Privacy and security are priorities when searching for the best VPN, and keeping you safe online is Proton VPN's core mission. However, unlike many security-focused services, the Swiss provider doesn't sacrifice anything in terms of day-to-day usability, and that rare combination alongside the best free VPN available today makes for a seriously attractive product.
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With a decent spread of over 1,700 servers in 63 countries, and apps for a good range of devices, Proton VPN is speedy and suitable for just about every user – and its excellent streaming performance means it's not just for privacy fanatics, either.
Those used to the stripped-back aesthetic of rivals such as ExpressVPN may take a moment to warm up to the large interface of Proton VPN, but despite its relatively hefty footprint we think it exudes a certain techy charm.
However, pricing is on the higher end when it comes to the full-fat Plus plan – which, let's be honest, is the one to go for – and definitely puts it into the upper echelons of the best of the best. Can it live up to its price tag?
In our comprehensive Proton VPN review, we'll be taking a look under the provider's skin to see what it can really offer you, what it might lack, and whether it's the right VPN for you.
HOW PRIVATE AND SECURE IS PROTON VPN?
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Proton VPN has a home base in Switzerland, which automatically gives the service a boost over most of the competition. The country is known for its very strong privacy laws, is neither in the US nor EU jurisdiction and additionally, it’s not a member of the “14 eyes” surveillance network.
Proton VPN's no-logging statement is comprehensive, and that's reflected in practice – the only data stored is your very last timestamp, which is immediately overwritten the next time you connect.
On sign-up you can also use the company's secure ProtonMail as your email, and while you can pay with PayPal and credit card (both handled by a third party and anonymous to Proton VPN itself), you can also use Bitcoin, or even cold, hard cash. Apart from Mullvad, Proton VPN is the only VPN worth signing up to that does this, so compared to rivals, it's quite possibly the most anonymous from start to finish.