ProtonVPN Review- Can it compete with rival VPNs?

ProtonVPN is a privacy-centered VPN from the same provider as Proton Mail. From bypassing geo-blocks to preventing IP leaks, a VPN performs various tasks. It is a privacy tool that helps maintain the privacy and security of users. 

The VPN is popular for its unique security features and vast server fleet. The parent company PortonAG has already made a name in the market, and ProtonVPN is not behind. Besides, It is one of the few VPNs that offer a free version and a no-log policy. 

As the VPN is a freemium service, we will review the differences between the free and the paid versions. Moreover, we’ll look into the logging policy of ProtonVPN and clear out users’ doubts. Keep reading to know if the VPN is worth the price!

Who owns ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is owned by Proton AG, which also owns Proton email. The company was founded in 2014 and started Protonmail, an encrypted email service. Later on, ProtonVPN was developed. It is among the safest VPN services. With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the company is set to provide a secure online experience to its users. 

However, in 2021 Protonmail improbably gave away a French activist IP and browser fingerprint to the Swiss government. In a police report, it was clearly shown that Protonmail handed over the user data to the French authorities. 

Although the service claimed to keep no logs of users’ IP addresses when it received a legally binding order, Protonmail shared the needed information. Which also led to the arrest of the said user. The company also stated in a blog post regarding the whole situation that there was no point and the possibility of appealing the request. Moreover, it also changed its statement about IP logging on its website; 

Before:

“No personal information is required to create your secure email account. By default, we do not keep any IP logs that can be linked to your anonymous email account. Your privacy comes first.”

After:

“ProtonMail is email that respects the privacy and puts people (not advertisers) first. Your data belongs to you, and our encryption ensures that. We also provide an anonymous email gateway.”

This incident raises red flags about the security of ProtonVPN, as it also operates under the same parent company. However, the VPN’s no-log policy is audited to ensure safety. 

Is ProtonVPN reliable? 

VPNs are a need of the modern day, and with the increasing rate of cybercrimes, it is necessary to look out for your privacy. It must be understood that no VPN is 100% safe; every VPN can get hacked. However, searching for a secure VPN, we decided to review ProtonVPN. 

The Swiss-based VPN is known for its high encryption and security features. ProtonVPN Privacy Policy has raised suspicion about users’ security. Therefore, we decided to review the VPN to learn further about its policies and security features. 

• Online privacy: it uses AES-256-GCM encryption for maximum security. AES-256 is the most secure algorithm used by the military and governments. 
• Safe jurisdiction: the VPN is based in the safe jurisdiction of Switzerland, which is free from data-sharing laws. 
• Audited no-log policy: private franchises auditing their no-log policy ensures they follow a completely transparent policy. 
• Streaming: ProtonVPN can unblock all streaming sites, and with the Wireguard protocol, it provides fast streaming speed. 
• Torrenting and P2P: it supports P2P sharing and offers plus servers for fast torrenting. 
• Gaming: ProtonVPN is a solid choice for gaming; it offers low ping time and fast speed. 
• Onion over VPN: OpenVPN TCP protocols work with the Tor browser and promise safe browsing. 

This review is based on our experience with the VPN; we researched different online forums to get insight into ProtonVPN. We used the VPN ourselves for months and performed various tests and experiments to find out about the full potential of the VPN. Continue reading to know more!

Privacy and Security 

VPNs are generally used for security purposes. They are supposed to offer high encryption, strong protocols, and other features like a kill switch. It was mandatory to test ProtonVPN’s security and privacy features. The VPN makes tall claims of being the most secure VPN service on the internet; here are the prominent features of ProtonVPN.

• Kill Switch: It blocks all network traffic during connection drops.
• Alternate Routing technology: When the server connections are blocked, this technique reroutes your connection through a third-party service. 
• VPN Accelerator: It increases the VPN speed by over 400%. 
• Secure core servers: These prevent network-based attacks by monitoring the exit network traffic. 
• NetShield: A DNS filtering features that prevent ads, malware, and trackers. 
• Double VPN: This features increases security by encrypting your data twice. 
• Full disk encryption: All servers are protected by full disk encryption to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. 
• DNS leak prevention: The VPN protects your DNS queries to prevent data leaks. 
• Tor over VPN: It allows users to access the Tor browser and Onion sites safely. 

Jurisdiction

ProtonVPN is located in the safe jurisdiction of Switzerland. The country is neither obligated to data retention laws nor allied with Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes. However, Switzerland cooperates with five-eye countries for law enforcement policies. 

This is when ProtonVPN’s transparency report plays its part. This report is updated whenever the VPN company is requested to share its customer data. And as they keep no logs of their user’s data, they have nothing to share. The last time this report was updated was May 29, 2020. 

Log policy.

