ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the company behind ProtonMail. Designed with privacy and security as primary goals, ProtonVPN aims to protect users’ online activity from surveillance, tracking, and data collection while providing practical features for everyday use like streaming and secure browsing. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s most notable selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has strong privacy laws and is outside the intelligence-sharing agreements that govern many other countries. Combined with a strict no-logs policy, this makes ProtonVPN attractive for users who prioritize confidentiality. The company also emphasizes hardware and server practices that reduce risk, such as RAM-only servers that erase data on reboot. Security features ProtonVPN supports modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, offering a balance between speed and security. Encryption standards and tunneling options are industry-standard, protecting traffic from interception on public Wi‑Fi and unsecured networks. Additional features include kill switch functionality (to block traffic if the VPN disconnects), DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on supported platforms. Secure Core and Tor over VPN A unique ProtonVPN feature is Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries before leaving the network. This adds an extra layer of protection against network-level attacks and certain types of surveillance. ProtonVPN also offers native “Tor over VPN” support, allowing users to route traffic through the Tor network without needing a separate Tor browser configuration. Free tier and paid plans ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited server access and speeds, which is unusually generous compared to many other free VPNs because it adheres to privacy principles without ads. Paid plans expand server access, increase connection speeds, and unlock features like Secure Core, P2P support, and simultaneous connections. Pricing and plan features change periodically, so checking the official site for current details is recommended. Usability and platforms ProtonVPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus configuration options for routers. The interfaces are generally user-friendly, with simple connection options and advanced settings for power users. The company publishes open-source clients and documentation, supporting transparency and third-party review. Considerations No VPN can make you completely anonymous; ProtonVPN significantly reduces exposure but should be used alongside good security practices. Performance can vary by server and region, and some advanced features are limited to paid tiers. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a strong choice for users who care about privacy and legal protections, offering modern protocols, thoughtful features like Secure Core and Tor integration, and a credible free option. It balances ease of use with advanced settings, making it suitable for both casual users and privacy-conscious power users.