Pros
Excellent privateness and transparency
Blazing-fast speeds
Exceptional for streaming
Generous world server community
Open-source apps
Linux GUI app
10 simultaneous connections
The finest free plan in the marketplace
Cons
No 24/7 dwell chat but
App design could possibly be extra user-friendly
Confusing MacOS kill swap design
While most free VPNs are at finest underwhelming and at worst harmful, Proton VPN is the uncommon exception to the rule. Its free plan limits how one can join, nevertheless it doesn’t impose any month-to-month utilization restrictions, promote your information or plaster your display with advertisements, making it hands-down one of the best free VPN in the marketplace. And in case you’re prepared to shell out for the corporate’s paid plan, you’ll take pleasure in an all-around excellent VPN. I put Proton VPN by means of the wringer by operating over 250 web pace checks, making an attempt its apps on a number of units and scrutinizing its privateness coverage. I additionally checked for DNS leaks, tried all main options and streamed a number of hours of films and TV exhibits to evaluate its geo-unblocking capabilities. I talked with Proton VPN representatives by way of electronic mail and over video calls throughout my analysis.Whether you’re a Netflix streaming junkie, a frequent worldwide traveler or somebody with critical privateness considerations, Proton VPN is a compelling alternative. Proton VPN’s premium tiers do nearly all the pieces properly, from delivering quick speeds and glorious streaming assist to offering options like discreet app icons and a proprietary VPN protocol that caters to privacy-critical customers. Although Proton is intuitive, its apps aren’t fairly as user-friendly as these of opponents like NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. And regardless of Proton’s give attention to privateness, I used to be disillusioned in its MacOS kill swap, which wasn’t as clear about its limitations when switching servers because it ought to have been. I introduced this to Proton’s consideration, and the corporate promised a repair with an appropriately worded warning between connections in its subsequent MacOS app replace. Overall, Proton VPN is one of the best free VPN in the marketplace, with a strong premium tier for folk who want extra servers and higher streaming capabilities.Proton VPN pace: Lightning-quickAverage pace loss: 15.8%Number of servers: 11,800-plusNumber of nations: 117Whether you’re on a blazing-fast fiber-optic connection, unreliable satellite tv for pc web or one thing in between, Proton VPN ought to provide the bulk of your commonplace bandwidth. All VPNs decrease your web pace considerably. Normally, your internet-connected units talk immediately together with your ISP’s DNS servers, however once you’re utilizing a VPN, there’s one other cease your web visitors has to make, which slows it down. The quickest VPNs solely scale back your web obtain pace by a median of 25% or much less, and Proton severely undercut that with a strong 16% common web obtain pace loss. Though not fairly as speedy as NordVPN’s bewilderingly quick 3% common pace loss, Proton isn’t any slouch, and one of many quickest VPNs on the planet.For context, Netflix recommends an web pace of 15Mbps or larger for a 4K video stream. So even in case you’ve bought a obtain pace of 25Mbps — gradual by at the moment’s requirements — Proton shouldn’t have an effect on your day by day actions. Speed checks are nice, however real-world efficiency is what issues. In my testing, Proton VPN labored easily for the entire bandwidth-intensive duties I threw at it, like downloading giant video games and watching films — I didn’t discover any buffering, even whereas streaming 4K movies.Speeds stay snappy whatever the server or protocolTwo important components dictate speeds with a VPN: server location and VPN protocol. Based on my expertise, Proton VPN ought to present the majority of your base web speeds whatever the VPN protocol or nation server you employ.Usually, you’ll expertise slower speeds on geographically distant servers as a result of your information travels additional earlier than reaching its vacation spot. While my benchmarking confirmed this, I didn’t expertise drastic drops, even when tunneling by means of a server on the opposite facet of the globe. I skilled a wonderfully respectable common 31% web obtain pace drop on Singapore servers, as an illustration, that are pretty removed from my house workplace in North Carolina. Sure, that’s practically twice as gradual as its complete 16% common pace loss, nevertheless it’s nonetheless sooner than the general common pace lack of some rival VPNs. Generally, the WireGuard VPN protocol is quicker than OpenVPN, which remained true in my testing. The largest total common pace loss I measured was 25% utilizing OpenVPN on Windows (although some particular person server averages had been slower), which ought to nonetheless be usable, even on gradual or unreliable networks. By comparability, I clocked a median 19% web pace loss with WireGuard on Windows, and a blazing-fast 6% pace loss utilizing WireGuard on MacOS. I didn’t expertise alarming web pace reductions utilizing any mixture of servers and protocols.Proton VPN’s giant worldwide server community is nice for journey and streamingBoasting 11,800-plus servers throughout 117 international locations, Proton VPN supplies an intensive worldwide footprint, making Proton VPN probably the greatest VPNs for journey. For context, Proton presents extra total servers and international locations than a lot of the VPNs we’ve examined, supplying you with extra connection selections than many rivals. When you’re visiting one other location, you might wish to use an area server for additional privateness, or a server from your private home nation to entry region-restricted content material. Because of its beneficiant server choice, Proton offers you loads of choices — to the purpose the place I’m contemplating utilizing it on my private units after I galavant throughout the globe for my honeymoon later this yr. This means you’ll be able to unblock tons of streaming providers, together with overseas Netflix libraries or region-specific websites comparable to BBC iPlayer and CBC Gem. Key takeaway: Proton VPN is quick and contains a huge server community, making it nice for journey and streaming. Its pace efficiency improved meaningfully from my earlier yr’s testing. In my on a regular basis utilization, Proton didn’t noticeably have an effect on my web connection, and I used to be impressed with what number of totally different nation servers I might decide from.Value: Your cash goes a good distanceFree, $10 a month, $60 for the primary yr or $108 for the primary two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $80 per yr)Money-back assure: 30 daysPayment choices: Credit card, debit card, PayPal, bitcoinApps out there for: Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Chromebooks, browsersIf you resolve to make use of Proton VPN’s paid plan, you’ll discover good worth with its glorious mixture of quick speeds, strong streaming choices and robust privateness practices at a worth that meets or beats opponents providing comparable service.Proton VPN’s $10 a month plan is barely cheaper than Surfshark, NordVPN and ExpressVPN, however greater than the wallet-friendly Mullvad ($5 a month). While a month-to-month plan might be nice for commitment-free VPN utilization, many suppliers provide discounted charges when signing up for a long run. Proton’s one-year plan begins at $60 a yr, which is lower than ExpressVPN ($100 for the primary yr), the identical as NordVPN and costlier than Surfshark ($48 for the primary yr). Like most opponents, Proton hits you with worth hikes. Its one- and two-year plans renew at $80 a yr, which is significantly decrease than the astronomical $140 or $117 that NordVPN and ExpressVPN cost. I like that with Proton, I don’t must babysit my subscription. The fantastic thing about Proton is its delicate steadiness that caters to everybody from privateness fanatics to informal customers. You might be able to discover barely extra personal or user-friendly VPNs, nevertheless it’s troublesome to discover a rival that delivers each concurrently with out reducing corners. Like Proton VPN, NordVPN is quick, glorious for streaming and offers you beneficiant world server networks. Nord’s apps are a bit extra user-friendly than Proton’s, however Proton simply edges out Nord on privateness. Anyone who’s used a VPN earlier than must be nice with both, however I’d advocate Nord for absolute VPN inexperienced persons. If you might have critical privateness considerations although, Proton VPN is the best way to go.While Proton ticks virtually each privateness field, Mullvad takes issues even additional. If you’re involved about privateness to the purpose the place you don’t even wish to have a registered account, Mullvad — not like Proton — doesn’t require signing up for one. However, Mullvad’s considerably smaller server community and unreliable streaming efficiency make it unsuitable for journey and leisure fanatics who wish to unblock overseas Netflix libraries or watch BBC iPlayer, areas the place Proton excels.Overall, Proton VPN’s worth is hard to beat. For the cash, you get a quick VPN with stellar streaming chops that doesn’t sacrifice privateness.Proton’s free plan is one of the best (and solely) free VPN choice we advocateUsually, we at CNET don’t advocate utilizing free VPNs. Often, in case you’re not paying money for a VPN, it’s costing you in another manner, from gradual speeds or screens plastered with advertisements to malware-infected apps. Proton VPN subverts that trope with its free VPN plan that doesn’t promote your information or have any in-app advertisements. If you want a VPN and might’t or don’t wish to pay, Proton VPN is the one choice we enthusiastically vouch for. You may even begin utilizing Proton VPN’s free plan with out signing up for an account utilizing a visitor account on Android. Although Proton VPN’s no-cost tier doesn’t skimp on privateness, it does have some limitations. There are not any month-to-month utilization restrictions, however you’ll be able to’t select a server manually, that means once you click on join, you’re robotically shuffled onto a server. Moreover, you solely get entry to a fraction of the international locations out there to its premium plan (Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland and the US). And you’ll be able to solely join on one machine at a time as a substitute of the 10 simultaneous connections with its paid plan. By comparability, PrivadoVPN’s free plan allows you to decide a server manually however limits you to 10GB of month-to-month utilization. However Privado hasn’t been audited, making it unsuitable for folk with essential privateness considerations.The shortcomings of Proton VPN’s free tier finally really feel affordable for a free service. Plus, you’ve bought an excellent improve path in Proton’s strong premium plan.Proton VPN apps are fairly refined however could possibly be higher for inexperienced persons, and its MacOS kill swap is confusingUltimately, Proton VPN’s apps aren’t unhealthy, they’re simply not fairly as streamlined as some options.With the exception of its Linux app, Proton VPN presents a fairly uniform expertise throughout all platforms. However, some options, like break up tunneling, are absent on iOS/iPadOS and MacOS, though that’s true of most VPN suppliers because it’s an Apple-side limitation. Split tunneling allows you to use a VPN for some apps however not others. I used break up tunneling in Proton to stream an episode of The Jetty from BBC iPlayer on my Windows PC whereas putting in Life is Strange Remastered by way of Steam exterior of a VPN for sooner obtain speeds. I appreciated the Proton VPN app’s slick interface, which feels fashionable but comparatively intuitive. Essential VPN duties like choosing a server, altering protocols and toggling on settings just like the kill swap are pretty easy. With assist for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone/iPad, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and internet browsers, you’ll be able to set up Proton on nearly any machine you personal. There’s even a graphical person interface for its Linux app, a rarity amongst VPNs, which makes it simpler to make use of for Linux newcomers than command-line interface apps.Power customers who need extra granular management over deciding on a server might respect the power to drag up an inventory of servers and think about server load data. While I like this characteristic for superior privateness fanatics, it’s not as user-friendly as apps from NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN. For occasion, most of Proton’s opponents allow you to merely click on join on a location on the metropolis degree, and you then’re related to a server robotically. With Proton’s desktop apps, you’ll must seek for a metropolis, then hook up with the nation, which feels counterintuitive. Alternatively, you’ll be able to scroll by means of an inventory of particular cities and decide a server, however the selections might be overwhelming. Proton instructed me over a video name and reiterated over electronic mail that it has an upcoming overhaul to its apps, beginning with Windows, to lend them the easier-to-navigate design of its Android app.Although the server load data in Proton’s desktop apps is useful, you’ll be able to’t inform what the server load is till you hover your mouse over that particular location. The expertise on cellular is extra polished — you’ll be able to click on right into a metropolis to view all servers, with server load data clearly seen. I nonetheless respect the superior handbook management Proton presents, however I sit up for upcoming refinements that can hopefully mimic the cellular app expertise on desktop to make it much more intuitive for VPN inexperienced persons. Your IP deal with is revealed when switching servers on MacWhile most main options labored as anticipated, I skilled a complicated design oversight with Proton VPN’s kill swap on MacOS. A kill swap cuts off your web connection in case your VPN unexpectedly disconnects, which ought to forestall your public IP deal with from being seen by apps you’re utilizing and web sites you’re visiting. The kill swap prevented my public IP deal with from being accessible when switching servers or in case of an surprising web connection on Windows, nevertheless it didn’t on Mac. My public IP deal with was unmasked whereas altering servers. Notably, that is an Apple limitation and never Proton’s fault. But I’d