Is Proton VPN Free? Free Plan Limits and When Plus Is Worth It (2026)
Yes, Proton VPN has a free plan, Proton Free. It’s free for good, with no data cap, no ads and no credit card required. It does come with clear limits: one device at a time, servers in 10 countries that the app picks for you, medium speed, no guaranteed streaming and no torrenting. For public Wi-Fi, travel and everyday browsing, it’s enough. If you want foreign streaming libraries, a server in a specific country or protection on several devices, you need VPN Plus. Through the partner offer, Plus costs €2.99 a month including VAT (about CZK 73) when you pay for two years upfront. Everything here is current as of October 19, 2026.
Proton VPN is one of the very few services that give you a genuinely usable VPN for free, with no data cap and no ads. Naturally, people want to know what the catch is. We looked at what the Free plan can and can’t do, how fast it is in independent tests, whether it works with Netflix and torrents, and when it makes sense to pay.
We haven’t tested the apps ourselves. This article is based on the Proton VPN pricing page and checkout, which we opened from a Czech IP address on October 19, 2026, on Proton’s support pages and terms of service, on the Google Play and App Store listings, and on tests by TechRadar, Tom’s Guide and CNET. Key facts are linked in the text, and all sources are listed at the end. Links to Proton VPN are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. For our overall verdict, see the Proton VPN review; every plan and price is broken down in How much Proton VPN costs.
01Is Proton VPN free?
Yes. Proton offers Proton Free at €0 a month, and you don’t need a credit card to sign up (Proton VPN). Proton says it has no data or time limits and will stay free: “Our unlimited free plan has no data or time limits, and will be free forever” (Proton VPN). There are no ads in the app. According to Proton, paying users fund the free version, not the sale of user data.
| Proton Free | What you get | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €0 for good, no card | None |
| Data | No data or time cap | Proton may slow you down for excessive use |
| Devices | 1 at a time, a router counts as one | A second device won’t connect |
| Servers | 10 countries | The app picks the server; no Czech or Slovak servers |
| Speed | Fine for everyday browsing | Proton calls it medium |
| Streaming and torrents | Sites aren’t blocked | Streaming isn’t guaranteed; P2P on paid plans only |
| Privacy | Same no-logs policy, encryption and kill switch as paid plans | No NetShield blocker, no Secure Core |
02Proton VPN Free plan limits
One device at a time
On the Free plan, you can connect only one device at a time (Proton VPN Support). You can install the app on your phone and your laptop, but the VPN will only be on for one of them at once. The one exception is a VPN set up on your router. Proton says a router counts as a single connection on the Free plan, no matter how many devices are connected to it (Proton VPN Support). The router has to support OpenVPN or WireGuard, though, and Proton notes that most routers supplied by internet providers don’t. It also only covers devices on your home network, so your phone isn’t protected through it once you leave the house. VPN Plus covers 10 devices at once (Proton VPN).
Servers in only 10 countries, and you can’t choose
Free servers are in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, Canada and the United States (Proton VPN Support). So you won’t get a Czech or Slovak IP address on Free. You also can’t pick a country. The app first connects you to the fastest free server for your location. If you want a different one, you get a randomly chosen server, and you have to wait before switching again: 45 seconds the first time, then 10 minutes each time after that.
For staying safe on public Wi-Fi, that doesn’t matter: a server in the Netherlands protects you just as well as one in Prague. It does matter when you need an IP address in a particular country, say for Czech or Slovak TV archives or online banking while abroad. Paid plans have servers in 149 countries, including 85 servers in Prague and 62 in Bratislava (Proton VPN).
What else is missing on Free
- NetShield, the ad and malware blocker, is on paid plans only (Proton VPN Support).
- Secure Core, which routes you through two servers with the entry point in Switzerland, Iceland or Sweden, is also limited to paid plans (Proton VPN Support).
- Split tunneling, which lets you keep chosen apps outside the VPN, is a paid feature (Proton VPN Support).
- Live chat support (Proton VPN Support) and the Apple TV app (Proton VPN Support) are also reserved for paying users.
03How fast is Proton VPN Free?
Proton promises no speed limits on Free (Proton VPN), yet its pricing page rates Free speed as “Medium” and VPN Plus as “Highest” (Proton VPN). Its privacy policy adds that free servers generally have no speed restrictions, but Proton reserves the right to impose them in cases of excessive use to keep the service usable for everyone (Proton VPN).
- Proton VPN Free335
- Proton VPN Plus950
TechRadar lab testing, page updated October 6, 2026. The Free figure is an average; for VPN Plus, TechRadar reports “over 950 Mbps” (TechRadar).
Independent tests show both sides. TechRadar measured an average of 335 Mbps on Free versus over 950 Mbps on paid Plus, and still ranks Proton Free among the fastest free VPNs (TechRadar). Tom’s Guide saw Free peak at over 900 Mbps, but during long downloads the speed dropped to almost nothing and only recovered after a while or after reconnecting. During normal browsing, it saw no throttling at all (Tom’s Guide).
For browsing, email, video calls and online banking, Free is fast enough. For large downloads and long streaming sessions, expect the speed to fluctuate. How a VPN works, and why it slows your connection, is covered in What is a VPN and how does it work.
04Does Proton VPN Free work with Netflix and torrents?
Officially, no. Proton doesn’t block streaming sites on Free, but it only guarantees streaming on paid plans (Proton VPN). Its streaming guide says plainly that Free users need to upgrade to stream video content (Proton VPN Support).
In testing, it sometimes works anyway. CNET got into Netflix over the free servers (CNET), and TechRadar used the Dutch servers to watch the local NPO and Ziggo TV services (TechRadar). Tom’s Guide, however, points out that without server choice, unblocking geo-restricted content is unrealistic (Tom’s Guide). So don’t count on Free for streaming. If you want a foreign Netflix library or Czech or Slovak TV while you’re abroad, you need Plus.
Torrenting and other P2P traffic aren’t supported on Free at all. P2P servers are available on paid plans only (Proton VPN Support).
05Proton VPN Free without an account: guest mode
On Android, and since 2025 on iPhone too, you can use Proton VPN without an account. Just install the app and tap Continue as guest (Proton VPN). The Google Play listing sums it up as “No sign-up required to use our fast VPN” (Google Play), and the App Store mentions Guest Mode in the version notes (App Store).
Guest mode is handy when you need a VPN right away, at an airport for example, or don’t want to give Proton even an email address. Proton only lists it for Android and iPhone; the browser extension requires a Proton account (Proton VPN Support). A free account takes just an email address and a password.
06How to get started with Proton VPN Free
- Create a free account. Go to protonvpn.com/free-vpn, click Get Proton VPN Free, enter a non-Proton Mail email address, which also becomes your username, and set a password (Proton VPN Support). On mobile, you can skip this step and use guest mode.
- Download the app. After you sign up, Proton takes you to the download page. There are apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iPhone.
- Sign in and connect. The app picks the fastest free server for you.
- Turn on the kill switch if it isn’t on already. It cuts your internet if the VPN drops, so your real IP address doesn’t leak.
- On networks that block VPNs, try the Stealth protocol. It disguises VPN traffic.
Proton says the kill switch is available on every plan (Proton VPN), and so is the Stealth protocol (Proton VPN). In Tom’s Guide testing, Proton VPN connected immediately even on a locked-down office Wi-Fi network where many VPNs struggle (Tom’s Guide). For step-by-step setup, see our guides to a VPN on Windows and Mac and a VPN on iPhone and Android. If you only want to protect your browser, the Chrome and Firefox extension has been available on Free since August 2024 (Proton VPN). You can’t stream through it on Free, though (Proton VPN Support). We compare the extension with the full app in Proton VPN browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
07Is Proton VPN Free safe?
Yes, and that’s where it differs from many free VPNs. Proton says Free has the same level of security as its paid plans, with the same protocols and the same no-logs policy (Proton VPN). In 2026, the no-logs policy passed its fifth consecutive annual independent audit, carried out by Securitum (Proton VPN). The apps are open source on every platform, so anyone can inspect the code (Proton VPN).
The free version shows no ads, and Proton says it pays for it with money from paying customers. That’s a key difference from unknown “free VPN” apps, some of which make money from ads or even by selling user data (CNET). Which free VPNs are safe, and which to avoid, is covered in Best free VPN 2026.
CNET backs this up, calling Proton VPN the best free VPN and the only free one it recommends (CNET).
08Does Proton VPN have a free trial?
Proton doesn’t offer individual customers a free trial of its paid plans. The terms of service mention a free trial only for Proton Business plans (terms of service). For individuals, two things take its place: the Free plan, which you can try without paying, and the 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
The guarantee means you can cancel within 30 days of your first purchase and get a full refund. Both the cancellation and the refund request have to happen within those 30 days, a refund can be requested only once per user, and payments made in cash or by bank transfer aren’t refundable (terms of service). We walk through the steps in How to cancel Proton VPN and get a refund.
If you cancel a paid plan after the guarantee period, you keep the premium features until the end of the paid period, and then your account goes back to Proton Free. Canceling your subscription doesn’t delete your account (Proton VPN Support).
09Proton VPN Free vs paid Plus: what you get
| Feature | Proton Free | VPN Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price incl. VAT | €0 | From €2.99 a month over 2 years (about CZK 73), €9.99 month to month (about CZK 243) |
| Devices at once | 1 | 10 |
| Countries | 10, the app picks the server | 149 according to the server list, you pick the server |
| Speed according to Proton | Medium | Highest, servers up to 10 Gbps |
| Data | No cap | No cap |
| Streaming | Not guaranteed | Yes |
| Torrents (P2P) | No | Yes |
| NetShield, Secure Core, split tunneling | No | Yes |
| No-logs policy, kill switch, Stealth | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | Nothing to pay | 30 days |
Besides VPN Plus, Proton also sells Proton Unlimited, which adds the paid versions of Proton Mail, Pass, Drive and Calendar to the VPN. If all you want is a VPN, you don’t need Unlimited. We compare both plans, renewal prices included, in How much Proton VPN costs.
