🚀 Bottom Line Upfront:
ProtonVPN stands out as a highly secure and privacy-focused VPN service, renowned for its strong emphasis on user security and data protection.
It provides both free and paid options, catering to diverse online needs.
Have you ever worried about your online privacy while browsing the internet? I know I have.
That’s why I decided to try ProtonVPN, a service promising to keep your data safe and your browsing private. ProtonVPN is created by the same team behind ProtonMail, a secure email service known for its strong privacy features.
With so many VPNs out there, it can be hard to choose the right one. However, ProtonVPN stands out in its focus on security, a no-log policy, and an easy-to-use interface.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience using ProtonVPN, its features, and how it compares to other VPNs I’ve tried.
Whether you’re a tech expert or just looking for simple online protection, this review will help you decide if ProtonVPN is the right choice for you.
ProtonVPN Review 2024: An Overview
ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that was established in 2017 and is situated in Switzerland.
ProtonMail, the company’s email service that prioritizes users’ privacy and provides end-to-end encryption, is the primary reason for the company’s widespread recognition.
It extends ProtonVPN’s commitment to privacy and provides customers with a secure and private way to browse the web.
It appears to be a solid and flexible VPN solution. Its encryption and tunnelling protocols are state-of-the-art.
There is an adequate number of servers available, preventing server overload. In addition, we had no interruptions or delays while streaming content.
In addition, there is a no-cost version available for testing purposes.
Features of Proton VPN:
Proton VPN’s original release was in 2017, which is not that long ago compared to other top VPN providers. But that doesn’t make it any less excellent.
While concentrating on enhancing its apps, the service also introduced an ad blocker (NetShield) in 2021, adopted the WireGuard tunnelling protocol, and added a VPN Accelerator.
All of the Proton VPN’s features are shown here.
1. Kill switch
Proton VPN’s kill switch securely switches off your internet connection if your VPN server connection fails. It may potentially cause other difficulties.
After disconnecting from a VPN server, I experienced problems connecting to the internet. Windows had the issue. Therefore, it may be isolated. Uninstalling TAP drivers was the only solution.
2. Secure core
Secure core servers don’t have anything to do with being more technologically sophisticated than the rest of their fleet, despite what you may infer from the name.
Actually, it’s a double VPN capability that enables connections over two VPN servers. Your device makes the connection to a VPN server. It then establishes a connection with another VPN server before arriving at its destination.
The initial VPN server in the chain is always situated in a location that promotes anonymity, which is novel. The fact that you’re utilizing two VPNs means that the speeds will unavoidably be quite slow.
Second, if all the servers are no-logs, it begs the question of whether you should even bother with it at all. However, the extra security is appreciated.
3. Split tunneling
Proton VPN’s split tunnelling is among the most advanced I’ve seen. You can encrypt the full connection, exclude some apps, or select specific apps to use the encrypted tunnel.
Split tunnelling works at the app and IP levels, which is even more amazing.
You can also apply this to certain websites. Because websites use many IPs, you may have issues. You can also disable the VPN for particular websites. Precision is rare.
4. VPN Accelerator
VPN Accelerator is a functionality that was only recently added.
Its goal is to boost performance and considerably speed up VPN connections. This function, which is always active, is a fantastic method to enjoy a quicker VPN connection.
To improve speeds, ProtonVPN launched the VPN Accelerator technology, which can significantly increase connection speeds, particularly beneficial for users in distant locations from their selected server.
Proton VPN Security
ProtonVPN’s security protocols are certainly among its most notable characteristics. Encryption is done with AES-256, which is the same degree of encryption utilized by the armed forces and other government entities.
This will secure your data from being accessed by cybercriminals and any other unauthorized persons.
In addition, it adheres to a stringent no-logs policy, which means that it does not record any information regarding the websites you visit or the activities you participate in online.
Users that are concerned about their privacy and do not want their data to be shared with or sold to third parties will find this to be a very useful feature.
Proton VPN Speed
When selecting a VPN service, speed is another key consideration to give some attention to. The servers that ProtonVPN employs are all very fast.
This assures that you will not experience latency or buffering when browsing the web, streaming entertainment, or downloading data.
In terms of specific speed metrics, Proton VPN’s performance on local servers is nearly on par with the fastest VPNs, with an average drop of only 5.3% in speed. For long-distance servers, the performance is solid for most online activities.
Significant speed reductions occur on crowded servers, but Proton VPN generally provides server load information, which is quite useful.
Proton VPN is also a good choice for online gaming enthusiasts. It’s recommended to use a nearby location for lower ping rates, which is important for lag-free gaming.
The VPN performs well with online games, but for the best experience, it’s advised to use a server close to your location.
The VPN service offers a large number of servers in 71 countries, providing a range of specialized options.
This includes free, Secure Core, and P2P servers, though the free servers can have fluctuating speeds and Tor servers tend to be slow due to the nature of the technology.
Proton VPN Ease of Use
Even people who are unfamiliar with virtual private networks (VPNs) will have no trouble using ProtonVPN.
The service features a straightforward graphical user interface and can be quickly downloaded and set up on your gadget in a matter of a few moments.
After you have successfully installed the software, you can connect to a server with a single mouse click.
Proton VPN Compatibility
Proton VPN is highly compatible with a range of devices and platforms. It supports major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, including specific versions like Android TV and Chromebook.
