How to Cancel a Proton VPN Subscription: Easy Guide (2025)

Proton VPN provides strong security and privacy protection, but some of its long-distance connections are a bit slow. The good news is that Proton VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee. I even tested it myself and can confirm it’s dependable.

Do I need a Proton VPN alternative? It’s in your best interest — in some EU countries, the US, Australia, and more, ISPs are obliged to record user data to share with their local governments¹. Plus, with cybercrimes on the rise worldwide, it’s always a good idea to have an active VPN to keep your online activities private and safe.

My top alternative is ExpressVPN. It’s significantly faster than Proton VPN across its entire server network while offering the same high level of security and privacy. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee*, like Proton VPN.

Jump to see more Proton VPN alternatives

Canceling Proton VPN on iOS and macOS (Apple App Store)

If you signed up for Proton VPN using an iOS or macOS device, the guides below will show you how to cancel and pursue a refund. It’s a little more time-consuming to request a refund for Proton VPN via iOS or macOS, as the refund itself is handled by Apple. Before uninstalling the app, follow the relevant guide for your device to cancel your Proton VPN account:

Canceling Proton VPN on iOS

1. Go to Settings on your iOS device.
2. Click your Apple ID profile at the top.
3. Click Subscriptions.
4. Find Proton VPN among the subscriptions and tap it.
5. Click Cancel Subscriptions.

Canceling Proton VPN on macOS

1. Go to the App Store.
2. Tap on the registered account name in the bottom left.
3. On the listed apps, find Proton VPN and click the Edit option.
4. Choose Cancel Subscriptions and finish the process.

Regardless of the Apple device you used, requesting a refund is the same process. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Go to the Report a Problem page on the Apple website.
2. Provide your Apple username and password.
3. Click I would like to…, and scroll to Request a refund.
4. In the Tell us more… section, say you want a refund from Proton VPN and explain why.
5. Submit your request and keep an eye out for the response in your Apple ID email inbox.

Canceling Proton VPN on Android (Google Play Store)

It’s a similar situation for Android users. If you purchased Proton VPN through the Play Store, you’ll need to file your refund request with Google. Before uninstalling Proton VPN, complete the following steps to get the ball rolling:

1. Open the Google Play app.
2. Tap your profile picture to access the menu.
3. Tap the Payments and Subscriptions section and choose Subscriptions.
4. Select Proton VPN, then Manage, followed by Cancel Subscription.
5. Explain why you’re canceling the service.
6. Next, click Account and then Purchase History.
7. Find and click Proton VPN, followed by Request a Refund. Explain why you want to be reimbursed.
8. Wait for a response. Most refund decisions are made within 1 business day, but it can take up to 4 on rare occasions.

Best Proton VPN Alternatives in 2025

Is Proton VPN still safe? Proton offers free accounts to activists and journalists² and is valued around the world for its privacy practices and verified no-logs policy. So yes, I’m confident that it’s a safe option. Still, while Proton VPN might not be for everyone, going without a VPN entirely is risky.

The table below offers an at-a-glance comparison of the best Proton VPN alternatives. You can compare prices and money-back guarantee periods. VPNs with large server networks are ideal to securely access content from anywhere. It’s also helpful to look for a VPN offering multiple simultaneous device connections if you have lots of gadgets or a large household.

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest Speeds We've Tested Across Its Entire Network

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested June 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is much faster than Proton VPN according to our tests. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is significantly more lightweight than most, making connections much faster than Proton VPN for streaming and torrenting. Our videos didn’t buffer when streaming in UHD, and even distant servers delivered impressive speeds during our ExpressVPN tests.

Automatic obfuscation on every server makes your VPN connection look like regular internet traffic. That means you don’t have to adjust any settings to bypass tough network restrictions at work, college, or on public WiFi hotspots. It’s also much faster than the obfuscation provided by Proton VPN’s sluggish Stealth protocol.

As with Proton VPN, it's a bit pricey. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts. ExpressVPN also offers a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't a fan of the service. I tried it for testing purposes and was fully reimbursed in just a few days.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers easy-to-find dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. When testing its streaming-optimized servers, we safely accessed Disney+ and YouTube TV in HD. Unlike Proton VPN, it even worked with DAZN US. Its speeds are overall pretty fast, but they are close in comparison to Proton VPN, with greater slowdowns when it comes to long-distance connections.

Its apps are user-friendly and offer an intuitive Smart Rules feature, which lets you customize the VPN’s automation rules. The monthly plan is expensive and offers a shorter money-back guarantee. However, the long-term offers are more affordable and come with an extended money-back guarantee that lets you try CyberGhost for 45 days for free.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings Let You Balance Speed and Security

Works With:

ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix Disney+

APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA stands out for its high level of customization, surpassing even Proton VPN in this regard. For instance, users have the flexibility to adjust the encryption level, choosing between AES 128-bit for faster performance or AES 256-bit for enhanced security, albeit at the cost of speed.

