ProtonVPN Review


Introduction

In the world of free VPN services, finding a reliable and secure option can be challenging. In this comprehensive ProtonVPN free review, we will explore the positive aspects and limitations of the service. We will assess its speed, server availability, security features, privacy policy, streaming and torrenting support, customer support, and pricing options.

Speed and Performance

  • ProtonVPN free download speeds are decent, averaging around half of the original internet speeds.
  • It allows for quick website loading and smooth streaming of 1080p videos on YouTube.
  • The VPN accelerator tool optimizes the technology for better speeds.
  • However, for bandwidth-heavy activities like live streaming, gaming, and downloading the free version may not offer optimal performance.
  • Paid plans provide better speeds, including the option to access servers with 10 gigabytes per second speeds.

Server and Location Availability

  • Free users have access to 23 servers in three countries, which may be limited considering the number of free users.
  • The overall performance and availability of servers are still decent for most users.
  • Paid plans offer a larger pool of servers and locations, providing more flexibility and options.

Security and Privacy

  • ProtonVPN free ensures top-quality security similar to the paid plans.
  • It utilizes AES-256-bit encryption, considered the gold standard in encryption.
  • The available tunnelling protocols are fast and secure, with the addition of WireGuard, a newer and more secure protocol.
  • The free app includes kill switches for desktop and iOS, and the Android version has an always-on feature.
  • ProtonVPN free upholds the same privacy policy as the paid plans, which involves keeping only temporary timestamps and not logging user IP addresses.

Streaming and Torrenting Support

  • ProtonVPN free does not provide access to streaming services or optimized servers for torrenting.
  • Paid plans, such as the Plus and Visionary plans, offer effective bypassing of geo-blocks and support for various streaming platforms.
  • Streaming and torrenting are limited to specific servers, which are only accessible through paid plans.

Customer Support

  • ProtonVPN offers support articles, email ticketing, and an active Reddit page for both paid and free users.
  • However, there is no live chat option, which is increasingly common among top VPN providers.
  • Free users may experience slightly longer response times for ticket replies.

Pricing Options

  • The basic plan is affordable and includes features like ad-blocking and torrenting, but it has limitations on server availability and device connections.
  • The Plus and Visionary plans provide access to the full range of features, including streaming, Tor over VPN, Secure Core, and a wide server fleet, but they are relatively expensive.
  • Comparatively, some VPN providers offer free trials at lower costs, providing more features and value.

Conclusion

ProtonVPN Free is a solid choice for users seeking a basic VPN service for browsing, emails, work, and online shopping. It offers decent speed, security, and privacy. However, advanced features, streaming support, and optimized servers for torrenting are only available through paid plans. While the pricing options may seem relatively expensive compared to other VPN providers, ProtonVPN's commitment to privacy and security may justify the cost for some users.