Proton VPN Review 2023

ProtonVPN is an increasingly popular virtual private network (VPN) service that was created by the same team that
developed the renowned ProtonMail. It has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its powerful features and
excellent security practices. As of 2023, ProtonVPN boasts a wide range of features, such as high-grade encryption,
open-source clients for various operating systems, Kill Switch technology, and more.

What is Proton VPN’s speed and performance rating?

Speed and performance is an important aspect when it comes to choosing a VPN, and ProtonVPN offers some impressive
speeds. Its tunneling protocol (WireGuard) typically offers the best speeds, making ProtonVPN one of the faster
providers out there. In fact, some speed tests have shown download speeds of up to 565 Mbps, while uploads reach 353
Mbps. That being said, speeds can sometimes be inconsistent depending on the server you are connected to. To help you
check your connection speeds accurately, ProtonVPN has a free VPN speed test tool available on its website.

Server locations

ProtonVPN offers a wide selection of server locations for its users. As of 2023, ProtonVPN has 1800+ servers in 66
countries located all over the world, including Europe, Asia and the Americas. The number of servers you have access
to
depends on which plan you have chosen. Free users can only connect to servers in Japan, The Netherlands and the United
States. However, with paid plans, users gain access to additional server locations such as India, Australia, Canada
and
South Africa. This means that no matter where you are located in the world, ProtonVPN has a server that will give you
access to restricted content and keep your data secure.

Interface and ease of use

ProtonVPN’s interface is simple, intuitive and easy to use. The main window shows a map of the world with the server
locations marked on it. It also displays the current connection status, your IP address and other important
information.
The options menu is where you can change settings such as protocol, port and DNS. You can even add custom DNS servers
if
you wish. All of these settings are easily accessible and well organized so that even novice users will be able to
navigate them with ease. The mobile apps have an identical layout to the desktop version, making setup and usage a
breeze. All in all, ProtonVPN’s user friendly interface ensures that its users have everything they need at their
fingertips for a secure and private browsing experience.

Windows

ProtonVPN is a leading virtual private network provider that offers robust security and privacy features for Windows
users. In 2023, the service has improved significantly over the years, offering enhanced protection on the Windows
platform. It now provides military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS protection and secure core servers
to
ensure maximum privacy and security while browsing online.

The ProtonVPN software is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. It is also available on the
Windows
Store, making it even easier to download and install. The user interface has been redesigned to make it more intuitive
and easier to use. With just a few clicks, you can quickly connect to any server location or set up split tunneling
for
specific applications.

Mac

ProtonVPN is also available for Mac users, and it is just as secure and easy to use as the Windows version. As of
2023,
the software has been updated with new features such as a redesigned user interface, a built-in kill switch and
support
for Lightway protocol. ProtonVPN also supports IKEv2/IPsec protocols on macOS devices, making it one of the most
secure
VPN services for Mac users.

The ProtonVPN software is available for both Intel and M1-based Macs. It also provides a custom connection profile
that
makes it easier to set up the VPN on macOS devices. With the help of this profile, you can quickly connect to any
server
location or use split tunneling to route certain applications through the VPN while keeping others outside of it.

Linux

Linux is an open source operating system that is freely available to use. It is popular among developers and
tech-savvy
users due to its flexibility and customization options. Linux is based on the Unix kernel, which makes it a powerful
and
secure operating system. It has a wide range of applications ranging from web servers to business solutions and gaming
platforms. The user interface of Linux can be customized through themes, widgets, and other tools. Additionally, there
are numerous distributions of Linux that cater to different needs such as security, performance, design, etc.
ProtonVPN
offers a trusted and easy-to-use app for Linux that is packed with security features. Downloading and installing the
app
is simple as all tutorials are straightforward. Furthermore, the Proton VPN Linux app has an intuitive graphical user
interface for activating features and connecting to servers quickly and securely.

Proton VPN mobile apps

ProtonVPN offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices. The mobile app is extremely user-friendly, allowing
users
to easily connect to the VPN with just a few taps. The app also features an intuitive interface that puts all the
important settings and features at your fingertips. Additionally, it includes various security features such as DNS
leak
protection, split tunneling, and secure core servers. Furthermore, ProtonVPN’s mobile app has been designed
specifically
for each platform and offers a unique experience for each user. With the Apple version of the app, you can even add a
Proton VPN widget to your home screen to connect quickly with just one click. Whether you’re an iOS or Android user,
ProtonVPN’s mobile apps make it easy and secure to browse the internet on your device while keeping your data safe
from
hackers and spies.

Proton VPN features

Proton VPN has come a long way since its initial launch in 2017. It’s now one of the top-rated and most trusted VPN
services available, with a range of features that make it stand out from the competition. Over the years, ProtonVPN
has
implemented several new features, including an ad blocker (NetShield), support for WireGuard tunneling protocol, and a
VPN Accelerator to boost your connection speeds. Other notable features include DNS leak protection, split tunneling,
secure core servers, and even a dedicated iOS widget for easy access. All these features are designed to ensure
maximum
privacy and security when browsing online. ProtonVPN is always innovating and striving to provide the best user
experience possible – making it an ideal choice for those who want to keep their data safe from prying eyes.

Secure core

Secure Core is a groundbreaking feature of ProtonVPN that provides an added layer of security and privacy when
connecting to the internet. It works by routing your connection through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly
countries, such as Switzerland and Sweden. This ensures that even if one server were to become compromised, your data
would remain secure as it passes through additional layers of encryption. In addition, Secure Core also masks your IP
address from external surveillance and prevents network-based attacks from accessing your data. As a result, this
innovative feature provides complete peace of mind when browsing online and is a must-have for those looking for
maximum
security.

Kill switch

The kill switch is a critical feature of ProtonVPN that helps to protect your online privacy and security. It works
by
cutting off your internet connection if the connection to the VPN server is disrupted. This helps to prevent malicious
actors from gaining access to your data or activity as soon as you disconnect from the VPN. The kill switch also
prevents any data from being exposed while your connection is re-established with the VPN server. In addition, it can
also help to improve overall performance by preventing unnecessary data from being sent over an insecure connection.
As
such, the kill switch is an invaluable tool for keeping your online activity secure and private.

Quick Connect

The Quick Connect feature of ProtonVPN allows you to quickly and easily connect to the VPN server that best suits
your
needs. With just one click, the app will automatically choose a server based on your preferences. You can specify
which
countries or types of servers you’d like to connect to, as well as the tunneling protocol—OpenVPN or IKEv2—that is
supported by your device. This saves time and makes it easy for you to stay secure online, no matter where you are.
Additionally, you can also customize your settings so that the quick connection feature works exactly as desired every
time. Whether you’re at home or out and about, ProtonVPN’s Quick Connect makes it easy for you to keep your data safe
and secure with minimal effort.

Profiles

For those who need more control over their VPN connection, ProtonVPN offers the ability to create and save custom
profiles. With this feature, you can choose the exact settings you wish to use when connecting to a server. This
includes specifying the color, protocol, country and server type. For example, if you want to access a certain
streaming
service or download torrents securely, it’s possible to create a profile that automatically connects using OpenVPN and
routes your traffic through a specific country or server type. This saves time and effort in having to manually
configure each setting every time you want to connect. And with up to five profiles available for free users, there’s
plenty of flexibility for customizing your connection experience with ProtonVPN.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is an advanced feature offered by ProtonVPN that allows users to customize their connection
experience.
With this feature, you can choose which apps or websites you want to route through the encrypted tunnel and which ones
to exclude from encryption. This is useful for those who wish to access specific services securely while leaving other
applications using their regular connection. Split tunneling also works at the IP level, so even if a website uses
multiple IPs, you can have all traffic routed through the encrypted tunnel. This means you get maximum privacy and
security without having to sacrifice convenience. All in all, split tunneling is a great way to stay secure without
sacrificing speed or usability.

Tor over VPN

ProtonVPN’s Tor over VPN is a unique combination of the Tor network and VPN technology. It allows users to securely
access the dark web without going through the trouble of using the Tor browser. When you connect to ProtonVPN’s
server,
your connection first runs through the Tor network and then reaches their VPN server, providing an extra layer of
security. Although this setup will not give you high speeds, it does provide an added level of privacy since your IP
address is hidden from any analysis by third-parties. If you are looking for an extra layer of protection when
browsing
online, ProtonVPN’s Tor over VPN is definitely worth considering.

