Proton VPN – Secure & Private VPN Service

What is Proton VPN?

Proton VPN emerges from the same Swiss organization that created ProtonMail, bringing the same commitment to privacy and security to virtual private network services. Unlike many VPN providers that make vague privacy claims while operating from jurisdictions that might compel data disclosure, Proton VPN operates under Swiss privacy laws that provide among the strongest protections for user data globally.

The service encrypts internet traffic and routes it through secure servers, hiding users’ real IP addresses and protecting their online activities from surveillance by internet service providers, network operators, and potential attackers. This protection proves particularly valuable on public WiFi networks where traffic can be intercepted by malicious actors, but extends to all online activities regardless of network type.

Privacy-First Architecture

Proton VPN’s technical architecture reflects its privacy-focused mission, implementing features that protect users even in extreme scenarios.

Swiss Jurisdiction

Operating under Swiss law provides significant privacy advantages. Switzerland maintains strict privacy protections, has no mandatory data retention requirements for VPN providers, and remains outside the jurisdiction of surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes. Even government requests for data require meeting high legal standards that protect individual privacy.

Proton Technologies AG, the company behind both Proton VPN and ProtonMail, has demonstrated willingness to legally resist inappropriate data requests. This track record matters more than policy statements, as it demonstrates practical commitment to user privacy.

No-Logs Policy

Proton VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been verified through independent security audits. The service doesn’t log connection timestamps, session duration, IP addresses, or browsing activity. This means that even if compelled to produce data, Proton VPN genuinely has nothing to provide regarding user activities.

The technical architecture supports this policy by design. Systems are configured to avoid creating logs in the first place, rather than relying on log deletion that could fail or be circumvented.

Open Source Clients

All Proton VPN applications are open source, with code publicly available on GitHub for inspection by security researchers and concerned users. This transparency enables verification that the applications behave as documented without hidden data collection or backdoors.

Independent security audits of both applications and infrastructure provide additional verification beyond what even expert code review can accomplish. Audit reports are published publicly, demonstrating both findings and remediation of identified issues.

Server Network

Proton VPN operates servers across numerous countries, providing options for geographic coverage and performance optimization.

Global Coverage

The server network spans countries across all inhabited continents, providing options for accessing content and services regardless of geographic restrictions. Server locations continue expanding to improve coverage and provide additional options for users in various regions.

Each server location includes multiple servers, providing capacity for users in that region while enabling load balancing for optimal performance. Popular locations maintain substantial server capacity to handle demand without performance degradation.

Secure Core

The Secure Core architecture routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before exiting to the destination, providing protection even if exit servers are monitored. This multi-hop approach means that even sophisticated attackers monitoring exit servers cannot trace connections back to users.

Secure Core servers are owned and operated directly by Proton, housed in secure data centers with physical security measures. This control prevents the hosting provider compromises that have affected other VPN services.

Tor Over VPN

Specialized servers route traffic through the Tor network, providing Tor’s anonymity benefits without requiring local Tor installation. This approach adds Tor’s multiple-hop anonymity layer while hiding Tor usage from local network observers.

The integration simplifies accessing Tor hidden services (.onion sites) from regular browsers. Users gain Tor benefits for specific use cases without running Tor locally or using the Tor Browser for all activities.

Security Features

Beyond basic VPN functionality, Proton VPN implements security features that protect against various attack scenarios.

Kill Switch

The kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing accidental exposure of real IP addresses during connection interruptions. This protection operates at the system level, blocking traffic from all applications rather than just those using the VPN.

Platform-specific implementations ensure effective kill switch operation regardless of operating system. The feature activates automatically when the VPN connects and deactivates when users intentionally disconnect.

DNS Leak Protection

DNS requests route through Proton’s encrypted tunnel and DNS servers, preventing DNS leaks that could expose browsing activity to local network observers or ISPs. This protection activates automatically without requiring configuration.

Proton operates its own DNS infrastructure rather than relying on third-party DNS providers that might log queries. This integration ensures that DNS resolution receives the same privacy protection as other traffic.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling enables routing specific applications or traffic through the VPN while other traffic uses direct connections. This capability addresses situations where VPN routing is unnecessary or problematic for certain services while maintaining protection for sensitive activities.

Users can define split tunneling rules based on applications, requiring certain programs to always use the VPN while allowing others direct access. This granularity balances protection with convenience for mixed-use scenarios.

NetShield Ad Blocker

NetShield blocks advertisements, trackers, and malware at the DNS level before content reaches your device. This protection works across all applications without installing browser extensions, reducing bandwidth consumption while improving privacy.

Multiple blocking levels enable choosing between basic malware blocking and comprehensive ad/tracker blocking. Users can adjust protection intensity based on their preferences and the sites they visit.

Platform Support

Proton VPN provides native applications for major platforms with consistent functionality across devices.

Desktop Applications

Native applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux provide full-featured clients with graphical interfaces. The applications integrate with operating systems appropriately, offering system tray operation, auto-start options, and keyboard shortcuts.

