How does Proton VPN work?

Proton VPN protects your online privacy by hiding your real IP address [/what-is-a-vpn]. With your virtual location hidden, it's much harder for your online activity to be monitored, restricted, or sold to advertisers.

How do I install Proton VPN?

To install Proton VPN, download the Proton VPN [/download] application for your device and follow our setup guide [/support/protonvpn-setup-guide]. Then, just sign in to your Proton account, and you'll be ready to connect.

Can I watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ with Proton VPN?

When connected to a Proton VPN server, you can access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other major streaming platforms from your VPN location. Streaming is available with all paid Proton VPN plans, including Plus, Unlimited, Visionary, and Family. You can learn more about this in our streaming guide [/support/streaming-guide].

Yes. While some premium features are only available on our paid Proton VPN Plus subscription, we also have a free plan. We're the only free VPN service with no ads, no data limits, and a strict no-logs policy.

How secure is Proton VPN?

All Proton VPN network traffic is encrypted using either AES-256 or ChaCha20, and we use strong VPN protocols [/features/strong-protocols] like WireGuard® and OpenVPN. Even if your VPN connection is interrupted, you can protect your data with free VPN features like kill switch [/features/kill-switch] and always-on VPN.

How many devices can I connect to Proton VPN?

With a paid Proton VPN subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices at once.

Is it legal to use Proton VPN?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but some nations restrict or ban VPN use. Learn more in our country-by-country VPN guide [/blog/are-vpns-illegal].

The best VPN to take control of your online world

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Which? Best Buy - March 2026 - VPN software

Endorsed as a Which? Best Buy

Ranked #1 Best VPN

Trusted by over 100 million users and organizations

Secure every connection

Expose nothing. Access everything.

Shield personal information, dodge online threats, and explore the internet on your terms.

Browse without being watched

Stop trackers and advertisers from following your every move and exploiting your data.

Stay safe from cybercriminals

Protect yourself from identity theft, financial fraud, and stolen personal data.

Watch while you're away from home

Watch your favorite shows, live sports, movies, and news no matter where you are.

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Why choose Proton VPN

The preferred VPN for millions protecting their privacy and freedom online.

Private by default

Backed by more than a decade of privacy leadership, Proton VPN keeps what you watch, click, and search private from trackers, advertisers, governments, and even Proton itself.

People before profit

Proven under pressure

Compare with

VPN vendors comparison table

Open-source VPN
Openly published no-logs audit (1)
Ad blocker (2)
Malware blocker (2)
VPN Accelerator
Jurisdiction (3)	Switzerland	British Virgin Islands	Romania	Panama	Netherlands
Owned by (4)	Proton AG	Kape	Kape	Nord Security	Nord Security
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(1) ExpressVPN’s audits into whether it complies with its privacy policy are not public. You have to accept a non-disclosure agreement before you can download them. CyberGhost claims to have had its no-logs policy audited by Deloitte. Customers can request the report directly from Deloitte, but it is not otherwise publicly available. NordVPN claims to have had several “assurance engagements” to verify its no-logs policy. Only customers can access them on the NordVPN website. Surfshark also requires people to sign up and log in to see its no-logs audits. (2) NordVPN’s Basic plan(new window) does not include an ad or malware blocker. Access to these features requires upgrading to the Plus plan. (3) Kape Technologies is based in the UK and also owns(new window) Private Internet Access and EventVPN. (4) Nord Security’s true ownership (and therefore its ultimate jurisdiction) is very uncertain(new window).

Last updated: April 2026

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Battle-tested VPN features

Shield your personal information, stay safe from online threats, and access the internet on your terms, even in the most restricted parts of the world.

20,000+ servers in 140+ countries

Access one of the world’s most extensive VPN server networks with high-speed connections for reliable streaming, browsing, and global access.

Built-in ad and malware blocker

Block ads, trackers, phishing scams, and malicious websites before they load with advanced DNS-level protection that keeps browsing faster, cleaner, and safer.

Private browsing by default

Hide your IP address, browsing activity, and real location with encrypted VPN protection backed by European laws and a strict no-logs policy

Speed without compromise

Boost VPN speeds by up to 400% with Proton’s unique VPN Accelerator technology, designed for faster, more stable, and more reliable connections

Choose your plan

Gain the freedom to browse, stream, and connect without limits.

More than just a VPN

Proton VPN is part of a privacy ecosystem designed to protect your data end-to-end. Our mission is simple: keep your information safe, without slowing you down or selling you out.

Proton Maill

Defeat spam, tracking, and ads

Proton Calendar

Keep your schedule secure

Proton Drive

Safeguard your files and photos

Proton Pass

Generate and store strong passwords

Proton Meet

Host confidential video calls

Lumo

Chat with our private AI

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100M+ people choose Proton to keep them safe online

Proton VPN rises above the competition with an excellent collection of features, a high-performance server network, and a nearly peerless free subscription option, making it the top service we recommend.

Our top-scoring Best Buy VPN

Our top pick is ProtonVPN thanks to its easy-to-use interface, no-logs policy and open-source framework.

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Browse, stream, and connect with total freedom

Shield your personal information
Stay safe from online threats
Access the internet on your terms

Get Proton VPN

Frequently asked questions

How does Proton VPN work?: Proton VPN protects your online privacy by hiding your real IP address. With your virtual location hidden, it's much harder for your online activity to be monitored, restricted, or sold to advertisers.
How do I install Proton VPN?: To install Proton VPN, download the Proton VPN application for your device and follow our setup guide. Then, just sign in to your Proton account, and you'll be ready to connect.
Can I watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ with Proton VPN?: When connected to a Proton VPN server, you can access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other major streaming platforms from your VPN location.
Streaming is available with all paid Proton VPN plans, including Plus, Unlimited, Visionary, and Family. You can learn more about this in our streaming guide.
Is Proton VPN free?: Yes. While some premium features are only available on our paid Proton VPN Plus subscription, we also have a free plan. We're the only free VPN service with no ads, no data limits, and a strict no-logs policy.
How secure is Proton VPN?: All Proton VPN network traffic is encrypted using either AES-256 or ChaCha20, and we use strong VPN protocols like WireGuard® and OpenVPN.
Even if your VPN connection is interrupted, you can protect your data with free VPN features like kill switch and always-on VPN.
How many devices can I connect to Proton VPN?: With a paid Proton VPN subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices at once.
Is it legal to use Proton VPN?: Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but some nations restrict or ban VPN use. Learn more in our country-by-country VPN guide.