Proton AG is a Swiss company dedicated to expanding access to privacy, security, and freedom online. Today, we will look at one of the main results of this dedication, their high-quality open source VPN. This Proton VPN review will highlight the usability, functionality, and privacy-related capabilities of the service.
Proton VPN has established itself as a leader in the VPN industry, thanks to its commitment to user privacy and security. The company's foundation in Switzerland, known for its stringent privacy laws, provides an added layer of trust for users concerned about data protection. Proton VPN is not just about encrypting your online activity; it's about empowering users with tools to reclaim their digital freedom.
We encountered a few surprises in our testing — most notably in speed performance. But before we get into the details, here is a table highlighting some key facts about Proton VPN:
| Website | ProtonVPN.com |
| Based in | Switzerland |
| Logs | No logs (audited) |
| Price | $3.59/mo. |
| Support | Email + Chat |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Deal | 64% Off Coupon |
Here are some of the questions that we will answer in this Proton VPN review:
- How fast is Proton VPN?
- What security and privacy features does Proton VPN offer, and do all features work correctly?
- Does Proton VPN have any problems with IP address leaks or DNS leaks?
- How responsive is the Proton VPN support staff?
- Does Proton VPN unblock Netflix and other streaming services?
- How does Proton VPN compare to other top-rated VPNs and is it worth it?
Overall, Proton VPN has made some major improvements in the last year or so, making it one of the top VPN services currently available.
Proton VPN overview
Here is a brief overview of my test results and research findings for this review of Proton VPN:
+ Pros
- Useful privacy features (no leaks)
- Secure server network
- Good privacy jurisdiction and data protection policies
- WireGuard VPN support
- Above-average speeds
- Transparent company with a good track record
– Cons
- Above-average monthly prices
Proton VPN overview
Here is a brief overview of my test results and research findings for this review of Proton VPN:
User-friendly VPN applications
Proton VPN's lineup of apps feature a modern, streamlined interface that emphasizes clarity and ease of use. The layout and design are great — especially after the 2025 revamp — and I also like the dark-mode theme. Below is a screenshot of the Windows VPN app that I tested for this review:
In order to give you quick access to the major features, the designers came up with the tabbed interface you can see here.
The Countries tab lets you select a country and if desired a specific server in that country. This is also where you can select one of the specialty servers: Secure Core, P2P, and Tor over VPN.
The Profiles tab is where you create, manage, and choose the specific profile you want to use.
The right part of the Proton VPN app features a world map showing your current connection, with session statistics at the bottom. You can select one of the white dots on the map, each of which represents a server location. Doing so causes Proton VPN to connect to a server in that location. There’s also a main settings button, along with quick-access icons for features like NetShield and the kill switch.
Overall, the interface is intuitive and user-friendly, balancing simplicity for casual users with enough depth for advanced customization.
Proton VPN offers dedicated apps for all major devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Chromebook. They also have browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Android TV, Apple TV, and Chromebook. Their apps support the IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN protocols, depending on which operating system you are using.
Proton VPN Linux App
Proton VPN offers a dedicated graphical Linux app for major distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora — something few VPN providers currently deliver. While it doesn’t yet include all the features found in the Windows version (such as custom Profiles), the app performed reliably in our tests and was easy to use. Despite a few missing options, it still stands out in the VPN space, where most Linux apps rely solely on command-line interfaces and lack a proper GUI.
Useful privacy and security features
Proton VPN has several useful features that can boost your security and privacy. Here's a partial list:
- 3-state kill switch
- Protection against DNS leaks
- Split tunneling
- Custom and predefined profiles
- NetShield to block ads and malware
- Port forwarding
- Tor over VPN
- P2P/BitTorrent
3-state kill switch
A typical VPN kill switch can be either on or off. When on, it protects your privacy by blocking your traffic if the internet connection fails. This prevents your IP address from being exposed. But a typical kill switch only protects you when you are using the VPN.
Proton VPN has taken things one step further by adding a third state: Advanced Kill Switch. If you turn on the Advanced Kill Switch, your device can only connect to the internet through the VPN, even if the VPN is turned off.
