protonvpn

ProtonVPN was developed by the team behind ProtonMail and is built around a clear mission: protect online privacy and give users control over their data. Headquartered in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from strong privacy laws and a company philosophy that emphasizes open-source software, transparency, and minimal data retention. Core features and security ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption (AES-256) and supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, providing a balance of speed and security. Unique to ProtonVPN is Secure Core — a multi-hop architecture that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (such as Switzerland and Iceland) before it exits to the internet, making it harder for adversaries to trace connections back to users. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN for direct access to the Tor network without a separate Tor Browser setup, plus a reliable kill switch and DNS leak protection to prevent accidental exposure if the VPN connection drops. Privacy and transparency ProtonVPN operates a strict no-logs policy: it does not store user activity or connection logs that can be used to identify what users do online. The company publishes a transparency report and has open-sourced its client applications, allowing independent reviewers to inspect the code. While no VPN can provide absolute anonymity, ProtonVPN’s jurisdiction and technical measures make it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users. Plans and usability ProtonVPN provides a limited free tier with access to a select group of servers and medium speeds — useful for casual or trial use. Paid tiers (Basic, Plus, and Visionary or similar bundles) unlock faster speeds, access to the full server network, Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, P2P-enabled servers, and additional simultaneous connections. Proton’s apps are polished and available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and some routers, featuring an intuitive interface, server recommendations, and split-tunneling on supported platforms. Practical uses and limitations ProtonVPN works well for securing connections on public Wi‑Fi, bypassing basic geo-blocks for streaming, protecting privacy during browsing, and safely handling P2P traffic on designated servers. Downsides to consider include higher-tier features being behind paid plans and occasional variability in speeds depending on server load and geographic distance. Compared to some budget competitors, ProtonVPN may be pricier, but many users find the privacy-focused features and Swiss jurisdiction worth the cost. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a solid, privacy-first VPN service suitable for users who value transparency, strong cryptography, and jurisdictional protections. Its combination of open-source clients, Secure Core routing, and a functional free tier make it a compelling option for both newcomers and experienced privacy-minded users.