Quick summary
ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service from the same team behind ProtonMail. It offers a no-cost tier alongside paid plans and runs a global network of high-performance servers designed to deliver fast, low-latency connections for browsing, music, and video streaming.
Speed and connection quality
ProtonVPN maintains hundreds of premium servers around the world, each provisioned with high-bandwidth links to keep throughput high and reduce lag. The service is tuned for low latency so you can stream video, play games, or listen to music without frequent buffering or interruptions.
- Optimized for streaming and media playback
- Low-latency connections for smoother web use and gaming
- Global server footprint with high-capacity links
Privacy jurisdiction and data practices
ProtonVPN operates from Switzerland, a country known for robust privacy protections. The company is funded primarily by paying customers, and it states a strict no-logs approach: it does not record your browsing history, store connection logs, or sell your personal data. DNS queries are also protected to reduce the risk of data exposure.
- Based in Switzerland under strong privacy laws
- Funded by subscribers; claims not to retain logs or sell user data
- DNS requests are encrypted to prevent leaks
Encryption and protocol choices
The VPN uses strong encryption standards to secure traffic and protect user privacy. It supports industry-standard tunneling protocols and modern cryptography for key exchange and symmetric encryption.
- OpenVPN support (widely used and audited)
- IKEv2/IPSec available for mobile and fast reconnections
- AES-256 for symmetric encryption and 4096-bit RSA for key exchange
Connection safety features
Several built-in safeguards help prevent accidental data leaks if the VPN connection falters. These are designed to keep your real IP and DNS information private even during interruptions.
- Always-on connection options that automatically reconnect if the tunnel drops
- A network kill switch that blocks all traffic when the VPN disconnects
- DNS leak protection to keep queries private
Advanced access and censorship resistance
ProtonVPN includes features to help bypass censorship and increase anonymity. It offers integrated Tor routing for access to .onion sites and has mechanisms intended to evade VPN blocks and restrictions so you can reach censored or geo-restricted content.
- Integrated Tor routing for automatic access to the Tor network and Onion services
- Tools and servers intended to help circumvent VPN bans and regional blocks
Technical
- Windows
- Android
- Free