Proton VPN 4.3.11

Proton VPN brings enterprise-level privacy to your Windows PC without requiring payment or registration.

Built by the same team behind ProtonMail, this VPN encrypts all internet traffic and masks your IP address from websites, advertisers, and your internet service provider.

Unlike most free VPNs that monetize user data, Proton operates under Swiss privacy laws and maintains a verified no-logs policy.

The free tier includes unlimited bandwidth with no data caps - a rarity among premium VPN providers.

You connect through servers in 10 countries including the United States, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, and more.

Paid plans unlock the full network of over 15,000 servers across 120+ countries with additional features like streaming optimization and P2P support.

What Proton VPN Does

Proton VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. All data passing through this tunnel becomes unreadable to anyone intercepting it - whether that's hackers on public WiFi, government surveillance, or your ISP throttling specific services.

The kill switch automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure.

NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the network level, improving page load times while protecting against phishing attempts.

The Secure Core feature routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland before reaching the destination server, adding an extra layer of anonymity for high-risk users.

For users who torrent media files with uTorrent or similar clients, Proton VPN supports P2P traffic on Plus servers with port forwarding capabilities. Stream geo-restricted content on Kodi, VLC Media Player, or Jellyfin Server by connecting to servers in the content's home region.

Proton VPN vs Other Privacy Tools

For complete privacy, pair Proton VPN with privacy-focused browsers. Brave Browser blocks trackers and ads natively while Tor Browser routes traffic through multiple relays for maximum anonymity.

Opera Browser includes a built-in VPN proxy, though it lacks the encryption strength and server network of dedicated VPN software.

Mozilla Firefox offers enhanced tracking protection that complements VPN encryption.

Proton VPN distinguishes itself from competitors through its Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and nonprofit backing.

While NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer similar features, Proton's transparent approach includes independent security audits and published source code that anyone can verify.

Key Features

The WireGuard protocol delivers fast connections with minimal battery drain on laptops. OpenVPN remains available for users requiring maximum compatibility.

The Stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, bypassing network restrictions in schools, workplaces, and countries that block VPN connections.

Split tunneling lets you route specific apps through the VPN while others use your normal connection - useful for banking apps that flag VPN connections as suspicious.

The Linux CLI provides command-line control for advanced users and server administrators who need scripted automation.

System Requirements

Proton VPN supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 with both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.

The installer weighs around 110MB and completes in minutes.

Mobile apps cover Android and iOS, while native clients exist for macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. Browser extensions add quick-connect functionality to Chrome and Firefox.

Free vs Paid Plans

The free tier provides essential protection with unlimited data, no ads, and the same encryption as paid plans.

Limitations include medium-speed servers, single device connections, and automatic server selection - you cannot manually choose specific locations.

Proton VPN Plus unlocks high-speed servers optimized for streaming Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms.

Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with access to Secure Core servers, NetShield ad blocking, and P2P-optimized servers. The Proton Unlimited bundle combines VPN with ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, and ProtonPass for complete digital privacy.