In the world of online security, the phrase "free VPN" often comes with a warning. Many free services come with a hidden cost: they might sell your data, bombard you with ads, or offer painfully slow speeds. However, there is a major exception to this rule: ProtonVPN. Created by the same scientists who met at CERN and created ProtonMail, this service is built with privacy at its core, offering a free plan that delivers a truly premium experience without compromising your security.
This guide will take a deep dive into what makes ProtonVPN's free tier one of the most trusted and respected free VPNs on the market, what you get, what the limitations are, and who it's perfect for.
The ProtonVPN Difference: Privacy First
Unlike many free VPNs, ProtonVPN's business model is not based on selling user data. The free service is supported by its paid users. This allows them to offer a free tier with core privacy features that are often reserved for premium services.
Key Privacy Commitments:
- Strict No-Logs Policy: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has some of the world's strongest privacy laws. They do not log your online activity, and this policy has been verified by independent security audits.
- Open Source & Audited: All of ProtonVPN's apps are open source, meaning anyone can examine the code for vulnerabilities. They also undergo regular professional security audits.
What You Get with the Free Plan
For a free service, the feature set is impressive:
Unlimited Data
There are no data caps or bandwidth limits. You can browse as much as you want without fear of being cut off.
Strong Security
You get the same robust AES-256 encryption and secure protocols (like WireGuard) that paid users receive.
Servers in 3 Countries
Free users get access to dozens of servers located in the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan.
No Ads
The free app is completely ad-free, providing a clean and focused user experience.
Understanding the Limitations
While the free plan is excellent, it does have limitations designed to encourage users to upgrade to a paid subscription:
- Slower Speeds: Free servers are often more crowded than paid ones, which can result in slower speeds, especially during peak usage times. This might impact activities that require high bandwidth, like downloading large files.
- Fewer Server Locations: Access is limited to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. You cannot choose a specific city within these countries, which can be a drawback if you need to access geo-restricted content from other regions.
- No Streaming Support: The free servers are not optimized for unblocking geo-restricted content on popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer. For reliable streaming, a paid plan is necessary.
- No P2P (Torrenting) Support: The free plan does not support P2P file sharing or torrenting.
- Only One Connection: You can only use the free VPN on one device at a time. This means if you want to protect your laptop and your phone simultaneously, you'll need to upgrade.
- Limited Features: Advanced features like Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and NetShield Ad-blocker are reserved for paid subscribers.
Who is the ProtonVPN Free Plan For?
ProtonVPN's free plan is the perfect choice for:
The Privacy-Conscious Beginner
If you're new to VPNs and your main goal is to protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi networks (like at cafes or airports) or keep your Browse history hidden from your ISP, this is the most trustworthy free option available. It's a great entry point into online security.
The Occasional User
If you only need a VPN for short periods, like when you're working from a coffee shop, checking sensitive emails, or traveling, the free plan provides excellent security without any financial commitment.
Those on a Tight Budget
If you simply can't afford a paid VPN but still prioritize your online privacy and security, ProtonVPN Free offers a reliable and ethical solution.
ProtonVPN Plans & Pricing
For those looking to expand beyond the free tier, ProtonVPN offers competitive paid plans that unlock a full suite of features.
Plans & Pricing
Proton Free
$0
Forever
VPN Plus
$4.99
per month (2-year plan)
Proton Unlimited
$7.99
per month (2-year plan)
All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Prices subject to change.
The Best Free VPN You Can Trust
ProtonVPN Free breaks the mold by offering a genuinely secure and private browsing experience at no cost. While it's not designed for streaming, it's an unparalleled choice for anyone looking to enhance their everyday online privacy.
Get ProtonVPN Free TodayWhy You Should Upgrade to a Paid Plan
While the free plan is exceptional, upgrading to a paid ProtonVPN subscription unlocks the full power of their network and features. You get a complete, unrestricted VPN experience designed for power users.
- Faster Speeds: Gain access to faster premium servers with dedicated bandwidth, ensuring a buffer-free streaming and downloading experience.
- More Servers & Locations: Connect to servers in over 60 countries and 1,700 servers, giving you more flexibility for unblocking content.
- Streaming Support: Unblock geo-restricted content on popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max.
- Multiple Connections: Protect up to 10 devices simultaneously on a single plan.
- Advanced Security Features: Unlock premium features like Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and NetShield Ad-blocker.
If you'd like to compare other options before deciding, you can read our VPN Reviews.