Proton VPN Review (2025) – Best Free VPN?

Are you considering upgrading from Proton VPN Free? Unsure if Proton VPN Plus is the right choice for you? I’ll help you today with an in-depth Proton VPN review for 2025.

Paid VPNs always offer enhanced security. It comes with better performance compared to free VPNs. Plus, Proton VPN Free has a few limitations.

Therefore, I’ll cover every aspect: speed testing, streaming performance, pricing comparison, security and privacy features, and more.

By the end of this review, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision about Proton VPN Plus or explore alternative VPN providers if they are a more suitable option.

Let’s get started!

Proton VPN Review 2025

Kripesh Adwani

Speed
Ease Of Use
Pricing
Streaming
Privacy

Summary

ProtonVPN is a strong choice in the VPN market, offering fast speeds on servers in the US and India, making it great for streaming and gaming. With the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and features like ad and tracker blocking, it enhances your online security.

While its free version is one of the best available, the premium plans can be pricey. 

3.8

Disclaimer : I strongly believe in transparency. If you buy using the links on our site, we may earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. This helps me to keep producing honest reviews. Read More >>

Proton VPN Review Overview

Rating 3.8/5
SpeedsDownload speed: 184 Mbps
Upload speed: 88 Mbps
No LogYes
AuditSecuritum in 2024
StreamingNetflix, Hotstar, JioCinema, SonyLiv, Zee5, Amazon Prime US
Servers8038+ servers across 112 countries 
DevicesWindows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android,  iOS, Android TV, Apple TV and iPadOS
Pricing$2.99/month (2year plan)
Coupon CodeGet 70% off on Proton VPN Plus

About Proton VPN

Proton VPN review - homepage

Proton VPN is a popular choice among top-tier VPNs, ranking 4th in our Best VPN in India 2025 recommendations. A group of researchers found proton in 2014 at CERN. The company then launched its first product, Proton Mail. In 2017, current CEO Andy Yen and his team launched Proton VPN.

The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Starting with just 10,000 users, Proton AG has today gained over 100 million users worldwide. The VPN covers 8000+ servers across 100 nations worldwide.

To offer free and open-source technology with the utmost data privacy, the company has developed other useful software. Under one umbrella, users will gain access to Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, Proton Pass, and Proton Wallet.

Proton VPN Speeds

It’s true that even with a premium VPN, you will experience some VPN-induced latency. However, paid VPNs typically minimize this speed reduction. To assess the impact, I tested Proton VPN Plus performance using speedtest.net.

My baseline internet speed is 240 Mbps with a ping rate below 7 ms. Let’s see how Proton VPN Plus affects these speeds:

Proton VPN review - speed test

Speed in India

Proton VPN Plus delivers good speed while connected to Indian servers. The download speed decreased by only 23% to 184.68 Mbps. However, the upload speed decreased by over 63% to 88.39 Mbps. The ping rate remains at a reasonable level of 120 ms.

Speed in the US

While connecting to the USA location, upload speeds decreased significantly. Download speed decreased by 35% (155.12 Mbps), but upload speed decreased by 93% (16.65 Mbps). The ping increased to as high as 266 ms.

LocationDownload Speed (Mbps)Upload Speed (Mbps)Ping(ms)
India (Baseline)24024010
India (Proton VPN)184.6888.39120
USA (Proton VPN)155.12 16.65266

If compared to our top 2 VPN recommendations:

  • NordVPN: NordVPN generally performs better on US servers than Proton VPN Plus. It delivers faster download speeds (185 Mbps vs. 155 Mbps) and upload speeds (29 Mbps vs. 16 Mbps) with an average ping of 263ms. On Indian servers, NordVPN also outperforms Proton VPN (Download: 229 Mbps, Upload: 167 Mbps).
  • Surfshark: Proton VPN performs better in upload speed than Surfshark in India (88 Mbps vs. 58 Mbps). However, for streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime US, you’ll typically experience better performance with Surfshark than Proton or Nord (Download speed: 220 Mbps, Upload speed: 36 Mbps, Ping: 220 ms).

Proton VPN Servers

Servers Locations

Proton VPN Plus users now get access to 8038+ servers across 112 countries worldwide. Previously, the VPN offered 1700 servers across 80 countries. Now, it has expanded its network for global connectivity.

