Proton VPN
Being based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from strong privacy laws and operates outside the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance, ensuring no government data-sharing agreements.
About Proton VPN
Provider Overview
Proton VPN, developed by Proton AG (the team behind ProtonMail), is a privacy-first VPN based in Switzerland. With strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and innovative Secure Core technology, it’s a top choice for users who prioritize anonymity and security.
Company Overview & Jurisdiction
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Proton AG |
| Jurisdiction | 🇨🇭 Switzerland |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Audits | ✅ Conducted by Securitum (2022) |
💡 Why It Matters: Being based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Unlike VPNs based in the US or UK, Proton VPN is not subject to government surveillance programs or data-sharing laws.
🔎 Proton VPN at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Switzerland (Outside 14-Eyes) |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes (Independently Audited) |
| Encryption | AES-256, ChaCha20 (WireGuard) |
| Supported Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers |
| Total Servers | 3,000+ in 70+ countries |
| RAM-Only Servers | Yes (Implemented in Secure Core locations) |
| Streaming Support | Yes (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.) |
| Speed Performance | Up to 690 Mbps with WireGuard |
| Leak Protection | DNS, IPv6, WebRTC Protection |
| Bug Bounty Program | Yes (HackerOne) |
| Payment Methods | Crypto, PayPal, Credit/Debit |
| Pricing | Starts at $4.99/month (Free plan available) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days |
Pros & Cons of Proton VPN
- Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
- No-logs policy, independently audited
- Fast speeds with WireGuard (up to 690 Mbps)
- Free plan available
- Strong encryption & Secure Core servers
- Premium plans are expensive
- No live chat support
- Manual setup required for consoles & smart TVs
Is Proton VPN Safe?
One of Proton VPN’s biggest strengths is its commitment to privacy. Unlike many VPNs based in the US or UK, Proton VPN operates from Switzerland, meaning it is not subject to intrusive surveillance laws.
1. No-Logs Policy
Proton VPN keeps zero logs of your online activity. Your browsing history, IP addresses, and connection timestamps are never stored. This policy has been independently audited by Securitum, a leading cybersecurity firm.
Many VPNs claim to have a no-logs policy, but few undergo independent audits like Proton VPN. If privacy is your top priority, this level of transparency is crucial.
2. Strong Encryption & Protocols
Proton VPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data:
- WireGuard – ChaCha20 encryption (Ultra-fast speeds)
- OpenVPN & IKEv2 – AES-256 encryption (Industry standard)
- Perfect Forward Secrecy – Ensures past session keys cannot be decrypted.
Perfect Forward Secrecy – Ensures past data remains protected even if a key is compromised.
Secure Core Technology – Routes traffic through extra-secure servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before reaching the final destination.
Proton VPN’s Secure Core adds an extra layer of defense, especially useful for journalists, activists, and users in high-risk countries.
Is Proton VPN Fast (Speed & Performance)?
We tested Proton VPN’s speeds across multiple locations using WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
| Test Location | WireGuard (Mbps) | OpenVPN (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| US (East Coast) | 670 Mbps | 220 Mbps |
| US (West Coast) | 640 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
| UK (London) | 680 Mbps | 230 Mbps |
| Germany | 690 Mbps | 240 Mbps |
- ✅ WireGuard delivers ultra-fast speeds (up to 690 Mbps).
- ✅ Works well for 4K streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
- ❌ OpenVPN speeds are slower (200-250 Mbps).
If you stream in 4K, play online games, or download large files, Proton VPN provides one of the fastest and most stable experiences.
Data Leak Protection & Security Audits
Leaks can expose your real IP address, even when connected to a VPN. While many VPNs claim leak protection, but Proton VPN’s independent audits confirm its reliability. It ensures your identity is never exposed with built-in leak protection:
- ✅ DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC Leak Protection
- ✅ Automatic Kill Switch (Prevents accidental IP exposure)
- ✅ Secure Core Servers – Extra protection by routing traffic through ultra-secure Swiss, Swedish, or Icelandic servers.
Compatibility – Which Devices Does It Support?
Proton VPN works on most devices, but some require manual setup.
- ✅ Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android – Full-featured apps.
- ✅ Browser Extensions – Chrome & Firefox.
- ✅ Router Support – Works with OpenVPN-compatible routers.
Generally, if you need a plug-and-play VPN, Proton VPN works great on most devices, though consoles require manual setup.
Server Network & Infrastructure
| Server Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Servers | 3,000+ |
| Server Locations | 70+ countries |
| Secure Core Servers | Yes (Switzerland, Sweden, Iceland) |
| RAM-Only Servers | Yes (Implemented gradually) |
RAM-only servers don’t store data, so such VPN services are even more secure. Proton VPN’s high-quality, owned infrastructure ensures fast speeds & high security.
How Much Does Proton VPN Cost?
Proton VPN supports anonymous payments, but unlike Mullvad, it doesn’t accept cash.
Payment Options
| Payment Method | Supported? |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Cards | ✅ Yes |
| PayPal | ✅ Yes |
| Bitcoin & Monero | ✅ Yes |
| Cash Payments | ❌ No |
Pricing & Trial
Proton VPN offers a great free VPN plan, but its premium plans are on the expensive side.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 (Limited servers, slower speeds) |
| Basic | $4.99/month |
| Plus | $9.99/month |
| Visionary | $19.99/month (Includes ProtonMail) |
- ✅ Free plan available (limited features).
- ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ❌ Premium plans are expensive compared to Mullvad ($5 flat rate).
Bypass Censorship & Restrictive Networks
If you live in a heavily censored country, Proton VPN is one of the best options. It’s one of the best VPNs for bypassing censorship.
- ✅ Stealth Protocol – Helps bypass government firewalls (China, Iran, Russia).
- ✅ Tor Over VPN – Seamlessly access the Tor network for extra anonymity.
- ✅ Obfuscation Servers – Hide VPN traffic from deep packet inspection (DPI).
Though it’s Better than most VPNs for censorship, but VPN blocks can still be an issue especially in heavily restricted areas.
Customer Support
- ✅ Email & Ticket Support – 24/7 availability.
- ✅ Extensive Knowledge Base – Well-documented guides.
- ❌ No Live Chat Support – Slower response times compared to competitors.
Overall Expert Score: 92/100 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Aspect | Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction & Privacy | 97/100 |
| Performance | 90/100 |
| Security Features | 95/100 |
| Streaming & Bypassing | 88/100 |
| Customer Support | 85/100 |
If privacy is your top priority, Proton VPN is an excellent choice. It offers a free plan, strong security, and great performance, but premium plans are a bit pricey.