Proton VPN Review 2025

If you’re looking for a VPN that values privacy over profits, Proton VPN probably caught your eye. Built by the same team behind Proton Mail, it’s more than just another VPN service; it’s part of a broader mission to protect your digital freedom.

In this Proton VPN review, you’ll get a clear, no-fluff breakdown of how it performs in real-world use cases, including speed, streaming, privacy features, and the value of its free plan in 2025. Whether you’re trying to stay anonymous online, unblock geo-restricted content, or just want peace of mind while browsing, you’ll find out if Proton VPN is the right fit for your needs.

Let’s start with a quick snapshot of what Proton VPN offers at a glance.

Proton VPN at a Glance

One of the first things you’ll notice about Proton VPN is how seriously it takes infrastructure and transparency. Unlike many VPNs that rent servers or hide behind vague location claims, Proton VPN maintains a network of over 3,000 servers in 70+ countries, and it’s growing steadily into 2025.

This global coverage ensures that you’re rarely far from a fast, low-latency server, whether you’re in the US, Europe, Asia, or beyond. But it’s not just about location. It’s also about how those servers are secured.

🔐 Proton VPN Protocols (and Why They Matter)

Proton VPN supports all major modern protocols, each optimized for different use cases:

• WireGuard – Best for speed and performance, now the default on most apps
• OpenVPN – Highly secure and customizable
• IKEv2/IPSec – Ideal for mobile connections with quick reconnections
• Stealth Protocol – Designed to bypass censorship in restrictive regions like China or Iran

You can easily switch between protocols in the app settings. WireGuard is often the go-to for everyday use, offering lightning-fast speeds without compromising encryption.

🛡️ What Is Secure Core?

This is Proton VPN’s standout feature, and something you won’t find in most competitors.

Secure Core routes your traffic through multiple servers (starting in high-security data centers in countries like Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden) before it reaches the open internet. This multi-hop architecture protects your identity even if a VPN server is compromised.

💡 When should you use it?
If you’re working with sensitive information, under political threat, or using Wi-Fi in hostile environments, Secure Core adds that extra layer of anonymity.

Like any VPN, Proton VPN isn’t perfect, but it brings a strong set of features, especially if privacy is your priority. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll love and where it might fall short.

✅ Pros

1. Truly Free Plan with Unlimited Data

Unlike most free VPNs that throttle your speeds or cap your bandwidth at 500MB or 10GB, Proton VPN offers unlimited data on its free plan.
This makes it one of the few trustworthy options for continuous protection without paying a cent.

2. Secure Core for Advanced Privacy

Proton VPN’s Secure Core adds a second layer of routing, sending your traffic through privacy-strong countries like Switzerland or Iceland before hitting the open web.
If you’re worried about surveillance or compromised exit nodes, this feature gives you extra peace of mind.

3. Independently Audited and Open-Source

Proton VPN’s apps are fully open-source and undergo regular independent audits.
That transparency means you don’t have to take their word for it, they’ve proven they follow through on their no-logs policy.

4. Stealth Protocol Bypasses Censorship

Whether you’re traveling to China, the UAE, or anywhere with strict internet controls, the Stealth protocol helps disguise your VPN traffic.
This makes Proton VPN a solid option for bypassing firewalls and deep packet inspection.

5. NetShield Blocks Ads and Malware

NetShield is Proton VPN’s built-in blocker for ads, trackers, and malware domains.
It’s not just about cleaner browsing, it also boosts security and speeds up page loads by cutting out junk content.

6. Swiss Jurisdiction Offers Real Legal Privacy

Being based in Switzerland means Proton VPN is outside the reach of EU and US data retention laws.
This legal environment complements its technical features for maximum privacy protection.

❌ Cons

1. Speeds Can Drop on Secure Core Servers

Secure Core is great for anonymity, but it adds extra hops, and that can slow you down.
If you’re streaming or gaming, you might want to disable it unless you really need the extra protection.

2. No Live Chat Support

Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, Proton VPN doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat.
You’ll need to rely on email ticketing or the Help Center, which isn’t ideal if you run into urgent issues.

3. Premium Plans Cost More Than Competitors

While the free plan is generous, the paid tiers are a bit pricier than other top VPNs, especially when you factor in renewals.
You’re paying for transparency and ethics, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a budget.

4. Limited P2P Support on Free Plan

Torrenting is only supported on specific servers, and not at all on the free plan.
So if you’re looking for a VPN for regular file-sharing, you’ll need to upgrade to at least the Plus plan.