Proton VPN servers

Its server locations cover popular nations like the United States (14 cities), the UK (2 cities), Singapore, Japan (2 cities), Canada (3 cities), etc. In India, it offers 30 servers across Mumbai. Due to India’s new laws on data logging by VPN companies, Proton only offers virtual servers here.

Compared to Surfshark (3200+ servers in 100 countries) and NordVPN (6,500+ servers in 113 countries), Proton VPN Plus now offers wider coverage in locations. However, in India, Surfshark offers servers in two locations: Delhi and Mumbai. 

RAM Servers

Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, Proton VPN does not offer RAM-only servers. As we know, RAM is a volatile memory. That means data stored in RAM is erased when the device is powered off.

Proton VPN expresses doubts about the added security benefits of using RAM-only servers. The company cites four main reasons for not offering them:

  1. Hackers can access data stored in RAM while the device is on.
  2. Proton VPN offers full-disk encryption, encrypting all data on its drives.
  3. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy, audited by third-party authorities.
  4. Their physical servers are located only in countries with no data retention laws.

While Proton VPN has clearly justified its decision, I remain somewhat skeptical. Other premium VPN providers implement measures like Proton (virtual servers, full-disk encryption, no-logs policies, and audits). Nevertheless, they often offer RAM-only servers as an additional security layer.

Obfuscated Servers

Countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey have restrictions against using VPN connections. So, if you want to access content from these countries, Obfuscated servers can help you bypass censorship. Proton VPN offers Stealth Protocol in all their plans, including the free tier.

Enable Stelth Protocol

How to activate Stealth Protocol:

  • Open the Proton VPN app.
  • Tap the three-dash icon at the top right corner to access the “Menu.”
  • Go to “Settings.”
  • Navigate to the “Connection” tab.
  • Click on “Protocol.”
  • Select “Stealth” and activate it. 

Dynamic or Static IP Address

Your IP address is a unique number that identifies your device. When you connect to the internet, it offers a public IP address visible to anyone. A VPN encrypts your connection and masks your original IP for online privacy.

Now, a dynamic IP address changes over time. A static IP address, on the other hand, remains fixed and is useful for businesses that need a unique digital identity. For security reasons, Proton VPN offers dynamic IP addresses.

Proton VPN dedicated servers cost

For business purposes, Proton VPN also offers dedicated servers (static IP addresses). These IPs are exclusively assigned to your company and can be purchased as needed. You can get one dedicated server at an additional cost of $49.99/month with the Proton VPN Business Professional plan (priced at $11.99/user/month).

Proton VPN Streaming Performances

Streaming PlatformYes/No
NetflixYes
HotstarYes
JioCinemaYes
SonyLivYes
Zee5Yes
Amazon Prime USYes

Proton VPN performs excellently in streaming. It unblocks all major platforms in India, such as Zee5, Hotstar, and JioCinema. Plus, you can watch content on USA streaming sites like Disney Plus, Netflix, or Amazon Prime US.

Proton Plus streaming performance

Even though Proton VPN Plus performed inconsistently in speed testing on USA servers, I haven’t faced lagging issues with Amazon Prime US. The video playback was smooth, even with 4K-quality videos. 

Privacy

Proton VPN claims to be the first VPN provider to open-source apps for every platform. They maintain transparency, ethics, and stringent security to offer a trustworthy VPN service.

Privacy Policy

Proton VPN privacy policy statement

As mentioned above, Proton VPN collects and deletes user data. They do nothing that may cause logging user traffic, throttling the internet, or any discrimination. Both their free and paid products adhere to the same privacy cautions.

Proton VPN bandwidth throttling statement

In fact, they store data for maintaining accounts in encrypted format on their servers (Switzerland and Germany). However, for equal service quality, they may impose speed restrictions on free VPNs in case of excessive data consumption.

Overall, I’m really impressed with Proton’s privacy policy. Their policy clearly informs and justifies to users how they handle user data, what services they offer for user privacy, and what features they avoid in their products (like no RAM servers) to prevent identity threats. 

No-logs Policy

Whether using a free or paid VPN, you must check if the VPN provider keeps any logs. If so, your data is at risk because the provider may share this information with third-party authorities for businesses. Hackers often misuse these user logs for cybercrime.

Well, Proton offers a no-logs VPN for both free and paid users. They don’t keep any records of user information, session usage, or metadata. They don’t collect any data related to your website visits, traffic, content you access, session length, or location-based information.

