Proton VPN Review: Secure, Private, and Built for True Online Freedom

Proton VPN is one of the most trusted names in the cybersecurity space — and for good reason. Built by the same team behind Proton Mail, the world’s leading encrypted email service, Proton VPN focuses on what matters most: privacy, security, and transparency.

In this Proton VPN review, we’ll explore its speed, performance, pricing, features, and usability to help you decide whether it’s the right VPN for your needs in 2025.

Overview: What Is Proton VPN?

Proton VPN was launched in 2017 by Proton AG, a Swiss-based company known for its strong stance on digital privacy. The VPN operates under Switzerland’s strict privacy laws, which are independent of the EU and outside the jurisdiction of surveillance alliances like 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes.

This legal protection gives Proton VPN a unique advantage — your data is not subject to government tracking or data-sharing laws, ensuring your online activity stays completely private.

Proton VPN’s mission is simple: to make the internet a secure and open space for everyone. With its open-source applications, no-logs policy, and secure core servers, Proton VPN is one of the few VPNs that truly prioritizes transparency and user trust.

Proton VPN Key Features

Here’s a breakdown of the top features that make Proton VPN stand out:

• ✅ No-Logs Policy (Audited): Proton VPN keeps zero logs of your activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. The policy has been independently audited and verified.

• 🔒 Secure Core Servers: Your traffic first passes through Proton’s hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching the internet — adding an extra layer of anonymity.

• ⚡ High-Speed Servers: Proton VPN offers over 4,900 servers in 90+ countries, including high-speed 10 Gbps servers optimized for streaming and gaming.

• 🧱 NetShield Ad-Blocker: Built-in malware, ad, and tracker blocker to enhance browsing safety.

• 🌐 Streaming Support: Works with popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

• 🧩 Multi-Platform Support: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even routers.

• 🔁 Secure Multi-Hop (Double VPN): Routes your connection through multiple servers for maximum protection.

• 🛡️ Kill Switch & Always-On VPN: Keeps your data safe even if your VPN connection drops.

Speed and Performance

Speed is often the deciding factor for many VPN users — and Proton VPN performs remarkably well.

During our tests, Proton VPN maintained stable connections and fast speeds across nearby and distant servers. On average, we recorded:

• Local Server (UK): 92 Mbps download / 85 Mbps upload

• US Server: 88 Mbps download / 79 Mbps upload

• Asia Server: 75 Mbps download / 70 Mbps upload

These results show that Proton VPN’s 10 Gbps servers can handle HD streaming, torrenting, and online gaming without major lag or buffering.

Even on longer-distance connections, Proton VPN’s WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols ensure consistent performance while maintaining top-tier encryption.

Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

Proton VPN wasn’t originally built for streaming, but that has changed in recent years.

The VPN now works reliably with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The Plus servers, available on paid plans, are optimized specifically for streaming, allowing you to bypass geo-blocks easily.

Whether you want to watch US Netflix from abroad or access region-restricted content, Proton VPN delivers a smooth, buffer-free experience.

However, it’s worth noting that free users do not have access to these streaming servers, so you’ll need a Plus plan to enjoy full streaming functionality.

Privacy and Security

If there’s one area where Proton VPN truly shines, it’s privacy and security.

It uses AES-256 encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and Secure Core architecture to protect your data against surveillance and cyberattacks. Additionally, Proton VPN supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec — all proven and highly secure VPN protocols.

The Secure Core system routes your traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries (like Switzerland or Iceland) before it reaches the open internet. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your real IP or online activity.

Another standout feature is NetShield, Proton VPN’s built-in ad and malware blocker. It prevents malicious scripts, ads, and trackers from following you online — improving both your privacy and browsing speed.

Finally, Proton VPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited, confirming that it truly does not collect, monitor, or share any user data.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Proton VPN’s apps are clean, modern, and user-friendly across all platforms.

The desktop app features an interactive world map that lets you connect to servers with a single click. You can also select from a list view for more granular control.

Connecting to a VPN server takes just a few seconds, and switching between protocols or enabling features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, or NetShield is intuitive even for beginners.

The mobile app mirrors the same clean interface, making Proton VPN one of the easiest VPNs to use on both desktop and mobile devices.

Pricing and Plans

Proton VPN offers both free and paid plans, making it accessible for all users.

Free Plan

Proton VPN’s free version is among the best in the market. Unlike most free VPNs, it has no data limits, making it perfect for casual browsing. However, it’s restricted to 3 countries (US, Netherlands, Japan) and doesn’t include streaming or Secure Core servers.

Paid Plans

The Proton VPN Plus plan unlocks all premium features — including high-speed servers, Secure Core, streaming access, and NetShield.

Proton VPN Pricing (as of 2025):

• 1 Month: $9.99/month

• 12 Months: $5.99/month

• 24 Months: $4.99/month

Each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Customer Support

Proton VPN offers email support, a help center, and a community forum for troubleshooting.

While it doesn’t have 24/7 live chat like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, its email responses are detailed and helpful, typically arriving within a few hours. The online support documentation is also comprehensive, covering setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting steps for every platform.

Proton VPN Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent privacy and Swiss-based jurisdiction

• Independently audited no-logs policy

• Secure Core and multi-hop features for extra protection

• Fast 10 Gbps servers

• Works with major streaming platforms

• Open-source apps

• Great free plan with unlimited bandwidth

Cons

• No live chat support

• Free servers can get crowded at peak times

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors