Proton Free vs Proton VPN Plus: key differences explained

While some say the best things in life are free, others will contest that you don't get anything in this life for free.

When it comes to VPNs there are similar levels of contradiction as there are plenty free VPNs out there, but they're not always what they seem.

Essentially a free VPN, usually, means sacrificing something that you only get when paying for a full premium VPN. Fair enough.

While Proton VPN Free is one of the most inclusive and feature-rich options out there, even that does mean sacrificing some tools and settings if you're not willing to pay for Proton VPN's subscription-based VPN Plus service.

This guide lays out the differences, so you can decide if Proton Free will work for you or if you'd be better off paying for Proton VPN Plus.

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What does (and doesn’t) Proton Free include?

Proton VPN Free is a stand out example of its kind, as it's one of the few free VPN services that offers unlimited data. Many other free options cap data use, which leaves you able to use the VPN for a limited time only. Once those few gigabytes are used up, you have to wait until next month to use it again. Not so with Proton.

That's not all that Proton VPN Free offers as it uses the same strong encryption and strict no-logs policy – thanks to a privacy-friendly Swiss HQ – that the paid version prides itself on.

You also get multiple protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN, together with access to the company's own Stealth protocol, which is ideally suited to getting access in areas where traffic can be restricted or detected.

Plus, there are multiple apps spanning Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, Linux, and ChromeOS and a kill switch tool to ensure that your data stays private when your connection drops.

There are, of course, limitations. What Proton Free won't give you is specific streaming or P2P/torrenting functionality. Despite multiple apps, you are limited to using it on one device at a time and connections to a randomly selected server.

You also won't get use of more premium features like the Secure Core servers, the NetShield ad and malware blocking, or VPN Accelerator speed enhancements (more on which below).

So, while Proton VPN Free offers a lot more than most, it still won't get you the complete suite of features that the Proton VPN Plus version offers.

What does Proton VPN Plus include?

Proton VPN Plus, the entry-level paid-for premium version of the service, expands the features and options available to you considerably.

The full server network is one of the big appeals here as this version gets you access to the full system, which means you can manually select your location from over 110 countries. That also means, not only can you appear to be in a specific country, but also bypass regional restrictions and geo-blocked content while travelling.

Thanks to access to the Proton VPN Accelerator tech, you also get faster performance when you go for the premium option. This is designed to help speed up connections over longer distances.

Streaming support is another big appeal here as it doesn't feature on the free version at all. This way you have a VPN that's specifically designed to get you access to services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and more. Plus you can use the VPN for P2P and torrenting with dedicated servers available for file sharing purposes.

Security is also enhanced thanks to the NetShield feature which blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains at DNS level. There's also the company's Secure Core, which is a multi-hop routing system designed to provide additional protection against network-based attacks. Plus, there's the kill switch, split tunneling, and support for using the VPN on routers and smart TVs.

As if all that wasn't enough, you also get access to this across up to 10 devices simultaneously. Since there's a no-logs policy, and the company has a privacy-friendly Swiss location, everything is super secure and private. Add it has independent audits carried out to support this. Throw in open-source apps, and you have a very compelling set of reasons to upgrade to Proton VPN Plus.

Free or VPN Plus: which Proton VPN plan should I choose?

For anyone with very simple privacy needs and a tight budget, Proton Free is genuinely useful.

If you mainly want occasional protection on public wi-fi, basic browsing privacy, or a trustworthy VPN without paying anything, it’s one of the best free options. The unlimited data allowance alone gives it a major advantage over many other VPNs.

That said, most users will probably outgrow the free plan fairly quickly. The inability to choose servers, limited speeds, single-device restriction, and lack of streaming or torrenting support make it feel less than enough, once you start relying on a VPN regularly.

That’s where Proton VPN Plus becomes much more appealing. The larger server network, faster speeds, streaming compatibility, advanced security features, and support for multiple devices turn it into a far more complete everyday VPN.

It’s very well suited to those who need a streaming VPN for content abroad, travel frequently, use public wi-fi often, or just want stronger overall online privacy without compromises.

There’s also Proton Unlimited, which bundles Proton VPN for free along with the company’s wider suite of security and privacy tools, including encrypted email, cloud storage, password management, and secure calendar features. For anyone already interested in Proton’s wider offerings, that may be better overall value than subscribing to the VPN alone.