ProtonVPN positions itself as a privacy-first virtual private network built by the team behind ProtonMail and headquartered in Switzerland, a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws. Its core appeal is a combination of transparent engineering, a clear no-logs stance, and features intended to minimize the risk of data exposure. Security and privacy ProtonVPN uses modern VPN protocols (including WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 where supported) with strong encryption to protect traffic. The service emphasizes a strict no-logs policy and operates Secure Core servers — a multi-hop implementation that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the wider internet. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN, letting users access .onion sites directly through the VPN without running the Tor browser separately. The company has open-sourced its client apps and has published independent security audits, supporting transparency around its implementation. Features and usability ProtonVPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus manual configuration options for routers. Typical features include a kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops, split tunneling on supported platforms, and DNS leak protection. Paid plans add NetShield — an ad, tracker and malware blocker — and allow more simultaneous connections and access to all server locations. Performance and server network ProtonVPN maintains a global server network across many countries and supports high-speed connections through WireGuard. The Secure Core multi-hop option prioritizes privacy over raw speed because traffic is routed through extra hops, which is a trade-off many privacy-minded users accept. For streaming and torrenting, ProtonVPN offers specialized servers; P2P traffic is permitted only on certain servers optimized for that use. Plans and the free tier One attractive aspect is ProtonVPN’s free plan, which is genuinely usable for light browsing and basic privacy needs — though it limits server choices, connection speeds, and simultaneous devices. Paid tiers unlock faster servers, Secure Core, more countries, and the NetShield feature. Pricing is competitive among premium VPNs, and Proton offers bundled discounts with other Proton services. Who should use it ProtonVPN is a good choice for privacy-conscious users who value transparency, jurisdictional protections, and advanced features like multi-hop and Tor integration. It’s suitable for secure browsing, anonymous research, and protecting data on public Wi‑Fi. Users focused solely on the lowest possible price or who need maximum streaming performance might evaluate other providers, but ProtonVPN strikes a balanced mix of privacy and usability. In summary, ProtonVPN is a solid, privacy-focused VPN with transparent practices, strong security features, and a usable free tier — particularly appealing for users who prioritize data protection and auditability.