ProtonVPN Review

Quick Verdict

ProtonVPN is one of the most trustworthy and privacy-focused VPNs in 2025, offering audited no-log policies, Secure Core multi-hop routing, and full open-source transparency. It’s fast, secure, and one of the few VPNs that balances ethical credibility with robust functionality. While not as flashy or cheap as others, ProtonVPN is a serious contender for users who value true digital freedom.

✔ Best for: Privacy-first users, journalists, power users, and activists

✘ Not ideal for: Budget-conscious streamers or those needing a more casual plug-and-play VPN

Pros and Cons

Privacy and Logging Policy

Privacy is where ProtonVPN shines. Headquartered in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, ProtonVPN benefits from protections not available in Five or Fourteen Eyes jurisdictions.

Their strict no-logs policy has been independently audited by Securitum, and the results confirm that the company does not store any identifying logs. ProtonVPN is also transparently operated by Proton AG, the same company behind ProtonMail, and publishes annual transparency reports disclosing any legal requests.

All ProtonVPN apps are fully open-source, and the infrastructure includes diskless (RAM-only) servers, ensuring no data persists between sessions. This makes ProtonVPN one of the most trustworthy VPNs available today.

Streaming Capabilities

While ProtonVPN doesn’t market itself primarily as a streaming VPN, its Plus plan performs reliably when unblocking major streaming platforms.

Streaming access with the Plus Plan (2025)

Streaming servers are not labeled in the UI, but the smart routing does a good job of connecting users to appropriate regions. You’ll need a Plus subscription to access these features — the Free and Basic plans don’t support streaming.

Speed and Performance

With the implementation of WireGuard protocol, ProtonVPN has significantly improved its performance. Connections are fast, stable, and reliable on most servers — particularly in Europe and North America.

Speed test results (based on 500 Mbps baseline, WireGuard):

Secure Core servers, which route traffic through hardened datacenters in privacy-friendly countries, are slower due to double encryption, but still usable for secure browsing.

Security and Encryption

ProtonVPN offers military-grade AES-256 encryption, SHA-512 authentication, and strong forward secrecy. It also supports a suite of modern VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.

Security features include:

• Secure Core: Routes traffic through multiple servers to prevent correlation attacks

• Kill switch and Always-on VPN

• DNS leak protection and IPv6 leak protection

• Tor over VPN: Direct access to .onion sites via Tor servers

• Perfect Forward Secrecy

• RAM-only servers for all data operations

This combination of tools makes ProtonVPN one of the most secure options on the market, particularly for users under surveillance or operating in restrictive countries.

Server Network and Locations

ProtonVPN has a smaller but well-curated server network, prioritizing quality and security over sheer numbers.

Server stats (as of 2025):

• 3,000+ servers

• 85+ countries

• All servers owned or colocated (no third-party hosting)

• High-security Secure Core datacenters in Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland

While it lacks the sheer volume of providers like CyberGhost or PIA, ProtonVPN’s servers are fast, reliable, and completely diskless — which matters far more to privacy-minded users.

User Experience and Interface

ProtonVPN offers a clean, modern, and highly visual interface across all platforms. You can select servers via a world map or country list, toggle Secure Core, and view live session data.

Available apps:

• Windows, macOS, Linux (GUI & CLI)

• iOS and Android

• Android TV

• Chromebook

• Routers (via manual setup or OpenVPN config)

Apps support auto-connect, profile creation, and protocol selection. All are fully open-source, regularly updated, and translated into multiple languages.

The one downside? No live chat support — help is available only through email or community forums, which can mean delays for urgent issues.

Torrenting and P2P

ProtonVPN allows P2P and torrenting on designated servers, available to all paying users. These are optimized for speed and privacy and are clearly marked in the app.

Key torrenting features:

• Dedicated P2P servers

• No bandwidth limits

• Kill switch and Always-on VPN

• Diskless servers for safe file sharing

• SOCKS5 not available (privacy-first design choice)

ProtonVPN is ideal for privacy-conscious torrenters, but if you need port forwarding or ultra-high-speed P2P performance, providers like PIA may be better.

Device Compatibility

ProtonVPN supports up to 10 devices on its Plus and Unlimited plans. Its device compatibility is excellent, with apps for all major platforms and manual configuration support for routers, consoles, and IoT devices.

You can also install ProtonVPN on a router to protect all devices on your network with a single connection.

Additional Features

ProtonVPN is packed with thoughtful, security-enhancing extras that appeal to power users.

Notable extras

These features combine to make ProtonVPN one of the most ethical and technically advanced VPN services available.

Pricing and Plans

ProtonVPN offers multiple tiers, including one of the best free VPN plans on the market — though advanced features are only available to paid users.

Pricing (July 2025)

Annual and 2-year plans offer significant discounts. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions