protonvpn free

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by the team behind Proton Mail. Positioned as a privacy-first provider, ProtonVPN emphasizes strong encryption, transparent practices, and a jurisdiction in Switzerland — a country known for robust privacy laws. These factors make it a popular choice for users who want a VPN that takes data protection seriously. Security and privacy are at the core of ProtonVPN’s appeal. The service uses modern protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, employs AES-256 encryption, and supports Perfect Forward Secrecy to limit the damage if a key is ever compromised. ProtonVPN also operates “Secure Core” servers: a multi-hop architecture that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the wider internet, helping protect against network-based attacks and certain types of surveillance. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy and has undergone third-party audits that increase trust in its claims. ProtonVPN offers a range of plans, including a free tier. The free plan provides unlimited data but is limited in speed and available server locations; it’s useful for occasional secure browsing or testing the service. Paid tiers add features such as higher speeds, more simultaneous connections, access to Secure Core servers, streaming-optimized servers, and P2P-friendly servers. There’s also a Visionary plan bundle that combines ProtonVPN with Proton Mail premium features for users seeking an all-in-one privacy subscription. Performance with ProtonVPN is generally solid, especially when using WireGuard, which reduces overhead and improves throughput compared to older protocols. Real-world speeds vary depending on server selection, your baseline ISP speed, and geographic distance to the server. ProtonVPN also provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and includes features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling (on some platforms), and easy server selection for streaming and torrenting. Users often choose ProtonVPN for secure remote browsing, protecting sensitive research or communications, accessing geo-restricted content, and safe public Wi‑Fi use. Its strong privacy stance and Swiss location make it attractive for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious individuals. Drawbacks include pricing that can be higher than some mass-market competitors, and a server network smaller than the largest providers. For users focused purely on maximum global server coverage or the cheapest long-term subscriptions, other VPNs might be more appealing. However, if transparency, security-first design, and a trustworthy free option matter most, ProtonVPN is a compelling choice.