Proton VPN

Proton VPN

Limitless possibilities. Experience true freedom online.

#14 dans VPN
2 min read · Updated 10/4/2025
Proton VPN homepage screenshot

At a glance

Quick overview for Proton VPN: rating, pricing summary, key features, and highlights.

Ciroapp review

2.5
Ethics meet unstable performance.

We appreciate Proton VPN's dedication to open-source transparency and its ethically strong Swiss privacy foundation, which promises security. However, external feedback detailing significant connection instability and chronic billing and refund issues severely hinders our recommendation. Overall, the company’s claims of strong performance do not align with widespread user reports of frustrating reliability and customer service gaps.

Pros

  • Pro:Verified no-logs policy backed by strict Swiss privacy laws.
  • Pro:Robust Free plan offered with no data caps or advertisements.
  • Pro:Open-source code base subject to independent security audits.
  • Pro:Includes VPN Accelerator feature for claimed speed improvements.

Cons

  • Con:Frequent user reports of connection instability and sluggish speed.
  • Con:Widespread issues processing refunds and unauthorized auto-renewals.
  • Con:Customer support cited as unresponsive, useless, or difficult to reach.
  • Con:Subpar performance or compatibility on specific platforms like Linux and ChromeOS.
Money-back guarantee
Yes — 30 days
Range: Not explicitly statedFree plan, Monthly subscription, Yearly subscription
This section is a summary. Detailed sections about features, use cases, pricing, and reviews follow below.

Proton VPN review, pricing, features, pros & cons

Do you worry about advertisers tracking your every move, or feel frustrated by content restrictions? 😔 Many services track your data, making online privacy feel impossible. Proton VPN helps you reclaim your digital privacy.

This service routes your traffic through secure servers. It also hides your real location and encrypts your data. You gain unrestricted access while safeguarding your private life.

What is Proton VPN?

Proton VPN was founded by scientists who met at CERN, the birthplace of the internet. Their mission since 2014 has been building a better internet where privacy is the default. This is more than a standard VPN service. It is a comprehensive tool designed to protect your every connection, offering secure global access.

The service protects your online privacy by hiding your real IP address. ✨ With your virtual location hidden, it is much harder for your activity to be monitored, restricted, or sold to third parties. They emphasize trust and transparency. All Proton services are open source, meaning you can inspect the code, and they commission regular independent audits.

Proton VPN Key Features

🚀 Experience Next-Level Speed and Stability

You shouldn't have to sacrifice speed simply to stay secure online. Proton VPN utilizes a robust 10 Gbps network across its servers globally. This powerful infrastructure ensures you get fast, reliable connections every time you connect.

We also include our unique VPN Accelerator technology. This system optimizes connection pathways and can increase your VPN speeds by up to an impressive 400%. The outcome is excellent performance and stability for both browsing and heavy usage applications, all without compromising your security posture.

✨ Bypass Censors with the Stealth Protocol

Access all corners of the internet, even in highly restricted regions. We developed a custom VPN protocol called Stealth specifically for this challenge. This advanced feature effectively bypasses unfair government restrictions and firewalls.

Stealth allows you to access censored sites and social media platforms. Crucially, it works by actively disguising your VPN connection. This prevents your activity from being instantly blocked or monitored, granting you true online freedom.

✨ Block Ads, Trackers, and Malware with NetShield

Protect yourself from annoying tracking and malicious software automatically. NetShield Ad-blocker is our signature DNS filtering feature. It actively stops advertisers from gathering your personal data while you browse.

By filtering traffic at the DNS level, NetShield prevents tracking and delivers a much cleaner online experience. This helps you stay safer from malicious content and malware. You will also enjoy minor benefits like faster web page load times.

✨ Stream Your Favorite Global Content

Enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies, no matter where you currently are. Proton VPN provides a massive server network based in over 120 countries globally. This extensive reach means you can unlock content from across the world.

For users on paid subscriptions, access is expanded to include compatibility with major streaming services. You can easily access platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. This powerful compatibility ensures you never have to miss an episode.

✨ Strong Encryption and Data Protection Tools

Rest easy knowing your connection is protected by advanced, multi-layered tools. We use strong, industry-leading VPN protocols like WireGuard® and OpenVPN. All network traffic is encrypted using robust ciphers, specifically AES-256 or ChaCha20.

