protonvpn github

ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network (VPN) developed by the team behind Proton Mail. Launched with a mission to protect online privacy, ProtonVPN combines strong technical protections with a commitment to transparency and user rights. It’s headquartered in Switzerland, a country with robust privacy laws, which is a core selling point for users who prioritize legal safeguards in addition to technical security. Key features and technologies ProtonVPN offers industry-standard encryption (AES-256) and modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is often the fastest option and is available across ProtonVPN apps. The service includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and (on supported platforms) split tunneling so you can route traffic selectively through the VPN. ProtonVPN’s apps are open source and have undergone independent security audits, adding transparency and trustworthiness to its claims. Unique selling points Secure Core: ProtonVPN’s Secure Core routes traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the public internet. This multihop architecture defends against network-level adversaries and is especially useful for users in high-risk environments. NetShield: ProtonVPN’s built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker (NetShield) helps reduce exposure to malicious domains and improves browsing experience. Tor over VPN: For added anonymity, ProtonVPN supports direct routing to the Tor network from certain servers, removing the need to run a separate Tor browser in some cases. Free and paid plans A notable advantage is ProtonVPN’s free tier: it provides limited server access without data caps, making it an attractive option for cautious users who want basic protection at no cost. Paid plans unlock faster servers, Secure Core, streaming and P2P-optimized servers, and access to more countries. ProtonVPN’s pricing is competitive but its best features are reserved for paid subscribers. Performance and usability ProtonVPN’s performance is generally strong, especially with WireGuard. Speeds vary by server load and subscription level; paying customers typically see the best performance. Client apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and the interface is straightforward for both beginners and experienced users. Considerations and summary ProtonVPN excels on privacy, transparency, and strong core features. Downsides include some advanced features being gated behind paid plans and variable speeds on the free tier. For users who value legal protections, independent audits, and a feature-rich VPN with a free option, ProtonVPN is a solid choice.