ProtonVPN
The most privacy-respecting VPN — open-source, Switzerland-based, and the only one with a genuinely unlimited free tier.
Quick Specs
| Developer | Proton AG |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Category | VPN & Privacy |
| Pricing | Freemium |
| Free Tier | Unlimited data (3 countries, speed capped) |
| Auth Method | Proton account (email + password) |
| API Available | ❌ No |
| Format | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth (obfuscation) |
| China Access | ✅ Works in China |
| Last checked | July 2026 |
What Is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is built by the Proton team — the same company behind ProtonMail. Headquartered in Switzerland (outside EU and US jurisdiction), it operates under some of the world's strictest privacy laws. The client apps are fully open-source and independently audited, which is rare among VPN providers and allows the privacy community to verify the no-logs claim in code.
The standout feature is the free tier: ProtonVPN Free gives unlimited data with no expiration and no payment required. Speeds are throttled on free, and server access is limited to 3 countries (US, Netherlands, Japan), but there is no data cap — making it the only serious option for users who need ongoing VPN access without paying.
Paid plans add 100+ server countries, Stealth protocol (obfuscation for restricted networks including China), Secure Core (multi-hop routing through Switzerland/Iceland/Sweden), and NetShield (DNS-level ad and malware blocking). For users who prioritize verifiable privacy over maximum speed, ProtonVPN is the strongest choice in the market.
Key Features
ProtonVPN Pricing (2026)
Free
$0- ✓ Unlimited data
- ✓ 3 server countries
- ✓ 1 device
- ✓ No Stealth protocol
- ✓ No-logs guarantee
Best for: Privacy protection without China access
VPN Plus (1 year)
$4.99/mo- ✓ 100+ countries
- ✓ 10 devices
- ✓ Stealth obfuscation
- ✓ Secure Core (multi-hop)
- ✓ NetShield (ad/malware blocker)
- ✓ Port forwarding
Best for: Privacy-first users who need China access
Proton Unlimited (1 year)
$7.99/mo- ✓ Everything in VPN Plus
- ✓ ProtonMail Unlimited
- ✓ Proton Drive 500GB
- ✓ Proton Calendar
- ✓ Proton Pass
Best for: Full Proton privacy ecosystem
ProtonVPN: Pros & Cons
+ Pros
- ✓Only major VPN with a genuinely unlimited free tier
- ✓Open-source apps — community-audited code
- ✓Switzerland jurisdiction — outside US/EU data requests
- ✓Stealth protocol works in China on paid plans
- ✓No-logs policy verified by independent audit
- ✓Secure Core multi-hop routing for maximum privacy
− Cons
- ✗Free tier excludes Stealth protocol — China access requires paid plan
- ✗Slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN in speed tests
- ✗Smaller server network than NordVPN (5,900+ vs 6,000+)
- ✗No 30-day money-back guarantee on monthly plan
- ✗Premium pricing ($4.99/mo) for mid-range speeds
Best Use Cases for ProtonVPN
Privacy-first users
Open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, audited no-logs policy — strongest privacy guarantees of any mainstream VPN.
Free VPN for everyday use
Unlimited data free tier — the only major VPN where free means no data cap. Suitable for regular browsing and light use.
China access (paid)
Stealth protocol on VPN Plus plan works in China. Less tested than NordVPN but reliable with paid obfuscation enabled.
Proton ecosystem users
If you use ProtonMail, Proton Drive or Proton Pass — Proton Unlimited bundles all services at lower total cost.
How to Get Started with ProtonVPN
- 1
Create a free Proton account at proton.me — no credit card required
- 2
Download ProtonVPN for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux)
- 3
Free tier activates immediately — connect to US, Netherlands, or Japan
- 4
For China access: upgrade to VPN Plus ($4.99/mo) and enable Stealth protocol in Settings
- 5
Secure Core: Settings → Connection → Enable Secure Core for max-privacy double-hop routing
✅ Works in China: ProtonVPN in China
ProtonVPN is accessible from mainland China without a VPN. Purchase and install before entering China — VPN provider websites may be blocked inside China.