ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service developed by Proton AG, the same team behind the privacy-minded email provider ProtonMail. Launched with the goal of protecting online privacy and security, ProtonVPN combines strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a base in Switzerland — a jurisdiction known for robust privacy protections. Core features and privacy protections ProtonVPN uses modern VPN protocols and AES-256 encryption to secure internet traffic between your device and its servers. It enforces a no-logs policy, meaning it does not store activity logs that could be tied back to users. Being based in Switzerland gives users additional legal safeguards compared with providers in countries with more intrusive surveillance laws. One standout feature is Secure Core, a multi-hop routing option that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the public internet. This makes correlation attacks harder and increases anonymity for high-risk users. ProtonVPN also supports Tor over VPN, letting you route traffic directly into the Tor network for additional anonymity without running a separate Tor browser. Performance and server network ProtonVPN has a broad and growing server network strategically located across many countries. It offers WireGuard, a lightweight, high-performance VPN protocol, which often delivers faster speeds than older protocols. As with any VPN, performance depends on factors like server load, your physical distance to the server, and your base internet connection. ProtonVPN offers dedicated streaming servers and P2P-friendly servers for torrenting on paid plans. Platforms, usability, and safety features ProtonVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, plus manual setup guides for routers. The apps include useful privacy tools such as a kill switch (to block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops), DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on select platforms. The interface is generally clean and accessible to both beginners and experienced users. Use cases and who it’s for ProtonVPN is a good choice for people seeking strong privacy guarantees, activists or journalists operating in hostile environments, users who want to combine VPN and Tor, and anyone who needs reliable encryption for public Wi‑Fi. It’s also suitable for streaming and P2P users who opt for the appropriate paid plan. Limitations and considerations While ProtonVPN’s free tier is generous and useful, advanced features like Secure Core, faster servers, and more simultaneous connections require a paid subscription. Like any VPN, it cannot provide absolute anonymity — users should combine it with good operational security practices. Conclusion ProtonVPN strikes a solid balance between privacy, transparency, and performance. Its Swiss jurisdiction, technical features like Secure Core and Tor integration, and commitment to a no-logs policy make it a strong option for users prioritizing safety and confidentiality online.