Proton VPN review 2026: is it still the best privacy-first VPN?

Article summary

• Proton VPN is a secure, privacy-first VPN with yearly no-logs policy audits and robust security features.
• Offers a free version with unlimited data and servers in 10 countries, making it one of the best no-cost VPNs available.
• With more than 20,075 servers in 145 countries, Proton VPN ranks #2 for the largest VPN server network.
• Proton VPN is reliable for streaming and torrenting, with access to 16+ Netflix regions and port forwarding support.

• Slightly slower speeds compared to top VPNs

Proton VPN holds a strong position in the VPN market as a premium-tier, privacy-oriented service, which frequently ranks in the top 3 for its strong Swiss privacy laws, yearly no-logs policy audits, open-source apps, and robust security features such as Stealth mode and Secure Core servers.

In my Proton VPN review, I set out to see if the service still deserves its spot on our list of the best VPNs. The team and I tested Proton VPN across multiple platforms and devices, and our routine included IP/DNS/WebRTC leak tests, streaming performance checks, and reviewing of security and privacy features, consulting Proton VPN directly when needed. We also examined Proton VPN’s privacy policies and no-logs claims, and evaluated the responsiveness and knowledge of customer support.

Verdict: Proton VPN is a secure VPN service with a strong focus on privacy. This reflects in Proton VPN’s yearly no-logs policy audits and adherence to robust Swiss privacy laws. Additionally, Proton VPN is great for all sorts of online activities, including torrenting, although it does not offer such fast speeds as our other top-rated VPNs.

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Proton VPN overview

Proton VPN plans and pricing 2026

• Proton VPN 1-month plan costs $9.99/month.
• Proton VPN 1-year plan costs $3.99/month.
• Proton VPN 2-year plan costs $2.99/month.

VPNpro constantly tracks the prices of the best VPN services, and when comparing the Proton VPN prices to others like Surfshark, Proton VPN is generally not considered a budget-friendly option. However, despite its higher price tag, it delivers excellent value thanks to its strong security package, focus on privacy, and robust performance.

Proton VPN free plan features

Proton VPN’s free plan stands out as one of the best no-cost VPN options available on the market. It doesn’t have bandwidth limits and offers exceptional privacy and security, which is impressive for a freemium.

With the Proton VPN free version, I could use the servers in ten locations - Canada, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States. This comparably wide choice made it easy for me to access geo-restricted sites or connect to a server that’s near me for better speeds.

Additionally, I liked that you do not need to enter any payment details to use the free version, so there’s no risk of missing out on an auto-renewal deadline. Lastly, while the free version does not have as many features as the paid one, it still includes robust encryption, Stealth protocol, and a Kill Switch for protection.

Proton free VPN is a solid choice for users who want a VPN with key functions and decent online protection without paying. However, the free version does come with some limitations.

Proton VPN free plan limitations

Proton VPN’s free plan is very privacy-friendly (no ads, no data caps), but it’s basic in terms of usable features for streaming, torrenting, choosing locations, or multiple devices.

During my Proton VPN free version tests, I was able to connect to servers in 10 countries. However, since there are no servers in the United Kingdom, I couldn’t access BBC iPlayer using this free Proton VPN version. Additionally, there is no P2P/torrent support on the free servers.

Because the server choice isn’t as wide as with Proton VPN premium, the free servers can become crowded, and speeds may drop significantly at times, even though there is no official bandwidth cap.

The free Proton VPN version can only be used with one device, and to unlock up to 10 simultaneous connections, you will have to purchase a paid plan. Lastly, the unpaid version lacks most advanced features and does not include features like Secure Core servers, NetShield ad blocker, high-speed servers, and split tunneling.

If you’re considering trying Proton VPN’s free plan, we highly recommend reading our in-depth Proton VPN Free review

Overview of Proton VPN server locations

With an impressive network of 20,075+ servers across 145+ countries, Proton VPN is the market leader in servers and global locations. The only provider with more servers is PIA VPN (35,000+), but it covers fewer countries (90). Such a wide and strategically distributed server fleet, as seen in the Proton VPN server list, supports both performance and privacy on a truly global scale. For users, Proton VPN servers bring several important advantages:

• Enhanced geo-restriction bypassing. Thanks to the widespread global server fleet, I could easily unblock both major global streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer and Hulu, and smaller, regional streaming sites, like Voyo in Romania and RaiPlay in Italy.
• Improved speeds. Because Proton VPN has so many servers, I never ran into issues with servers becoming congested and slowing down. Plus, the VPN Accelerator feature also comes in handy, as it boosts my connection speeds up to 4 times whenever I use a faraway server.

