protonvpn

ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network developed by the team behind ProtonMail. Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy protections and favorable data-retention laws, ProtonVPN positions itself as a security-conscious option for users who want to protect their online activity from tracking, ISP monitoring, and intrusive surveillance. Core features and security ProtonVPN offers standard VPN protections—encrypted tunnels, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection—combined with several features aimed specifically at privacy. Secure Core routes traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries (such as Switzerland and Iceland) before exiting to the public internet, adding an extra layer of protection against surveillance and correlation attacks. ProtonVPN also supports Tor over VPN, allowing users to access .onion sites through the Tor network without running the Tor Browser directly. The service supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard (for speed and efficiency) and OpenVPN/IKEv2 for compatibility. Encryption uses strong ciphers (AES-256) and proven key exchange methods. ProtonVPN has also implemented additional protections like NetShield, an optional DNS- and IP-based filter that blocks ads, trackers, and known malware domains. Plans, pricing and platform support ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited server access and speed, which is useful for basic privacy needs or trying the service before subscribing. Paid tiers expand server access, unlock Secure Core, provide higher speeds and streaming/P2P-optimized servers, and may be bundled with other Proton products in higher plans. ProtonVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus configurations for routers and manual setups on other devices. Features such as split tunneling and multi-hop are available on certain platforms. Performance and usability With WireGuard support and a growing server network, ProtonVPN delivers competitive speeds for browsing, streaming, and gaming, though performance can vary by server and plan. The apps are clean and user-friendly, making ProtonVPN accessible to less technical users while still offering advanced options for power users. Transparency and trust ProtonVPN emphasizes transparency and privacy-friendly jurisdiction. The company has published transparency reports and undergone independent security audits for parts of its infrastructure and apps. As with any VPN, absolute anonymity cannot be guaranteed; combining good VPN practice with strong endpoint security and privacy habits is important. Considerations ProtonVPN is a solid choice for privacy-minded users who value Swiss jurisdiction and extra safeguards like Secure Core and Tor integration. Those focused primarily on the lowest possible cost or the largest global server fleet may want to compare alternatives. Streaming and P2P work well on many ProtonVPN servers, but results vary by region and platform. Overall, ProtonVPN is a reputable, security-first VPN with features that make it particularly appealing to users who prioritize privacy and transparency.