This in-depth ProtonVPN Review aims to equip you with all the essential details about their service. We’ll help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
We’ll explore crucial aspects such as ProtonVPN’s free features, pricing, device compatibility, and more. Our evaluation involved two weeks of testing across various devices. This includes the widely-used streaming device, the Amazon Firestick.
Proton stands out as a leading VPN provider. It’s gained considerable popularity, mainly because its free version supports installation on numerous devices.
This review primarily focuses on the paid version of ProtonVPN, which boasts a wealth of extra features.
TROYPOINT consistently advises against using a Free VPN. These services often come with hidden drawbacks.
While Proton’s free version is the most popular, it lacks essential security features and other important functionalities. Users of the free version will also experience slower speeds compared to the premium option.
Speed is paramount when using a VPN, especially for streaming large HD media files. Slow download speeds inevitably lead to buffering and lag.
Proton offers various pricing plans with different features, which we will delve into later in this review. We’ve tested ProtonVPN’s speed across several devices, including the Amazon Fire TV Stick, and we’ll share our findings.
ProtonVPN operates under ProtonMail, a well-regarded anonymous email provider that we highly recommend. You can find our recommendation for ProtonMail in the following guide:
How to Create an Anonymous E-Mail Account
ProtonVPN Highlights
- Free for various uses
- Zero Log Policy
- Easy to use VPN apps for, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections with one account (Premium version only)
- Over 1,700 VPN servers in 60+ countries across the world
- Fast download speeds
- Works with real-debrid
- Secure Core
- Adblocker via NetShield
- VPN Accelerator
- Kill Switch available
- Split Tunneling available
- Compatible with popular Streaming APKs
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer Support
- Accepts Credit Card, PayPal, and Bitcoin
CLICK HERE for Official ProtonVPN Website
ProtonVPN Review – Features
ProtonVPN offers a comprehensive suite of features. These make it a top contender among VPN services in the market.
It’s important to note that many of the features listed below are exclusive to paid subscribers. They are not included in the free package.
Secure Core Servers
With ProtonVPN’s Secure Core Servers, you can rest assured that your information remains safe and secure. Proton owns and operates these servers in countries renowned for their robust data privacy laws.
All traffic from your device is routed through these fortified servers. You’re then connected to a secondary VPN server, ensuring continuous protection.
This two-tiered approach guarantees your online data remains private and anonymous at all times.
Adblocker (NetShield)
In today’s digital landscape, internet users are constantly confronted with a deluge of ads and targeted marketing campaigns. This can quickly become an intrusive and frustrating experience.
Proton has devised an effective solution to combat these privacy-infringing ads while safeguarding your online activities. Proton’s NetShield employs DNS filtering to enhance your connection speeds and prevent trackers from monitoring your browsing habits.
Whenever you visit a website or use an app, NetShield checks the domain requests against a comprehensive database. This database contains sites known for hosting malware, ads, and trackers. Any flagged domains are blocked, sparing you from a constant stream of unwanted content on your device.
VPN Accelerator
ProtonVPN’s built-in VPN Accelerator is a standout feature, designed to deliver the fastest possible VPN speeds. It’s a unique technology, exclusive to Proton, and capable of boosting VPN speeds by over 400%.
All Proton VPN servers are equipped with VPN Accelerator. This means regardless of the server location or your whereabouts, you’ll always enjoy optimal speeds. We put this to the test during our speed evaluations, and the results are detailed below.
Swiss-Based
Many people don’t consider the VPN provider’s location when choosing one. However, this is an important detail to consider.
The reason for this is that some VPN providers are located in countries that participate in intelligence-sharing networks. These networks are called 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, or 14 Eyes.
ProtonVPN is different. It’s located in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws.
This means ProtonVPN isn’t required to store or share user data. Moreover, ProtonVPN has a strict no-log policy. This ensures no traffic, IP addresses, or browser history are saved.
For more details about this policy, just keep reading.
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No Logs Policy
As mentioned earlier, ProtonVPN has a strict no-log policy. They don’t store any logs of your online activity while you’re connected to their VPN servers.
Here’s what that means:
- There are no logs of the web pages you visit.
- Your session lengths are not recorded.
- They do not monitor your IP address.
ProtonVPN’s location in Switzerland is key. They aren’t legally obligated to keep data logs, and they don’t. This guarantees a completely private VPN connection.
