ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the Swiss company best known for Proton Mail. Launched with privacy and transparency as core principles, ProtonVPN aims to give users stronger online privacy and safer connections through robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a suite of user-friendly apps across desktop and mobile platforms.
Privacy and jurisdiction
One of ProtonVPN’s biggest selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has strong privacy protections and is outside EU and US intelligence-sharing agreements, which helps protect user data from external legal demands. ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy means it does not store activity or connection logs that could identify users. The company frequently emphasizes transparency: its apps are open source and have undergone independent security audits.
Key features
ProtonVPN supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, offering a good balance between speed and security. WireGuard, in particular, provides high performance with minimal overhead. ProtonVPN also includes advanced protections such as a kill switch (which stops network traffic if the VPN connection drops), DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on supported platforms. The NetShield feature provides DNS-based ad, tracker, and malware blocking to improve privacy and browsing speed.
Secure Core and Tor integration
A distinctive feature is Secure Core, which routes user traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries (such as Switzerland and Iceland) before it leaves the ProtonVPN network. This multi-hop approach helps defend against sophisticated threats, such as attackers attempting to correlate traffic entering and exiting the network. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN access for users who want to reach the Tor network without running the Tor Browser directly.
Plans and availability
ProtonVPN offers a free tier that provides limited servers and modest speeds but no data caps—useful for occasional secure browsing. Paid plans expand server access, unlock higher speeds, and add advanced features like Secure Core, P2P support, and streaming-optimized servers. Native apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus options for router configuration.
Performance and user experience
In practice, ProtonVPN combines a clean, easy-to-use interface with reliable speeds—especially on WireGuard. It’s a strong choice for users who care about privacy and want a service backed by transparent, independently audited code and a pro-privacy company. While no VPN can make you invulnerable, ProtonVPN provides a credible, well-rounded option for secure, private internet access.#1#