The internet has completely altered the ways in which we conduct business, connect with one another, and amuse ourselves. Having said that, technology has also brought with it a whole variety of worries over privacy.
It is more necessary than ever to make use of a dependable virtual private network (VPN) service given the amount of personal data and online activity that is being recorded. In this ProtonVPN review, we will take a detailed look at ProtonVPN, which is now one of the most popular virtual private network (VPN) services available.
ProtonVPN Review: An Overview
ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that was established in 2017 and is situated in Switzerland. ProtonMail, the company’s email service that prioritizes users’ privacy and provides end-to-end encryption, is the primary reason for the company’s widespread recognition. It is an extension of the commitment to privacy that ProtonVPN and it provides customers with a secure and private way to browse the web.
Security
The security protocols that are used by ProtonVPN are certainly among its most notable characteristics. Encryption is done with AES-256, which is the same degree of encryption that is utilized by the armed forces and other government entities. This will secure your data from being accessed by cybercriminals and any other unauthorized persons.
In addition, ProtonVPN adheres to a stringent no-logs policy, which means that it does not record any information regarding the websites you visit or the activities you participate in online. Users that are concerned about their privacy and do not want their data to be shared with or sold to third parties will find this to be a very useful feature.
Features of Proton VPN that have changed over time
Proton VPN’s original release was in 2017, which is not that long ago in comparison to other top VPN providers. But that doesn’t make it any less excellent. While concentrating on enhancing its apps, the service also introduced an ad blocker (NetShield) in 2021, adopted the WireGuard tunneling protocol, and added a VPN Accelerator.
All of the Proton VPN’s features are shown here.
Kill switch
Proton VPN’s kill switch securely switches off your internet connection if your VPN server connection fails. It may potentially cause other difficulties.
After disconnecting from a VPN server, I experienced problems connecting to the internet. Windows had the issue, therefore it may be isolated. Uninstalling TAP drivers was the only solution.
Secure core
Secure core servers don’t have anything to do with being more technologically sophisticated than the rest of their fleet, despite what you may infer from the name. Actually, it’s a double VPN capability that enables connections over two VPN servers. Your device makes the connection to a VPN server. It then establishes a connection with another VPN server before arriving at its destination.
The initial VPN server in the chain is always situated in a location that promotes anonymity, which is novel. The fact that you’re utilizing two VPNs means that the speeds will unavoidably be quite slow. Second, if all the servers are no-logs, it begs the question of whether you should even bother with it at all. However, the extra security is appreciated.
Split tunneling
Proton VPN’s split tunneling is among the most advanced I’ve seen. Encrypt the full connection, exclude some apps, or select specific apps to use the encrypted tunnel. You decide.
Split tunneling works at the app and IP levels, which is even more astounding.
You can also apply this to certain websites. Because websites use many IPs, you may have issues. You can also disable the VPN for particular websites. Precision is rare.
VPN Accelerator
VPN Accelerator is a functionality that was only recently added. Its goal is to boost performance and considerably speed up VPN connections. This function, which is always active, is a fantastic method to enjoy a quicker VPN connection.
The sluggishness is diminished by removing constraints imposed by VPN protocols like OpenVPN. The server processor’s processing capacity is not being used for just one process but rather several. This aids in maximizing the efficiency of multi-core CPUs. The VPN Accelerator enhances performance by optimizing network infrastructure and modifying how routes are determined and used.
Speed
When selecting a VPN service, speed is another key consideration to give some attention to. The servers that ProtonVPN employs are all very fast, and they are located in over 50 different locations across the world. This assures that you will not experience any latency or buffering whether you are browsing the web, streaming entertainment, or downloading data.
Ease of Use
Even people who are unfamiliar with virtual private networks (VPNs) will have no trouble using ProtonVPN. The service features a straightforward graphical user interface and can be quickly downloaded and set up on your gadget in a matter of a few moments. After you have successfully installed the software, all it takes to connect to a server is a single mouse click.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are just some of the platforms that are compatible with ProtonVPN’s vast range of supported devices and operating systems. Because of this, it is simple to use on any device, whether a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Proton VPN Pricing
ProtonVPN provides users with the option to select from three different pricing tiers: Basic, Plus, and Visionary. You are able to utilize the service on a single device if you subscribe to the free Basic plan. The Plus plan has a monthly cost of $10 and enables you to use the service on up to five different devices at the same time. The Visionary plan has a monthly fee of $30 and comes with a subscription to ProtonMail.
