Founded in 2017, ProtonVPN is the same service operated by the organization that owns reputable encrypted Email Service ProtonMail. Its VPN Provider claims of ‘transparency’, ‘honesty’, and ‘security. But is it the most comprehensive VPN Solution in the market? Let’s review it and if you are impatient enough to read the entire article, you can skip to the Our Verdict section!
Short On Time? Read What Matters The Most!
If you are in a hurry, here are some of the most important questions, one must know about ProtonVPN. Read them and make a wise decision easily!
Is ProtonVPN Safe?
Yes, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice when it comes to using Safest VPN Solutions. They have no data logging policy and have integration SecureCore servers for an additional layer of security.
Does ProtonVPN Work With Netflix & Other Streaming Services?
Yes, ProtonVPN works effectively well with Netflix and other popular streaming websites, but you need to get the paid version of the VPN to enjoy unlimited geo-blocking capabilities. Their Free (Basic) version doesn’t allow watching Netflix.
Does It Work In China?
No, ProtonVPN isn’t capable of bypassing the Great Firewall of China.
| OVERVIEW: ProtonVPN | Related Info. |
|---|---|
| Website | ProtonVPN |
| Based In | Switzerland |
| Countries | 55 |
| Number of Servers | 1,245 |
| Free Trial | Yes |
| Price | $4 /month for Basic Plan $8 /month for Plus Plan $24 /month for Visionary Plan |
| Logs | No Logs Policy |
| Customer Support | Ticket-based support system, Email & Knowledge Base |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS & Android |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days |
| IP Masking | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 Encryption |
| Protocols | Time-tested OpenVPN Protocols (TCP/UDP), IKEv2/IPSec |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Torrenting | Yes |
| Max. Number of Devices | 10 |
| Prevents WebRTC & DNS Leaks | Yes |
| Unlimited Bandwidth | Yes |
| Streaming | With Plus version – Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Our Rating |
ProtonVPN Review
ProtonVPN is an exceptional VPN Solution for anyone who wants to go anonymous. It offers a variety of exciting features such as a Kill Switch, DNS Leak Protection & a free plan. Yes, that’s right, unlike most VPN Service Providers, ProtonVPN has a free version to use (although with certain limitations). Talking about the VPN test speeds & performance, ProtonVPN showed high-speed connections that were a perfect treat for gamers and streamers.
HIGHLIGHTS: ProtonVPN
- Free VPN version available, which works.
- Uses Secure Core Architecture that proffers VPN a unique ability to defend against network-based attacks. The functionality ensures that the traffic routes through multiple servers.
- NetShield, an incredible DNS filtering option to protect users from malware and other threats. It even blocks intrusive ads and allows you to surf the web effortlessly.
- Uses the highest strength of encryption (AES-256 & Key Exchanges is done through 4096-bit RSA, and HMAC with SHA384 used for message authentication).
- Relies on strong VPN protocols such as IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN.
- Ensures all the ProtonVPN servers are protected by full disk encryption.
- ProtonVPN is not obligated to save user connection logs.
- Provides full protection to DNS queries.
- Kill Switch feature, so that your privacy is never compromised, even if the server gets disconnected inadvertently.
- Split Tunneling¸ allowing users to exclude some Internet traffic from the VPN tunnel.
- Dedicated Always-on VPN functionality to automatically re-establish a connection to a VPN server.
- Comes with Tor Support by default.
- Surf the web anonymously, without disclosing your real identity.
- ProtonVPN uses high-speed servers, to ensure optimal performance. Their servers have a minimum of 1 Gbps bandwidth & utilize 10 Gbps connections.
But, Wait! Apple has a problem with ProtonVPN!
Although ProtonVPN offers tons of perks for users, lately the tech giant – Apple has blocked updates of the app over its description. “In a recent blog post, Proton founder Andy Yen expressed all the reasons provided by the App Store Review team to be unfair, which focused on the possibility the VPN app could be used to challenge the authority of governments.”
If this news is making you wonder whether to use Proton VPN or not, let me tell you the basis on which Apple has blocked security updates is a hoax. Why? Because the app description available on App Store has been there for months, and now just to satisfy the UN, Apple is again violating user’s freedom.
If you think this, Apple is right in doing so, can stop reading the post. However, if you are with the people to preserve human rights, go ahead and get Proton VPN.
How Do I Install ProtonVPN?
The following instructions are applicable for popular Windows versions. To know about other devices and get related info, check out their website:
STEP 1- Download the latest version of ProtonVPN.
STEP 2- Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the .exe installation file to launch the software. Click Yes on the pop-up that appears on your screen and move ahead.
STEP 3- Agree to the necessary terms & conditions and click on the OK button.
STEP 4- Finally, click on the Install button and let it process automatically.
STEP 5- Once installed, ProtonVPN will launch automatically and a shortcut to the VPN application will also appear on your desktop for ease.
PROS & CONS: ProtonVPN
Pros
- Easy to install & use.
- Exceptional security & privacy standards.
- Follows strict no-logging policy.
- Decent customer support.
- Gives a leak-free connection.
- P2P support.
- Modern interface.
- Multi-platform Support.
- Quick Country Selector.
Cons
- Based in Switzerland, which has a history of being a ‘neutral’ country.
- Relatively low speed in the U.S.
- Doesn’t allow unlimited torrenting.
- Uses limited protocols.
PRICING MODELS: ProtonVPN
Here are the multiple pricing structures offered by ProtonVPN. Choose according to your requirements.
It even offers a decent refund policy. Company’s Terms & Conditions state the following:
TRUSTWORTHINESS: Trustpilot & Google Play Store Customer Reviews
To help you make the right decision, we are attaching some genuine customer feedback from Trustpilot & Google Play Store.
TECH SUPPORT: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN Site offers plenty of support programs and guides when it comes to learning about how to set up a VPN and troubleshooting similar-kind issues. But it doesn’t have a Live Chat support system like other reputable VPN Service Providers. You can connect to ProtonVPN via email for help!
OUR VERDICT: Do We Recommend Using ProtonVPN?
Yes, we recommend both the paid & free versions of ProtonVPN. The VPN service is safe to use and its applications are open-source, which comes with unlimited bandwidth. A few downsides with the Free ProtonVPN version are, it only offers three server locations & doesn’t work with all the regions to unblock Netflix content. Nevertheless, you can surely rely on the free VPN tier to enjoy a high level of privacy and digital security.
Editorial’s Choice – Systweak VPN
Systweak VPN is a robust platform that allows users to mask their IP Address and stay anonymous while browsing the web
Top Five Recommended VPN Solutions To Use This 2023
Here are some other VPN Providers that you can rely on apart from ProtonVPN to enjoy excellent privacy features on your devices. We have also interlinked the reviews for each provider so that you can have a better idea about the respective product:
| VPN Providers | SystweakVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | Hotspot Shield VPN | CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 500 Servers & More | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports P2P Or BitTorrent | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports AES-256 Encryption | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OS Compatibility | Windows | Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Windows, Mac, Linux & FireStick | Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Windows, Mac & Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV & Chrome Extension | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac & Linux |
| Doesn’t Log Activity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports >= 5 Simultaneous Connections | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $9.95/Month | $11.95/Month | $11.95/Month | $7.99/Month | $12.99/Month |
| Reviews | Systweak VPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | CyberGhost VPN |