We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Proton VPN Pricing 2024: Free vs Paid Plans (Worth the Cost?)

Ernest Sheptalo Updated on 1st December 2024 Fact-checked by Ryan Jones Senior Writer

Proton VPN has earned its reputation as a secure, privacy-focused service. It’s known for prioritizing online safety and data protection, with strong security features and a strict no-logs policy — making it a top choice for privacy-conscious customers.

In 2024, Proton VPN offers both free and paid plans, each designed to meet different needs. I’m here to help you understand what's on offer in each plan, including server access, speeds, device connections, security features, and support for streaming and torrenting. We’ll also look at the difference between Plus and Unlimited Proton plans, and whether the company’s other security offerings are worth signing up for.

Try Proton VPN >>

Proton VPN’s Plans: A Quick Overview

Feature Free Plan Paid Plans (Plus and Unlimited)
Price Completely free From $2.99/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Servers Limited to servers in 5 countries (Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Japan, and US) Access to 9,286 servers in 112 countries
Protocols
Smart, Stealth, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Smart, Stealth, WireGuard,
OpenVPN, IKEv2
Speed Slower due to server congestion Up to 10Gbps
Simultaneous Connections 1 device Up to 10 devices
Streaming Services Limited by reduced server network Access to worldwide streaming services
P2P/BitTorrent Support ✅ On special P2P servers
Secure Core Servers
NetShield Ad-blocker
Split tunneling
Tor over VPN
Customer Support Standard (24/7 live chat and email support) Priority responses

Proton VPN Free vs. Paid Plans

Proton VPN’s pricing range is quite wide and suits different requirements. The free plan provides basic security features with some limitations, while the paid options offer more servers, enhanced privacy tools, and faster speeds.

Here are all the details to help you choose the best plan for your needs:

Proton VPN’s Free Plan and Its Limitations

The free Proton VPN plan offers basic functionality (like a kill switch/always-on feature) but it does come with restrictions. You only get access to servers in 5 countries, which can restrict your options when it comes to using global websites and services.

Additionally, the free plan lacks advanced features such as Secure Core, the NetShield ad-blocker, port forwarding, Tor over VPN, and support for streaming services. You can only use the VPN on one device at a time as well.

Speeds can also be hampered by the increased load on the free servers, which may affect activities like streaming or downloading large files. Upgrading to a paid plan is recommended if you’re planning on streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

Proton VPN Plus Plan Analysis

The Proton VPN Plus Plan costs $9.99 per month, with significant savings for longer-term commitments. Opting for an annual plan will cost you $59.88 ($2.99/month), while a 2-year subscription is available for $107.76 ($4.49/month).

The Plus Plan is best suited if you need access to advanced security features. It also includes a larger server network and fast speeds (up to 10Gbps with Proton’s VPN Accelerator), making it ideal for activities like secure streaming, torrenting, and browsing across multiple countries.

Pro Tip: Always check the renewal terms before committing to a long-term plan, as price increases can be substantial. For more affordable options, check out our rundown of the best and cheapest VPNs on the market.

Proton VPN Unlimited Plan Analysis

The Proton VPN Unlimited Plan bundles the Plus plan with access to Proton’s other services. These include:

  • Proton Mail
  • Proton Drive
  • Proton Calendar
  • Proton Pass
  • Proton Wallet

With this plan, you benefit from seamless integration across Proton's range, creating a unified platform for secure email, file storage (up to 50GB over all services), calendar management, and password management. You also get up to 25 shared calendars, 15 email aliases, and 20 vaults in Proton Pass.

The Unlimited Plan comes in at $12.99 if you pay monthly. Or, you can get a 1-year subscription at $119 ($9.99/month) or a 2-year plan for $96 ($7.99/month). Alternatively, there’s a duo plan for $14.99/month, or a family plan for $23.99/month (up to 6 users, with 3TB storage). Compared to subscribing to each service individually, the Unlimited plans work well as an all-in-one, cost-effective privacy solution.