Customer Support
Excellent customer service is provided by ProtonVPN, which includes a detailed knowledge base and email help available around the clock. In addition, customers have access to a community forum where they may pose questions to other users of ProtonVPN and receive assistance from other individuals.
Proton VPN Alternatives
Let’s take a look at some of the most reliable alternatives to Proton VPN, along with the various pricing plans they offer.
1) NordVPN
NordVPN is a well-known virtual private network (VPN) provider that provides cutting-edge tools for protecting users’ online privacy and security at an affordable price. It supports many protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, and it has more than 5000 servers located in 59 different countries. Additional privacy and security can be attained through the use of additional capabilities provided by NordVPN, such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec.
The following are NordVPN’s three price plans:
- Plan for one month costs $11.95 a month
- Pricing for the annual plan is $4.92 per month (paid annually).
- The price per month for the 2-year plan is $3.71 (you will be invoiced every 2 years).
2) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is yet another well-known virtual private network (VPN) provider that provides outstanding capabilities for protecting users’ privacy and data. It supports many protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, and it has more than 3000 servers located in 94 different countries. ExpressVPN additionally provides other services, including as Split Tunneling and TrustedServer, that improve the level of online security you enjoy.
ExpressVPN offers the following three different price plans:
- Plan for one month costs $12.95 a month
- The 6-month plan costs $9.99 per month (with payments being made every 6 months).
- The annualized cost of the 1-year plan is $8.32 per month.
3) Surfshark
Because of its competitive prices and extensive feature set, the relatively new VPN service known as Surfshark has quickly become one of the most popular options available. It supports many protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, and it has more than 3,200 servers located in 65 different countries. In addition, Surfshark provides features such as MultiHop, CleanWeb, and Whitelister, which add additional layers of protection and privacy to the user’s browsing experience.
There are three different price plans offered by Surfshark:
- Plan for one month costs $12.95 a month
- Pricing for the 6-month plan is as follows: $6.49 per month (paid every 6 months).
- 2.49 USD per month with a 2-year commitment (paid every 2 years)
Quick Links:
- OVPN Review: Is this VPN Safe and Fast for Streaming?
- Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
- Top 10 Best Free VPNs | Best Super Fast VPNs
FAQs related to Proton VPN review
Is ProtonVPN safe to use?
Yes, ProtonVPN is safe to use. It uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy.
Does ProtonVPN slow down your internet speed?
No, ProtonVPN doesn't slow down your internet speed. It uses high-speed servers located around the world.
Can ProtonVPN unblock streaming services like Netflix?
Yes, ProtonVPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. However, you may need to connect to a specific server in order to access the content you want.
How many devices can I use ProtonVPN on?
The Basic plan allows you to use ProtonVPN on one device, while the Plus plan allows you to use it on up to five devices. The Visionary plan includes ProtonMail and allows you to use both services on up to ten devices.
Does ProtonVPN work in China?
Yes, ProtonVPN works in China. However, you may need to use a specific server in order to bypass the Great Firewall of China.
Does ProtonVPN have a free trial?
ProtonVPN doesn't have a free trial, but it does offer a free Basic plan that allows you to use the service on one device.
Conclusion – ProtonVPN Review – Should you go for it?
ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that is dependable and safe. It offers consumers the privacy and protection they require when they are surfing the web. Because of its fast servers, intuitive user interface, and compatibility with a broad variety of devices, it is an excellent option for users of every level of experience, from novice to expert. ProtonVPN is one of the most reliable virtual private network (VPN) services currently on the market because of its zero-logging policy and AES-256 encryption.
In general, if you are looking for a VPN service that places a high priority on your privacy and safety, ProtonVPN is one option that you should give serious consideration to.
