protonvpn free

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service created by Proton AG, the same Swiss company known for ProtonMail. Launched with a strong emphasis on privacy and security, ProtonVPN is designed to help users protect their internet traffic from surveillance, unblock geo-restricted content, and secure connections on public Wi-Fi. Its core selling points are transparent privacy practices, a no-logs policy, and features engineered to minimize the risk that traffic can be traced back to a user. Security and privacy are central to ProtonVPN’s offering. The service uses industry-standard encryption (AES-256) and supports modern VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. ProtonVPN operates under Swiss jurisdiction, which provides robust privacy protections and isn’t subject to intrusive data-retention laws common in some other countries. The company also publishes a transparency report and undergoes independent audits, reinforcing trust in its no-logs claims. One standout feature is Secure Core, an architecture that routes traffic through multiple servers—starting in privacy-friendly countries such as Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden—before exiting to the intended destination. This adds an extra layer of protection against advanced threats like compromised exit nodes. Additional security features include a built-in kill switch to block traffic if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and support for split tunneling on certain platforms. ProtonVPN offers both free and paid plans. The free tier provides a limited selection of servers and speeds but is notable because it does not impose data caps, making it one of the more generous free VPN options. Paid tiers add more features: access to the full global server fleet, higher speeds, support for streaming and P2P, Secure Core servers, and simultaneous connections across multiple devices. Pricing is competitive for what it includes, and Proton regularly bundles promotions with ProtonMail for combined privacy services. In practical use, ProtonVPN performs well. WireGuard support improves speed and latency, while a well-distributed network of servers helps maintain reliable connections. The apps are user-friendly across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and the interface is straightforward for both beginners and advanced users. Advanced users can also configure ProtonVPN on routers for whole-home coverage. No service is perfect: ProtonVPN’s higher-tier subscriptions can be more expensive than the cheapest competitors, and speeds may vary depending on server load and location. While the free plan is valuable, users who need consistent high-speed streaming or extensive server choice will likely need a paid plan. Overall, ProtonVPN is a strong choice for users who prioritize privacy, transparency, and security. Its combination of advanced features like Secure Core, modern protocols, a trustworthy legal jurisdiction, and a usable free tier make it suitable for individuals who want a reliable, privacy-respecting VPN.