⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: ProtonVPN starts at $0/month (free) with paid plans from $2.99/mo. Aura starts at $12/mo for individuals.
- Best for: ProtonVPN for dedicated VPN protection and privacy. Aura for all-in-one identity theft protection with a bundled VPN.
- Key difference: ProtonVPN is a full-featured VPN service with 8,600+ servers. Aura is an identity protection suite that includes a basic VPN.
- Our pick: ProtonVPN for most users who need a VPN — it offers stronger privacy, more servers, and better value for VPN-specific needs.
ProtonVPN and Aura solve very different problems.
One is a dedicated VPN service built for privacy.
The other is an identity theft protection suite with a VPN add-on.
Picking the right one depends on what you need most.
This comparison breaks down every key difference.
One is a virtual private network built for privacy. The other is an identity theft protection service with added protection for your digital life.
Overview
This ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN comparison covers pricing, features, and ease of use.
We also break down who each tool works best for.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits your needs.
Proton VPN offers strong privacy at a low price. Proton VPN’s server network covers 112 countries.
Is Proton VPN good? Yes, for streaming and torrenting.
Is Proton VPN easy to learn? Yes, even for beginners. Proton VPN passed third-party audits.
Proton VPN support staff responds through email. You can learn more on Proton VPN’s website.
What is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a VPN service built by Proton Technologies AG.
The company is based in Switzerland under strict privacy laws.
It routes your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel.
This hides your IP address from your internet service provider.
ProtonVPN has over 8,600 VPN servers across 112 countries.
It supports VPN connections on up to 10 devices at once.
ProtonVPN offers DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and Tor servers for extra anonymity. The strict no logs policy means ProtonVPN does not store IP addresses or IP logs. You can also use the Proton VPN app on Android TV and other iOS devices.
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with a verified no-logs policy. Includes a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. Paid plans unlock 8,600+ servers and Secure Core routing.
ProtonVPN Pricing
ProtonVPN keeps pricing simple with three plans.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | Basic browsing and privacy |
| Plus | $2.99/month | Full VPN features and streaming |
| Unlimited | $7.99/month | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No traditional free trial, but the free plan has no time limit. You can use it forever with no credit card needed.
Money-back guarantee: ProtonVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
📌 Note: The Plus plan at $2.99/month is only available on the 2-year billing cycle. Monthly billing costs $9.99/month. The Unlimited plan bundles Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Proton Pass.
⚠️ Warning: Subscriptions auto-renew at the regular price after the initial discounted term. Disable auto-renewal before expiration to avoid paying the full $9.99/month rate.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s what makes ProtonVPN worth considering:
- Swiss Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. Not part of any international surveillance alliances.
- Verified No-Logs Policy: Third-party audits confirm ProtonVPN does not store user activity data. All Proton apps are open-source for transparency.
- Secure Core Servers: Routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free VPN Plan: Unlimited bandwidth with no ads. Available on all major platforms with no credit card required.
- VPN Accelerator: Speeds up connections using advanced networking techniques. Helps reduce slowdowns on distant servers.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Works across all connected devices.
- Wide Protocol Support: Works with OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and the Stealth protocol for bypassing censorship.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for ProtonVPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads
- Swiss jurisdiction with audited no-logs policy
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for global coverage
- Open-source apps on all platforms including Linux
- Secure Core and Stealth protocol for censorship bypass
❌ Cons
- Free plan limited to servers in a few countries
- Secure Core servers can slow down internet speeds
- No dedicated IP address option available
- Customer support lacks 24/7 live chat
💡 Pro Tip: ProtonVPN’s free tier is different from other free VPNs. Most free VPN providers sell your data or show ads. ProtonVPN’s free version does neither. If you want a premium VPN experience, the Plus plan at $2.99/month unlocks all Proton VPN servers, the VPN Accelerator, and Secure Core. ProtonVPN passed independent security audits, which makes it easy to trust compared to other VPN services. The Proton VPN app is available as a Windows app, Android app, Linux app, and iOS app for mobile device use.
What is AuraVPN?
Aura is an all-in-one digital security platform.
It bundles identity theft protection, antivirus software, and a VPN.
The VPN is one feature inside a larger identity protection service.
Aura also includes credit monitoring, a password manager, and dark web scanning.
It’s designed for people who want broad protection from a single subscription.
Aura helps protect your online accounts, financial accounts, and sensitive information from identity thieves. The platform monitors data broker sites and removes your personal information from them. It also includes spam list removal and address monitoring. The family plans cover multiple adults, and Aura’s identity theft protections extend to every adult member on the plan.
AuraVPN
All-in-one identity protection with built-in VPN, antivirus, and password manager. Every plan includes $1M identity theft insurance and 3-bureau credit monitoring.