Even highly reliable connections can sometimes drop unexpectedly. If your VPN connection is interrupted, you are protected by built-in security features. These include the Kill Switch and Always-on VPN, which automatically shield your data from accidental exposure.

🛡️ A Foundation of Proven Privacy

Your online activity stays completely private because we never track or sell your data. Proton VPN maintains a verified, strict no-logs policy, confirmed by external audits. Our legal base is in Switzerland, a country known for some of the world's strictest privacy laws.

This strong jurisdiction means we genuinely cannot be forced to track or share your activity data. Furthermore, all Proton services are open source. This allows security experts and users to inspect the code. We also commission regular independent audits to confirm all our claims about privacy and security.

Use Cases

📺 Accessing Global Entertainment Without Hassle

Are you traveling but want to catch up on your favorite regional shows? Proton VPN offers servers in over 120 countries, helping you unlock content worldwide. Paid plans specifically enable compatibility with major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

Simply select the country server you need and begin watching immediately. If you have a paid subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices at once, making it easy for the whole family to stream securely. It's the perfect way to explore a world of unrestricted content.

Expected outcome: Seamless streaming across all major platforms, regardless of your physical location.

🛡️ Defending Against Trackers and Malware

Advertisers and websites often track your every move by monitoring your IP address and browsing habits. This information is used to deliver annoying, intrusive targeted ads. It erodes your online privacy quickly.

Use Proton VPN’s signature feature, NetShield Ad-blocker, for a powerful defense. This DNS filtering feature stops advertisers from gathering your data before they can even access it. NetShield protects you against tracking and even blocks malware, giving you a cleaner, faster browsing experience.

Tip: NetShield runs automatically when you connect, providing silent protection even during high-speed browsing.

💡 Bypassing Strict Government Censorship

In some regions, governments impose severe limitations on online access, blocking social media or critical news websites. Proton VPN offers a specialized solution for these critical moments.

Our custom-built Stealth protocol is designed specifically to bypass these unfair restrictions. It works by disguising the fact that you are even using a VPN connection. This highly effective feature allows access to censored sites while minimizing the risk of detection.

🔒 Securing Connections on Unreliable Networks

Using public Wi-Fi at airports or cafes poses a major risk. Local traffic can be easily monitored by bad actors, compromising sensitive information. You need rock-solid security, especially when outside your home.

Proton VPN encrypts your traffic using strong standards like AES-256. This means your data is protected and hidden from unintended eyes, even on the riskiest public hotspots. If your connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch feature ensures your data is instantly protected from exposure.

🚀 Achieving Peak Speed and Performance

Sometimes, security adds significant delay, slowing down your browsing experience. Proton VPN pairs high security with exceptional speed and stability.

Our backbone features a robust 10 Gbps server network across the world. Additionally, the unique VPN Accelerator technology can increase your connection speeds by up to 400%. This allows you to handle streaming or downloading large files swiftly while maintaining total security.

✅ Protecting Your Data with Verified Trust

Many VPN services track and sell user data—but Proton does not. We are based in Switzerland, a country globally known for its strict privacy laws. We maintain a verified no-logs policy, assuring you that we never track or share your activity.

Proton is also committed to transparency. All our services are open source, meaning you can inspect the underlying code yourself. We also commission regular independent audits to confirm the strong security claims we make.

Pricing Overview for Proton VPN

Pricing range
Not explicitly stated
Pricing types
Free plan, Monthly subscription, Yearly subscription
Money-back guarantee
Yes — 30 days

Proton VPN offers a comprehensive 'Free' plan with no data limits or ads, alongside several premium subscription tiers that unlock advanced features like streaming and support for up to 10 devices. Specific dollar amounts for the paid plans are not currently available.

