Proton VPN review (2025): Secure Core, speeds & free plan tested

When you hear that Proton VPN was built by the same CERN scientists behind the ultra-secure Proton Mail, you expect something different. It’s not just another VPN – it’s a service born from a mission for privacy.

This comprehensive Proton VPN review tackles the one question on every potential user’s mind: Is its best-in-class free plan genuinely all you need, or does upgrading to a paid plan unlock its true, privacy-first power?

Having tested dozens of VPNs, I know that “free” often comes with a hidden cost – be it slower speeds, data caps, or even privacy compromises. Yet Proton VPN’s free offering has always stood out as a rare exception, a tool I’ve personally relied on to secure my connection in airports and coffee shops. But is “good enough” the same as “the best”?

Let me guide you through every feature to determine if Proton VPN is the ultimate fortress for your digital privacy in 2025.

1. Proton VPN at a glance

For those who want the conclusion without the deep dive, here’s our quick take. After weeks of hands-on testing, it’s clear that Proton VPN isn’t just one service; it’s two distinct experiences wrapped in one name.

Privacy & Trust: 9.8/10

Their Swiss jurisdiction and open-source code are the gold standard. Think of it like this: They not only build you a secure safe (the VPN) but also give you the blueprints to prove there are no hidden backdoors.

Free Plan Value: 10/10

This is, without a doubt, the best free VPN on the planet. The unlimited data is a game-changer. I personally used it to work for a full day from a cafe, including video calls, without ever worrying about being cut off. No other free VPN allows that.

Paid Plan Features: 9.5/10

This is where the real power is. Features like Secure Core are incredible. It’s like sending a secret letter through two separate, high-security post offices in different countries. Even if one is compromised, your original location remains a secret.

Speed & Performance: 8.8/10

Very good, especially with the VPN Accelerator. While not always the absolute fastest in every single test against top rivals, it’s more than fast enough for buffer-free 4K streaming and quick downloads on the Plus plan.

Ease of Use: 8.5/10

The apps look fantastic, with an interactive map that’s fun to use. However, the sheer number of settings can feel like switching from a simple point-and-shoot camera to a professional DSLR. It’s powerful, but there’s a slight learning curve for beginners.

Streaming & P2P: 8.0/10

A tale of two cities. It’s a solid ‘A+’ on the paid plan, unblocking everything I threw at it. On the free plan, it’s a non-starter, as these features are reserved for paying customers.

2. Proton VPN free vs. paid plans

This is the heart of our Proton VPN review and the section that answers the biggest question: What do you actually get when you pay?

Think of the free plan as Proton’s generous gift to the world – a powerful foundation for basic online privacy. The Plus plan, however, is where they unleash their full arsenal. Here’s a quick-check table to see the differences at a glance.

Proton VPN: Free vs. Plus at a Glance

Feature	Free Plan	Plus Plan (Paid)
Cost	$0	Paid Subscription
Servers	~100 in 3 Countries	3,000+ in 90+ Countries
Speed	Medium	Highest (10 Gbps)
Device Connections	1	10
Secure Core	✗	✓
NetShield Ad-Blocker	✗	✓
P2P / Torrenting	✗	✓
Streaming Unblocking	✗	✓

What do these differences mean in practice?

That simple table shows a huge gap in capabilities. Here’s what my hands-on testing revealed about what those checkmarks really give you:

• Servers, Speed, and Connections: The free plan’s servers in 3 countries are fine for basic tasks. But during my tests, connecting from Asia to the US on the free plan felt noticeably slower. With the Plus plan, I connected to a server on the other side of the world and was still able to stream 4K video on YouTube with zero buffering. The 10 connections on the Plus plan also meant I could protect my laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV simultaneously, while the free plan forced me to choose just one.
• Secure Core & NetShield: These are the premium security tools you pay for. NetShield worked flawlessly, turning ad-heavy news sites into clean, readable pages. Secure Core is for maximum-security situations. It’s a feature I use when handling sensitive data, knowing my traffic is being double-routed through privacy havens like Switzerland.
• Streaming & P2P (The Dealbreaker): This is the clearest dividing line. You simply cannot unblock streaming services or download torrents on the free plan. The moment I switched to a Plus server, I was able to access the US Netflix library, BBC iPlayer, and start a torrent download without any issues.

So, what's the verdict?

The decision is actually quite simple. The free plan is excellent for securing your connection on public Wi-Fi, like when you’re at a cafe and want to check your bank account without worrying about snoops. It’s also perfect for basic, private browsing.

However, for streaming, high-speed downloads, or unlocking the best security features like Secure Core, the Plus plan is the only real choice. It transforms Proton VPN from a simple privacy tool into a comprehensive, high-performance internet security suite.

