ProtonVPN Overview 2026
ProtonVPN, built by CERN scientists in Switzerland, is respected for world-class security and transparency. The service’s open-source policy, audited privacy claims, and secure jurisdiction make it ideal for Americans seeking strong privacy and reliable streaming. The free plan is perfect for everyday privacy, while paid plans unlock high-speed streaming and advanced features[web:71][web:73][web:76].
Key Features at a Glance
- Free Plan: Unlimited bandwidth, ad-free, 1 device, servers in 5 countries
- Premium: 10 simultaneous devices, servers in 120+ countries
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, Stealth
- Security: Secure Core multi-hop, Tor over VPN, kill switch
- No-logs: Independently audited policy
- Streaming: Netflix/Hulu/BBC/HBO support (paid plans)
- Ad blocker: NetShield for malware/phishing/ad blocking
Speed & Performance Tests 2026
ProtonVPN’s paid plans deliver excellent speeds thanks to the VPN Accelerator technology, which boosts speeds up to 400%. Free tier speeds depend on server load but remain competitive for browsing. Streaming and large file downloads work best on paid plans with optimized servers[web:73][web:74][web:76].
Speed Test Results (100 Mbps base connection)
| Server Location | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping | Speed Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US East (Premium) | 90 Mbps | 86 Mbps | 13 ms | 90% |
| UK | 83 Mbps | 77 Mbps | 41 ms | 83% |
| Japan | 71 Mbps | 65 Mbps | 198 ms | 71% |
Best results achieved with paid high-speed servers; free plan speeds vary by location and congestion[web:76].
Privacy & Security Features 2026
- Swiss-based jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
- Open-source apps and audited no-logs policy
- Secure Core servers: multi-hop traffic routing
- Tor over VPN and advanced kill switch
- NetShield malware/ad blocker
- Modern encryption: AES-256, Perfect Forward Secrecy
ProtonVPN sets industry standards for transparency and protection. Swiss and EU law keep your data private, and open-source code is regularly reviewed[web:71][web:73][web:76].
Streaming & Unblocking Capability 2026
ProtonVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more (paid plans only). Free servers aren’t optimized for streaming or torrenting, but paid plans allow buffer-free HD/4K streams and fast P2P downloads. Specialty servers support Tor over VPN and extra privacy for high-risk regions[web:71][web:73][web:76].
Streaming Service Performance
- Netflix: ✅ US and global libraries (paid plans)
- Hulu: ✅ Supported (Premium)
- BBC iPlayer: ✅ Works with UK servers (Premium)
- Disney+ / HBO: ✅ Unblocked (Premium)
- Amazon Prime: ✅ Mixed results (Premium)
Unlimited bandwidth | US streaming support | 30-day refund policy
ProtonVPN Pricing & Plans
| Plan | 1-Month | 1-Year | 2-Year | Money-Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | $0 | – |
| VPN Plus | $9.99/mo | $4.99/mo | $4.49/mo | 30 days (prorated) |
| Proton Unlimited | $12.99/mo | $9.99/mo | $7.99/mo | 30 days (prorated) |
Free plan gives unlimited bandwidth and privacy for 1 device. Paid plans unlock all features, 10 devices, HD streaming/torrenting, and Secure Core servers. 30-day money-back (prorated) applies to unused subscription time[web:68][web:71][web:73][web:74][web:72].
User Experience & Apps 2026
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
- No registration or payment needed for Free
- Intuitive UI with fast server selection and Smart Connect
- Advanced settings for power users
ProtonVPN’s apps are open-source, clear, and feature-rich. Beginners and professionals alike find the layout easy to use and privacy features simple to configure[web:71][web:73][web:74].
Customer Support 2026
- Email support, detailed setup guides
- Help center with troubleshooting resources
- No 24/7 live chat as of 2026
Support is accurate and knowledgeable but best for self-starters and advanced users. Guides resolve most issues quickly[web:74].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN safe?
Yes. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, audited, uses open-source apps, and follows a verified no-logs policy[web:71][web:76].
Does ProtonVPN offer a free plan?
ProtonVPN’s free plan is unique, offering unlimited data and strong privacy — ideal for basic daily security[web:73][web:74].
Will ProtonVPN unblock Netflix and streaming?
Paid plans reliably unblock major streaming platforms: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO, and Disney+.
How many devices does ProtonVPN support?
Free plan supports 1 device; paid plans offer up to 10 simultaneous device connections.
Does ProtonVPN work in restricted countries?
ProtonVPN offers obfuscated servers but success rates vary in high-censorship regions — about 50% success (China/Russia)[web:71].
Does ProtonVPN offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes: 30-day money-back, but only for unused subscription time (prorated)[web:71][web:73].
Final Verdict 2026
Who is ProtonVPN Best For?
Top Pick For: US users who want free privacy, open-source security, streaming access, and advanced settings.
Consider Alternatives If: Your priority is the lowest price or 24/7 live support and basic setup.
ProtonVPN leads on advanced privacy, transparency, and high-quality free protection. Paid plans deliver value for experienced users who want more streaming, speed, and security in 2026.
✅ Unlimited data free plan • ✅ 10 devices on paid plans • ✅ Swiss privacy law