Business Plans and Enterprise Solutions

Proton offers customized VPN solutions for businesses through its VPN Team pricing, with costs determined by team size and specific needs. Companies can choose from a range of packages including Essentials, Professional, Business Suite, and Enterprise.

Feature list:

  • Centralized account management
  • Dedicated account support
  • Customizable security policies
  • Integration with existing business infrastructure

Businesses can also take advantage of bulk pricing discounts, making it more cost-effective to provide secure VPN access to multiple employees.

Should You Go Premium? A Closer Look at Proton VPN Plus

Best Feature Secure Core directs your data through safer servers when you connect to high-risk locations
Server Network 9,286 servers in 112 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections 10, letting you protect all or most of your household devices
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Chromecast, Smart TVs, routers, and more

Proton VPN's Secure Core feature channels your data through servers with enhanced security when you select a location where your connection might be at risk (for example, countries with online surveillance). These servers are located in privacy-friendly countries such as Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland. Secure Core is included with paid plans and can be easily enabled on the app’s home screen. During our tests, Proton VPN didn’t leak any IP, DNS, or WebRTC data.

A screenshot showing Proton VPN successfully passing a leak testThis means Proton VPN won't reveal your location data

Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy makes it a trustworthy option for secure browsing. This commitment was demonstrated in 2019 when a legal order required Proton VPN to provide user logs. The company was unable to comply because no identifiable logs existed. For added anonymity, you can also choose to pay with cryptocurrency or cash.

One downside is that the Secure Core feature can slow your connection (because your traffic is traveling through more than one server). Our speeds dropped by 25% when connecting with Secure Core. That said, the VPN’s speeds on the Plus servers were great during testing. These servers are also optimized for fast and reliable streaming, torrenting, and Tor use.

You can try the Plus service for free as Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely happy, claiming a refund is easy.

Useful Features

  • Stealth protocol. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol is designed to conceal VPN usage, making it perfect for browsing in countries with restrictive internet policies.
  • Perfect forward secrecy. This feature regularly changes your encryption keys. It ensures that, even if one key is compromised, both past and future VPN sessions remain secure, as they’ll use different keys.
  • NetShield. This is Proton VPN's advanced ad-blocking and malware protection feature. It works by blocking harmful websites and intrusive ads, preventing you from encountering malicious content while browsing. It also improves page load speeds since fewer ads load.
  • Tor over VPN. Servers with the Onion logo allow you to access the deep web through a regular browser, eliminating the need for the Tor browser.

Payment Options

Proton VPN provides several payment methods, including credit and debit cards:

Payment Methods Proton VPN
Visa
MasterCard
PayPal
Bitcoin
UnionPay
Google Pay
GrabPay
Amazon Pay
Apple Pay
Ethereum
Ripple
Dash
Litecoin
Zcash

Proton VPN Deals, Discounts, and Promos

Most Proton VPN subscriptions are discounted throughout the year. You can expect the following deals:

  • Current deals: Proton VPN is offering up to 70% off on its Plus plan, reducing the price to $2.99/month per month if you opt for a 2-year subscription. This deal is available to both new and existing customers.
  • Student discounts: Proton offers exclusive discounts for students through Student Beans. Offers include 50% off Proton VPN Plus, 80% off Proton Mail Plus for one month, and 50% off Proton Drive Plus for 12 months. Student Beans verification is required to access these discounts.
  • Black Friday: During the Black Friday period, Proton VPN usually offers significant discounts on its plans.
  • Coupons. Proton VPN also provides coupon codes, which can be granted by the support team to reduce costs on paid subscriptions. Just be aware of fake Proton VPN coupon codes on third-party sites, as these can sometimes be phishing scams.

At the time of writing, the service doesn’t offer a lifetime subscription.