Security Audits

Proton VPN claims to deliver unparalleled transparency and accountability. Hence, their policies are audited for three times by an independent organization. 

  • Securitum Audit (2024): In July 2024, a reputed Europe-based security auditing company, Securitum, independently audited all Proton Apps. The agency confirmed no significant security issues.
  • Securitum Audit (2023): The same organization performed an audit from April to May 2023. They assured no privacy breaches after analyzing its no-log policy, VPN configuration files, randomly selected VPN servers, and server deployment process.
  • Securitum Audit (2022): In February 2022, the same auditor performed a detailed technical audit. The report confirmed Proton VPN‘s high privacy standards with a zero-logs approach.

Plus, you can find a detailed transparency report on their website. The report notifies the number of legal requests received for user data.

Proton VPN Headquarters

Proton AG is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The country is well-known for its privacy-friendly laws and political neutrality. It’s outside of any intelligence alliances, so they’re not legally obliged to share user information under any circumstances.

Privacy Comparison

I’m quite impressed with the transparent privacy policy offered by Proton VPN. All their features and measures are clearly documented. Their strict no-log policy, transparency reports, headquarters location, and privacy actions confirm the company’s commitment to data privacy.

One thing to note: A single organization, Securitum, has performed all three security audits. Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, no Big Four accounting firm (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG) has reviewed its no-logs policy. 

Proton VPN History

Proton VPN has maintained a clean track record since its launch. However, Proton Mail has been criticized due to one security incident. In 2021, Proton Mail disclosed the IP address and email ID of a French activist. 

Proton IP logging policy

Earlier, their privacy policy claimed that Proton did not log any user data. After this incident, they changed their privacy policy. The new policy confirmed they do not log IP addresses by default. However, they will keep it if the user is associated with any privacy-breaching incidents (like spamming, DDoS attacks, etc.). 

Proton VPN data disclosure statement

The policy also states Proton will only disclose limited user data if they are legally obligated by a binding request from Swiss authorities. So, even if Proton VPN has no such track record, I‘m skeptical about changing privacy statements. 

Proton VPN Security

Proton VPN encrypts user data using AES-256 bit or ChaCha20 grade encryption. In 2019, they also added full-disk encryption as an essential security upgrade. 

Security Protocols

Proton VPN protocols

Under security protocols, you’ll find a few options in Proton VPN:

  • OpenVPN: This is a secure, flexible, and open-source protocol. Proton VPN is compatible with both TCP and UDP. However, OpenVPN UDP generally offers better speed advantages than OpenVPN TCP.
  • WireGuard (UDP and TCP): For the best speed during heavy-bandwidth streaming, I would recommend this protocol. It’s lightweight and considered the most advanced.
  • Stealth Protocol: Proton offers this protocol to bypass censorship. You can use it in countries like China where VPN use is restricted.
  • Smart Protocol: This is arguably the best feature of Proton VPN. When you enable “Smart,” it’ll automatically select the best protocol based on your current location and network conditions.

DNS Leak Test

Premium VPNs help encrypt DNS (Domain Name System) to mask user identity. If a DNS leak occurs, your internet service provider (ISP) will be able to track and monitor your online activity. Like NordVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN offers best-in-class DNS leak protection.

It encrypts all DNS records and runs its own DNS servers. No outsider or third party can access their DNS servers. Plus, IPv6 leak protection remains activated by default on their application.

DNS leak test result

To verify these claims, I performed a DNS leak test using IPleak.net. As you can see, the IP address has completely changed from the original one. The IPv6 address is also undefined or masked, showing a secure VPN connection.

Kill Switch

Have you ever thought about how a VPN masks user identity during a network failure? A kill switch is an essential feature. If your VPN connection is ever disrupted or accidentally dropped, this crucial feature blocks all internet traffic.

Proton Kill switch option

As a result, your IP address and DNS queries remain secure. To ensure private browsing, Proton VPN allows you to turn the kill switch on and off manually. You can even choose “Permanent Kill Switch” to stay protected.  

Security Comparison with Premium VPNs

Proton VPN introduces users to best-in-class security upgrades, like any premium VPN. Apart from basic security features (Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, WireGuard protocol), it has launched many added features like a ‘Permanent Kill Switch’ or ‘Smart Protocol’.

However, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, it doesn’t offer RAM servers. Plus, their privacy policy was recently updated after the Proton Mail incident. So, these are a few things that may bother privacy-enthusiast users.

