Proton VPN is an open source VPN designed specifically for users who have privacy and security as their top priorities.
In this article, we explain how to set up and use Proton VPN. We also answer some frequently asked questions about Proton VPN and its features.
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How to set up and use Proton VPN
1. Decide on a Proton VPN subscription
Proton VPN offers three tiers: Proton Free, Proton VPN Plus, and Proton Unlimited. Both VPN Plus and Unlimited are paid VPN subscriptions from Proton and offer monthly, annual, and two-year plans.
Here's a brief overview of the three Proton tiers:
- Proton Free – Unlimited data with slower speeds; connecting a device; servers from only five countries.
- Proton VPN Plus – 3000+ servers in 70+ countries; 10 simultaneous device connections; Fastest VPN speed.
- Proton Unlimited – All VPN Plus features and access to Proton Mail Plus, Proton Drive Plus and Proton Calendar.
In our hands-on review, Proton VPN received a score of 4.0 stars out of 5.
I find the $5.99 per month one-year plan for Proton VPN Plus to be the best balance of features and price. But if you're already an avid user of Proton's other services, getting one of the Proton Unlimited packages is a smart choice.
For this demo, I chose the free version of Proton. With no data cap, Proton Free is one of my favorite free VPNs to use long-term.
If you're looking for other free VPNs, read our roundup of the best free VPNs in 2024.
2. Download and configure Proton VPN
To download Proton Free, I clicked on the Get Proton Free button found on the Proton VPN pricing page. From there, it asked me to create an account by providing my email address and a new password.
I like that Proton gives you the option to allow them to generate a random password for you. Just be sure to copy it to a safe place if you decide to do so.
From there, I was redirected to the Proton VPN download page, which housed the different installation files for the supported operating systems.
Since I am a Windows user, I downloaded the Windows file. Proton VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux/GNU, Chromebook, iOS, Android, and others.
Once downloaded, I ran the installation file and followed the necessary steps. After installing, the Proton VPN desktop app opened and asked for my account details.
Once logged in, I was directed to the main dashboard of the Proton VPN desktop app.
3. Using Proton VPN
Like most VPN apps, Proton VPN has a prominent on/off switch that automatically connects you to one of its servers. In the case of Proton VPN, you have a Quick Connect button on the left side of your app (Figure H).
By clicking that button you will automatically connect to the fastest server based on your location. Please note that Proton Free users will only connect to a server in the Netherlands, Romania, Japan, Poland or the United States.
In my case, clicking Quick Connect connected me to the Proton VPN server in Japan.
At this point, I am successfully connected to a secure Proton VPN server.
If you want to check if you have successfully connected to one of the Proton VPN servers, I recommend using a public DNS leak tool. These tools show you the current IP address and location of your device. A proper connection via a VPN should display the IP address and location of the VPN server you selected. In this case, my IP address should show that I am in Japan.
To test this, I used DNSLeakTest.com. However, there are other similar tools online that can perform the same function.
When I checked, it showed that I had successfully connected to a VPN server located in Japan (Figure J).
Proton VPN FAQ
Is Proton VPN free?
Yes, Proton VPN has a free version that is free forever. However, it has limitations compared to Proton VPN's paid plans. While it offers unlimited bandwidth, it only allows one VPN connection, compared to 10 simultaneous device connections on premium plans.
Additionally, free users only get access to servers in five countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the United States. With premium plans, you get access to 3000+ servers spread across 70+ countries.
And Proton Free has slower VPN speed compared to both Proton VPN premium plans.
How many devices can I use Proton VPN on?
Paid Proton VPN users can have up to 10 simultaneous device connections. Meanwhile, the Proton Free versions can only connect one device at a time.
How many servers and locations does Proton VPN offer?
As of March 2024, Proton VPN offers 3,428 servers in 71 countries. Please note that server network numbers often fluctuate.
However, Proton VPN has consistently had around 3000+ servers from 65+ countries lately, according to our research.
What operating systems does Proton VPN support?
For desktop, Proton VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook. It also has browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox.
For mobile devices, Proton VPN is available on iOS, Android, and Android TV.
What if Proton VPN is not working properly?
If you are having any issues with Proton VPN, you can visit their Help & Support page which has a wealth of support articles covering frequently asked questions and issues.
For more pressing matters, Proton VPN has an email support and live chat feature exclusively for paid users.
What we think of Proton VPN
In our full review, Proton VPN received a rating of 4.0 stars out of 5. Its privacy-friendly base of operations in Switzerland was a highlight in our analysis, as well as being open source.
We also liked the generous free version of Proton VPN that comes with no bandwidth restrictions, which is rare compared to other free VPN options.
If you want to learn more, read our full Proton VPN review and analysis here.
