Proton VPN, developed by the same team behind the encrypted email service Proton Mail, is a privacy-focused virtual private network (VPN) that helps users protect their online activities. A VPN routes internet traffic through a remote server, masking the user’s location and encrypting data. Proton offers a free plan with unlimited data and access to servers in 10 countries, but it doesn’t support features like streaming or torrenting. Its main paid plan, Proton VPN Plus, costs £2.79 per month for the first two years and includes full-speed servers, streaming capabilities, and tools like Secure Core, which adds an extra layer of security by routing traffic through an additional server. A more premium option, Proton Unlimited, bundles these features with additional Proton services such as Proton Mail and Proton Drive. Based in Switzerland, a country known for strong privacy laws and not being part of global surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy. This means it doesn’t store user data, even if requested by authorities. In 2019, Swiss officials asked Proton to log a specific user, but the company could not comply due to its system design. Since then, Proton has passed five annual no-logs audits, with the most recent one conducted by a European security firm in 2026. The company has also improved its NetShield feature, an ad and malware blocker, making it six times more effective by blocking specific subdomains rather than entire websites. ProtonVPN’s performance has seen improvements, with minimal impact on internet speeds, even when using Secure Core, which adds an extra layer of security but slightly slows down connections. The user experience varies across devices: the macOS app is clean and easy to use, while the Windows app offers more features but feels cluttered. Mobile apps are less intuitive, requiring users to navigate multiple menus to access key functions. Streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer work smoothly on the Plus and Unlimited plans but are not available on the free tier. ProtonVPN provides live chat support only for paid users, while the free version requires users to submit support tickets or search through help documentation. Although the company has raised its renewal prices, which weakens one of its competitive advantages, it continues to emphasize transparency and privacy. While not the cheapest option, ProtonVPN offers more than just a basic VPN—it includes a broader privacy ecosystem with tools like Proton Mail and Proton Drive, making it a comprehensive choice for users prioritizing online security.