Proton VPN: Features, Privacy Protection, Free Plan and What Users Should Know

Choosing a VPN involves more than finding a service that can change an IP address. Users also need to understand how their internet traffic is protected, what information the provider collects, whether connection speeds remain usable, and which features are available without a paid subscription.

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service developed by the team behind Proton Mail. It combines encrypted connections, an independently audited no-logs policy, open-source applications, and additional security features designed for different browsing requirements.

However, not every feature is necessary for every user. Someone accessing public Wi-Fi has different requirements from someone trying to avoid tracking, bypass network restrictions, or use peer-to-peer connections. This guide examines how Proton VPN works, its most useful features, subscription differences, and practical limitations to help users decide whether it meets their requirements.

What Is Proton VPN and How Does It Work?

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service that encrypts internet traffic between a user’s device and a VPN server. Once connected, websites and online services generally see the VPN server’s IP address instead of the user’s original public IP address.

The service is operated by Proton AG, a Swiss technology company also known for developing Proton Mail and Proton Drive. A typical VPN connection involves three steps:

1. Connection: The user selects a VPN server or allows the application to choose one automatically.
2. Encryption: The application establishes an encrypted tunnel between the device and the selected server.
3. Traffic routing: Internet requests travel through the VPN server before reaching their intended destinations.

This arrangement provides two important benefits. First, it makes it harder for someone monitoring the local network, such as an operator of public Wi-Fi, to inspect the user’s internet traffic. Second, it replaces the user’s visible IP address with the VPN server’s address.

However, a VPN does not make someone completely anonymous. Websites can still identify users through account logins, browser fingerprinting, and tracking cookies. It also does not automatically protect against phishing or malicious downloads.

Proton VPN’s Key Features Explained

Proton VPN includes several security and connectivity features. Understanding their individual purposes is more useful than simply comparing the number of features offered by different providers.

1. Secure Core for Additional Network Protection

Secure Core is one of Proton VPN’s more distinctive security features. It uses a multi-hop routing arrangement in which internet traffic passes through a hardened Proton-operated server before reaching the selected exit server. For example, a user connecting to a US server through Secure Core might first route traffic through Switzerland or Iceland.

This additional routing layer makes it more difficult for an attacker monitoring the exit server’s network to associate the connection with the user’s original IP address. Secure Core servers are located in Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden. Proton operates these servers within hardened data centres and controls their underlying infrastructure.

When is it useful?

Secure Core is particularly relevant for journalists, researchers, privacy-conscious professionals and users concerned about sophisticated network surveillance.

The trade-off is that routing traffic through multiple servers can introduce additional latency. It is not necessarily the best setting for everyday browsing or activities where low latency is important.

2. NetShield Ad-Blocker

NetShield is Proton VPN’s DNS-filtering feature. It blocks connections to domains associated with advertisements, trackers, and malware.

Rather than waiting for an advertisement or tracking script to load, NetShield checks the relevant domain request and blocks connections to domains identified in its filtering categories. This can offer three practical advantages:

• Fewer advertisements and tracking requests on supported websites.
• Reduced exposure to domains associated with known malware.
• Potentially faster page loading when unnecessary requests are blocked.

However, NetShield is not a complete replacement for antivirus software or dedicated browser security tools. It cannot guarantee protection against every malicious website, newly registered domain or harmful file. It is also worth noting that NetShield is a paid-plan feature rather than a standard inclusion in the free subscription.

3. Stealth Protocol for Restricted Networks

Some networks actively identify and block VPN connections. This can happen on restrictive public networks, institutional Wi-Fi or in countries where VPN traffic faces additional restrictions. Proton VPN addresses this through its Stealth protocol.

Stealth is an obfuscation protocol based on WireGuard tunneled over TLS. Its purpose is to make VPN traffic harder to identify and block by making it resemble ordinary encrypted internet traffic. This can improve the chances of establishing a VPN connection on networks that restrict conventional VPN protocols.

However, Stealth does not guarantee access in every restricted environment. Network administrators and government filtering systems can use different blocking methods, and results depend on the network being accessed.

4. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection

A VPN connection can occasionally drop because of unstable internet access, server interruptions or network changes. Without additional protection, a device might reconnect to the internet through its regular connection, exposing its original IP address.

