Review ProtonVPN - VPN service

ProtonVPN review

ProtonVPN is a premium VPN provider developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, a leader in encrypted email services. Known for its strong focus on privacy, security, and transparency, ProtonVPN stands out in a competitive market with its free plan and a commitment to user rights. But how does it compare to other top-tier VPNs? This in-depth review will cover ProtonVPN’s features, performance, user experience, and pricing to give you a complete picture.

Individuals are increasingly prioritizing online privacy, which is why services like ProtonVPN have seen significant growth. This service offers robust security features suitable for most users and routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced protection.

ProtonVPN also includes P2P support, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, and features a kill switch to prevent IP address leaks. Alongside these, it offers a wide range of advanced technical functionalities.

Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from being outside the jurisdiction of the US, EU, and the 14 Eyes alliance, ensuring no external access to your activities. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy and allows users to register anonymously with a ProtonMail address for added privacy.

Even on the free plan, your payment information remains anonymous. For paid plans, you can opt for Bitcoin as a payment method, allowing complete anonymity. In short, ProtonVPN makes it possible to register and browse securely while keeping your identity private, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious users.

Advantages of ProtonVPN

1. Security and Privacy

AES-256 Encryption: ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption combined with 4096-bit RSA keys and SHA-384 authentication, ensuring robust protection.
Secure Core: Routes traffic through multiple servers, adding an extra layer of security by shielding users from traffic correlation attacks.
No-Logs Policy: ProtonVPN doesn’t log user activity, protecting your online footprint.
Based in Switzerland: Operates under strict Swiss privacy laws, outside the reach of data-sharing alliances like the 5/9/14 Eyes.
Open Source and Audited: ProtonVPN’s apps are open source and have undergone independent security audits, ensuring transparency.

2. Free Plan with No Data Limits

Unlike most VPNs, ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited data. While limited to servers in three countries (US, Netherlands, Japan) and one connection, it provides exceptional value for light users or those testing the service.

3. Streaming and Bypassing Geo-Restrictions

ProtonVPN excels in bypassing geo-blocks, providing access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its specialized streaming servers ensure a smooth and buffer-free experience. Extensive testing across platforms has shown that ProtonVPN reliably unblocks multiple regional Netflix libraries, including those in the US, UK, Japan, and Canada, allowing users to enjoy a diverse range of content. BBC iPlayer and Hulu also performed consistently well, offering uninterrupted high-definition streaming even during peak usage times.

In addition to these major platforms, ProtonVPN has been successful in unblocking Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and DAZN in various regions, making it an excellent choice for users with diverse entertainment needs. The streaming-optimized servers, clearly marked in the app, allow users to connect easily and experience minimal buffering, even for ultra-HD and 4K content. Speed tests confirm stable and fast connections, with minimal latency increases on nearby servers and solid performance over long distances.

ProtonVPN also proves effective against challenging geo-restrictions. Its Secure Core servers add an extra layer of obfuscation, providing reliable access in regions with strict censorship. User feedback highlights its reliability, with travelers and expats praising its ability to access region-specific services seamlessly. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite shows or exploring new content libraries, ProtonVPN delivers consistent and dependable streaming performance.

4. Secure Streaming and Torrenting

P2P Support: Dedicated servers allow torrenting with optimized speeds.
No Bandwidth Throttling: Ensures consistent performance for streaming and file sharing.

5. Kill Switch and Always-On VPN

Enabling the kill switch won’t cause any problems—instead, it adds an extra layer of protection. This feature, sometimes called a network lock, stops all internet traffic if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, ensuring your data remains secure. For instance, if you’re downloading a large file via torrent and the VPN disconnects, your internet provider could potentially see your activity. This could lead to unwanted consequences. ProtonVPN prevents this by offering a kill switch feature on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux, keeping your online activity private at all times.

6. Multi-Platform Support

ProtonVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also supports router setups, allowing all connected devices to benefit from VPN protection.

7. Transparency and Ethical Approach

ProtonVPN’s transparent business practices and ethical commitment make it stand out. It’s funded entirely by user subscriptions and does not rely on ads or data monetization.

Disadvantages of ProtonVPN

1. Higher Cost for Premium Plans

While the Free plan is generous, ProtonVPN’s Plus and Visionary plans are pricier compared to some competitors, making it less attractive for budget-conscious users.

2. Slower Speeds on Secure Core Servers

The Secure Core feature enhances privacy but comes with a noticeable drop in connection speeds, which may not suit users prioritizing performance over security.

3. Limited Free Plan Server Locations

The Free plan restricts users to servers in only three countries (US, Netherlands, and Japan), which may not be sufficient for those needing broader geographical coverage.

4. No Live Chat Support

ProtonVPN provides live chat support for paid subscribers during specific hours, from 9 AM to 12 AM CET. Outside of these hours, assistance is available via email and a detailed knowledge base. However, this limited availability may result in slower responses for urgent issues occurring outside the live chat’s operational times.

