Proton VPN: features and buying guide
Separate the free plan from the paid features.
Source-based guide. We have not published firsthand tests. Current provider links do not earn commission. How links work.
The short answer
Start with Proton VPN's documented features, then check the exact plan and app you need. This guide uses provider sources. We have not published firsthand performance tests or assigned a score.
Start with the plan you need
Proton VPN states that it does not impose a bandwidth limit, including on its Free plan. Its documentation also describes open-source apps and support for WireGuard and OpenVPN. Those facts do not mean the free and paid plans include the same locations or features.
Read the feature eligibility
Before paying, compare the plan table with your actual use. Check access to the locations, streaming features, device allowance and traffic controls you need. A feature being listed on a general product page does not establish that it is included in the free tier.
Transparency is useful context
Open-source code gives others the opportunity to inspect software. It is not a replacement for checking the current app version, reading relevant reports and reviewing the privacy policy. We have not independently verified every security claim in the provider documentation.
Our evidence limit
We have not published firsthand Proton VPN performance tests. This is a source-based buying guide, with no speed score, streaming guarantee or ranking. Try the plan against your own requirements before making a longer commitment.
Sources and checked dates
- Proton VPN feature documentation, checked October 17, 2026. Non-affiliate source link.