Proton VPN’s kill switch addresses this problem by blocking internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly disconnects. The application can then reconnect to a protected server.

DNS leak protection provides another layer of security. DNS requests help translate website names into IP addresses. If these requests travel outside the encrypted VPN tunnel, an internet service provider or another network observer may gain information about the websites being accessed.

Proton VPN routes DNS requests through its VPN infrastructure to reduce this risk. These features are particularly important for users who want consistent protection rather than simply activating a VPN when they remember.

5. Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows users to decide which applications or IP addresses use the VPN connection and which access the internet directly. For example, someone might route their browser and file-sharing application through Proton VPN while allowing a local banking application or printer connection to use the regular network.

This can prevent compatibility issues with certain websites and local network devices. The feature is available on supported platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its availability and implementation can differ between applications.

Proton VPN Free vs Paid Plans: What Is the Difference?

One of Proton VPN’s major advantages is that it offers a free plan without a monthly data allowance. This makes it different from many free VPN services that restrict usage or rely on advertising. However, the free subscription has limitations in server selection, simultaneous connections and advanced features.

Feature	Proton Free	Proton VPN Plus
Monthly price	$0	Paid subscription
Data allowance	Unlimited	Unlimited
Simultaneous devices	1	Up to 10
Server locations	10 countries, randomly selected	140+ countries
Connection speed	Medium	Highest available
Streaming support	Not included as a guaranteed feature	Included
P2P support	Not included	Included
NetShield	Not included	Included
Secure Core	Not included	Included
Kill switch	Included	Included
No-logs policy	Included	Included

Features and subscription terms are based on Proton’s published plan information. Availability can change.

What Does the Free Plan Actually Offer?

Proton VPN Free provides unlimited data, an audited no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, strong encryption, and a kill switch.

Free users can connect to servers in 10 countries, although the application selects the available server location rather than allowing unrestricted manual selection. Only one device can be connected at a time. This makes the free plan suitable for:

• Protecting connections on public Wi-Fi.
• Basic private browsing.
• Securing internet traffic while travelling.
• Testing the service before purchasing a subscription.

Its main limitation is flexibility. Users who want to select a specific country, access premium servers, or use streaming and P2P features will need a paid subscription.

When Is Proton VPN Plus Worth Paying For?

Proton VPN Plus is designed for users who need more control over their connections. It offers access to the full server network, up to 10 simultaneous device connections, higher speeds, Secure Core, NetShield, streaming support, and P2P functionality.

For someone who regularly connects multiple devices or needs a particular server location, these additions can justify the subscription. The service also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on eligible paid plans. Users should check the current billing and refund conditions before subscribing.

Is Proton VPN Safe? Understanding Its Privacy Policy and Audits

A VPN provider handles an important part of a user’s internet traffic. Therefore, its privacy policy, legal jurisdiction, and independently verified security practices deserve attention. Proton VPN has several measures intended to establish trust.

Swiss Jurisdiction

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which has a separate legal framework from the United States and the European Union. Swiss privacy protections are an important part of Proton’s approach. Under the applicable Swiss legal framework, Proton VPN is not required to retain user activity logs.

However, jurisdiction alone does not establish that a VPN is secure. The provider’s technical infrastructure and actual data-handling practices also matter.

Independently Audited No-Logs Policy

Proton VPN states that it does not record users’ browsing activity, traffic contents, IP addresses, or session lengths. More importantly, its no-logs claims have been examined by independent security firm Securitum.

In its 2026 audit update, Proton reported that the assessment found no technical evidence that the examined VPN server infrastructure recorded browsing activity, DNS queries, network traffic contents, or identifying connection metadata.

The publication of these audit findings allows users to examine evidence beyond the provider’s own privacy statements.

Transparency Reports

Proton also publishes information about legal requests for user data. Its transparency report records 59 legally binding orders concerning Proton VPN in 2025. All 59 were denied because the company stated that it did not possess the requested identifying connection information.

This is a useful distinction: a no-logs policy is a statement about what information a provider collects, while a transparency report shows how that policy relates to actual legal requests.

How Fast Is Proton VPN?

VPN performance depends on several factors, including the distance between the user and the selected server, network congestion, internet service provider routing, and the encryption protocol being used.