Pricing

Features Proton VPN FreeProton VPN Plus  Proton VPN Unlimited  
Pricing (1 month)0$9.99/month $12.99/month
Pricing (1 year)0$59.88 ($4.99/month)$191.76 ($9.99/month)
Pricing (2 year)0$107.76 ($4.49/month) $191.76 ($7.99/month)
No. of Device11010
No of Countries5110+110+
Ad-blocker & Malware ProtectionNoYesYes
Proton Pass 2 vaults  2 vaults  50 vaults  
Proton Drive5 GB storage5 GB storage  500 GB total storage
Proton Mail 1 email address1 email address15 extra email addresses 
Proton Calendar3 encrypted calendars3 encrypted calendars25 encrypted calendars

Proton VPN Free only provides access to 5 servers and 1-device connection without any malware or ad-blocker protection. If you wish to upgrade, they offer two plans.

  • Proton VPN Plus: This includes premium VPN access only.
  • Proton VPN Unlimited: This offers an all-in-one package (including Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Wallet).

If you solely require a secure private network, I recommend purchasing the Proton VPN Plus two-year plan. Your per-month cost will reduce from $9.99/month to just $4.49/month. You’ll gain access to unlimited VPN use with 10 simultaneous device connections for a total cost of $107.76 for 2 years.

However, for my readers, I have a special discount on the 24-month plan. Follow the “Coupon Code” section for more details.

Money-Back Guarantee

Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all their plans. You can cancel your subscription anytime within 30 days of purchase. Unlike their other products, where you’ll receive a refund only on a prorated basis (unused portion of the service period), you don’t need to worry. Here, you’ll get a full refund. This is applicable only once per user.

Payment Options

The company accepts payments through Credit & Debit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, etc.). You can also pay using PayPal or Proton Credit. To purchase Proton Credit, you can only use Bitcoin, bank transfer, or cash.

Competitor Pricing

Compared to NordVPN or Surfshark, Proton VPN Plus is more expensive. Surfshark Starter offers the lowest price for a 2-year plan at $2.09/month or $58.52 biannually. Even Surfshark One, which includes Antivirus and malware protection, costs less at $72.52 biannually or $2.59/month.

NordVPN is generally considered the top-ranked among all premium VPNs. The NordVPN Basic 2-year plan costs $3.42/month ($95.76 biannually), lower than Proton VPN Plus. NordVPN Plus, which includes NordPass, an ad-blocker, and 10-device access, costs $4.28/month ($119.76 biannually).

Coupon Code

Does the Proton VPN Plus plan seem expensive? Want a price reduction?

For my audience, they’re offering a flat 70% off on a 2-year Proton VPN Plus plan. Use my discounted link and select the 24-month VPN Plus plan. The coupon code will be automatically applied during checkout.

Proton VPN Plus 2-year price

The Proton VPN Plus 24-month plan costs $107.76 ($4.49/month). However, my audience will get it at just $2.99/month or $71.76 for 24 months.

Proton VPN Customer Support

Customer Support FacilityNordVPN
24/7 Live chat support
Phone Line
Email 
FAQs
Knowledge guide

Proton VPN‘s official website provides a comprehensive knowledge base categorized by features, troubleshooting, getting started guides, and more. They regularly publish informative blog posts to raise awareness and educate users.

Proton VPN customer support

But, live chat and priority support are exclusive to paid users. Free users can still get help with support request form and email. If you encounter any issues, you can submit a detailed query on their site. Else, you can write directly to support@protonvpn.zendesk.com.

One limitation to note: Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, Proton VPN doesn’t offer live chat support without signing in. Plus, I haven’t found any button on their desktop application for live chat.

P2P

For paid users, Proton VPN offers peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing. You can use any server for torrenting. However, Proton VPN also offers special servers optimized for P2P sharing.

Proton VPN P2P servers

You’ll find the button named “Port Forwarding” on their desktop app. This option helps increase internet speed for the best torrenting and gaming experience. Although the speed can sometimes be inconsistent, I haven’t faced any major issues while torrenting. 

Proton VPN torrenting performances

When connected to the nearest Thailand server, I got a download speed of 758.4 Kbps with an expected download time of 38 minutes. So, torrenting with Proton VPN Plus won’t disappoint.

Additional Features

Free VPN

Proton Free is already a popular VPN among millions of users. It ranked in the top 2 position in our best free VPN recommendations. You can download the app for your desktop and mobile for secure browsing.

