Proton VPN

Privacy-focused VPN from the makers of Proton Mail.

softwareVPN Servicesvpnprivacysecurity

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Alternatives

ExpressVPNVerified

Choose ExpressVPN if…

you need consistent 4K streaming performance
you want access to servers in 90+ countries
you can afford a paid subscription for premium speed
you require the fastest protocol for low‑latency gaming

See details

NordVPNVerified

Choose NordVPN if…

you need consistently low latency for streaming or video
you want built‑in ad‑malware blocking without extra software
you require private device‑to‑device networking across

See details

SurfsharkVerified

Choose Surfshark if…

you need VPN coverage for unlimited household devices
you want built‑in ad and tracker blocking without extra
you prefer a low monthly price over a limited free tier
you can commit to a long‑term plan for sub‑$3 monthly cost

See details

VyprVPNAI-suggested

Choose VyprVPN if…

you need DNS queries to stay inside the VPN provider
you must evade deep‑packet inspection in restrictive regions
you stream on TV or set‑top boxes and want dedicated apps
you prefer a single paid subscription over a freemium model

See details

Mullvad VPNAI-suggested

Choose Mullvad VPN if…

you need a VPN that requires no email or personal details
you prefer a single flat‑rate subscription over a freemium
you want DNS leak protection included out of the box
you value an open‑source client with built‑in kill‑switch

See details

How to Decide

Proton VPN is known for its privacy‑focused, open‑source VPN apps and is used primarily by privacy‑conscious users. The alternatives split into a few clear camps: NordVPN leans on a large global server network and Meshnet device‑to‑device networking; v2rayNG is a free, open‑source Android client that supports the full suite of V2Ray protocols; Surfshark is chosen for its budget‑friendly subscription and unlimited simultaneous devices; ExpressVPN is selected for its fast Lightway protocol and strong streaming performance; TunnelBear offers a user‑friendly freemium with easy setup and a simple desktop‑and‑mobile experience.

When comparing these options to Proton VPN, the key factors that actually matter are: the pricing model (whether a real free tier is available versus paid‑only plans), the size and speed of the server network, the open‑source versus closed‑source nature of the client, the breadth of platform coverage (desktop apps versus mobile‑only solutions), and the presence of advanced privacy features such as multi‑hop routing or specialized protocols.

All Alternatives

ExpressVPN

Verified

ExpressVPN is a premium consumer VPN known for fast speeds, a large global server network, and a very easy setup, with an audited no-logs policy. It is a mainstream, polished choice.

✦ Best for casual users seeking ease and streaming support

Paid (Subscription)ProprietaryWindowsMacLinuxFast Lightway protocolLarge global serverAudited no-logs policy

Surfshark

Verified

Surfshark is a value-oriented VPN offering unlimited simultaneous connections, a no-logs policy, and extras like ad blocking, at a lower price than premium rivals. It punches above its weight on features per dollar.

✦ Best for large families on a budget

Paid (Subscription)ProprietaryWindowsMacLinuxUnlimited simultaneous devicesNo-logs policyCleanWeb ad/tracker blocking

NordVPN

Verified

NordVPN is a virtual private network service that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through one of thousands of servers worldwide, hiding a user's IP address and location for privacy and secure browsing on public networks.

✦ Best for remote workers and serious privacy enthusiasts

Paid (Subscription)ProprietaryWindowsMacLinuxNordLynx (WireGuard)Threat ProtectionMeshnet

VyprVPN

AI-suggested

VyprVPN is a VPN service that has been operating for more than 15 years, encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses to protect user privacy.

✦ Best for users who want a vpn with an independently audited no-log claim and its own dns infrastructure.

Paid (Subscription)ProprietaryWindowsMaciOSNo-Log PolicyProprietary DNSObfuscated Servers

“Proton VPN is a privacy‑focused, no‑logs VPN from the same security‑oriented team as VyprVPN.”

Mullvad VPN

AI-suggested

Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network that doesn't require an email or personal info to sign up. It provides a secure and private internet browsing experience, protecting users' online activities from surveillance and data collection.

✦ Best for privacy-conscious individuals

Paid (Subscription)ProprietaryWebWindowsMacNo-logs PolicyAES-256 EncryptionKill Switch

“Same core purpose as Mullvad: a privacy‑focused VPN with strong encryption and no‑logs policy.”

v2rayNG

AI-suggested

v2rayNG is a free Android application that implements the V2Ray protocol, allowing users to route traffic through customizable proxy configurations.

✦ Best for power users and developers needing granular v2ray proxy control on android

FreeGPL-3.0AndroidProtocol SupportDynamic ConfigVPN Service

hide.me

AI-suggested

me is a VPN service offering both a free plan and paid subscription tiers, positioned around a no-logs policy and features like split tunneling, multihop (routing traffic across multiple servers), and dedicated IP options.

✦ Best for users who want a genuinely free, unlimited-data vpn tier with the option to upgrade for more locations.

FreemiumProprietaryWindowsMacLinuxFree TierNo-Logs PolicySplit Tunneling

“Freemium, privacy‑first VPN from Proton, offering no‑logs and similar core purpose as hide.me.”

TunnelBear

AI-suggested

TunnelBear is a virtual private network (VPN) that provides secure and private browsing. It is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to protect their online identity and data.

✦ Best for casual vpn users and small teams

FreemiumProprietaryWebWindowsMacSecure EncryptionPrivate BrowsingFast Speeds