like extra transparency that your public IP deal with is unprotected when altering servers. I defined this to Proton over videoconference and electronic mail, and the Proton workforce promised a repair in its subsequent MacOS app replace.It’s not unusual for VPN suppliers to interrupt the encrypted tunnel when switching servers — just a few VPN suppliers, together with NordVPN and Mullvad — have carried out safeguards. But most suppliers show a pop-up notification explaining that your public IP deal with is obtainable whereas altering servers. Technically, there’s a notification displaying your unmasked public IP deal with, however as a result of Proton’s app blurs the display when leaping servers, the danger isn’t clear to customers. A easy answer could be including a pop-up explaining that your IP deal with isn’t hidden, or having the app readable reasonably than blurred so you’ll be able to inform that your IP is briefly seen to apps and web sites.Considering Proton’s onus on critical privateness, I’d like a transparent, apparent notification for transparency that your IP deal with isn’t hidden when leaping from server to server on MacOS, and sit up for the forthcoming repair. Proton VPN is an distinctive VPN for streamingWith its snappy speeds and terrific region-restricted content material unblocking, Proton VPN is a unbelievable VPN for streaming.Because they masks your public IP deal with, VPNs could make it seem like you’re in a special metropolis, state or nation. Accordingly, many of us depend on VPNs for streaming geographically restricted content material, like overseas Netflix libraries. (You might even have the ability to lower your expenses utilizing a VPN for streaming.) Proton VPN’s quick speeds make it a wonderful choice for watching 4K UHD and 1080p HD movies. I used to be capable of stream buttery easy 4K films on quite a lot of providers. With assist for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, you’ll be able to simply use Proton in your sensible TV. In my testing, I used to be blown away by Proton VPN’s easy unblocking capabilities. I simply watched Murdoch Mysteries on a Canadian server from CBC Gem and Dead and Buried by way of BBC iPlayer. Amazon Prime Video US and UK streaming labored with Proton, so I loved Alex Garland’s Civil War on Amazon Prime Video UK (on Max within the States). For Netflix, Proton unlocked US, Canadian, UK, South African, Romanian, Australian and Japanese libraries. I even efficiently streamed from Netflix Egypt, which is notoriously troublesome to unblock — solely a handful of different VPN suppliers, together with ExpressVPN, loaded Netflix Egypt. Max US and worldwide streaming assist was fairly strong — utilizing a Romanian server, I streamed Interstellar (unavailable on Max US).Hulu, Peacock, Paramount Plus and Crunchyroll all performed nice utilizing US servers. I skilled points with Hulu on my Android TV field — it detected a VPN connection — however I had no such issues on Windows or MacOS. In a number of uncommon situations, I encountered a hiccup, like Netflix Norway loading whereas tunneling by means of an Egyptian server (I think this was a digital server) or Japan Netflix initially not taking part in, however a fast server change sorted out any kinks. Proton presents responsive assist, though it’s not 24/7 butIn an excellent world, your VPN ought to work flawlessly out of the field. But typically you’ll want help, whether or not that’s putting in a VPN app on a brand new machine, asking a query about billing or understanding how totally different options operate. Proton VPN has a strong information base, an energetic weblog with useful guides and dwell chat. Its assist space is easy to navigate, protecting all the pieces from making a free account and troubleshooting widespread VPN points to utilizing Proton on totally different platforms. Its assist guides have loads of photos to enrich the written textual content, though I didn’t discover many movies, which could possibly be helpful for VPN newcomers. Unlike many VPN suppliers, Proton VPN doesn’t at present provide 24/7 dwell chat. Instead, its customer support is obtainable from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. CET, and also you’ll must be an present buyer to contact its assist workforce. However, a Proton VPN consultant instructed me by way of videoconference and reaffirmed over electronic mail that it plans to roll out 24/7 dwell chat by the top of the yr. Whereas many rivals, like NordVPN, first direct you to an AI chatbot, I bought an actual individual in beneath one minute. I requested about what encryption Proton VPN’s proprietary Stealth protocol used, and the customer support agent gave me an in depth but digestible reply inside lower than 5 minutes. Although it lacks round the clock dwell chat in the meanwhile, Proton’s quick, educated buyer assistance is nice once you want it.I don’t thoughts