The free version stands for consistent connection speeds, advanced security standards, and unlimited bandwidth. However, it offers only 5 server locations (Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and The United States). You can use it on only 1 device at a time. Additionally, it doesn’t offer malware protection or torrenting support.

Tor over VPN

Tor, or The Onion Router, is an open-source network. Journalists and individuals sharing political views who want to hide their identity primarily use this network to conceal their IP addresses. Many individuals enhance their anonymity by using Tor with a VPN.

Tor servers

Proton VPN has introduced a “Tor over VPN” feature. This eliminates the need to separately download any app or use dedicated Tor browsers. Within the Proton VPN app, you’ll find special labels for Tor servers, as stated in the image above. Connect to these servers, and your traffic will be automatically routed through the Tor network. 

Multi-Device Access

Proton VPN Plus offers the highest device connections compared to Surfshark or NordVPN. It allows you up to 10 simultaneous connections. This means you can use it on your laptop, mobile, and TV at the same time.

Netshield Ad-blocker

We often have to deal with annoying display ads while visiting websites. To speed up browsing, Proton VPN Plus includes a Netshield Ad-blocker. First, it prevents loading domains with malware, spyware, and other malicious software. Second, it blocks ads and online trackers from ad tech companies.

Netshield adblocker performance

You’ll find the “Netshield Ad-blocker” button under “Countries.” Upon clicking, it will provide you with options to:

  1. Turn off the blocker entirely.
  2. Block only malware.
  3. Block malware, ads, and trackers.

This feature has been very helpful to me when accessing news websites. I don’t need to download a separate ad-blocker app. 

VPN Accelerator

VPNs can slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process used to mask your IP address. To reduce VPN-induced lags, Proton VPN offers the VPN Accelerator feature for their Plus users. It claims to boost speed by 400% and provide a more stable connection.

VPN Accelerator performance

You’ll find the VPN Accelerator under “Connection” in the VPN settings. To test its effectiveness, I performed speed tests before and after using the accelerator (Baseline speed: 80 Mbps). I didn’t observe any significant changes in upload speed (around a 20% increase). However, the download speed saw a substantial boost of over 83%.

Secure Core

Many premium VPNs have been criticized in the past due to compromised servers and Internet traffic. For an additional layer of online security, Proton VPN Plus offers Secure Core features. 

These are specialized servers in countries with strong data privacy laws or in high-security data centers (in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden). When you enable this advanced feature, your VPN traffic will first pass through Secure Core Servers (owned and provisioned by Proton). 

Secure core servers

For example, countries with restrictive VPN usage (China, Russia, etc.) or strong surveillance systems (UK, USA, etc.) have the legal power to monitor VPN servers in their countries. Proton VPN can prevent these high-risk countries from analyzing data traffic with this extra protection. 

Perfect Forward Secrecy

Session keys are used to encrypt and decrypt your data quickly and automatically. Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) or Forward Secrecy (FS) refers to an encryption system that changes these keys frequently.

Proton VPN‘s security protocols and encryption support PFS. The provider keeps your browsing history secure by using unique encryption keys for each session. Therefore, even if your encryption keys are compromised, your data will remain protected. 

Split Tunneling

To get the maximum browsing speed, you can route sensitive data traffic through the VPN tunnel and other regular traffic directly through the internet. Split tunneling allows you to do this. Proton VPN offers this option for Android, Android TV, and Windows versions only.

Split tunneling feature

How to enable it on a desktop:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Navigate to the Advanced options.
  • You’ll find the Split Tunneling option by scrolling down.

You will have two options: Exclude certain apps or IP addresses from going through the VPN tunnel and Include apps or IPs to use the VPN tunnel.

Devices

Proton VPN offers separate applications to keep your devices secure.

  • Desktop & Laptop: Windows, Linux, macOS, Chromebook
  • Mobile: Android, iOS
  • Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox
  • Streaming Devices: Android TV, Apple TV
  • Other Devices: Fire Stick, iPad

Unlike NordVPN, the Proton VPN browser extension for Microsoft Edge is not currently available.

