year billing options. Below is an overview of each version and its pricing (with the annual cost highlighted):

• Proton Free is free (cost: $0.00) but has restrictions: one VPN connection, a handful of countries to choose from (three countries at the moment), average speeds, and basic security with no bandwidth limits. Unfortunately, it doesn't support streaming services or P2P/file sharing. It's an excellent way to try Proton VPN risk-free, and unlike many free VPNs, it imposes no bandwidth limits.

• VPN Plus costs $9.99 for the monthly plan. $47.88 per year (billed at $3.99/month annually), for the 1-year plan (renews at $79.95). The 2-year plan works out at $71.76 per 2 years (billed at $2.99/month annually) and renews at $79.95 annually. Coming with the full feature set, this plan allows up to 10 devices to be connected at once, uses over 15,000 servers in more than 120 countries, delivers top-notch speeds, and includes advanced features such as Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker, streaming, and P2P support, and more.

VPN Plus subscribers can watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more from anywhere. If you want the VPN itself, Proton VPN Plus has got you covered. It's essentially the premium VPN service minus the extra Proton ecosystem tools.

• Proton Unlimited costs $12.99 a month if you opt for the month-by-month option. The 1-year plan is priced at $119.88 a year, which is broken down to $9.99 a month. The 2-year plan is priced at $191.76 or roughly $7.99 a month for a two-year commitment. Combining the features of VPN Plus, Proton Unlimited gives you premium access to Proton's suite of encrypted services, including ProtonMail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, Proton Pass, and, in terms of VPN, is identical to VPN Plus. The higher cost is a package deal that includes all these services.

Users who need a VPN will probably find that Proton VPN Plus has all they need, but for those who are also invested in the Proton ecosystem, Proton Unlimited is the way to go. All plans come with a robust no-logs policy and high security.

Our In-House Proton VPN Test Results

To evaluate Proton VPN's performance, we conducted several in-house tests covering connection speed, reliability, streaming, and security:

• Speed Tests: When testing Proton VPN on a high-bandwidth internet connection, we saw that the VPN is virtually unnoticeable on nearby servers. Download speeds dropped only a little, and our baseline remained very close. Distant servers, such as those connecting from Europe to the US or Asia, showed a more pronounced reduction in speed but could still deliver good HD streaming and large downloads. Coming from one continent to another, Proton VPN's new VPN Accelerator kicks in and really does the trick.

• Streaming and Geo-Unblocking: When testing Proton VPN Plus, we found that it worked well for streaming. By connecting to the appropriate Plus servers, we successfully unblocked Netflix libraries (including US Netflix), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Streaming video in HD and even 4K was possible without buffering on the servers we tried. Unfortunately, the free version of Proton VPN doesn't let you access streaming services, since the servers used for these services are blocked.

• Torrenting and P2P: When using Proton VPN's paid plans, Plus and Unlimited, we can share files via P2P on the designated servers. We tested downloading a large file via BitTorrent connected to a Proton VPN Plus server, and it went without a hitch. Our download speeds were similar to our non-VPN speeds, indicating that Proton VPN doesn't throttle torrent traffic. However, people on the free plan won't be able to torrent, as P2P is disabled on free servers.

• Security Tests (IP/DNS Leak, Kill Switch): When we evaluated Proton VPN, we looked closely at its privacy features. We used online tools to check for IP and DNS leaks, and Proton VPN's results were satisfactory. Our real IP address and DNS requests were completely hidden behind Proton's servers.

Proton VPN's apps come with an Always-On VPN/Kill Switch that we tested and found effective. When simulating a sudden network drop, the kill switch immediately blocked all internet traffic, stopping any data from escaping the VPN tunnel.

Test Verdict: When tested, Proton VPN showed itself to be a highly secure VPN with more than adequate speeds for the average user, though ultra-demanding users may find that they can get a tad faster elsewhere. The Plus plan effectively manages streaming and torrenting, and the VPN's protection against any leaks was basically flawless.

Main VPN Features

• No-Logs, Swiss Jurisdiction: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws. The company follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record your online activities or connection logs. This has been verified through independent security audits, and all Proton VPN apps are open-source for transparency.

• Strong Encryption and Protocols: Proton VPN secures data using AES-256 encryption with 4096-bit RSA for key exchange. This is enabled with perfect forward secrecy, and the VPN supports OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and WireGuard.

• Secure Core (Multi-Hop VPN): A standout feature of Proton VPN is Secure Core, a double-hop VPN architecture. When enabled (available to Plus/Unlimited users), Secure Core will route your traffic through a secure server, which is actually owned by Proton and located in countries that are known for their privacy laws, like Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden. The data is then sent to the final VPN server. This adds an additional layer of protection against sophisticated attackers or surveillance at the exit server.

