otonVPN: Privacy-first VPN from Switzerland Keywords ProtonVPN, Proton AG, VPN, Secure Core, WireGuard, OpenVPN, privacy, no-logs, free VPN, Tor over VPN Description ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network developed by Proton AG that highlights strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, Swiss jurisdiction, and useful features such as Secure Core and Tor over VPN for users who want to protect their online activity. Content ProtonVPN is one of the better-known privacy-oriented VPN services, created by the team behind Proton Mail. Built with a focus on security and transparency, it aims to give individuals and organizations stronger control over their online privacy without sacrificing usability or performance. Core features and technical basics ProtonVPN uses modern VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) and strong encryption to protect data in transit. The service operates under Swiss jurisdiction, which benefits users because Switzerland has robust privacy protections and is outside U.S. and EU surveillance alliances. ProtonVPN publishes a clear no-logs policy and offers open-source clients that have been audited, improving trust and accountability. Unique protections One standout is Secure Core, ProtonVPN’s multi-hop architecture that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the internet, adding resilience against network-level attacks. ProtonVPN also supports Tor over VPN, enabling direct access to the Tor network from the VPN client for an additional anonymity layer. Other practical safety features include a kill switch to block internet access if the VPN drops, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on supported platforms. Plans and usability ProtonVPN provides a free plan with limited server access and speeds—useful for casual privacy needs or testing the service—and several paid tiers that expand available servers, increase speeds, and unlock Secure Core and streaming/P2P-optimized servers. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus manual setup guides for routers. Performance with WireGuard is typically faster than older protocols, making it suitable for streaming and gaming when configured on the right server. When to choose ProtonVPN ProtonVPN is a strong option for users prioritizing privacy, transparency, and long-term trustworthiness—especially those who value Swiss jurisdiction and open-source software. It’s also well-suited for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious consumers who want additional protections like Secure Core or Tor integration. Caveats and considerations Like any VPN, ProtonVPN cannot make you invulnerable: it protects traffic between you and the VPN server but cannot prevent endpoint compromise, browser fingerprinting, or deanonymization through account logins. Paid plans may be necessary for the fastest speeds and full feature access. Before subscribing, compare server locations, speed tests, and features relative to your needs. Conclusion ProtonVPN delivers a thoughtful combination of privacy-focused features, transparent practices, and modern protocols. For users who want a trustworthy, audit-friendly VPN with extra privacy options, ProtonVPN is worth considering.