Proton VPN is a VPN service from Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. It’s built around a strong privacy and transparency reputation — open-source, independently audited apps, a no-logs policy, and a genuinely free tier that most major VPN providers don’t offer.
Who It’s Best For
Proton VPN suits privacy-focused users who want a genuine free VPN tier, or who want VPN bundled with the rest of Proton’s private email, storage, and calendar ecosystem via Proton Unlimited.
How It Can Be Used
- Using a genuinely free, unlimited-time VPN tier on one device
- Encrypting traffic at full speed with 2,000+ servers across 140+ countries (paid tiers)
- Blocking ads, trackers, and malware with NetShield
- Adding an extra layer of routing protection with Secure Core multi-hop servers
- Bundling VPN with Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, and Pass via Proton Unlimited
- Torrenting and file-sharing with an IP-protected connection
FAQ
What is Proton VPN used for?
It’s used to encrypt internet traffic for privacy, with a genuinely free tier and paid tiers adding speed, more servers, and extra features.
Does Proton VPN have a free plan?
Yes — Proton Free is a permanent free tier (one device, medium speed, 10 country choices), not a time-limited trial.
Who should use Proton VPN?
Privacy-focused users who want a free VPN option or want it bundled with Proton’s other private email and storage apps.
What are alternatives to Proton VPN?
NordVPN is the closest directly profiled alternative, offering a larger server network and bundled antivirus/storage extras, but without a permanent free tier.
See more in our Cybersecurity hub.