Every VPN logs some data. It is necessary for VPN services to log data like payment transactions and users’ emails for security purposes. VPN Providers manipulate the audience if they promise to keep zero logs. ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based service that offers a no-log policy and is audited by Securitum, making ProtonVPN a secure VPN.

What ProtonVPN stores;

• Account creation data. 
• Email address (or Proton account) 
• Bug reports. 
• Payment information. 
• Referral information.

ProtonVPN does not log;

However, if you ever delete your account, all your personal information/data will be deleted from the  VPN’s servers. 

Past Records.

Fortunately, the records of ProtonVPN are clear, and we have found no history of hacking or data breaching. The VPN is one of the most secure services on the internet and is definitely here to stay. From a no-log policy to excellent security features, ProtonVPN is leading the industry. 

Encryption.

VPN offers security, but how? It encrypts the data by creating encryption tunnels. Users prefer higher encryption for better security, and PrtronVPN is definitely not playing regarding encryption. 

ProtonVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption along with 4096-bit RSA for key exchange. Moreover, the hash-based message authentication code for network authentication. These encryption ciphers and keys work together to provide maximum security. 

The AES-256 is the strongest encryption and uses less power. ProtonVPN uses these encryptions wisely, the AES encrypts data, and the RSA key is another encryption key used for transferring data securely. Lastly, the HMAC with SHA384 hashing code checks the message’s authenticity. 

VPN Protocols.

Encryption protocols decide how your data will be encrypted and how secure those encryption tunnels will be. Moreover, the speed of your internet also depends on what protocol you are using. ProtonVPN offers some of the most secure and fast protocols; 

• OpenVPN: a secure protocol with fast speed. This protocol is open-source, preferable for streaming and browsing. 
• IKEv2: it is perfect for mobile users; it re-establishes connections with the VPN after getting disconnected. 
• WireGuard: a new protocol that is also open-source. It offers fast speed and robust security. 
• Stealth: it is used to bypass censorship in restricted regions, but the speed is relatively low while using this protocol. 

Remember to use these protocols precisely, as your experience will be affected by the protocol you choose. We recommend using the WireGuard if you are looking for security and fast speed. 

Streaming.

ProtonVPN does not disappoint with streaming; the VPN offers various features that help online streaming. However, the main purpose of a VPN is to provide security; they are used for other purposes, also. VPNs are said to slow down internet speed, but premium VPN services promise otherwise. Here is what ProtonVPN offers its users;

• Prevent ISP throttling: The fast speed protocols and high encryption prevents ISP throttling by masking users’ IP. 
• Dedicated IP: It helps in accessing blocked content safely. 
• Global servers: With more than 1800+ servers worldwide, bypassing geo-blocks is made easier. 
• Alternate Routing technology: When the server connections are blocked, this technique reroutes your connection through a third-party service. 
• Netflix: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. 
• Hulu: Plus servers in the US: Ashburn, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Miami, etc.
• BBCiPlayer: UK#81Manchester, UK#82Manchester, UK#83Manchester, UK#84Manchester, UK#85London, UK#86London, UK#87London, UK#88London, UK#89London, etc. 
• Disney+: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Amazon Prime: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To check if the VPN is as solid as it claims, we tested ProtonVPN with all the major streaming platforms. Read more to find out more!

Netflix. 

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services, and many users try to access it. Although the site is available worldwide, it applies geo-block on regional libraries. So, if you want to access the US library from the Uk, you will face geo-restrictions. These restrictions are annoying, and we tried to bypass them using ProtonVPN.

We got the Plus ProtonVPN subscription plan and connected to the US server. We were pleased with how easily the VPN bypassed the censorship. It was as if there were no restrictions at all. We used the WireGuard protocol for fast speed, but you can use the Stealth protocol if you face difficulty bypassing censorship. Moreover, the video quality was HD, and the kill switch was beneficial in keeping our IP secure. 

How to set up ProtonVPN for Netflix;

1. Install the ProtonVPN app and choose your subscription plan. The Plus plan will give you access to the Plus servers, which are ideal for streaming. 
2. Enable the Kill Switch for better security. 
3. Select a US-based server or a server of the country you want to access Netflix from.
4. Open the Netflix app or open the site on your browser. 
5. Start streaming. 

Now you can easily access Netflix and bypass all geo-blocks.

BBCiPlayer

Users can only access BBC iPlayer from the United Kingdom. It is a big drawback for users living outside the UK. BBC iPlayer applies geo-blocks due to copyright and licensing issues. So if you want to watch BBC, you will need a powerful VPN. Like Netflix, we used ProtonVPN to unblock BBC iPlayer outside the UK.

It was extremely easy to unblock BBC iPlayer with ProtonVPN. After logging in, we had to select a UK-based plus server. The server was connected rather quickly, and we enabled the kill switch to prevent IP leaks. In only a few minutes, we could unblock the site. Overall, the shallow experience was hassle-free, and if you face any difficulty in unblocking, try using the stealth protocol. 

