protonvpn free

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by the team behind ProtonMail, designed to protect user privacy, offer strong security, and provide straightforward apps for desktop and mobile. Built with privacy-first principles and headquartered in Switzerland — a country known for favorable privacy laws — ProtonVPN positions itself as a reliable choice for users who prioritize confidentiality and transparency. Security and privacy lie at the heart of ProtonVPN. The service supports modern VPN protocols such as WireGuard, along with OpenVPN and IKEv2, providing a balance of speed and security. ProtonVPN implements a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store users’ browsing activity. The provider also runs independent security audits and has open-source clients, which adds accountability and trustworthiness for privacy-conscious users. A standout feature is Secure Core, ProtonVPN’s multi-hop architecture. Secure Core routes traffic through servers located in privacy-friendly countries (including Switzerland and Iceland) before exiting to the broader internet. This design protects against certain types of network-level attacks and surveillance, particularly important when connecting from untrusted networks. ProtonVPN offers tiers for different needs. A free plan provides limited servers and medium speeds, useful for basic privacy or testing the service. Paid plans unlock higher speeds, access to all servers, Secure Core, streaming-optimized and P2P-friendly servers, and the ability to connect multiple devices. Proton has also introduced specialized servers for streaming and Tor over VPN, which help bypass geo-restrictions and add an extra layer of anonymity when using the Tor network. Performance-wise, ProtonVPN is competitive. WireGuard support improves throughput and lowers latency for many users, though speeds can vary by server location and local network conditions. ProtonVPN maintains features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection to prevent accidental exposure of real IP addresses if the VPN connection drops. ProtonVPN is friendly for both beginners and more technical users. The apps have clear interfaces with one-click connect and server selection, while advanced users can configure protocols, enable Secure Core, or use split tunneling where supported. Customer support is available via documentation and ticketing, with community resources and setup guides. In summary, ProtonVPN is a strong choice for anyone seeking a privacy-first VPN backed by transparent policies, robust security features, and modern protocols. Whether you need a free basic VPN, want to stream securely, or require hardened privacy with Secure Core, ProtonVPN offers a well-rounded solution.