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otonVPN: A Privacy-First VPN for Secure, Open Internet Access Keywords ProtonVPN, VPN, privacy, Secure Core, WireGuard, no-logs, encryption, Proton AG, Tor over VPN, VPN apps Description An overview of ProtonVPN — a privacy-focused VPN from Proton AG — covering its security features, platform support, free and paid tiers, and why it’s a strong choice for users who value privacy and transparency. Content ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same team behind ProtonMail. Built with privacy and security as primary goals, ProtonVPN aims to give users secure, uncensored access to the internet while minimizing data collection and protecting against network threats. Core features and security ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption and modern VPN protocols to protect user traffic. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, offering a balance of speed and security across platforms. The service includes a kill switch to prevent data leaks if a VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and optional split tunneling on supported apps so users can control which apps use the VPN. A unique selling point is ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture: traffic is routed through multiple trusted servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions before exiting to the public internet. This additional hop helps defend against advanced network-based attacks and makes it harder to trace traffic back to the user. ProtonVPN also offers a Tor over VPN option for direct access to the Tor network without running the Tor browser separately. Privacy and transparency ProtonVPN operates under Swiss jurisdiction, which provides strong privacy protections. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record users’ browsing activity. Proton has published transparency reports and made its apps open source, enabling independent review. The service has undergone third-party security assessments, and Proton AG is known for prioritizing transparency and user trust in its products. Plans and performance ProtonVPN provides both a free tier and several paid plans. The free plan is useful for casual private browsing and access to a limited set of servers, while paid plans unlock higher speeds, a larger global server network, Secure Core, NetShield ad and tracker blocking, dedicated IP addresses, and support for more simultaneous connections. With modern protocols like WireGuard and optimized servers, ProtonVPN delivers competitive performance suitable for streaming, P2P, and everyday browsing, though actual speeds will depend on server location and network conditions. Platform support and usability ProtonVPN offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, along with manual setup options for routers and other devices. The interface is straightforward for non-technical users, while advanced settings are available for power users who need more control. Conclusion For users who prioritize privacy, transparency, and strong security features, ProtonVPN is a compelling choice. Its blend of open-source apps, robust encryption, Secure Core routing, and a clear no-logs stance make it especially attractive to privacy-conscious individuals and those seeking a trustworthy VPN provider.