Proton VPN Review 2024: The Best VPN for Privacy-Conscious Users

Proton VPN is a popular choice for users prioritizing online security and privacy. Established with a focus on keeping user data safe, it’s designed to serve those who need reliable VPN performance, whether it’s for secure browsing, streaming content, or avoiding internet censorship. Proton VPN operates out of Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws, and ensures that user data remains confidential.

This VPN offers a free version, making it accessible to those who want basic privacy protection. However, it also provides multiple paid plans for users seeking faster speeds, more server locations, and access to features like Secure Core, which boosts security. Proton VPN appeals to individuals who want a comprehensive VPN that covers everything from basic privacy to more advanced features like Tor integration and streaming optimization.

Proton VPN Features

Privacy and Security

Proton VPN excels at protecting user privacy, and it all starts with its no-logs policy. This ensures that none of your online activity is stored or shared, a crucial feature for anyone who values online anonymity. With AES-256 encryption, Proton VPN uses one of the strongest encryption standards available, often referred to as “military-grade” encryption. This level of protection is ideal for securing your personal data from hackers or surveillance attempts.

Proton VPN also provides a kill switch, which automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops. This feature is critical for preventing your real IP address from being exposed in case of a sudden disconnection. For DNS queries, Proton VPN ensures DNS leak protection is active at all times, securing another layer of your online privacy.

For those needing extra security, Proton VPN offers Secure Core. This routes your traffic through multiple servers, providing stronger protection against attacks. Furthermore, Tor over VPN integration allows users to access the Tor network directly from the Proton VPN app, adding another layer of anonymity without the need to open a separate browser.

Streaming Capabilities

Proton VPN’s streaming servers are optimized to bypass geo-blocking restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. These servers are designed to handle the high data demands of video streaming, ensuring smooth playback even when accessing content from another country. Unlike some other VPNs, Proton VPN does not limit bandwidth, allowing for seamless streaming without constant buffering.

The VPN can access exclusive content from various regions, such as American or UK Netflix libraries. It also supports streaming on less common platforms like ITV Hub, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Proton VPN’s ability to work with a wide range of streaming services makes it a favorite among avid streamers.

Speed and Performance

Proton VPN delivers impressive speeds, making it a reliable choice for bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. The VPN’s performance is bolstered by the introduction of the WireGuard protocol, which enhances speed without compromising security. During tests, Proton VPN consistently achieved download speeds exceeding 300 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs available.

For users who require speed as well as privacy, Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator feature ensures that the server you connect to provides the best possible speed. This feature is particularly useful for long-distance connections, helping reduce latency and improving overall performance.

However, users should be aware that connecting to Secure Core servers can reduce speed by up to 75%. These servers, while offering better privacy, introduce some lag due to the multiple layers of encryption they use. It’s recommended to use standard servers for high-speed tasks, especially when streaming or gaming.

Server Network

Proton VPN offers a wide server network spanning over 60 countries, with more than 1,800 servers available to users. The coverage includes popular locations like the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, which ensures that users can easily find a server close to them or one that allows access to region-specific content. This variety provides flexibility whether you’re looking to stream, download, or secure your browsing.

Proton VPN differentiates between free and paid servers. The free plan offers access to servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands, which is more generous than most VPNs, as many competitors limit both data and server options in free versions. However, the free servers can sometimes get crowded, causing slower speeds during peak hours.

Paid users benefit from access to Plus servers—these are optimized for high speeds and streaming. Additionally, the Secure Core servers provide an extra layer of encryption, ensuring maximum privacy by routing traffic through highly secure countries like Switzerland or Iceland. However, these servers can slow down your connection due to the double routing process.

Plans and Pricing

The Free Plan is quite generous compared to most VPN services. It offers unlimited data, but users are limited to a few server locations and lower speeds, making it ideal for those who need basic privacy protection.

The Plus Plan, priced at $5.99 per month, is Proton VPN’s most popular offering. It provides full access to all server locations, including dedicated servers for streaming and P2P file sharing. It also includes premium features like Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and access to high-speed servers.

For users needing a combination of privacy and email encryption, the Visionary Plan bundles Proton VPN with ProtonMail’s encrypted email service, adding an extra layer of protection for both internet browsing and communication.

Each paid plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, though it’s prorated. If you cancel within that period, you’ll be refunded for the unused days of your subscription. During Black Friday Sale, you might get some additional offers with Proton VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Is Proton VPN good for streaming?

Yes, Proton VPN works well for streaming. Its optimized servers can bypass geo-restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. By connecting to these streaming-optimized servers, you can enjoy region-locked content without buffering issues. However, the free plan’s servers may not perform as well for streaming, so it’s recommended to use the Plus plan for consistent quality.

Can Proton VPN be trusted for privacy and security?

Absolutely. Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption, one of the strongest encryption standards available, ensuring your data is well-protected. Its no-logs policy, combined with Switzerland’s strict privacy laws, means your online activities are not tracked or recorded. Additionally, features like the kill switch, Secure Core, and DNS leak protection further enhance your privacy.

What are the alternatives to Proton VPN?

There are several alternatives like CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN are available.

Does Proton VPN work in restrictive countries like China?

Proton VPN includes a Stealth protocol, which helps bypass censorship in countries with heavy internet restrictions, like China and Iran. While this makes Proton VPN a good option for users in such regions, connection stability may vary depending on the country’s level of internet control.

Wrapping Up

Proton VPN continues to be a solid choice for privacy-conscious users in 2024, offering a combination of strong security features, good speeds, and impressive streaming capabilities. Its no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and Secure Core servers make it one of the most trusted VPNs for safeguarding your data. Whether you’re looking to stream content across different regions, engage in torrenting, or simply keep your browsing private, Proton VPN offers the tools you need.