5. Smaller Server Network Compared to Leaders

With around 3,000+ servers, Proton VPN’s network is still smaller than heavyweights like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
That said, they own many of their servers and focus on secure locations, so it’s a quality-over-quantity situation.

If you care about online privacy, Proton VPN is one of the most trustworthy names in the business, and it’s not just talk. The company backs up its promises with independent audits, strong encryption, and complete transparency in how it operates.

Let’s unpack what makes Proton VPN a standout when it comes to your digital safety.

No-Logs Policy That’s Audited and Transparent

Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any information that could identify what you do online. This claim isn’t just a line in their marketing; it was independently audited in 2023 by Securitum, a well-known European security firm.

The audit confirmed:

• No IP address logging
• No connection or session logging
• No tracking of user activity

You can read the full audit report on Proton VPN’s website, which speaks volumes about their transparency.
👉 This audit is especially important in 2025 as data privacy regulations evolve and more VPNs are caught making false claims.

Open-Source Code You Can Review Yourself

Every Proton VPN app, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, is 100% open-source.

That means:

• Anyone can inspect the code for security vulnerabilities
• The broader security community helps keep it safe
• It’s harder for Proton to hide any shady behavior (not that they do)

You don’t need to be a developer to appreciate this. Open-source software is a major sign that the provider has nothing to hide.

Based in Switzerland: A Legal Advantage

Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. It’s not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances, and the government can’t legally force companies to start logging users.

Why this matters:
If you’re choosing a VPN to escape surveillance or censorship, a Swiss provider offers legal protection that most US-based VPNs simply can’t match.

Additional Security Highlights

Proton VPN also includes:

• AES-256 encryption – an industry standard for protecting your data
• Perfect Forward Secrecy – prevents past sessions from being decrypted
• Kill switch & always-on VPN – ensures you’re never exposed if the connection drops
• DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection – tested regularly with clean results

A VPN can offer the best privacy features in the world, but if it slows your connection to a crawl, you’re not going to stick with it. Fortunately, Proton VPN performs surprisingly well in real-world conditions, especially with its modern WireGuard protocol.

Whether you’re streaming, downloading, or just browsing, here’s what to expect from Proton VPN’s performance in 2025.

🚀 Speed Test Results (2025)

💡 Takeaway:
If you’re using standard servers, speeds are more than enough for 4K streaming, gaming, or large file downloads. Turning on Secure Core does reduce performance, but that’s expected with double-hop encryption.

🧪 Leak Test Results – DNS, WebRTC & IPv6

Security is nothing without solid leak protection. We ran Proton VPN through multiple leak detection tools and found no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks under both regular and stress-test conditions.

Here’s what was tested:

• ✅ DNS Leak Test: Passed (Proton uses their own DNS servers)
• ✅ IPv6 Leak Test: Passed
• ✅ WebRTC Leak Test: Passed (both browser and native)
• ✅ Kill Switch Test: Passed – no data leaked when connection was interrupted

Proton VPN’s always-on VPN setting ensures your traffic never slips through unprotected, even between reboots or reconnections.

Summary

You won’t find Proton VPN topping speed charts like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but it holds its own. For everyday users who prioritize privacy without sacrificing too much performance, it strikes a reliable balance.

Unless you’re doing latency-sensitive activities like competitive gaming, you’ll barely notice the difference.

If you’re using a VPN to access geo-blocked streaming libraries, Proton VPN does a solid job, especially for a provider that puts privacy first. Whether you want to unlock US Netflix abroad or access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK, Proton VPN gives you the tools to do it securely.

Let’s look at how well it performs for streaming and censorship bypassing in 2025.

📺 Unblocking Popular Streaming Platforms

Proton VPN consistently unblocks major platforms on its Plus plan. Here’s what it currently supports:

• ✅ Netflix (US, UK, JP, DE) – Fast, reliable access on designated streaming servers
• ✅ BBC iPlayer – Fully accessible from abroad with UK servers
• ✅ ITVX & Channel 4 – Smooth playback using UK streaming-optimized endpoints
• ✅ Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video – Tested and working across multiple regions

Streaming performance is strongest on WireGuard connections, where speeds remain high enough for smooth HD or 4K playback, even on long-distance servers.

💡 Tip: Proton VPN marks streaming-optimized servers inside the app, so you always know where to connect for unblocking.

🌍 Access from Censorship-Heavy Countries

One of Proton VPN’s standout advantages in 2025 is its Stealth protocol, designed specifically to bypass VPN detection systems.

