Proton VPN is featured as one of the top picks in our rankings for the best VPN services. Below, I’ll go into more detail about the features, pricing, advantages, disadvantages, and everything else you need to know about this provider. By the time you’re done reading this guide, you’ll be able to make a highly informed decision about whether or not this is the right VPN for you.
By:Gunnar Kallstrom , Updated March 4, 2026 Head of information systems and cybersecurity research
Updated March 4, 2026
Proton VPN: A Quick Overview
Bottom line: Proton VPN is one of the most well-rounded VPN services available, delivering top-tier security, a massive global server network, and one of the strongest free plans on the market. Its Secure Core architecture, Swiss jurisdiction, and polished apps make it an appealing choice for many users.
Who should choose Proton VPN? This is an especially good option for those who don’t want to pay for a VPN, as a completely free version is available that is more than adequate for general web browsing.
Proton VPN’s Editor Rating
Overall: 4.82
Proton VPN earned perfect scores in nearly every area that I tested. Even the non-perfect scores for compatibility and connectivity are still solid rather than outright bad.
There are many reasons to consider using Proton VPN — on top of the fact that they offer a completely free tier of service, other benefits include their extensive feature set (especially for paid users) and a particularly sleek and user-friendly interface. There are some minor downsides, though, especially in connectivity and compatibility.
Pros of Proton VPN
Free plan available: You can use Proton VPN as long as you want without paying a single cent.
Strong security features: Even the free version of Proton VPN offers high-end security, including AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. Paid users will also get access to Proton VPN’s Secure Core architecture, which routes your traffic through multiple servers for extra protection.
Add-on services available: In addition to their VPN, this provider offers an email client, cloud storage, a password manager, and an encrypted calendar tool.
Great interface: The app's design is both aesthetically pleasing and very easy to navigate.
Cons of Proton VPN
Limited connectivity: Some providers will allow you to connect unlimited devices at once — that is not the case with Proton VPN.
Limited compatibility: While Proton VPN offers an app for major platforms like Windows and Android, support for niche platforms could be improved.
Long-term discounts are underwhelming: Like most VPN providers, Proton VPN offers steep discounts to those who sign up for a year or two of service upfront — but these discounts aren’t quite as steep as what some other providers are offering.
Who Should Choose Proton VPN?
Step1.Budget-conscious users: On a tight budget? There’s no beating Proton VPN’s starting price of $0.
Step2.Security-conscious users: As mentioned above, Proton VPN offers strong security features—and it's based in Switzerland, which has some of the best online privacy laws in the world.
Step3.Value shoppers: The most expensive plan, Proton Unlimited, is well worth the cost, as it gives you access to a suite of premium services (including advanced features for your private inbox, a secure password manager, and more) under a single subscription.
Proton VPN Plans and Pricing
Overall: (4.8)
Proton VPN is one of the few options available that offers a completely free tier of service. The speed and features are limited on this free plan, but if you’re just going to use a VPN for general web browsing (as opposed to more demanding activities such as gaming or streaming video), then it should do just fine.
The premium version of Proton VPN starts at $9.99 per month. But you can significantly reduce this cost by committing to a long-term deal — for example, while the VPN Plus plan is indeed $9.99 per month on a month-to-month basis, you also have the option of paying $47.88 for the first 12 months of service (this works out to an average of just $3.99 per month).
Proton Free
VPN Plus
Proton Unlimited
Price
$0
$9.99 per month
$12.99 per month
Best for
Those who don’t need anything more than basic VPN features and medium speed
Those who want access to advanced VPN features and high performance
Those interested in add-on services such as dark web monitoring and 500 GB of encrypted cloud storage
Money-back Guarantee
N/A
30-day
30-day
Server Network
Connect to servers in 10 countries
15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
Simultaneous Devices
1 device allowed
Up to 10 devices
Up to 10 devices
Platform compatibility
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Routers
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Routers
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Routers
No-logs Policy
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Yes
Split Tunneling
No
Yes
Yes
Double VPN/Multi-hop
No
Yes
Yes
Torrenting Support
No
Yes
Yes
Proton VPN Security
Overall: (5)
Proton VPN has the three key security features that I always look for first when evaluating a VPN: a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and double VPN/multi-hop capability. This lets you be absolutely sure your privacy is protected while you’re using the internet.
Compared to most other providers, one thing that really sets Proton VPN apart is that it is based in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest data protection and privacy laws in the world. And Switzerland is not part of the intelligence-sharing network known as the 14 Eyes, providing even further peace of mind.
Proton VPN Server Coverage
Overall: (5)
Proton VPN gives you over 15,000 servers to choose from — that’s more than what just about any other provider offers. These servers are distributed across over 120 different countries, allowing you to easily bypass geo-restrictions and find the best deals when shopping online.
Paid users get access to Proton VPN’s Plus servers, which provide streaming support, P2P/BitTorrent support, and speeds of up to 10 Gbps in most locations. The Plus servers also use Proton VPN’s NetShield ad blocker, which improves performance and enhances security by filtering out ads, trackers, and malware.
Free users can’t choose which server they connect to. There’s just a “Connect” button that automatically connects you to the fastest available free server (typically the one closest to your location).
Proton VPN UX
Overall: (4.7)
Proton VPN has the best design out of all the VPN services I’ve ever tested. The little details, like the graphics and icons, show that they’ve put a lot of care into the app’s appearance, and everything is laid out in an intuitive way that makes the user interface easy to navigate.
Proton VPN allows you to use their service as a guest, so you don’t even need to go through the trouble of signing up for an account.