Proton VPN supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, among other connection options. WireGuard is generally a suitable starting point for users who want a balance of speed and security. The service also includes VPN Accelerator, a collection of technologies designed to improve performance, particularly over long-distance connections.

Proton advertises server connections of up to 10 Gbps. This refers to server infrastructure capacity, not a guaranteed download speed for individual users. Users can evaluate performance by comparing their regular internet speed with the speed achieved through nearby VPN servers. For a more useful comparison:

1. Run an internet speed test without the VPN.
2. Connect to a nearby Proton VPN server.
3. Repeat the test using the same speed-testing service.
4. Try another nearby server to check whether congestion is affecting performance.
5. Compare download speed, upload speed, and latency.

A small speed reduction is normal with VPN encryption and additional routing. The objective is to find a server that provides sufficient speed without compromising the protection required.

How to Set Up Proton VPN

Getting started does not require advanced networking knowledge.

Step 1: Create an account

Visit the official Proton VPN website and register for a free or paid subscription.

Step 2: Download the application

Choose the appropriate application for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS. Proton also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Step 3: Sign in

Open the application and enter your Proton account credentials.

Step 4: Select a server

Use Quick Connect for an automatically selected connection or choose an available location manually, depending on your subscription.

Step 5: Review security settings

Check that the kill switch is enabled and select an appropriate VPN protocol. Paid users can also explore Secure Core, NetShield, and split tunneling.

Step 6: Verify your connection

After connecting, check your public IP address and DNS settings using a reputable leak-testing website. The displayed IP address should correspond to the VPN connection rather than your regular internet connection.

What Are the Limitations of Proton VPN?

Despite its extensive security features, Proton VPN is not a perfect solution for every situation. Some practical limitations include:

• Free server restrictions: Free users cannot freely select from the complete server network.
• Streaming availability: Streaming services regularly update their VPN detection systems, so access can vary by server and platform.
• Additional latency: Secure Core and long-distance server connections can affect performance.
• Platform differences: Features such as split tunneling and port forwarding are not available in the same way across all operating systems.
• No complete anonymity: A VPN does not prevent tracking through account activity, browser fingerprinting, or cookies.
• Subscription costs: Advanced features require a paid plan, and promotional pricing may change when the subscription renews.

These limitations are worth considering before choosing a plan. A VPN should be evaluated according to the problems it can realistically solve, not the number of security features listed on its website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Proton VPN

Is Proton VPN completely free?

Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited data, no advertisements, and an audited no-logs policy. However, server selection, simultaneous connections, and advanced features are restricted compared with paid subscriptions.

Does Proton VPN hide your IP address?

Yes. When connected successfully, Proton VPN replaces the public IP address visible to websites with the IP address of its VPN server. This helps prevent websites from directly identifying the user’s original network IP address.

Can Proton VPN be used for streaming?

Proton VPN Plus includes streaming support and access to a wider server network. However, access to individual streaming platforms can vary depending on their VPN detection systems, server availability, and regional licensing restrictions.

Does Proton VPN keep browsing history?

Proton VPN states that it does not log browsing history, traffic contents, IP addresses, or session lengths. Its no-logs policy has also undergone independent technical audits.

How many devices can use Proton VPN?

The free plan supports one simultaneous connection, while Proton VPN Plus supports up to 10 devices at the same time.

Is Proton VPN better than a free VPN?

It can be a stronger option than free VPN services that depend on advertisements, impose restrictive data limits, or provide limited transparency about data collection. However, users should evaluate each provider’s privacy policy, independent audits, and technical capabilities rather than assuming every free VPN operates in the same way.

Final Verdict

Proton VPN stands out through its combination of an unlimited free plan, independently audited no-logs policy, open-source applications, and advanced privacy features. Its free subscription provides meaningful protection for everyday browsing, while Proton VPN Plus offers greater flexibility for streaming, P2P connections, multiple devices and specific server selection.

Secure Core, NetShield and Stealth also address different security and connectivity requirements rather than serving as interchangeable features. Ultimately, Proton VPN is worth considering for users who prioritise privacy, transparent data practices and control over their internet connections. The free plan is a reasonable starting point, while the paid subscription makes more sense for those who regularly need its advanced capabilities.