ProtonVPN Review and Stats for November 2024

In today’s digital era, protecting your online activities is essential. Ever heard about ProtonVPN? It is the solution to all your privacy issues. This strong virtual private network (VPN) service employs strong encryption to conceal your internet traffic. They basically protect your personal information from hackers, advertisers, and prying eyes. 

Made by leading privacy experts and headquarters in privacy-conscious Switzerland, ProtonVPN guarantees that your online anonymity will remain intact. With their servers strategically positioned worldwide, you can effortlessly access content from any location while ensuring your actual whereabouts and identity remain disclosed.

Why Is ProtonVPN The Pick Of People Recently?

When it comes to ensuring high privacy for your online activities then we think that ProtonVPN emerges as a top contender. Made by dedicated experts who are deeply committed to protect digital privacy and freedom, this virtual private network (VPN) stands out.

It is situated in Switzerland and is known for its strong privacy regulations. ProtonVPN employs cutting-edge encryption to hide your online activities from spying eyes such as hackers and advertisers. They uphold a strict no-log policy which refrains from storing any of your internet activity or metadata.

What sets ProtonVPN apart? It is its transparency and reliability. Its open-source code undergoes scrutiny from external parties which assures the absences of any backdoors. Boasting an extensive global server network, it ensures seamless access to content from any corner of the world while preserving your true location anonymity. 

ProtonVPN’s user-friendly apps cater to all devices, offering strong security features like kill switches and leak protection. With budget-friendly pricing options, ProtonVPN emerges as a comprehensive solution for secure and private browsing.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Performance

Rating: 4.5/5

ProtonVPN performs exceptionally. It boasts speedy and dependable internet connections. With its extensive global server network, you can effortlessly connect to a nearby server, ensuring optimal speed.

Security and Privacy

Rating: 5/5

ProtonVPN excels in ensuring your online safety and privacy. It upholds a strict no-logs privacy, validated through independent audits. Employing strong AES-256 encryption, it fortifies the security of your data.

Furthermore, its Secure Core servers enhance security by routing your traffic through multiple servers. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from stringent privacy regulations.

Features

Rating: 4/5

ProtonVPN offers tools like VPN accelerator which is capable of potentially enhancing your internet speed by up to 400% and NetShield which effectively combats ads, trackers, and malware. Nonetheless, it lacks the extensive customization features found in certain other VPN services.

Ease of Use

Rating: 4.5/5

ProtonVPN proves accessible, catering to novice users with the straightforward interface. The user interface boasts simplicity and clarity. Across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms, ProtonVPN provides dedicated apps. While configuring the VPN is generally simple, certain users have encountered difficulties with specific device setups.

Customer Support

Rating: 4/5

ProtonVPN boasts a strong customer support system. Their extensive help center offers a wealth of guides and tutorials. While email support is available, the absence of live chat support might hinder the ability to obtain immediate assistance.

Value for Money

Rating: 4.5/5

ProtonVPN offers a range of pricing options including a free version with restricted features yet strong security measures. The paid plans are affordably priced, particularly given the strongest security and privacy that they offer.

Distribution of ProtonVPN Users

1. North America (30%)

• In North America, keeping online activities private is super important to people. You often see news stories about companies misusing people’s personal info or the government spying on what citizens do online. This makes folks really want to use privacy tools like VPNs to keep their online stuff secure and away from prying eyes.
• The internet works great across North America, with fast speeds available in most places. This makes it easy to use data-heavy services like VPNs without slowing down your connection and internet browsing experience.
• Another big reason why many in North America use ProtonVPN is to access streaming shows, movies and other online content that is usually blocked or restricted in their area. A VPN helps them bypass these location blocks and watch whatever they want, from wherever they are.
• It’s like having a secret trick to get around the virtual boundaries and access the full open internet without any borders or limitations! The privacy and access combo is a real game-changer for online freedom in North America.

2. Europe (25%)

• In Europe, stringent privacy regulations such as GDPR raise awareness about data protection concerns and drive the adoption of VPNs to safeguard online activities.
• Diverse regulations across European countries dictate access to online content and services, prompting the use of VPNs to circumvent location-based restrictions by simulating browsing from alternate countries.
• Similar to North America, Europe benefits from widespread access to high-speed internet, facilitating the seamless utilization of VPN services without compromising performance.

