protonvpn free

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same team behind Proton Mail. Built around privacy and transparency, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, private access to the internet while minimizing data collection and maximizing user control. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s core selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has strong privacy protections and is outside of EU and US intelligence alliances, which can make it harder for providers to be compelled to hand over user data. ProtonVPN also promotes a strict no-logs policy, meaning it says it does not record users’ online activity. The company has taken steps to increase transparency, including publishing information about its privacy practices and making many of its apps open source and subject to independent security reviews. Security and protocols ProtonVPN supports modern, secure VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard provides a good balance of performance and cryptographic strength, while OpenVPN and IKEv2 offer broad compatibility. Standard security features include AES-256 encryption, a kill switch to stop network activity if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on supported platforms. For users who want an extra layer of protection, ProtonVPN offers “Secure Core” — a multi-hop routing option that sends traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the wider internet, reducing the risk of traffic correlation attacks. Features and usability ProtonVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus support for certain routers. The apps are user-friendly with quick-connect options and server browsing by country, purpose (P2P, streaming), or speed. ProtonVPN has specialized servers for torrenting, streaming, and Tor over VPN (direct access to the Tor network through designated VPN servers), making it versatile for different use cases. There’s also a free tier with limited servers and speeds, which is a useful way to try the service without commitment. Performance and considerations In reviews, ProtonVPN typically shows solid performance, especially when using WireGuard. Pricing is competitive at higher tiers, though some advanced features require paid plans. While ProtonVPN emphasizes privacy, users should consider their specific needs — such as maximum streaming compatibility or the absolute fastest speeds — and compare plans accordingly. Overall, ProtonVPN is a strong option for users who prioritize privacy, transparency, and a feature set that includes Secure Core, Tor integration, and audited, open-source apps.