Proton VPN

Proton VPN is one of the most powerful and versatile virtual private network tools to offer a secure and completely anonymous online browsing environment. The privacy-focused utility offers industry-standard encryption to protect your online data, preventing all types of internet censorship and trackers from tracking your browsing history. 

The app with cross-platform compatibility offers an unlimited server collection across the world for the ease of users; select the location, and connect with a single click. It maintains user privacy while following a strict no-log policy, ensuring that none of your data is collected or sent to third parties.

Also available for: Android

What is Proton VPN?

Proton VPN, developed by ProtonMail developers, is a privacy-focused software operating under Swiss privacy laws and adds an extra shield of security while using the Secure Core facility, maintaining complete ownership and control. The versatile app offers awesome services in different scenarios, such as home PC, mobile device outside of home, and even in your office workstation. 

The innovative app allows users to browse reliably, avoiding all types of online restrictions, as it offers a huge collection of servers up to 4100+ in around 88 countries. It is the best solution to browse even in privacy-conscious regions, including Switzerland, Iceland, and so on. 

Proton VPN Features

Strong Security

The support for military-grade AES 256-bit encryption offers unbreakable protection for your internet traffic. It ensures the security of communication; regardless of past or future will be maintained, even in case of a single compromised encryption key, supporting Perfect Forward Secrecy. Moreover, it doesn’t log your browsing history and delivers multiple tunneling protocols, such as IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN TCP, and OpenVPN UDP, and also a Kill Switch for the safety of your real IP address. 

Support File-sharing

File-sharing is one of new added features, enabling users to manage their transmission process more reliably, without any data snatching threat. It also offers Tor browsing facility, which helps to avoid installing an additional Tor browser and messing with extra settings, keeping your real location and IP address hidden from your ISP, and even from the first Tor relay. So, you will find a strong commitment to enjoying a secure, private, and free internet. 

Streaming Platform Support

In modern life, visiting a streaming platform is one of the most favorite activities, but most of the platforms have paid versions, and it is impossible for the majority of users to access their favorite content. Proton VPN is the best solution for delivering fast and optimized servers to multiple streaming platforms.

Split Tunneling

The app offers enhanced protection, tunneling the connections, as you can access to split tunneling feature, and reliably include as well as exclude the software as according to your preferences. In this way, you can manage your browsing process smoothly while separating the apps that require a VPN connection, and leaving others that can run smoothly without a VPN connection. It also allows you to enable/disable DNS leak protection and IPv6 leak protection using the Advanced area. 

Robust Speed

The use of Accelerator technology enables the app not to sacrifice speed for any reason; instead, it improves the connection performance, even if the server is available in a distant region. It offers the best services for users who are seeking a VPN utility for streaming, gaming, and data-heavy browsing with minimal buffering and lag. It is also proven via speed tests that the app offers consistent and high-speed connections. However, the performance depends upon the server load and user location.

Cross-platform Compatibility

The app is built on Swiss privacy, as it runs under the strongest privacy laws outside the EU, avoiding any mass surveillance alliances. It offers high-level compatibility for all types of digital machines, such as Windows all versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, Android, Android TV, iOS, Chromebook, macOS, and Linux. However, you can run the free edition on only one device, but the paid version offers multi-device connection.

Built-in Functionalities

The app offers extended security standards within multiple innovative built-in functionalities such as;

• NetShield works as an ad blocker to avoid malware and a tracker blocker. NetShield is also a helpful utility to block irritating advertisements and protects your devices from potential threats. You can activate or deactivate the feature as you want.
• Kill Switch is for blocking internet services if the VPN loses the connection accidentally. 
• Split tunneling is for including as well as excluding apps according to user preferences.

No-log Policy

The app follows a strict no-log policy, ensuring that not any of your data is retained by the app itself, and does not sell your personal information to third parties. You can use the app reliably, as it doesn’t collect or store your browsing history, and keeps your privacy uncompromised. It only logs your sign-in time and replaces the timestamp each time you log in. 

User Interface

The user-friendly and intuitive interface offers a modern look and is reliably useful for all major platforms. The sleek and well-organized app offers one-click server connection according to your choice. It also offers a filter option to select your desired server, with P2P and Tor support, and quick-connect options. It offers a streamlined setup requiring a simple registration process using your email address. However, it requires a login process each time after launching the app, which can be less convenient for day-to-day use. 

