ProtonVPN Review
Introduction
Are you shopping for a VPN that puts privacy at the center of everything it does? ProtonVPN is one of the most trusted providers in 2025, offering military‑grade encryption, open‑source apps, and a generous free tier. In this detailed ProtonVPN review from VPN AdWiser, we’ll explore its features, performance, pricing, usability, and how it stacks up against top rivals like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll get all the insights you need to decide if ProtonVPN is right for you.
What Is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN launched in 2017 by Proton AG, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Operated from Switzerland under Swiss privacy laws, ProtonVPN recently transitioned to non‑profit status under the Proton Foundatio
- Over 13,600 servers in 122 countries as of mid‑2025
- Uses AES‑256 encryption, RSA‑4096 handshakes, HMAC‑SHA‑384, and supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, plus its own Stealth protocol
- Verified no‑logs policy, independently audited by Securitum, and fully open‑source
Key Features & Security
Secure Core & Stealth Protocol
- Secure Core routing tunnels your traffic through Proton‑owned servers in privacy‑strong jurisdictions before exiting to the internet – ideal against surveillance
- The Stealth protocol helps bypass
Encryption & Protocols
- Default encryption is AES‑256, supported by RSA‑4096 and HMAC‑SHA‑384
- Protocols: WireGuard (default in most platforms), OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Stealth protocol with Smart Protocol auto‑switching
Privacy & Audits
- No-logs policy verified by multiple audits (latest Securitum audit in mid‑2024), third-party verifies servers hold no user metadata
- Operates under Swiss law, outside Five/Eyes jurisdiction, with strict transparency measures
Additional Features
- NetShield: blocks ads, trackers, malware (not the strongest, but built‑in)
- Kill switch (3‑state) and DNS/WebRTC leak protection
- Split tunneling on Windows & Android (not supported on iOS/macOS)
- P2P/Torrent support with port forwarding
- Tor over VPN support on desktop apps
Interface & Usability
- Clean, modern apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Chromebook, browser extensions
- Latest redesign brings uniform, intuitive UI across platforms; mobile and desktop apps have seen major UX improvements
Linux GUI: Rare among VPNs—it provides a full GUI experience instead of only command line
Ease of use:
- One-click connect, map view, server selection
- Ability to create custom profiles on Windows and Android for different use cases
- Some menus are deeper—advanced users will like the flexibility; newcomers may find slightly complex
Speed & Reliability
- Excellent speeds on paid servers; minimal performance loss in real-world tests (e.g. ~6–9% drop on UK/US servers)
- VPN Accelerator reduces latency on long-distance connections
- Speeds occasionally vary depending on server load and location (especially on free tier)
Streaming & Torrenting Support
- Premium tiers unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular platforms reliably
- Free plan does not support streaming or P2P usage
- Torrenting available on dedicated P2P servers with port forwarding support for better speeds
Pricing & Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Yearly (Discounted) | Free Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Plus | $9.99 | $5.99/mo (~$71.88/yr) | — |
| Proton Unlimited | $12.99 | $9.99/mo (~$119.88/yr) | — |
| 2‑Year Plus | ~$4.99/mo | ~$119.76 total | 1 device, 3 locations, slower, no P2P/streaming |
| 2‑Year Unlimited | — |
- Free plan: Unlimited bandwidth, ad‑free, but limited to 3–5 countries, single device, slower speeds and no advanced features
- Offers a 30‑day money‑back guarantee on paid plans
- No surprise auto‑renewal price hikes—the rate you sign up for stays the same even after renewal
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class privacy and security: open‑source apps, independent audits, Swiss jurisdiction
- Secure Core & Stealth features protect anonymity
- Generous free tier with unlimited data
- Excellent streaming and torrent support on paid plans
- Full device support and cross‑platform apps (includes Linux GUI)
- Transparent pricing without renewal surprises
Cons
- Higher price than budget options like Surfshark
- Customer support is helpful but slower than competitors
- NetShield ad/malware blocker not as robust as standalone tools
- No split tunnelling on iOS/macOS
- Speeds on free tier can fluctuate & sometimes slower due to congestion
ProtonVPN vs. Competitors
- Compared to NordVPN: Proton excels in privacy (open‑source, audited) and fair pricing but NordVPN may edge ahead in streaming features and bundle deals.
- Compared to Surfshark: Surfshark is cheaper with unlimited devices, but Proton offers stronger audits and a more transparent approach.
- Compared to ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is easier for beginners and slightly faster, while Proton emphasizes privacy and unlimited free usage
Who Should Use ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is ideal for:
- Privacy-conscious users who value transparency and verified no‑logs
- People who prefer open-source and audited software
- Users who want a generous free option with unlimited data
- Streamers and torrenters on paid plans
- Users of Linux who want GUI support
It may be less suitable for:
- Budget users looking for ultra‑cheap, unlimited simultaneous connections
- Beginners looking for the simplest interface and fastest support
- iOS/macOS users needing split tunnelling
FAQ
1. Is ProtonVPN really free and unlimited?
Yes. ProtonVPN Free offers unlimited bandwidth and no ads on up to one device, but limits server locations and disables streaming or P2P access
2. How secure is ProtonVPN?
Extremely. It offers AES‑256 encryption, advanced protocols, a strict no‑logs policy, regular audits by Securitum, and is based in Switzerland outside Five Eyes jurisdiction
3. Can I use ProtonVPN for streaming services?
Yes—paid Plus or Unlimited plans unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more. Free tier does not support streaming
4. Does ProtonVPN support torrenting?
Yes, on select P2P servers. Plus/Unlimited plans include port forwarding to improve torrent speeds and reliability
5. What is Secure Core and Stealth protocol?
Secure Core routes your traffic through extra Proton-owned servers before exiting online for enhanced privacy. Stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS to evade censorship or VPN blocks
6. How many devices can I use simultaneously?
Free plan offers 1 device. Paid plans allow 2–10 simultaneous devices, depending on tier
7. Does ProtonVPN do automatic price hikes?
No. ProtonVPN maintains consistent pricing across terms—your renewal matches the original rate
Conclusion
ProtonVPN delivers top-tier privacy, transparency, and security with features few competitors match. Its generous free plan, open-source apps, Secure Core, and strict no-logs policy make it a standout choice for privacy-focused users. Streaming and torrenting support are solid on premium plans, while speeds remain strong even at long distances. The main trade-off is price and slightly less polished support or feature-level parity on macOS/iOS.
If privacy, transparency, and a VPN you can trust are priorities, ProtonVPN is a leader you should strongly consider.
