Proton VPN Review: Best Free VPN for Privacy

If you’re shopping for a VPN these days, you probably want three things: solid privacy, fast speeds, and apps that don’t make your head hurt. Proton VPN promises all three — plus a genuinely useful free tier. In this review I’ll walk you through the lineup (free vs paid), the privacy guarantees, the special features (Secure Core, Tor over VPN, NetShield), real-world performance, and whether Proton is the right choice depending on what you actually do online. I tested features, checked company claims and pulled in independent findings so you can decide fast.

Quick verdict

Proton VPN is an outstanding choice if privacy matters to you. It’s run by the team behind Proton Mail, headquartered in Switzerland, and it combines a strong no-logs stance with advanced features like Secure Core (multi-hop) and Tor-over-VPN. The free plan is unusually generous (unlimited bandwidth), the paid plans add streaming/torrenting support and extra privacy features, and the apps are polished and open-source. If you want a balance of privacy, transparency, and usability, Proton is near the top of the list.

What is Proton VPN? A short introduction

Proton VPN is a virtual private network that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through Proton’s servers, masking your IP and location. It’s built by Proton (the same company that makes Proton Mail and Proton Drive), and positions itself as a privacy-first service — meaning the company emphasizes legal protections, open source code, and independent audits. Think of it as the privacy-focused option in a market full of utilities that sometimes prioritize convenience or marketing over policy.

Who runs Proton and where they’re based

Proton is based in Switzerland, which matters because Swiss privacy laws and the company’s legal structure give it stronger protections from foreign data requests than firms based in 5/9/14-Eyes countries. Proton has leaned heavily on that jurisdiction as part of its privacy pitch. That’s not a magic bullet, but it’s a practical advantage.

Plans & pricing — Free, Plus, Unlimited, and bundles

Proton’s pricing has a few tiers: a Free tier, a Plus (or Plus/Pro) tier, and higher-level plans like Unlimited or bundled options when you buy Proton Mail/Drive + VPN together. Pricing and promotional discounts change often, but the structure is simple: the free tier gives basic access, Plus unlocks faster servers and Secure Core/Tor, and Unlimited expands devices and speeds further. Check Proton’s pricing page for exact current rates and regional offers.

What the Free plan actually gives you

Here’s the kicker: Proton’s Free plan offers unlimited bandwidth — a rare find among free VPNs. The tradeoff is fewer server locations and lower priority speeds, but for casual browsing and privacy it’s impressively capable. If you want to test a VPN without risking data caps, Proton Free is one of the best “try-before-you-buy” offers out there.

Paid tiers: Plus vs Unlimited — what you unlock

Paid plans typically add:

• Access to Secure Core (multi-hop) servers and Tor-over-VPN nodes,

• Faster servers and more server locations,

• Streaming and P2P/torrent-friendly servers,

• NetShield ad/malware blocking and port-forwarding where applicable,

• More simultaneous device connections and sometimes cloud bonuses when bundled.
  If streaming and torrenting reliability matter to you, a paid plan is the practical step.

Core privacy & security features

Proton’s playbook centers on privacy and transparency. Let’s break down the headline features.

No-logs policy and independent audits

A VPN’s no-logs promise is only as good as its verification. Proton has run independent no-logs audits and publishes transparency reports; recent audits reaffirm that Proton does not retain user activity logs or metadata that could deanonymize users. Independent confirmations make the no-logs claim more than marketing.

Secure Core (multi-hop) explained

Secure Core is Proton’s multi-hop architecture: your traffic first travels through Proton-operated Secure Core servers (in low-risk jurisdictions) before exiting through a normal VPN server. The idea? If an exit server is ever compromised, the attacker still sees only the Secure Core server as the origin — not your real IP. It’s practical protection for people who need defense against advanced adversaries.

Encryption, protocols and the VPN Accelerator

Proton supports modern protocols (WireGuard is common) with strong encryption suites, and it uses performance optimizations (sometimes branded features like VPN Accelerator) to keep speed fast while maintaining security. Those protocol choices offer the best balance of speed and safety for most users.

Practical features that matter day-to-day

A VPN is more than policy — it needs to make your daily web life smoother. Proton covers the essentials and then some.

Kill switch, split tunneling, and NetShield (ad/malware blocking)

Proton includes a kill switch (blocks traffic if the VPN drops), always-on options, and features like split tunneling so you can pick which apps use the VPN. NetShield is Proton’s built-in ad/tracker/malware blocker available on paid plans — helpful for a cleaner, faster browsing experience. These features reduce friction and add real-world value.

Tor over VPN and P2P/torrenting support

If you need onion-routing without installing the Tor Browser, Proton offers Tor-over-VPN nodes for Plus or higher plans — a convenience that routes traffic through the Tor network after the VPN. Proton also supports P2P on select servers, making it usable for torrents when you need privacy for file-sharing. Both are gated to paid tiers.

Performance: speed, latency, and real-world use

Speed tests and reviews consistently show Proton performs well — especially on paid plans.

Streaming, gaming and large downloads

Proton’s paid servers are optimized for streaming and large downloads and frequently work with Netflix, Disney+ and other services (results vary by region and platform). For gaming, Proton’s WireGuard-backed connections deliver low latency on well-placed servers, though hardcore competitive gamers may still prefer geographically closer, non-VPN routing. Independent reviews praise Proton’s performance in everyday streaming and downloads.

Server network size and geographic coverage

Proton advertises a large network (thousands of servers across 120+ countries in recent counts), which helps you find fast, nearby endpoints and specialized servers for streaming or Tor. More servers generally reduce congestion and improve speed reliability.

Apps & ease of use across platforms

A modern VPN needs great apps — Proton delivers.

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Smart TVs

Proton has native apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, plus support for Linux and some routers and TV platforms. The interface is clean, with one-click connect, server search, and profiles for common use-cases (streaming, P2P, Secure Core). Desktop apps expose more advanced options; mobile apps are lean but still feature-rich.

Open-source apps and transparency

Proton has published its client code as open source, which lets security researchers inspect the apps. Openness increases trust: independent reviewers can verify what the app does, which underpins Proton’s privacy credibility. Open-source + audits = stronger transparency.

Privacy considerations & jurisdiction (Switzerland)

Let’s be blunt: jurisdiction matters. Proton’s Swiss base helps.

Switzerland’s legal framework provides robust privacy protections and a higher bar for foreign data requests. Proton’s transparency reports and legal handling of requests show they resist handing over user data when possible — backed by audits reporting no logs to hand over. That’s meaningful for users seeking credible legal protection beyond marketing slogans.

Comparison: Proton VPN vs top rivals

How does Proton stack up against other leading VPNs?

Where Proton beats the pack

• Strong privacy credentials (Swiss jurisdiction, audits, open source).

• Generous free tier with unlimited bandwidth.

• Secure Core multi-hop and Tor-over-VPN conveniences.

• Solid performance for streaming and downloads on paid plans.

Where others may be better

• Some rivals offer cheaper long-term pricing or larger global server footprints for the money.

• If your priority is the absolute lowest ping for esports, a specialized gaming VPN or regional provider might edge Proton.

• Pricing and promotional structure change often, so bargain hunters may find better deals elsewhere at times.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Like all VPNs, Proton isn’t immune to occasional problems. Here are typical issues and quick fixes:

• Connection drops — enable the kill switch and try a different protocol (WireGuard vs OpenVPN) or server.

• Streaming not working — switch to a different streaming-optimized server or clear app cookies and region caches.

• Slow speed — pick a closer server, try the Accelerator feature (if available), or disable NetShield temporarily to test.
  These are standard steps that solve most headaches for everyday users.

Who should use Proton VPN — recommended user profiles

• Privacy-first users who value audits, jurisdiction and open source.

• People who need a reliable free VPN for general browsing (Proton Free’s unlimited bandwidth is rare).

• Streamers and torrent users who want reliable paid servers for those activities.

• Journalists, activists, and travelers who need Secure Core or Tor-over-VPN protections.

If you’re a casual user who just wants an occasional unblocker, Proton Free or a cheaper competitor may suffice; if you’re privacy-minded and plan to rely on a VPN daily, Proton Plus/Unlimited is a strong bet.

Tips & best practices for using Proton VPN

• Use Secure Core for highly sensitive sessions (journalism, whistleblowing).

• Enable the kill switch and always test for DNS leaks after setup.

• Try Tor-over-VPN if you want Tor’s anonymity without installing extra apps — but expect slower speeds.

• Keep apps updated and prefer WireGuard where available for speed.

Final verdict — value, pros & cons

Pros

• Strong privacy posture: Swiss jurisdiction, open source, audited no-logs policy.

• Generous free plan with unlimited data — excellent for testing and casual privacy.

• Advanced features (Secure Core, Tor-over-VPN, NetShield) for privacy and convenience.

• Solid streaming and download performance on paid plans.

Cons

• Paid tiers can be pricier than discount competitors during non-sale periods.

• Secure Core and Tor-over-VPN reduce speed — expected but important to know.

Overall: Proton VPN is an excellent, privacy-first VPN that also competes on speed and features. It’s especially compelling if you care about verified privacy claims and want a trustworthy free tier to try before you buy.

Conclusion

Proton VPN strikes a rare balance: strong, audit-backed privacy protections, real-world features for streamers and power users, and a surprisingly generous free option. If your checklist includes verified no-logs, Swiss jurisdiction, multi-hop protections, and Tor integration — and you don’t mind paying a modest premium for those guarantees — Proton is one of the safest, most reliable choices in 2025. Try the free plan to get a feel, then upgrade if you need faster streaming servers or Secure Core protections.

FAQs

Q1 — Is Proton VPN really free to use?
Yes. Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth, though it has fewer server options and lower priority speeds than paid plans. It’s a standout free offering among mainstream VPNs.

Q2 — Does Proton VPN keep logs?
Proton publishes a strict no-logs policy and has undergone independent audits that verify it does not store activity logs or metadata that could deanonymize users.

Q3 — What is Secure Core and do I need it?
Secure Core is Proton’s multi-hop setup that routes traffic through Proton-owned servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting. It’s useful if you face high-risk surveillance or want extra protection against compromised exit servers — but expect slower speeds.

Q4 — Can Proton VPN unblock streaming services like Netflix?
Yes — Proton’s paid streaming-optimized servers commonly work with Netflix, Disney+ and other platforms, though availability can change and may vary by region. Paid plans give the best chance at consistent streaming access.

Q5 — Is Proton VPN safe for torrents and P2P?
Proton supports P2P on designated servers and offers privacy features that make torrenting safer (kill switch, Secure Core). For heavy torrent users, choose paid servers that explicitly support P2P and follow local laws.