ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network developed by the team behind ProtonMail. Built around the principles of security, transparency, and ease of use, ProtonVPN aims to give users strong online privacy protections without sacrificing performance or convenience. Headquartered in Switzerland, it benefits from robust privacy laws and a jurisdiction outside the reach of intrusive surveillance alliances. At the core of ProtonVPN’s offering are its security and privacy features. The service uses modern VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN, providing a balance between speed and encryption strength. ProtonVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record users’ browsing activity. The company publishes transparency reports and has had independent audits of its infrastructure and code, underscoring its commitment to accountability. One of ProtonVPN’s standout features is Secure Core — a multi-hop routing option that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the public internet. Secure Core servers are hosted in hardened datacenters and are designed to protect against network-based attacks and surveillance even if an exit server is compromised. For users seeking maximum anonymity, ProtonVPN also offers “Tor over VPN,” which routes traffic into the Tor network with a single click, simplifying access to .onion services without needing a separate Tor browser. ProtonVPN offers a range of plans, including a free tier that provides basic access to a limited set of servers with reasonable speeds and no data caps — a rare and useful option for privacy-conscious users on a budget. Paid plans expand server access, add Secure Core, support streaming and P2P traffic, and increase simultaneous connections. Paid tiers are competitively priced relative to the feature set, though ProtonVPN often sits at a slightly higher price point than budget providers due to its investment in privacy infrastructure. Performance is generally strong, especially when using WireGuard, which tends to deliver faster connections and lower latency than older protocols. However, speeds can vary by server and geographic distance, and routing through Secure Core will introduce additional latency by design. ProtonVPN supports desktop and mobile platforms with user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and it includes advanced settings like kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. No service is perfect. ProtonVPN’s server network is smaller than some mega-providers, which may affect server choice in certain regions. Its pricing, while fair for privacy-focused features, can be higher than discount VPNs if you don’t need advanced protections. That said, for users prioritizing transparency, jurisdiction, and security features such as Secure Core and Tor routing, ProtonVPN is a strong contender. Tips for users: choose WireGuard for everyday speed, enable the kill switch to avoid accidental leaks, use Secure Core when you need extra anonymity, and take advantage of the free tier to test the service before subscribing. Overall, ProtonVPN is a solid choice for individuals who value privacy, transparency, and a feature-rich VPN experience.