ProtonVPN Review

What ProtonVPN Is

ProtonVPN comes from Proton AG, the same team behind ProtonMail. They're based in Switzerland.

The VPN's client code is open-source, and they get regular independent audits. It's a subscription service.

Proton's tools, VPN, Mail, Drive, and Pass, all work together, with shared infrastructure and unified pricing, which is the Proton approach.

Why Jurisdiction Matters

Switzerland is outside the EU's data retention directives. It doesn't participate in the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. That sets a higher bar for data protection.

The Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection makes it tough for authorities to get their hands on user data. Authorities can't compel disclosure like in some other countries.

For investigators worried about government snooping on provider records, Switzerland is the safest bet. No other mainstream VPN provider matches that level of defensibility.

Open-Source Client

ProtonVPN's clients are on GitHub. The code is open for review and has been independently audited. This supports their no-logs claim. For investigators, such transparency is crucial.

Secure Core

Secure Core routes traffic through a hardened server in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden first. If the exit node is compromised, the attacker sees only traffic from that Secure Core server, not the user's IP.

The setup resembles Double VPN, but with servers in countries with strong privacy laws. The speed drops by 30-50% compared to a single hop, a trade-off for the added security.

Free Tier

ProtonVPN's free plan offers unlimited data, making it the only mainstream VPN with no usage limits. The free plan does throttle speeds and restricts server access, but it still works well for casual use or testing without a paid commitment.

Proton Business

The Proton for Business bundle starts at $7.99/user/month, bundling ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, ProtonCalendar, and ProtonVPN.

The package suits investigation teams or small agencies needing encrypted communications, a VPN, and cloud storage. All services come from a single, auditable Swiss provider, which matters for OPSEC.

Pricing

The Unlimited plan costs $7.99 a month, billed annually. It includes ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, and ProtonVPN. The Unlimited plan is a better choice if you use both ProtonMail and ProtonDrive.

Comparison to NordVPN and Surfshark

Verdict

ProtonVPN costs a bit more than NordVPN or Surfshark for similar plans. You get Swiss jurisdiction, auditable open-source code, and integration with the rest of Proton. ProtonVPN is the better choice for investigations where jurisdiction matters most. NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro offers better value otherwise.

See Also

When conducting online investigations, maintaining your own privacy is crucial. You need to ensure that your digital footprint doesn't compromise your work or put your subjects at risk. Here are some vital tools to help you stay under the radar.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN masks your IP address, making it harder for others to track your online activities. For investigators, this is essential for protecting both your identity and that of your sources.

VPNs work by routing your internet traffic through encrypted tunnels. This keeps your browsing history and IP address hidden from prying eyes.

Top VPNs for OSINT include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, ProtonVPN.

Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can significantly enhance your privacy while browsing. They block trackers, ads, and malicious scripts.

Must-have extensions include uBlock Origin, HTTPS Everywhere, NoScript.

Secure Search Engines

Using a secure search engine can help you find information without revealing your search history.

Popular options include DuckDuckGo, Startpage.

Other Essential Tools

Other tools can help you maintain your online anonymity.

These tools are Tor Browser, encrypted email services, password managers.

Best Practices

To maximize your online privacy, follow these best practices: Regularly update your software and tools. Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.

By incorporating these tools and practices into your workflow, you can significantly enhance your online privacy and protect your investigations.

Stay safe online.

Remember, your digital footprint matters.

Further Reading

• Proton VPN official site
• Proton VPN security features