The only issue is that its overall customizability can be daunting to some. However, I found PIA is pre-configured for a good mix of security and speed — so you don't need to change any settings unless you want to. It’s also a budget-friendly option, with prices much lower than Proton VPN. Plus, you can try PIA for free as it has a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Methodology for Testing VPN Alternatives to Proton VPN

We followed a strict set of criteria when choosing alternative services to Proton VPN. These services all offer fast speeds, even on long-distance servers, making them good alternatives for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. They each require differing levels of technical proficiency. We also made sure each VPN has standout features that make them preferable to Proton VPN.

Visit our testing methodology page for all the details on our testing philosophy. Here, you’ll find a full breakdown of the methods we use to bring you the latest cybersecurity news. Feel free to use this as the basis for your own testing.

How Do I Cancel Proton VPN Auto-Renewal?

Around 1.5 billion people regularly use VPNs³, so keeping an account on auto-renewal often makes sense. If you’ve decided you want to move on from Proton VPN at the end of your contract, be sure to cancel auto-renewal, or you’ll be charged for another term. Here’s how:

1. Sign in to your account using the link in the top right of the website.
2. Click Subscription on the left side menu.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page to Cancel Subscription.
4. Click Continue.
5. Click Cancel subscription on the popup window.

Proton VPN Refund Terms and Conditions

If you cancel your account within the 30-day period, you're eligible for a full refund. This is an improvement to its previous policy, under which you would only receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your purchase. That said, you can downgrade your account (from Unlimited to Plus) at any time and will be given account credits for the prorated amount in this case.

The money-back guarantee is available for any Plus and Unlimited offer that’s purchased directly through Proton's official channels, such as its website or apps. If the purchase was made through a third-party provider, a refund must be requested from that provider, as Proton VPN's policy does not apply.

Keep in mind that refunds are not available if you pay via cash or bank transfer. Aside from this, Proton VPN issues refunds in the currency and payment method you used to purchase it.

It’s also worth remembering that refunds are only available for first-time users. So, if you’ve had a refund with Proton VPN before, the money-back guarantee is not valid.

Also, note that you can no longer downgrade to the free version of Proton VPN. But you can always open a new free account once you’ve canceled your premium one. And, while Proton VPN has a verified no-logs policy, it does retain some data (for example, your recovery email, if you provided one). But you can request for this to be deleted.

FAQs on Canceling Proton VPN

How do I delete my Proton VPN account?

To delete your Proton VPN account, sign in to your Proton Account dashboard and go to the account deletion section. Deleting your account permanently removes all data, including VPN configurations and connection logs. However, if you have an active purchase, you must cancel it first. Be aware that deleting your Proton VPN account also affects linked Proton Mail services if you use the same credentials. I recommend exporting critical data before proceeding.

How long does it take to get a Proton VPN refund?

Proton pledges to process all refunds within 30 days⁴, but in our years of working with Proton VPN, it’s never taken longer than 10 days. Refunds requested within the 30-day money-back guarantee are approved and initiated immediately. The exact time it arrives in your account depends on your payment provider.

Keep in mind, refunds are only available for first-time users who cancel within 30 days. If you paid via cryptocurrency, the refund may take longer due to blockchain processing times. I suggest contacting Proton VPN support if you don’t see the refund within 14 days.

How do I check my current Proton VPN purchase?

To check your Proton VPN purchase, log in to your Proton Account dashboard and select the Subscriptions tab. This section displays your purchase type, billing cycle, and renewal date. If you’re on a free offer, it will show no active paid purchase. You’ll also find options to cancel your account (which will cancel auto-renewal).

What can I do with my Proton VPN account credits?

You can apply them toward a future account renewal or upgrade (or downgrade). Credits do not expire. If you cancel your purchase, the remaining credits stay in your account unless you request a refund (if eligible). I recommend using them before deleting your account, as credits are forfeited upon deletion.

Can a Proton VPN purchase be transferred to another user? No. Nor can credits be transferred or exchanged.

Will I keep my Proton Mail account after canceling Proton VPN?

Yes, you keep your Proton Mail account after canceling Proton VPN, provided they are separate accounts. If you use a unified Proton Account, canceling only the VPN service does not affect your email. However, deleting your entire Proton Account removes both services. I advise double-checking your account structure before taking any irreversible actions.

References

1. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/14-eyes-countries/
2. https://proton.me/mail/
3. https://windscribe.com/blog/vpn-statistics-trends/
4. https://proton.me/legal/terms?ref=pvpn_blog_b2c_vpn_footer/