In today’s digital world, protecting your online privacy has become more important than ever. Virtual private networks (VPNs) offer a way to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your real IP address. Among the many VPN providers out there, ProtonVPN stands out for its strong focus on security and privacy. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s dive into this ProtonVPN review to find out.
What is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a VPN service created by the same folks behind ProtonMail, the encrypted email service. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN aims to provide top-notch security and privacy features while maintaining good speeds and access to geo-blocked content.
Key Features of ProtonVPN
Strong Security Measures
ProtonVPN takes security seriously. Here are some of its key security features:
- Military-grade encryption: ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is practically unbreakable.
- Secure Core servers: These servers route your traffic through multiple countries for extra protection.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: This feature ensures that even if your encryption key is compromised, past sessions remain secure.
- DNS leak protection: ProtonVPN prevents DNS leaks that could expose your browsing activity.
- Kill switch: If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch blocks all internet traffic to protect your privacy.
Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws and is outside the jurisdiction of the EU and US. This means ProtonVPN isn’t required to store user data or hand it over to authorities.
No-Logs Policy
ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy. They don’t track or record your internet activity, which has been verified by independent audits.
Server Network
ProtonVPN has over 2,700 servers across 70 countries. While not the largest network out there, it provides good coverage for most users.
Streaming and P2P Support
ProtonVPN works well for streaming, unblocking popular services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. It also supports P2P file sharing on designated servers.
ProtonVPN Plans and Pricing
ProtonVPN offers several plans to choose from:
- Free Plan: Offers basic protection with servers in 3 countries and 1 device connection.
- Plus Plan: Full features, access to all servers, 10 device connections.
- Visionary Plan: Includes ProtonMail Visionary account along with VPN service.
The Plus plan starts at $4.99/month with a two-year subscription, which is middle-of-the-road pricing for a premium VPN.
ProtonVPN Performance
Speed
In speed tests, ProtonVPN performs well, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. While not the fastest VPN out there, it offers speeds that are more than sufficient for most users.
Ease of Use
ProtonVPN’s apps are well-designed and easy to use. The interface is intuitive, with a map showing server locations and options to quickly connect to the fastest server.
Device Compatibility
ProtonVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also supports router configurations for whole-network protection.
Pros and Cons of ProtonVPN
Pros:
- Strong security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Good streaming performance
- User-friendly apps
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Fewer servers than some competitors
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Plus plan is pricier than some alternatives
Who Should Use ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a solid choice for:
- Privacy-conscious users: If you’re serious about protecting your online privacy, ProtonVPN’s security features and no-logs policy make it a great option.
- Streamers: With its ability to unblock popular streaming services, ProtonVPN is good for accessing geo-restricted content.
- Journalists and activists: The Secure Core feature provides extra protection for those who need it most.
- Torrent users: ProtonVPN supports P2P file sharing on specific servers.
How ProtonVPN Compares to Other VPNs
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN are top-tier VPNs with strong security features. NordVPN has a larger server network and slightly faster speeds, but ProtonVPN edges out in terms of transparency and its free plan.
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its blazing speeds and excellent streaming capabilities. While ProtonVPN may not be quite as fast, it offers a free plan and more advanced security features like Secure Core servers.
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA boasts a massive server network of over 35,000 servers, dwarfing ProtonVPN’s 2,700+. However, ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy and security, along with its Swiss jurisdiction, may appeal more to privacy-focused users.
Setting Up and Using ProtonVPN
Getting started with ProtonVPN is straightforward:
- Choose a plan and create an account on the ProtonVPN website.
- Download the app for your device.
- Install the app and log in with your credentials.
- Choose a server and connect!
The app’s interface is user-friendly, with options to quickly connect to the fastest server or choose from a list of countries. Advanced users can dig into settings for features like split tunneling and protocol selection.
ProtonVPN’s Unique Features
Secure Core
This feature routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching your final destination. It’s designed to protect against network-based attacks.
VPN Accelerator
This technology aims to improve VPN speeds, especially on long-distance connections. It can boost speeds by up to 400% in some cases.
NetShield
Available on paid plans, NetShield is an ad-blocker and malware protection feature that works at the DNS level.
Is ProtonVPN Safe?
Yes, ProtonVPN is considered one of the safest VPNs available. Here’s why:
- Open-source apps: Anyone can audit ProtonVPN’s code for vulnerabilities.
- Independent audits: ProtonVPN has undergone third-party security audits.
- Strong encryption: Uses AES-256, the same encryption standard used by many governments and militaries.
- No-logs policy: Verified through audits, ProtonVPN doesn’t keep logs of your online activity.
ProtonVPN for Streaming
If you’re a streaming fan, you’ll be happy to know that ProtonVPN can unblock:
- Netflix (multiple regions)
- BBC iPlayer
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- And more!
However, keep in mind that streaming capabilities are only available on paid plans.
ProtonVPN for Torrenting
ProtonVPN allows P2P file sharing on designated servers. Combined with its strong security features and no-logs policy, it’s a good choice for torrent users who prioritize privacy.
Customer Support
ProtonVPN’s customer support is decent, but not outstanding. They offer:
- Email support
- Support tickets
- A comprehensive knowledge base
However, they lack 24/7 live chat support, which some users might miss.
ProtonVPN Free vs Paid: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
ProtonVPN’s free plan is one of the best in the industry. It offers:
- Unlimited data
- Servers in 3 countries
- One device connection
However, upgrading to a paid plan gets you:
- Access to all servers (70+ countries)
- Faster speeds
- Streaming support
- P2P support
- Up to 10 device connections
- Advanced features like Secure Core and NetShield
For most users, the upgrade is worth it for the increased speed, server options, and additional features.
Final Thoughts: Is ProtonVPN Right for You?
ProtonVPN is a solid choice for users who prioritize privacy and security. Its strong encryption, no-logs policy, and unique features like Secure Core make it stand out in the crowded VPN market.
While it may not have the largest server network or the absolute fastest speeds, ProtonVPN offers a great balance of security, privacy, and performance. It’s particularly well-suited for privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists, and those living in countries with heavy internet censorship.
The free plan is an excellent starting point for those new to VPNs, while the paid plans offer a comprehensive set of features that compete with the best in the industry.
In the end, whether ProtonVPN is right for you depends on your specific needs. If top-notch security and privacy are your main concerns, and you’re willing to pay a bit extra for these features, ProtonVPN is definitely worth considering.
Remember, no VPN is perfect, and what works best for one person might not be ideal for another. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of money-back guarantees (ProtonVPN offers 30 days) to test the service yourself before committing long-term.
Stay safe out there, and happy browsing!