The Proton VPN kill switch worked properly during our testing.
Protection against DNS leaks
When you visit a website like CyberInsider.com, your browser uses a DNS service to convert the human-readable name into a 32-bit IP address, which computers use to identify the site. Entities like your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can potentially spy on your online activities by accessing these DNS queries. Top VPNs, including Proton VPN, encrypt these queries and send them to a private DNS system, preventing unauthorized access. In our tests, Proton VPN successfully protected against DNS leaks.
Split tunneling
The Windows and Android apps also offer a Split Tunneling VPN feature, just like we saw in the ExpressVPN review. This allows you to route traffic for certain applications outside of the VPN tunnel. Split tunneling is popular with gamers who want the minimum latency and greatest speed of their internet connection.
Split tunneling can also make connecting to bank websites easier. Banks have their own security that may block VPNs, forcing you to disconnect the VPN to visit the bank. Split tunneling lets you avoid this. Unfortunately, if you use this feature, you need to disable the kill switch. This is really inconvenient.
Custom and predefined profiles
The Fastest Country option allows you to connect to the fastest server with just one click. The app automatically selects the optimal country, protocol, and server type for you.
For those who prefer manual control, you can choose your specific settings and connect. If you frequently use the same settings, Proton VPN's connection profiles feature is ideal. It lets you save your preferred settings as a named profile, making it easy to reconnect without setting up each time. Additionally, there are several predefined profiles available for convenience, such as streaming, gaming, Max Security, etc.
NetShield to block ads and malware
When you turn on NetShield, it automatically blocks advertisements and malicious software from reaching your computer or mobile device. This is basically a VPN ad-blocking feature that uses DNS filtering to prevent data downloads from websites known to host ads and malware.
NetShield works very much like the ad-blocking features we tested out in both Surfshark and NordVPN.
Port forwarding
Proton VPN includes a firewall that blocks all ports except those used by the VPN. Port forwarding routes the traffic you specify through the firewall, supporting uses like P2P file transfers (BitTorrent) and online gaming.
It is easy to enable Port Forwarding from the dedicated button on the right-hand side in the main Proton VPN window. You may want to refer to the Proton VPN support center to find specific instructions for setting up the feature on your apps.
Tor over VPN
The Tor network (Onion network) anonymizes your message traffic by passing it through a chain of three Tor servers. Normally, you need to use the Tor browser to access the Tor network, but Proton VPN lets you do so directly. This is not only more convenient; it also gives you the security and privacy of Proton VPN along with Tor anonymity.
The countries that have Tor over VPN server locations are listed when clicking on the Tor filter in the countries tab.
There are a couple of other interesting features that you will see repeatedly when working with server lists. Proton VPN shows how many servers of each type are available to you and includes an indicator of the server load. Avoid overloaded servers (indicated by a red bar) as they are more likely to give you slower speeds.
P2P/BitTorrent
If you download content from P2P services like BitTorrent, you really do need to use the best VPN for torrenting to protect yourself from legal action.
Proton VPN supports P2P downloads and torrenting, as long as you use one of their P2P-capable servers to do so. To make the connection, click on the ‘Countries’ tab, then select the ‘P2P’ filter to view all countries with available P2P servers. You can either click a country name to connect immediately or click the three dots next to it to choose a specific city.
Proton VPN Settings
The controls for the features we just discussed (and several others) are managed through the Settings page, which is neatly organized into two primary sections: Connection and General.
Under Connection, you can easily access and configure key features via large, clearly labeled tiles:
- Protocol selection (defaulted to “Smart”)
- NetShield for ad, tracker, and malware blocking
- Kill switch
- Port forwarding
- Split tunneling
- VPN Accelerator
Each tile includes an icon for quick visual recognition and expands into more detailed options when clicked. An Advanced settings button offers further technical customization.
In the General section, you can configure:
- Auto startup to launch Proton VPN with Windows
- Default connection (e.g., “Fastest country”)
You can also customize the language and theme (light or dark mode) to match your preferences,
Proton VPN advanced settings
The Advanced Settings page in the Proton VPN Windows app offers deeper control over connection behavior and network security, aimed especially at advanced users and those with specific networking needs.