3. Asia (20%)

• In some Asian countries like China, the government heavily blocks and censors a ton of internet sites and services. VPNs are super popular there because they let people bypass this strict censorship. With a VPN, they can freely access the open, unrestricted internet like it’s meant to be.
• As more and more people get online in highly populated places like India and Indonesia, they’re becoming more aware of the privacy risks on the internet. They don’t want their activities tracked or exposed. That’s why they turn to privacy tools like ProtonVPN – to keep their browsing and streaming on the down-low, away from prying eyes and data collectors.

4. South America (15%)

• Internet connectivity continues to expand throughout South America. With increased online presence, individuals recognize the importance of privacy and security measures such as VPNs.
• In regions of South America marked by political and economic volatility, VPNs offer a secure means of communication, shielding users from government surveillance and enabling them to navigate internet restrictions effectively.

5. Other Regions (10%)

• This category covers areas like Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Oceania where VPN usage could be influenced by different factors in each place.
• Some of these regions may have less developed internet infrastructure, while others are more technologically advanced. This impacts how widespread VPN adoption is.
• People may use ProtonVPN to overcome local censorship of websites and content, enhance their privacy from surveillance, or just securely access entertainment from other countries.

The reasons why people use ProtonVPN can vary a lot by region based on factors like censorship levels, Internet access, data privacy laws, and technological development. But in general, its encryption and ability to bypass restrictions while hiding your identity make it useful for both security and entertainment purposes worldwide.

Features of ProtonVPN

Secure Core

Feature: Our Secure Core feature sends your internet traffic through many super safe servers in various countries before it leaves our ProtonVPN network. This gives you lots of layers of security.

Benefit: It makes it super hard for anyone, even really strong hackers or snoopy agencies, to figure out what you do online and trace it back to you. It gives you extra privacy protection, which is especially important if you’re in places where there is a big risk.

No-Logs Policy

Feature: ProtonVPN sticks to a no-logs rule which means it never keeps any records or logs of what you do online, like browsing, metadata, or where you go on the internet.

Benefit: This makes sure that your private info and browsing past stay safe, and nobody can get hold of them or peek at them for any reason. It keeps everything super private.

WireGuard Protocol

Feature: ProtonVPN uses the newest WireGuard VPN protocol, which has strong encryption. It helps you keep your internet traffic super secure.

Benefit: It protects all your online stuff from hackers or snoops with really strong encryption. Plus, it’s designed to be faster than old protocols.

VPN Accelerator

Feature: This special technology can boost your internet speeds by more than 400% with ProtonVPN. It does it by making your network connections super efficient.

Benefit: Instead of slowing you down as some VPNs do, ProtonVPN with the accelerator makes your internet super fast by finding the quickest paths through their servers.

DNS Leak Protection

Feature: All your web address requests are safely sent through ProtonVPN’s encrypted servers, so nobody can peek at what websites you’re visiting.

Benefit: It stops your internet provider and others from seeing which sites you check out and keeps your privacy and security intact.

P2P Support

Feature: ProtonVPN offers special servers designed to support safe peer-to-peer file sharing and torrenting.

Benefit: You can download and share files via torrents securely and at full speed, without risking your privacy or security.

Tor Over VPN

Feature: You can connect directly to the Tor network through ProtonVPN and get both Tor’s anonymity and VPN encryption without needing separate Tor software.

Benefit: Easily enjoy the powerful online anonymity of Tor along with VPN encryption, all in one place.

High-Speed Connections

Feature: Despite its strong encryption and security, ProtonVPN is built for extremely fast internet connections, both for downloading and uploading.

Benefit: You get top-notch security without the usual slowdowns. It makes ProtonVPN perfect for data-heavy tasks like streaming HD video, gaming, or transferring large files.

Split Tunneling

Feature: With split tunneling, you can pick which apps and internet services go through ProtonVPN’s secure tunnel. While others stick to your regular connection.

