Proton sells a set of privateness merchandise, from electronic mail to doc storage, so once I used Proton VPN I used to be already conversant in the corporate. We examined 9 of one of the best VPN providers obtainable for our general information, together with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark and Tunnelbear. Proton guarantees “privateness by default,” however that left me questioning if the corporate meant rigorous safety testing — and if a deal with privateness would take away from ease of use. As a result of it balanced the entire above, Proton VPN landed on the high of our checklist.

VPNs can be utilized for normal net searching, however I examined each by streaming, gaming and evading geoblocking on the servers. I measured streaming speeds by watching Canadian Netflix from my residence within the US, enjoying an internet recreation from a UK-based VPN server and watching a reside information channel on YouTube from a Hong Kong-based VPN.

How a lot does Proton VPN price?

Proton presents a free, however restricted, model of its VPN. It may be used on one machine with entry to servers within the Netherlands, United States and Japan. For $5.99 per 30 days, Proton VPN’s paid subscription consists of entry to greater than 3,000 servers in over 65 international locations, use on as much as 10 gadgets and an included ad-blocker and malware safety. Or for $9.99 per 30 days, Proton sells an “limitless” bundle with entry to all of its mail, calendar, drive, VPN and password supervisor merchandise.

Privateness and safety

Once I tried out VPNs, I seemed for choices that saved my data safe with out impacting my capability to simply browse the net. Proton VPN has a no-logs coverage, which means it would not accumulate knowledge that passes by way of its community. It’s handed exterior audits, is predicated on an open-source framework and it runs a vulnerability disclosure program. Proton VPN has a coverage to not adjust to legislation enforcement requests and has no pressured logging necessities as a result of it is based mostly in Switzerland, in accordance with the corporate.

Pace and availability

There was little to no lag once I used Proton VPN for its streaming, geoblocking and gaming capabilities. I additionally did a ping take a look at to measure web latency. With out a VPN, it took 43 milliseconds, however linked to Proton VPN, it took 49 milliseconds, which isn’t a giant distinction in any respect.

For paid customers, Proton VPN is out there on greater than 1,800 servers in 64 international locations. It’s obtainable throughout iPhone, Android, Mac, Home windows, Linux, streaming providers and extra. As a result of it helps as much as 10 gadgets without delay, it’s additionally simple to make use of throughout a whole family of tech.

Proton VPN professionals and cons

Even our best choice isn’t excellent. The free model could be a bit finicky, and struggles to remain linked at occasions. In line with Shopper Studies, it doesn’t meet password complexity necessities and didn’t provide clear protections towards unauthorized entry. Like a lot of its rivals, Proton VPN additionally tends to make use of deceptive advertising and marketing language. Proton VPN makes lofty claims — like bypassing censorship, preserving you secure from hackers and browsing the net with out surveillance — that may’t at all times be factually backed up.

The VPNs I examined have been constantly good. They made it simple to browse the net securely. Proton VPN took the highest spot due to its general safety and ease of use.