ProtonVPN is a privacy-centered virtual private network developed by Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. Designed with an emphasis on strong privacy protections and transparency, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, unrestricted internet access while minimizing data collection and exposure to surveillance. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s biggest selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has strong privacy laws and is outside EU and US surveillance alliances, which helps protect user data from extraterritorial requests. ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user activity or connection logs. The company’s apps are open-source and have undergone independent security audits, increasing trust and transparency. Security and features ProtonVPN uses robust encryption protocols and supports modern VPN standards. It offers WireGuard for high-speed connections, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2. Key security features include a built-in kill switch that prevents traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on some platforms. ProtonVPN also provides NetShield, an integrated DNS-level blocker that can block ads, malware, and trackers. Secure Core and Tor support A unique ProtonVPN feature is Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries (such as Switzerland and Iceland) before it leaves the network. This multi-hop approach protects against compromised exit servers and enhances anonymity. ProtonVPN also offers dedicated Tor-over-VPN servers, allowing users to access Onion services without running the Tor Browser directly. Plans, pricing, and performance ProtonVPN has a free tier that gives limited access to servers and is suitable for casual users who need basic privacy. Paid plans (Basic, Plus, and Visionary) unlock faster speeds, more simultaneous device connections, access to Secure Core and streaming-optimized servers, and better P2P support. With WireGuard enabled, ProtonVPN can deliver competitive speeds suitable for streaming, downloading, and videoconferencing. Usability and platform support Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus manual configuration options for routers. The interfaces are generally user-friendly, with advanced settings available for power users. Who should use ProtonVPN? ProtonVPN is a strong choice for privacy-conscious users who value transparency, jurisdiction, and security features like Secure Core and Tor integration. It’s also suitable for those who want a trustworthy free option with upgrade paths to higher performance and features. If you need the fastest possible speeds for gaming or large downloads, compare benchmarks between ProtonVPN and other WireGuard-focused providers to find the best fit.