User Interface

DevicesUser InterfaceExperiences
WindowsSleek, modern with a Clean layout Beginners need time to explore all features & buttons.  
macOSSimilar to the Windows appEasy to deploy and access 
LinuxTrusted and easy-to-use Downloading and navigating features is easy
Android appIntuitive with eye-soothing color schemeEasy to use than the Windows app
iOS appWell-designedBest to assess for beginners
Browser ExtensionLess interesting Require multiple log-ins to connect

Compared to NordVPN, the Proton VPN desktop app is more user-friendly. It recently updated its design with an ultra-cool color palette. The desktop app shows a large map with a list of servers. You can quickly connect and disconnect with a single tap.

Even the macOS app has a similar design. You’ll find similar buttons and features categorized into different sections. However, it may take some initial effort to locate all buttons and settings.

ProtonVPN Interface

For Android and iOS, the Proton VPN app design is slightly different. But, all buttons and settings are clearly named/tagged, unlike some desktop apps. The Split Tunneling feature is missing in the iOS app.

Unlike Nord or Surfshark, Proton VPN is best suited for Linux users. It has an intuitive graphical user interface. You can easily install and access the app.

Performance & Reliability

I’ve been using Proton VPN for over a year. It ranks among the best free VPNs. However, the paid version can seem expensive if no discounts are available.

Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-log policy, which has been independently audited three times. It offers decent security features such as full-disk encryption, strong protocols, DNS leak protection, and more. You’ll enjoy many additional settings like Tor over VPN and a VPN accelerator.

In terms of performance, it provides decent speeds comparable to any premium VPN. However, this VPN doesn’t offer RAM servers, which raises security concerns. There are also some other minor drawbacks.

Proton VPN Pros

1) Low Ping Rate

Surprisingly, Proton VPN Plus delivers lower ping than Surfshark on Indian servers (319ms vs. 120ms). On US servers, it performs head-to-head with NordVPN and Surfshark, with a ping rate of 266ms. You’ll experience a stable internet connection, even during bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and online gaming.

2) Modern User Interface

Proton VPN recently upgraded its UI for both desktop and mobile versions. It features a large map of VPN servers with an eye-soothing color palette. On mobile, all buttons are clearly labeled for easy access.

3) Stealth Protection

Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol allows you to stream content in countries with internet censorship. For example, you can bypass restrictions on VPN use in countries like China and Russia without revealing your IP address.

4) Netshield Ad Blocker

Netshield Ad Blocker is available only for paid users. It blocks privacy-invading ads, prevents malware, and stops online trackers.

5) Secure Core Servers

Secure Core servers are owned and operated by Proton. It routes your traffic through multiple secure locations (Iceland, Switzerland, Sweden) to enhance privacy and protect against network attacks. It may slightly reduce speed, it ensures robust security.

6) Verified No-Log Policy

Proton VPN adheres to a zero-log policy and does not store any user data. Their policy has been independently audited three times (2024, 2023 & 2022) with a clean track record.

Proton VPN Cons

1) Upload Speed

Proton VPN Plus doesn’t consistently outperform top-ranking VPNs in download speeds for both India and the USA. Upload speeds on US servers decreased by 93%, which is a significant drop.  

2) Expensive Plans

Proton VPN Plus costs $4.49/month for 24 months, but this doesn’t include premium access to Proton Drive, Proton Mail, etc. In contrast, NordVPN Plus, which offers full access to NordPass and other products, costs $4.28/month for the same period.

3) No RAM Servers

Proton VPN doesn’t offer RAM servers, unlike some premium competitors. Their justification for this omission may not be sufficient for users who prioritize the highest level of data security.

4) ProtonMail Criticism

Although Proton claims a no-log policy, they provided the IP address of a French activist to Swiss authorities. Following this incident, they changed their data disclosure policy, raising concerns.

5) No Audit by Big 4 Firms

Proton VPN‘s no-log policy has been audited three times by one reputable European agency, Securitum. However, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, their audits have not been conducted by major auditing firms like Deloitte, PwC, or Ernst & Young (the “Big4”). 

Proton VPN Alternatives

1) NordVPN

NordVPN homepage

NordVPN is my top-ranked choice, based in Panama. The company offers a range of popular security products under the Nord Security umbrella, including NordPass, NordLayer, and NordLocker. This VPN stands out for its exceptional security, impressive speeds, and wide support for streaming platforms.

In gaming, NordVPN delivers the fastest speeds at low ping rates. You’ll benefit from many added features such as Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, SmartPlay, 2FA protection, 100% RAM-based servers, and more.