10When Proton VPN Free is enough and when to upgrade to Plus
Free will do if you mostly turn the VPN on for public Wi-Fi in a café, hotel or train, don’t want your internet provider to see which sites you visit, and use it on one device. It also works for trips to countries where some websites are blocked. None of that requires picking a country.
Plus is worth it if you want to watch Netflix, Disney+ or Czech and Slovak TV through the VPN, need an IP address in a specific country, download torrents, want the VPN on your phone and laptop at the same time, or are bothered by fluctuating speeds on big downloads.
| VPN Plus | Paid upfront incl. VAT | Per month | After the first term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years, partner offer | €71.76 (about CZK 1,747) | €2.99 (about CZK 73) | €83.88 a year (about CZK 2,042) |
| 2 years, price list | €83.76 (about CZK 2,039) | €3.49 (about CZK 85) | €83.88 a year |
| 1 month | €9.99 (about CZK 243) | €9.99 | €9.99 a month |
Our affiliate links open a special Proton offer: two years of VPN Plus for €71.76, which works out to €2.99 a month. The 70% discount on the button is calculated against the €9.99 monthly plan. It applies only to the first two years and only once per user. After 24 months, Plus renews automatically at €83.88 every 12 months, or €6.99 a month (about CZK 2,042 a year). If you don’t want it to renew, you can turn that off in your account. Your first purchase is covered by the 30-day guarantee.
Try Proton VPN: 70% off for 2 years
Before you decide, compare Proton with the competition. We put it up against NordVPN in NordVPN vs Proton VPN, and you’ll find fourteen paid services side by side in our best VPNs of 2026 comparison.
11FAQ
Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes. Proton Free costs €0, doesn’t ask for a credit card and, according to Proton, has no data or time limits (Proton VPN). It’s limited to one device and servers in 10 countries.
Is Proton VPN Free safe?
Yes. Free uses the same protocols and the same no-logs policy as the paid plans (Proton VPN), and the no-logs policy has passed five consecutive independent audits (Proton VPN). It shows no ads.
How many devices can I use with Proton VPN Free?
One device at a time. The exception is a router: on Free it counts as one connection, even with several devices connected to it. VPN Plus covers 10 devices.
Can I choose a country on Proton VPN Free?
No. The app connects you to the fastest free server near you and picks the next server at random, with a 45-second and then 10-minute cooldown. The servers are in 10 countries; the Czech Republic and Slovakia aren’t among them.
Does Proton VPN Free work with Netflix?
Officially, no. Proton only guarantees streaming on paid plans (Proton VPN Support). CNET did manage to reach Netflix in testing, but you can’t rely on it.
Can I torrent with Proton VPN Free?
No. P2P and BitTorrent servers are available on paid plans only (Proton VPN Support).
Does Proton VPN have a free trial?
Not for individuals; the terms mention a free trial only for Proton Business plans. Individuals can use Free at no cost and try a paid plan with the 30-day money-back guarantee, which applies once per user.
What’s the difference between Proton VPN Free and Plus?
Plus adds 10 devices, server choice across 149 countries, top speeds, streaming, torrenting, NetShield and Secure Core. Through the partner offer, it costs €2.99 a month for two years, then €83.88 a year.
12Bottom line
Proton VPN Free is real, and the catch isn’t one that puts you at risk: no data cap, no ads, and the same privacy protections as the paid plans. You pay for it in convenience instead: one device, no choice of country and no reliable streaming. For public Wi-Fi and occasional use, it’s one of the best free VPNs available, and CNET calls it the best. When you hit its limits, upgrade to Plus and lean on the 30-day guarantee.
Try Proton VPN: 70% off for 2 years
A well-designed free plan that naturally leads to a paid one works far beyond VPNs. If you’re planning a website or app with a free tier and subscriptions, see how we build custom websites, what it costs and how we work.
13Sources
- Proton VPN: free VPN
- Proton VPN: pricing
- Proton VPN: server list
- Proton VPN: Free vs. paid plans
- Proton VPN Support: plans explained
- Proton VPN Support: changing servers on the Free plan
- Proton VPN Support: creating a free account
- Proton VPN: privacy policy
- Proton VPN Support: streaming guide
- Proton VPN Support: BitTorrent and P2P
- Proton VPN Support: VPN on a router
- Proton VPN Support: browser extension
- Proton VPN blog: free browser extensions
- Proton VPN blog: end of year report 2025
- Proton VPN: kill switch
- Proton VPN blog: Stealth protocol
- Proton VPN Support: NetShield
- Proton VPN Support: Secure Core
- Proton VPN Support: split tunneling
- Proton VPN Support: live chat
- Proton VPN Support: Apple TV
- Proton VPN blog: no-logs audit
- Proton VPN blog: open source
- Proton: terms of service
- Proton VPN Support: canceling a subscription
- Google Play: Proton VPN
- App Store (Czechia): Proton VPN
- TechRadar: best free VPN
- Tom’s Guide: best free VPN
- CNET: best free VPN
Prices, plans and terms as of October 19, 2026. Proton VPN prices include VAT. Koruna amounts are our own conversion at the Czech National Bank rate of CZK 24.340 per euro (October 19, 2026).