AuraVPN Pricing
Aura offers four plans based on how many people you protect.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kids | $10/month | Parental controls and child safety |
| Individual | $12/month | Solo users wanting full protection |
| Couple | $22/month | Two adults sharing one subscription |
| Family | $32/month | Up to 5 adults plus unlimited children |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Yes, Aura offers a 14-day free trial on all plans. No credit card is required to start.
Money-back guarantee: Aura provides a 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.
📌 Note: All Aura plans include the same core features. The only difference is how many people are covered. Every adult member gets $1M identity theft insurance.
⚠️ Warning: Introductory pricing may increase at renewal. Check renewal rates before committing to an annual plan. Aura does not have a free VPN-only tier.
Key Benefits of AuraVPN
Here’s what makes Aura worth considering:
- Identity Theft Insurance: Every adult member gets up to $1M coverage for eligible losses and legal fees from identity theft.
- 3-Bureau Credit Monitoring: Monitors your Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion credit files. Alerts you to new inquiries and suspicious activity.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Scans dark web sources for your personal information. Sends alerts if your data appears in breaches.
- Bundled Antivirus: Includes real-time malware protection for Windows, Mac, and Android. Detection rates score between 98% and 100% in tests.
- Password Manager: Stores passwords securely across devices. Alerts you if credentials appear in data breaches.
- Parental Controls: Filter harmful sites, set screen time limits, and monitor safe gaming. Available on Family and Kids plans. Aura monitored children’s online activity for dangerous sites and data breaches.
- Data Broker Removal: Aura helps remove your personal information from data brokers and people search sites. This reduces the risk of identity thieves getting your data.
- Credit Lock: Instantly lock your Experian file to prevent unauthorized credit inquiries. Aura also monitors your annual credit report across all three bureaus for most credit inquiries.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Aura and spent several days testing the platform. Here’s what stood out from that experience:
AuraVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- All-in-one platform with VPN, antivirus, and identity protection
- $1M identity theft insurance per adult member
- 3-bureau credit monitoring included in every plan
- 60-day money-back guarantee and 14-day free trial
- Family plan covers up to 5 adults and unlimited children
❌ Cons
- VPN lacks a kill switch feature
- Cannot choose specific VPN server locations
- No free VPN-only plan available
- Antivirus lacks firewall and scheduled scan options
Feature Comparison
ProtonVPN and Aura take very different approaches to online security. Let’s compare them across 9 key areas to see which tool fits your needs.
| Feature | ProtonVPN | AuraVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/month (Free) | $12/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ (14-day trial only) |
| Server Network | 8,600+ in 112 countries | 100+ virtual locations |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Identity Protection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Credit Monitoring | ❌ | ✅ (3-bureau) |
| Antivirus | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For | Privacy-focused VPN users | Identity theft protection |
1. VPN Server Network
ProtonVPN: Offers over 8,600 VPN servers spread across 112 countries. All servers are physically operated by Proton. You can pick any server location you want, including dedicated servers for P2P file sharing and Tor network access.
AuraVPN: Provides over 100 virtual locations for accessing global content. However, Aura’s VPN does not let you choose a specific VPN server. The app assigns a server automatically based on your location.
2. Privacy and No-Logs Policy
ProtonVPN: Has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent third-party audits. Based in Switzerland under some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. All apps are open-source, so anyone can inspect the code for security issues.
AuraVPN: Maintains a no-logs policy for browsing history. However, Aura may temporarily log your IP address during a session. No independent audit of the VPN’s no-logs claims has been published.
3. Security Features
ProtonVPN: Includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Secure Core servers for double-hop routing. This double VPN approach routes internet traffic through two servers. The NetShield feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites at the DNS level. It also prevents DNS leaks from exposing your browsing to your internet service provider. ProtonVPN supports multiple VPN protocols including WireGuard and the Stealth protocol. A DNS leak test confirms that ProtonVPN keeps your encrypted tunnel secure.
AuraVPN: Uses encryption to protect your internet connection. Blocks known malicious sites and phishing attempts. However, Aura’s VPN lacks a kill switch, which means your real IP address could leak if the VPN connection drops.
⚠️ Warning: A missing kill switch is a deal-breaker for users who need reliable VPN protection. Without it, your data could be exposed during connection drops.
4. Identity Theft Protection
ProtonVPN: Does not include identity theft protection services. ProtonVPN focuses only on VPN functionality. For identity monitoring, you would need a separate service.
AuraVPN: Identity protection is Aura’s core strength. It monitors your personal information across billions of data points. Aura monitors bank accounts, credit reports, and dark web sources. Every adult member gets $1M identity theft insurance to cover eligible losses and legal fees. Aura’s VPN provides safe browsing while the platform watches for financial fraud and financial transactions linked to your accounts. Aura also includes investment account monitoring and home title monitoring for added protection.
