ProtonVPN – Secure VPN Service from Switzerland

What is ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network service created by the scientists and engineers behind ProtonMail, the world’s largest encrypted email service. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from some of the world’s strongest privacy laws and operates outside the jurisdiction of US and EU intelligence-sharing agreements. The service was born from the team’s experience defending journalists, activists, and whistleblowers against surveillance, making it a natural extension of Proton’s mission to protect civil liberties and digital rights through secure technology.

What fundamentally distinguishes ProtonVPN from commercial VPN providers is its commitment to transparency and security over profit. ProtonVPN is one of the few VPN services to open-source all of its applications for public security audits, publishes regular transparency reports, and undergoes independent security audits by reputable firms. The company’s business model aligns user interests with company interests—they make money from subscriptions, not advertising or selling user data. This trustworthy foundation makes ProtonVPN the preferred choice for users who require genuine privacy protection.

ProtonVPN offers both free and premium tiers, with the free tier being genuinely useful rather than crippled as marketing bait. Free users get access to servers in multiple countries with no data limits, bandwidth caps, or advertisements. Premium subscriptions add faster servers, more countries, streaming optimization, Secure Core routing through privacy-friendly jurisdictions, and advanced features like NetShield ad-blocking. The integration with the broader Proton ecosystem including ProtonMail, ProtonCalendar, and ProtonDrive creates a comprehensive privacy platform for users seeking to reduce their digital footprint.

Key Features

• Swiss Privacy Protection: Headquartered in Switzerland and protected by strong Swiss privacy laws that don’t compel logging, outside intelligence-sharing jurisdictions.
• No-Logs Policy: Strict no-logs policy means ProtonVPN doesn’t track or record online activity, browsing history, or connection metadata.
• Secure Core: Premium feature routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting, protecting against network-based attacks.
• Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet traffic if VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure of your real IP address.
• NetShield Ad-Blocker: DNS-level blocking of ads, trackers, and malware domains speeds up browsing and protects privacy without browser extensions.
• Open Source Apps: All applications are open source and publicly auditable, allowing independent verification of security claims.
• Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use VPN connection and which connect directly, optimizing performance while maintaining protection.
• Tor Over VPN: Built-in support for routing traffic through Tor network for additional anonymity layers when needed.
• Streaming Support: Optimized servers reliably access streaming services across different regions without typical VPN detection blocking.
• Multi-Platform: Native applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions with consistent feature sets.

Latest Updates

ProtonVPN continues expanding its network and enhancing features with regular updates focused on speed, security, and usability.

• Protocol Improvements: Enhanced WireGuard implementation delivers faster connections with modern cryptography while maintaining security standards.
• Expanded Server Network: Additional servers across more countries increase capacity and provide more options for users worldwide.
• Stealth Protocol: Advanced obfuscation technology helps bypass VPN blocking in restrictive regions where standard VPN protocols are detected.
• Port Forwarding: Support for port forwarding enables P2P applications, gaming, and hosting services while connected to VPN.
• Desktop App Redesign: Updated desktop applications feature improved interfaces, faster connection times, and better server selection.
• Enhanced Streaming: Improved streaming server optimization for better compatibility with major streaming platforms worldwide.
• Family Plans: New subscription options cover multiple users under one plan, providing protection for entire households.
• Integration Improvements: Better integration with ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, and ProtonCalendar for unified privacy experience.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 1 GB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet connection required

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet connection required

Linux

• Distribution: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, or compatible
• Command-line or GUI application available
• Storage: 50 MB available space

iOS

• Operating System: iOS 14.0 or later
• Compatible with iPhone and iPad
• Storage: 100 MB available space

Android

• Operating System: Android 6.0 or later
• Storage: 50 MB available space
• Works with Android TV

How to Install ProtonVPN

Windows Installation

1. Visit protonvpn.com and create a free account
2. Click “Download” and select Windows
3. Run the downloaded installer file
4. Follow the installation wizard prompts
5. Launch ProtonVPN and sign in with your account
6. Click “Quick Connect” or select a specific server
7. Configure settings like kill switch and auto-connect

macOS Installation

1. Create a ProtonVPN account at protonvpn.com
2. Download the macOS application
3. Open the downloaded DMG file
4. Drag ProtonVPN to Applications folder
5. Launch and sign in with your credentials
6. Grant network extension permissions when prompted
7. Connect to your preferred server location

Mobile Installation

1. Open App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
2. Search for “ProtonVPN”
3. Install the official ProtonVPN app
4. Open and sign in or create account
5. Allow VPN configuration when prompted
6. Tap Quick Connect or choose specific country

Linux Installation

# Ubuntu/Debian installation
wget https://protonvpn.com/download/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.3_all.deb
sudo dpkg -i protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.3_all.deb
sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn

# Connect via command line
protonvpn-cli login
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

# Or connect to specific country
protonvpn-cli connect --cc US

# GUI installation
sudo apt install protonvpn-gui

# Fedora installation
sudo dnf install protonvpn

# Check connection status
protonvpn-cli status

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Trustworthy Provider: Swiss jurisdiction, transparent company, open-source apps, and independent audits create genuine trustworthiness rare among VPN providers.
• Genuinely Useful Free Tier: Free plan offers unlimited data, no ads, and servers in multiple countries—not a crippled trial version.
• Strong Security: Secure Core routing, perfect forward secrecy, and strong encryption protocols provide excellent protection against sophisticated threats.
• Open Source: All applications are open source and independently auditable, allowing verification of privacy and security claims.
• No Logs Verified: No-logs policy has been tested in real situations and verified through independent audits and transparency reports.
• Proton Ecosystem: Integration with ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, and other Proton services creates comprehensive privacy solution.
• Excellent Linux Support: Native Linux applications with full feature parity, rare among consumer VPN providers.

