Proton VPN
Swiss no-log VPN with free tier, Secure Core servers, and open-source apps - from the makers of Proton Mail
Quick Overview
| Company | Proton AG |
|---|---|
| Category | VPN Service |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| EU Presence | Yes - Switzerland (EFTA) |
| Data Centers | 90+ countries worldwide |
| Open Source | Yes - all apps |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes - Independently audited |
| Main Features | Secure Core, NetShield ad blocker, kill switch, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, free tier |
| Pricing | Free tier / From 4.99/month (paid) |
| Best For | Users wanting a trustworthy VPN with free option from a reputable privacy company |
| Replaces | NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark |
Detailed Review
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service created by Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. Launched in 2017, Proton VPN was born from the same team of scientists who met at CERN and developed Proton Mail to protect journalists and activists. The VPN extends Proton's privacy mission by providing secure, private internet access to users worldwide.
Swiss Jurisdiction and Privacy
Switzerland is renowned for its strong privacy protections, and Proton VPN benefits significantly from being headquartered in Geneva. Swiss privacy laws are among the most protective in the world, and Switzerland is not part of the EU or the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance. This means Proton VPN is not subject to EU data retention laws or international intelligence sharing agreements.
Swiss law requires a court order for any data requests, and Proton has a track record of challenging requests that do not meet strict legal requirements. The company publishes transparency reports detailing government requests and how they respond to them.
Generous Free Tier
Unlike most VPN services that offer only limited trials, Proton VPN provides a genuinely useful free tier. Free users get access to servers in 5 countries (USA, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland), unlimited data, and no time restrictions. While the free tier has some limitations (medium speeds, single device, no P2P or streaming optimization), it is one of the most generous free VPN offerings available.
This free tier is funded by paid subscribers who support Proton's mission to make privacy accessible to everyone. Proton has committed to never showing ads or selling user data to monetize free users.
Secure Core Architecture
Proton VPN's Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before exiting to the destination. This provides protection against sophisticated attacks where an adversary might compromise an exit server. Even if the exit server were compromised, your true IP address would still be protected by the Secure Core servers.
Secure Core servers are owned by Proton and located in high-security data centers, including a former military bunker in Switzerland. This infrastructure provides extra assurance for high-risk users like journalists and activists.
Open Source Apps
All Proton VPN applications are open source and have been independently audited by security firms. The code is publicly available on GitHub, allowing security researchers to verify that the apps work as claimed. This transparency is rare in the VPN industry, where most providers keep their code proprietary.
The apps have been audited by SEC Consult and other firms, with audit reports published publicly. Any vulnerabilities discovered are promptly fixed, and the open-source nature means the community can contribute to security improvements.
Advanced Features
Proton VPN includes several advanced features. NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level, improving browsing speed and privacy. The kill switch prevents any data leakage if the VPN connection drops. Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN. Tor over VPN routes traffic through the Tor network for additional anonymity.
Port forwarding is available for P2P users who need it. Streaming support includes optimized servers for popular streaming services. The VPN Accelerator feature uses advanced technologies to increase VPN speeds by up to 400%.
WireGuard and OpenVPN
Proton VPN supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. WireGuard provides better performance and is the default on most platforms. OpenVPN remains available for users who prefer it or need it for compatibility reasons. IKEv2 is also supported on certain platforms.
Proton has implemented WireGuard with additional privacy protections, including double NAT to prevent servers from knowing your true IP address. This addresses privacy concerns that exist with standard WireGuard implementations.
Proton Ecosystem Integration
Proton VPN integrates seamlessly with other Proton services. Users can bundle Proton VPN with Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive for comprehensive privacy protection. The Proton Unlimited plan includes all services, providing excellent value for users who want the complete Proton ecosystem.
Limitations to Consider
Proton VPN's free tier, while generous, has limitations that may frustrate some users. Speeds can be slower during peak times due to server load. The server network, while growing, is smaller than some competitors like NordVPN. Pricing for paid plans is higher than budget VPN options, though competitive with premium providers.
Who Should Use Proton VPN
Proton VPN is ideal for privacy-conscious users who want a trustworthy VPN from a reputable company, free users who need a reliable VPN without time limits, Proton Mail users who want integrated privacy services, journalists, activists, and others with high privacy requirements, users who value open-source software and transparency, and anyone who wants Swiss privacy protection for their internet connection.
Alternatives to Proton VPN
Looking for other European VPN providers? Here are some alternatives worth considering:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Proton VPN offers a genuinely free tier with unlimited data and no time restrictions. Free users get access to servers in 5 countries. The free tier is funded by paid subscribers and Proton does not show ads or sell data.
No, Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. They do not log your browsing activity, IP address, connection timestamps, or session durations. The no-logs policy is protected by Swiss law.
Secure Core routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the destination. This protects against sophisticated attacks where an exit server might be compromised. Secure Core servers are owned by Proton and located in high-security facilities.
Yes, all Proton VPN apps are open source and available on GitHub. The code has been independently audited by security firms like SEC Consult. This transparency allows anyone to verify that the apps work as claimed.
Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited data. Paid plans start at 4.99 euros per month when billed annually. The Plus plan includes all features, while the Proton Unlimited plan bundles VPN with Mail, Calendar, and Drive.
Yes, Proton VPN Plus includes optimized streaming servers that work with popular services like Netflix, Disney+, and others. The free tier does not include streaming-optimized servers. Streaming capabilities depend on your plan and the service you are trying to access.
The free tier allows 1 device connection. Proton VPN Plus allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. This is sufficient for protecting multiple personal devices or sharing with family members.
Switzerland has some of the world's strongest privacy laws. It is not part of the EU or 14 Eyes intelligence alliance, meaning no foreign data sharing agreements. Swiss law requires court orders for data requests, and Proton has a track record of challenging improper requests.