5. Credit Monitoring and Financial Protection
ProtonVPN: Does not offer credit monitoring or financial fraud protection. This is outside the scope of a VPN service.
AuraVPN: Includes 3-bureau credit monitoring across Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Alerts you to credit fraud and suspicious financial transactions. You can lock your Experian credit file instantly. Also monitors investment accounts and home title for signs of fraud.
6. Antivirus and Malware Protection
ProtonVPN: Does not include antivirus software. NetShield blocks dangerous sites and trackers at the network level, but it’s not a full antivirus. You would need separate antivirus software.
AuraVPN: Includes Aura antivirus with real time malware protection. Detection rates scored between 98% and 100% in independent tests, catching most malware threats. Available for Windows, Mac, and Android. However, the antivirus lacks a firewall and scheduled scan options. The real time protection runs in the background on your operating system.
7. Streaming and Torrenting
ProtonVPN: Unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Dedicated servers handle P2P file sharing for torrenting. Port forwarding is available for faster download speeds. ProtonVPN is good for streaming compared to other VPN providers. ProtonVPN’s website lists all supported server locations.
AuraVPN: Aura’s VPN is not built for streaming or torrenting. It allows P2P traffic but lacks a kill switch, making torrenting risky. The VPN is better suited for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.
8. Device Compatibility
ProtonVPN: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. The Proton VPN app supports up to 10 devices on a single account. A Linux app is available for Linux users who need native support.
AuraVPN: Available for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. The Individual plan supports up to 10 devices per user. The Family plan allows up to 50 devices across 5 adults. No Linux or smart TV app available.
9. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | AuraVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | ❌ (14-day trial) |
| Basic / Individual | $2.99/month (Plus) | $12/month |
| Premium / Couple | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | $22/month |
| Family | ❌ | $32/month |
ProtonVPN: The free plan is hard to beat for budget-conscious users. The Plus plan at $2.99/month gives you full access to every VPN feature. Even the Unlimited plan at $7.99/month costs less than Aura’s cheapest tier.
AuraVPN: At $12/month, Aura costs more than ProtonVPN. But you get a VPN, antivirus, credit monitoring, and identity protection in one subscription. If you would pay separately for each of those services, Aura can save money. Aura offers a 60-day money back guarantee and other features like Aura’s password manager and credit lock. You can test Aura with the 14-day free trial before Aura installed on all your devices. The same core features come with every plan — there are no tiered restrictions or add on upsells.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A dedicated VPN with strong privacy | ProtonVPN | Audited no-logs, Swiss jurisdiction |
| Identity theft protection | AuraVPN | $1M insurance, credit monitoring |
| A free VPN option | ProtonVPN | Free plan with unlimited bandwidth |
| Streaming and torrenting | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ servers, P2P support |
| All-in-one security suite | AuraVPN | VPN + antivirus + identity guard |
| Parental controls for kids | AuraVPN | Screen time limits, safe gaming |
| A tight budget | ProtonVPN | Free tier or $2.99/month paid |
💰 Your Budget
ProtonVPN wins on price. The free plan costs nothing, and the Plus plan is $2.99/month. Aura starts at $12/month with no free tier. Among VPN companies, ProtonVPN is not an expensive VPN — it’s cheaper than the vast majority of premium VPN providers.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ProtonVPN works on more platforms, including Linux and smart TVs. A Linux user can run the native Linux app. Aura covers Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android but skips Linux and Android TV. ProtonVPN also has a Windows app and Android app for each operating system.
🛡️ Your Security Priorities
If you mainly need a secure VPN, ProtonVPN is the clear choice. If you need identity monitoring and credit protection, Aura covers that gap.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both are easy to set up. ProtonVPN gives you more control over server selection and protocols. Aura automates most settings for a hands-off experience.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN offers a permanent free plan with no time limit. Aura gives you a 14-day free trial plus a 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.