Benefit: It gives you the freedom to secure only certain parts of your traffic, without slowing down apps that don’t need VPN protection.

Kill Switch

Feature: If your VPN connection drops then the kill switch will block all internet traffic to stop any data from going through unsecured channels.

Benefit: It prevents privacy leaks by cutting off internet access until the VPN connection is back up, keeping your data safe.

Streaming Service Support

Feature: ProtonVPN is set up with special profiles and servers to reliably access and unblock a wide range of popular streaming platforms from anywhere.

Benefit: You can watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more from any country by getting around geographic restrictions.

Device Compatibility

Feature: ProtonVPN has easy-to-use apps for all the big desktop and mobile platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.

Benefit: Secure your internet browsing on all your devices – phones, tablets, laptops, and more – with just one ProtonVPN account.

How Fast Is ProtonVPN?

We all know what matters the most? The speed of a VPN. And this is how much fast a ProtonVPN is:

Web Browsing (90%)

With ProtonVPN, browsing the internet will feel just as fast and smooth as when you are not using a VPN at all. It’s designed to preserve around 90% of your regular internet speeds.

So websites pull up lightning quick, almost exactly like they normally would. But with that small speed tradeoff, you get incredible online safety and privacy that keeps your activities fully protected. ProtonVPN gives you the best of both worlds – blazing fast internet while ensuring your data stays locked down tight.

HD Streaming (75%)

Watching high-definition video requires good speeds. With ProtonVPN, you will still get 75% of your usual streaming speeds without the VPN, which is quite fast! While you might encounter slightly longer buffering times compared to not using a VPN, HD video streams should still play smoothly overall.

Online Gaming (85%)

Playing games online needs super-fast internet for fast reflexes and no delays. The great thing is, ProtonVPN maintains an impressive 85% of your usual gaming speeds. With speeds that quick during online gaming, you won’t even notice the slight difference from not using a VPN at all.

Large File Download (70%)

The most demanding task is downloading really large files, which requires maximum bandwidth. With ProtonVPN, you can expect performance at 70% of your usual download speeds without a VPN. So, while those massive file downloads may take a bit longer with the VPN on, you can still download quite quickly while ensuring total security and privacy.

Overall, ProtonVPN does an excellent job of keeping your internet nearly as fast as usual for all common online activities. Just a small, hardly noticeable slowdown to achieve complete privacy protection!

Speed And Performance

Does ProtonVPN Work Effectively With Streaming Services Like Netflix To Access Geo-restricted Content?

Yes, ProtonVPN works quite effectively for accessing geo-restricted content on major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Here are some key points about how well ProtonVPN handles streaming:

Special Streaming Servers

ProtonVPN has servers specifically optimized for streaming video content. They are set up to reliably bypass the VPN blockers and geographic restrictions streaming platforms try to implement.

Always Unblocks Libraries

ProtonVPN is known for consistently being able to unblock different Netflix libraries and other streaming services from various countries. Even when they try new methods to block VPNs, ProtonVPN quickly finds a workaround to keep the streaming servers functioning.

Fast Streaming Speeds

With features like the VPN Accelerator and modern WireGuard protocol, ProtonVPN provides fast enough speeds on the streaming servers for HD and 4K video with minimal buffering issues.

Super Simple to Use

The ProtonVPN apps make it very easy – you just select a streaming-optimized server for the location you want to watch from, and you’re all set without complicated settings.

Unlimited Data Usage

There are no data caps or limits on how much you can stream video content while connected to ProtonVPN. While no VPN can guarantee 100% perfect access due to the cat-and-mouse game with streaming platforms, ProtonVPN is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and effective options for this use case based on user experiences.

So whether you want to access the U.S. Netflix library, stream Hotstar from India, or bypass any other geographic restrictions; ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for safe, buffer-free streaming.

ProtonVPN and Streaming Sites

ProtonVPN performs quite well with various streaming sites by offering dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming. Here’s a table showing how ProtonVPN works with some popular streaming platforms:

ProtonVPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions on these platforms makes it a solid choice for those looking to access a wide range of content from different regions. The VPN maintains reasonable speeds and stability, ensuring a good streaming experience.

