protonvpn free

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by the team behind ProtonMail, designed with privacy and security as primary goals. Headquartered in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy protections and favorable data laws, ProtonVPN emphasizes a strict no-logs policy and infrastructure choices intended to minimize the risk of user data exposure. At the technical level, ProtonVPN supports modern, secure protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, balancing speed and compatibility across platforms. The provider operates RAM-only servers in many locations, meaning no user data is stored on persistent disks; when a server reboots, its contents are wiped. For users who need extra protection against state-level surveillance, Secure Core routes traffic through servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions before it exits to the wider internet, adding an additional layer of resilience against certain kinds of attacks. Privacy-minded features extend beyond infrastructure. ProtonVPN offers a built-in kill switch to prevent traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops, split tunneling to let users route specific apps or sites outside the tunnel, and an optional Tor over VPN mode that enables access to the Tor network without running the Tor browser separately. NetShield, ProtonVPN’s DNS-level blocker, can filter ads, trackers, and known malware domains, improving privacy and reducing unwanted content. ProtonVPN’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and it supports manual configuration for routers and other devices. The apps have been open-sourced and subjected to independent security reviews, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency. Users choosing paid plans gain access to higher-speed servers, a larger server network, and advanced features such as Secure Core and streaming-optimized servers that work with popular services. ProtonVPN also permits P2P traffic on designated servers. One notable advantage is the availability of a free tier that provides basic access to a handful of server locations without a time limit—useful for casual privacy needs or testing the service before upgrading. Paid plans are tiered to fit different needs, from basic secure browsing to premium access with maximum speed, multi-device support, and bundled Proton services. ProtonVPN is well-suited for privacy-conscious users, journalists, travelers, and anyone who wants a feature-rich VPN backed by a company with a strong focus on data protection. While no VPN can guarantee absolute anonymity, ProtonVPN’s combination of Swiss jurisdiction, technical safeguards, and transparent practices makes it a compelling option for users who prioritize security and trust.