3. Deep dive into the security arsenal: What makes Proton VPN unique?

Many VPNs talk a big game about security, but Proton VPN backs it up with a unique set of tools that you won’t find just anywhere. This isn’t just about standard encryption – this is their “security arsenal,” built from the ground up for the truly privacy-conscious. As someone who analyzes security architecture for a living, this is the part that genuinely impresses me. Let’s dismantle these features one by one.

3.1. Secure core architecture: Your traffic’s double fortress

At first glance, “Secure Core” might sound like complex tech jargon, but the concept is brilliantly simple and effective. Instead of connecting you to one VPN server, it routes your internet traffic through two separate servers before it reaches its destination.

Here’s a simple way to picture it: Imagine you need to send a secret package.

1. Instead of mailing it directly, you first send it to a trusted, high-security facility in a country like Switzerland (this is the Secure Core server).
2. The staff there receives your package, removes any information linking it back to you, and then mails it onward to its final destination, say, a server in the United States (the exit server).
3. The website you visit only sees the package coming from the US server. They have no idea it originated with you or even passed through Switzerland.

The benefit here is massive: Even if a sophisticated attacker or government agency somehow managed to seize and monitor the final US server, they still couldn’t trace the traffic back to your real IP address. All they would find is the trail leading back to the secure server in Switzerland, which is protected by some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.

Personally, I don’t use Secure Core for casual browsing, as it can slow things down a bit. But when I’m accessing sensitive financial data or working on confidential projects on a network I don’t fully trust, enabling Secure Core is my non-negotiable first step. It’s the ultimate peace of mind.

Is Proton VPN's Swiss Jurisdiction Really a Benefit?

You see “Based in Switzerland” on every ad, but why does it matter? It’s simple: Switzerland is famous for its privacy for a reason.

It sits outside the jurisdiction of the US and EU, and it is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Think of these alliances as a “club” of countries that agree to spy on their citizens and share that data with each other. Switzerland isn’t in the club.

This legal independence means that Proton VPN cannot be legally compelled by foreign governments to start logging user data. They operate under strict Swiss privacy laws, making their no-logs promise a legal reality, not just a marketing claim.

3.2. Open source and independently audited: A commitment to transparency

In the world of security, the phrase “just trust us” is a major red flag. This is where Proton VPN earns my respect. They don’t just ask for your trust – they actively prove they deserve it through two powerful actions: Making their code open source and submitting to regular audits.

So, what does "open source" actually mean?

Imagine a world-famous chef who claims to have the healthiest soup recipe. Instead of keeping it a secret, they publish the entire recipe online for nutritionists, food scientists, and even rival chefs to inspect. That’s what Proton VPN does with its apps. Every line of code is public, which means anyone in the world can examine it for flaws or hidden backdoors. As a tech professional, this is a massive sign of confidence. It tells me they have nothing to hide.

But they don’t stop there. They also undergo independent security audits.

Think of this as hiring an external security team to try and break into your own house. These experts test every lock, window, and alarm system, looking for weaknesses. Crucially, Proton VPN doesn’t hide the results. They hire reputable firms (like SEC Consult) to perform these rigorous tests and then publicly release the reports for everyone to see – warts and all.

This combination is the ultimate proof of their commitment. It’s one thing to say you’re secure – it’s another thing entirely to open your doors and invite the world’s experts to try and prove you wrong.

3.3. VPN accelerator and speed test results

A common complaint about VPNs is that they slow you down. For a long time, security came at the cost of speed. Proton VPN tackles this problem head-on with a clever technology called VPN Accelerator. So, how does it work without getting too technical?

But does it actually make a difference? I put it to the test.

For this Proton VPN review, I tested the connection speeds from my location in Southeast Asia to a server in New York – a massive distance that is a true challenge for any VPN.

Here are the results from my tests:

• The speed with Accelerator OFF shows a significant drop, allowing for browsing but occasional buffering during high-quality streaming.
• The speed with Accelerator ON demonstrates a staggering improvement, enabling smooth 4K streaming on multiple tabs.

Test Results	Speed (Mbps)
Baseline Speed (No VPN)	350 Mbps
Proton VPN (Plus Plan, Accelerator OFF)	~95 Mbps
Proton VPN (Plus Plan, Accelerator ON)	~280 Mbps

3.4. Netshield, port forwarding, and other power features

Beyond the headline-grabbing features, Proton VPN includes several powerful tools that significantly improve your day-to-day internet experience, especially on the Plus plan.

NetShield

Think of this as your own personal internet bodyguard. It works at the DNS level to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites before they even have a chance to load on your device. During my testing, I visited a notoriously ad-filled news site. With NetShield off, the page was a cluttered mess of pop-ups and auto-playing videos. With NetShield on, the same page was clean, readable, and loaded noticeably faster. It’s a feature you set once and immediately feel the benefits of.

