ProtonVPN Review 2025

Quick Facts

Overview

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service developed by the team behind ProtonMail, a secure email provider. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN emphasises privacy and security, offering features such as a strict no-logs policy, and multi-platform support. The service is available in both free and paid tiers, with the free version standing out for not displaying ads or selling user data, unlike many other VPN providers.

Privacy and Security

ProtonVPN is a top choice for privacy-conscious users, thanks to its strict no-logs policy, which ensures that no user activity, including browsing history, IP addresses, or session timestamps, is tracked or stored. Even in cases where governments or law enforcement request data, ProtonVPN has nothing to hand over. This privacy commitment is further backed by an independent audit from Securitum, with full audit reports publicly available on the company’s website for transparency. 

In terms of security, ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption protocols, including AES-256 for OpenVPN and IKEv2, and ChaCha20 for WireGuard, ensuring secure connections. Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) adds another layer of protection by frequently changing encryption keys during sessions, meaning even if a key is compromised, past and future data remain safe. ProtonVPN also excels in DNS leak protection by encrypting DNS requests and routing them through its secure servers, preventing ISPs or third parties from tracking your activity. In our tests, ProtonVPN passed all DNS leak checks. 

For users seeking advanced privacy, ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden. While this setup provides excellent protection against sophisticated attacks, it can lead to slower speeds due to the additional routing (see performance). Nevertheless, it effectively shields your real IP address and activity, even if endpoint servers are compromised. With full-disk encryption and high-security data centres, ProtonVPN ensures maximum control and protection over its Secure Core servers.

Compatibility

ProtonVPN offers a range of apps designed for various platforms, allowing users to connect on up to 10 devices simultaneously with a single account. The apps feature an automatic connection to the fastest server, ensuring optimal performance based on your location. For desktop users, there's an option to automatically connect on boot, so you stay protected as soon as you start your device.

A key feature is the kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet access if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP address and online activities. Additionally, ProtonVPN apps utilise NetShield to block ads and online trackers. Operating at the DNS level, NetShield may not block ads on certain sites like YouTube and Twitch, so it’s unlikely to replace your browser-based ad blocker. However, it remains a valuable tool, especially on devices that don't support traditional ad blockers.

ProtonVPN apps are open source, with their code available on GitHub, which allows the community to review and verify the software for vulnerabilities or backdoors. ProtonVPN supports a wide range of platforms, though it currently lacks an app for Apple TV, which may be a drawback for some users. However, if you prefer not to use the official apps, you can still connect through any OpenVPN or WireGuard clients, including routers.

Performance

For our performance testing, we evaluated four different servers both in Australia and internationally. We simulated a typical internet plan with a network connection capped at 100 Mbps for downloads and 40 Mbps for uploads. Each speed test was conducted five times, and the averages are presented below.

The local Australian server experienced a 59% decrease in speed compared to the baseline. In comparison, international servers showed similar declines, with speeds dropping 61% for Los Angeles and 63% for London. Among all tested servers, the Secure Core server, which routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (in our case Norway), faced the steepest decline with an 80% decrease in speed. Despite these changes, all tested servers are still capable of streaming video.

The local Australian server only saw a minor increase in ping, suggesting it remains suitable for web browsing, video streaming, and even gaming. However, the international servers exhibited much higher ping times, which could negatively impact the web browsing experience.

Streaming

ProtonVPN may not be primarily marketed as a tool for bypassing geo-restriction content, but it demonstrated impressive performance when it comes to accessing popular streaming services from abroad. In our testing, we encountered no issues while streaming exclusive content on major platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

However, there were some inconsistencies worth mentioning. While the Max Android app worked flawlessly, accessing Max via the browser was blocked. Despite this minor setback, ProtonVPN remains a strong choice for streaming.

Pricing

ProtonVPN stands out with both a free and a paid service, known as ProtonVPN Plus. The paid option offers several advantages, including access to a wider range of servers and faster connection speeds. It’s also optimised for streaming and torrenting, supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, and includes the NetShield Ad Blocker.

At $9.99 per month, the pricing for ProtonVPN Plus is competitive, especially with substantial discounts available for one or two-year plans. However, it's worth noting that payment options are somewhat limited. Currently, you can only pay with a credit card or PayPal, with no cryptocurrency options available.

TL;DR

ProtonVPN

Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and up to 56% off

Visit ProtonVPN