ProtonVPN is a virtual private network developed by Proton AG, the Swiss company also known for Proton Mail. Built around privacy and transparency, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, uncensored access to the internet without sacrificing performance or usability. Its headquarters in Switzerland places it under strong privacy-friendly laws, and the company emphasizes a no-logs policy and open-source applications. Key features include modern encryption and protocol support (OpenVPN and WireGuard), a built-in kill switch to stop traffic if the VPN connection drops, and Secure Core — a multi-hop routing option that sends traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the wider internet. For users who want to combine Tor anonymity with a VPN, ProtonVPN offers “Tor over VPN” servers that route traffic into the Tor network without needing a separate Tor browser setup. ProtonVPN provides both a free plan and paid tiers. The free plan is notable for not imposing data limits (though it has reduced speeds and limited server locations), making it a practical choice for basic privacy needs. Paid plans unlock faster servers, access to Secure Core and Tor servers, more simultaneous connections, and features geared to streaming and P2P use. ProtonVPN also supports streaming services and can be used for torrenting on designated servers. Transparency and trust are important parts of ProtonVPN’s appeal. The company publishes a warrant canary and has subjected parts of its infrastructure to independent security audits. Its desktop and mobile apps are open-source, allowing experts to inspect the code. For users concerned about jurisdiction, Swiss privacy laws and Proton’s public stance on user privacy add reassurance compared with providers based in surveillance-alliance countries. Performance is generally good, especially when using WireGuard-enabled servers, though speeds depend on server load and geographic distance. ProtonVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus manual configuration options for routers. Advanced users will appreciate features like split tunneling and custom DNS settings. No VPN is perfect for every user. ProtonVPN’s paid plans are moderately priced compared with competitors, but some users may find specialized needs (e.g., very large server networks or extreme streaming unblocking) better served elsewhere. Overall, ProtonVPN is a solid choice for users prioritizing privacy, open-source software, and a trustworthy company foundation — whether starting with the free tier or upgrading for advanced security features.