ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by the team behind Proton Mail, designed to prioritize privacy, security, and ease of use. Headquartered in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws, ProtonVPN markets itself to users who want a trustworthy VPN backed by transparent practices and technical safeguards. Core features and privacy protections At its core, ProtonVPN encrypts your internet traffic using strong protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard on newer clients), protecting data from eavesdroppers on public Wi‑Fi and from some forms of ISP tracking. ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy and is subject to Swiss privacy legislation, which together reduce the risk that user data will be stored or handed over without substantial legal process. Secure Core and server network A distinguishing feature is Secure Core: multi-hop routing that directs traffic through privacy-friendly countries (including servers operated in Switzerland and Iceland) before leaving the Proton network. This helps protect against network-level adversaries and some forms of surveillance. ProtonVPN operates a global network of servers optimized for speed, streaming, and P2P, though the size of the network is smaller than some large competitors. Open-source apps and independent audits ProtonVPN’s apps are open source, enabling independent review of the software. The company has also arranged third-party security audits of its code and infrastructure, which increases transparency and trust. Desktop and mobile apps are polished and easy to configure, with features such as a kill switch (which blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops), split tunneling (selectively routing apps through the VPN), and DNS leak protection. Plans, free tier, and performance ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited servers and medium speeds—a useful option for basic privacy needs without cost. Paid plans add faster servers, access to Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, and support for more simultaneous devices. Performance is generally solid, especially on paid tiers and WireGuard connections, but speeds can vary based on server load and geographic distance. Limitations and considerations No VPN is a magic solution: ProtonVPN cannot protect against device-level compromise, browser fingerprinting, or all forms of targeted surveillance. Some advanced features are reserved for higher-priced plans, and users who need the largest possible server footprint may prefer competitors with bigger networks. Who should choose ProtonVPN? ProtonVPN is a strong choice for privacy-conscious users who value transparency, source code availability, and Swiss jurisdiction. It balances security and usability well, making it suitable for journalists, activists, frequent travelers, streamers, and anyone who wants a reliable, ethically minded VPN solution.