Proton VPN Review

Overview

Proton VPN, from the creators of Proton Mail, claims to prioritize your online privacy, even on its free tier. Our thorough analysis explores whether it’s as private as it claims or if there are hidden trade-offs.

Our Score: 9.2/10
Ranked 8th out of 198 VPNs

Our Evaluation

Is Proton VPN safe? Ever since ProtonMail was caught logging an activist’s IP in 2021, there have been doubts about Proton’s overall privacy stance. With this in mind, we thoroughly analyzed Proton VPN, exploring its privacy policy, ownership, and security practices. We also extensively tested its streaming capabilities, speeds, leak protection, torrenting support, and other features.

Overall, Proton VPN is a solid choice for those seeking a trustworthy and secure VPN. Despite the ProtonMail controversy, ProtonVPN has an impeccable history. The free version is also worth trying, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to explore all its benefits risk-free.

Proton VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

Pros:

• Truly free plan with no data limits
• Strong security features
• Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
• Open-source apps with independent audits
• Secure Core servers for extra protection
• NetShield ad and malware blocker
• Works with most streaming platforms

Cons:

• Free version limited to 3 locations
• Slightly slower than top competitors
• Limited device support for Smart TVs
• Occasional streaming issues with some platforms

Proton VPN Features — 2025 Update

Price

Free plan available; paid plans start at $4.99/month with special offers.

Key Features

• Score: 9.2/10
• AES-256 encryption
• Secure Core servers (multi-hop VPN)
• NetShield ad and malware blocker
• Kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Perfect forward secrecy
• Open-source apps with independent audits
• 10 simultaneous connections

Streaming

• Score: 9.3/10
• Works with Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more
• Some occasional issues with BBC iPlayer
• Free version doesn’t support streaming
• VPN Plus plan required for streaming features

Speed

• Score: 9.1/10
• Good speeds on local connections
• Some slowdown on very distant servers
• Fast enough for HD streaming
• VPN Accelerator technology improves performance

Gaming

• Score: 9.1/10
• Acceptable latency for most games
• Protection against DDoS attacks
• Access to region-restricted games
• Not the fastest option for competitive gaming

Security and Privacy

Proton VPN offers excellent security features including:

• AES-256 encryption
• Multiple secure protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard)
• Strict no-logs policy
• Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws)
• Open-source apps with regular independent audits
• Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries

Device Compatibility

Proton VPN works on most popular devices:

• Windows, Mac, Linux
• iOS, Android
• Android TV
• Chromebook
• Limited support for other platforms

Customer Support

Email support with good response times. Also offers:

• Detailed knowledge base
• Setup guides
• Troubleshooting articles
• No live chat support

Conclusion

Proton VPN stands out for its commitment to privacy and security, especially with its unique Secure Core feature and open-source applications. The free tier with unlimited data is exceptional in the VPN market, making it accessible to everyone. While it may not be the fastest VPN available, its strong focus on privacy, transparency, and security makes it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users in 2025.