Proton VPN Review
Privacy-first, open-source, Swiss
Our Verdict
From the makers of Proton Mail — Swiss-based, fully open-source and audited, with the only genuinely usable free tier on our list.
Proton VPN comes from the team behind Proton Mail and shares their privacy-first DNA: it's Swiss-based, fully open-source, and independently audited end to end.
It's also the only provider here with a free tier worth using — unlimited data on a limited set of servers — making it a great risk-free way to try a serious VPN.
Advanced features like Secure Core and Tor-over-VPN appeal to high-risk users. Streaming and top speeds require a paid plan, but for transparency and trust it's our privacy pick.
Pros
- Open-source apps, independently audited
- Strong Swiss privacy jurisdiction
- Genuinely usable free tier
- Secure Core & Tor-over-VPN options
Cons
- Free tier limits servers/speed
- Pricier than budget rivals
Alex Carter
Lead VPN Analyst & Editor
Alex leads VPN testing and editorial at Top5 VPN. He and the team benchmark every provider on the same criteria — real-world speed, audited privacy, streaming, and value — so the rankings stay consistent and independent.