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Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers an unlimited-data free tier and a paid Plus tier with more location choice and protection features. Its applications are open source, while Secure Core and NetShield are paid-plan capabilities. Proton's separate business VPN and AI products are not treated as features of VPN Plus.

Checked Oct 20, 2026 · 6 official sources · Desk research
VPN for individual professionals
A GOOD FIT WHEN

Individuals who value a free starting tier and inspectable applications.

  • Unlimited-data free tier
  • Open-source clients
  • Multi-hop privacy option
LOOK MORE CLOSELY WHEN

A company assuming consumer Plus includes centrally managed private-network access.

  • Free tier restricts location choice
  • NetShield filters domains rather than establishing file scanning
  • Business access is separately sold

CATEGORY-SPECIFIC EVIDENCE

Capabilities, controls and depth.

Scores combine core capabilities and workflow depth. Full support earns full points; limited support earns half. Unverified features create a range, and paid-plan requirements are shown in the evidence. How scoring works →

VPN for individual professionals · 28 features
64–98/100 documented fit
Core capabilities25.6–30.4 / 32 pts8/10 checks with established status
Workflow depth38.7–68 / 68 pts9/18 checks with established status
Showing fewer rows does not change the score.
VPN for individual professionals · 28 weighted capability checks
Feature / weightSupport, evidence & points
Core capabilityEncrypted tunnelDocument modern encrypted VPN protocols.
4 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate encrypted tunnel with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported4 / 4 pts

WireGuard/OpenVPN and strong encryption are documented.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityKill switchBlock traffic if the VPN tunnel fails.
4 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate kill switch with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported4 / 4 pts

Kill switch/always-on options are documented.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkDNS leak protectionPrevent DNS requests escaping the protected connection.
6 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate dns leak protection with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported6 / 6 pts

DNS leak protection is documented.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkMulti-hop routingRoute through multiple VPN locations with documented conditions.
6 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate multi-hop routing with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported6 / 6 pts

Secure Core routing is included in Plus.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityDesktop applicationsOffer native apps for major desktop platforms.
3.2 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate desktop applications with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts

Windows, macOS and Linux clients are offered.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityMobile applicationsOffer apps for both iOS and Android.
3.2 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate mobile applications with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts

Both major mobile platforms are supported.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkSplit tunnellingRoute selected apps or destinations outside the VPN, with platform limits stated.
4.8 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate split tunnelling with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts

Split tunnelling is documented with platform-specific options.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkRestricted-network modeProvide a documented obfuscation or censorship-resistant connection method.
4.8 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate restricted-network mode with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts

Stealth and alternative routing are documented.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityPublished logging policyExplain which connection or activity data is retained.
3.2 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate published logging policy with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts

A no-logs policy is published.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityPublished external auditLink a named external audit or report rather than an unsupported badge.
3.2 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate published external audit with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Limited1.6 / 3.2 pts

External audits are referenced; this review did not inspect a full audit report.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkAuditable application sourcePublish application source for the major client platforms.
4.8 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate auditable application source with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts

Application source is published.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkLocation selectionChoose the country or server location on the compared paid plan.
4.8 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate location selection with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts

Plus enables broad server-location selection.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityMalicious-site blockingBlock known malicious destinations.
3.2 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate malicious-site blocking with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts

NetShield blocks malicious domains in Plus.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityMultiple concurrent devicesDocument the allowed number of simultaneous connections.
3.2 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate multiple concurrent devices with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts

Plus allows 10 simultaneous devices.

Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkMalware download scanningInspect downloaded files, with OS restrictions stated.
4.8 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate malware download scanning with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts

Download file scanning is not established by the VPN sources.

Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkDedicated IP optionOffer a dedicated address and disclose the extra plan or charge.
4.8 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate dedicated ip option with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts

Dedicated IP was not established for consumer Plus.

Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityDocumented AI threat detectionDocument an actual machine-learning threat detection capability.
2.4 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate documented ai threat detection with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts

A specific AI detector is not documented.

Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source
Core capabilityAI incident explanationExplain a detected incident using contextual AI output.
2.4 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate ai incident explanation with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts

An AI incident assistant is not documented.

Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkAI-specific controlsDocument controls or limitations specifically for AI threat processing.
3.6 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate ai-specific controls with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–3.6 / 3.6 pts

AI-specific controls are not documented.

Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkAI decision traceExpose a reviewable explanation or audit record of AI security decisions.
3.6 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate ai decision trace with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–3.6 / 3.6 pts

An AI decision trail is not documented.

Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source
Depth checkExport a WireGuard configuration for another clientDemonstrate: Export a WireGuard configuration for another client. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Export a WireGuard configuration for another client. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts

WireGuard configurations can be downloaded. WireGuard configuration generation; supported client/router setup is separate. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred.

Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkConfigure inbound port forwardingDemonstrate: Configure inbound port forwarding. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Configure inbound port forwarding. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts

Supported paid-plan clients offer port forwarding. Paid plans; supported Windows, macOS and Linux GUI applications and P2P servers. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred.

Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkChoose a custom DNS resolverDemonstrate: Choose a custom DNS resolver. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Choose a custom DNS resolver. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts

The Windows application supports custom DNS. Windows application capability; other operating systems and plan entitlements not established here. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred.

Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkApply automatic connection rules per networkDemonstrate: Apply automatic connection rules per network. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Apply automatic connection rules per network. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts

This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan.

Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkControl local-network access while connectedDemonstrate: Control local-network access while connected. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Control local-network access while connected. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts

This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan.

Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkCarry IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnelDemonstrate: Carry IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnel. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Carry IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnel. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts

This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan.

Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkRevoke a lost device's active VPN sessionDemonstrate: Revoke a lost device's active VPN session. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Revoke a lost device's active VPN session. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts

This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan.

Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkDeploy VPN protection on a supported routerDemonstrate: Deploy VPN protection on a supported router. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.
2.5 points maximum
Ask for a demonstration

Demonstrate: Deploy VPN protection on a supported router. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.

A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.
Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts

This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan.

Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Compare in VPN for individual professionals →

AI CAPABILITY CHECK

What does its AI actually do?

Not independently verified

The reviewed VPN documentation does not establish an embedded AI assistant or AI incident workflow.

Official AI source

Documented capabilities

    Limits to check

    • Smart protocol selection and DNS filtering are not assumed to be AI
    • Lumo and Scribe are separate products

    Understand the full price

    Free tier has one simultaneous connection and limited/random country selection. Paid Plus pricing must be confirmed in the local configurator.

    Billing basis: free. Unit: account / month. Currency: USD.

      Verify current pricing with the vendor

      Integrations and deployment

        Security claims require the relevant agreement and technical evidence. This is a review of public documentation.

        US buying context

        English-language service with international purchasing. Confirm regional tax, billing currency and required location in the offer.

        The evidence record

        WireGuard/OpenVPN and strong encryption are documented.

        Official evidence

        Kill switch/always-on options are documented.

        Official evidence

        DNS leak protection is documented.

        Official evidence

        Secure Core routing is included in Plus.

        Official evidence

        Windows, macOS and Linux clients are offered.

        Official evidence

        Both major mobile platforms are supported.

        Official evidence

        Split tunnelling is documented with platform-specific options.

        Official evidence

        Stealth and alternative routing are documented.

        Official evidence

        A no-logs policy is published.

        Official evidence

        External audits are referenced; this review did not inspect a full audit report.

        Official evidence

        Application source is published.

        Official evidence

        Plus enables broad server-location selection.

        Official evidence

        NetShield blocks malicious domains in Plus.

        Official evidence

        Plus allows 10 simultaneous devices.

        Official evidence

        Download file scanning is not established by the VPN sources.

        Official evidence

        Dedicated IP was not established for consumer Plus.

        Official evidence

        A specific AI detector is not documented.

        Official evidence

        An AI incident assistant is not documented.

        Official evidence

        AI-specific controls are not documented.

        Official evidence

        An AI decision trail is not documented.

        Official evidence

        Source library

        1. Pricing
        2. Feature reference
        3. Plan differences
        4. Detailed capability documentation
        5. Detailed capability documentation
        6. Detailed capability documentation

        Research is based on documentation, not a hands-on performance test. Report a correction.

        EXPLORE THE ALTERNATIVES

        Keep your options open.

        VPN for individual professionals alternatives · highest documented score first.

        NordVPN
        58–98/100 documented fit

        NordVPN

        NordVPN is an individual VPN with optional protection bundles. Complete adds desktop download scanning and other tools; Complete Max includes a dedicated-IP option in the reviewed plan table. NordLayer is a separate business service and its workforce controls are not credited here.

        Good fit forIndividual remote workers needing a VPN and optional browsing protection.
        See pricingaccount / month
        View research

        Plans and feature boundaries

        The feature score covers the product across documented plans. This table shows package differences; it does not claim that every scored feature is included in the starting price.

        PlanPublished priceDocumented inclusionsLimits and conditions
        Free
        Plan source ↗        		USD 0
        Free · account / month
        • Unlimited data
        • Kill switch
        • DNS protection
        		1 concurrent device; limited country selection
        VPN Plus
        Plan source ↗        		Confirm price
        Monthly · account / month
        • Secure Core
        • NetShield
        • Paid location choice
        		10 concurrent devices

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