Here are some of the countries where Proton VPN has the most servers:

Proton VPN speed test results

When it comes to Proton VPN speed, I’ve been genuinely impressed by how well it performs across everything from basic browsing to streaming and large downloads. On my 250Mbps home connection, local servers consistently gave me speeds around 216Mbps, retaining around 86% of my initial speed.

Streaming content in 4K was smooth, with no buffering, and latency was barely noticeable. Even when I connected to servers farther away, like in Europe or Asia, I still got solid speeds. That’s more than enough for HD streaming, video calls, or any heavy-duty online task.

I also tested Proton VPN using the office setup, where my baseline connection was 900Mbps:

What stood out most was the stability. Downloads didn’t slow down or drop, even during peak hours. I’ve tried other big names like NordVPN and Surfshark, and although these providers are slightly faster, retaining around 90% of original connection speeds, Proton VPN is not far behind with its results. It might not always hit the absolute fastest numbers, but the balance of speed and privacy, especially with Secure Core turned off, makes it one of the best options I’ve tried for performance that doesn’t sacrifice security.

Does Proton VPN work with Netflix and other streaming services?

When I used Proton VPN for streaming, it delivered a reliable, smooth experience across the board. It unblocked major platforms like Netflix (including US, UK, and Japan libraries), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, and even smaller services like ITVX and Crunchyroll without fail. The dedicated streaming servers also helped. The videos loaded quickly, and I could stream in HD or even 4K with minimal to no buffering.

One feature I appreciated was split-tunneling, available on their Windows and Android apps. It let me stream through the VPN while keeping the rest of my internet traffic on the regular network, which kept everything running smoothly. While Proton VPN doesn’t offer Smart DNS, its extensive international server network makes it easy to find one that works, especially for bypassing regional restrictions, like accessing sports content that’s blacked out in a certain area.

Is Proton VPN good for torrenting?

Proton VPN is a good option for torrenting, offering specialized P2P servers, Split Tunneling, VPN Accelerator, and IP/DNS leak protection. While I couldn’t use any server for torrenting, Proton VPN has them in over 100 locations, which didn’t cause me issues in finding one close to me or in a location I needed. Additionally, I was quite impressed with the download speed, as I got a 6GB file in around 6 minutes.

I appreciated that Proton VPN offers port forwarding, as it is an important feature for torrenting. Port forwarding lets your VPN open a specific incoming port so other peers can connect directly to you, improving torrenting speeds and seeding efficiency. Plus, thanks to its robust security features, such as DNS and IP leak protection and AES-256 encryption, Proton VPN kept my data well hidden, efficiently masking my online activity from any onlookers. So, the only caveat I could find with using Proton VPN for torrenting is that you have to use P2P-optimized servers, but other than that, I was quite impressed with its performance.

Is Proton VPN safe? Proton VPN security features

Proton VPN is a reliable and secure VPN for everyday use, offering robust protection for your data. It uses industry-leading encryption standards, including AES-256 and ChaCha20, ensuring your connection remains safe. While it doesn’t utilize RAM-based servers, Proton VPN provides essential privacy features like a kill switch, two-factor authentication, and an always-on VPN option.

Here's a more detailed look at why Proton VPN is considered safe:

🔐All Proton VPN traffic is encrypted with AES-256 or ChaCha20

Proton VPN secures all user traffic using advanced encryption protocols, AES-256 and ChaCha20, to ensure robust protection for data transmitted over the internet. AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys) is widely recognized for its military-grade security and is commonly used by governments and cybersecurity professionals to protect sensitive information. ChaCha20, an alternative to AES designed for performance on devices without hardware acceleration, offers comparable security while being faster on mobile devices.

To verify that Proton VPN is actually using AES-256 encryption, I simply headed to our most-used online tool site, ipleak.net. Then, I connected to a Proton VPN server, and the ipleak.net site immediately showed my traffic was encrypted using this method. Additionally, I checked Proton VPN for IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks using the same tool. If found, such leaks could signify discrepancies in encryption use. However, Proton VPN showed no leaks and kept my data secure.

📲Proton VPN does not keep logs of user activity or IP addresses

Proton VPN operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store users’ browsing activity, connection timestamps, IP addresses, or other identifiable data. The service is headquartered in Switzerland, which has strong privacy protections and is outside international surveillance alliances such as the Five Eyes.

During our reviews, Proton VPN showed no evidence of IP, DNS, or activity logging, and all traffic remained encrypted within the VPN tunnel. The provider’s no-logs claims are supported by regular independent security audits, which help verify its data-handling practices. As a result, Proton VPN is structured to minimize the risk of user data exposure, even in the event of legal requests.