• NetShield Ad/Malware Blocking: NetShield, Proton VPN's built-in DNS filtering feature, blocks ads, tracking domains, and known malware sites. By eliminating the advertising clutter, it also loads the pages much faster.

• Kill Switch and Always-On: All Proton VPN apps have a Kill Switch option. The kill switch ensures that your internet traffic is instantly halted if your VPN connection drops to prevent any real IP leakage. Proton VPN's "Always-On VPN" mode tries to re-establish the VPN connection if it gets interrupted, too.

• Split Tunneling: Proton VPN offers split tunneling on its Windows, Android, and Linux apps. This feature lets you choose which applications go through the VPN and which go through your normal internet connection. For example, you could send all of your web browsing through the VPN but let a local game or app go without.

• Servers and Locations: Proton VPN has an extensive server network worldwide. As of 2025, it operates 13,000+ servers in over 120 countries - one of the broadest coverages in the industry. Proton VPN reports that many servers are on 10 Gbps infrastructure.

• P2P Support: Proton VPN allows torrenting and P2P file sharing on its network, but only on specific servers. All paid users can access these P2P-optimized servers.

• VPN Accelerator: A set of performance enhancements (such as better multi-threading) to increase speeds on slow connections or weak CPUs. Proton claims it can improve speeds by up to 400% in some cases.

Additional Features (Beyond VPN)

When signing up for Proton VPN, you'll get access to the Proton ecosystem of privacy tools, and the top-tier Proton Unlimited plan takes this a step further by bundling a suite of services beyond the VPN:

• Proton Mail Plus: You'll get Proton Mail Plus, the company's most advanced encrypted email service, where you can sign up for a private and secure email account, and enjoy features such as end-to-end encryption, custom email domains, and up to 15 email addresses. ProtonMail is one of the most trusted secure email providers globally.

With Proton Unlimited, you receive Proton Mail Plus (the premium plan) as part of the package, which includes a large storage allotment and all advanced email features.

• Proton Drive: Secure cloud storage for your files. Proton Drive lets you store and share files with end-to-end encryption. With Proton Unlimited, you'll get 500 GB of storage to back up any documents, photos, or other data, and rest assured, it's completely private. It's a privacy-focused alternative to Google Drive/Dropbox.

• Proton Calendar: An encrypted calendar service that keeps your schedule private. With Unlimited, you can create multiple calendars and share events securely. All event details (titles, notes, attendees) are encrypted so not even Proton can read them. It's integrated with ProtonMail, so you can send invites from your email.

• Proton Pass: A password manager launched by Proton. This password manager takes care of your logins, passwords, and even 2FA codes, and secure notes. Proton Unlimited gives you Proton Pass Plus, which also includes features for password sharing and breach monitoring. You'll get a complete password manager that sits under the same account.

• Others: They're constantly adding new services, the latest being Proton Wallet and Proton Authenticator (a 2FA app). Proton Unlimited essentially future-proofs you to get all current and future Proton services at the highest tier.

Ease of Use

Proton VPN scores high in ease of use, thanks to its well-designed applications and user-friendly approach. We found that getting started with Proton VPN is straightforward: you sign up with an email (no personal details required), choose a plan (or the free option), and download the app for your device. Proton VPN does not require any payment info for the free plan, which is convenient for users who want to try it out.

• Desktop Application: On Windows and Mac, the Proton VPN client has a clean, modern interface. The design is intuitive - a sidebar lists all server locations (with a search bar and the ability to favorite servers), and there's a world map view that you can click to pick a country. Connecting is as simple as pressing the big "Quick Connect" button, which intelligently selects a fast server for you..

• Multi-Platform Support: Proton VPN is available on all major platforms. We've tested it on Windows 11, macOS, Android, and iOS, and it's consistent across them all, so if you know one, you'll feel at home on any of the others. It can be set up on routers by importing OpenVPN/WireGuard configs, and has custom clients for Android, iOS, and even Android TV and Fire TV.

This broad support means you can protect all your devices with one Proton VPN account. The service allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on Plus/Unlimited plans, which is generous (you can cover your PC, phone, tablet, and even share with family devices under one plan).

• User Experience: During our review, we found the Proton VPN apps to be rock-solid and reliable. The connections rarely dropped in normal use, and switching servers was seamless. If you do switch servers, the client quickly re-establishes the VPN without making you disconnect manually.

The apps send notifications to tell you when you're online and if the kill switch is activated, keeping you informed. Proton's web-based control panel (account.proton.me) is tidy and sorted. All your subscriptions, settings, and software can be found in one place, making it easy to download new software or get help.

Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)

Proton VPN offers excellent mobile applications for both Android and iOS, providing on-the-go security without sacrificing usability. We tested the Proton VPN Android app on a smartphone and the iOS app on an iPhone to gauge their design and performance.

Android App: The Android app has outstanding user ratings. Currently at 4.7 out of 5 stars with hundreds of thousands of reviews, the app closely mirrors the desktop functionality, presented in a minimalist mobile-friendly layout. It welcomes you with a one-click Quick Connect button and a geographically sorted server list.

Upon selecting a country, you can join or pick specific servers quickly, and the Secure Core servers are clearly marked. The UI is clean and very responsive. In our use, connecting to a server took only a couple of seconds. The Android app features NetShield toggles, protocol options (and WireGuard for faster mobile connections), and the ability to save preferred servers or customize your connections.

We found that it has a built-in kill switch, labelled "Always-on VPN" in the Android settings, to prevent any data leaks if the VPN drops out. One convenient feature on Android is split tunneling - we were able to specify certain apps to bypass the VPN. We were able to send some apps through the regular connection and others through Proton VPN.

iOS App: The Proton VPN app for iPhone and iPad has a similarly polished interface. It's available on the App Store and, like the Android version, is free to download (you can sign in with your Proton account). The iOS app doesn't have split-tunneling because iOS doesn't allow it, but it includes features like Secure Core, NetShield, and alternative protocols.

By default, Proton VPN uses the IKEv2 protocol on iOS, which is basically guaranteed to be stable on iPhones, and gives you the option to switch to OpenVPN if you need to, which you can do from the app settings. The connection process was smooth, but it does ask you to install a VPN profile the first time you use it, which is standard for iOS VPN apps, and after that, connecting is just one tap away. We tested streaming Netflix via the iOS app and had no problem accessing geo-blocked content on the iPhone.

The app runs quietly in the background, didn't let us down, and stayed up all day without dropping the connection. If you turn on the "Connect on Demand" feature via the Proton VPN profile in the iOS settings, it will automatically reconnect when you join an unsecured network, which is fantastic for public Wi-Fi.

Proton VPN proudly proclaims that all of its apps, including the mobile ones, are completely open-source and audited. After seeing the stability of both the Android and iOS apps, this is more than reassuring. Anyone can review the code to make sure it's squeaky clean. In our test, neither the Android nor iOS app crashed or froze, had no battery-killing impact, and ran the test nonstop for hours.

User Reviews and Reputation

When considering Proton VPN, we analyzed the feedback from its users on platforms such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and the app stores. The results show a somewhat mixed picture.

• Trustpilot: When looking at the reviews on Trustpilot, Proton VPN's rating is relatively low, hovering around 2.0 out of 5 and classified as "Poor," coming from a very small sample of less than a hundred reviews. Most of the complaints on this platform relate to issues with billing, cancellations, and customer support, and many users bemoan unexpected charges or are unable to get a refund.

• Reddit and Community Feedback: The story is very different on Reddit. The r/Proton VPN subreddit, comprised of actual Proton VPN users, has a generally positive attitude towards the service. Many Reddit users praise Proton VPN's strong security stance and are loyal because they trust the company's ethos (being created by the same company that is behind ProtonMail).

The community does mention some drawbacks: for example, advanced users in some countries still yearn for the ability to use WireGuard VPN protocols on routers, and are a bit fed up that Secure Core, which uses third-party servers, can be slow.

• App Store Reviews: User ratings on Google Play and Apple's App Store present a very favorable view. From nearly half a million Google Play reviews, Proton VPN sports a 4.7 rating, and users are overjoyed with its top-notch quality, exuberant generosity of the free service, and beautiful user interface.

When looking up Proton VPN on the Apple App Store, you'll find a very high rating of 4.5 stars and up. People love its security features and that it's a "plug and play" solution, meaning it just works, no fuss. A few dissatisfied customers have given low ratings because a connection didn't work for them on a particular network.

In summary, user reviews for Proton VPN vary depending on where you look. Trustpilot has a more mixed picture, with many people complaining about the support and administrative side of Proton VPN, something that the company will likely look to improve. Famous community forums and app ratings, on the other hand, show that many users are happy with the service quality and integrity of Proton VPN.

Is Proton VPN Worth It?

After examining Proton VPN from all angles, the question remains: Is it worth paying for Proton VPN, or should you stick with the free version (or a competitor)? Ultimately, the answer depends on your priorities:

Value of the Free Plan: Proton VPN's offering is often considered one of the best free VPNs. Coming from a developer of privacy-focused services, it's no wonder that their free tier is so strong. It offers unlimited data and the same encryption as paid users.

However, Proton VPN's free plan has some pretty significant limitations. It's limited to a single device, a few server locations, and doesn't let you stream movies or torrent files. We've found that this free plan is fantastic for casual use and a great option to test Proton VPN's service long-term without burning a hole in your pocket.