Key options include:
- Alternative Routing: Automatically attempts alternate connection paths if Proton services are blocked by network restrictions — useful in censored or restricted environments.
- Custom DNS Servers: Allows users to define their own DNS resolvers, which can improve privacy, speed, or compatibility — ideal for users who prefer third-party DNS services like Cloudflare or OpenDNS.
- NAT Type Selection: Users can choose between:
- Strict (type 3) – Most secure, restricts incoming traffic, but can interfere with online gaming and peer-to-peer connections.
- Moderate (type 2) – More permissive, better suited for gaming and apps needing inbound connections.
- OpenVPN Network Driver:
- TAP – Routes traffic between networks; more stable but slower.
- TUN (selected) – Bridges networks and generally offers better performance, though potentially less stable.
- Disable IPv6 Traffic: Blocks IPv6 traffic to prevent data leaks over IPv6, adding an extra layer of privacy protection — especially important on networks where IPv6 is in use.
Large, fast, secure server network
The size and speed of a VPN's server network are the basis on which its performance is built. Proton VPN has significantly increased both these measures recently. Its network currently has over 13,000 servers spread across 117 countries. This gives it one of the largest, most geographically distributed server networks of any VPN service.
Speed test results
The speed of the network has greatly improved over time, with the addition of WireGuard protocol support. In our most recent speed tests, Proton VPN turned in a top speed of 698 Mbps, one of the best speeds we have seen in this round of testing.
Here are the results for our standard set of speed tests:
- Proton VPN connected to a server in Seattle, 698 Mbps:
- Proton VPN connected to a server in Los Angeles, 582 Mbps:
- Proton VPN connected to a server in New York, 524 Mbps:
- Finally, I tried an overseas connection which gave me a surprise, since the result was better than those for LA or NY. Proton VPN connected to a server in the UK, 614 Mbps:
These results are very good, bringing Proton VPN close to the speeds logged by the fastest VPNs. See the speed testing section of our NordVPN vs Proton VPN comparison.
Proton VPN also has a “VPN Accelerator” feature, which should improve speeds under some circumstances. VPN Accelerator tries to improve speed through techniques like rewriting the code of various protocols to support multi-threading and using special TCP algorithms designed to recover faster from packet loss.
The VPN’s server network also includes over 100 Secure Core servers, which are a variant of the Double VPN (also known as MultiHop) servers we see deployed by competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark. It routes your traffic through SC servers in Switzerland, Sweden, or Iceland. Proton VPN ensures the security of these “core” servers by locating them in countries selected for their strong privacy laws, in high-security data centers with strong physical security.
The SC servers I tested for this review were not very fast and had relatively high pings. However, this is not surprising since traffic is getting routed and encrypted over two locations. These servers would not be the best for gaming.
If you want the fastest VPN speeds with Double VPN servers, then I would recommend NordVPN. You can also find Double VPN servers with a few other VPNs, as we discuss in the Proton VPN vs Surfshark comparison.
Good privacy jurisdiction and data protection policies
Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country famous for its strong data protection laws and strict privacy standards. Not part of any surveillance alliances, Switzerland is ideal for users prioritizing online security and anonymity. These robust privacy laws ensure Proton VPN operates securely, safeguarding user data.
Proton VPN is fully compliant with GDPR privacy protections. It is a no-logs VPN provider and has had its no-logs status confirmed in a third-party audit by Securitum. The one thing they store is a single timestamp of your account's most recent login. That timestamp gets overwritten each time you successfully log in.
Proton AG, the parent company of Proton VPN and Proton Mail, enjoys a solid reputation in the privacy sector, known for its transparency and credible leadership. Founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN and MIT, Proton Mail has been a pioneer in privacy-focused services..
Now we'll take a look at some of the cons of Proton VPN:
Customer Support
Proton VPN now provides live chat support during business hours in Switzerland. This is a good improvement. However, many of their leading competitors provide 24/7 live chat support. You can read more about this issue in our ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN comparison.