🔍Proton VPN undergoes regular third-party audits

Third-party audits verify Proton VPN’s claims of its strict privacy policy. In September 2025, Proton VPN successfully passed its fourth consecutive annual audit conducted by Securitum, an independent European security firm. The audit involved a comprehensive review of Proton VPN's infrastructure, including server configurations, operating procedures, and security measures. Securitum's findings confirmed that Proton VPN does not log user activity, metadata, or any other information that could compromise user privacy.

This rigorous auditing process, combined with Proton VPN's open-source software and transparency initiatives, stresses its dedication to user privacy. I particularly liked that you can easily find all the no-logs policy audits documentation on the Proton VPN website, making it open for anyone to review.

👁️‍🗨️ All Proton VPN apps are open source

Proton VPN’s apps are fully open source, allowing independent experts to inspect and audit the code for security and privacy compliance. This transparency strengthens trust and lets users verify that the software operates as claimed, in line with Proton’s long-standing commitment to accountability.

From the regular user’s perspective, the open-source apps do not look any different than closed-source apps. However, I’d mark it as a good thing, as, despite their nature, the apps are very easy to navigate and use even for beginners. Yet, overall, the open-source approach can be a huge plus to more tech-savvy users who can make informed decisions on their online privacy simply by examining Proton VPN apps.

⛓️Secure Core feature adds an extra layer of protection

Proton VPN Secure Core servers route network traffic through two, instead of one, servers. This feature can also be called Double-Hop or Multi-Hop with other providers. However, what sets Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers apart is that the middle connection server is always located in a privacy-friendly country, such as Switzerland. Sweden, or Iceland. This double-routing ensures that if the final server is compromised, your real IP address remains concealed.

All Secure Core servers are fully owned and operated by Proton VPN, housed in high-security data centers with full-disk encryption to prevent unauthorized access. That said, due to the nature of double routing, I experienced some slowdowns in my connection speed. However, that is to be expected and is pretty normal for Double-Hop setups. I recommend using the Secure Core servers in restrictive environments or when dealing with especially sensitive data.

📍Proton VPN is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland

Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country known for its robust privacy protections and political neutrality. Swiss law prohibits companies from assisting foreign governments with surveillance unless compelled by a Swiss court order, ensuring that Proton VPN cannot be forced to log user data or compromise its no-logs policy.

Additionally, Switzerland is not part of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes, further protecting Proton VPN users from mass surveillance. The Swiss legal framework also supports end-to-end encryption and restricts mandatory data retention, reinforcing Proton VPN's commitment to user privacy.

Proton VPN app interface and latest updates

I’ve used Proton VPN across several platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. I’ve consistently been surprised by how well the apps balance simplicity and advanced functionality. The updated Windows and iOS versions are particularly sleek. The layout is clean, and the quick connect button makes it incredibly easy to get started, even if you're new to VPNs. On my iPhone, I just tap once, and I’m instantly protected with no complicated setup or time wasted.

With all its simplicity, Proton VPN also accommodates more advanced users. On Windows and Android, I love being able to customize my connection profiles, switch between protocols like WireGuard and Stealth, and use Smart Protocol to let the app decide the best option based on my network. The iOS app gives me the flexibility to choose between WireGuard and Stealth as well, which is a satisfying touch. Even on Linux, I’ve found the app refreshingly robust, with both graphical and command-line interfaces available depending on what I need.

Interestingly, as of 2026, Proton VPN has completely removed OpenVPN and IKEv2 from its apps, citing that these protocols aren’t as secure, fast, and reliable as the more modern options. So, if you’re by any chance using the old Proton VPN app with OpenVPN configuration files downloaded before 2023, you may need to download new configuration files for the app to function properly.

Proton VPN for Business

Proton VPN offers a dedicated business plan, which, unlike consumer plans, offers per-user pricing with no long-term contracts, making it easy to grow as your team does. It is a privacy-first VPN solution, designed to secure organizational networks and remote workplaces with the highest-grade encryption and centralized management. With this plan, your business will get a central control panel, high-speed VPN access via Proton's global server network, and all essential security features, including AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. They are essential to retain your business privacy and avoid data exposure. Proton VPN also includes other tools that are tailored to organization's needs, such as single sign-on (SSO) and SCIM for streamlined identity management, enforced two-factor authentication (2FA), gateway monitoring, and the option to lease dedicated servers and static IPs for segmented access to internal resources. For teams that require both VPN and password management, Proton also bundles Proton Pass with Professional-level business features. Across all tiers, admins can enforce security policies, monitor activity, and simplify secure connectivity for remote, hybrid, or traveling employees, helping ensure compliance with modern security standards while protecting sensitive data and infrastructure. Businesses can try Proton VPN for Business for 14 days for free, and request a demo version before subscribing.