VPN Protocols
ProtonVPN only uses secure and reliable VPN protocols. These options include OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Each protocol offers unique advantages. This lets users choose the best fit for their individual needs.
OpenVPN is known for its robust security. It can operate with UDP or TCP, bypassing most censorship efforts.
IKEv2 is a modern, fast protocol. ProtonVPN implements it with the highest encryption settings.
WireGuard is arguably the fastest protocol. It’s lightweight, yet secure thanks to its use of ChaCha20 encryption.
We recommend experimenting with all three protocols. This will help you determine the best option for your device and preferences.
Kill-Switch and Always-On VPN
ProtonVPN offers a standout feature called Kill Switch. It ensures your protection, no matter what.
A VPN Kill Switch is a built-in safety net. It automatically shuts down all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops.
ProtonVPN’s Kill Switch constantly monitors your server connection. If the connection is lost, your internet access is immediately terminated. This feature is available on macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS.
However, it’s not yet supported on Firestick devices.
Real-Debrid Compatible
Many cord-cutters pair a VPN with streaming apps and Kodi addons. These are often compatible with real-debrid.
Real-debrid is an unrestricted downloader. It provides high-quality links for movies and TV shows.
On its website, real-debrid categorizes VPN services as “Cooperative” or “Non-Cooperative. ” They recommend using a Cooperative VPN for optimal performance.
ProtonVPN is currently listed as Non-Cooperative. However, they do note that ProtonVPN has over 1500 allowed IP addresses. This means many ProtonVPN servers will work seamlessly with real-debrid. You can enjoy buffer-free streaming.
10 Simultaneous Connections
ProtonVPN’s free version only allows one connection at a time. This usually isn’t sufficient for most users. But, if you purchase ProtonVPN, you get 10 simultaneous connections.
You can use these connections across your favorite devices. While 10 connections might seem like a lot, it might not be enough for everyone. Many households have more than 15 internet-connected devices.
We’re constantly using the internet for various purposes. Therefore, we’d love to see more connections offered. This would ensure security across all devices, all the time.
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ProtonVPN App
ProtonVPN offers an app that’s user-friendly and available on various platforms. It’s also easy to install.
You can find ProtonVPN applications for various devices. These include PC, Android, macOS, and Linux.
Applications for streaming devices are also available. You can find these including Android TV Box via the Google Play Store.
Previously, the ProtonVPN App wasn’t available on Firestick. However, it has been added to the Amazon App Store since then. You can quickly install it from there.
The Amazon Firestick is the most popular streaming device today. Its low price point and “jailbreaking” capabilities are likely the reason for this.
When we “jailbreak” a Firestick, we install apps that are unavailable within a verified app store. These stores include places like the Amazon App Store.
For this reason, a VPN is highly recommended. It helps by ensuring your data is encrypted and protected. This protection is from these 3rd party app developers.
The ProtonVPN App is currently available on the following devices:
- Android
- iPhone/iPad
- Windows
- MacOS
- Linux
- Chromebook
- Android TV
- Firestick/Fire TV
You can see screenshots of the ProtonVPN application on a Windows PC below:
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ProtonVPN Free
As mentioned, ProtonVPN offers both a free and paid version. Both are available for your use.
While ProtonVPN Free is a popular choice, users should understand its limitations. The free option omits certain features.
Many individuals utilize VPN applications on their preferred devices. These include Firestick, Android, iPhone, and more.
If you use Torrent Websites, make sure you’re connected to a VPN. This is essential whether you’re watching or downloading streams. It will protect your personal information.
ISPs and others are taking a hard stance against torrent website visitors. They are targeting those who download content online.
The popular site YTS serves as a recent illustration of this issue:
YTS Torrent Site is Now Sharing User Info with Authorities.
Proton’s free version does not offer P2P/BitTorrent support. Therefore, using the free version might put your data at risk.
However, a paid subscription grants access to this feature. It ensures your data’s safety.
Another compelling reason to use a VPN is to bypass “geo-blocking”. This can occur in various areas of a country or even globally.
This practice, also known as “unblocking websites,” is quite common. It’s particularly popular among users of Netflix and YouTube. Sports enthusiasts who face geo-restrictions in certain regions also find it beneficial.
It’s worth noting that ProtonVPN’s free version only offers servers in three countries. That’s a bit limiting.