Are There Any Known Issues With Using ProtonVPN On Particular Types Of Devices Or Operating Systems?

In general, reputable VPN providers like ProtonVPN aim to support the latest and most popular devices and operating systems across desktop and mobile platforms. However, there can occasionally be isolated compatibility hiccups, especially with older software versions or more niche device configurations.

On Desktop

For desktop usage, we would expect ProtonVPN’s Windows and macOS apps to work smoothly on most modern hardware running updated OS versions. Their Linux app likely functions well on mainstream Linux distros like Ubuntu but could potentially have some quirks on smaller niche distributions.

On Mobile

On mobile, ProtonVPN’s iOS app should integrate seamlessly with newer iOS versions on updated iPhone/iPad models. Their Android app may require a reasonably recent Android OS version, as very old versions can sometimes cause VPN app issues.

Ultimately, any compatibility problems are likely to edge cases. However, it is still wise for users to quickly check ProtonVPN’s website for any compatibility advisories pertaining to their specific device/OS setup before subscribing. For detailed device compatibility, especially for iPhones, you can visit this link. Their customer support could also verify full functionality.

Overall, we would expect ProtonVPN to provide a relatively hassle-free experience across most mainstream and updated device platforms. However, due diligence on verified device support is prudent for any VPN service.

Proton VPN Pros and Cons

Pricing

Additional Costs:

VAT/Sales Tax: Depending on the country you live in, there may be an extra tax like VAT or sales tax added to your ProtonVPN subscription cost.

Optional Add-ons:

Dedicated IP: If you need your own dedicated IP address instead of a shared one, you’ll have to pay some extra money for that.

Additional Devices: Most plans allow you to use ProtonVPN on a certain number of devices. If you need to connect even more devices, there could be additional fees.

Important Note:

Annual Discount: If you pay for a full year’s subscription upfront instead of monthly, you essentially get 2 months for free! So the yearly plan gives you a nice discount.

Payment Methods: ProtonVPN accepts common payment options like credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. But some payment types may not be available in all countries.

Refund Policy: If you are not fully satisfied with ProtonVPN then you can cancel and get a refund for any unused portion of your subscription on a prorated basis. So it means that you only pay for what you actually use.

The main additional cost to be aware of is any relevant taxes for your country. The add-ons like dedicated IPs are totally optional. And the annual billing with discounted pricing provides good flexibility and value.

How To Download ProtonVPN?

Windows

Installing:

• Visit the ProtonVPN website and create an account or log in.
• Download the Windows VPN app.
• Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install it.
• Launch ProtonVPN and log in with your account details.

Common Issue:

Problem: The connection keeps dropping.

Solution: Make sure your internet connection is stable. Turn off other VPN apps and check your firewall settings to allow ProtonVPN.

macOS

Installing:

• Go to the ProtonVPN website and create an account or log in.
• Download the macOS VPN app.
• Open the downloaded file and drag the ProtonVPN app to your Applications folder.
• Open ProtonVPN from your Applications folder and log in.

Common Issue:

Problem: The app won’t open because it’s from an unidentified developer.

Solution: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General, and click ‘Open Anyway’ next to the message about ProtonVPN.

Android

Installing:

• Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
• Search for ProtonVPN and select the app.
• Tap “Install” and then open the app once it’s installed.
• Log in with your ProtonVPN account details.

Common Issue:

Problem: Trouble connecting or slow speeds.

Solution: Try switching to a different server or protocol in the app settings. Make sure your network connection is reliable.

iOS

Installing:

• Open the App Store on your iOS device.
• Search for ProtonVPN and download the app.
• Open ProtonVPN and log in with your account details.

Common Issue:

Problem: The VPN disconnects when the device is locked.

Solution: Go to Settings > General > VPN, and check the ‘Connect On Demand’ option to make sure the VPN reconnects automatically.

Linux

Installing:

• Go to the ProtonVPN website and create an account or log in.
• Open Terminal and install the ProtonVPN CLI tool by typing the command for your Linux distribution (found on the ProtonVPN website).
• Log in through the terminal using your ProtonVPN account details and connect using the command-line interface.

Common Issue:

Problem: Installation errors are caused by missing dependencies.

