Proton VPN
Swiss-based privacy-focused VPN with a generous free tier, Secure Core servers, and fast speeds across 127 countries. Built by the team behind ProtonMail.
Privacy-conscious travelers and those who want a reliable free VPN option
Our Verdict
Swiss-based privacy-focused VPN with a generous free tier, Secure Core servers, and fast speeds across 127 countries. Built by the team behind ProtonMail.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing Proton VPN across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free VPN plan with unlimited data and no ads
- Swiss jurisdiction provides strong privacy legal protections
- Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries
- Open-source apps independently audited for transparency
- Stealth protocol helps bypass censorship in restricted regions
Cons
- Free plan limited to servers in 5 countries with medium speeds
- Premium plans slightly more expensive than Surfshark and PIA
- Only 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
- Streaming unblock not as consistent as ExpressVPN and NordVPN
Full Review
Overview
Proton VPN is the privacy-focused VPN from the creators of ProtonMail, headquartered in Switzerland under some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. It offers a rare combination: a genuinely useful free tier with unlimited data, plus premium plans with Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the destination.
Key Strengths for Travelers
Proton VPN stands out with its Secure Core feature, which routes your connection through servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before connecting to the exit server. This provides an extra layer of protection if the exit server is compromised. The free plan offers unlimited data across servers in 5 countries, making it the best free VPN option for travelers. NetShield blocks ads and malware.
Pricing Analysis
The free plan includes unlimited data with servers in the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland. The VPN Plus plan costs $3.59/month on a 2-year term ($86.11 total). The Proton Unlimited bundle at $7.99/month includes VPN, Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass.
Who Is It Best For
Proton VPN is ideal for privacy-conscious travelers, those on a tight budget who can use the free tier, and anyone who values transparency and Swiss jurisdiction privacy protections.
The Bottom Line
Proton VPN is the best choice for travelers who prioritize privacy above all else. The free tier alone makes it worth having on your device as a backup VPN, and the premium plan competes with the best.
Alternatives to Proton VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
Proton VPN free plan offers unlimited data with servers in 5 countries, making it viable for basic travel security on public WiFi. However, the free plan is limited to 1 device and medium speeds. For streaming and more server options, the paid plan is recommended.
Secure Core routes your VPN connection through servers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before connecting to the exit server. This provides an extra protection layer even if the exit server is monitored or compromised.
Written by
Marcus has spent over a decade in SaaS integration and business automation. He specializes in evaluating API architectures, workflow automation tools, and sales funnel platforms. His reviews focus on implementation details, technical depth, and real-world integration scenarios.
Co-written by
Emily brings 7 years of data-driven marketing expertise, specializing in market analysis, email optimization, and AI-powered marketing tools. She combines quantitative research with practical recommendations, focusing on ROI benchmarks and emerging trends across the SaaS landscape.
Final Verdict
Proton VPN scores 8.9/10
With a score of 8.9 out of 10, Proton VPN is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for privacy-conscious travelers and those who want a reliable free vpn option.