ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN Review: Features, Performance, and Ratings

ProtonVPN is a Switzerland-based VPN provider known for its strong focus on privacy, security, and transparency. Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, it has gained a reputation for being one of the most trustworthy VPNs on the market. But how does it perform in terms of speed, features, and overall value? In this detailed review, I’ll break down ProtonVPN’s strengths and weaknesses, along with a rating for each category, to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for you.

Overview of ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN was launched in 2017 by Proton Technologies AG, the same company behind the encrypted email service ProtonMail. Based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws, ProtonVPN is designed to provide a secure and private internet experience. It’s particularly popular among privacy-conscious users, journalists, and activists.

ProtonVPN offers both free and paid plans, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Its paid plans include advanced features like Secure Core servers, high-speed connections, and support for streaming and torrenting.

Key Features of ProtonVPN

1. Strong Encryption
   ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for securing data. It also supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard (on some platforms).
2. No-Logs Policy
   ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any records of your online activities. This has been independently verified by third-party audits.
3. Secure Core Servers
   ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden) before exiting to the internet. This adds an extra layer of protection against network-based attacks.
4. Free Plan Available
   ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, making it one of the few VPNs to provide a truly free option. However, the free plan has limitations, such as slower speeds and access to servers in only three countries.
5. High-Speed Servers
   ProtonVPN’s paid plans include access to high-speed servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
6. Tor Over VPN
   ProtonVPN allows you to route your traffic through the Tor network for enhanced anonymity.
7. Kill Switch and Always-On VPN
   ProtonVPN includes a kill switch and an Always-On VPN feature, which automatically reconnects you to the VPN if your connection drops.
8. Multi-Platform Support
   ProtonVPN supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.
9. Transparent and Open-Source
   ProtonVPN is transparent about its operations and has open-sourced its apps, allowing independent audits of its code.

Performance and Speed

I tested ProtonVPN on multiple servers to evaluate its speed and performance. Here’s what I found:

• Speed: ProtonVPN delivered decent speeds on its paid plans, with a speed drop of around 20-30% on nearby servers. However, speeds on the free plan were significantly slower, making it less suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or gaming.
• Streaming: ProtonVPN works well with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, some servers may be blocked, so you might need to switch servers to access content.
• Torrenting: ProtonVPN supports P2P file sharing on specific servers, making it a good choice for torrenting.

Pros of ProtonVPN

1. Strong Privacy Features
   ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy, Secure Core servers, and strong encryption ensure your data remains private and secure.
2. Free Plan Available
   ProtonVPN’s free plan is a great option for users on a budget, offering unlimited bandwidth and access to servers in three countries.
3. Transparent and Open-Source
   ProtonVPN is transparent about its operations and has open-sourced its apps, allowing independent audits of its code.
4. Secure Core Servers
   The Secure Core feature adds an extra layer of protection by routing your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries.
5. Tor Over VPN
   ProtonVPN’s Tor Over VPN feature enhances your anonymity by routing your traffic through the Tor network.
6. User-Friendly Interface
   ProtonVPN’s apps are intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.

Cons of ProtonVPN

1. Limited Free Plan
   While ProtonVPN’s free plan is a great option, it has limitations, such as slower speeds and access to servers in only three countries.
2. Average Speeds on Free Plan
   Speeds on the free plan are significantly slower, making it less suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or gaming.
3. Premium Pricing
   ProtonVPN’s paid plans are more expensive than some competitors, with plans starting at $4.99/month.
4. Limited Advanced Features
   ProtonVPN lacks some advanced features, such as split tunneling (available only on Android) and dedicated IP addresses.

Pricing and Plans

ProtonVPN offers four subscription plans:

1. Free Plan: $0/month (access to servers in three countries, slower speeds).
2. Basic Plan: $4.99/month (access to servers in all countries, high-speed connections, support for two devices).
3. Plus Plan: $9.99/month (access to Secure Core servers, Tor Over VPN, support for five devices).
4. Visionary Plan: $29.99/month (includes all Plus features, plus a ProtonMail Visionary account).

All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ProtonVPN risk-free.

Ratings by Category

Here’s how ProtonVPN performs in key categories:

1. Privacy and Security: 10/10
   ProtonVPN excels in privacy and security, with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and Secure Core servers.
2. Speed: 7/10
   Speeds on paid plans are decent, but the free plan is significantly slower.
3. Streaming and Torrenting: 8/10
   ProtonVPN works well with popular streaming platforms and supports P2P file sharing on specific servers.
4. Ease of Use: 9/10
   ProtonVPN’s apps are intuitive and user-friendly, even for beginners.
5. Value for Money: 7/10
   While the free plan is a great option, ProtonVPN’s paid plans are more expensive than some competitors.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10**

Who Is ProtonVPN Best For?

ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for:

• Privacy-Conscious Users: ProtonVPN’s strong encryption, no-logs policy, and Secure Core servers ensure your data remains private.
• Journalists and Activists: ProtonVPN’s Tor Over VPN feature and commitment to privacy make it ideal for users who need enhanced anonymity.
• Budget-Conscious Users: ProtonVPN’s free plan is a great option for users on a budget.
• Streaming Enthusiasts: ProtonVPN’s paid plans work well with popular streaming platforms.

However, if you prioritize speed or need advanced features like split tunneling, you might want to consider alternatives like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

Final Verdict

ProtonVPN is a reliable and privacy-focused VPN that delivers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and advanced features like Secure Core servers and Tor Over VPN. While its free plan is a great option for budget-conscious users, its paid plans are more expensive than some competitors.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros:

• Strong privacy features
• Free plan available
• Transparent and open-source
• Secure Core servers
• Tor Over VPN
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

Limited advanced features

Limited free plan

Average speeds on free plan

Premium pricing

Alternatives to Consider

If ProtonVPN doesn’t meet your needs, here are some alternatives:

1. NordVPN: Best for privacy and security.
2. ExpressVPN: Best for speed and streaming.
3. Surfshark: Best for budget-conscious users.

Conclusion

ProtonVPN is a top choice for privacy-conscious users who value transparency and strong encryption. Its free plan is a great option for users on a budget, while its paid plans offer advanced features like Secure Core servers and Tor Over VPN.

If you’re ready to give ProtonVPN a try, take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.