Cons

• Slower Than Some Competitors: While adequate, connection speeds may lag behind some commercial VPN providers on certain servers.
• Limited Free Server Locations: Free tier restricts to servers in fewer countries compared to full server network.
• Premium Features Expensive: Full features like Secure Core and NetShield require premium subscription at higher price points.
• Smaller Server Network: Fewer total servers than some competitors may mean more crowded servers during peak times.
• No Router App: Unlike some competitors, no dedicated router application for whole-network protection.

ProtonVPN vs Alternatives

Who Should Use ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is ideal for:

• Privacy Advocates: Users who prioritize genuine privacy over convenience appreciate ProtonVPN’s transparent, trustworthy approach and Swiss protection.
• Journalists and Activists: Those working in sensitive situations benefit from Secure Core routing and ProtonVPN’s track record protecting high-risk users.
• Budget-Conscious Users: People wanting reliable VPN without payment can use the genuinely useful free tier indefinitely without upgrading.
• Linux Users: The Linux community appreciates excellent native support with full features and command-line options.
• ProtonMail Users: Existing Proton users benefit from integrated privacy ecosystem with single account across all Proton services.
• Security Researchers: Open-source applications allow security-minded users to verify claims rather than trusting marketing.

ProtonVPN may not be ideal for:

• Speed Priority Users: Those prioritizing maximum connection speeds may find faster alternatives among competitors.
• Large Server Selection: Users wanting maximum country and server options have more choices with larger provider networks.
• Budget Premium Users: Those wanting premium features at lowest cost might find cheaper alternatives with similar capabilities.
• Router Integration: Users wanting whole-network VPN protection need providers with dedicated router applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ProtonVPN really free?

Yes, ProtonVPN offers a genuinely free tier with no data limits, no bandwidth throttling, and no advertisements. Free users access servers in the United States, Netherlands, and Japan with decent speeds for everyday use. The free tier is supported by premium subscribers, not by monetizing user data. While free servers can be crowded during peak times and some advanced features require payment, the free version provides legitimate VPN protection suitable for privacy-conscious users on a budget.

Does ProtonVPN keep logs?

No, ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits and legal challenges. They don’t record browsing history, traffic destinations, DNS queries, or connection metadata that could identify user activity. The only data stored is account information (email) and timestamp of last successful login for security purposes. Swiss law doesn’t require VPN providers to log user activity, and ProtonVPN’s infrastructure is designed to prevent logging even if compelled.

What is Secure Core and why use it?

Secure Core is a premium feature that routes your traffic through servers in privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before exiting through your chosen destination server. This protects against sophisticated network-level attacks where an adversary controls exit servers or monitors traffic. Even if exit traffic is compromised, attackers only see traffic from the Secure Core server, not your real IP. Secure Core is valuable for users in hostile network environments or those requiring maximum anonymity.

Can I use ProtonVPN for streaming?

Yes, ProtonVPN premium plans include optimized streaming servers designed to work with popular streaming services. These servers are regularly updated to maintain compatibility as streaming platforms implement VPN detection. Free tier users have limited streaming capability as major services often block free VPN servers. For reliable streaming access across different regions, a premium subscription with streaming-optimized servers is recommended.

How does ProtonVPN compare to ProtonMail?

ProtonVPN and ProtonMail are separate services from the same company (Proton AG) and can be used independently. However, they share the same account system, so one Proton account accesses both services. Using both together creates a more comprehensive privacy setup—encrypted email and secure internet connection. Proton offers bundled plans combining VPN, email, calendar, and cloud storage at discounted rates compared to separate subscriptions.

Final Verdict

ProtonVPN stands apart in the crowded VPN market by offering something genuinely different: a service built by privacy advocates for privacy advocates, with transparency and security prioritized over marketing claims. The combination of Swiss jurisdiction, open-source applications, independent audits, and no-logs verification creates a level of trustworthiness that few competitors can match. For users who need to trust their VPN provider with sensitive activities, ProtonVPN provides that foundation.

The free tier deserves special recognition as one of the only legitimately useful free VPN options available. Unlike competitors who offer crippled free versions as sales funnels, ProtonVPN’s free service provides real protection with no data limits or advertisements. This commitment to accessible privacy demonstrates the company’s mission-driven approach rather than purely profit-motivated operation. Premium tiers add meaningful capabilities for power users without making the free version unusable.

ProtonVPN won’t be the fastest VPN or offer the most servers, and users prioritizing those factors should consider alternatives. But for users who value trust, transparency, and genuine privacy protection—journalists, activists, security researchers, and privacy-conscious individuals—ProtonVPN represents the most trustworthy option available. The integration with the broader Proton ecosystem creates a comprehensive privacy platform for those seeking to minimize their digital footprint across email, storage, and internet access.