Right now, you can choose from:
- United States
- Netherlands
- Japan
And if you’re using the ProtonVPN app on a Firestick or Fire TV, you’ll only have access to five US servers. It’s a small selection within the US.
So, if you’re looking to unblock websites, your options are limited to those locations. You might not be able to access everything you want with the free version.
Another thing to consider is the number of simultaneous connections. ProtonVPN’s free plan only allows for one.
If you upgrade to their premium package, you can have up to 10. But with the free option, it’s just one at a time.
Keep in mind that you need a Proton account to use ProtonVPN. That’s true even for the free version.
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ProtonVPN Pros and Cons
Before we dive into the review, let’s take a quick look at the good and the bad. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of ProtonVPN.
What We Like
- Less known VPN service – It’s under the radar, which can help avoid blocks by ISPs and those pesky streaming services.
- Zero Log Policy. They don’t track your activity, which is a big plus for privacy.
- 4 package/pricing options to choose from. That gives you some flexibility to find a plan that suits your needs.
- Unblocks Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Facebook and other services (Heads up, though: this isn’t available with the Free or Basic Package).
- 30 Day money-back guarantee. You can try it out risk-free.
- Kill Switch available. That’s a must-have for security if your VPN connection drops.
- Accepts Bitcoin for payment. A good option for anonymity.
What We Don’t Like
- Not Compatible with Firestick/Fire TV. If you’re a Firestick user, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
- No P2P/BitTorrent Support with Free Version. Torrenting fans, take note.
- Can’t select specific server within designated location. You’re limited to the server ProtonVPN chooses for you.
- Limited to 3 locations with Free version. You might not find a server near you.
- No option to change VPN Protocols. You’re stuck with their default settings.
- Fewer servers compared to other VPN providers. That could mean more congestion and slower speeds.
- Slower VPN speeds when compared to IPVanish. If speed is your priority, IPVanish might be a better choice.
- Customer support via support ticket only. No live chat or phone support.
- Must register for an account even for the Free version. A bit of a hassle if you just want to try it out quickly.
- High price for paid plans. You might find better value elsewhere if you’re on a budget.
ProtonVPN Review – Pricing
Price is always a big deal when you’re picking a VPN. It’s one of the main factors people consider.
In addition to the free version, ProtonVPN has three other subscription options. Naturally, they vary in price.
You can choose from a 2-year plan, a 1-year plan, or a monthly plan. They offer several options to fit your budget.
Here’s a look at the current pricing for each option:
When you compare the Free VPN Plan to the Proton VPN Plus Plan, the differences are pretty clear. You get a lot more with the paid version.
It’s obvious that Proton’s free service is quite limited when compared to the paid versions. You miss out on a lot of features.
You can find the most up-to-date pricing information on Proton’s website. They keep it current there.official website below.
ProtonVPN has a higher price tag when compared to other VPN Services. One example is IPVanish.
Plus, these other providers have tons of features that ProtonVPN doesn’t. This includes unlimited simultaneous device connections.
We will take a closer look at this comparison below.
ProtonVPN Review – Speed Tests
When you’re comparing VPN providers, speed is arguably the most important thing to think about.
No matter what VPN service you use, your download speeds will drop a bit. This happens because your traffic has to go through a separate VPN server. Plus, your connection is also encrypted.
This is a big deal when you’re using streaming apps and IPTV Services. Download speeds are a huge factor in buffering and playback quality.
To see how ProtonVPN stacks up, we ran a bunch of speed tests for our ProtonVPN review. We wanted to see where it ranks among the other big players, like IPVanish VPN.
You’ll find speed test results for a Firestick and Windows PC below.
There are tons of internet speed tools out there, but for this example, I used a couple of specific ones. I used the Analiti Speed Test app on the Firestick. On Windows PC, I opted for our TROYPOINT Speed Test tool.
You can find Analiti on Firestick/Android devices. You can install it through the Amazon App Store or Google Play.
For the PC tests, we relied on the TROYPOINT Speed Test.
We conducted the following speed test on a 100 Mbps max Internet plan.
We did the wireless tests using an ASUS AC3100 Router. It was about 20 feet away from the device.
Firestick VPN Speed Tests
We installed the ProtonVPN APK on our Firestick. Then, we ran some speed tests to compare.
Like I mentioned, we used the Analitit Speed Test. We also connected to the free US-based server, which is the default.
