If you’re serious about online privacy plus decent speed, this Proton VPN review 2026 shows why it’s one of the best out there. Built by the Proton Mail team in privacy-friendly Switzerland, it gives you real audited no-logs protection and 10 Gbps servers that actually handle streaming and everyday stuff.
QUICK VERDICT
Proton VPN delivers top privacy, competitive speeds, and a solid server network in 2026.
It’s perfect if:
✅ You want maximum privacy (Swiss servers, audited no-logs)
✅ The free plan matters to you
✅ You like Secure Core double-VPN
✅ You need good speeds for streaming
Skip it only if you need rock-bottom pricing or servers in super obscure spots. Proton backs its privacy talk with performance that works.
Why Proton VPN Stands Out
Plenty of VPNs promise the world, yet Proton actually delivers on privacy. Swiss based with strong laws and no surveillance ties, so that’s why it fits our site, which cares about real online safety.
What really makes Proton VPN different:
- Swiss Privacy: Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws and no surveillance alliances, so you get extra peace of mind about data requests.
- True Privacy Focus: Strict no-logs policy and privacy-first mindset, so your activity stays private, never sold.
- Secure Core Network: Route through hardened servers in privacy-friendly locations, which blocks advanced tracking.
- Strong Security Features: WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, plus ad/tracker blocking.
- Open Source Apps: Independently reviewed code. Anyone can verify what it does.
Performance
Proton VPN now competes seriously on speed with 10 Gbps servers and VPN Accelerator (up to 400% boost). When we tested it on a Dutch Ziggo connection for this Proton VPN review, we got 85%+ of base speeds on nearby servers. Perfect for browsing, video calls, and streaming. Netflix NL and US both worked smoothly without buffering.
Secure Core drops to around 65%, which is normal for extra protection. Long-distance US hit 45% of base speed, so it’s good enough for HD streaming. Above all, stability impressed us most. No DNS leaks, torrenting flawless with the kill switch holding strong. Proton now keeps up on performance without skimping on privacy.
How Proton VPN Handles Streaming
Proton VPN works reliably with Netflix (NL and US), Disney+, and others. When we tested it on a Dutch Ziggo connection, we could access geo‑blocked content without constant buffering, though speeds dropped a bit when using Secure Core. For the smoothest experience, the Plus plan is the best choice thanks to more server locations and better overall performance.
Pricing & Plans
Proton VPN keeps things simple with a clear free tier plus a couple of paid options that scale with your needs. In fact, for most people, the Plus plan is the sweet spot between price and features.
Free Plan
- Unlimited data (rare for free VPNs).
- Access to servers in 10 countries, locations are automatically assigned so you can’t choose one manually.
- Medium speeds, good for testing or light browsing.
- No ads, no data selling.
VPN Plus (Recommended)
- $9.99/month monthly, drops to $3.99/month on a 1‑year plan and $2.99/month on a 2‑year plan.
- Access to 17000+ servers in 125+ countries.
- All core privacy features: Secure streaming, Secure Core, NetShield Ad-blocker, and 10 simultaneous devices.
- Optimized for streaming and general use.
Proton Unlimited
- Priced $12.99/month and drops to $9.99/month on a 1 year plan. Unlocks full functionality for Proton VPN with Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and other Proton services.
- Best if you already use or want encrypted email and cloud storage alongside your VPN.
All paid plans come with a 30‑day money‑back guarantee, so you can test Proton VPN risk‑free. If you’re mainly after privacy and a solid free option, the free plan is a great starting point; if you want full features and better speeds, the Plus plan is the best value.
Who Should Use Proton VPN?
Proton VPN delivers top privacy plus competitive speeds and a solid server network in 2026. It works especially well for:
- Privacy-conscious users who want a Swiss-based, audited no-logs VPN
- People who want a genuinely usable free plan without data caps or constant upsells
- Users who value Secure Core, open-source apps, and strong security features
- Anyone already using Proton Mail or Proton Drive and wants a single ecosystem for privacy
- Streamers and daily users needing reliable speeds on 10 Gbps servers with VPN Accelerator
If you need the absolute cheapest paid plan or servers in every tiny country, look elsewhere. Otherwise, Proton VPN backs up its privacy claims with performance that keeps up for most needs.
Alternatives
NordVPN cranks more servers and peak speeds for heavy users, while Surfshark nails unlimited devices on the cheap. ExpressVPN owns premium polish. Still, Proton leads privacy packs with speeds now in the same league.
Final Verdict
In this Proton VPN review, it ranks among 2026’s elite. Audited no-logs policy holds firm, free tier actually works, and 10 Gbps servers with VPN Accelerator crush streaming, torrenting, and daily tasks. Privacy meets power without cutting corners.