ProtonVPN Review: Secure & Private Browsing in 2025?

Frustrated with geo-restrictions and privacy concerns while browsing online?

ProtonVPN might be your solution.

This VPN service, developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, emphasizes security and privacy.

But does it live up to the hype?

In this review, we’ll examine ProtonVPN’s features, pricing, and performance in depth to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for you in 2024.

What is ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is a Virtual Private Network service offered by the same folks behind ProtonMail, a secure email provider.

Think of it as a secure tunnel for your internet connection.

When you use the internet, your data travels through the internet service provider (ISP), who can see everything you do.

A VPN like ProtonVPN encrypts your connection and routes it through ProtonVPN servers worldwide, hiding your online activity from your ISP and anyone else trying to snoop.

This also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions & access content that might be blocked in the region.

ProtonVPN includes a VPN accelerator that can increase your VPN speeds by up to 400%, making it ideal for streaming and downloading.

Who Created ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN was created by Andy Yen and a team of scientists who met at CERN in 2014.

They believed everyone has a right to privacy online.

That’s why they first built Proton Mail, a secure email service.

They then created ProtonVPN to protect your internet connection, not just your emails.

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws.

They want to be one of the most trusted VPN providers in the world. They offer a free VPN plan so everyone can access a safe and private internet.

They also have many VPN servers worldwide to provide the best possible connection.

Top Benefits of ProtonVPN

This Proton VPN review wouldn’t be complete without highlighting its key advantages:

• Strong Security and Privacy: ProtonVPN utilizes strong VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard to create an encrypted VPN tunnel for your internet traffic. This ensures your data, including your ISP and potential hackers, are protected from prying eyes.
• Global Server Network: With Proton VPN servers in over 60 countries, you can simply bypass geo-restrictions and access content worldwide. This extensive server network also helps ensure fast speeds and reliable connections.
• Secure Core Servers: For an bigger layer of protection, ProtonVPN offers Secure Core servers that route the traffic through multiple servers in privacy friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland.
• Split Tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to easily choose which apps use the VPN tunnel & which use your regular internet connection. This helps access local network devices while enjoying the benefits of VPN services.
• Easy-to-Use App: The Proton VPN app is available for various devices & operating systems, making it easy to set up and use.
• Mask Your IP Address: Proton VPN masks your IP address with one from your chosen VPN server location. This helps protect your online identity and location privacy.
• Integration with ProtonMail: If you’re a ProtonMail user, you’ll appreciate the seamless integration with ProtonVPN.
• High-Speed Connections: ProtonVPN offers high-speed connections optimized for streaming and downloading, thanks partly to its VPN accelerator.
• Commitment to Transparency: Proton Services is committed to transparency and open-source software, which builds trust and allows for independent security audits.

Best Features of ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers so many features designed to improve your online privacy and security.

Here are some of the standout features that make it a compelling choice: 

1. Hide Your IP

ProtonVPN masks your actual IP address with one from its servers.

This makes it appear that you’re browsing from a different location, protecting your identity and making it harder for websites and trackers to monitor your online activity.

This is crucial for maintaining your privacy and accessing geo-restricted content. 

2. Swiss Legal Protection

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country renowned for its strong privacy laws.

This means your data is protected by some of the strictest privacy regulations in the world, outside the jurisdiction of the Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliance. 

3. No-Logs Policy

ProtonVPN has a strict no logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your browsing activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses.

This ensures that the online activity remains private and cannot be shared with third parties. 

4. NetShield Ad-blocker

ProtonVPN’s NetShield feature acts as an ad blocker, preventing annoying ads and pop-ups from disrupting your browsing experience.

It also protects you from malware and phishing attempts by blocking known malicious websites. 

5. DNS Leak Protection

ProtonVPN includes DNS leak protection to prevent the DNS requests from being exposed to the ISP.

This ensures your browsing activity remains private and secure, even if the connection to the server is interrupted. 

Pricing

ProtonVPN offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing structure:

Plan	Price (per month)	Features
Free	Free	3 VPN server locations, Medium speeds, 1 device connection, No data limits
Plus	€9.99	All Free plan features,10 device connections, Access to all server locations, High-speed connections, Streaming support, P2P/BitTorrent support, Secure Core servers, VPN Accelerator
Unlimited	€12.99	All Plus plan features, Proton Mail Visionary account, Proton Drive Visionary account, Proton Calendar Visionary account

Pros and Cons

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of ProtonVPN is crucial for making an informed decision.

Let’s explore what makes it shine and where it might fall short.

Alternatives of ProtonVPN

While ProtonVPN is a strong contender in the VPN market, it’s not the only option.

Here are a few alternatives worth considering:

• NordVPN: Known for its extensive server network and strong security features, NordVPN is a popular choice for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich VPN. They also offer a dedicated IP option.
• Surfshark: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark is an excellent choice. It also boasts strong security and a wide range of features.
• ExpressVPN: Consistently ranked among the fastest VPNs, ExpressVPN is a solid option for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions. It’s also known for its user-friendly interface and strong security protocols.
• CyberGhost: CyberGhost focuses on streaming and torrenting. It offers optimized servers for various online activities, a large server network, and user-friendly apps.
• Mullvad: A privacy-focused VPN with a strong commitment to anonymity, Mullvad is a good choice for users who prioritize data protection. It offers a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and a variety of payment options, including cash.

Personal Experience with ProtonVPN

My team and I recently adopted ProtonVPN for all our work-related online activities, and we’ve been thoroughly impressed with its performance.

We needed a VPN that could provide robust security while allowing us to access region-locked research materials and collaborate seamlessly across borders.

ProtonVPN delivered on all fronts.

Here’s how ProtonVPN helped us achieve our goals:

• Secure Core Servers: We utilized the Secure Core servers to add an bigger layer of protection when accessing sensitive data and conducting confidential online meetings. This feature gave us peace of mind, knowing our information was shielded from threats. 
• High-Speed Connections: ProtonVPN’s high-speed connections, facilitated by the VPN accelerator, allowed us to collaborate effectively on large file transfers and video conferences without noticeable lag. 
• Split Tunneling: The split tunneling feature proved invaluable for our team members who needed to access local network resources while maintaining a secure connection for other work-related activities.
• Global Server Network: With team members in different countries, ProtonVPN’s extensive server network enabled us to bypass geo-restrictions and access the resources we needed, regardless of location. 
• Easy-to-Use App: The intuitive ProtonVPN app made it easy for everyone on the team to set up and use the VPN across various devices, streamlining our workflow. 

Overall, ProtonVPN has been a game-changer for our team. It provides the security, speed, and flexibility we need to enhance our productivity and online safety.

Final Thoughts

ProtonVPN is a solid choice for privacy-conscious users seeking a secure and reliable VPN.

Its strong encryption, no-logs policy, and Swiss jurisdiction offer excellent protection for your online activity.

While the pricing might be higher than some competitors, the peace of mind and advanced features, such as Secure Core servers and a built-in ad-blocker, make it a worthwhile investment.

Ultimately, our best VPN depends on your needs and priorities.

If you value privacy, security, and ease of use, ProtonVPN is worth considering.

Ready to experience a safer and more private internet?

Visit ProtonVPN’s website today and choose the plan that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions