otonVPN: Secure, Private, and User-Friendly VPN from Switzerland Keywords ProtonVPN, VPN, Secure Core, WireGuard, privacy, encryption, no-logs, free VPN, ProtonMail, streaming, P2P Description An overview of ProtonVPN — its security features, privacy protections, plans (including a free tier), and why it’s a strong choice for users who want a reliable, privacy-focused virtual private network. Content ProtonVPN is a privacy-centric virtual private network service developed by the team behind ProtonMail. Headquartered in Switzerland, a country known for strong privacy laws, ProtonVPN emphasizes strong encryption, a strict no-logs stance, and transparent development to protect user privacy and security online. Security and privacy ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption and modern VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard to secure user traffic. It offers a built-in kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops, and DNS leak protection to prevent your DNS queries from exposing your browsing activity. ProtonVPN also operates “Secure Core” servers — multi-hop routes that first pass traffic through servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the wider internet. This adds an extra layer of protection against network-based attacks and some forms of surveillance. No-logs policy and transparency ProtonVPN states a strict no-logs policy and benefits from its Swiss jurisdiction. The company makes efforts toward transparency, with audited apps and publicly available documentation about its infrastructure and privacy practices. For users concerned about data collection and government access, these practices help build trust. Plans and features ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited server locations and speeds, which is attractive for casual users who want basic protection without a subscription. Paid plans unlock access to the full server network, higher speeds, Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, P2P-enabled servers, and the ability to use the service on more simultaneous devices. Higher-tier plans also support advanced features such as split tunneling (on some platforms) and access to Tor over VPN, allowing you to route traffic directly into the Tor network from a VPN server. Performance and compatibility With a large global network and support for WireGuard, ProtonVPN provides competitive connection speeds suitable for web browsing, streaming, and video calls. Native apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and manual configuration is possible for routers and other devices. Use cases - Privacy-conscious users wanting a Swiss-based VPN with strong transparency practices. - People who need an easy-to-use free option for occasional VPN use. - Streamers and P2P users who require optimized servers and higher-tier plans. - Journalists, activists, or travelers seeking extra protection with multi-hop Secure Core routing. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a solid choice for users prioritizing privacy and security without sacrificing usability. Its combination of strong encryption, multi-hop Secure Core, a trustworthy jurisdiction, and a functional free tier make it a versatile option for both newcomers and privacy-savvy users.