ProtonVPN Free US Server
Wi-Fi: 6 Mbps down & 2 Mbps up
With a connection this slow, you’re likely to have buffering issues if you try to stream video.
IPVanish VPN Chicago Server
Wi-Fi: 65 Mbps down & 17 Mbps up
Next up, we tested ProtonVPN’s speeds on a Windows PC.
Windows PC VPN Speed Tests
You can find the results of our ProtonVPN Free Speed Tests on a Windows PC below.
We chose a US server in Proton’s settings. It automatically connected us to New York City.
To measure the results, we used the TROYPOINT Internet Speed Test.
ProtonVPN Free US Server
Wi-Fi: 13.2 Mbps down & 4.9 Mbps up
Without VPN Activated
We also ran a speed test without a VPN connection. This helped us compare the results to when Proton’s VPN was enabled.
Wi-Fi: 96.3 Mbps down & 45.0 Mbps up
Our results above show that our internet connection speeds were significantly impacted.
Internet speed is roughly seven times faster without a ProtonVPN connection. You can find a comparison with IPVanish in our IPVanish Review Guide, linked below.
IPVanish Review – World’s Fastest & Most Secure VPN
ProtonVPN vs. IPVanish VPN
Many TROYPOINT visitors might be curious about how ProtonVPN stacks up against IPVanish.
Especially since IPVanish has been our top VPN recommendation for the past five years.
ProtonVPN is a decent VPN service if you only use it on one device at a time. It’s completely free, which is a big plus. The free version works effectively and provides a secure connection.
However, if you’re a Firestick user or someone who uses Real-Debrid for cord-cutting, you might want to explore other options.
Internet speed is crucial these days. Nobody likes dealing with slow internet.
While most VPNs tend to reduce internet speed, Proton’s free VPN was significantly slower than IPVanish in both download and upload speeds.
IPVanish just rolled out a network upgrade that boosts their speeds by 2.5 times, making them the fastest VPN service available.
IPVanish Boasts Major VPN Speed Improvement
Many of us use 10 or more internet-connected devices at the same time. ProtonVPN, however, doesn’t offer great multiple device compatibility.
Unless you’re willing to shell out $30/month for the ten-device “Visionary Plan”, IPVanish is the better option for simultaneous connections. You can connect as many devices as you want with IPVanish.
IPVanish also has a great deal that gives you all its features for about the same price as Proton’s basic package.
CLICK HERE FOR IPVANISH DISCOUNT
Some of the features included in this deal are:
- Unlimited connections with a single account
- Unblocks Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming sites
- Works seamlessly with Real-Debrid and other debrid services
- Offers easy-to-install apps for popular devices (including Firestick)
- Provides access to over 1,600 VPN servers in 75 countries
- Has over 40,000 encrypted IP addresses to choose from
- Delivers super-fast download speeds globally
- And much more!
It’s worth noting that VPN performance can vary. This is often due to factors like network setup and your internet service provider.
ProtonVPN’s customer support is decent, but it’s only available via a support ticket system on their website.
IPVanish, on the other hand, offers 24/7 support through their website. You can get help with your account, billing, or any technical issues. There’s a “Help” button at the bottom of the IPVanish VPN Website that connects you to their live chat. You can also reach them by email.
Both ProtonVPN and IPVanish offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test both services and get a refund if you’re not satisfied.
For a more detailed look at IPVanish, including speeds, features, settings, pricing, and more, you can read our full review. Just click the link below.
ProtonVPN Review – Final Verdict
In short, ProtonVPN is a reputable VPN company trusted by many users around the world. It’s a solid choice if you primarily want to secure your internet connection on a single device.
However, it does lack some key features offered by services like IPVanish.
In our overall ProtonVPN Review, TROYPOINT gives this VPN service a 3.6 out of 5-star rating.
3.6 out of 5 Stars
ProtonVPN Review FAQ
Is ProtonVPN truly free?
ProtonVPN offers various packages, including a free plan that requires registration.
Is ProtonVPN a reliable service?
Yes. ProtonVPN is a trustworthy provider used by thousands of individuals.
Can ProtonVPN unblock Netflix?
ProtonVPN’s premium (paid) version can unblock certain websites and apps, including Netflix.
Is ProtonVPN superior to IPVanish?
Based on our comparison, we found that IPVanish offers a higher-quality VPN service overall.