Solution: Make sure your system is up-to-date and all required dependencies for the ProtonVPN CLI are installed.

Dealing with Website Issues:

When using VPNs like ProtonVPN, you might have trouble accessing some websites. Why does it happen?  Sometimes the website blocks or flags your VPN IP addresses. Here’s what you can do:

• Switch Servers: Sometimes changing the server can help if the original server’s IP was blocked.
• Use Stealth Protocols: If the website blocks VPNs, using stealth protocols (if available) can hide your VPN traffic.
• Clear Cookies and Cache: Some websites track location using cookies. You should try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache. It might fix the issue.
• Contact Support: If the issue continues, you should contact ProtonVPN’s support team for help and guidance.

This guide should help you install ProtonVPN on different devices and deal with common issues, including trouble accessing certain websites.

Servers And Locations

Facing Issue?

Nothing is perfect, Right? There might be a possibility that you might face some issues while using ProtonVPN. But you don’t need to worry about that. Here are some of the ways that will help you out if you are facing any kind of issue:

Check ProtonVPN’s Help Website

ProtonVPN has a website with guides and instructions for fixing common problems. Look there first to see if your issue is covered and what steps to take.

Talk to Customer Support

If the help website doesn’t solve it then you can message or email ProtonVPN’s customer support team. Explain the problem you are having in simple terms, and they can try to help fix it.

Update the App

Make sure you have the newest version of the ProtonVPN app installed on your device. Older app versions can sometimes cause problems that get fixed in updates.

Double-Check Settings

Take another look at how you have ProtonVPN set up and connected to make sure everything is properly configured based on ProtonVPN’s recommendations.

Switch Servers

If you are connected to one ProtonVPN server location, try disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server instead. The original one may have been having issues.

Check Device Requirements

Ensure your phone, computer or tablet meets the minimum requirements for things like operating system version or hardware in order to run ProtonVPN smoothly.

The main things are to first take a look at ProtonVPN’s own help guides, update to the latest app, and double-check your settings. If that doesn’t fix it, don’t hesitate to contact their customer support for additional help.

Why Should We Buy ProtonVPN from VPN.com?

Buying ProtonVPN from a third-party site like VPN.com might have some benefits compared to buying directly from ProtonVPN’s website. Here are some reasons why someone may want to purchase ProtonVPN through VPN.com:

• Bundle Deals: VPN.com may offer ProtonVPN together with other services or software in a single bundle pack. This could save you money instead of buying each thing separately.
• Exclusive Discounts: Sometimes, third-party sellers can negotiate special deals to offer the same VPN at a lower price or with extra benefits not available on ProtonVPN’s website.
• Extra Support: VPN.com might provide additional customer support services like setup help, configuration assistance, or longer customer service hours.
• Easy Comparison: Platforms like VPN.com allow you to compare ProtonVPN’s features side-by-side with other VPN services all on one site, making it easier to choose.
• Trustworthy Source: If VPN.com has a good reputation and satisfied customers, some people may prefer buying through them for a sense of security in the purchase.
• Special Promotions: VPN.com may occasionally run special promotions or offers that could make it cheaper to buy ProtonVPN through them versus the official website.

So in simple terms, purchasing from a third-party like VPN.com could potentially get you better pricing, bundle deals, extra support services, an easy comparison with other VPNs, and special promotional offers – as long as it’s a reputable platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Most buy ProtonVPN directly from their website. However, buying through a trusted third-party seller like VPN.com has some benefits. VPN.com may offer special bundle deals at discounted prices.

They have exclusive promotions that are not on ProtonVPN’s site. Their site lets you easily compare VPN options, including a ProtonVPN review. They provide extra support services.

But you must only purchase from authorized resellers with good reputations. This ensures you get a legitimate ProtonVPN account with full access. Purchasing decision depends on your priorities. Want to save money, get bundled services, easier comparisons or extra support? VPN.com could be a good option. If not, ProtonVPN’s website works fine.

Most important is using a trusted VPN service compatible with all your devices like Windows, Mac, smartphones, tablets and routers to secure your internet. If you still have any questions then don’t forget to ask us.