ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network service developed by the team behind ProtonMail. Built around strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a base in Switzerland — a jurisdiction with strong privacy protections — ProtonVPN aims to provide users with a reliable way to protect online activity from surveillance, ISP tracking, and unsecured networks. Security and privacy are the spine of ProtonVPN’s offering. The service supports modern VPN protocols such as WireGuard, alongside OpenVPN and IKEv2, delivering a balance between speed and security. ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the wider internet, protecting users against network-level threats and compromised exit servers. Additional features include a built-in kill switch to prevent IP leaks if a connection drops, DNS leak protection, split tunneling for routing selected apps outside the tunnel, and NetShield — an optional DNS-based tracker and ad blocker that also can block malicious sites. Transparency is emphasized through open-source clients and independent security audits. ProtonVPN has published app source code for major platforms and subjected its infrastructure and apps to third-party audits, which helps validate claims about logging practices and security controls. The company also highlights its Swiss headquarters and legal protections as part of its argument for user privacy: Switzerland is not part of the EU or the Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances, which can be an advantage for users prioritizing data protection. ProtonVPN caters to diverse use cases. For everyday privacy and secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, the free and paid plans both provide strong encryption and easy-to-use client apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. More advanced users benefit from features such as Tor over VPN, which allows direct access to the Tor network without running a separate Tor client, and P2P-optimized servers for secure torrenting. For people who need to access region-restricted content, ProtonVPN has servers in many countries and offers reasonably fast connections, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. Performance will vary by server load and proximity, so selecting nearby and less congested servers typically yields the best results. The pricing structure ranges from a free tier with limited servers and speeds to multiple paid plans that unlock faster servers, Secure Core, more simultaneous connections, and features like NetShield Plus. For users who need the highest level of privacy and functionality, higher-tier plans include additional benefits and bundled Proton services, like Proton Mail. When choosing ProtonVPN, weigh what matters most: strict privacy practices and transparency; advanced features such as Secure Core and Tor integration; and a reputation backed by audits and open-source code. For users seeking a privacy-first VPN with a clear commitment to security and transparency, ProtonVPN is a strong option to consider.