Overview

Proton VPN is a virtual private network from Geneva-based Proton AG, founded in 2014. It suits people who want an uncapped free VPN or need a VPN across several devices, with the paid tiers also bundling broader Proton products.

Its strongest case is the free plan’s unlimited data and lack of artificial speed limits or ads. The trade-off is one device at a time and randomly selected servers in 10 countries; paid plan prices shown at $0.00 per month also warrant checking the terms before choosing.

Key features

Privacy and encryption

Proton says the service is no-logs and open-source, and reports an independent no-logs audit. Traffic uses AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption with WireGuard or OpenVPN. A kill switch adds a useful privacy safeguard, while the published details do not describe its behavior on individual platforms.

Network, speed and protection

The paid service advertises 20,000+ servers across 140+ countries, a substantial range for users who want a choice of locations. VPN Accelerator is promoted as increasing VPN speeds by up to 400%; that is a stated maximum, not a guaranteed result. NetShield uses DNS filtering to block ads, trackers, phishing scams, malicious websites and malware.

Streaming and torrent support make Proton VPN relevant beyond basic browsing. Its 10-device paid limit can accommodate a household’s mix of devices, while the free tier’s single connection is restrictive for anyone switching between devices.

Pricing

Proton Free

Proton Free costs 0.00 USD per free and requires no credit card. It has unlimited data, no artificial speed limits and no ads, but allows one device at a time and randomly selected servers in 10 countries. It is the clearest fit for someone who needs occasional VPN access on one device and can accept limited server choice.

VPN Plus

VPN Plus is shown at 0.00 USD per month, billed at $0.00 for the first month and renewing at $0.00 every month. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports 10 devices, with access to 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. That makes it the more practical tier for multiple devices and broader location choice, but the stated zero-dollar renewal should be verified before relying on it as a lasting price.

Proton Unlimited

Proton Unlimited is also shown at 0.00 USD per month, billed at $0.00 for the first month and renewing at $0.00 every month. It supports 10 VPN devices, includes all premium Proton products and lists 500 GB of storage, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is the relevant option for someone seeking Proton’s broader product bundle; for VPN alone, VPN Plus already covers the listed 10-device and server-network benefits.

Subscriptions can be canceled at any time, and payments can be refunded in full within 30 days. Payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal and Proton credits.

Platforms

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, as well as browsers, Chromebook, Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV. This range covers desktop, mobile and several TV devices, though the number of supported devices in use at once depends on the plan.

Who it's for

Proton VPN is a sensible choice for a privacy-conscious user who values an independently audited no-logs service and wants to start without paying or accepting a data cap. The free plan is less suited to people who need a specific server location or use multiple devices concurrently. Users who want those broader paid-tier capabilities should weigh the stated monthly billing terms carefully.

Pros and cons

Pros: The free plan has unlimited data, no artificial speed limits and no ads, so it avoids common restrictions on no-cost use.
Pros: An independent no-logs audit, open-source software and AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption offer concrete privacy credentials.
Pros: Paid plans support 10 devices, and the service supports streaming and torrenting.
Pros: NetShield blocks several classes of unwanted or harmful traffic through DNS filtering.
Cons: The free plan limits use to one device and randomly selected servers in 10 countries, which curbs flexibility.
Cons: VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited both show $0.00 monthly renewals; readers should confirm the applicable terms before subscribing.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse VPN services; for no-cost options, see Free VPN Services.

Bitdefender Premium VPN is worth considering if you want a freemium service with a free trial and a stated paid monthly plan at 6.99 USD per month for 10 devices.
Windscribe may suit someone who prefers a free plan with 10 GB/month across 10 countries, rather than Proton’s unlimited data and one-device limit.
Hotspot Shield is an option if its free tier’s 500 MB daily allowance, one device, U.S. virtual location and 2 Mbps limit meet your needs.
hide.me is another freemium VPN to compare if you want an alternative service with a 30-day money-back guarantee on its one-month Premium plan.
VeePN may fit a buyer prioritizing a stated 24-month plan with five devices at 1.99 USD per month.
TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2 GB secure browsing, so it is a possible alternative for lighter use.
AdGuard VPN is another freemium option to compare.
Speedify is another freemium option to compare.

Verdict

Choose Proton VPN if you want an audited, open-source VPN with a genuinely uncapped free tier, or need up to 10 devices on a paid plan. Its main drawback is the free plan’s narrow device and server choice; look elsewhere if you need several simultaneous connections without moving to paid service or want clearer monthly pricing terms.

	Proton VPN	VPNLY
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free server choice	—	limited
Free speed policy	—	unlimited
Logging policy	—	no logs
Ads on free plan	—	No

Proton VPN vs VPNLY

Proton VPN

VPNLY