Alternate routing

ProtonVPN’s Alternate Routing feature is an effective way to bypass censorship and access restricted content. By
using
this feature, ProtonVPN routes your connection through alternative paths to reach the intended destination. This
alternate path helps to evade censorship by hiding your traffic from any monitoring that might be done by ISPs or
other
entities. In addition, it also helps protect your online activity from being monitored or blocked by firewalls and
network filters. Besides providing a more secure connection, this feature also helps you access content that would
otherwise be unavailable in certain countries due to government-imposed restrictions. To enable Alternate Routing on
ProtonVPN, simply go to Advanced Settings and turn it on. With this powerful tool at your disposal, you can easily
access websites and services that would have otherwise been inaccessible due to internet censorship.

VPN Accelerator

VPN Accelerator is a feature offered by ProtonVPN that significantly improves the speed and performance of your
connection. It works by taking advantage of multi-core processors, bypassing some limitations of VPN protocols such as
OpenVPN. Instead of using the processing power of one core on the server processor, VPN Accelerator uses multiple
processes to make full use of the multi-core processors. This helps increase your connection speeds and improve
overall
performance. It also ensures that you are always connected at the best possible speed, even when switching between
different networks or locations. With this feature enabled, you can enjoy faster and more secure connections with
ProtonVPN than ever before.

Is Proton VPN safe?

Yes, ProtonVPN is one of the safest and most secure VPN services available. It utilizes powerful AES military-grade
encryption and tunneling protocols, which are the industry standard for VPNs. Additionally, all of ProtonVPN’s apps
are
open-source, allowing users to inspect their code and verify that it is safe to use. Furthermore, ProtonVPN has a
strict
no-logs policy so your private data will always remain anonymous and never be collected or shared with third parties.
All these measures ensure that your personal information is protected at all times while using ProtonVPN.

Encryption protocols

Encryption protocols are essential in keeping your online activities safe and secure. ProtonVPN uses the most
advanced
encryption protocol available, AES-256-CBC. This provides a key length of 256 bits which is unbreakable by brute force
methods even with current hardware. To establish a connection between your device and the VPN server, ProtonVPN also
offers several tunneling protocol options such as WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP or UDP variant), IKEv2/IPsec and Stealth.
All
these measures ensure that your data is encrypted before it leaves your device and remains encrypted while in transit
making sure that it reaches its destination securely and without interference from third parties.

Open-sourced

ProtonVPN is an open-source VPN provider, meaning that their code and software are publicly available to review and
audit. This allows users to have complete confidence in the security measures they have implemented. Open source also
means that the community can contribute to the VPN protocol, making it even more secure over time. ProtonVPN’s
open-sourced code has been rigorously tested by outside security experts that verify its safety and reliability. The
company also offers a bug bounty program for anyone who discovers a vulnerability in their system. All of this
transparency helps ProtonVPN stand out from other VPN providers as customers can trust that their data is safe and
secure with them.

NetShield

NetShield from ProtonVPN is a powerful security tool that helps protect you from malicious websites and online
trackers.
Once enabled, NetShield blocks known blacklisted domains of phishing and malware websites as well as intrusive tech
company trackers. This is done by using advanced DNS filtering to ensure your data and web activity are safe. It’s
available on Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS devices so users can enjoy maximum protection no matter which
platform they’re using. With NetShield, ProtonVPN customers can rest assured knowing their data is secure and they
won’t
be targeted by malicious actors or tracked by tech companies.

No-logs policy

ProtonVPN is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining a strict no-logs policy. This means that they do
not
log your internet activity, IP addresses, data content, or online activities in any way. They also do not store
timestamps of your connection, ensuring that there is no way for anyone to track or monitor what you are doing online.
Furthermore, ProtonVPN does not discriminate against device types or throttle your connection speed – allowing you to
browse the web securely and privately. With this commitment to user privacy, ProtonVPN provides an additional layer of
security for those who value their online safety and anonymity.

Pricing and Payment Methods

ProtonVPN offers four subscription plans: Free, Basic ($4 per month), Plus ($8 per month) and Visionary ($24 per
month).
All plans include unlimited data usage and access to all ProtonVPN servers.

For those who prefer to pay annually, both the Basic and Plus plans are discounted by 20%, while the Visionary plan
is
discounted by 33%. Additionally, ProtonVPN accepts various payment methods such as credit/debit cards, PayPal and
Bitcoin.

Payment options also include payment vouchers from leading online retailers like Amazon or AliExpress. This ensures
that
users have different payment options available to them that are both secure and reliable. There are no hidden fees
when
using ProtonVPN and all payments are processed securely using industry-leading encryption technology.

Free package

The ProtonVPN Free package is a great way to get started with the service. It offers basic features such as unlimited
data usage, access to all ProtonVPN servers and industry-leading encryption technology. On top of that, it has no
catches and doesn’t have ads or store your browsing data. Plus, if you sign up for the free package, you automatically
qualify for the 7-day 100% free trial of the Plus plan. The free package also provides users with an excellent
introduction to the service, allowing them to experience its features without any risk of commitment. It’s great for
those who just want to test out the service before deciding on whether or not they want to upgrade to one of the paid
plans.

Basic plan

The ProtonVPN Basic plan is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy ProtonVPN’s industry-leading encryption
technology, unlimited data usage and access to all ProtonVPN servers – at an affordable price. At just €5 ($5.60) per
month, the Basic plan is one of the most cost-effective options available. Plus, when billed annually, you can get it
for as low as €4 ($4.48) per month! The downside is that it only allows two concurrent connections and doesn’t provide
access to any of the ProtonVPN streaming servers. But if you don’t need those features and want a reliable VPN that
offers top speeds on its remaining servers (including torrenting servers), then this plan is perfect for you.

Plus plan

The ProtonVPN Plus plan is the ultimate package for those who want maximum security, unlimited bandwidth and access
to
all of ProtonVPN’s servers. With this plan, you can connect up to five devices simultaneously, giving you the freedom
to
securely browse no matter where you are. Plus, it gives you access to ProtonVPN’s streaming servers, so you can watch
your favorite content without worrying about geo-restrictions or buffering issues. And at just €8 ($8.96) per month
when
billed annually, it’s definitely one of the best value-for-money options out there!

Visionary Plan

The ProtonVPN Visionary plan is perfect for users who need the stability and security of a professional VPN service.
This plan gives you access to all of ProtonVPN’s servers and 10 simultaneous connections, so you can secure your
devices
no matter where you are in the world. And with unlimited streaming, you can watch your favorite content without
worrying
about geo-restrictions or buffering issues. Plus, with its advanced features like Secure Core and Tor over VPN, you
can
be sure that your data remains safe and private. At €30 ($33.60) per month, or €24 ($26.88) when billed annually, the
Visionary plan is a great way to get added protection on all of your devices.

Payment options

ProtonVPN makes it easy to pay for the Visionary plan with a variety of payment methods. You can use your credit card
(Visa or MasterCard) or PayPal to purchase the plan, or, if you’re more privacy conscious, you can opt to use Bitcoin.
If you choose to pay with Bitcoin, you’ll need to send ProtonVPN a message first and they will facilitate the
transaction for you. For added security, all payments are processed through secure HTTPS connections and encrypted
with
SSL/TLS technology. So no matter how you choose to pay, your data is always safe and secure.

Free Trial

If you’re looking to try ProtonVPN before committing to a full subscription, they offer a 7-day free trial. During
this
time period, users will have access to all the features and servers included in the Plus plan, including access to
high-speed servers in more than 40 countries.

In order to activate the free trial, users must provide ProtonVPN with their email address and payment method (Visa
or
MasterCard). After signing up, users will be granted immediate access to ProtonVPN’s Plus servers for seven days. All
traffic is encrypted with the highest level of encryption available and secured with strict no-logs policy.

At the end of the 7 day period, users can choose whether or not to upgrade their account. If they decide against
upgrading their account, access will automatically be terminated at the end of the free trial period. However, if they
decide that ProtonVPN is worth investing in after all, they can upgrade their account at any time during or after
their
free trial period.

Customer support

ProtonVPN offers customers 24/7 customer support to ensure they get the help they need when they need it. Whether a
customer is having trouble connecting to ProtonVPN or just has a general question, ProtonVPN’s customer service team
is
always available to assist.

The knowledge center provides customers with easy access to guides, articles, and FAQs related to ProtonVPN. The
resources are organized into categories so customers can quickly find answers and troubleshoot any issues they have.
If
the knowledge center does not provide the answer, customers can submit a support ticket through email and receive a
reply directly in their mailbox.

Furthermore, for those who prefer speaking directly with someone about their issue, ProtonVPN also offers live chat
as
an option for customer support. This allows customers to interact directly with an experienced professional who can
address their concerns in real-time and provide further assistance if needed.