# Proton VPN review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/proton-vpn
Website: https://protonvpn.com/

Free VPN from Proton with open-source apps and paid plans

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton, which its site describes as Swiss-based. It offers a free VPN and paid Plus and Unlimited plans, with apps for desktop, mobile and Chromebook and servers in more than 140 countries.

Proton VPN is a consumer VPN from Proton, the company behind Proton Mail and Proton Pass. Apps are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android and iPhone or iPad, and browser extensions cover Chrome and Firefox. The homepage lists more than 20,000 servers in over 140 countries and a built-in ad and malware blocker.

A free VPN is offered alongside paid tiers. The Plus plan adds advanced features, the fastest speeds and up to 10 devices at a time, and the Unlimited plan bundles the VPN with other Proton products. Proton describes its VPN as open source, and its Android app is published on GitHub under GPL-3.0.

- Free plan, paid upgrades | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Browser extension | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Price: Free VPN; paid Plus and Unlimited plans add features
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Free VPN plan available
- Open-source clients, with the Android app under GPL-3.0
- Apps for desktop, mobile and Chromebook

## Limits

- Advanced features and the fastest speeds need a paid plan

## Rankings

- #2 of 11 in [best VPN services](https://listme.name/best/vpn-services), score 91.0: A free VPN plan, open-source clients and a Swiss company base, with paid tiers that bundle other Proton products. Advanced features and the fastest speeds are reserved for the paid plans.

## Alternatives

- [Mullvad VPN](https://listme.name/software/mullvad-vpn), score 92.5
- [IVPN](https://listme.name/software/ivpn), score 89.5
- [NordVPN](https://listme.name/software/nordvpn), score 85.5
- [Windscribe](https://listme.name/software/windscribe), score 84.0
- [ExpressVPN](https://listme.name/software/expressvpn), score 83.0
- [Private Internet Access](https://listme.name/software/private-internet-access), score 82.5
- [Surfshark](https://listme.name/software/surfshark), score 81.5
- [CyberGhost VPN](https://listme.name/software/cyberghost-vpn), score 80.5