Proton VPN's website has various FAQ articles and guides, which can help you resolve most standard questions without contacting the Customer Support team.
I used the contact form on their website to submit various inquiries to test out support's response time.
Overall, I was happy with the prompt replies. My inquiries were usually answered on the same day they were submitted. With previous reviews of Proton VPN, I was critical of their support due to delayed response times (several days). Support with Proton VPN has definitely improved over the past few years.
Hands-On Testing: Interface, Speeds, and Streaming
Our hands-on testing of Proton VPN showed that it offers a user-friendly interface and fast connection speeds. Connecting to servers was quick and easy, with clear options and settings provided by the app. Once connected, our internet speeds remained stable, allowing for smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading.
Proton VPN worked well in our tests with HBO Max, delivering smooth HD and 4K playback without buffering. It can also access numerous Netflix libraries around the world, including the US, UK, and Canada. While we didn't test every platform directly, Proton VPN is also known to work reliably with other major streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, making it a strong option for streaming content across different regions.
We also tested Proton VPN’s kill switch, which worked effectively to protect data during connection drops. The kill switch immediately stopped all internet traffic when the VPN connection was interrupted, ensuring IP addresses and online activities remained secure. This feature is essential for maintaining privacy and preventing data leaks.
Proton VPN is well-regarded by users, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Users often praise its fast speeds, intuitive interface, and strong security features, appreciating the peace of mind provided by Proton VPN’s robust privacy protections and no-logs policy.
However, some users have noted that Proton VPN’s customer support could be improved. While the support team is knowledgeable, response times can sometimes be slower than those of other top VPN services. Despite this, the overall user feedback is very positive, making Proton VPN a highly recommended choice in the VPN market.
Comparison to Other VPNs
Proton VPN is often compared to other top VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. While these services offer similar features and benefits, Proton VPN stands out for its strong focus on security and privacy. The inclusion of Secure Core servers and the VPN Accelerator feature make it a top choice for users seeking the fastest and most secure connections possible.
Secure Core servers provide an additional layer of protection by routing traffic through multiple servers, enhancing privacy and security. The VPN Accelerator feature improves connection speeds by optimizing the performance of VPN protocols. Additionally, Proton VPN’s free plan is one of the best in the industry, offering unlimited data and access to five VPN server locations, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
In summary, Proton VPN excels in areas of security and privacy, making it a strong contender in the VPN market. While it may not always match the speeds of some competitors, its unique features and commitment to user privacy set it apart.
Pricing, payment options, and refunds
Proton VPN's pricing has improved greatly compared to a few years ago. Indeed, Proton VPN is now on our list of the best cheap VPNs! You can get Proton's 24-month VPN Plus plan subscription with a hefty discount using the coupon below:
Exclusive Proton VPN Coupon:
Get 64% Off Proton VPN (drops the price to only $3.59/month) with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 30 day money-back guarantee)
Proton VPN review conclusion
Proton VPN is definitely a VPN service on the rise. The company has improved virtually every aspect of the service, and Proton VPN is muscling its way into the top tier of more and more of our comparisons. Regardless of your use case, Proton VPN remains a solid choice, with excellent security from a very reputable company. So if you think it's up your alley, it doesn't hurt to give it a test drive.
Alternatives to Proton VPN
While Proton VPN is definitely a quality selection, we do recommend a few other top-notch VPN services. Click the VPN name below to read our full review – or grab the discount for the best savings. All of these VPNs have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can also check out our best VPNs list here for other recommendations.
Related Proton VPN articles:
Proton VPN FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions related to Proton VPN.
Does Proton VPN work for torrenting?
Yes, Proton VPN is a great option for torrenting. It fully supports P2P file sharing on designated servers, which are clearly labeled in the app for easy access. These servers are optimized to deliver fast and stable connections, ensuring smooth downloads without interruptions.
Proton VPN also offers strong privacy protections for torrent users, including a strict no-logs policy, robust encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. This means your torrenting activity remains private and secure at all times.