Port Forwarding

This one is more niche, but for certain users, it’s a game-changer. If you share large files via torrents, port forwarding can dramatically increase your download and upload speeds by allowing more direct connections to your peers. I enabled it while downloading a large, open-source Linux file, and my connection health immediately improved. It’s also essential for users who need to remotely access a device or service on their home network, like a personal media server.

3.5. The Proton ecosystem: More than just a VPN

One of Proton’s most unique advantages has nothing to do with the VPN itself – it’s about the company you’re keeping. When you subscribe to a paid plan, especially the “Proton Unlimited” bundle, you aren’t just buying a VPN. You’re investing in an entire suite of privacy-focused tools.

This ecosystem includes:

• Proton Mail: The world’s largest encrypted email service.
• Proton Calendar: A private, end-to-end encrypted calendar.
• Proton Drive: Secure, encrypted cloud storage for your files.

Why does this matter? For me, the value is immense. I’m actively trying to reduce my reliance on big tech companies like Google that monetize user data. With the Proton Unlimited plan, I get a VPN, email, calendar, and cloud storage that are all designed from the ground up to work together seamlessly with privacy as the core principle.

This creates a powerful value proposition that no standalone VPN competitor can match. You’re not just securing your connection – you’re de-Googling your life and taking back control of your entire digital identity.

4. Proton VPN’s real-world performance: Streaming, torrenting, and ease of use

A VPN can have the best security in the world, but if it can’t handle everyday tasks smoothly, it won’t be your go-to choice. For this part of the Proton VPN review, I set aside the technical specs and focused on one question: How does it feel to use Proton VPN day-to-day?

4.1. Streaming: Does it beat the geo-blocks?

This is a simple yes or no test, and it’s a major benefit of the Plus plan. The free servers don’t work for streaming, period. With the Plus servers, however, it was a completely different story. The app clearly marks servers optimized for streaming with a “play” icon, making it incredibly easy.

Here’s my streaming report card:

Streaming Service	Unblocked with Plus Servers?	My Experience
Netflix (US & UK)	Yes	Flawless. I connected to a US server and was watching the latest Netflix US exclusives within seconds, with no buffering.
BBC iPlayer (UK)	Yes	Connected to a UK server and streamed a live broadcast seamlessly. BBC iPlayer is notoriously tough, and Proton handled it easily.
Disney+	Yes	No issues at all. Connected and streamed in full HD.

4.2. Torrenting: Is it safe and fast?

Yes. Proton VPN fully supports P2P file sharing on its designated servers (marked with a two-arrow icon). I connected to a P2P-optimized server in the Netherlands, enabled port forwarding, and downloaded a large test file. The speeds were consistent and fast. More importantly, the combination of their strict no-logs policy, kill switch, and Swiss jurisdiction makes it one of the safest choices for torrenting.

4.3. Ease of use and the Mullvad comparison

The Proton VPN apps are beautifully designed. I love the interactive world map – clicking on a country to connect feels futuristic and intuitive. However, with its numerous features and settings, it can feel a bit “busy” for a complete novice compared to ultra-simple VPNs.

This brings up an interesting comparison with its main privacy rival, Mullvad VPN.

• For the Ultimate Anonymity: Mullvad is the king. You can create an account with no email and even mail them cash to pay. Their focus is 100% on anonymous connections.
• For a Better Overall Experience: Proton VPN wins by a landslide. Mullvad’s app is very basic and lacks the polish and advanced features of Proton’s. More importantly, Proton offers an entire ecosystem (Mail, Drive, Calendar) that makes it a far more practical choice for everyday life.

5. FAQ around the Proton VPN review

We get a lot of questions about the specifics of Proton VPN, especially when it comes to trust and value. Here are direct answers to the most common ones we’ve encountered while preparing this Proton VPN review.

6. Conclusion

After extensive testing, it’s clear that Proton VPN is more than just a utility – it’s a statement. It’s built on a foundation of transparency and a mission for privacy that resonates through every feature, from its generous free plan to its powerful security arsenal.

Here are the key points to remember from our review:

• The Free Plan is Unbeatable: For basic security on public Wi-Fi, the free plan with unlimited data is the best you can get, period.
• The Plus Plan Unlocks Everything: To access high speeds, streaming, P2P support, and elite security features like Secure Core, upgrading is essential.
• Security is its Superpower: With its Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, and features like Secure Core, Proton VPN is a fortress for your data.
• More Than a VPN: It’s part of a wider privacy ecosystem (Mail, Drive, Calendar) that offers a compelling alternative to big tech.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs. There is no better or safer way to start your privacy journey than with their best-in-class free plan. When you’re ready for the full power of high-speed streaming and the ultimate peace of mind from their security suite, the upgrade to a Plus plan is a worthy investment.

To explore your options further and see how Proton VPN stacks up against other top-tier services, check out the comprehensive guides in the Best VPN Reviews category of Safelyo.