In an era where online privacy is paramount, selecting a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) is crucial. ProtonVPN, developed by the creators of ProtonMail, offers a robust solution for users seeking secure and private internet connectivity. This review delves into ProtonVPN’s features, performance, security measures, and pricing to provide a comprehensive understanding of its offerings.
Device Compatibility and Platform Support
ProtonVPN extends its services across a wide array of platforms, ensuring users can maintain privacy regardless of their device. The VPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and Android. Notably, ProtonVPN also offers dedicated applications for Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV, enabling users to secure their streaming activities. For those seeking browser-specific protection, ProtonVPN provides extensions for Chrome and Firefox, though Safari users currently lack this option. Additionally, users can configure ProtonVPN on compatible routers, allowing all connected devices to benefit from VPN protection without individual installations.
User Interface and Experience
ProtonVPN’s user interface is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The application features a world map highlighting server locations, facilitating easy selection of preferred servers. Users can choose between a map view or a list view, depending on their preference. The interface also displays real-time connection statistics, including session duration, bandwidth usage, and connection speed, providing users with insightful data about their VPN usage.
Server Network and Performance
As of March 2025, ProtonVPN boasts a network of 12,198 servers across 117 countries, offering users extensive options for server connections. This vast network contributes to the VPN’s impressive performance metrics. In tests conducted on a 60 Mbps broadband connection, ProtonVPN demonstrated a latency increase of approximately 29%, with download speeds only 7% slower and upload speeds 5.5% slower than the baseline, positioning it among the faster VPN services available.
Security Features
Security is a cornerstone of ProtonVPN’s service. The VPN employs AES-256 encryption and supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard (UDP/TCP). In October 2022, ProtonVPN introduced the Stealth Protocol for Android, iOS, and macOS clients, designed to disguise VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic, enhancing the ability to bypass network restrictions. This protocol was extended to Windows clients in August 2024.
ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature routes user traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries like Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland before reaching the final destination. This multi-hop architecture adds an extra layer of security, protecting against network traffic monitoring. The Secure Core servers are housed in high-security data centers, including underground bunkers and former military installations, ensuring physical security.
The NetShield feature enhances security by blocking ads, trackers, and malware. By filtering out unnecessary content, NetShield not only protects users from malicious entities but also improves browsing speed by reducing data load. Users can monitor the number of ads, trackers, and malware blocked through the NetShield Privacy Panel and customize their blocking preferences accordingly.
For users seeking maximum anonymity, ProtonVPN offers Tor over VPN servers. These specialized servers allow users to access the Tor network directly through ProtonVPN, enabling access to .onion sites without additional software. Connecting to a Tor server is straightforward; users simply select a server labeled with ‘-TOR’ and an onion icon, and all traffic is automatically routed through the Tor network.
Privacy Policy and Transparency
ProtonVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity is not recorded or stored. This policy has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company, affirming ProtonVPN’s commitment to user privacy. Being based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN operates under strong privacy laws, and any data requests require a Swiss court order, with users being informed of such requests. However, due to the no-logs policy, ProtonVPN has minimal data to provide, even under legal compulsion.
ProtonVPN’s applications are open-source, allowing security researchers and the global community to inspect the code for vulnerabilities. This transparency fosters trust and enables rapid identification and resolution of potential security issues. The company also maintains a bug bounty program to encourage the reporting of security flaws.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
ProtonVPN offers a range of subscription plans to cater to different user needs. The free plan provides access to servers in the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands, with the limitation of connecting a single device and experiencing slower speeds compared to paid plans. Despite these limitations, the free plan offers unlimited data and serves as an excellent introduction to VPN services.
The Proton VPN Plus plan unlocks additional features, including access to servers in over 110 countries, higher connection speeds up to 10 Gbps, the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and advanced features like Secure Core, NetShield, and Tor over VPN. Pricing for the Plus plan is as follows:
– Monthly Plan: $9.99 per month
– One-Year Plan: $4.99 per month (billed annually)
– Two-Year Plan: $4.49 per month (billed biennially)
For users seeking a comprehensive suite of privacy tools, the Proton Unlimited plan includes ProtonVPN, ProtonMail, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. Pricing for the Unlimited plan is:
– Monthly Plan: $12.99 per month
– One-Year Plan: $9.99 per month (billed annually)
– Two-Year Plan: $7.99 per month (billed biennially)
These plans offer flexibility and value, allowing users to choose a subscription that best fits their needs and budget.
Customer Support
ProtonVPN provides a comprehensive knowledge base that outlines the app’s functionalities and offers solutions to common issues. For direct assistance, live chat support is available to paying customers between 9 AM and 5 PM Central European Time (CET). Users can also reach out via email or support tickets, with a typical response time of 24 hours. While some users have reported delays in support responses, the overall quality of assistance is considered satisfactory.
Conclusion
ProtonVPN stands out as a secure, transparent, and high-performance VPN service. Its extensive server network, robust security features, and commitment to user privacy make it a compelling choice for individuals seeking to protect their online activities. The availability of a generous free plan allows users to experience the service before committing to a paid subscription. With flexible pricing options and a suite of advanced features, ProtonVPN caters to a wide range of user needs, solidifying its position as a leading VPN provider in the market.
