ProtonVPN Review
The strongest free plan in the category with no data cap, backed by open-source, independently audited apps from the team behind Proton Mail.
Free Plan No-Logs Open-Source Kill Switch
The strongest free plan in the category with no data cap, backed by open-source, independently audited apps from the team behind Proton Mail.
Proton VPN has a strong privacy and security focus. Its apps support modern VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN, with protocol availability depending on the platform. The service also includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch designed to prevent your real IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
One of Proton VPN’s distinguishing features is Secure Core. Available with paid plans, it routes traffic through specially secured servers in Switzerland, Sweden or Iceland before sending it to the final VPN server. This provides an additional layer of protection against certain network-based attacks, although the extra routing can increase latency.
NetShield is another premium feature. It uses DNS filtering to block malware, ads and tracking scripts. Proton VPN’s apps are also open source, allowing their code to be independently inspected.
Privacy is reinforced by an independently audited no-logs policy. In 2026, Proton VPN announced that it had passed its fifth consecutive annual third-party no-logs audit.
Paid Proton VPN plans support streaming and provide access to the full international server network. This makes the service suitable for travelers who want to access their usual streaming services while abroad. Streaming availability and performance can still vary depending on the service, location and server being used.
P2P and BitTorrent traffic are supported on paid plans, with dedicated P2P-friendly servers available. Proton VPN does not impose bandwidth limits on paid connections. The Free plan also provides unlimited data, but it does not include the premium streaming and P2P features available with VPN Plus.
Proton VPN Plus currently provides access to 20,000+ servers across 140+ countries, substantially more than the figures currently displayed on the VPNdrift review. Some servers support connections of up to 10 Gbps.
The service supports WireGuard, which Proton recommends when connection speed is a priority. Its apps also display server load, helping users avoid heavily utilized locations. VPN Accelerator is designed to improve VPN performance, particularly when connecting to distant servers.
Actual speeds still depend on factors such as your original connection, server distance, server load, selected protocol and whether features such as Secure Core are enabled.
Proton VPN stands out because it offers a permanent Free plan with unlimited data rather than only a short free trial. Free users can connect one device at a time and access servers in 10 countries, although the server is initially selected automatically.
VPN Plus unlocks the complete server network, streaming, P2P support, Secure Core, NetShield, split tunneling and other premium features. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Proton also offers Proton Unlimited, which combines premium Proton VPN access with paid versions of services such as Proton Mail, Proton Pass and Proton Drive. Paid subscriptions are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing and promotional discounts can change, so users should check the current subscription page before purchasing.
Proton VPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, as well as browser extensions and support for TVs, Chromebooks and routers. The basic connection process is straightforward, while the interface also provides access to more advanced privacy and connection options.
Paid users can select specific countries, cities and individual servers. Server load and connection information are displayed directly in supported apps, which can help when choosing between locations. Features such as Secure Core, NetShield and split tunneling provide additional control, although beginners may need some time to understand when each option is useful.
Proton maintains an extensive online support center covering installation, account management, connection issues and individual VPN features. Priority support and live chat are included with VPN Plus, providing paid subscribers with a faster route to direct assistance.
This is another part of the current VPNdrift page that should be updated: it presently describes Proton VPN as providing “Email-based support … rather than live chat.”
Yes, with no data cap, though it is limited to a smaller set of server locations and typically slower than paid servers.
Yes, the app source code is published and has been independently audited by SEC Consult.
A routing option that sends your traffic through a hardened server in a privacy-friendly country before it exits to the internet, adding a layer of protection against traffic analysis at the cost of some speed.
No, its no-logs policy has been independently audited by SEC Consult alongside the app source code.
Paid plans support up to 10 simultaneous connections; the free plan is limited to one device at a time.