Tested Results:

• ✅ Works in China (when using Stealth on desktop/mobile)
• ✅ Bypasses firewalls in UAE, Turkey, Iran
• ✅ Stealth protocol hides VPN traffic even under Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Unlike many VPNs that get blocked outright or flagged by local ISPs, Proton VPN continues to perform well in high-surveillance countries thanks to this obfuscation technology.

Final Thoughts on Streaming

If streaming is a top priority for you, Proton VPN’s Plus plan is well worth the upgrade. While the free plan doesn’t support streaming, the premium servers are optimized, stable, and fast, making Proton VPN a surprisingly strong contender for both privacy and entertainment in one package.

Proton VPN doesn’t just encrypt your internet traffic; it also helps you browse smarter, safer, and with fewer distractions. While many VPNs stop at basic protection, Proton adds several powerful tools that work behind the scenes to improve your online experience.

Let’s break down the extras that come bundled with your Proton VPN subscription.

🛡️ NetShield: Built-in Ad & Malware Blocker

NetShield is Proton VPN’s answer to ad and tracker overload, and it’s included with all paid plans.

Here’s what it does:

• ✅ Blocks known malware domains before they load
• ✅ Stops trackers that follow your browsing behavior
• ✅ Removes ads at the DNS level, reducing page load times

What’s unique about NetShield is that it works without needing a browser extension -everything runs from the VPN app itself. This means you’ll get cleaner browsing on any device, including mobile and smart TVs.

💡 Bonus: Because NetShield works at the DNS level, it can also protect devices like Fire TV, smart TVs, or routers when configured properly.

🔐 Secure Core (Revisited)

While we covered Secure Core earlier in the Server Network section, it’s worth repeating here. Proton VPN routes your traffic through hardened servers located in privacy-first countries before it exits to the broader internet.

Use Secure Core when:

• You’re on public Wi-Fi in a high-risk area
• You suspect VPN exit nodes might be monitored
• You need multi-hop anonymity without manual setup

Keep in mind: This feature is exclusive to Plus and higher plans, and it will slow your speed due to the extra routing.

🧅 Tor Over VPN: Anonymous Access to Onion Sites

With one click, Proton VPN lets you route your traffic directly into the Tor (Onion) network – no need for a separate browser.

Use this feature when:

• You want to access .onion sites securely
• You’re looking for added anonymity while communicating or researching
• You prefer Proton VPN’s Swiss-based protection while accessing Tor

It’s built right into the app. Just connect to a server marked with “Tor” and you’re good to go.

🔗 Meshnet or Similar? (What Proton VPN Lacks)

One notable omission in 2025 is a Meshnet-style feature, like what NordVPN now offers. Proton VPN doesn’t yet support direct device-to-device linking for custom routing or virtual LAN setups.

If that’s important to your workflow (e.g. gaming or file access between devices), this might be a limitation to consider.

One of Proton VPN’s biggest draws is its truly free plan, but if you want full access to advanced features like streaming servers, Secure Core, and NetShield, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

In 2025, Proton VPN’s pricing structure remains competitive for what it offers, though it’s not the cheapest on the market. Let’s break down what each tier gives you and what to expect at renewal.

💵 Free vs Paid: What Do You Actually Get?

Proton VPN’s plans are divided into three main tiers. Here’s how they compare:

🔄 Renewal Prices: What to Expect Long-Term

Like many SaaS platforms, Proton VPN uses introductory pricing that increases upon renewal.

• 2-year deal (Plus Plan): Starts at $4.99/month
• Renews at: Around $7.99/month, depending on regional currency and tax

There are no aggressive upsells or hidden costs, but it’s good to know that the first term is where you’ll get the biggest savings.

Are There Any Deals or Coupons?

As of mid-2025:

• Occasional 30–40% discounts run during privacy week (April) or Black Friday
• No lifetime plans or bundled third-party add-ons
• Students and NGOs may apply for custom discounts via Proton’s support

Final Thoughts on Value

If you’re just getting started or need basic encryption, Proton VPN’s free plan is genuinely usable, something very few competitors can say. But if you need full-speed servers, streaming access, or Secure Core, upgrading to the Plus Plan is worth the price.

While not the cheapest VPN, you’re paying for audited security, zero logging, and long-term transparency, which makes it a smart investment if privacy is your priority.

Proton VPN has come a long way in refining its apps, and in 2025, the user experience feels polished, clean, and consistent across devices. If you value privacy without sacrificing ease of use, you’ll likely enjoy how Proton handles both design and functionality.

Let’s break down how the apps perform and what kind of support you get along the way.

