Here’s our latest review of Proton VPN:
Quick Answer
- Proton VPN is one of the strongest privacy-first VPNs, especially for journalists, activists, and power users.
- It offers open‑source apps, audited no‑logs policy
- Possible con: The apps have a many privacy features that can be adjusted, so they may feel less straightforward that “light” VPN apps
Privacy and Security
Proton VPN is built by the Proton team in Switzerland, a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention. For Greycoder readers, the key point is their strict no‑logs policy, which has passed multiple independent audits confirming they don’t store activity or connection metadata that could deanonymize you.
All apps are open source, so researchers can inspect the code, and there’s a bug bounty program to surface flaws quickly. Features like Secure Core (traffic routed through hardened servers in privacy‑friendly countries) and NetShield (DNS‑level ad/tracker blocking) give you a more hardened setup than most mainstream VPNs.
Speed, Apps, and Everyday Use
In real‑world tests, ProtonVPN is fast enough for streaming, gaming, and large downloads, though it’s not always the absolute fastest in long‑distance hops. You get modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, kill switch, always‑on VPN, and support across desktops, mobile, and routers.
Unique Features: Secure Core & NetShield
Secure Core
Proton’s Secure Core ensures maximum privacy. It routes user traffic through secure servers. These servers are in privacy-friendly locations such as Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden. Then, it connects to the final exit server. This protects against advanced network attacks and tracking efforts. These threats might show users’ real IPs or harm their privacy, especially in risky areas
Highlights:
- Double VPN hops for enhanced security
- Servers owned and operated by Proton, housed in high-security facilities
- Only available to paid subscribers
- Easy activation with a toggle in the app interface
NetShield Ad-Blocker
NetShield protects users by blocking malware, ads, and trackers before web resources load.
- Two modes: Malware protection only or full blocking (ads, trackers, and malware)
- Covers entire device: Not just browser-based protection
- NetShield Privacy Panel: Lets users view real-time stats for blocked items and data saved
- Available on all platforms for paid users with Proton VPN Plus or Unlimited
Free Tier Capabilities
The Proton VPN free plan remains one of the most generous in the market:
- No data limits: Truly unlimited traffic
- No ads, no speed throttling by design
- Servers: Access to 5 countries (US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland). You can’t choose individual servers; it automatically selects the best or closest one.
- Simultaneous connections: 1 device at a time
- Streaming: Not available on the free tier
- Security: AES-256 encryption, WireGuard, and Stealth protocol. It includes a kill switch, always-on VPN, and an audited no-logs policy.
Free users face slower speeds during peak times because of server congestion. But, typical download speeds range from 45 to 55 Mbps. This is enough for web browsing, HD streaming, and stable connections.
