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How to use Proton VPN for free
Proton VPN has been one of the steadiest risers in our best VPN rankings for some time now. That's largely thanks to the Swiss-based provider's reputation for rapid WireGuard speeds, massive server network and top-notch security.
Like most premium VPN providers, it keeps its best features locked behind a paid subscription. Unlike many, however, Proton also offers a few different ways to get protected for free.
1. Go for Proton VPN Free
One of the standout things about Proton VPN is that it offers a genuinely free tier, which is something you won’t find from rivals like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark. In fact, when it comes to free VPNs, we rate Proton as one of the best you can download.
Proton VPN Free gives you access to a virtual private network without any cost and, crucially, without data limits. That's a real rarity and means you can browse securely, stream (lightly), or stay protected on public Wi-Fi without worrying about hitting a limit.
Proton VPN Free gets you:
- Unlimited data usage
- Access to servers in a limited number of countries (typically five)
- Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- No ads
However, there are trade-offs. You won’t get access to the full server network, it can only be used on one device at a time, and speeds can be noticeably slower, especially at peak times, with paid users getting priority.
Streaming support is limited, too, so if you’re hoping to unlock geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, you may struggle. That's only exacerbated by the fact that you can't specify what server location you want – you're at the mercy of the location chosen by Proton.
Advanced features like Secure Core (multi-hop routing), Tor over VPN, and faster Plus servers are also locked behind the paid tier. So while you get a lot here, it's not a total premium VPN replacement.
2. Get a free trial to Proton VPN Plus
If Proton VPN Free feels a little too limited, there’s another way to try Proton’s premium features thanks to the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee on its Proton VPN Plus plan.
This isn’t a free trial in the traditional sense, as you’ll need to pay upfront and enter your payment details. But it is pretty hassle-free. If you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within 30 days and request a full refund.
Signing up is straightforward, and cancellations can be handled directly through your account dashboard.
Proton VPN Plus gets you:
- Access to 20,000+ of servers across more than 145 countries
- Much faster speeds, including dedicated high-speed servers
- Streaming support for platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and more
- Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy protection
- Tor over VPN and advanced security features
This option makes sense if you want to properly test Proton VPN without necessarily being locked in to a long-term commitment.
The Free plan means less commitment in terms of payment details, but then you don't get the full experience and all the features that go with this version of the service. Since this offers an easy to access money-back facility, it's a good way to fully test the service before deciding if it's for you.
3. Take advantage of your Proton Unlimited plan
Another way to access Proton VPN without paying for it as a standalone service is through Proton Unlimited.
This subscription bundles together Proton’s full suite of privacy-focused tools, meaning Proton VPN Plus is included alongside a range of other services designed to protect your data and identity online.
These include Proton Mail for encrypted email, Proton Calendar for secure scheduling, Proton Drive for file storage, Proton Pass for login security, and Proton Wallet for managing digital assets.
The advantage here is simplicity and value. Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions across different providers – each with their own pricing, apps, and privacy policies – you get a single setup designed for security and transparency.
Assuming you'll make use of all of its different services, Proton Unlimited can work out as relatively affordable, too. If you were to subscribe to equivalent services separately – a secure email provider, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, and a premium VPN – the total monthly cost would likely cost you a good chunk more.
For users already considering one or two of these tools, the bundle suddenly becomes more compelling. Proton VPN Plus effectively comes included, reducing the cost of adding a high-quality VPN to your setup.
So while it’s not technically free, it’s a practical way to access Proton’s premium VPN experience as part of a broader, privacy-first package – and one that may offer better overall value than paying for a VPN alone.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
