ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service developed by the team behind ProtonMail. Designed with privacy and security at its core, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, encrypted access to the internet while minimizing data collection and maximizing transparency. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s distinguishing features is that it’s based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy protections and no mandatory data retention laws for VPN providers. ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user traffic or connections in a way that can be used to identify individuals. The company also emphasizes transparency: its apps are open-source and the service has undergone independent security audits. Security features ProtonVPN uses strong encryption and supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is often praised for combining strong cryptography with better speed and lower battery consumption on mobile devices. Additional features that enhance security include a kill switch to block traffic if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on supported platforms. Secure Core and Tor integration A standout offering is ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture, which routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the public internet. This makes it much harder for an adversary to link your outgoing traffic to your IP address. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN connectivity — allowing users to route traffic into the Tor network directly from the VPN, simplifying anonymous browsing for those who need it. Performance and server network ProtonVPN operates servers in many countries worldwide and has optimized servers for streaming, P2P file sharing, and high throughput. Using WireGuard and strategically placed servers, many users report competitive speeds that make ProtonVPN suitable for streaming services and large downloads, though performance can vary depending on location and server load. Plans and usability ProtonVPN provides a free tier with limited servers and moderate speeds, useful for basic privacy needs. Paid plans unlock access to the full server network, Secure Core, higher speeds, and simultaneous connections. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with intuitive UIs and easy setup for beginners. When to choose ProtonVPN ProtonVPN is a strong choice for privacy-conscious users who want a reputable provider with transparent practices, strong encryption, and advanced privacy features like Secure Core and Tor integration. It balances security with usability and offers options that suit both casual users and privacy professionals.