Plans & Pricing

Free

Monthly0
Yearly0
Not explicitly stated for devices
  • No ads
  • No data limits
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Access to free Proton ecosystem version (email, password manager, 5GB storage)

Plus

Contact for pricing
Up to 10 devices simultaneous connections
  • Includes premium features
  • Streaming capability (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
  • Access to free Proton ecosystem version

Unlimited

Contact for pricing
Up to 10 devices simultaneous connections
  • Streaming capability

Visionary

Contact for pricing
Up to 10 devices simultaneous connections
  • Streaming capability

Family

Contact for pricing
Up to 10 devices simultaneous connections
  • Streaming capability

Proton VPN costs between Not explicitly stated and Not explicitly stated per Not explicitly stated with 5 plans: Free at Free, Plus at Not explicitly stated, Unlimited at Not explicitly stated, Visionary at Not explicitly stated, and Family at Not explicitly stated.

Let's explore the excellent options Proton VPN makes available for protecting your privacy.

Free

Price: Free Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated Best For: Users prioritizing privacy who want coverage with no data limits or ads. Refund Policy: Not applicable (This is a free service) Other Features:

  • No ads and no data limits
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Access to the free version of the Proton ecosystem
  • Includes encrypted email, password manager, and 5GB of cloud storage

If you value privacy and need a VPN without bandwidth restrictions or annoying advertisements, this is a phenomenal starting point. It offers critical security features without requiring any financial commitment. 🚀

Plus

Price: Not explicitly stated Websites Supported: Up to 10 devices (All paid subscriptions support this limit) Best For: Users needing premium features, high speeds, and full streaming compatibility. Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee Other Features:

  • Access to premium VPN features
  • Streaming capability for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+
  • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • Access to the free version of the full Proton ecosystem

The Plus plan is perfect for individuals or small households looking for the full suite of Proton VPN's professional performance and entertainment access. It offers a strong balance of advanced features and multi-device connection limits.

Unlimited

Price: Not explicitly stated Websites Supported: Up to 10 devices Best For: Not explicitly stated Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee Other Features: Streaming capability, connect up to 10 devices.

While the specific benefits of the Unlimited tier (beyond Plus) are not visible here, this plan likely caters to users requiring maximum performance or additional bundled services not mentioned. It includes the standard benefits of a paid subscription, such as the 10-device limit and streaming access.

Visionary

Price: Not explicitly stated Websites Supported: Up to 10 devices Best For: Not explicitly stated Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee Other Features: Streaming capability, connect up to 10 devices.

The Visionary plan represents a higher premium tier within the Proton VPN offerings. It is intended for dedicated users who might need specialized features or a comprehensive bundle of all Proton services, making privacy a key focus of their digital life.

Family

Price: Not explicitly stated Websites Supported: Up to 10 devices Best For: Not explicitly stated Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee Other Features: Streaming capability, connect up to 10 devices.

The Family plan is clearly structured for households or small groups needing robust privacy protection across 10 devices. This subscription ensures every family member stays secure while accessing streaming services globally, giving you peace of mind.

Proton VPN makes sure everyone can experience online freedom, which is why an excellent Free plan is offered alongside these premium options. For the paid plans (Plus, Unlimited, Visionary, and Family), you can count on a secure start thanks to the generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This policy lets you try out the paid subscription features, streaming access, and 10-device limit completely risk-free before making a final commitment.

User Reviews

Trustpilot reveals significant dissatisfaction, resulting in a very low overall user rating. Recurring themes focus heavily on reliability and technical performance.

Many users cited connection issues, reporting sluggish performance, stuttering, and sudden disconnections, especially when streaming or browsing. Users on operating systems like Linux, Chromebooks, and Fire tablets specifically noted subpar or non-functional experiences.

A large number of users also complained about the service being detected by websites, resulting in excessive captchas or failed access to banking and other daily sites. 😥 The most severe non-technical issues concern billing and customer service.

Numerous reviewers faced major difficulties with auto-renewal charges they tried to cancel, and securing valid refunds was reported as nearly impossible. While some users found the free tier functional, the paid plans often performed poorly or suffered from billing errors.

Customer support responsiveness or its ability to resolve these issues was widely criticized as useless or non-existent by frustrated subscribers.

What users say elsewhere

Mike H.
· Trustpilot
4.0 / 5

I run Proton on my PC, Fire Stick, and phone. Unlike other VPNs, it stays connected and works well for me. Once you understand the server load issues, it's easy to manage and works smoothly.

