ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the Swiss company behind ProtonMail. Built on a foundation of strong privacy principles and secure engineering, ProtonVPN aims to give users a reliable way to protect their internet traffic from surveillance, censorship, and tracking while maintaining solid performance for everyday use.
Privacy and jurisdiction
One of ProtonVPN’s core selling points is its legal base in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws and protections against mass surveillance. The company maintains a no-logs policy and has publicly undergone independent audits to verify its claims. ProtonVPN also integrates privacy-minded design choices—such as Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly jurisdictions first—so even if an exit server is compromised, user identities remain better protected.
Security and protocols
ProtonVPN supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is the preferred option for most users, offering a good balance of speed and strong cryptography. ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20 where applicable) and implements perfect forward secrecy to limit exposure if long-term keys are ever compromised. Additional features like a built-in kill switch and DNS leak protection help ensure traffic stays private if the VPN connection drops.
Notable features
- Secure Core: Routes connections through Proton-operated servers in privacy-friendly countries before leaving the network.
- Tor over VPN (Onion over VPN): Direct access to the Tor network through selected VPN servers without running the Tor browser.
- NetShield: An optional built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker available on paid plans.
- P2P support: Torrenting is allowed on many servers, with optimized options for file sharing.
- Cross-platform apps: Native clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS; apps are open source and periodically audited.
Performance and usability
ProtonVPN balances privacy with practical performance. WireGuard connections typically provide fast speeds for streaming, video calls, and downloads, though speed can vary by server and location. The interface is user-friendly and includes features such as split tunneling on supported platforms and easy server selection for streaming and P2P.
Plans and value
ProtonVPN offers a limited free tier alongside multiple paid tiers that add features like Secure Core, higher speeds, more simultaneous connections, and NetShield. The paid plans are competitive for users who prioritize privacy, and Proton’s reputation as a privacy-first company is a major draw.
Who should use it
ProtonVPN is well suited for privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists, or anyone who wants stronger protections while browsing. It’s also appropriate for average users who want an easy-to-use VPN with credible privacy credentials. As with any VPN, prospective users should evaluate features, server locations, and speed in line with their specific needs.#1#