For those seeking a virtual private network with robust privacy credentials and impressive connection speeds, Proton VPN emerges as a standout contender in the crowded 2025 market. Developed by the team behind the encrypted Proton Mail service, this Swiss-based provider has built its reputation on transparency and security rather than competing solely on price.
Privacy and Security Features
Proton VPN's commitment to user privacy is demonstrated through multiple layers of protection. The service operates from Switzerland, placing it outside the jurisdiction of intelligence-sharing alliances like Five Eyes. All applications are open-source and have undergone independent audits by security firm Securitum, with the most recent infrastructure review completed in July 2024.
The VPN employs strong AES-256 encryption and supports multiple protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Proton's proprietary Stealth protocol. Unique features like Secure Core routing provide additional protection by directing traffic through Proton-owned servers before reaching the final destination, though this does result in slightly reduced speeds.
During testing, the kill switch required manual activation despite the Always-on VPN feature being enabled by default. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy that was tested in 2019 when Swiss authorities requested user data and Proton VPN demonstrated it physically couldn't comply due to its architecture.
Performance and Usability
Speed tests conducted across multiple devices showed minimal performance impact. On a 67Mbps broadband connection, connecting to UK servers resulted in only a 6% speed reduction, while US connections saw approximately 9% slower speeds. The VPN Accelerator feature helps maintain performance on long-distance connections.
The user experience varies significantly between platforms. The macOS application offers a clean, minimalist interface while the Windows version feels cluttered with additional features like an interactive world map. Mobile applications for iOS and Android include decorative maps that serve little functional purpose, requiring users to navigate through multiple tabs to access server locations.
Advanced features include split tunnelling on Android and Windows, torrenting support through dedicated P2P servers, and Tor over VPN functionality. However, iOS users miss out on several controls due to platform restrictions.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Proton VPN distinguishes itself with transparent pricing that avoids the auto-renewal price hikes common among competitors. The service offers three main tiers: Proton Free, Proton VPN Plus, and Proton Unlimited.
The free plan provides unlimited data with servers in five countries (United States, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland), alongside basic versions of Proton's other privacy tools including 5GB of encrypted storage and the Proton Pass password manager.
Proton VPN Plus unlocks full-speed servers across 120 locations, streaming support, Secure Core routing, and connection for up to 10 simultaneous devices. At the time of testing, the two-year plan costs £86.16 upfront (approximately £3.59 per month), while monthly payments are £9.49.
The comprehensive Proton Unlimited package includes premium versions of all Proton services with 500GB of encrypted storage. This plan costs £158.16 for two years (about £6.59 monthly) or £10.59 per month without commitment.
Streaming and Support
Proton VPN reliably accessed popular streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX and Sky Go during testing. Content played smoothly without buffering issues, though streaming functionality is restricted to paid plans.
Customer support provides live chat assistance exclusively for paying customers during operating hours (9am to midnight CET). Free users must rely on support tickets and the comprehensive knowledge base. Response times during testing were impressive, with queries answered within seconds during live chat sessions.
While NetShield, Proton's integrated ad and malware blocker, proved less effective than dedicated alternatives, the overall package delivers exceptional value for privacy-conscious users. The combination of strong security fundamentals, consistent performance, and ethical business practices makes Proton VPN one of the most trustworthy options available in 2025.