For those who are unable to pay and require a secure and no-frills privacy experience, Proton VPN's free plan is well worth having as a "daily driver", and has no hidden catches, like ads or selling of personal data.

Upgrading to Paid (Plus vs Unlimited): When looking for a VPN service that's serious about its capabilities, Proton VPN Plus is the option to consider. It comes in at a slightly higher price point, roughly $4.99/month on a one-year contract. We believe it's money well spent if you care about privacy and are hooked by Proton's innovative features.

You'll get a huge server pool of over 120 countries, strong performance, the ability to stream movies and TV shows, and premium security features like Secure Core and NetShield. Since you can hook up to ten different devices, one account can cover the whole house, making it a total bargain.

Proton Unlimited: When deciding on the right plan for Proton, as a power user who is also concerned with privacy, the additional cost of Proton Unlimited may be justified if you use Proton's full suite of services. From a pure VPN standpoint, Unlimited doesn't give you anything more than Plus in terms of VPN capabilities. Still, it does give you the advantage of a secure email account, cloud storage, and a password manager, all in one neat package and at a lesser price than purchasing these services individually.

We found that users deep in the Proton ecosystem - for example, journalists, activists, or privacy enthusiasts - find Unlimited very valuable. It simplifies having one subscription and one account for all these tools. If you're looking for a VPN, though, you can skip Unlimited.

Verdict: Overall, Proton VPN is worth buying for users who value security and privacy and are interested in the Proton ecosystem. It may not be the cheapest VPN, but it provides excellent security features and a trustworthy service with no logs and no ads. One final consideration: Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee (prorated), so you can test the paid features risk-free. If you try it and find it doesn't meet your needs, you can get most of your money back..

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Is Proton VPN really safe to use?

Yes, when considering Proton VPN, rest assured it is a safe option. They're using top-tier AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols to shield your data. The service has a strict no-logs policy (audited and based in privacy-friendly Switzerland), meaning it does not track or record what you do online. Plus, all the apps are completely open-source and have been independently audited, something that's virtually unheard of in the VPN industry.

What do I get with Proton VPN Free vs. Proton VPN Plus?

Proton VPN's Free plan is completely free to use, but it's somewhat limited. You can only connect one device at a time and connect to a handful of servers in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.

The speeds on free servers are capped, but streaming services and P2P/torrenting aren't available on this plan. Streaming services and torrenting are unlocked with Proton VPN Plus, the paid option. This option gives you access to 13,000+ servers in over 120 countries, lets you hook up to ten devices, and tops out the speeds available.

Does Proton VPN work with Netflix and other streaming platforms?

Yes. Proton VPN can unblock Netflix and many other streaming services, and we found it quite effective with a Plus or Unlimited plan. We could access Netflix in multiple regions, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and others. Proton VPN specifically advertises streaming as one of its features and has its Plus servers optimized for the purpose.

Is Proton VPN good for torrenting?

Yes, when it comes to torrenting, Proton VPN is very much torrent-friendly. However, you'll need a Plus/Unlimited plan to torrent without restrictions. They've dedicated P2P servers that are essentially marked for torrenting. These are optimized for high speeds and located in countries where torrenting isn't a problem. Our tests downloading Linux ISOs via BitTorrent over Proton VPN Plus were successful - speeds were good and we encountered no throttling.

How many devices can I use with Proton VPN?

It depends on the plan. The Free plan allows 1 device connection at a time. Proton VPN Plus (and the Unlimited plan) allows up to 10 devices simultaneously on one account. This is quite generous compared to many VPNs (which often allow 5 or 6). Essentially, with Plus/Unlimited, you can have Proton VPN active on your phone, laptop, desktop, tablet, and more, all at once.

Where is Proton VPN based, and does that matter?

Proton VPN is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and that matters a lot for its reputation. Switzerland isn't part of the Five Eyes alliance, and it has pretty strong privacy laws. VPN companies in Switzerland are not subject to mandatory data retention. In Proton VPN's case, being in Switzerland aligns with its no-logs policy. Even if asked, by law, they cannot be forced to log user activity (and they don't log to begin with).

What is Secure Core in Proton VPN?

Secure Core is Proton VPN's cutting-edge feature, sending your traffic through two VPN servers, or multi-hop. It starts with a hardened server in a country like Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, which Proton VPN operates itself, and then kicks out your connection to a second server, sending you to your final destination.

Does Proton VPN offer customer support if I run into issues?

Yes, Proton VPN offers customer support through multiple channels, though support responsiveness can depend on your plan. Every user, even the free ones, gets access to their in-depth knowledge base and support center, and can submit a ticket/email. Paid users get priority support.