How to Sign Up For Proton VPN

To sign up for Proton VPN, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the official site. Navigate to the Proton VPN sign-up page.
    A screenshot showing Proton VPN's account registration pageMake sure to use the official Proton VPN site, to avoid fakes or scams
  2. Choose a plan. You still need to register, even if you’re only opting to use Proton VPN for free.
    A screenshot showing Proton VPN's subscription plans pageYou can also opt to create a free account
  3. Create an account. Enter your email address and come up with a strong password.
     A screenshot showing Proton VPN's account registration pageEven free Proton VPN accounts require email registration
  4. Confirm your account. You’ll be asked to verify your account with a security code sent to your email address.
    A screenshot showing Proton VPN's account verification codeThis code is only valid for a short period of time
  5. Download the Proton VPN app. After account creation, download the Proton VPN app compatible with your device from the downloads page.
    A screenshot showing Proton VPN's device download optionsYou can also download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  6. Log in and connect to a server. Open the app, select a server from the available list, and connect to start using Proton VPN.
    A screenshot showing Proton VPN's server selection interfaceIf you experience any hiccups or delays, just switch the server
Pro Tip: If the service doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always follow our guide to cancel your Proton VPN subscription and request a full refund. Just ensure you’re within the 30-day money-back guarantee window to qualify.

Proton VPN vs. Top 5 Competitors: Price and Features Comparison

Here’s a comparison table highlighting Proton VPN alongside its top competitors — ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, NordVPN, and Surfshark — focusing on pricing and key features to help you make an informed decision.

VPN Lowest Price Number of Servers Simultaneous Connections Ad & Malware Blocker Special
Security Features
Crypto Payments Money-Back Guarantee
Proton VPN $2.99/month 9,286 servers in 112 countries 10 Yes (NetShield) Secure Core, Tor over VPN Yes 30 days
ExpressVPN $4.99/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries 8 Yes
(Threat Protection)
Lightway Protocol, TrustedServer Tech Yes 30 days
CyberGhost $2.03/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries 7 Yes (Content Blocker) NoSpy servers, WiFi Protection Yes 45 days
Private Internet Access $2.03/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries Unlimited Yes (MACE) Open-source clients, MultiHop Yes 30 days
NordVPN $2.99/month 6,800 servers in 111 countries 10 Yes (Threat Protection) Dark Web Monitor Yes 30 days
Surfshark $1.99/month 3,200 servers in 100 countries Unlimited Yes (CleanWeb) Camouflage & NoBorders Modes Yes 30-days

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on Proton VPN Pricing

Is ProtonVPN completely free to use?

There’s a free plan, but it comes with limitations. The free version has fewer servers, slower speeds, and only supports one device connection. For faster speeds and more server options, you’re better off opting for ProtonVPN’s paid plans.

Does ProtonVPN support Netflix streaming?

Yes, ProtonVPN works with Netflix, but only on premium servers. The free plan does not support streaming, but paid plans allow access to Netflix and other streaming services with optimized servers for better performance.

Will ProtonVPN share my data?

ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store your data. It is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. Even if required by law, ProtonVPN can’t provide your data as it doesn’t store it.

This is because Proton VPN secures all its server disks using an AES 256-bit cipher and encryption keys that are long enough to resist any practical brute-force attack. In simple terms, it’s extremely difficult to crack. Additionally, the encryption keys are stored off-site, not directly on the server.

Conclusion

Proton VPN’s free plan is a decent offering, but the paid subscriptions are much better for safe streaming, torrenting, and accessing international sites and services. The Plus plan gives you more server options, faster speeds, and the reliable security features Proton is known for. That said, Proton VPN’s paid plans can be pricey, and there are other VPN services out there that offer similar features for less.

Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 82% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Ernest Sheptalo is a Senior Writer at vpnMentor, and an expert in the field of VPNs. Ernest creates detailed reviews, comparisons, and guides that assist people in navigating the web safely, protecting their online data from theft.

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