One particularly helpful feature is the “Profiles” tool, which lets you save a connection’s settings for future use.
It’s also worth noting that there are a few options available for customizing how the app looks. For example, there are light and dark themes as well as a few different app icons to choose from.
Proton VPN Compatibility
Overall: (4.6)
Proton VPN is compatible with all of the most popular operating systems, including Android and iOS for mobile devices, as well as Windows and macOS for desktops/laptops. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox, too.
Proton VPN Connectivity
Overall: (4.8)
While only one device can be used on Proton VPN’s free plan, the premium plans allow you to connect up to 10 devices at once. That should be fine for most users — but if it’s not enough for you, take note that there are other options out there that will allow you to connect an unlimited number of devices.
Recent Improvements to Proton VPN
Proton VPN has made some significant improvements to its service over the past couple of years, including:
Step1.In the settings for your Proton VPN account, new connection preferences are now available (e.g., you can determine whether the default connection is the fastest option at the moment or just your most recently used connection).
Step2.Another new feature is the ability to add a Proton VPN widget to the home screen of your mobile device — this lets you see your connection status and access your favorite connections without even opening the app.
Step3.ProtonVPN is constantly adding new servers to its network. In January 2024, they had about 5,000 servers total. Now, they have more than triple that number.
Compare Proton VPN Alternatives
Use the table below to quickly compare what Proton VPN offers with its top competitors. In most areas, Proton VPN is just as good, if not better, than the competition, though it should be noted that Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and Windscribe offer an advantage in both simultaneous connections and platform support.
Provider
Score (4.82)
Starting Price Free
Money-Back Guarantee 30-day
Server Network 15,000+ servers in over 120 countries
Simultaneous Connections Up to 10 devices
Platform Compatibility MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook, Android TV, Apple TV
Yes, Proton VPN offers a completely free plan with no data caps and no ads. However, free users are limited to servers in select countries, medium speeds, and one device connection. Paid plans unlock faster speeds, streaming support, and advanced privacy features.
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and includes a kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks. Paid plans also offer Secure Core multi-hop routing for extra privacy. The company is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
Does Proton VPN work for streaming?
Yes, Proton VPN’s paid plans support streaming on many major platforms. Its Plus servers offer high-speed connections and are optimized for streaming and P2P traffic. The free plan does not guarantee streaming access and has limited server options.
How many devices can you use with Proton VPN?
The free plan allows one device connection at a time. Paid plans allow up to 10 devices to be used simultaneously per subscription. Proton VPN supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and select smart TVs and browser extensions.
Is Proton VPN better than other free VPNs?
Proton VPN’s free plan stands out because it has no data limits and no ads. Many free VPNs restrict bandwidth heavily or monetize user data. While speeds are limited, Proton VPN provides stronger privacy protections than most free alternatives.
Where is Proton VPN based?
Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland. Switzerland has some of the strongest data protection laws in the world and is not part of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which may provide additional privacy reassurance for users.
Does Proton VPN slow down internet speed?
Like all VPNs, Proton VPN may slightly reduce speeds due to encryption and server routing. However, paid plans offer high-speed Plus servers with up to 10 Gbps connections, which help minimize slowdowns for streaming, browsing, and downloads.
How I Rated Proton VPN
My rating process involves hands-on testing to evaluate how Proton VPN’s features, performance, and pricing compare with those of other leading VPN providers. I signed up for the service and used it across multiple devices to assess its real-world performance, user experience, and overall value.
In addition to reviewing its advertised features, I tested connection speeds, explored the app interface, and examined how well its privacy tools function in everyday use. I also considered customer feedback and independent audits to provide a balanced perspective.
I evaluated Proton VPN across the following key categories:
Security: I looked for industry-standard AES-256 encryption, a verified no-logs policy, kill switch functionality, and advanced features like Double VPN and Threat Protection. I also considered protocol support and the use of RAM-only servers.
Server Coverage and Performance: I reviewed the size and geographic diversity of Proton VPN’s server network and tested performance for browsing, streaming, and everyday tasks to ensure consistent speeds.
User Experience (UX): I assessed the design and usability of Proton VPN’s apps, including ease of navigation, feature accessibility, and Mac-specific functionality.
Plans and Pricing: I compared Proton VPN’s subscription tiers, promotional pricing, and bundled features to determine overall value. The 30-day money-back guarantee was also factored into the evaluation.
Compatibility and Connectivity: I reviewed device support, simultaneous connection limits, and how well Proton VPN performs across desktop, mobile, browser extensions, and routers.
Together, these factors provide a comprehensive view of how Proton VPN performs in real-world use and how it stacks up against competing VPN services.
Kallstrom is a Cyber Team Lead for a DOD contracting company in Huntsville, Alabama, and has also worked as a computer network defense (CND) Cyber Analyst. An author and content creator for a cybersecurity academy, Kallstrom spent nearly 15 years in the Army as a musician before entering the cybersecurity field.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Thomas Edison State University and a master’s in organizational development and leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Kallstrom has completed several Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) courses, including Security+, Network+, A+ Core 1, and A+ Core 2. He earned a CompTIA Security+ Certification. Additionally, he has completed the Cyber Warrior Academy program with more than 800 hours of hands-on, intensive, and lab-driven technical training in cybersecurity methods and procedures.
Passionate about all things cyber, Kallstrom was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 InfoSec World conference, giving a talk entitled “Hacking into a Cyber Career – True Stories.” Kallstrom is also a mentor to entry-level cybersecurity candidates seeking to break into the field. When he’s not working, he still enjoys playing guitar and fishing (not phishing).