This wide compatibility ensures that users can secure their internet connection across different devices, whether they’re PCs, Macs, smartphones, or routers.
Proton VPN also offers browser extensions compatible with Chromium-based browsers (including Chrome, Brave, and Edge) and Firefox-based browsers.
These extensions are more feature-rich than most, including options like Secure Core servers and split tunnelling, but they are exclusive to premium users.
One notable absence is a native Smart DNS feature, which would allow for changing locations on devices typically not VPN-compatible, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
However, this can be mitigated by setting up the VPN on a compatible router to cover all WiFi-supported devices. There’s also mention of SmartDNS being on the VPN’s upcoming roadmap.
Proton VPN Pricing
1 Month: $9.99 per month
24 Months: $4.49 per month (billed $107.76 annually, save 55%)
24 Months: $4.99 per month (billed $59.88 annually, save 50%)
Furthermore, Proton VPN offers a free version with limited features like access to VPN servers in three countries (the US, Japan, and the Netherlands) and support for only one device at a time.
Proton VPN Customer Support
ProtonVPN provides excellent customer service, including a detailed knowledge base and email help available 24/7.
In addition, customers have access to a community forum where they may pose questions to other users of ProtonVPN and receive assistance from other individuals.
Proton VPN provides live chat support, but it’s available only during specific hours (9 am–5 pm CEST) and exclusively for paid users. This limited availability can be a drawback for users seeking immediate assistance outside of these hours.
For general queries or troubleshooting, Proton VPN’s extensive knowledge base can be quite helpful. It covers a wide range of common issues and questions regarding account management, setup, billing, and more.
This resource can be particularly useful for finding quick solutions without having to wait for a response from the support team.
How Do You Connect to Proton VPN?
Step 1. Use your taskbar or the desktop icon (if you generated one) to launch Proton VPN. Click Login and enter your username and password from when you first signed up.
If you haven’t already, you can establish a Proton VPN account by clicking the Establish Account button in the lower-left corner of the program.
You can sign into Proton VPN using the same login information if you have already registered for any Proton services, such as Proton Mail or Proton Drive.
Step 2. Click the Quick Connect option to instantly establish a connection to a VPN server. This links you up with the nearest VPN server that is the fastest for you.
You have successfully connected to the Proton VPN service.
Proton VPN Alternatives
Let’s take a look at some of the most reliable alternatives to Proton VPN, along with the various pricing plans they offer.
1) NordVPN
NordVPN is a well-known virtual private network (VPN) provider that provides cutting-edge tools for protecting users’ online privacy and security at an affordable price.
It supports many protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, and it has more than 5000 servers located in 59 different countries.
Additional capabilities provided by NordVPN, such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec, can achieve additional privacy and security.
2) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is yet another well-known virtual private network (VPN) provider that provides outstanding capabilities for protecting users’ privacy and data.
It supports many protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, and it has more than 3000 servers located in 94 different countries.
It additionally provides other services, including Split Tunneling and TrustedServer, that improve the level of online security you enjoy.
3) Surfshark
Because of its competitive prices and extensive feature set, Surfshark, a relatively new VPN service, has quickly become one of the most popular options available.
It supports many protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, and it has more than 3,200 servers located in 65 different countries.
In addition, Surfshark provides features such as MultiHop, CleanWeb, and Whitelister, which add additional layers of protection and privacy to the user’s browsing experience.
ProtonVPN: Pros and Cons
ProtonVPN: Pros
- Strong encryption ensures top-tier security.
- The no-logs policy protects user privacy effectively.
- The free plan offers decent basic features.
- Multiple servers are available in many countries.
- A User-friendly interface simplifies navigation greatly.
- Support for Tor enhances anonymous browsing.
- High-speed connections for a smooth streaming experience.
ProtonVPN: Cons
- The free plan has limited server options.
- Premium plans can be relatively expensive.
- Some servers may experience slow speeds.
Quick Links:
FAQs
👍Is ProtonVPN safe to use?
Yes, ProtonVPN is safe to use. It uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy.
💁♀️How many devices can I use ProtonVPN on?
The Basic plan allows you to use ProtonVPN on one device, while the Plus plan allows you to use it on up to five devices. The Visionary plan includes ProtonMail and allows you to use both services on up to ten devices.
✔Does ProtonVPN have a free trial?
ProtonVPN doesn't have a free trial, but it does offer a free Basic plan that allows you to use the service on one device.
❓Can ProtonVPN unblock streaming services like Netflix?
Yes, ProtonVPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. However, you may need to connect to a specific server in order to access the content you want.
🤷♀️Does ProtonVPN slow down your internet speed?
No, ProtonVPN doesn't slow down your internet speed. It uses high-speed servers located around the world.
Conclusion: ProtonVPN Review 2024
ProtonVPN stands out as a robust and reliable VPN service, offering a unique blend of security, privacy, and user-friendliness.
Its commitment to user privacy, evidenced by strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy, is particularly commendable.
The free version serves as a great entry point for those new to VPNs, while the premium plans offer advanced features like Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN for enhanced security.
Although it may not be the fastest VPN on the market, ProtonVPN more than makes up for it with its focus on user security and privacy.
Whether you’re a casual internet user or a privacy enthusiast, ProtonVPN is a trustworthy choice in the crowded VPN market.
