ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Designed with privacy as its core principle, ProtonVPN combines strong encryption, a no-logs promise, and privacy-friendly jurisdiction to deliver a service aimed at users who want both security and ease of use. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s primary selling points is its Swiss base. Switzerland has robust privacy laws and is outside the direct jurisdiction of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, giving users an extra layer of legal protection. ProtonVPN states a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user activity or connection metadata. The company also publishes transparency reports and has subjected its apps and infrastructure to independent audits and open-source scrutiny, bolstering trust for privacy-conscious users. Key features ProtonVPN supports modern, secure protocols such as WireGuard and the traditional OpenVPN/IKEv2, offering a balance between speed and compatibility. Features that set it apart include Secure Core (multi-hop routing through privacy-friendly countries), built-in Tor over VPN for simple access to the Tor network, and NetShield — an optional DNS-level ad, tracker, and malware blocker available on some plans. ProtonVPN apps include a kill switch and DNS leak protection to prevent accidental exposure when a connection drops. Performance and streaming ProtonVPN offers both free and paid plans. The free tier provides basic access to a subset of servers with limited speed, making it a good entry point to test the service. Paid plans unlock faster servers, access to streaming-optimized locations, P2P-friendly servers, and Secure Core routing. With WireGuard and a large server network, ProtonVPN can deliver competitive speeds for browsing, streaming, and remote work, though performance depends on your location and chosen server. Usability and platforms Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, along with manual configuration options for routers. The interfaces are user-friendly yet provide advanced options like split tunneling on supported platforms, making ProtonVPN suitable for both beginners and power users. Who should consider ProtonVPN? ProtonVPN is well-suited for privacy-focused individuals, journalists, activists, and everyday users who want a trustworthy VPN backed by transparent policies and Swiss jurisdiction. It’s especially attractive if you value advanced privacy features like multi-hop routing or Tor integration. For those primarily seeking the absolute fastest speeds or the cheapest bulk option, there are alternatives focused more narrowly on throughput or price, but ProtonVPN provides a strong balance of privacy, security, and usability.