ProtonVPN test: Is ProtonVPN the best VPN in 2022?
ProtonVPN is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and was created in 2014 by CERN scientists, the same team that created ProtonMail as it turns out. It has a user-friendly interface and has impressive features. The features include:
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A 256-bit AES encryption (Military-grade encryption)
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Kill Switch
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No-logs policy
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WireGuard
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DNS leak prevention
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Apps for Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and Windows
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Torrenting server
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Streaming servers
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Ad blocker (NetShield)
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VPN accelerator
Platform and country availability
An impressive number of platforms can easily be unlocked using ProtonVPN's Plus servers. This includes Netflix, ESPN+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, etc. More importantly, it unblocked Netflix in different countries, including Germany, France, the US, the UK, Australia, and Portugal. However, unblocking these platforms can slow down streaming capabilities. In brief, ProtonVPN Plus is perfect for smooth streaming and unblocking services.
Connection Speed
Most ProtonVPN servers use 10 Gbps connections, with the rest utilizing a minimum bandwidth of 1 Gbps. However, using their VPN Accelerator, the ProtonVPN's speed-increasing feature doubles the loading speed especially when accessing servers in Asia and Europe.
Gambling
ProtonVPN works smoothly on most crypto casinos. Games take about 10 seconds to load and have no lags. We tested all types of games including crypto slots, crypto blackjack, live dealer, hi-lo, crash and all the games responded perfectly
Torrenting
ProtonVPN works with major torrenting clients, including BitTorrent, uTorrent, Vuze, and qBittorrent. The service provider claims to deliver up to 10Gbps connectivity using P2P servers in more than 16 countries. Downloading files with uTorrent and BitTorrent is very easy to do and more importantly, ProtonVPN doesn't leak your IP address after testing its DNS leak on different servers.
Privacy & Security
ProtonVPN has a DNS filtering system called NetShield which blocks ads and protects users from malware. In addition to that, it claims to have a strict no-logs policy since it only collects your payment details, timestamp of the last login attempt, and email for communication services. Moreover, ProtonVPN operates from Switzerland, a country with some of the strictest data privacy laws, something worth noting.
The service provider is also regularly audited by third-party competitors and all its apps are open-source, meaning anyone can investigate their security. Finally, ProtonVPN allows users to bypass censorship in several countries after testing it. However, it lacks obfuscation tools to bypass internet blocks in geo-restricted locations like China.
To make sure your privacy is safeguarded when playing, don't rely just using the right VPN but use an anonymous cryptocurrency too to double up your protection.
Pricing
A free version of ProtonVPN is available to the public. According to the software provider, they don't use the free version to sell your browser history or serve ads secretly. The free version only accommodates one device and is limited to 3 countries; the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. ProtonVPN's free version is probably the best free VPN in the market since it gives users unlimited data without access to dedicated torrenting servers, Plus servers for streaming, or NetShield. However, its speed seems "medium" compared to the paid versions.
Users can upgrade to paid versions using credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, PayPal, bank transfer, or cash. The paid plans include a 2-year plan, a 1-year plan, and a 1-month plan. The 2-year deal is offered at a 50% discount, costs €4.99/month, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 1-year plan costs €5.99/month and is offered at a 40% discount to save you up to €48. Finally, the monthly deal costs €9.99/ month.
Customer support
Proton VPN's customer support replied to our email and live chat test in a professional manner but poor response time. Unfortunately, finding the live chat feature isn't as easy as it could be. You need to log into your account first, click your name, select the "Get Help" option, then choose the "Chat with us" option to access the live chat feature.
Moreover, the live chat is not available 24/7; only from 9 am to 5 pm CEST. Email support takes around three days for any response to be received. Despite all these hurdles, the customer support team seemed knowledgeable and helpful. The platform offers 15+ supporting languages, including English, Dutch, and Portuguese.
Besides, users can visit the FAQs section in their preferred language to find answers to commonly asked questions regarding Proton VPN.
Alternative options
VPN service providers differ from one to the other in terms of features and pricing. This is ultimately narrowed down by consumer preferences. Here are VPNs considered by iPlayCrypto's team to be the best alternatives for Proton VPN.
Hide Me VPN
Hide Me VPN, like Proton VPN, uses WireGuard technology, is a very capable VPN and although its Windows app comes with a couple of minor bugs, its offers above average speeds and some of the best options available. We recommend the the 2-year plan for $2.49 per month.
Pure VPN
While Pure VPN has a lot of room for improvement, especially to make up for some errors of the past, it still offers great security features, pretty fast speeds, a large server network and very competitive pricing plans. The 2-year plan for $1.99 per month is definitely cost-effective.
SurfShark VPN
SurfShark VPN, part of the same group as Nord VPN, is recommended for it's smooth user experience and ability to unlock an type of platforms including crypto casinos. Speed is probably it's biggest disadvantage but for online gambling is more than enough. The cheapest pack is for 2-years and $2.49 per month but thanks to it's 30 days money-back guarantee why not give it a shot?
Verdict
Proton Technologies AG offers well-rounded cybersecurity services with its Proton VPN and ProtonMail. Proton VPN is safe, reliable, and user-friendly. Besides, it has excellent features like a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, strict no-logs policy, VPN accelerator, and more.
However, Proton VPN can do better with a few improvements. For instance, it is not the best VPN to bypass internet restrictions in places like China. Moreover, its live chat feature is not available throughout the day, and getting an email response takes around three days. Being not available in the US is a major disappointment.
