Proton VPN: Features, Benefits and Things to Consider

Proton VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service from Proton AG, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail and other privacy-focused products. It is designed to protect internet traffic by encrypting a device’s connection and routing it through a VPN server. This can help reduce the amount of information visible to a local network, such as public Wi-Fi, and change the IP address websites see.

How Proton VPN works

When a VPN is switched on, data travels through an encrypted tunnel between a device and a VPN server. Websites and online services generally see the server’s IP address rather than the user’s usual IP address. The connection between the VPN server and a website is not necessarily hidden from that website, so a VPN should be seen as one part of online privacy rather than a complete anonymity solution.

Key features

Proton VPN offers apps for major desktop and mobile platforms. Its features vary by app, plan and location, but may include:

Encryption and VPN protocols: The service supports established VPN technologies, including WireGuard and OpenVPN on supported platforms.
Kill switch: This can block internet access if the VPN connection drops, helping to prevent traffic from unexpectedly using a regular connection.
Secure Core: Available on paid plans, this routes traffic through a privacy-focused server before it reaches the chosen VPN server.
NetShield: A filtering feature intended to block certain adverts, trackers and malicious domains.
Stealth protocol: On supported devices, this is designed to make VPN traffic harder for networks to identify or block.
Tor access: Some servers provide a route to the Tor network through the VPN.

Free and paid plans

Proton VPN is known for offering a free plan alongside paid subscriptions. The free option can be useful for basic browsing and trying the service, but it may have fewer server locations and features than the paid plans. Availability, performance and access to specific activities can also differ. Paid plans generally provide a broader choice of servers and additional features; check Proton VPN’s current plan details before subscribing.

Privacy and security

Proton presents privacy as a central part of its service and publishes information about its security practices. Its apps are open source, allowing their code to be inspected, and the company has commissioned independent security assessments. These are useful transparency measures, but they do not remove the need to assess a service carefully or keep software up to date.

A VPN provider becomes an important part of a user’s internet connection. It is therefore worth reading the provider’s privacy policy and understanding what information is collected, how it is used and how long it is retained. A VPN also cannot prevent every kind of tracking: websites may still identify users through account log-ins, browser settings, cookies or other data.

Performance and everyday use

VPN performance depends on factors such as the distance to the selected server, network congestion, the device being used and the speed of the underlying internet connection. A nearby server will often be a sensible choice for general browsing, while users may need to try different locations for particular services. No VPN can guarantee uninterrupted access to every streaming platform or website.

Who might consider Proton VPN?

Proton VPN may suit people who want a service with a free entry-level option, a range of privacy features and apps across several platforms. It may also appeal to users who value open-source software and additional tools such as Secure Core or NetShield. Those who need specific server locations, high speeds or particular streaming and file-sharing capabilities should check that the relevant features are included in their chosen plan.

Things to remember

A VPN encrypts traffic between a device and the VPN server; it does not make all online activity anonymous.
Features and server availability can differ between plans and devices.
Using a VPN may affect connection speed.
It is sensible to compare current plan terms and privacy information before signing up.

Conclusion

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service with both free and paid options and a variety of security features. Its open-source apps and published security information may be appealing to users who want greater transparency. As with any VPN, the right choice depends on individual needs, and a VPN should complement—not replace—good security habits such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and keeping devices updated.

Six Key Benefits of Proton VPN

Proton VPN Drawbacks: Limited Free Servers, Potential Slowdowns and Paid Features

Offers a free plan.

Proton VPN offers a free plan, giving users a way to protect their internet connection without paying a subscription. It can be a useful option for everyday browsing or for trying the service before choosing a paid plan. The free plan has fewer features and server options than paid subscriptions, so it is worth checking whether it meets your needs.

Apps are open source.

Proton VPN’s apps are open source, so their code is publicly available for independent experts to inspect. This added transparency can help users understand how the apps work and assess whether they handle data as intended. Open-source code does not guarantee that software is completely secure, but it makes scrutiny easier and supports greater confidence in the service.

Supports strong VPN protocols.

Proton VPN supports strong, well-established VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN on compatible devices. These protocols help encrypt your internet connection and protect data as it travels between your device and the VPN server. With protocol options available across its apps, users can choose a suitable balance of security, speed and compatibility for their needs.

Includes a kill switch.

Proton VPN includes a kill switch designed to protect your privacy if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. It blocks your device’s internet access until the secure connection is restored, helping to prevent your traffic from switching to your regular connection and revealing your IP address.

Has servers in many countries.

Proton VPN has servers in many countries, giving users a wide choice of locations when connecting. This can make it easier to find a nearby server for a responsive connection, or choose a different region when travelling or accessing location-specific online content. Server availability may vary by plan, so it is worth checking the current list before signing up.

Includes extra privacy tools on paid plans.

Paid plans include extra privacy tools that can add another layer of protection to everyday browsing. Depending on the plan and device, these may include Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers, and NetShield, which can block adverts, trackers and malicious domains. These features offer more control over privacy, though they work best as part of broader online safety habits.

Free plan has limited server options.

One drawback of Proton VPN’s free plan is its limited choice of server locations. This can make it harder to find a nearby, less congested server, which may affect connection speed and flexibility. Users who need access to a wider range of locations may need to consider a paid plan.

VPN connections can reduce internet speeds.

Using Proton VPN can reduce internet speeds because your connection is routed through an additional server and encrypted, which may add delay. The impact varies depending on factors such as server distance, network congestion and your original connection, but it can be noticeable during video calls, streaming or large downloads. Choosing a nearby server may help minimise the slowdown.

Some features require a paid plan.

Some Proton VPN features are only available with a paid plan, so the free version may not meet everyone’s needs. Users looking for a wider choice of server locations or access to advanced tools may need to upgrade, making it important to check which features are included before choosing a plan.

Proton VPN: Features, Privacy and What to Know Before You Sign Up