How to set up ProtonVPN for BBC iPlayer;

1. Install the ProtonVPN app and choose your subscription plan. The Plus plan will give you access to the Plus servers, which are ideal for streaming. 
2. Enable the Kill Switch for better security. 
3. Use WireGuard protocol. 
4. Select a UK-based server. You can choose a server from the table above. 
5. Open BBC iPlayer and Start streaming. 

Users must have a BBC iPlayer subscription to unblock the site. 

Hulu.

Hulu is a geo-blocked site and is only available in the US. So, if you want to watch Hulu, you better move to the US. Or you can simply use a VPN. It’s less hassle and more effective. We tried testing ProtonVPN to unblock Hulu, and the results were surprising.

ProtonVPN unlocks Hulu easily; you only have to connect to a US-based Plus server. These servers are optimized to offer the fastest speed possible. That’s exactly what we did; we connected to a US server, and within a few seconds, we could unblock Hulu. The picture quality was excellent, and there were no lags. Besides, we used the OpenVPN protocol for better speed, and the alternative routing technique helped bypass the censorship. 

How we set up ProtonVPN for Hulu;

1. Install the ProtonVPN app and choose your subscription plan. The Plus plan will give you access to the Plus servers, which are ideal for streaming. 
2. You can use the free version also. 
3. Enable the Kill Switch for better security. 
4. Use the OpenVPN protocol. 
5. Select a US-based server. 
6. Open the Hulu app or open the site on your browser. 
7. Start streaming. 

You must download the Hulu app to stream on your mobile phones. 

Disney +

It is another popular streaming site. We have all watched the Disney channel as kids, and now the company is featuring other popular shows for people. However, the site is not very easy to access. Disney Plus applies geo-blocks to prevent copyright issues, and we used ProtonVPN to unblock it. 

We connected to the US server to watch the US library of Disney+. It took us a few tries to connect to a fast-speed server; we recommend using WireGuard for better speed. Then we enabled the kill switch for added layers of privacy. In short, we could smoothly stream Disney+ with ProtonVPN; there was no buffering. 

How to set up ProtonVPN for Disney +;

1. Install the ProtonVPN app and choose your subscription plan. The Plus plan will give you access to the Plus servers, which are ideal for streaming. 
2. You can use the free version also. 
3. Enable the Kill Switch for better security. 
4. Select a server of the country you want to access Dinsey+ from.
5. Open Disney+ on your browser. 
6. Start streaming. 

Users must have a Disney+ subscription to unblock the site. 

Amazon Prime.

From Hollywood to Bollywood, Amazon Prime is a home for all streaming shows. The site is popular for featuring popular Bollywood series like Farzi. Moroever, you can find Hollywood series like The Office. However, geo-restrictions restrict users from accessing the site in various regions. Here is how we unblocked Amazon Prime. 

We connected to a server in India and enabled the kill switch to prevent Ip leaks. The site was unblocked in minutes, and browsing on it was smooth. We experienced no lags, and the picture quality was also HD. Amazed by the excellent performance, we switched to a US-based server, and it took us a few tries to find a speedy one. 

How to set up Surfshark VPN for Amazon Prime;

1. Install the ProtonVPN app and choose your subscription plan. The Plus plan will give you access to the Plus servers, which are ideal for streaming. 
2. You can use the free version also. 
3. Enable the Kill Switch for better security. 
4. Use the OpenVPN protocol for fast speed. 
5. Select a server in the country you want to access Amazon Prime from.
6. Open Amazon Prime on your browser. 
7. Start streaming. 

Now you can easily unblock Amazon from anywhere in the world. 

Troubleshooting

If you are facing trouble accessing streaming sites try these troubleshooting methods;

• Restart the Proton VPN app and start a new VPN connection
• Clear your browser cache
• Use a different browser
• Restart your device
• Clear your DNS cache

If these methods don’t solve your issue, contact customer service.

Is ProtonVPN safe for Torrenting? 

Torrenting can be a dangerous task if done without caution. In some regions, torrenting is illegal due to piracy issues. Government can track your online activity and block your IP; worse, you could be penalized for torrenting. So, if you want a safe way to torrent, use a VPN. A VPN will not only encrypt your data but will also prevent your digital identity. Better safe than sorry, ProtonVPN offers features that help secure torrenting; here is what the service offers. 

• Optimized P2P servers: These servers support P2P sharing and offer fast speeds. 
• Split tunneling: It allows users to choose which data gets encrypted and which travels through the regular network.
• VPN accelerator: It increases the VPN speed by up to 400%. 

Torrenting with ProtonVPN was easier than expected, the P2P servers helped with quick connections, and the downloading speed was excellent. It only took us 3 minutes to download a file. Moreover, the kill switch is beenfeticla to prevent IP leaks. Overall, it was an excellent experience. 

