ProtonVPN is a well-regarded virtual private network service developed by the team behind ProtonMail. Built with privacy as a core principle and headquartered in Switzerland — a jurisdiction known for strong privacy protections — ProtonVPN positions itself as a security-first option for users who want to protect their online activity from tracking, surveillance, and unsafe public Wi-Fi. Security and privacy features are at the center of ProtonVPN’s offering. The apps support modern, audited VPN protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, providing a balance of compatibility and high performance. ProtonVPN implements strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and a system-wide kill switch that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. The company has also subjected parts of its software and infrastructure to independent security reviews and publishes transparency information to boost trust. Unique to ProtonVPN is Secure Core, a multi-hop routing feature that sends traffic through privacy-friendly countries (such as Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden) before it exits to the internet. This architecture reduces the risk of network-level adversaries correlating traffic. ProtonVPN also offers a Tor over VPN option that allows direct access to the Tor network from the VPN client, simplifying anonymous browsing for users who need it. ProtonVPN caters to a variety of use cases. The free plan is a standout for privacy-conscious users who want a no-cost entry point — it includes limited servers and lower speeds but no data caps in some free tiers. Paid plans expand server access, enable higher speeds with WireGuard, permit simultaneous connections across multiple devices, and unlock features like Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocking, and advanced streaming/server options. ProtonVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and some router setups, and allows P2P traffic on designated servers. Like any service, ProtonVPN has trade-offs. The free tier has limitations, and prices for top-tier plans are typically higher than some budget competitors. Performance can vary depending on server load and geographic distance. Users should consider their priorities — maximum anonymity, streaming performance, price, or ease of use — when choosing a plan. In summary, ProtonVPN is a strong choice for users who prioritize privacy and transparency. Its Swiss base, modern protocols, multi-hop Secure Core, and Tor integration make it especially suitable for privacy-minded individuals, while the free tier and broad platform support make it accessible for casual users. Evaluate the free plan or trial period to ensure it meets your speed and streaming needs before committing to a paid subscription.