5. Fewer Streaming-Optimized Servers

Although ProtonVPN supports streaming, its server network for bypassing geo-blocks is smaller compared to dedicated streaming VPNs like Surfshark or NordVPN.

User Experience

ProtonVPN’s interface is clean and intuitive, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users. The map-based server selection is visually appealing, and connecting to a server takes just a few clicks. Advanced users will appreciate the customization options, such as protocol selection (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard) and Secure Core routing.

ProtonVPN is user-friendly and works seamlessly on PCs, tablets, mobile devices, and even gaming consoles. While the service has some technical aspects, it remains accessible for beginners thanks to its well-organized interface and simple navigation.

Connecting to one of ProtonVPN’s servers is quick and effortless, often requiring just a single click. The app also loads quickly and provides helpful tools, such as showing which servers offer the best speeds, allowing you to pick your ideal connection. Additionally, a convenient map helps you locate and connect to servers in the countries of your choice.

Due to its ease of use, there’s rarely a need to contact ProtonVPN’s customer support. However, if assistance is required, support is readily available through options like live chat, ensuring a smooth experience for all users. However as mentioned above the options and availability could be better.

Performance Tests: Speed and Reliability

Speed Tests

Local Servers (Europe): Speeds retained 85-90% of the original connection, ensuring minimal latency for browsing and streaming.
International Servers (US): Maintained speeds of 70-75%, suitable for streaming and general use.
Secure Core Servers: Performance was slightly slower due to multi-server routing, but the added security is worth the trade-off for privacy-conscious users.

Streaming and Gaming

ProtonVPN effectively bypassed geo-restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, delivering HD streaming without buffering. Gaming on local servers showed low latency, but international connections had a slight increase in ping times.

Key Technical Details

Secure Core Servers: Routes traffic through privacy-hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, adding extra protection.
NetShield: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware for a safer browsing experience.
Split Tunneling: Allows users to route specific traffic outside the VPN tunnel, useful for accessing local services.
Tor Over VPN: Integrates seamlessly with the Tor network, enhancing anonymity for sensitive activities.
Customizable Connection Options: ProtonVPN offers users advanced settings to tailor their VPN experience. With customizable protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, you can choose the best balance of speed and security for your needs. Additionally, ProtonVPN’s connection profiles make it easy to save and quickly switch between preferred server settings, ensuring seamless access to your favorite locations or use cases.
Privacy Without Compromise: All of ProtonVPN’s features are built with privacy at the forefront. From Secure Core routing to advanced encryption protocols, every layer is designed to protect your data against surveillance and cyber threats, making it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.

Pricing Plans

ProtonVPN offers two subscription plans: Plus and Ultimate, each designed to cater to different levels of privacy and security needs. The Plus plan provides comprehensive VPN features, including access to secure streaming servers, advanced privacy tools, and faster connection speeds, making it ideal for everyday users seeking robust online protection. The Ultimate plan goes a step further, bundling ProtonVPN with additional Proton services like Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass, delivering an all-in-one privacy solution for those who value complete digital security.

$ 57

Annually

11,150+ servers in 115+ countries
Tor over VPN: Access the Tor network with just a click for an added layer of privacy.
Ad blocking and malware protection
Connection Flexibility: Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Priority support and live chat

Popular

$ 119

Annually

All Plus Features
Proton Mail: Secure email with end-to-end encryption for private communication.
Proton Calendar: A fully encrypted calendar to protect your schedule and appointments.
Proton Drive: Secure cloud storage for encrypted file backups and sharing.
Proton Pass: A password manager for secure and encrypted credential storage.

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Summary: Is ProtonVPN Worth It?

ProtonVPN is an exceptional option for users who prioritize online privacy, robust security, and transparency. Built by the creators of ProtonMail, it reflects a no-compromise commitment to protecting digital rights. Its free plan stands out as one of the few truly privacy-focused offerings, with no ads or data logging, making it accessible to everyone. For those who require more advanced functionality, ProtonVPN’s premium plans offer features like Secure Core servers, which route traffic through privacy-hardened locations, and Tor over VPN for enhanced anonymity.

While ProtonVPN may be slightly more expensive than some competitors, its strong focus on privacy and ethical business practices justifies the cost. Based in Switzerland, a country known for its strict privacy laws, ProtonVPN is shielded from invasive jurisdictions like the US and EU. This, combined with a strict no-logs policy and open-source transparency, ensures users can trust their data is safe.

For power users, the service offers advanced features such as split tunneling, NetShield to block ads and malware, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. These tools cater to users looking for both flexibility and top-tier security. Whether you’re a casual browser or someone handling sensitive information, ProtonVPN provides the peace of mind that your online activities are private and secure.