Here is how we set up ProtonVPN for torrenting;

1. Subscribe to ProtonVPN and choose your subscription plan.
2. Enable the Kill Switch to prevent IP leaks. 
3. Switch to OpenVPN for fast speed. 
4. Connect to a Plus server with P2P support
5. Select a nearby server. 
6. Open torrentig client. 
7. Download your files. 

However, P2P servers are only available for plus subscribers; if you use the free version, you won’t get access to P2P servers. 

ProtonVPN for Gaming.

Playing video games can be a headache when ISP is throttling your connection, and there are geo-blocks. Here is when you use a VPN. ProtonVPN is a solid choice for gaming. It offers fast speed and low ping time with its unique features. We tested the VPN to find out about its gaming capabilities, and here is what we found. 

• Split tunneling: It allows users to choose which data gets encrypted and which travels through the regular network.
• VPN accelerator: It increases the VPN speed by up to 400%. 

It was a breeze to use ProtonVPN for gaming. The VPN was fast and bypassed geo-blocks rather easily. It improved the ping time, and we experienced zero lags. Besides, the kill switch was helpful in preventing Ip leaks. In short, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for gaming. 

Here is how to set up ProtonVPN for gaming

1. Launch the ProtonnVPN and log in. 
2. Choose your payment plan. 
3. Enable the Kill Switch. 
4. Connect to a server. 
5. Start gaming!

Secure browsing through Tor- Is ProtonVPN secure?

Another use of VPN is to provide security while using Tor Browser. Using Tor Browser alone can pose potential security risks, and we always promote digital security. Using a VPN can ensure protection against privacy threats. There are two ways you can connect your VPN with Tor;

• Tor over VPN: the most preferable and easier way to connect to Tor. It protects your IP and prevents tracking. 
• VPN over Tor: it is hard to set up, and the VPN service can track your online activity. 

ProtonVPN offers the following Tor Browsing features;

• Tor over VPN: You can access Tor sites without downloading Tor Browser. It also prevents tracking and IP leaks. 
• Split tunneling: It allows users to choose which data gets encrypted and which travels through the regular network.

ProtonVPN worked well with Tor, and we were pleased to browse smoothly on Tor. There were no IP leaks, and most of the servers supported Tor over VPN. Hence, ProtonVPN is a great choice for using the Tor browser, so if you plan on exploring the dark web, remember to log in with ProtonVPN. 

Pricing and Money back guarantee 

It is one of the few services that offer a free version. Other than that, it offers 3 subscription plans. 

Plan	Pricing
Free version	free
1-month	$9.99/m
1-year	$5.99/m
2-years	$4.99/m

A comparison table between the paid and free versions of ProtonVPN;

Paid	Free
1700+ servers n 60 countries.	100+ servers only in 3 countries.
10 VPN connections.	Only 1 VPN connection.
No-log policy.	No-logs policy.
High-speed.	Moderate speed.
Streaming services.	–
P2P optimized servers.	–
NetShield malware and ad-blocker.	–
Secure Core servers.	–
Tor over VPN.	–

ProtonVPN accepts the following payment methods;

• Credit or debit card,
• PayPal,
• Bitcoin,
• Cash,
• Bank transfer.

The VPN offers Users get a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Customer support- Is it user-friendly? 

If one thing that disappointed us about ProtonVPN is their customer support options. When we see other rival VPN services offer various ways of support, ProtonVPN customer support is definitely slower. The only way you can reach their customer support is through online tickets. 

If you urgently need guidance, you must head to the FAQs section on the ProtonVPN homepage. Even there, you can only find answers to questions about billing, setting up, troubleshooting, etc. 

Pros and cons. 

Here is a quick overview of what ProtonVPN offers; 

Pros	Cons
Strong AES-235-bit encryption prevents data breaching.	The only way to contact customer support is through online tickets.
It offers P2P optimized servers that help in torrenting.	The prices are comparatively higher than other premium VPN services.
The VPN has a no-log policy that is also audited by an independent franchise.
It offers fast-speed protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
Users get a 30-day money-back guarantee with the VPN.
The split tunneling features help in gaming and torrenting.
It prevents ISP throttling and bypasses geo-blocks.
It offers unlimited bandwidth with no limitation on downloading speeds.
The kill switch feature prevents IP leaks.
ProtonVPN provides 1800+ global servers in 67 countries.
Stealth protocol helps in bypassing censorship.

Final Words 

We found ProtonVPN to be promising. It is a freemium VPN, and finding a free VPN with many excellent features is rare. Not only that, we liked the fast encryption and bypassing features. ProtonVPN is a great choice for streaming and can unblock various streaming sites. The no-log policy is clear, and users can trust the service. Moreover, it is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction making ProtonVPN a safe choice.

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