otonVPN: Privacy-first VPN from Switzerland — Features, Security, and Use Cases Keywords ProtonVPN, VPN, Secure Core, WireGuard, NetShield, no-logs, Proton AG, privacy, streaming, torrenting Description An overview of ProtonVPN — a privacy-focused VPN from Proton AG. Explains its core features, security model, plans, and common use cases like streaming, torrenting, and anonymous browsing. Content ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the Switzerland-based company known for Proton Mail. Designed with user privacy and security in mind, ProtonVPN aims to give individuals and organizations a reliable way to encrypt their internet connection, hide IP addresses, and bypass geographic restrictions while keeping user activity private. Core security and privacy features - Jurisdiction and policy: ProtonVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which has strong privacy protections and is outside EU/US intelligence-sharing alliances. The company states a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user traffic or connection activity. - Encryption and protocols: ProtonVPN supports modern protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is often recommended for the best balance of speed and security. - Secure Core: A signature feature that routes traffic through privacy-friendly, hard-to-compromise servers in secure countries (for example, Switzerland and Iceland) before exiting to the public internet. This adds an extra layer of protection against network-level surveillance. - NetShield and leak protection: Built-in DNS leak protection, kill switch (to block traffic if the VPN drops), and the NetShield feature for blocking ads, trackers, and malware domains at DNS level. - Open-source & audits: ProtonVPN’s apps are open-source, allowing independent review. The company has undergone third-party security audits to bolster trust. Performance and usability ProtonVPN’s performance varies by server and protocol; WireGuard generally delivers the fastest speeds. The free tier provides a good entry-level option but is limited to a small set of servers and lower speeds. Paid tiers unlock faster servers, access to Secure Core, P2P/torrent-optimized servers, streaming-optimized locations, and more simultaneous connections. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and setup is possible on routers. Streaming and torrenting ProtonVPN supports streaming and can access many popular streaming services when connected to appropriately optimized servers. Torrenting is permitted but generally restricted to specific P2P-enabled servers to reduce abuse and maintain server performance. Who should consider ProtonVPN - Privacy-conscious users who value a no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction. - People who want additional anonymity layers (Secure Core) and DNS-level ad/malware blocking. - Users who prefer open-source clients and independent audits. - Those who need a free, trustworthy VPN option to try before committing. Potential downsides - Paid plans can be pricier than budget competitors. - Free-tier limitations may be noticeable for heavy users. - Streaming compatibility can vary by region and server choice. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a solid option for users prioritizing privacy and security over cheap pricing. Its combination of Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, advanced features like Secure Core and NetShield, plus modern protocols such as WireGuard, make it well-suited for secure browsing, anonymous access, and safer torrenting. Users should evaluate their needs (speed, streaming, number of devices) and try the free tier or short subscription to confirm it meets their requirements.