protonvpn

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the Swiss company best known for Proton Mail. Built around privacy and strong security, ProtonVPN aims to give users greater control over their online data while providing practical tools for safer browsing, streaming, and remote access. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s main selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has robust privacy laws and is outside EU and US intelligence-sharing alliances, which helps protect user data from foreign surveillance requests. ProtonVPN states a strict no-logs policy: it does not record your online activity or connection logs that could be used to identify users. Security and protocols ProtonVPN supports modern, well-regarded VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Connections are protected with strong encryption (AES-256 for OpenVPN/IKEv2 and ChaCha20 for WireGuard implementations). Apps include features such as a kill switch to prevent traffic leakage if the VPN drops, DNS leak protection, and support for secure, audited cryptographic libraries. ProtonVPN’s apps are open-source, allowing independent review and transparency. Unique features ProtonVPN offers several distinguishing features. Secure Core routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries (for example Switzerland, Iceland) before exiting to the public internet, which defends against network-level attacks. Tor over VPN lets users access .onion sites without a separate Tor browser by routing traffic into the Tor network at an exit node. NetShield is an integrated DNS-level ad, tracker, and malware blocker available on paid plans. The service also provides P2P-friendly servers and dedicated streaming support for accessing geo-restricted content. Plans and accessibility ProtonVPN has a free tier with limited server access and speed, useful for basic privacy needs. Paid tiers add higher speeds, more server locations, Secure Core, NetShield, and simultaneous connections. Proton accepts multiple payment methods, including credit cards and privacy-oriented options, and offers family plans and bundles with other Proton services in some tiers. Performance and usability Performance depends on server choice and proximity, but ProtonVPN’s modern protocol support and well-maintained server network generally deliver competitive speeds. Official apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and the service can be configured on routers for whole-home protection. Use cases ProtonVPN is suitable for users prioritizing privacy and transparency: protecting data on public Wi‑Fi, bypassing censorship or geo-restrictions, secure P2P, and combining VPN with Tor. Its combination of Swiss privacy law, strong encryption, and privacy-oriented features makes it a solid option for both casual users and privacy-conscious individuals.