Choosing the right virtual private network (VPN) is an important decision since you’re going to entrust the provider with a lot of sensitive data, and they’ll be responsible for your privacy on the internet. While there are plenty of solutions available to address this concern, none are as fast, reliable, or secure as ProtonVPN.
Like every other VPN provider, ProtonVPN has strong and weak points, meaning you’ll have to consider your needs and preferences before subscribing to its premium plans. Choosing the right hosting solution is equally important, especially when managing privacy-sensitive websites.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the safety and security features of Proton VPN outlining whether it’s the best choice not.
Getting started with Proton VPN
In today’s interconnected world, user privacy has become paramount because of cyberthreats and surveillance attempts. Proton VPN is fully equipped with secure high-speed and security features. It comes in at No. 7 on the list of the Best VPNs of 2024, with a score of 4 out of 5. Its secure service is available in 110+ countries as it offers one of the best free VPN plans. These plans can be ideal for leisurely browsing or while performing daily tasks. Moreover, Proton VPN users can consider how VPNs impact SEO and analytics, especially if they are involved in online marketing.
Porton VPN works well with different devices. Whether it’s an operating system or MacOs, Linux or Android it does its job efficiently. The installation is straightforward regardless of the platform, and the company claims to offer both free and paid users a strong privacy and user experience.
Proton’s History as a Safe and Trustworthy Brand
One of the reasons Proton VPN is so safe is its rich legacy as a privacy-conscious technology provider. The company was founded in 2014 by former research scientists (physics) and members of the CERN, who recognized the need for safe and secure internet services. Its first product was PortonMail, the first email service with client-side encryption, meaning even Proton can’t read your inbox. Gmail and Outlook later introduced client-side encryption, but only for paid users. In contrast, ProtonMail offers both free and paid encrypted emails and calendars for individuals, families, and businesses. Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same team and are based in Switzerland. Switzerland’s strict data privacy laws further keep your browsing secure from any surveillance attempts.
Proton VPN Features – Key Benefits
Here are some crucial ProtonVPN features that have made it the top preference for thousands of users:
Secure Service
According to Statista Globally, 72.7% of all organizations fell prey to a ransomware attack in 2023. This concern makes cybersecurity a priority for everyone. Proton VPN has the strongest encryption algorithm 256-bit AES encryption which is of the same standard used by military and governments worldwide.
IP Address Masking
It uses strong encryption standards to protect against DNS and IPv6 leaks. In addition to IP masking, Proton VPN also hides your browsing activity from your ISP. This is a great plus for journalists and investigative professionals. It also prevents advertisers from viewing your activity online.
No-Logs Policy
No logs policy is a prime feature of Proton VPN. Since the company’s headquarters are in Switzerland, it is exempt from legal privacy policies and due to this, it implements a strict disclosure policy, which was verified by independent audits in 2022 and 2023. This means that the company cannot access your IP, browsing history, session length, or other information.
Built-In Ad Blocker
In 2021, Proton launched NetShield, a built-in ad blocker for its VPN. NetShield checks websites against a database of malicious sites and automatically blocks those listed. It uses DNS filtering to block ads, online trackers, and unnecessary content, speeding up your browsing.
VPN Accelerator
This unique feature redistributes CPU load between multiple processes to prevent a single processing thread from becoming overloaded. This increases speeds by up to 400%. It also splits the path between the VPN server and its destination into shorter paths to improve performance.
DNS Security
DNS Security encrypts all DNS requests automatically, preventing third parties from intercepting data during transit. Proton uses its own DNS service, ensuring that no one else can access your DNS requests in an unencrypted form.
Two-Factor Authentication
2FA is one of the most valuable features highlighted in Proton VPN. By enabling it, you ensure that your identity is verified during login, not just through a password, adding an extra layer of security. For businesses, IT admins can implement a 2FA policy for all VPN users across the organization.
Kill Switch
You can turn on the kill switch when accessing sensitive information on the internet or keep it on permanently. The feature monitors your VPN connection so that if it accidentally drops and your data becomes unencrypted for a second or two, Proton VPN will automatically block your internet access.
Up to 10 Gbps Speed
Proton has servers in 70+ countries worldwide, so users can always connect to a nearby server. This results in allegedly up to 10 Gbps of browsing speeds with your VPN on. In real-world conditions, users report download speeds between 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps, which is still impressive for a fast VPN.
Affordable and Transparent Pricing
Proton VPN provides different pricing plans to fit one-of-a-kind pockets and budgets. This VPN service has several pricing tiers, starting with the Free Forever app. You can use Proton VPN for free on any one device, with limited speed, browser support, and VPN server access. The paid plans come in two variants – Proton VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited.
The free plan is specifically noteworthy because it gives unlimited records and access to servers in 3 countries, making it one of the best free VPN options available.
The latest pricing and plan details are available at https://protonvpn.com/pricing.
Final Thoughts
Proton VPN stands out as a secure, fast, and user-friendly VPN service available in over 110 countries. The VPN’s interface is much more information-rich than most other VPN dashboards. It comes with a wealth of customization options and the malware blocker included in the subscription price. It can be the best VPN for people who just want to protect their connection without a lot of fiddling.
