Overview
Proton VPN is a feature-rich VPN service created by the same team behind Proton Mail, with a mission to make privacy the default online. Built around strong technical protections and open-source transparency, Proton VPN combines an expansive global server network, high-speed infrastructure, and privacy-first policies to help users bypass geo-restrictions, defend against tracking, and secure their internet connections. The service targets a wide range of users — from privacy-conscious individuals and journalists to streamers and remote workers — offering both a robust free plan and tiered paid subscriptions with advanced capabilities.
Core Capabilities
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Extensive server network: Proton VPN operates 15,000+ servers across 120+ countries, enabling broad access to international content and redundancy for consistent connections.
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High-performance infrastructure: With 10 Gbps servers and the proprietary VPN Accelerator technology, Proton VPN boosts throughput and can increase VPN speeds by up to 400%, improving streaming, gaming, and large downloads.
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Privacy and transparency: The service is governed under Swiss jurisdiction, maintains a strict no-logs policy, and publishes open-source apps. Proton regularly commissions independent audits to verify privacy claims.
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Advanced security features: Proton VPN supports strong protocols like WireGuard® and OpenVPN, uses AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, and offers built-in protections such as a kill switch, always-on VPN, and NetShield for ad and malware blocking.
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Multi-device and streaming support: One subscription covers up to 10 simultaneous devices, with specialized servers and features for streaming services, P2P downloads, split tunneling, and double-hop routing.
Why choose Proton VPN
Proton VPN is recommended for users who prioritize privacy combined with performance. Its Swiss base and nonprofit-aligned ownership (Proton Foundation) reinforce trust, and the open-source approach allows the community to audit client code. The inclusion of a free tier with no ads or data caps sets Proton apart from many competitors, giving users a risk-free way to test core features. For paid users, the Plus plan unlocks the fastest servers, streaming optimization, VPN Accelerator, and priority support.
Security and Privacy Practices
Proton VPN emphasizes verifiable security: encryption with modern ciphers, support for robust VPN protocols, and additional safeguards like the kill switch and DNS filtering via NetShield. The company publishes audits and keeps its apps open source so independent researchers can inspect them. Being headquartered in Switzerland gives Proton strong legal privacy protections, and the company states it will not sell user data or respond to advertisers or venture capital interests.
Plans and Practical Details
Proton VPN offers a free plan alongside paid tiers such as the Plus subscription, which includes access to the full server fleet, up to 10 device connections, ad/malware blocking, split tunneling, double hop, and VPN Accelerator. Promotional pricing examples include multi-year deals that lower monthly cost; paid plans also provide priority support and live chat.
Getting started
Download Proton VPN on desktop, mobile, or as browser extensions (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and more). After installing, sign in with a Proton account, choose a server or use secure features like split tunneling and NetShield, and connect. Guides and support materials are available on the Proton site for setup, streaming, and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Proton VPN blends performance, transparency, and privacy protections into a single service. Whether you need a trustworthy free VPN or a high-speed paid solution with advanced features and open-source clients, Proton VPN is positioned to serve a wide range of use cases while maintaining a strong commitment to user privacy and independent verification.
