Our Verdict
Proton VPN is one of the best VPN services out there. The VPN service promises security and safety with advanced security features and an intent to protect users’ data. Founded by the creators of Proton Mail, this VPN was designed with privacy in mind and leverages its Swiss base to take advantage of the country’s strong privacy laws.
Proton VPN uses high-end encryption and no-logs policy, which makes it one of the best VPNs for a private client interested in security and anonymity. Its free version doesn’t guarantee full functionality, but its paid version offers limitless access to high-speed servers, balancing privacy, security, and performance.
What Is Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a VPN service that promises security and safety with advanced security features and has an intent to protect users’ data. It uses high-end encryption and no-logs policy, which makes it one of the best VPNs for a private client interested in security and anonymity. Another plus point of it is its easy-to-use interface making it user friendly.
Proton VPN: Pros vs. Cons
Pros:
- High Privacy and Security: Proton VPN uses strong AES-256 encryption or ChaCha20 and implements a no-logs policy, ensuring that users’ activities are not tracked or stored.
- Free Version Available: Proton VPN offers a free plan with no data limit, which is rare among premium VPN services.
- Swiss Privacy Laws: Being based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from the country’s strict privacy regulations, making it a safe choice for privacy-conscious users.
- Strong Torrenting Support: Proton VPN supports secure torrenting, offering P2P servers for better privacy when downloading files.
Cons:
- Limited Server Network: Proton VPN has fewer servers compared to some of its competitors, which may lead to slower speeds in certain regions.
- Speed Issues on Free Plan: The free version of Proton VPN offers slower speeds and only allows access to a limited number of countries.
- Premium Features Locked Behind Paid Plans: Many of Proton VPN’s best features, such as high-speed servers, Secure Core, and access to streaming platforms, are only available with the paid version.
- Fewer Device Compatibility: Proton VPN doesn’t support as many devices as some of the larger VPN providers, although it covers most mainstream platforms.
What Makes Proton VPN Stand Out: Unique Features
- Swiss Privacy Laws: Proton VPN’s base in Switzerland gives it a solid advantage in terms of privacy protection, as Switzerland is not part of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes.
- Secure Core Servers: Proton VPN directs your traffic through multiple layers of security in privacy-friendly countries such as Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden.
- No-logs policy: Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not track or store your online activities.
- Free Plan: Proton VPN offers a free version with no data caps, though access is limited to only five countries and slower speeds.
- Tor over VPN: Proton VPN supports Tor over VPN, which routes your traffic through the Tor network for added privacy when browsing the dark web or conducting sensitive activities.
Proton VPN Pricing and Plans
Proton VPN has a tiered pricing structure :
- Proton Free Plan: No monthly fee, access to servers in five countries (randomly selected), and with mediumVPN speed.
- VPN Plus Plan: Around ₹403 per month (2-year plan), provides access to all servers, high-speed connections, Secure Core servers, and support for streaming services like Netflix.
- Proton Unlimited Plan: Around ₹715 per month (2-year plan), includes Proton VPN Plus features and access to all Proton premium products like Proton Mail for enhanced email privacy and other such products.
Proton VPN’s Features: In-Depth Review
- Performance and Speed: Proton VPN offers decent speeds, particularly on its paid plans. The free plan is slower and limited to specific countries, but the paid plans provide access to high-speed servers across the world. Speeds can fluctuate depending on server load and distance.
- Security: Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is industry-standard for VPNs. The VPN also supports IKEv2/IPSec (not on Apple devices), OpenVPN (not on Apple devices), and WireGuard protocols for secure connections. It also has Stealth which is its own VPN protocol for defeating censorship. Additionally, Proton VPN has a kill switch feature and DNS leak protection to safeguard your data.
- Streaming and Bypassing Restrictions: Proton VPN supports bypassing geo-blocks on services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. However, its ability to unblock streaming services is more limited compared to premium competitors like ExpressVPN.
- Ease of Use: Proton VPN provides a simple, user-friendly experience for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Setting up Proton VPN is straightforward, and the interface is clean and easy to navigate.
Proton VPN Customer Service and Support
Proton VPN provides comprehensive customer support to ensure a seamless user experience, including:
Proton VPN offers customer support through email, a knowledge base, and community forums. Response times may vary, but Proton’s support team is knowledgeable and responsive to inquiries. The knowledge base includes tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs to help users resolve common issues independently.
Proton VPN Compared With Other Alternatives
- Proton VPN vs. NordVPN: Proton VPN is more privacy-orientated with a Swiss base known to be a safe haven for privacy. However, NordVPN has more extensive server networks and faster speed to offer.
- Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN: Although Proton VPN is more impressive in terms of privacy and security, ExpressVPN is a better performer and has a more comprehensive server network, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.
- Proton VPN vs. CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers better streaming capabilities, but Proton VPN is a better choice for those focused on privacy and security.
Needs of the Digital World That Proton VPN Fills
Proton VPN is ideal for privacy-focused individuals, websites or services that require protection against data tracking, surveillance, or censorship. Individuals and websites that prioritize privacy and need to protect their data will benefit from Proton VPN’s security features, particularly in regions with high censorship or surveillance.
How to Get Started with Proton VPN
- Visit the Proton VPN website and sign up for a free or paid plan.
- Download the Proton VPN app for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
- Install the app and log in using your Proton account.
- Select a server location and connect to begin browsing securely.
Our Expert Opinion
It’s great for people who are looking to have the highest level of privacy and who, above all, value security. It uses the strongest encryption possible, it follows a no-logs policy, and includes more advanced features like Secure Core and Tor over VPN. Its free plan is ideal for anyone seeking basic privacy needs, but with paid plans comes full functionality and high-speed servers and streaming service access.
Proton VPN best suits the users who care about their privacy, anonymity, and encryption. However, users who need a larger number of servers or higher performance in streaming may want to look at other options.
Bottom Line: Is Proton VPN Right for You?
Proton VPN is a strong contender for any user who needs a privacy-focused VPN service. Its excellent security features, zero-logs policy, and secure core architecture make it a great choice for users who need anonymity and privacy.
However, if you’re a heavy streamer or require faster speeds for gaming, you might find Proton VPN to be lacking in comparison to performance-oriented services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. If privacy and security are your number one concerns, Proton VPN is a strong choice, but for users looking for a more comprehensive VPN experience, other options might suit your needs better.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does Proton VPN work in China?
No, Proton VPN does not work reliably in China. Though it does offer obfuscated servers, which can somewhat help bypass censorship in China.
- Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free version with limited access to servers and slower speeds.
- Can Proton VPN unblock Netflix?
Proton VPN can unblock Netflix, but its performance is inconsistent compared to more specialized streaming VPNs.
- Is Proton VPN secure for torrenting?
Yes, Proton VPN supports P2P servers and offers high-level security for torrenting activities.
- Does Proton VPN store logs?
No, Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no data is stored or monitored.
