Proton VPN Review 2026
by Proton AG
Swiss-based, open-source VPN with a genuine free tier.
Starting Price
Free
Pricing Model
freemium
Free Tier
Yes
Category
Privacy VPNs
Overview
This Swiss-based VPN offers a genuinely free tier with no logs or ads, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users who want to try a service without commitment. Its open-source code and independent security audits set it apart, though the free plan limits you to three countries and speeds may lag behind pricier competitors on certain servers.
Pros
- ✓Fully open-source and audited
- ✓Legitimate free tier (no logs, no ads)
- ✓Based in Switzerland
Cons
- ✗Free tier limited to 3 countries
- ✗Slower than NordVPN/ExpressVPN on some servers
- ✗Higher price for paid vs competitors
Key Features
- Open source
- Secure Core (multi-hop)
- NetShield (ad blocker)
- Tor over VPN
- Free tier
Who is Proton VPN for?
Privacy-first users and journalists who need a trustworthy, open-source option
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN free?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $0/mo.
How much does Proton VPN cost?
Proton VPN starts at $0/mo, with a free tier available.
What is Proton VPN used for?
Swiss-based, open-source VPN with a genuine free tier. Privacy-first users and journalists who need a trustworthy, open-source option
Is Proton VPN worth it?
Proton VPN's main strengths are fully open-source and audited and legitimate free tier (no logs, no ads). The main drawback is free tier limited to 3 countries.
What are the best alternatives to Proton VPN?
There are several strong alternatives to Proton VPN in the VPNs category. See our full comparison on the Proton VPN alternatives page for a ranked list.