However, the desktop application’s user interface needs better organization. NordVPN Basic plan costs $3.42/month or $95.76 for 24 months. You can use my link for a special discount.

2) Surfshark

Surfshark homepage

Launched in 2018, Surfshark can be considered a NordVPN alternative. It’s headquartered in the Netherlands and is known for being a highly affordable VPN service. With 3,200+ servers across 100 countries worldwide, Surfshark offers a vast network.

One of its best features is unlimited device and bandwidth allowance. Surfshark also provides all the essential VPN features (kill switch, strong encryption, and RAM-based servers). Additionally, it offers functionalities like a Bypasser, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, and NoBorders Mode.

But the Netherlands is part of the 9 Eyes intelligence alliance. Plus, Surfshark privacy policy mentions they may log your IP address upon connection, and delete it within 15 minutes. If you’re comfortable with the logging policy, their starter plan is a great value at $58.52 ($2.09/month) for 24 months using my link.

3) ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN homepage

ExpressVPN is a user-friendly VPN service headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. It’s known for offering fast speeds, making it ideal for streaming and browsing. ExpressVPN servers cover 105 countries globally.

This VPN is popular because of one of the most intuitive user interfaces. Plus, 24/7 live chat support with actual agents is available for any questions you may encounter. But, in 2021, ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies. The company (formerly known as Crossrider) has faced criticism in the past for developing malware.

ExpressVPN is generally more expensive than Proton VPN. To save money, consider purchasing the annual plan at $99.95 ($6.67/month) using my link. Note that a 2-year plan is not currently available.

Why Should You Trust Me?

I’ve been a dedicated VPN user since 2020. Over the past four years, I’ve tried and tested 30+ VPNs, both paid and free. So, while using VPNs hands-on for my work, I gained an unbiased understanding of different providers. 

I believe VPN is a complex category to understand. Hence, I’m here to simplify your journey with my years of research. Unlike many reviews that skim the surface, you’ll get straightforward clarification on the pros and cons of every VPN in my review.

Apart from reviews, you’ll find informative articles on VPNs explained, ways to reduce VPN latency, etc. You can also check out well-researched recommendations on Free VPNs and Paid VPNs.

Conclusion 

Proton VPN free is already popular among millions of users. I’ve reviewed its paid plan in detail in this article. Proton VPN Plus obviously gets you additional advantages over free. You can get 10-device access, unlimited bandwidth, priority support, 110+ server coverage, and more.

The Plus plan excels in wide streaming support and reliable speed on Indian servers. It comes with many additional settings, like an Ad-blocker, Malware protection, Special servers for censorship countries, Tor support, P2P servers, etc.

However, it’s rather pricey. You can access only the free features of Proton Mail, Drive, and other Proton Products even while paying higher charges for the upgrade. I’m also not satisfied with their justification for not providing RAM servers.

So, my final verdict on Proton VPN will be neutral. The free plan isn’t sufficient but decent for beginners. Paid VPNs are more secure, but buy them only at discounts.

Do you agree with my points?

If interested in learning more about VPNs, leave a comment below!

FAQs

Is Proton VPN really free?

Yes, Proton VPN is available in both free and paid versions. The free tier offers 5 server locations, 1 device connection, and unlimited bandwidth without malware protection.

Which is better: NordVPN or Proton VPN?

NordVPN generally ranks higher than Proton VPN in terms of speed, performance, and features. In fact, NordVPN Plus comes with advanced settings and lower pricing than Proton VPN Plus.

Does Proton VPN work in China?

Yes, Proton VPN Plus works effectively in China. It offers secure core servers for enhanced online security in such countries with strong privacy laws.

Does Proton VPN work for torrenting?

Yes, Proton VPN Plus offers dedicated P2P servers. These servers help you enjoy smooth torrenting without lagging issues.

proton vpn

Pros of Proton VPN(+)

  • Low Ping Rate
  • Modern User Interface
  • Stealth Protection
  • Netshield Ad Blocker
  • Verified No-Log

Cons of Proton VPN(-)

  • Upload Speed
  • Expensive Plans
  • No Audit by Big 4 Firms
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Kripesh Adwani

Kripesh Adwani is a digital tool expert who buys, tests, and reviews SAAS tools for small businesses. Based on 10+ years of experience in tech he provides insightful reviews. His content is widely consumed, serving millions of users each month. Kripesh has also been featured in more than 50 publications, including The Economic Times, The Free Press Journal & Cloudways.

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