Proton VPN’s present lack of 24/7 dwell chat. Its customer support representatives had been educated and responsive in my expertise, and limiting its dwell chat hours in all probability saves Proton — and accordingly you because the buyer — some money. Absolute VPN inexperienced persons anticipating a number of off-hours buyer assist might contemplate another, however as long as you’re comfy getting your fingers soiled and digging into Proton’s huge FAQ part for some DIYing, you’ll be nice. Plus, 24/7 dwell chat is a deliberate improve that must be out there by the top of 2025.Key takeaway: Mac customers ought to concentrate on an unclear design alternative that doesn’t clearly spotlight your unmasked public IP deal with when switching servers, even with the kill swap enabled. Aside from that, Proton VPN has nice machine assist, and even features a uncommon Linux GUI app. While its apps are respectable, they might be overwhelming for VPN inexperienced persons. Fast speeds and unbelievable unblocking capabilities make Proton probably the greatest VPNs for streaming.Privacy and transparency: Among one of the best within the gameJurisdiction: Switzerland (Not within the Five, Nine or 14 Eyes)Encryption: AES-256 or ChaCha20Open-source appsNo DNS leaks detectedIndependently auditedProtocols out there: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEV2/IPSec or StealthProton VPN has constructed its popularity round privateness and transparency. Its privacy-friendly jurisdiction, which is exterior the Five, Nine and 14 Eyes data-sharing alliances, is complemented by its open-source apps and nifty privateness options. In my testing, I didn’t expertise any DNS leaks, though I did encounter a problem with the kill swap on MacOS, which suggests your public IP deal with could also be uncovered when altering servers. Its apps are open-source, so anybody can examine the supply code to search for vulnerabilities — an excellent transfer for transparency. Only a handful of our different VPN prime picks, together with PIA and Mullvad, have open-source apps. You’ll discover a alternative of various VPN protocols, together with OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 and Proton’s proprietary Stealth. The aptly named Stealth protocol masquerades as commonplace internet visitors to bypass VPN blocks, so that you might be able to use Stealth on college Wi-Fi or different networks that limit VPN utilization.Aside from the usual privateness suite, Proton presents specialty servers, nifty platform-specific options and robust transparency. Advanced options: Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN serversA commonplace VPN connection routes your web visitors by means of an encrypted server earlier than it reaches its vacation spot and may suffice for the common person who wants important privateness. But for folk with critical privateness considerations — like asylum seekers or political activists — Proton VPN packs a privateness punch. Its Secure Core servers are double VPN, or double hop, servers, that means a second VPN connection makes it even more durable to hint your information again to its supply (your machine). Secure Core servers doubly encrypt your internet visitors and are bodily positioned in Iceland, Sweden and Switzerland, with additional protections in place, like biometric safety to protect your information privateness. You additionally get entry to Tor Over VPN servers, which ship comparable advantages to Secure Core servers — enhanced privateness in comparison with an ordinary VPN connection — however utilizing The Onion Router as a substitute of a further VPN server. Both its Secure Core and Onion servers shall be slower than a standard VPN connection since your information makes additional “stops” with detours by means of extra servers. But in case you’ve bought essential privateness wants, Tor over VPN and multi-hop servers are good inclusions.Discreet app icons cover the truth that you might have a VPN put in in your deviceOne of my favourite Proton VPN options is its discreet app icon performance. You can change the Proton VPN app icon on cellular units to seem like a special utility, like a climate or notes app. Accordingly, in case your cellphone or pill is seized and searched, it can look as if you don’t have a VPN put in. I might see this being a useful choice for folk touring to international locations that frown upon VPNs. This form of considerate design units Proton aside from many opponents. Currently, its discreet app icons are solely out there on Android.Proton VPN has a reader-friendly privateness coverage, undergoes common third-party audits and publishes a good transparency reportPrivacy insurance policies might be practically inconceivable to decipher and typically make me really feel like I’ve stumbled headlong into the maze from The Shining. Thankfully, Proton VPN’s privateness coverage is without doubt one