protonvpn

ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same team behind Proton Mail. Designed for users who prioritize security and transparency, ProtonVPN combines strong encryption, a clear privacy philosophy, and a set of features that address common online threats such as tracking, unsecured Wi‑Fi, and censorship. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s most notable strengths is its Swiss base. Switzerland has robust privacy protections and is outside EU and U.S. intelligence alliances, which the company cites as an important legal safeguard for user data. ProtonVPN operates a no-logs policy—meaning it does not record users’ browsing activity—and publishes transparency reports and other documentation to back up its commitments. Security and protocols ProtonVPN supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN (and typically IKEv2 where available), offering a combination of performance and security. Strong AES-256 encryption is used to protect traffic, while features like a system-wide kill switch, DNS leak protection, and app-level split tunneling help maintain privacy and usability. Proton’s clients are open source, enabling independent inspection of the code and improving trust. Unique features Secure Core is ProtonVPN’s multi-hop option that routes traffic through servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the public internet, adding an extra layer against network-level attacks. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN access—connecting to the Tor network from within the VPN—for users seeking further anonymity. Certain servers are optimized for P2P/torrenting and streaming, making ProtonVPN versatile for different use cases. Plans and accessibility ProtonVPN provides a free tier with limited servers and speeds, which is useful for casual or initial users. Paid plans expand server access, unlock Secure Core and streaming/P2P features, and increase simultaneous connections. Native apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and the service can be configured on routers and other devices. Practical tips For best performance, pick a nearby server or one labeled for high speed; enable the kill switch when using public Wi‑Fi; and consider Secure Core or Tor over VPN only when your use case requires extra anonymity. Review independent audits and the company’s transparency materials if you want further reassurance. Conclusion ProtonVPN balances strong technical protections with a privacy-oriented legal stance and transparency practices. It’s a solid choice for users seeking a trustworthy, feature-rich VPN, whether for everyday privacy, secure remote use, or bypassing regional restrictions. As always, match features and pricing against your specific needs before subscribing.