Jason M.
· Trustpilot
1.0 / 5

I've been a paying Unlimited user for years, but the Linux experience is terrible. Windows and Mac users get a fully featured app, but Linux users receive an inferior product.

No reviews yet.

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Why use Proton VPN?

Choosing a VPN often involves balancing necessary speed with strong security. Proton VPN is designed to deliver both excellence and ethical commitment, prioritizing people over profit.

Here is why experts and the community trust this service:

  • Rock-Solid Privacy: Proton is based in Switzerland, home to some of the world's strictest privacy laws. They have a verified no-logs policy, assuring you that they never track or share your activity.
  • 🚫 Built-in Ad Protection: Automatically protect yourself from annoying tracking and malware with NetShield Ad-blocker. This DNS filtering feature stops advertisers from gathering your data while you browse.
  • 🚀 Unmatched Speed: Explore a world of content with servers in over 120 countries. Their robust 10 Gbps network, combined with the VPN Accelerator, can increase connection speeds by up to 400%.
  • 💡 Bypass Censorship: Use the custom Stealth protocol to bypass unfair government restrictions. This highly effective feature lets you access censored sites and social media, even disguising your VPN connection.
  • 🛡️ Ethical Foundation: Proton is community supported and does not rely on venture capital or advertisers. This structure, backed by the non-profit Proton Foundation, ensures they always put users first.

Ready to transform your workflow with Proton VPN?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 30-day money-back guarantee work?

The warranty applies to all paid plans, including Plus, Unlimited, Visionary, and Family. This guarantee allows you to try the full range of paid features risk-free for 30 days. You must initiate a cancellation within this period to receive a full refund.

What is the key difference between the paid subscription tiers?

Exact pricing and feature differences between Plus, Unlimited, Visionary, and Family tiers are not listed on the site. However, all paid plans offer streaming support and the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Is there a limit on how many devices I can connect concurrently?

Yes, every paid Proton VPN subscription allows you to secure up to 10 devices simultaneously. This limit applies to the Plus, Unlimited, Visionary, and Family plans.

Does Proton VPN offer a traditional, time-limited free trial for paid features?

Not explicitly stated on the official site. They rely heavily on the robust, permanent Free plan and the 30-day money-back guarantee to allow users to test the service features.

What security protocols does the VPN use to encrypt my data?

The service employs strong VPN protocols like WireGuard® and OpenVPN. Your network traffic is secured using industry-standard AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption methods.

What does the Free plan offer besides basic VPN access?

The permanent Free plan provides coverage with no data limits and no advertisements. It also gives you access to the basic versions of the Proton ecosystem tools, like the encrypted email and password manager.

Can I bypass strict geographical censorship using this service?

Yes, Proton VPN offers a custom feature called Stealth. This protocol is designed to specifically bypass tough state restrictions and hide the fact that you are using a VPN connection.

How often does Proton VPN require security audits?

Proton VPN proudly operates using an open-source model, and they regularly commission independent audits. This practice confirms that their strict no-logs policy and security claims are accurate.

Does my subscription cover the whole Proton ecosystem, like the email service?

Any Free or paid Proton VPN plan includes access to the free version of the full Proton ecosystem. This ecosystem includes secure email, a password manager, and 5GB of cloud storage.

Which operating systems and streaming devices are compatible with the service?

Proton VPN supports a wide array of platforms. These include Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Chromebook, Chrome/Firefox browsers, and dedicated apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV.

If I need help, what is the maximum response time I can expect from customer support?

Specific service level agreements (SLAs) regarding maximum response times for customer support are not explicitly stated on the official site.

Who is Proton VPN best suited for?

It is an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and ethical practices above all else. Its audited no-logs policy and ethical Swiss foundation appeal strongly to security-conscious individuals and groups.

Is there documentation for migrating settings from another VPN service?

Not explicitly stated on the official site. Setup instructions generally involve downloading the application, installing it, and signing in to your existing Proton account.

How competitive is the network speed?

The service utilizes a high-speed 10 Gbps network. This infrastructure is paired with the VPN Accelerator technology, which the company claims can increase connection speeds by up to 400%.

Ready to try Proton VPN? Check out the official site or pricing.