Overview
ProtonVPN comes from the same Swiss team behind ProtonMail, one of the world's most trusted encrypted email services. This pedigree shows in every aspect of the VPN — from the fully open-source apps to the Secure Core architecture that routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden before reaching the destination.
In our extensive testing for this 2026 review, we evaluated ProtonVPN across multiple criteria including connection speeds, streaming platform compatibility, security features, ease of use, and overall value for money. We ran speed tests from multiple locations, tested streaming access on all major platforms, and analyzed the security architecture in detail.
Pros
- ✓ Generous free tier with no data limits
- ✓ Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- ✓ Fully open-source and independently audited
- ✓ Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries
- ✓ Stealth protocol bypasses VPN blocks
- ✓ From the trusted team behind ProtonMail
Cons
- ✗ Smaller server network than some competitors
- ✗ Free tier limited to servers in 5 countries
- ✗ Slightly slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
Speed Test Results
Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN, and ProtonVPN delivers strong performance. We tested connections from multiple locations using a 1 Gbps base connection to get accurate results.
These speeds represent averages across our testing period. ProtonVPN maintained consistent performance throughout, with minimal speed drops during peak hours. The WireGuard protocol delivered the best results in our tests, which is what we recommend for most users.
Security & Privacy
ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by governments and military organizations worldwide. This level of encryption is considered unbreakable with current technology, ensuring your data remains private even if intercepted.
The service supports multiple VPN protocols:
- WireGuard
- OpenVPN
- Stealth
Features
Streaming
We tested ProtonVPN with all major streaming platforms. Here's what it can unblock:
ProtonVPN reliably unblocks 5 major streaming platforms in our testing. Connection quality was consistently good enough for 4K streaming without buffering on nearby servers.
Pricing
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ProtonVPN risk-free. The 2-year plan offers the best value per month, though it requires a larger upfront payment.
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Visit ProtonVPN →Our Verdict
ProtonVPN is the top choice for privacy purists. The Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, independent audits, and Secure Core architecture create multiple layers of trust that few competitors can match. The free tier also makes it the best option for users who want to try a premium VPN without commitment.
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