Proton VPN review: honest experience and pricing (2026)

Pros

• One of the few VPNs with a genuinely usable free plan: no data cap, though fewer server locations and features than the paid plans
• Strong reputation for privacy and security, partly thanks to its Swiss base and open-source apps
• No-logs policy backed by independent audits

Cons

• Long-term plans are pricier than many competitors
• The Trustpilot rating is notably lower than most competitors in this review series, see below

Pricing

Proton VPN costs around $2.99/month on a two-year plan, versus around $9.99/month on a monthly plan. Some examples:

• Two-year plan: from roughly $2.99/month
• Monthly plan: around $9.99/month
• Free plan: limited server locations, but no data cap

Speed and servers

Proton VPN performs solidly in independent tests. The server network has expanded significantly in recent years and can be smaller than some large competitors', but it offers broad international coverage.

Features

Proton VPN offers Secure Core (routing traffic through extra-secured servers in privacy-friendly countries before it reaches your destination), NetShield (ad and malware blocking), support for WireGuard and OpenVPN, open-source apps, and works with most major streaming platforms. Torrenting/P2P is supported on designated servers.

How does Proton VPN compare to other providers?

The biggest differentiator versus NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN is the genuinely usable free plan and the strong privacy reputation thanks to its Swiss base, in exchange for a higher price on long-term plans and, as explained below, a less favorable Trustpilot score.

What users say

Proton VPN's official Trustpilot page (protonvpn.com, checked mid-2026) shows 2.2 out of 5 ('Poor'), based on 937 reviews, with complaints about connection issues and customer service among others. Other sources sometimes cite higher figures around 4.5, likely due to confusion with a different domain or outdated data, protonvpn.com's official Trustpilot page is the most reliable source. Positive reviews mostly cite ease of use and the brand's privacy reputation. Check the current page yourself for the latest standing.

Frequently asked questions about Proton VPN

Is Proton VPN safe?

On encryption and privacy policy, yes, with a no-logs policy backed by independent audits and open-source apps. On customer service, the Trustpilot rating is less favorable than competitors', see above.

Is the free plan genuinely usable?

Yes, unlike many competitors the free plan has no data cap, though it does have fewer server locations and features than the paid plans.

Does Proton VPN work on multiple devices at once?

The number of simultaneous connections depends on your chosen plan. Check the current limit before subscribing.

Verdict

Proton VPN is a strong choice if privacy, open-source apps and a genuinely usable free plan are your top priorities. Its Trustpilot score is clearly lower than competitors like NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN as of writing, particularly around customer service, so check current reviews and the cancellation policy carefully before committing to a paid plan.