otonVPN: Privacy-first VPN from Switzerland Keywords ProtonVPN, Secure Core, no-logs VPN, WireGuard, Proton AG, VPN review, Tor over VPN, NetShield, privacy, encryption Description An overview of ProtonVPN — its privacy-focused design, key features (Secure Core, WireGuard, NetShield), platform support, and typical use cases for privacy, streaming, and secure browsing. Content ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the Swiss company best known for Proton Mail. Designed with privacy and security as its core principles, ProtonVPN aims to give users greater control over their online footprint while offering practical features for streaming, torrenting, and secure remote connections. Privacy and jurisdiction One of ProtonVPN’s main selling points is its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland has strong privacy protections and is outside both EU and US surveillance alliances, which makes it an attractive base for a privacy-oriented VPN. ProtonVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, has published transparency reports, and the company’s apps are open source and have undergone independent security audits — steps that add credibility to their privacy claims. Security and protocols ProtonVPN supports modern, secure VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard in particular offers a good balance of speed and security. ProtonVPN uses robust encryption standards (AES-256 and modern key exchange mechanisms) and implements Perfect Forward Secrecy. Built-in protections such as a system-wide kill switch and DNS leak protection help prevent accidental exposure of your IP address if the VPN connection drops. Unique features Secure Core is ProtonVPN’s distinguishing feature. It routes traffic through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries (for example Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden) before exiting to the public internet, which helps protect against network-level adversaries. ProtonVPN also offers Tor over VPN via dedicated Onion servers, letting users access the Tor network with an extra layer of protection. NetShield, an optional DNS-level blocker, can filter ads, trackers, and known malware domains to reduce tracking and improve browsing performance. Plans and performance ProtonVPN is available as a free tier and several paid plans. The free plan is limited to a handful of server locations and lower priority on bandwidth, but it’s a solid option for basic secure browsing. Paid plans unlock high-speed servers, Secure Core, streaming-optimized servers, P2P-friendly servers for torrenting, and additional simultaneous connections. Performance is generally competitive, particularly with WireGuard, though speeds can vary by server load and distance. Platform support and usability ProtonVPN provides native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as configuration guides for routers. The apps emphasize simple, user-friendly design while exposing advanced settings for experienced users. Split tunneling is available on some platforms, allowing selective routing of apps through the VPN. Use cases and considerations ProtonVPN is well-suited for privacy-conscious users who want a reputable, audited provider with advanced privacy features. It is also useful for streaming and torrenting when using the appropriate servers. Considerations include the potential additional cost for premium features and occasional server crowding on the free tier. As with any VPN, results may vary depending on location and network conditions. Conclusion ProtonVPN balances strong privacy commitments, transparent practices, and practical features. For users who prioritize privacy, want open-source clients, and favor a provider headquartered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, ProtonVPN is a compelling option to consider.