Linux support includes both graphical applications and command-line tools, accommodating different user preferences and use cases. The commitment to Linux demonstrates Proton’s recognition of privacy-conscious users who often favor open-source operating systems.

Mobile Applications

iOS and Android applications provide mobile protection with interfaces optimized for touch interaction. Quick connect features enable rapid VPN activation, while background operation maintains protection without constant attention.

Mobile applications support always-on VPN configurations that automatically reconnect after disruptions, maintaining protection during network transitions and device wake events.

Browser Extensions

Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox provide quick access for browser-only protection without routing all system traffic through the VPN. This lightweight approach suits users who need protection only for web browsing.

The extensions integrate with desktop applications for coordinated operation or work independently for browser-only scenarios.

Streaming and Unblocking

While Proton VPN emphasizes privacy over streaming, the service supports accessing geo-restricted content.

Streaming Support

Plus tier subscribers gain access to servers optimized for streaming services. These servers maintain compatibility with major streaming platforms that often attempt to block VPN usage.

The streaming support helps users access content libraries from different regions or maintain access to home services while traveling. Performance optimization ensures sufficient bandwidth for high-quality video streaming.

P2P Support

Designated servers support peer-to-peer file sharing with optimal configurations for torrent traffic. These servers provide high bandwidth and permit the connection patterns characteristic of P2P protocols.

The P2P support enables legitimate file sharing uses including Linux distribution downloads, open-source software updates, and other legal torrenting activities.

Free vs Paid Plans

Proton VPN offers a genuinely usable free tier alongside paid subscriptions.

Free Plan

The free tier provides unlimited data without time restrictions, distinguishing Proton VPN from competitors offering limited trial periods. Free users access servers in three countries (United States, Netherlands, Japan) sufficient for basic privacy protection.

Speed limitations on free servers ensure paid subscribers receive priority bandwidth, but free performance remains usable for most activities. The free tier demonstrates Proton’s commitment to privacy access regardless of ability to pay.

Free users don’t face advertisements or data selling. Proton’s business model relies on converting free users to paid subscriptions rather than monetizing free users through privacy-compromising means.

Plus Plan

The Plus subscription unlocks all server locations, maximum speeds, streaming support, and advanced features like Secure Core and NetShield. This tier suits users needing full functionality and performance.

Multi-device connections enable protecting computers, phones, and tablets simultaneously. The connection allowance accommodates typical household device counts.

Family and Business Plans

Family plans cover multiple household members with individual accounts and expanded connection limits. Business plans add administrative features, centralized billing, and dedicated support for organizational deployments.

Performance Considerations

VPN usage inevitably impacts connection performance, though modern implementations minimize these effects.

Speed Impact

Proton VPN’s WireGuard-based protocol (branded as Proton VPN accelerator) provides excellent performance with minimal overhead. Users with fast connections typically experience little noticeable slowdown for most activities.

Server selection significantly impacts performance. Connecting to geographically nearby servers minimizes latency, while distant servers introduce unavoidable delay from physical distance.

Protocol Options

Multiple VPN protocols enable optimizing for different priorities. WireGuard provides the best performance for most users. OpenVPN offers compatibility with restrictive networks. IKEv2 provides reliable mobile connections.

Smart protocol selection automatically chooses appropriate protocols based on network conditions, simplifying operation for non-technical users.

Comparison with Alternatives

The VPN market includes numerous competitors with different strengths.

ExpressVPN offers excellent speeds and widespread server coverage but operates from the British Virgin Islands with less transparent governance.

NordVPN provides extensive features and large server networks but has experienced security incidents that raise concerns about infrastructure protection.

Mullvad emphasizes privacy with anonymous payment options but offers less polished applications and limited server locations.

Proton VPN’s differentiators include Swiss jurisdiction, open-source applications, integration with ProtonMail, and a genuinely useful free tier.

Installation and Setup

Installing Proton VPN involves downloading the appropriate application from the official website or app store. Account creation requires only an email address, with optional anonymous payment methods available.

Initial configuration involves selecting a server or using quick connect for automatic selection. The default settings provide appropriate protection for most users, with advanced options available for specific requirements.

Enabling the kill switch and auto-connect features ensures continuous protection without manual intervention. These settings persist across application restarts and system reboots.

System Requirements

Windows: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit recommended

macOS: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later

Linux: Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora 34+, Debian 11+, or compatible distributions

iOS: iOS 14.0 or later

Android: Android 8.0 or later

Network: Active internet connection

Conclusion

Proton VPN delivers privacy-focused VPN services backed by Swiss jurisdiction, open-source transparency, and a track record of protecting user privacy. The service appeals particularly to users who prioritize genuine privacy over marketing claims, offering verifiable protections rather than vague promises. The free tier provides meaningful protection without compromising privacy for monetization, while paid subscriptions unlock full capabilities for demanding users. For those seeking VPN protection from a provider whose privacy commitments can be verified rather than merely trusted, Proton VPN represents a compelling choice backed by the same organization that has successfully protected ProtonMail users for years.