Proton VPN

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Proton VPN Review [2025]: Security First, From the Creators of Proton Mail

Developed by the same team behind the encrypted email service Proton Mail, Proton VPN brings a strong focus on security, privacy, and transparency to the VPN market. Based in privacy-haven Switzerland and featuring open-source apps, it appeals heavily to users prioritizing trust and data protection. But how does it fare in terms of speed and usability in [2025]?

Proton VPN offers both free and paid tiers, aiming to make online privacy accessible. Its paid plans unlock advanced features and better performance, competing directly with other top providers.

Proton VPN Highlights at a Glance:

  • Excellent Security & Privacy: Based in Switzerland, open-source apps, strong encryption, secure protocols, and features like Secure Core (MultiHop) and Tor over VPN.
  • Verified No-Logs Policy: Independently audited no-logs policy provides strong assurance.
  • Great Speeds: Fast and reliable performance, especially with WireGuard and their VPN Accelerator technology.
  • Generous Free Plan: One of the best free VPN tiers available (with speed/server limitations but no data caps).
  • NetShield: Effective ad, tracker, and malware blocker.
  • Decent Streaming & P2P: Supports torrenting and unblocks major streaming platforms.

Security & Trust: Proton’s Core Strength

Coming from a security-focused background, Proton VPN excels here:

  • Swiss Jurisdiction: Operates under Switzerland’s strong privacy laws, outside of EU/US jurisdiction.
  • Open Source & Audited: All its apps are open source, allowing public scrutiny. Both the apps and its no-logs policy have undergone independent security audits.
  • Encryption & Protocols: Uses robust AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption with secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Also includes a custom “Stealth” protocol designed to bypass VPN blocks.
  • Secure Core: Routes traffic through multiple servers (starting in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden) before exiting at your chosen location, providing MultiHop protection against network surveillance.
  • Kill Switch & Permanent Kill Switch: Standard kill switch plus an option to block all internet access unless the VPN is active.
  • NetShield: DNS filtering to block malware, ads, and trackers.
  • Tor over VPN: Easily route your traffic through the Tor anonymity network for an additional layer of privacy (can impact speed).

Performance: Fast & Accelerated

Proton VPN delivers impressive speeds, often competing with the fastest VPNs thanks to:

  • WireGuard Implementation: Offers excellent speed and modern security.
  • VPN Accelerator: A set of technologies designed to improve speed and stability, especially over long distances or less reliable networks.

These speeds make it great for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and large downloads.

Streaming, Torrenting & P2P

Proton VPN supports P2P traffic on specific optimized servers. While not all servers allow it, there are plenty of options available.

Streaming performance is good, reliably unblocking major services like:

  • Netflix (US, UK, etc.)
  • BBC iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Disney+
  • Hulu

While it might occasionally struggle with less common regional services compared to ExpressVPN, its performance for popular platforms is solid, especially on paid plans.

Free Plan & Pricing

Proton VPN’s free tier is a major draw. Unlike many free VPNs, it offers unlimited data, has a clear no-logs policy, and provides decent security. However, it’s limited to servers in fewer countries and has lower speed priorities than paid plans.

The paid plans unlock all servers, maximum speeds, advanced features (Secure Core, NetShield, Tor over VPN), P2P support, and more simultaneous connections. Pricing is generally reasonable, especially on longer-term subscriptions, though perhaps slightly higher than budget options like PIA or Surfshark. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee (calculated on a pro-rata basis).

Any Downsides?

  • Slightly Higher Price: Paid plans can be more expensive than some competitors.
  • Support: While improving, live chat support hasn’t always been as consistently available 24/7 as some rivals (relying more on email/tickets).
  • Server Network Size: While server quality is high, the total number of servers and countries might be slightly less than giants like CyberGhost or PIA (though still extensive).
  • China Performance: Can be hit-or-miss, even with the Stealth protocol.

The Verdict: Who Should Use Proton VPN?

Proton VPN is an outstanding choice for users who place the highest value on security, privacy, and transparency. Its Swiss base, open-source apps, audited policies, and unique features like Secure Core make it a top pick for the security-conscious. The excellent free plan is also a huge bonus.

We highly recommend Proton VPN for:

  • Privacy advocates and security-focused users.
  • Users wanting a trustworthy free VPN option (understanding its limitations).
  • Individuals looking for high speeds and reliable core VPN functionality.
  • Users who appreciate open-source software.

While its streaming reach might be slightly less extensive than some and support options were historically less immediate, Proton VPN offers a compelling, highly secure, and increasingly fast service, making it a strong contender in the premium VPN space.