Proton VPN
Operator: Proton AG, Switzerland
VPN service with free and paid plans, apps and browser extensions.
OPSEC & Environment
Product
Proton VPN, a VPN service with its own open-source apps.
Availability and source date
Active
As of: 17 October 2026.
No functionality test has been performed.
Use in OSINT research
Routes internet connections used for research through VPN servers. Apps protect the device connection, while browser extensions protect the respective browser.
Queries
Not applicable
Features
- Connects devices through VPN servers.
- Offers a choice of servers in over 140 countries on the Plus plan.
- Uses the kill switch to disconnect if the VPN tunnel fails.
- Filters advertising and malware with NetShield on the Plus plan.
- Offers Secure Core with multiple VPN hops on the Plus plan.
Categories
- OPSEC & Environment
Coverage
Dataset
Technical utility with no regional research dataset of its own.
Access
Installation and deployment
Locally installable · Mobile app · Browser extension
Apps on your own device or a browser extension. Proton operates the VPN servers.
Requirements
Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, plus extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Free entry-level access and paid Plus plans.
Export
No research export; VPN connection service.
Provider
Proton AG
Country of establishment
Switzerland
Interfaces
No API, MCP or AI integration is documented.
Maintenance
Licence
GPL-3.0 (Windows app)
Latest activity
Release 09/2026
Stars
approx. 2,600 (as of 17 October 2026)
Legal note
Limitations
- The browser extension protects only the browser. The free plan selects server countries automatically. OpenVPN configurations from before September 2023 are no longer supported.
Guides and practical reports
Official · Proton VPN: setup
Proton AG · EN
Installation and setup for supported devices.