ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. Launched with privacy and security as its primary goals, ProtonVPN positions itself as a trustworthy option for users who want to protect their online activity without sacrificing transparency. Headquartered in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy protections, ProtonVPN benefits from favorable jurisdictional safeguards that make user data requests more difficult for foreign governments.
Security and privacy are central to ProtonVPN’s design. The service enforces a strict no-logs policy and uses modern encryption standards—AES-256 combined with key exchange using protocols like WireGuard and, where available, OpenVPN. ProtonVPN also provides Perfect Forward Secrecy to ensure that even if a session key is compromised, past sessions remain secure. Independent security audits and open-source apps add to the platform’s credibility, allowing researchers and users to verify the implementation.
One of ProtonVPN’s standout features is Secure Core, a multi-hop architecture that routes traffic through a series of privacy-friendly servers before leaving the network. Secure Core endpoints are hosted in privacy-respecting countries and protect against network-level threats, such as a compromised exit server. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN for extra anonymity, directing traffic into the Tor network without the need for a separate Tor browser configuration.
ProtonVPN’s product lineup includes a free tier and multiple paid plans. The free plan is notable for offering a reliable, no-cost option with limited server access and slower speeds—useful for casual or privacy-conscious users on a budget. Paid tiers unlock benefits like higher speeds, access to the full server fleet, Secure Core, dedicated streaming servers, P2P-enabled locations for torrenting, and simultaneous connections for multiple devices. Proton’s apps are user-friendly across desktop and mobile platforms, including built-in protections such as a kill switch and DNS leak prevention.
Performance has improved significantly as ProtonVPN adopted WireGuard, which typically delivers faster and more consistent speeds compared with older protocols. That said, actual speed varies by server choice, geographic distance, and network congestion. ProtonVPN’s server network is extensive but smaller than some major competitors; however, the emphasis remains on quality, privacy-respecting locations over sheer quantity.
Use cases for ProtonVPN include securing public Wi-Fi connections, protecting personal data while traveling, privacy-conscious browsing, safe P2P activity on designated servers, and accessing geo-restricted streaming content. It’s also appealing to activists, journalists, and business users who prioritize confidentiality.
In conclusion, ProtonVPN is a strong choice for users who value transparency, robust security, and privacy-respecting jurisdiction. While it may be pricier than some alternatives and its server count is moderate, its audited, open-source approach and privacy-first feature set make it a compelling VPN for individuals and organizations focused on safeguarding their online activity.#1#