Customer support

Proton VPN provides strong customer support options, including live chat and email assistance. The live chat feature is quick to respond, typically offering a solution within minutes, while email support is available for more detailed inquiries. That said, the live chat is not 24/7, and representatives can only be reached during certain hours, from 9 AM to 12 AM. I found that a bit inconvenient; luckily, email tickets are responded to in a very timely manner, usually within the first hour of request.

Even though I was very satisfied with the representatives’ tone, speed, and knowledge when replying to my questions in the live chat, I couldn’t help but notice that it is only available for paid customers. So, if you’re using the free version and run into any trouble, the only way you can get assistance is through email tickets or the website’s knowledge base.

Final verdict: Proton VPN is a top VPN for security and global coverage

Proton VPN has proven to be one of the most reliable and secure VPNs available in 2026. Whether I was streaming, browsing, or accessing public Wi-Fi, it consistently delivers excellent speed, airtight security, and an intuitive user experience across all platforms. With an impressive number of global servers, Proton VPN stands out with its transparency and no-logs policy, backed by Swiss privacy laws.

Proton VPN’s connection stability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). In my experience, connection stability has been top-notch, even when hopping across continents or switching protocols, allowing for more flexibility without compromising reliability.

Proton VPN for privacy and features ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). Features like Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker, and full support for open-source auditing show a clear commitment to user privacy and trust, practically.

Proton VPN for torrenting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). Proton VPN is an excellent service for torrenting, offering P2P-optimized servers, VPN Accelerator feature, DNS leak protection, and port forwarding for maximum speeds. Additionally, it’s excellent at hiding your IP address and masking your online activities.

Proton VPN for streaming ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5). Using Proton VPN, I easily unblocked popular streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more. However, Proton VPN does not offer a Smart DNS feature, which might be a caveat to Smart TV users.

Proton VPN for gaming ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5). Thanks to robust security measures, Proton VPN actively protects against DDoS attacks when gaming and prevents ISP bandwidth throttling. However, as its speeds can sometimes be a bit slower, gamers with slow internet connections might want to look for alternatives.

Proton VPN for China ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5). While Proton VPN offers robust security features, such as Stealth protocol and Secure Core servers, its performance in China is inconsistent. If you need a more reliable access to the free internet in China, you may want to look into NordVPN or Surfshark.

Proton VPN user consensus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). I’ve also kept an eye on reviews across Reddit and tech forums, and the feedback resonates with my own – people feel that Proton VPN offers top-tier protection with a user-focused approach.

Proton VPN overall value ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). If you’re a privacy-minded user or simply looking for solid security, fast performance, and open-source credibility in one product, Proton VPN might be your fit.

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FAQ

Is Proton VPN legit?

Proton VPN is a legitimate VPN service created by Proton AG and founded in 2014 by a team of CERN scientists. Proton VPN is open-source, independently audited, and operates with a clear focus on user privacy, which aligns with its mission to protect user data. Additionally, it is owned by the Proton Foundation, a nonprofit organization, ensuring that the company acts in the best interests of its users. Proton VPN uses strong encryption protocols and has a transparent privacy policy, making it a trustworthy option for users concerned about online security.

Where is Proton VPN based?

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. The country is well known for its strict privacy laws, which do not require any mandatory data retention. Additionally, Switzerland is not a part of any of the international surveillance Eye Alliances, which means that even if your data were logged, it would not be handed over to any other country.

Is Proton VPN free?

Yes, Proton VPN has a free version. The unpaid Proton VPN version offers servers in ten countries and has no bandwidth or data limits. However, if you want to access its full server fleet, faster connection speeds, and all security features, such as Secure Core servers and NetShield adblocker, you will have to purchase the paid Proton VPN subscription.

How much does Proton VPN cost?

Proton VPN offers a free plan with no data limits and several premium options. Currently, the 1-month Proton VPN plan costs $9.99/month, and the 1-year Proton VPN is priced at $3.99/month. Meanwhile, the cheapest subscription is the 2-year Proton VPN plan, which lowers the cost to only $2.99/month.

Does Proton VPN keep logs?

No, Proton VPN does not keep logs. Proton VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and does not collect or store users’ browsing activity, IP addresses, or connection logs. Its claims are backed by yearly independent audits and Swiss privacy laws, meaning it is designed to have no user data to share.

Does Proton VPN sell data?

No, Proton VPN does not sell user data or personal information. Its business model relies on paid subscriptions rather than data monetization, and its strict no-logs policy and independent audits support this claim.