Nowadays, security has become an essential part of our endeavours on the internet. Cyber attacks and data breaches have been on the rise for quite a while, even though big techs like Google, Microsoft, and Apple are implementing a number of security practices for the safety of their users.

While surfing the web, we are constantly being tracked by Cookies and other tracking technologies used by websites to keep data to provide more targeted ads.

These methods prove to be helpful for both the user and the website owner. The user gets more personalized content for his/her liking, and the website owner gets the data to show personalized ads. One might say it is a win-win situation.

Now, there are potential risks involved in this game. What if the data goes into the wrong hands? Data breaches are not new. You can read about the data breaches that happened on the META platforms. Not everyone willingly wants to share their data with companies. That is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in.

Proton VPN is one of the best free VPNs in the market. It provides not only a secure network connection but also good network speed.

FEATURES	PAID PLAN	FREE PLAN
24/7 live chat support	Yes	No
Strong encryption	AES-256 encryption/OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols	AES-256 encryption/OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols
No-log policy	Yes	Yes
Internet speed	10 Gbps	2-10 Gbps
Server networks	8,000+ servers location	5 servers location
Unblocking capabilities	Yes	No
Kill switch	Yes	Yes
Ad and malware blocking	Yes	No
Bandwidth	Unlimited	Unlimited
Split tunnelling	Yes	No
Device compatibility	Yes	Yes
P2P support	Yes	No
24/7 customer support	Yes	Email and ticket support

Let’s look at what features we get from the Proton VPN Android app.

1. Strong Encryption

Proton VPN uses very strong encryption protocols to ensure user security and privacy. Here’s an overview of its encryption features:

1. AES-256 Encryption:

Proton VPN employs AES-256, which is a military-grade encryption standard used by many government agencies and security organizations. It is considered nearly impossible to break with current technology.

2. Forward Secrecy:

Proton VPN supports Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), meaning even if an encryption key were compromised, it wouldn’t affect past or future sessions because the keys change with each session.

3. Zero-log Policy:

They operate under a strict no-log policy, meaning your activity isn’t stored or tracked, providing extra privacy.

In terms of encryption and privacy, Proton VPN is one of the best in the market, designed by the same team that built ProtonMail, a highly secure email service.

2. No-log Policy

Proton VPN’s no-log policy is one of its strongest privacy features. Here’s what it entails:

1. No Data Collection:

Proton VPN doesn’t track, log, or store any information about your online activity. This includes your IP address, the websites you visit, connection times, or the amount of data transferred.

2. Independent Audits:

Proton VPN has undergone independent security audits to verify that its no-log claims are accurate, reinforcing its transparency and commitment to privacy.

Their no-log policy ensures that even if their servers are compromised, no data about your online activities is available. This makes Proton VPN highly reliable for maintaining user anonymity and privacy.

Also Read: What security measures to take before using the TeamViewer Android app

3. Wide Server Network

Proton VPN has a global network of 8,000+ servers across 112 countries. This allows users to connect from a variety of locations, improving speeds and providing better access to geo-restricted content. The diversity of server locations helps reduce congestion and ensure a more reliable connection.

4. Unblocking Capabilities

Proton VPN excels at unblocking geo-restricted content, making it great for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others. Its servers in various regions help users bypass censorship and firewalls, including in countries with strict internet restrictions.

5. Kill Switch

Proton VPN offers a Kill Switch feature that automatically blocks all network traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This ensures that no unprotected data leaks out, maintaining your privacy even during brief interruptions.

6. Ad and Malware Blocking

Proton VPN includes NetShield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. This not only speeds up browsing but also provides additional protection against online threats, making your internet experience more secure and smooth.

7. Easy-to-Use Interface

Proton VPN features a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate for both beginners and advanced users. It includes one-click connections, server load display, and customization options, allowing users to adjust settings without getting overwhelmed.

8. Split Tunneling

Proton VPN supports split tunnelling, enabling users to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which don’t. This is useful for simultaneously accessing local and international content, or reducing load on the VPN when high speed is needed for specific apps.

9. Compatibility

Proton VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers. It also offers browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome, ensuring broad coverage across multiple device types.

10. P2P Support

Proton VPN allows P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing and torrenting on its network. This makes it a good choice for users who engage in torrenting or other P2P activities, with high speeds and strong privacy protections.

11. Affordable Pricing

Proton VPN offers a variety of pricing plans, including a free tier with decent features and paid plans that offer more advanced options. The premium plans provide excellent value, considering the security, speed, and extra features, making it a highly competitive choice.

12. 24/7 Customer Support

Proton VPN provides 24/7 customer support via email and ticket system. While they don’t offer live chat support, their response times are generally fast, and the support team is knowledgeable. They also have a detailed knowledge base with guides and FAQs for troubleshooting.

Cons of Proton VPN Android

1. Limited Servers on the Free Plan

While Proton VPN’s free tier is one of the better options available, it comes with limitations. Free users have access to a limited number of servers in a few countries, which can lead to slower speeds due to congestion.

2. No Live Chat Support

Proton VPN offers email and ticket support but lacks a live chat option, which can be inconvenient for users who need real-time assistance. Some competitors provide 24/7 live chat support for faster issue resolution.

3. Speed Variability

Although Proton VPN offers solid speeds, performance can be inconsistent depending on the server load and location. Free users may experience slower speeds due to high server traffic, especially during peak times.

4. Premium Pricing

Proton VPN’s premium plans, while offering great features, are priced higher than some competitors. Users on a budget might find the cost prohibitive compared to other VPN services that offer similar features at lower prices.

5. No Dedicated IP Option

Unlike some VPN providers, Proton VPN does not offer a dedicated IP address option. This feature can be useful for users who need a consistent IP for accessing certain services or for those who want to avoid reCAPTCHA challenges.

6. App Size and Resource Usage

The Proton VPN Android app can be resource-heavy, which might impact performance on lower-end devices. Some users have reported that the app occasionally causes battery drain or runs slower on older Android phones.

Conclusion

After weighing the pros and cons, you can now determine if Proton VPN is the right choice for you. This blog post highlights the key features offered by most major VPN services and evaluates how Proton VPN measures up. Let me know in the comments if you use a VPN—if so, is it Proton VPN or another service?