ProtonVPN is a virtual private network developed by the team behind ProtonMail, built with privacy and security as primary goals. Headquartered in Switzerland, ProtonVPN leverages Swiss privacy laws and a strict no-logs policy to offer users a way to protect their internet traffic from surveillance, ISP tracking, and insecure networks. Core features and security At its heart, ProtonVPN uses strong encryption (AES-256) and modern VPN protocols (including WireGuard and OpenVPN) to secure traffic. The service provides DNS leak protection, a kill switch that blocks internet access if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, and split tunneling on supported platforms, allowing users to route only selected apps through the VPN. ProtonVPN also emphasizes transparency: the company publishes transparency reports and has subjected its apps to independent security audits. Secure Core and advanced privacy A standout feature is Secure Core, ProtonVPN’s multi-hop architecture. Instead of routing traffic through a single server, Secure Core first sends traffic through privacy-friendly countries' servers (e.g., Switzerland, Iceland), then out through an exit server. This design reduces the risk of traffic being correlated or monitored by hostile networks. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN integration, enabling direct access to the Tor network from inside the VPN tunnel for users who need an extra layer of anonymity. Plans and availability ProtonVPN provides a free tier with access to a limited set of servers, which is a useful option for basic secure browsing. Paid tiers unlock faster servers, Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, and more simultaneous device connections. ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and there are guides for configuring the service on routers. Performance and use cases Performance has improved substantially, particularly thanks to WireGuard support, which often yields faster and more stable connections compared with older protocols. ProtonVPN is suitable for a range of use cases: protecting data on public Wi‑Fi, maintaining privacy from ISPs and advertisers, accessing region-restricted content, and securing remote work connections. It’s also a good fit for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users who value transparency and a company based in a strong privacy jurisdiction. Limitations No VPN is perfect. The free tier has limited speed and fewer locations; top performance and advanced features require a paid subscription. Occasionally, some streaming services or websites may block VPN traffic, although ProtonVPN maintains dedicated streaming servers to help mitigate this. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a solid, privacy-oriented VPN with thoughtful features (Secure Core, Tor integration, audited apps) and a clear commitment to transparency. For users prioritizing security and jurisdictional protections, it’s a compelling choice — especially when paired with other privacy tools like ProtonMail for end-to-end email security.