About Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a privacy-first VPN service created by the team behind ProtonMail, the world's largest encrypted email provider. Based in Switzerland and protected by some of the world's strongest privacy laws, Proton VPN is designed for users who prioritize security and transparency above all else.
What sets Proton VPN apart is its commitment to open-source transparency. All Proton VPN apps are fully open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities or backdoors. This level of transparency, combined with independent security audits, provides unmatched trust in the VPN industry.
Proton VPN is the only premium VPN that offers a genuinely usable free plan with no data limits, no ads, and no logging. The free plan provides access to servers in 5 countries at reasonable speeds, making it the best free VPN option available.
The paid plans unlock advanced features including Secure Core (multi-hop through privacy-friendly countries), NetShield (DNS-based ad and malware blocker), built-in Tor support, and access to P2P-optimized servers. Proton VPN operates over 4,800 servers in 91 countries, with speeds powered by a 10 Gbps server network and the VPN Accelerator technology for performance optimization.
Key Features
Pros
- Best free VPN plan available (no data limits)
- Fully open-source and independently audited
- Swiss-based with strong legal privacy protection
- Excellent security with Secure Core routing
- No ads or tracking even on free plan
- Built-in Tor support for maximum anonymity
Cons
- Free plan limited to servers in 5 countries
- Speeds can be slower than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Interface less polished than some competitors
- No dedicated IP option available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a genuinely free plan with no data limits, no ads, and no logging. The free plan includes servers in 5 countries and supports 1 device. There are no hidden catches — it is funded by paid subscribers.
Is Proton VPN trustworthy?
Proton VPN is one of the most trustworthy VPN services available. It is fully open-source, independently audited, based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, and created by the same team behind ProtonMail. Their no-logs policy has been verified in real legal cases.
What is Proton VPN Secure Core?
Secure Core routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before connecting to the exit server. This provides protection even if an exit server is compromised, as attackers cannot trace traffic back to your real IP.
Can Proton VPN unblock streaming services?
Yes, Proton VPN Plus plans can unblock most major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and others. The Plus plan includes dedicated streaming servers optimized for reliable access.
Is Proton VPN open source?
Yes, all Proton VPN apps (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) are fully open-source and available on GitHub. This allows security researchers to independently verify the code, providing an unmatched level of transparency in the VPN industry.
Security & Privacy
Supported Protocols
Supported Platforms
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User Reviews
Community Ratings
Based on 4 user reviews
Stefan Horvat
Speeds have improved dramatically with the Stealth protocol. Based in Switzerland with strong legal protections. My go-to for privacy-first browsing.
Privacy First
ProtonVPN is the most privacy-focused VPN I've used. Swiss jurisdiction and open-source apps give me real confidence. The free plan is the best in the industry.
Nadia Okonkwo
The free plan is genuinely usable, which is rare. Paid plans add Secure Core and Tor over VPN. Perfect for journalists and activists needing strong anonymity.
Felix Dubois
Proton VPN is built by the team behind ProtonMail, so trust is already established. Secure Core routes through privacy-friendly countries before exiting. Open source and audited.