protonvpn

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. Built with privacy as a core principle, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, private, and uncensored access to the internet. Headquartered in Switzerland, the company benefits from strong Swiss privacy laws and a history of transparency and advocacy for user rights. Security and privacy ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption (AES-256) and modern secure protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It implements Perfect Forward Secrecy to prevent past sessions from being decrypted if keys are compromised. Proton’s “no-logs” policy means the company does not store user activity that could identify what you do online; this policy has been reinforced by third-party audits and ongoing transparency reporting. For extra protection, Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden) before it exits to the public internet, adding a layer of defense against network-based surveillance. Features and platform support ProtonVPN offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV, with browser and router setup options available. Common features include a kill switch that blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, split tunneling on supported platforms, and a built-in ad and tracker blocker called NetShield (on paid plans). ProtonVPN also provides special Tor-over-VPN and P2P-optimized servers for users who want to access the Tor network or download torrents more safely. Plans and performance ProtonVPN has a free tier that provides limited server access and moderate speeds — useful for basic privacy or occasional use. Paid tiers unlock high-speed servers, access to Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, P2P support, and more simultaneous connections. ProtonVPN is commonly praised for stable performance and good streaming unblocking capabilities, though speeds can vary by server and geographical distance. The company occasionally bundles VPN plans with Proton Mail services under higher-tier plans. Why choose ProtonVPN? ProtonVPN stands out for its privacy-first approach, Swiss jurisdiction, and commitment to transparency and independent audits. It’s a strong choice for users concerned about surveillance, data jurisdiction, and vendor trustworthiness. Considerations While ProtonVPN is feature-rich, the free plan has limits, and some advanced features are restricted to higher-priced tiers. If you need enterprise-grade support or specialized configurations, check compatibility and customer support options before committing. Overall, ProtonVPN is a reliable option for individuals seeking a secure, privacy-respecting VPN backed by a reputable company with a clear emphasis on user rights and transparency.