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Proton VPN Free review

The free tier of Proton VPN, a Swiss-based service, with no data cap, no ads and a no-logs policy.

By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 11, 2026

Performance (40%)
9.0
Ease of use (25%)
9.0
Value (35%)
9.8

Proton VPN Free is the one free plan in this list that gives you an encrypted connection with no data allowance and no ads. Proton's free VPN page says the plan has no data or speed limits, shows no advertisements and does not log your online activity, and it lists a Kill Switch and the Stealth protocol among the features every user gets. That makes it a sound default for someone who switches the VPN on at an airport, in a hotel or on campus Wi-Fi and does not want to watch a meter. The trade-offs are clear on the same page: the free plan covers 1 device, and streaming support, P2P, the NetShield ad-blocker, 10 Gbit servers and the full list of 110+ countries are premium features. If you later want more, VPN Plus was listed at $2.99 a month on the 1-year plan when we checked the US pricing page, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who it is for

anyone who wants a free VPN with no monthly data cap

Price

Free plan on 1 device with no data limit; VPN Plus from $2.99 a month on the 1-year plan.

VPN Plus $9.99 $2.99 /month
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

  • Free plan says it has no data or speed limits
  • No ads and a strict no-logs policy on the free plan
  • Kill Switch and Stealth VPN protocol included for free users
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android and iPhone
  • VPN Plus adds 10 devices, streaming, P2P and the NetShield ad-blocker

Strengths and weaknesses

  • Strength: No monthly data allowance to run out of
  • Strength: No advertising in the free apps
  • Strength: Anti-censorship Stealth protocol is free
  • Weakness: Free plan covers 1 device
  • Weakness: Streaming, P2P and NetShield need VPN Plus
  • Weakness: Country choice is limited compared with the paid plan's 110+ countries

Key facts

  • Free data: No data limit
  • Free devices: 1
  • Ads: None
  • Cheapest upgrade: VPN Plus, $2.99 a month on the 1-year plan
  • Based in: Switzerland

Where it ranks

Proton VPN Free is No. 1 in our Best Free VPN Services verdict.

Alternatives we scored

Visit protonvpn.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org