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ProtonVPN - VPN
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ProtonVPN

Free Plan
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description ProtonVPN Overview

Developed by the team behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN is built with a core commitment to privacy and transparency. It is based in Switzerland, benefiting from strong privacy laws, and its apps are open-source and regularly audited. A standout feature is its reputable free tier with no data limits.

Paid plans include Secure Core (routing traffic through privacy-hardened servers), NetShield ad-blocking, and Tor-over-VPN support. It offers excellent speeds on its paid servers via WireGuard. The service is ideal for journalists, activists, and privacy purists who value transparency, strong jurisdictional protections, and the credibility of a company with a proven track record in secure communication.

recommend Best for: ProtonVPN is ideal for individuals and families who prioritize online privacy, security, and transparency, and are willing to pay for a premium service or utilize the free tier for basic protection.

insights Ranking position

ProtonVPN ranks #9 of 434 in the Vpn ranking, behind SoftEther VPN, ahead of WireGuard for iOS (official).

info ProtonVPN Specifications

balance ProtonVPN Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros
  • check Strong Privacy Focus: Based in Switzerland with robust privacy laws and a commitment to transparency.
  • check Open-Source and Audited: Apps are open-source, allowing for independent security audits and community verification.
  • check Generous Free Tier: Offers a free tier with unlimited data, a significant advantage over many competitors.
  • check Secure Core Technology: Provides an extra layer of security by routing traffic through ProtonVPN's Secure Core servers.
  • check No-Logs Policy: Strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, ensuring user activity is not tracked or stored.
  • check Multi-Platform Support: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and as browser extensions.
thumb_down Cons
  • close Free Tier Speed Limitations: Free users experience slower connection speeds compared to paid subscribers.
  • close Server Location Restrictions: The free tier has limited server locations, potentially impacting performance and access.
  • close Can Be Complex for Beginners: The advanced features and security configurations might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users.
  • close Potential for Connection Instability: Some users have reported occasional connection drops or instability, particularly on the free tier.
  • close Paid Plans Can Be Relatively Expensive: Compared to some competitors, ProtonVPN's paid subscription plans are positioned at a higher price point.

help ProtonVPN FAQ

Is ProtonVPN truly free?

Yes, ProtonVPN offers a free tier with unlimited data. However, it has limitations like slower speeds, fewer server locations, and no access to Secure Core servers. Paid subscriptions unlock additional features and performance.

Where is ProtonVPN based and why is that important?

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws and is outside of the jurisdiction of the EU and US. This provides a legal framework that protects user data and privacy from government surveillance.

What is Secure Core and why should I use it?

Secure Core routes your internet traffic through ProtonVPN's servers in privacy-friendly countries (Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland) before connecting to your final destination, adding an extra layer of security and anonymity.

Is ProtonVPN open source? What does that mean?

Yes, ProtonVPN's apps are open source, meaning the code is publicly available for review. This allows security experts and the community to verify the software's integrity and identify potential vulnerabilities.

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