Proton VPN, an open-source virtual private network (VPN) service, offers both free and affordable premium options. Developed by Proton AG, the same company behind Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and other privacy-focused services, Proton VPN prioritizes user security and online anonymity. This review explores Proton VPN’s features, performance, and overall value to determine if it’s the right VPN for you.
Pricing and Subscription Tiers
alt text: Proton VPN Plus offers various affordable subscription plans.
Proton VPN offers a compelling free tier that includes access to all Proton apps: VPN, email, password manager, calendar, and encrypted cloud storage. The free VPN provides unlimited data transfer and usage with robust encryption and a no-logs policy, a rare find among free VPNs. Notably, it’s also ad-free.
For enhanced functionality, Proton VPN Plus provides access to 6,380 servers in 112 countries, supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections. This contrasts with the free version’s limited access to 136 servers across three countries and only one connection. Plus subscribers gain access to advanced features like the Stealth protocol for bypassing firewalls, Secure Core for double-hop security, split-tunneling, and more. These features are essential for activities like streaming and torrenting.
Proton VPN Plus offers flexible subscription plans. A monthly subscription costs $10, while a two-year subscription offers significant savings at $108 (55% off). An annual plan is also available for $60 (50% off). These prices position Proton VPN Plus as one of the most competitive VPN deals available.
For users seeking a comprehensive privacy suite, Proton Unlimited bundles all Proton services, including secure email, VPN, password manager, and encrypted cloud storage, at a slightly higher price. The two-year Proton Unlimited plan offers the best value at $192, with annual and monthly options priced at $120 and $13, respectively.
Design and User Experience
alt text: The Proton VPN app interface is user-friendly, though some features require further exploration.
The Proton VPN Windows app boasts a user-friendly interface with a straightforward onboarding process. A prominent quick-connect button facilitates connection to the fastest available server. Users can also select servers manually from a comprehensive list of countries, filtering by server load or region.
Convenient quick-toggle buttons enable features like Secure Core, NetShield (ad and malware blocking), a kill switch, and port forwarding. While the app provides comprehensive functionality, a browser extension is also available for added convenience.
alt text: Proton VPN's browser extension offers enhanced privacy control for web browsing.
While basic operations are intuitive, some advanced features might require further exploration within the app’s documentation. Colored circles indicating server load (green for fastest, transitioning to yellow and red as load increases) are a helpful visual cue.
Proton VPN offers cross-platform compatibility with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, ensuring seamless protection across all devices.
Performance and Features
alt text: Proton VPN maintains impressive download speeds even when connected to distant servers.
Speed and reliability are critical VPN performance metrics. Proton VPN Plus performs admirably in these areas, maintaining consistent connections and sufficient bandwidth for streaming across various global servers.
Testing revealed impressive download speeds even on distant servers. While a baseline connection without VPN achieved over 900Mbps, a quick connection to a nearby Canadian server maintained 504Mbps downloads. Even the most distant server tested (Australia) delivered 255Mbps downloads.
Engaging Secure Core, which routes traffic through two servers, understandably reduced speeds but remained usable for general browsing. However, the increased latency makes it less suitable for gaming.
alt text: Proton VPN's NetShield feature functions primarily as an ad blocker, requiring dedicated antivirus software for comprehensive malware protection.
Proton VPN Plus includes NetShield, an ad and malware blocking feature. Testing revealed that while effective for ad blocking, NetShield doesn’t provide comprehensive malware protection, highlighting the continued need for dedicated antivirus software.
Customer Support
alt text: Proton VPN Plus subscribers have access to live chat support during specified hours.
Proton VPN Plus subscribers enjoy live chat support, available 15 hours daily. Response times are generally quick and informative, with support agents providing helpful assistance.
Privacy and Security
Proton VPN upholds a strong commitment to user privacy. With a strict no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction, Proton VPN is outside the reach of data-sharing alliances like Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. While Swiss law requires compliance with legal requests, Proton’s track record demonstrates a high standard for protecting user data.
Conclusion: Is Proton VPN Right for You?
Proton VPN Plus offers a compelling combination of speed, security, and affordability, making it a strong contender in the VPN market. The Proton Unlimited bundle further enhances value for users seeking a complete privacy solution. While the malware blocking capabilities could be improved, Proton VPN’s overall performance and commitment to privacy make it a worthy choice for most users.
