ProtonVPN Review – Swiss Security and a Trusted Free Option

ProtonVPN is a privacy-first VPN created by the team behind ProtonMail. Based in Switzerland, it delivers strong encryption, open-source apps, and a generous free plan. With a solid reputation in the cybersecurity space, ProtonVPN is ideal for privacy-conscious users who want transparency, performance, and trust.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
• ✅ Truly free plan with no data cap
• ✅ Secure Core multi-hop technology
• ✅ Open-source apps and audited code
• ✅ NetShield malware and tracker blocker
• ✅ Tor over VPN support

🚀 Speed & Performance

ProtonVPN has greatly improved speeds since adding WireGuard support. During tests, premium servers delivered up to 350–500 Mbps. Even the free plan maintained enough speed for smooth browsing and video in SD or HD.

Secure Core servers — which route traffic through hardened Swiss data centers — are slower, but add an extra layer of protection ideal for high-risk users.

🔒 Security & Privacy

With ProtonVPN, privacy is central. It uses AES-256 encryption, Secure Core (a double-hop system), and DNS leak protection. All apps are open-source and independently audited. Unlike many VPNs, ProtonVPN also publishes transparency reports and voluntarily discloses law enforcement requests.

• 🔐 Secure Core: Routes traffic through privacy-respecting countries before reaching the internet.
• 🛡️ NetShield: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
• 🌐 Tor over VPN: Connects you directly to the Tor network.

📱 Apps & Usability

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. The interface is sleek, dark-themed, and intuitive, with real-time server load indicators, easy filters, and a well-designed map interface.

Users can choose between quick-connect simplicity or fine-grained control — perfect for both beginners and experts.

🎬 Streaming & Torrenting

ProtonVPN’s Plus servers unblock several streaming platforms, including:

• 📺 Netflix (multiple regions)
• 📺 Hulu
• 📺 Amazon Prime Video
• 📺 BBC iPlayer

Torrenting is allowed on most paid servers and delivers reliable speeds. However, it’s not available on free servers. Streaming performance was smooth during testing, though some regional content may require specific Plus locations.

💰 Pricing & Plans

• 🆓 Free Plan: No data cap, 3 countries, 1 device
• 📅 1-Month Plan: $9.99
• 📅 12-Month Plan: $5.99/month
• 📅 24-Month Plan: $4.99/month

ProtonVPN also offers bundles with ProtonMail, Proton Drive, and Calendar. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

🙋 Customer Support

Support is available via email ticketing and a robust knowledge base. While there’s no live chat, Proton’s documentation is thorough, and their team is responsive. Replies usually come within 12–24 hours.

🎯 Who Should Use ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is ideal for:

• ✅ Privacy advocates and journalists
• ✅ Users seeking a no-cost VPN
• ✅ Open-source software supporters
• ✅ Tor and darknet access seekers
• ✅ VPN users who avoid ads