Proton VPN
The privacy-first VPN with an honest free plan.
By Shaun · Co-founder
Proton VPN is built by the team behind ProtonMail in Switzerland, with a privacy-first architecture that goes further than most VPN providers. Its apps are fully open source and independently audited, its free plan has no data cap (unusual in the category), and its Swiss jurisdiction keeps it outside EU and US data-retention requirements. Speeds on paid plans are competitive and NetShield blocks ads and trackers. For users where privacy is the primary concern rather than price or streaming breadth, Proton VPN is the most credible option available.
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Our Rating
8.7/10
Pricing
Free plan available (no data cap) · Plus from $4.99/month (annual)
Best For
Privacy-focused users, activists & anyone who wants a genuinely trustworthy free plan
Category
VPN
Quick Verdict
The most privacy-credentialed VPN available — and the only major one with a genuinely unlimited free plan. If trust, transparency, and Swiss legal protection matter most to you, nothing else comes close. For streaming breadth and raw speed, NordVPN edges it, but for privacy-first users and journalists, Proton VPN is the top recommendation.
Key Facts
| Tool | Proton VPN |
| Company | Proton AG (Switzerland) |
| Best for | Privacy-focused users, journalists, activists, and Proton ecosystem users |
| Starting price | Free (unlimited data, 3 countries); Plus from $4.99/month (annual) |
| Main limitation | Speeds slightly below NordVPN; smaller server network; fewer streaming libraries |
| Last verified | May 9, 2026 |
Pros & Cons
What works
- Swiss jurisdiction — outside EU and US data-retention laws, with a strong legal privacy framework
- Fully open-source apps — all client code is publicly audited, a level of transparency no other major VPN matches
- Genuinely unlimited free plan — no data cap, no ads, no speed throttling on free servers (3 countries)
- No-logs policy independently audited; strong track record of resisting government data requests
- NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware on all paid plans
- Stealth protocol bypasses VPN blocking in restrictive countries (China, UAE)
What doesn't
- Paid plan speeds are competitive but typically below NordVPN's NordLynx performance on long-distance connections
- Server network (6,000+ in 110+ countries) is smaller than NordVPN and excludes some regions
- Free plan is limited to 3 server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan) — adequate for privacy, not for streaming
- Streaming performance is solid but doesn't match NordVPN or ExpressVPN on library breadth
- Interface is slightly more complex than ExpressVPN — reflects the privacy-focused feature set
- No bundled password manager or identity protection features that NordVPN's Plus/Complete plans include
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Privacy-conscious users who need basic VPN protection with no data limits and no cost |
| Plus | $4.99/month (annual) · $9.99/month (monthly) | Users who want full server access, streaming unblocking, and NetShield |
| Proton Unlimited | $7.99/month (annual) | Proton ecosystem users who want VPN + ProtonMail + ProtonDrive + ProtonCalendar bundled |
Who It's For
Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and audited no-logs policy are the strongest privacy credentials of any mainstream VPN
Proton's track record of resisting government data requests and transparent legal structure make it the most trusted option for high-risk users
Only major VPN with a genuinely unlimited free plan — no data cap, no ads, real privacy protection
Proton Unlimited bundles VPN with ProtonMail and ProtonDrive at strong value for users already in the Proton ecosystem
Paid plan unblocks major streaming platforms reliably; smaller regional library count than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Competitive on most routes but NordVPN's NordLynx edges it on raw speed benchmarks, particularly for long-distance connections
How It Compares
| Dimension | Proton VPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Panama | BVI (Kape) |
| App Source Code | Open source | Closed source | Closed source |
| Free Plan | Yes (unlimited) | No | No |
| Privacy Audits | Annual (open source) | Deloitte ×5 (2025) | KPMG ×1 (2025) |
| Speed (tested) | ~700 Mbps | ~900 Mbps | ~750 Mbps |
| Price (annual) | $4.99/mo | $4.99/mo (1-yr) | $4.99/mo (1-yr) |
Our Rating
Our Verdict
Proton VPN earns an 8.7 — the highest privacy score of any VPN we've reviewed and the only one with a genuinely unlimited free plan. If your primary concern is trust and transparency, the combination of Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and an independently audited no-logs policy is unmatched. The free plan alone makes it worth recommending to users who need basic protection without cost or data limits. Where it sits below NordVPN's overall score: speeds are slightly lower on long-distance routes, the server network is smaller, and streaming breadth doesn't match the top streaming VPNs. For privacy-conscious professionals, journalists, or anyone in the Proton ecosystem, it's the top recommendation. For users who want the best balance of speed, streaming, and price, NordVPN edges it on overall value.
Try Proton VPNAffiliate Disclosure: ToolNav earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rating or recommendation. Pricing verified May 7, 2026 — may vary by region; always confirm at Proton VPN's official site before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes — uniquely so. The free plan has no data cap, no ads, and no speed throttling on free servers (3 countries: US, Netherlands, Japan). This is unlike most "free" VPNs, which impose data limits or monetise user data. The free tier provides genuine privacy protection for basic browsing and is the most credible no-cost VPN option in the market.
Proton VPN vs NordVPN — which is better for privacy?
Proton VPN leads on privacy credentials: Swiss jurisdiction (outside EU and US data-retention laws), fully open-source apps that are independently audited, and a track record of resisting government data requests. NordVPN leads on speed (~900 Mbps vs ~700 Mbps), server count (9,000+ vs 6,000+), and streaming breadth. For privacy as the primary concern, Proton VPN is stronger. For performance-first users, NordVPN edges it.
Is Proton VPN Plus worth $4.99/month?
Yes for most paid users. Proton VPN Plus ($4.99/month annual) is the lowest-priced paid plan among major VPNs and unlocks the full server network (6,000+ in 110+ countries), high-speed servers, streaming unblocking, and NetShield ad blocking. The Proton Unlimited plan at $7.99/month bundles VPN with ProtonMail and ProtonDrive — excellent value for users who want the entire Proton privacy ecosystem.
Does Proton VPN work with Netflix?
Yes — the Plus plan unblocks major Netflix libraries and streaming platforms reliably. Streaming breadth is solid but doesn't match the 30+ Netflix regions that NordVPN or ExpressVPN unlock. For streaming as a primary use case, NordVPN is the stronger dedicated recommendation. For privacy-first users who also want streaming access, Proton VPN Plus covers the bases well.
Why does Proton VPN have open-source apps?
Proton publishes all client app code on GitHub so security researchers, privacy advocates, and independent auditors can verify that the apps do what Proton claims — no hidden data collection, no undisclosed connections. This level of transparency is unique among major VPN providers. It is one of the primary reasons Proton VPN is trusted by journalists, activists, and high-risk users.
Who should NOT use Proton VPN?
Speed-first users who prioritise maximum throughput on long-distance connections will find NordVPN's NordLynx protocol edges Proton VPN in benchmarks. Users who need the broadest Netflix regional library access for streaming get more consistent coverage from NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Proton VPN's strengths are most relevant to users for whom privacy trust and Swiss jurisdiction are the deciding factors.
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