"Proton VPN Proton VPN is a Swiss virtual private network service, aimed at protecting personal data on public Wi-Fi networks, providing secure corporate remote access, and the legal changing of IP addresses while working abroad. The solution offers 256-bit AES encryption, a Secure Core chain, and connection for up to 10 devices, while maintaining a no-logs policy. Thanks to its free plan and an advanced paid version, Proton VPN is downloaded by both beginners and cybersecurity experts.
What is Proton VPN and who is it for?
The service was launched by the developers of the encrypted email service ProtonMail and is based in Switzerland—a country outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance, which has no mandatory data retention laws. Proton VPN is building a global network of thousands of physical and virtual servers in 117 countries,ensuring a stable connection even during peak loads. Paid plans are geared towards freelancers, IT teams, and small business owners—all of whom require reliable traffic encryption when connecting to corporate resources. The free plan is useful for those who are just starting with VPNs and want to test the basic functionality without data limits.
Key features
- 256-bit AES encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy.
- Supported protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and the proprietary Stealth protocol.
- Secure Core — a cascade of two servers located in data centers with enhanced physical protection.
- NetShield — blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains.
- Kill Switch and Always-on VPN, preventing data leaks if the connection drops.
- Technology for Tor over VPN for one-click access to onion resources.
- Support for up to 10 devices on a single subscription.
- No-logs policy, verified by independent open-source audits.
- Optimized Plus servers for streaming and P2P traffic.
- Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Chromebook, and router configurations.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Swiss jurisdiction and strict privacy policy.
- VPN with no data limits, even on the free tier.
- High speed on WireGuard + built-in VPN Accelerator.
- Split tunneling and connection profiles for advanced configuration.
- Fully open-source applications.
Minuses
- Some features (Secure Core, streaming servers) are only available in the Premium plan.
- No 24/7 live chat support.
- No graphical Kill Switch on macOS; requires system configuration.
Free vs Premium tariffs
| Plan | Servers / Countries | Speed | Additional functions | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 3 locations (USA, Netherlands, Japan) | Medium | NetShield Lite | 1 |
| Basic | 400+ / 40+ | High | P2P, NetShield | 2 |
| Plus | All thousands / 117 | Max. (up to 10 Gbps) | Secure Core, Tor, Plus servers | 10 |
| Visionary | Same as Plus | Max. | Includes Proton Mail Visionary | 10 |
All paid plans come with a 30-day prorated money-back guarantee, and payment is accepted via cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and cash.
How to install Proton VPN on different devices
On PC (Windows / Linux / macOS), simply download Proton VPN from the official website (proton vpn download takes less than a minute), log in, and select the "Quick Connect" button—the application will automatically suggest the fastest server. On Android and iOS, the dedicated mobile app from Google Play or the App Store is used; after logging in, you can add a widget for instant connection. For Smart TVs on Android TV/Google TV, a native version is available, and Apple TV owners can set up the service via a router. A CLI client with auto-update is available in Linux repositories. Support for OpenVPN files allows integration of Proton VPN into hardware routers (Asus, GL-iNet) or corporate office firewalls. For browsers, there is a proton vpn extension based on a web-proxy stack, optimized for Chromium.
Comparison with nearest competitors
ExpressVPN has comparable speed but limits connections to five devices and costs about 25% more. NordVPN offers 7800+ servers in 118 countries, but some features (MeshNet, Threat Protection) are paid separately. Surfshark stands out with an unlimited number of devices and an attractive price but still stores some session telemetry. Unlike them, Proton VPN focuses on an open codebase, the Stealth protocol, and a free tier with no data limits, remaining one of the few no-limit VPNs that provide full-fledged clients for Linux.
Legal aspects of VPN use in Russia
VPN technologies themselves are not prohibited. According to Articles 15.1 and 15.3 of Federal Law No. 149-FZ, liability arises for accessing prohibited information and for providing tools to bypass blocking. Proton VPN does not encourage violation of the law and does not provide functions for secretly bypassing the Roskomnadzor registry. The user is obliged to assess whether their use case complies with local regulations. When connecting to foreign servers, it is important to remember cross-border data transfer and comply with corporate security policies. This material is for informational purposes only; the author does not encourage illegal actions.
FAQ - answers to popular questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?
Yes, provided that Federal Law No. 149-FZ is complied with and the service is not used to access prohibited resources. The user is personally responsible for complying with the law.
Is there a free version of Proton VPN?
Yes, there is an unlimited Free plan with three locations and one simultaneous session.
How does Proton VPN on PC affect internet speed?
When WireGuard is activated, speed loss is 7-15% on nearby servers and up to 40-60% on distant ones, which is comparable to market leaders.
Does the service support 256-bit AES encryption?
Yes, all plans use this exact algorithm with dynamic key changes.
How to install the Proton VPN browser extension?
Go to the official page in the Chrome Web Store, click "Install," and log in with your Proton account.
How many devices can be connected simultaneously?
The Plus premium plan allows you to connect up to 10 devices, including smartphones, PCs, and routers.
Is it possible to change the IP address with one click?
Yes, the "Quick Connect" feature automatically selects the least loaded server and changes the IP address in a fraction of a second.
Where can I leave Proton VPN reviews?
Honest reviews are published by SafetyDetectives, VPNmentor, and SoftaHub—their pages have a form for user ratings.
Conclusions
Proton VPN remains one of the most technologically advanced and transparent services on the market. It combines a free plan with no restrictions, powerful security features, and Swiss jurisdiction, while also providing user-friendly applications and a Stealth protocol for non-standard networks. The high price of the Plus version is compensated for by the Secure Core feature, Tor over VPN, and NetShield. If you need a unlimited vpn service with open-source code and a strict privacy policy—Proton VPN deserves your attention.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Before using Proton VPN, ensure your intended use is legal in your region.
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