Thanks to its solid performance and security features, Proton VPN is considered one of the best VPNs for torrenting — especially if you value both speed and privacy.
Is Proton VPN good for Netflix?
Proton VPN works well with Netflix. According to Proton VPN's website, it can access numerous Netflix regional libraries.
I tested US Netflix with a Proton VPN server in New York and did not have any problems getting through. The speeds were adequate for the short tests that I ran.
To see other VPN services that unblock Netflix regions around the world, check out the best VPN for Netflix guide.
Does Proton VPN work for other streaming services?
Yes, Proton VPN is compatible with many popular streaming platforms beyond Netflix. Users have reported success accessing services like HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer while connected to Proton VPN servers. Streaming performance is generally smooth, with HD and even 4K playback working well in supported regions.
Proton VPN also has a dedicated Firestick app available in the Amazon Appstore, making it a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable VPN for Firestick and streaming on your TV.
Overall, Proton VPN has become one of the better options for accessing geo-blocked content across multiple platforms.
Does Proton VPN work in China?
Unfortunately, it does not look like Proton VPN is working in China, according to the latest support update:
“As of Sept. 18, 2019, the Chinese government is blocking access to Proton VPN as part of a larger crackdown on Internet freedom.”
The Chinese government works hard to control its citizens' access to the Internet. The Great Firewall employs a vast system of technical tools, including DNS filtering, URL filtering, and deep packet inspection, that the Chinese government uses to prevent people in China from accessing foreign websites. The government also uses these tools to detect and block VPN servers.”
Alternatively, check out our list of the best VPNs for China here.
Does Proton VPN work well for gaming?
Yes, Proton VPN works very well for gaming, offering a smooth and responsive experience across various platforms. With its large global server network, gamers can easily connect to servers close to their game’s region, helping reduce ping and avoid lag.
Proton VPN also supports the high-speed WireGuard protocol, which is ideal for fast-paced online games that require quick response times. On top of that, its VPN Accelerator feature helps improve connection stability and performance, particularly on long-distance links.
Thanks to these features, Proton VPN is among the best VPNs for gaming, combining strong privacy with reliable speed and low-latency connections. Whether you're gaming competitively or casually, Proton VPN provides a secure and responsive experience without sacrificing speed.
If you have used Proton VPN, please share your honest review (good or bad) below.
If you choose to use ProtonVPN’s free service, know that they ultimately want to push you towards one of their paid services. (duh) And they way they do that is to connect you to their “fastest free server”. While that may look good on the surface, what it really means is they often connect you to servers in Japan or the Netherlands. Not only is that annoying from a language point of view, but many websites (like Home Depot) will deny you access. And right over on the left side of the ProtonVPN window is a list of countries (like the United States) that comes with the prompt, “Upgrade to VPN Plus” to access the country of your choice. Like I said… their free service has its good points. But it comes with an annoying bad one as well.
I use the free version and on several occasions their kill switch failed. That was with permanent kill switch setting. I don’t remember if it also failed when I had just the basic kill switch on. Overall, I recommend Proton but if you are doing sensitive activity make sure you check to make sure that you connected.
I found Proton’s speeds to be incredibly slow, even slower than NordVPN (sorry Alex I have 1GB internet and I can’t replicate your results or even come close) with your top recommended VPNs but my results do mirror those you don’t recommend. I tried, other VPNs and they were significantly faster than both NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton. Why should I choose Proton if speed is my priority?
Besides, what’s with everyone heavily endorsing Proton lately online? Is it because of the low priced deals they’re offering, creating a viral buzz or are regular people just jumping on the bandwagon and websites earning extra commissions in the process?
Hi Abyss, I actually just updated the NordVPN review with 2025 speed test results from this week. I was able to get over 800 Mbps on all NordVPN servers in the US, with the max speed of 892 Mbps with the server in Seattle (closest to my location). I use a Macbook and the NordLynx protocol and speeds are phenomenal.
I tried proton in china Dec-2024
And it was working fine on the free user with slow speed, but it didn’t connect in the paid user !!