📱 Apps & Device Compatibility

Proton VPN supports nearly every major operating system, and the experience is remarkably consistent no matter what platform you use:

• Desktop: Windows, macOS, and Linux (GUI and CLI available)
• Mobile: iOS, Android, and even Android TV
• Browser Extensions: Currently not available (unlike NordVPN or Surfshark)
• Router Support: Yes – manual configuration available for OpenVPN and WireGuard
• Others: Chromebook, Firestick (via Android APK), and select NAS setups

The app UI is simple but powerful:

• One-click connect with smart server suggestions
• Clear server labels (e.g. “Plus,” “Secure Core,” “P2P”)
• Built-in features like NetShield toggles and protocol switching
• Interactive server map for visual learners (especially on desktop)

💡 Tip: The mobile app lets you quickly auto-connect to the fastest server or manually choose based on location, use case, or streaming needs.

🙋 Support & Help Center

Here’s where Proton VPN still lags slightly behind bigger VPN providers:

• Live Chat: ❌ Not available (even for paying users)
• Email Ticketing: ✅ Yes, usually responds within 12–24 hours
• Help Center: ✅ Extensive guides, troubleshooting, and setup articles
• Community/Forum: ❌ No dedicated forum, but active Reddit presence

While the lack of 24/7 live chat may be frustrating if you need instant help, the documentation is excellent. If you’re comfortable following step-by-step guides, you’ll likely find what you need without needing to contact support.

Proton VPN is one of the few services that actually puts your privacy above everything else, and proves it. Between its open-source apps, no-logs audit, Secure Core architecture, and DNS-level threat protection, it’s built for users who won’t compromise on digital security.

But that doesn’t mean it’s only for power users or activists. Whether you’re just starting out with VPNs or you’ve tried the usual suspects like NordVPN or Surfshark, Proton VPN offers a refreshing alternative, especially if you’re privacy-focused.

✅ Proton VPN is best for:

• You want a free VPN with unlimited data that’s actually safe
• You’re looking for strong encryption, no-logs guarantees, and Swiss legal protection
• You care about audited security, open-source code, and full transparency
• You need to unblock streaming platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer securely
• You regularly use public Wi-Fi or travel to countries with censorship

❌ It might not be for you if:

• You need live chat support or instant help 24/7
• You’re focused strictly on speed or gaming with minimal latency
• You want browser extensions or advanced smart DNS tools
• You’re looking for the cheapest paid VPN available

At the end of the day, Proton VPN is not just a product; it’s part of a larger mission to build an internet that respects freedom and privacy. If that resonates with you, there’s no better place to start.

1. Is Proton VPN really free? What are the limits?

Yes, the free version includes unlimited data with access to servers in three countries. However, it doesn’t support streaming, torrenting, or advanced privacy features.

2. Does Proton VPN work with Netflix and other streaming platforms?

Yes, but only on the paid plans. Streaming support includes popular services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ using optimized servers.

3. Is it safe to use this VPN?

Yes. It follows a strict no-logs policy, has passed independent security audits, and the apps are fully open-source. The provider is also based in Switzerland, which offers strong legal privacy protections.

4. What is Secure Core, and how does it work?

Secure Core routes your traffic through multiple hardened servers before exiting to the internet. This extra hop adds another layer of anonymity, especially useful in high-risk environments.

5. Does it work in China and other restricted countries?

Yes. The Stealth protocol is designed to bypass firewalls and VPN detection, making it a reliable option for use in places like China, UAE, or Iran.

6. Is it good for torrenting?

Yes, on paid plans. Peer-to-peer traffic is allowed on designated servers, which are clearly marked in the app. The free tier does not support file sharing.

7. Can you use this VPN on multiple devices?

Yes. The free plan allows one device at a time, while paid plans support up to ten simultaneous connections.

8. Does it block ads and trackers?

Yes. NetShield blocks ads, malware domains, and tracking scripts at the DNS level, helping you browse faster and more securely. It’s available only on paid plans.

9. Are browser extensions available?

No. While the apps cover all major platforms, there are no official browser extensions at this time.

10. Is it worth paying for the premium version?

Yes, if you need fast streaming, enhanced privacy features, and better global access, the upgrade is well worth it. The free plan is solid, but the full version unlocks the real value.

Proton VPN Review 2025

• 1Server Network & Protocols
• 2Pros and Cons
• 3Security & Privacy
• 4Real-World Performance
• 5Streaming & Content Access
• 6Threat Protection & Extras
• 7Pricing, Deals & Renewal Costs
• 8User Interface & Support
• 9Conclusion
• 10Have more questions?