🛟 Support Options
Aura provides 24/7 customer support with U.S.-based fraud specialists. ProtonVPN support staff handles queries through email and a help center, but lacks live chat support.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to AuraVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Identity theft protection with $1M insurance coverage
- 3-bureau credit monitoring and dark web scanning
- Bundled antivirus and password manager
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Large server network with 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
- Kill switch, Secure Core, and advanced VPN protocols
- Linux app and smart TV support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription in account settings
- Sign up for Aura’s 14-day free trial at aura.com
- Install the Aura app on your devices and complete the identity setup
🔄 Switching from AuraVPN to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 8,600+ servers across 112 countries with manual server selection
- Kill switch, Secure Core routing, and Stealth protocol
- Free plan option with unlimited bandwidth
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Identity theft protection and $1M insurance
- Credit monitoring and financial fraud alerts
- Bundled antivirus and parental controls
📋 How to switch:
- Request a refund from Aura within the 60-day guarantee window
- Create a free ProtonVPN account at protonvpn.com
- Download the Proton VPN app and connect to any server
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small families. We didn’t test enterprise-level deployments or evaluate how either tool handles large team accounts. Router-level VPN setup wasn’t part of this review. If you need a VPN for a business network or advanced configurations, your experience may differ from what we’ve described here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | ProtonVPN |
| 🛡️ VPN Privacy | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming & Torrenting | ProtonVPN |
| 🔐 Identity Protection | AuraVPN |
| 💳 Credit Monitoring | AuraVPN |
| 👶 Family Features | AuraVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused browsing, streaming, torrenting, and budget-conscious users.
ProtonVPN and Aura serve very different audiences. ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN provider with a huge server network and strong privacy credentials. Aura is a digital security suite where the VPN is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Aura is the better choice if identity theft protection and credit monitoring are your top priority. The $1M insurance and 3-bureau monitoring make it a strong pick for financial security.
However, if you need a VPN for privacy, streaming, or bypassing censorship, ProtonVPN delivers far more value. It costs less, offers more servers, and has stronger security features like a kill switch and Secure Core routing.
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan availability, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Larger server count, faster average speeds, 24/7 live chat support
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Lower pricing, free tier, audited no-logs transparency
ExpressVPN wins on: More polished interface, broader router support, consistent streaming performance
ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Stronger privacy credentials, Secure Core double-hop, free plan
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited device connections, CleanWeb ad-blocker
ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost
ProtonVPN wins on: Open-source codebase, Stealth protocol for censorship, Swiss-based privacy
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers by platform, longer money-back guarantee (45 days), cheaper annual plans
More of AuraVPN Compared
Here’s how Aura stacks up against other identity protection services:
AuraVPN vs NordVPN
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft insurance, credit monitoring, bundled antivirus
NordVPN wins on: Faster VPN speeds, much larger server network, dedicated streaming support
AuraVPN vs ExpressVPN
AuraVPN wins on: All-in-one protection suite, $1M insurance, data broker removal
ExpressVPN wins on: VPN speed and reliability, broader device compatibility, kill switch included
AuraVPN vs PrivadoVPN
AuraVPN wins on: Identity and credit monitoring, password manager, family plan coverage
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free VPN option with 10GB data, lower VPN-only pricing, more server locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Yes. ProtonVPN passed independent security audits and has a verified no-logs policy. It uses AES-256 encryption and is based in Switzerland. All Proton apps are open-source. For a full Proton VPN review, check our dedicated review page. ProtonVPN’s website has a transparency report showing how few legal requests they fulfill. ProtonVPN is good for both beginners and advanced users. ProtonVPN is easy to set up — it takes about two minutes. ProtonVPN offers three plans including a free tier. ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy means your data stays private. ProtonVPN support staff handles inquiries through email tickets.
Is Aura a good VPN?
Aura’s VPN works for basic browsing on public Wi-Fi. However, it lacks key features like a kill switch and manual server selection. If you need a VPN as your main privacy tool, a dedicated VPN provider is a better choice.
Is Proton VPN actually free?
Yes. The free version offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads. It limits you to servers in a few countries and one device at a time. No credit card is needed to sign up.
Is Aura worth the monthly cost?
Aura is worth it if you need identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and antivirus in one package. The Individual plan costs $12/month. If you only need a VPN, there are cheaper options.
Can Proton VPN unblock streaming services?
Yes. ProtonVPN can access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It has dedicated servers for streaming. Aura’s VPN is not designed for blocking access to geo-restricted content and may not unblock streaming platforms. Does Proton VPN work for streaming? Yes — it works well across other VPN services in the same category. ProtonVPN is easy to set up on any mobile device.
What is the difference between ProtonVPN and Aura?
ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN company focused on encrypted tunnel connections and secure VPN access. Aura is an identity theft protection service that bundles a VPN, antivirus software, and credit monitoring. ProtonVPN offers Proton services like Proton Mail and Proton apps as part of the Unlimited plan. Aura offers unique features like credit scoring systems monitoring and Aura plans that cover family plans with multiple adults.
Is Aura worth the price compared to ProtonVPN?
Aura is worth it if identity protection is your main concern. It provides the same score of protection across all plans with no tiered restrictions. ProtonVPN delivers better value as a standalone VPN provider. If you only need internet speeds protected by an encrypted VPN tunnel, ProtonVPN is the cheaper and stronger option. Aura’s day money back guarantee gives you 60 days to test Aura risk-free.
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