ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Built around strong privacy principles and a commitment to transparency, ProtonVPN offers secure connections, useful privacy features, and an accessible free tier that makes it a popular choice for users who want more than basic protection. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s biggest selling points is its location: Switzerland. Swiss privacy laws are robust and outside the jurisdiction of surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes. ProtonAG maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user activity. The company has also opened its software and undergone independent audits, reinforcing trust in its claims. Security and features ProtonVPN supports modern VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN, delivering a balance of speed and strong encryption. It includes advanced features designed for privacy and safety: Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly servers in countries like Switzerland and Iceland, protecting users from malicious or compromised exit servers; Tor over VPN enables direct access to Tor network sites without a separate Tor browser; and a built-in kill switch prevents IP leaks if the VPN connection drops. NetShield, ProtonVPN’s DNS-level ad and tracker blocker, is available on paid plans and can block ads, malware, and trackers across devices. ProtonVPN also offers split tunneling on supported platforms, allowing users to route specific apps outside the VPN, and allows P2P traffic on select servers. Performance and usability ProtonVPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus manual setup options for routers. WireGuard support improves connection speeds and reduces battery use on mobile devices. Performance varies by server location and plan: paid subscribers get access to faster, high-bandwidth servers and Secure Core routes, while free users may experience slower speeds due to server load and fewer available locations. Pricing and plans ProtonVPN offers a tiered model: a free plan with limited servers and one device connection, a Basic or Plus plan with higher speeds, more server access, P2P support, and additional features like NetShield, and higher-tier bundles that include Proton Mail services. The company also periodically offers family or vision-oriented bundles. Who it’s for ProtonVPN is well suited to privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists, and anyone who values transparency and open-source software. Its free tier makes it attractive to casual users, while paid plans fit those who need higher performance or specific privacy features. Conclusion ProtonVPN combines strong encryption, a transparent privacy posture, and thoughtful features like Secure Core and Tor integration. While speeds on the free tier are limited, paid plans deliver competitive performance and useful extras, making ProtonVPN a reliable option for users seeking a trustworthy VPN built by a privacy-first company.