Our verdict: Proton VPN is the top choice for privacy advocates: open-source, Swiss-based, and independently audited. All apps are published on GitHub so any security researcher can verify the code for themselves.
Overall Score
Proton VPN – Good
Proton VPN is the top choice for privacy advocates: open-source, Swiss-based, and independently audited. All apps are published on GitHub so any security researcher can verify the code for themselves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Swiss-based, exceptional privacy credentials
- Fully open-source apps
- Independently audited
- Free tier available (no logs, limited servers)
Cons
- Slower on some server locations
- Premium tiers pricier than budget options
Speed Performance
We ran Proton VPN through 20 speed test iterations on a dedicated 1 Gbps connection using the fastest available protocol (WireGuard), tested at peak and off-peak hours across multiple server regions:
Proton VPN showed consistent but not exceptional speeds – adequate for most use cases including HD streaming and video calls.
Streaming Performance
Proton VPN supports streaming on paid plans. It successfully unblocked Netflix (US, UK, AU, JP), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video in our tests. Streaming servers are not labeled by platform, but most servers in major regions work reliably. The free tier restricts access to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan only, which still provides access to some streaming libraries. Connection quality was stable at 1080p, though speeds on some servers were slightly slower than our top performers.
Gaming
Proton VPN's VPN Accelerator technology improves throughput, particularly on longer-distance connections. We measured 16–22ms latency overhead on nearby servers – slightly higher than the top performers in this ranking. The Secure Core feature (routing through Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden first) adds additional latency and is not recommended for gaming. For standard gaming, the WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols deliver the best balance of speed and reliability.
Security & Encryption
Proton VPN uses WireGuard as its primary protocol. All connections are protected with AES-256-GCM encryption. The kill switch cut all traffic within 1–2 seconds of disconnection in our tests, and DNS leak checks via DNS leak testing tools returned clean results on all servers tested.
Proton VPN's Secure Core architecture routes traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before exiting through a standard server. This protects against network-level surveillance at the VPN exit point. NetShield is the built-in DNS-based blocker for ads, malware, and trackers. The Stealth protocol obfuscates VPN traffic and is particularly effective in countries that censor VPN connections. All Proton VPN apps are fully open-source and published on GitHub – any security researcher can inspect the code.
Supported protocols: WireGuardOpenVPNStealth
Privacy & Logging Policy
No-logs policy: Proton VPN does not log IP addresses, connection timestamps, session data, or DNS queries. The privacy policy clearly defines what is and is not collected.
Proton VPN operates from Geneva, Switzerland. Switzerland is outside 5/9/14 Eyes, with its own data privacy laws that do not mandate VPN data retention. The no-logs policy has been independently audited by SEC Consult. Proton AG (the parent company) also operates ProtonMail and has a documented history of successfully challenging government data requests in Swiss courts. The combination of Swiss law, independent audit, and open-source code provides the most verifiable privacy claim in this ranking.
Apps & Interface
Proton VPN's Windows app is polished and well-structured. The interface shows a world map and a server list with separate categories for Secure Core, Tor over VPN, P2P, and free servers. The Quick Connect button selects the best server based on load and distance. Settings include protocol selection (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth), NetShield level, split tunneling, and LAN connection access. Proton VPN is one of the few providers to offer a full GUI client on Linux – most competitors provide only a CLI tool. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and the Chrome browser.
Supported platforms: WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidLinuxBrowser
Pricing & Plans
| Plan | Price | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $9.99 | 10 |
| Best Value | $3.49/mo | 10 |
All paid plans include a money-back guarantee. The longer-term plans offer the best per-month value.
Limitations
Proton VPN's paid plans are more expensive than budget alternatives. Speed is solid but not class-leading. The free tier (while genuinely useful with unlimited bandwidth) is limited to three countries and slower speeds. Server connection times can occasionally be longer than ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Our Verdict
Proton VPN: Good VPN for PC
Proton VPN is the definitive choice when privacy is the primary requirement rather than a secondary consideration. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, Secure Core architecture, and independent audits make it the most technically verifiable VPN in this ranking. For journalists, activists, or anyone facing genuine surveillance risk, Proton VPN is the appropriate tool.
Check our full ranking to compare it against other options.
