Proton VPN review: an impressive, if unspectacular, security package

Proton VPN: A Comprehensive Review

Proton VPN, developed by the same team behind Proton Mail, offers a suite of tools focused on internet privacy. But how does this VPN compare to dedicated providers in the market? Let’s delve into its features, performance, and overall value.

Feature Set

Proton VPN’s paid version boasts a range of features designed to enhance privacy and bypass VPN blocking.

• Secure Core: This unique feature routes your VPN traffic through a hardened server in a secure location before connecting to the final destination. This double-layered security protects your IP address, especially useful when connecting to regions with heavy internet surveillance.

• Alternative Routing: This feature directs your traffic through third-party servers, like those from AWS. While it might expose your IP to these external servers, it can help bypass VPN blocks on certain websites.

• VPN over Tor: Proton VPN allows direct access to the Tor network through specific servers, offering enhanced anonymity for users like journalists and whistleblowers.

  Also Read: Maine Town’s ICE Arrest Controversy

• VPN Accelerator: This technology utilizes multi-threading and advanced TCP routing to improve connection speeds, particularly when connecting to distant servers. It minimizes the impact of latency and packet loss, ensuring stable bandwidth even with unstable networks.

Beyond these specialized tools, Proton VPN offers standard conveniences:

• NetShield Ad-blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, improving both privacy and browsing speed.
• Kill Switch: Prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
• Split Tunneling: Allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which use your regular internet connection.
• DNS Leak Protection: Utilizes private, encrypted DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks.

Server Network

Proton VPN stands out with its extensive server network, spanning a remarkable 112 countries. While some competitors may offer more server locations overall, Proton VPN prioritizes regions often underserved by other providers.

• Extensive Global Reach: Strong presence in Africa (22 locations) and the Middle East (14 locations), exceeding competitors in these regions. It also boasts a wide range of locations across Asia.

  Also Read: Top 7 Credit Monitors: August 2025

• Trade-offs: This extensive global coverage results in less comprehensive coverage in Europe and North America compared to some competitors. If you need state-by-state coverage within the US, other options might be more suitable.

Application Availability and Design

Proton VPN offers apps for all major platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. While some feature variations exist between versions, the core experience remains consistent across platforms. The Linux app is a full GUI program, comparable to the Windows version.

• User Interface: The desktop app features a visually appealing map displaying all available VPN locations. Combined with its purple and black color scheme, the interface has a sleek, modern feel.

• Recent Updates: Recent updates have improved the customizability and intuitiveness of the apps across different platforms, ensuring a consistent user experience.

  Also Read: ‘Tea’ App Spills Even More Data

• Browser Extension Concerns: While Proton VPN has recently released a free version of its browser extensions, some users have reported issues with frequent log-in requests.

Ease of Use

The installation process is straightforward, and the app is generally easy to use. A guided tour introduces advanced features, but users can easily bypass it for immediate use.

• User-Friendly Interface: The world map interface allows users to manually select Secure Core connections, providing a clear understanding of the connection path and its impact on speed.

Speed and Performance

Recent speed tests indicate a slight decrease in average speeds across Proton VPN’s protocols.

• Local Server Performance: Connecting to the nearest server still achieves speeds of over 950 Mbps.

  Also Read: Surfshark One: Is It Worth It?

• Long-Distance Performance: Testing from the UK to the US using WireGuard reached 630 Mbps, a decrease from previous tests. OpenVPN speeds were recorded at 220 Mbps, also lower than previous results.

• Practical Implications: Despite the slight decrease, these speeds are generally sufficient for most internet activities, including 4K streaming.

Unblocking Capabilities

Proton VPN excels at unblocking streaming services.

• Streaming Services: Successfully bypasses geo-restrictions on various Netflix regions (US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia), as well as Amazon Prime and Disney Plus.

  Also Read: LogMeOnce Review: Pros & Cons, Features, Ratings, Pricing and more

• Regional Services: Provides access to regional services like BBC iPlayer and others.

• Torrenting: Supports port forwarding and offers P2P-optimized servers, making torrenting easy and efficient.

Privacy and Security

Proton VPN prioritizes privacy and security in its design.

• VPN Protocols: Offers a choice between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and its proprietary Stealth protocol. OpenVPN and WireGuard are industry-standard protocols, while Stealth is an obfuscated version of WireGuard that masks VPN traffic.

  Also Read: Hide.me VPN review

• No-Logs Policy: Proton VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, verified through independent audits.

• Full-Disk Encryption: Employs full-disk encryption on all servers, preventing data storage and ensuring data security in case of unauthorized access.

• Secure Core Architecture: Adds an extra layer of protection by routing traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries.

• Forward Secrecy: Implements forward secrecy, generating new encryption keys for each session.

  Also Read: NordPass Review: Is it safe?

• Malware Blocking: Demonstrated limited effectiveness in blocking malware and phishing sites in testing.

Track Record

While Proton VPN emphasizes privacy, past issues with related products have slightly impacted its reputation.

• Past Incident: In 2019, ProtonMail was compelled to log the IP address of a climate activist following a law enforcement request.

• Swiss Legal Framework: Swiss law provides strong protections for VPN providers, preventing bulk surveillance requests. However, Proton VPN must comply with legally valid cases brought forth by Swiss courts.

  Also Read: 6 tips and tricks to get the most out of NordVPN

Customer Support

Proton VPN offers a comprehensive knowledge base for troubleshooting and understanding the app’s features.

• Support Channels: Live chat is available for paying customers. Non-paying users can contact support via email or support ticket.

• Response Times: While support interactions are generally helpful, response times can be delayed, with a 24-hour turnaround for ticket responses.

Pricing and Plans

Proton VPN’s pricing is competitive.

• Monthly Cost: Starts at $9.99 per month.
• Annual/Biennial Cost: Reduced to $3.99 per month for an annual subscription, or $3.59 per month for a two-year subscription.
• Device Limit: Protects up to 10 devices on a single plan.
• Proton Bundles: Users can upgrade to bundles that include Proton Drive, Mail, Calendar, and Pass.
• Free Version: Offers three server locations (US, Netherlands, and Japan) with no ads or restrictions.

Conclusion

Proton VPN is a solid choice for both free and paid VPN users. Its free version is one of the best available, and its paid version offers a robust set of privacy-focused features. While it may not consistently outperform competitors in speed tests, it remains a reliable and secure VPN option.