ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service created by the team behind ProtonMail, the encrypted email provider founded by CERN scientists. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from strong privacy laws and positions itself as a trustworthy option for users who want to protect their internet traffic against surveillance, tracking, and censorship. Security and privacy are at the core of ProtonVPN’s design. The service uses modern VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN, along with strong AES-256 encryption. ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record users’ browsing activity. Its Swiss jurisdiction further strengthens privacy guarantees by placing the company outside EU and US intelligence-sharing regimes. ProtonVPN’s apps are open-source and have undergone independent security audits, helping to increase transparency and trust. Several features set ProtonVPN apart from many competitors. Secure Core routes traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries before it leaves Proton’s network, protecting users from network-level surveillance and server compromise. NetShield is an integrated DNS-level blocker that filters trackers, malware domains, and ads (available on paid plans). ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN, allowing easy access to Onion services without running the Tor Browser separately. For users who need flexible routing, split tunneling and an automatic kill switch are supported on many platforms to prevent data leakage if the VPN connection drops. ProtonVPN provides both free and paid tiers. The free plan is notable for offering unlimited bandwidth (policy can vary over time) and a limited selection of servers, making it a useful entry-level option for privacy-conscious users on a budget. Paid plans unlock faster servers, access to Secure Core, streaming-optimized and P2P-friendly servers, NetShield, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously. Pricing is competitive, and subscription bundles with ProtonMail are available for users who want a broader privacy ecosystem. Performance with ProtonVPN is generally solid, particularly on WireGuard, which tends to offer faster speeds and lower latency than older protocols. Server coverage spans many countries worldwide, though premium plans provide access to the broadest selection and highest speeds. ProtonVPN is also commonly used to access geo-restricted streaming content and to secure connections on public Wi‑Fi. No VPN is perfect: some users may find ProtonVPN’s top-tier pricing higher than budget competitors, and peak-time speeds can vary depending on server load. However, its combination of transparency, Swiss jurisdiction, advanced privacy features, and a functional free tier make it a strong choice for individuals who prioritize privacy over minimal cost. In summary, ProtonVPN is a reputable, security-focused VPN that balances user-friendly apps with advanced privacy protections. It is especially appealing for users who value independence from major tech jurisdictions and want a service built around privacy principles.