In this Proton VPN review, we explore how this service stands out in a sea of commercial VPNs by focusing on privacy, transparency, and security. Developed by the same team behind Proton Mail: he world’s largest encrypted email provider. Proton VPN takes an uncompromising approach to protecting user data. Unlike mainstream VPNs that prioritize streaming and speed, Proton VPN caters to privacy-first users who demand the highest level of security and anonymity.
Proton VPN Review: What Makes Proton VPN Different?
While many VPNs focus on convenience and entertainment, Proton VPN’s strengths lie in its Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core network, and open-source transparency. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Based in Switzerland: Outside of Surveillance Alliances
First and foremost, Proton VPN operates from Switzerland, a country with some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. Unlike VPNs based in the US, UK, or other Five Eyes countries, Swiss law protects Proton VPN from government surveillance and intelligence-sharing agreements. This ensures:
- No mandatory data retention laws: Authorities cannot force Proton VPN to store or hand over user data.
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction: Switzerland does not cooperate with global surveillance networks like Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes.
2. Secure Core: Protection Against Advanced Threats
Moreover, Proton VPN employs Secure Core technology, a multi-hop system that routes traffic through multiple ultra-secure servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching the open internet. This added security layer helps protect against:
- Network surveillance: Even if an exit server is compromised, user data remains safe.
- VPN traffic correlation attacks: Secure Core minimizes the risk of identity leaks by routing data through highly secure locations.
3. Transparency: Open-Source and Independently Audited
In addition, Proton VPN is fully open-source, meaning its code is available for public inspection. This ensures:
- No hidden backdoors: Security researchers can verify that Proton VPN does not contain vulnerabilities.
- Independent audits: Third-party cybersecurity experts have reviewed the entire VPN infrastructure, with audit reports available online.
4. A True No-Logs Policy: Verified and Trustworthy
While some VPNs claim to enforce a no-logs policy but fail to provide proof, Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been legally tested in Swiss courts. Even if law enforcement requested user data, no information exists to share.
Key privacy measures include:
- Tor over VPN: Direct integration with the Tor network for added anonymity.
- RAM-only servers: Data is never stored permanently.
- Perfect forward secrecy: Even if someone intercepts an encryption key, past sessions remain secure.
Proton VPN Review: Privacy Without Compromise
While Proton VPN is designed for privacy advocates, it still delivers excellent performance for everyday use.
Streaming & Speed: How Well Does Proton VPN Handle Entertainment?
Proton VPN offers dedicated streaming servers, ensuring access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. However, since Proton VPN prioritizes security over speed, it may not be as fast as some commercial VPNs that focus on streaming performance.
- Speed: Proton VPN uses the WireGuard protocol for fast and secure connections. While speeds are generally strong, some servers may be slower due to high encryption standards.
- No bandwidth limits: Even on the free plan, users get unlimited data, which is rare among free VPN providers.
Security Features: Beyond Standard VPN Protection
Proton VPN goes beyond basic encryption by including cutting-edge security technologies:
- AES-256 encryption: The gold standard for secure data transmission.
- Kill switch & Always-On VPN: Prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
- DNS leak protection: Ensures that no browsing activity is exposed.
Proton VPN Plans & Pricing
One of Proton VPN’s biggest advantages is its free plan. Unlike many free VPNs that come with restrictions or data limits, Proton VPN offers a completely free version with unlimited bandwidth. However, if you’re looking for additional features and faster speeds, Proton VPN provides several paid subscription plans that offer more extensive access.
Subscription Plans:
Proton VPN Plus
To begin with, Proton VPN offers a Free Plan that includes unlimited bandwidth and access to over 100 servers in three countries (US, Netherlands, Japan). While this is a great option for basic security needs, it does not include premium features such as advanced security protocols or streaming support.
For users who require more, Proton VPN Plus provides several paid options:
- Free Plan: Unlimited bandwidth, 100+ servers in 3 countries (US, Netherlands, Japan).
- 1-month plan: $9.99/month
- 1-year plan: $4.99/month, billed at $59.88 for the first 12 months
- 2-year plan: $4.59/month, billed at $107.76 for the first 24 months
With all paid plans, users get full-speed access to 8600+ servers in 110 countries, along with added perks such as ad-blocker, malware protection, and priority support.
Proton Unlimited: Includes Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar for an all-in-one encrypted ecosystem.
- 1-month plan: $12.99/month.
- 1-year plan: $9.99/month, billed at $119.88 for the first 12 months
- 2-year plan: $7.99/month, billed at $191.76 for the first 24 months
Whether you choose Proton VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited, all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.
Note: Actual prices may vary. Please visit Proton VPN Pricing for the most up-to-date information.
Who Should Use Proton VPN?
Because of its focus on security and privacy, Proton VPN is the perfect choice for:
Privacy-conscious users: Ideal for journalists, activists, and anyone needing strong anonymity.
Users who want a free, trustworthy VPN: Unlike ad-supported free VPNs, Proton VPN is ad-free and funded by its paid users.
Tech-savvy users: Open-source transparency ensures Proton VPN can be trusted.
Proton VPN Review: Final Verdict
Ultimately, Proton VPN is more than just another VPN. It’s a movement for digital privacy. With its Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core technology, and open-source transparency, it provides an unmatched level of security. While it may not be the fastest option for streaming, its privacy-first approach, encryption standards, and ethical business model make it one of the most trustworthy VPNs available.
If anonymity, security, and transparency are your top priorities, Proton VPN is the best choice on the market.
