ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same Swiss company behind ProtonMail. Built around privacy and transparency, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, private access to the internet by encrypting traffic, hiding IP addresses, and routing connections through its network of servers. Its roots in privacy-focused email help explain the service’s emphasis on strong policies and clear communication. Core features and privacy protections At the heart of ProtonVPN are robust encryption standards (AES-256, OpenVPN, WireGuard) and a strict no-logs policy. The company is based in Switzerland, which has favorable privacy laws and is outside the jurisdiction of mass surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes. ProtonVPN also publishes transparency reports and has undergone independent security audits of its applications and infrastructure, which reinforces trust in its claims. Secure Core and multi-hop routing A standout feature is Secure Core, ProtonVPN’s multi-hop architecture. Instead of simply routing traffic through a single exit server, Secure Core forwards traffic through servers located in privacy-friendly countries (such as Switzerland and Iceland) before it leaves the ProtonVPN network. This design helps protect users against network-level attackers and some forms of malicious server compromise. Advanced privacy tools ProtonVPN includes features like a kill switch (which blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops), DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and support for Tor over VPN — allowing direct access to the Tor network from inside the VPN tunnel. Its NetShield feature can block ads, trackers, and malware domains at the DNS level, improving privacy and potentially speeding up browsing. Plans, performance, and usability ProtonVPN offers both free and paid tiers. The free plan is notable for providing unlimited data (with access limited to a smaller set of servers), which sets it apart from many other free VPN offerings capped by data usage. Paid plans add faster servers, Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, P2P support, and additional simultaneous connections. Performance is generally competitive, especially with WireGuard support, though actual speeds depend on server choice and geographic distance. Transparency and community trust ProtonVPN’s open-source apps and published audit results foster community scrutiny. The company’s background in secure communications and visible commitment to privacy make it a strong candidate for users who prioritize security and ethical stewardship of personal data. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a compelling option for privacy-conscious users who want a transparent provider with strong technical protections and advanced features like Secure Core and Tor integration. While premium features require a subscription, the free tier and clear privacy stance make ProtonVPN worth considering for both newcomers and experienced users seeking enhanced online privacy.