Is ProtonVPN Safe? Security Review
5/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: ProtonVPN is one of the most trustworthy VPN services available. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, independent audits, and a genuine privacy-first mission make it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service from the creators of ProtonMail. It is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs available, with open-source apps, a free tier, and Swiss privacy law protection.
Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 5/5 | |
| Privacy | 5/5 | |
| Track Record | 4/5 |
Security Features
- AES-256 encryption
- Open-source apps (independently auditable)
- Swiss jurisdiction (strong privacy laws)
- Secure Core servers (multi-hop through privacy-friendly countries)
- No-logs policy (independently audited)
- Kill switch and always-on VPN
- NetShield ad and malware blocker
Privacy Concerns
- Free tier has limited servers (may mean more shared IPs)
- Swiss authorities can compel some metadata in criminal investigations (but no logs to provide)
Past Security Incidents
- ProtonMail was ordered by Swiss courts in 2021 to log IP addresses of a French climate activist (VPN was not affected, but it highlighted jurisdiction limitations)
- No ProtonVPN-specific breaches or logging incidents as of 2025
How to Stay Safe Using ProtonVPN
- Enable kill switch and always-on VPN
- Use Secure Core servers for extra protection
- Enable NetShield for malware protection
- Combine with ProtonMail for a privacy-focused ecosystem
Safer Alternatives
- Mullvad VPN (even more anonymous)
- NordVPN (more servers and features)
Last updated: February 10, 2026