Secure Core

It is one of the core features, routing your internet traffic through privacy-friendly countries using multiple servers, ensuring no one can trace your location by tracking your online activities. Moreover, it offers Tor protection for routing your encrypted traffic using the Tor anonymity network. Both technologies are advanced, so not available in the free tier so requires subscription plan for anonymous routing. 

Limitless Servers

A huge collection of servers is available in all major countries, making every piece of your desired content accessible within seconds. You can easily access the server list from the dashboard, select any of your desired ones, and bypass all internet restrictions, including geo-restrictions, government restrictions, and ISP restrictions as well. You will find a limited server collection within the basic version while maintaining the strong privacy standard. 

Kill Switch

It is another significant feature for halting the internet connection in case of accidentally dropping the VPN connection, and protects your online browsing data from leaking. You can turn on and turn off the kill switch using the hamburger menu, as it offers kill switch settings through a window. It is one of the best options to protect your real IP from disclosing among others.

Enhanced Technical Support

You will find enhanced technical support in different scenarios, such as an online knowledge base, email, and a ticketing system. However, it lacks a live chat option. The latest update offers official support for the Filipino (Baybayin) language, ensuring quick accessibility to local users. In addition, the app is available for free only in three countries at medium speed. However, the paid plans offer more than 3000 servers in around 65 countries at higher speeds. 

How to Download Proton VPN on Windows PC?

• Open your web browser and visit the official website, or simply click the “Download” button given on the page.
• Navigate to the Downloads folder, and double-click on the .exe file to run the installation process.
• Complete the installation process, following the on-screen instructions.
• After completing installation, click the icon to launch the app.
• Add your email address to create a registration, and log in.
• Access the main screen and click the server from the list to connect with your desired location or site.
• You can use the quick connection button to automatically connect with the nearest server.
• You can disconnect the connection by clicking the “Disconnect” button.

Some Important Alternatives of Proton VPN

Express VPN

It is one of the top choices with a free trial version, enabling users to bypass all types of geo-restrictions, as it offers an unlimited server collection across the world. It offers robust performance within a user-friendly interface.

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is one of the most popular VPN utilities with budget-friendly facilities, ensuring your accessibility to any of your favorite content, including streaming, gaming, and others. It offers uncompromised security and privacy, and a multi-account facility for multiple devices.

Nord VPN

The app has an intuitive interface with an emphasis on security and privacy. However, it is a paid tool but offers a free trial version. It offers awesome features such as CyberSec for blocking malicious websites and advertisements. 

PureVPN

It is another fastest and securest tool, offering the most reliable and easy-to-use VPN services across the world. The app offers both manual and automatic connection, allowing users to visit any of their favorite sites hassle-free.

CyberGhost VPN

It is one of the best solutions to keep your online browsing secure and restriction-free, as it offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers to stream and torrent reliably.

Difference Between Proton VPN and Express VPN

Proton VPN

• Offers exceptional streaming facility
• Built on Swiss privacy 
• Huge collection of servers 
• Offers multi-connection support up to 10 devices
• Offers basic features for free
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Limited chat option for customer services
• Interface feels a little bit confusing

Express VPN

• Built on the British Virgin Islands
• Strongest privacy and security
• Offers robust advanced functionality
• Strong commitment to transparency
• Lack of free version
• Expensive utility

Pros

• Supports military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
• Independently auditable open-source apps
• No advertisement irritation
• Supports Secure Core architecture
• VPN Accelerator to offer fast and stable connection
• Simple registration process
• Strict no-log policy

Cons

• Speed may vary for servers located in another region
• Free plan offers limited functionality
• Advanced functionality requires paid version

FAQs

What are the countries with free servers of Proton VPN?

It is available in the United States, Poland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and Mexico for free.

Is Proton VPN safe to use?

It is true that multiple VPN utilities, specifically free versions, can pose a risk for your online safety, but Proton VPN with a strict no-log policy ensures your online privacy and security, and it doesn’t require your personal information; instead, it requires only an email address to sign in.

Can Proton VPN slow down your Internet connection?

The app has multiple speed tests to prove its robust performance. However, the speed may vary because of server load and internet connection.

Is free version give access to streaming platforms?

Yes, it is possible to access multiple streaming platforms such as YouTube, and so on within the free version. However, the range of streaming services may be limited.

How to upgrade the free plan?

You can access the paid version by simply clicking on the subscription plans and selecting the plan according to your preferences.