Proton VPN stands out in the crowded VPN market with its strong privacy focus, Swiss jurisdiction, and open-source transparency. In this review, we'll examine whether it lives up to its reputation for security-conscious users while testing its speeds, streaming capabilities, and overall value.
Proton VPN: Key Takeaways
- Swiss-based with strong privacy laws outside 5/9/14 Eyes alliances
- Open-source apps with regular independent audits (most recently in 2023)
- No-logs policy verified through real-world legal cases
- Free tier available with limited servers and speeds
- Secure Core architecture routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries first
Speed & Performance
In our tests across US and European servers, Proton VPN delivered:
- 85-92% of baseline speeds on nearby servers (WireGuard protocol)
- 65-75% on long-distance connections (Switzerland to Australia)
- Consistent uptime with no unexpected disconnections during testing
While not the absolute fastest (that title goes to NordVPN for gaming), Proton VPN's speeds are more than adequate for streaming and browsing. The free tier is noticeably slower, with speeds often dropping below 50% of baseline.
Streaming & Unblocking
Proton VPN successfully accessed:
- Netflix US, UK, and Japan libraries (paid plan only)
- BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub
- Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video
Unlike ExpressVPN which unblocks everything consistently, Proton VPN occasionally requires server switching for some platforms. The free plan doesn't work with streaming services.
Privacy & Security Features
Where Proton VPN truly shines:
- Full disk encryption on all servers
- Perfect Forward Secrecy implemented
- Tor-over-VPN via dedicated onion routing servers
- NetShield ad-blocker (paid plans only)
Their open-source approach and regular audits (including one by SEC Consult in 2023) provide transparency few competitors match. For comparison, see our privacy guides.
Pricing & Refund Policy
| Plan | Price | Devices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 | Casual browsing |
| Basic | $4.99/mo | 2 | Light users |
| Plus | $9.99/mo | 10 | Most users |
| Visionary | $29.99/mo | 10 | Proton ecosystem users |
Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee (prorated after 30 days). While Surfshark offers better value for unlimited devices, Proton's focus on privacy justifies the premium for some users.
Proton VPN FAQs
Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes, but with limitations: one device connection, slower speeds, and only three server locations (US, Netherlands, and Japan). The free plan doesn't support streaming or P2P.
Does Proton VPN work in China?
Sometimes. Their Stealth protocol helps bypass restrictions, but like all VPNs, reliability varies day-to-day in restrictive regions. For consistent China access, ExpressVPN remains our top pick.
Can I use Proton VPN for torrenting?
Yes, but only on specific P2P-optimized servers (available in paid plans). All traffic is encrypted, and Switzerland's privacy laws offer extra protection.
How does Proton VPN compare to Proton Mail?
They're separate products from the same company. While Proton Mail focuses on encrypted email, Proton VPN protects your internet traffic. Bundles are available through the Visionary plan.
Final Verdict
Proton VPN delivers exceptional privacy protections and transparency that few competitors match. While speeds and streaming performance aren't class-leading, they're sufficient for most users who prioritize security.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, activists, and anyone wanting Swiss-grade data protection.