of the most reader-friendly — not simply amongst VPN corporations however typically. The firm is fairly clear that it doesn’t log any person information:“Account activity: Proton VPN is a no-logs VPN service. When you use the Service, we do NOT do any of the following:Log users’ traffic or the content of any communicationsDiscriminate against devices, protocols, or applicationsThrottle your internet connection”Like most VPN providers, Proton maintains a strict no-logs coverage, however it is best to stay skeptical of these claims from any VPN service. That mentioned, Proton undergoes common audits by dependable third events to again up its zero-log claims. I respect its annual cadence: Proton underwent a profitable no-logs audit in July 2024 carried out by Securitum, which discovered no proof of logging practices. This adopted up audits in 2022 and 2023. Although audits don’t paint an entire image, they’re an essential belief sign that VPN corporations can present. Proton’s transparency report states that it acquired 27 authorized orders in 2024, denying all 27. I like that 100% completion price as a result of it signifies that Proton VPN has your again when different folks come on the lookout for information. With its clear, concise privateness coverage and often audited no-logging coverage, Proton VPN ought to put even probably the most privacy-conscious customers relaxed.Proton’s non-VPN choices might log IP addresses in uncommon circumstancesAlthough Proton VPN doesn’t log your session information, its non-VPN choices — like its electronic mail shopper — might log your IP deal with. Its privateness coverage states: “IP logging: By default, we do not keep permanent IP logs in relation with your Account. However, IP logs may be kept temporarily to combat abuse and fraud, and your IP address may be retained permanently if you are engaged in activities that breach our Terms of Service (e.g. spamming, DDoS attacks against our infrastructure, brute force attacks).”Essentially, Proton doesn’t log IP addresses out of the field, however might beneath sure circumstances with its non-VPN product suite, like its Proton Mail electronic mail shopper. As TechCruch reported in 2021, Proton Mail complied with a request from Swiss authorities for a person’s IP deal with. That’s as a result of beneath Swiss Law, VPNs and electronic mail are handled in another way. Under Swiss Law, VPN providers are exempt from IP deal with logging, whereas, with electronic mail, IP logs might be requested by regulation enforcement companies. While IP logging might not have an effect on VPN customers, I can see how somebody with strict privateness considerations could also be apprehensive about signing up for Proton Mail or Proton Drive. Still, all of your recordsdata, together with emails, are encrypted, so the identifiable data Proton has about you is restricted to IP addresses.Key takeaway: Proton presents a slew of privateness facilities, together with specialty servers, discreet app icons, third-party audits and one of the vital reader-friendly privateness insurance policies I’ve encountered. Overall, it’s a wonderful choice for folk with critical privateness considerations, though the MacOS kill swap design oversight could also be worrisome to Apple aficionados till the app replace repair rolls out. Proton VPN is superb for privacy-conscious folks and streaming junkies alikeBecause of its free plan that doesn’t sacrifice privateness, Proton VPN is one of the best free VPN supplier out there. But, whereas true, that superlative does its premium plan a disservice. Fast speeds, excellent streaming service unblocking plus glorious privateness and transparency make Proton VPN a compelling various to rivals like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Proton does nearly all the pieces properly; whether or not you wish to watch overseas Netflix libraries, have essential privateness considerations or wish to journey internationally, it’s a strong alternative. Although its apps aren’t fairly as user-friendly as they could possibly be, they’re not troublesome per se, simply not as polished as choices from NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN. The large draw back is Proton’s unclear kill swap on MacOS. I don’t count on each VPN supplier to take care of an encrypted tunnel when altering servers, however the kill swap revealing public IP addresses when altering servers with out an apparent warning is a blemish contemplating Proton’s popularity for privateness. I’d wish to at the least see a pop-up warning people that their IP deal with could also be quickly unmasked. Notably, Proton promised a repair to the MacOS app in its subsequent replace, so I used to be impressed (though not shocked) with its receptive response to my suggestions.Otherwise, Proton VPN is a terrific VPN that works for numerous conditions, from journey and streaming to critical privateness.