Proton VPN review 2026

Proton VPN sets the gold standard for transparency: all client apps (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) are fully open source under the GPLv3 licence and can be viewed on GitHub. Anyone can inspect the code – and independent security audits by SEC Consult have already done so. Among the big commercial providers, that is rare (in the comparison, Mullvad is also fully open source). Encryption is via WireGuard (ChaCha20-Poly1305), OpenVPN (AES-256) or the in-house Stealth protocol (for circumventing censorship). The Secure Core architecture routes traffic first through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland or Sweden before it reaches the destination server – even if an exit server were compromised, the original IP address would remain protected. The registered office in Geneva is subject to the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), which is regarded as one of the strongest in the world. Switzerland is neither an EU member nor part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances. Proton VPN publishes a transparency report and a warrant canary. According to Proton, the no-logs policy was audited by Securitum for the fifth year in a row in 2026. Scoring (29/30): The highest transparency through open source, annual no-logs audits and Swiss law. A minimal deduction because audits can only confirm the statements at the time of the audit.

With the WireGuard protocol, Proton VPN delivers good speeds for everyday use. How much speed is lost depends on your line, server distance and load; our grading (“fast”) is an editorial assessment, not our own series of measurements. Streaming support is available only in the paid plans (from VPN Plus); streaming and P2P are not available on the free plan. There is no guarantee, as streaming services continually block detected VPN addresses. Secure Core routes traffic via an additional server and is therefore noticeably slower, but offers more privacy in return. The Stealth protocol is intended for networks with deep packet inspection (DPI) and disguises VPN traffic. Speed is naturally reduced as a result. Scoring (14/20): Solid speeds for everyday use, but not quite at the level of the speed champions. Secure Core slows things down, as expected. Stealth protocol as an option for networks that block VPNs.

According to the provider, Proton VPN operates more than 20,000 servers in over 140 countries – one of the largest networks in the comparison. Server quality is high: Proton VPN relies exclusively on its own or long-term rented bare-metal servers and uses no virtual private servers. The Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden are the heart of the infrastructure: physically secured in highly secure data centres, they provide an additional routing layer for maximum privacy. P2P servers are available in many countries, as are dedicated streaming servers. On the free plan, servers in 10 countries are available and are assigned at random – that is restricted but sufficient for simple browsing. Virtual locations are clearly marked. Scoring (14/18): A large network covering over 140 countries and high-quality bare-metal servers. Deductions for the limited server selection on the free tier and fewer special server categories than the competition.

Proton VPN offers apps for all platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (with a GUI!), Android, iOS and Chromebook. The Linux app with a graphical interface is particularly worth highlighting – most competitors offer only a command-line version on Linux. The user interface shows a world map with all server locations and is intuitive to use. Up to 10 devices can be connected at the same time (on the Plus plan) – level with NordVPN and ExpressVPN Basic, more than CyberGhost (7) and Mullvad (5). The free version allows 1 device. Split tunnelling is available on Windows and Android. NetShield blocks ads, malware and trackers at DNS level and works effectively. Customer service can be reached by email and live chat, but not around the clock. The knowledge base is extensive and well structured. Scoring (16/20): Strong apps with a Linux GUI and 10 simultaneous devices. Deductions for the more limited customer service without 24/7 availability and the missing split tunnelling on Apple devices.

Proton VPN is the only provider in the comparison to offer a permanently free plan: no data or time limit, no ads, no logs – limited to 1 device and randomly assigned servers in 10 countries, without streaming and P2P. The VPN Plus plan costs €3.49 a month on the 2-year plan (€83.76 for 24 months, then renewal at €83.88 a year) – somewhat more expensive than Surfshark (€2.49) and CyberGhost (€2.19). The 1-year plan is €4.49 a month, the monthly plan €9.99. Proton Unlimited (€7.99 a month on the 2-year plan) additionally includes Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive and Pass. The 30-day money-back guarantee is standard. For privacy-conscious users who want to use the whole Proton ecosystem, the Unlimited bundle offers excellent added value. The prices are fair when you consider the open-source philosophy and the Swiss registered office. Scoring (10/12): The only provider in the comparison with a permanently free version. Fair prices and a 30-day guarantee. A slight deduction because the Plus plan is more expensive than Surfshark.