ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) designed for individuals who want privacy and security when browsing online. Per the vendor, their open source technology prioritizes speed, security and transparency, while the company overall aims to promote civil rights. With a maximum number of 10 devices per paid subscription, ProtonVPN is aimed towards individuals, small businesses with limited devices or businesses willing to pay for separate accounts for its employees.

ProtonVPN was created to serve the users of ProtonMail, particularly activists and journalists working in areas without a free press to protect them and their research. With 1429 servers in 61 countries, users have secure access to networks across the globe on high-speed servers that boast connections of up to 10 Gbps. Individuals looking for region-specific information have a variety of locations to choose from.

Overview of Features

ProtonVPN utilizes only secure VPN protocols. Their servers only use OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard and none of their servers support the less secure PPTP and L2TP/IPSec protocols. Per ProtonVPN, their VPN Accelerator allows users to browse at faster speeds by overcoming CPU limitations and reducing latency.

Tor over VPN is built-in with no further setup required. Users can access dark web tor Onion sites from their regular browser with the protections that a VPN affords. This feature is only available with paid tiers of ProtonVPN.

ProtonVPN states that they designed their VPN to be easy to use and offers a “Quick Click” button that allows users to connect to the VPN with one click after installation. ProtonVPN is available on many platforms, including:

• Windows

• Mac

• Android

• iOS (iPhone/iPad)

• Linux

• Chromebook

• Android TV

Security and Privacy as a Priority

ProtonVPN offers a level of security and privacy that is uncommon for VPN products with a free option. As they are based in Switzerland, they are outside of US and EU jurisdictions and are subject to some of the world’s strongest privacy protections. Their no-log policy means that your browsing data and personal information is never stored on their servers, which have full disk encryption. The combination of their location and no-log policy means that it is unlikely that any government could compel them to turn over user data, and that even if compelled, they would not possess the user data to turn over.

All data is encrypted with Perfect Forward Secrecy, which means that even if intercepted, data cannot be decrypted. Adblocker comes standard (even with the free version) and provides additional protection against malware and prevents website trackers from functioning as you continue browsing.

ProtonVPN ensures that all of their hardware is secure, requiring biometric authentication to access facilities that are in secure locations such as bunkers in the Alps and former military bases in Iceland. ProtonVPN ships its own servers to ensure that no unauthorized parties ever access its hardware.

Per the vendor, ProtonVPN differs from other providers because of its transparency around security and privacy. The vendor openly states that no VPN can be 100% secure or protect all users data with 100% certainty. By publishing frequently on VPN trust and what a VPN can and can’t protect, ProtonVPN aims to build confidence in its users while keeping them as safe as possible online.