Proton VPN Free vs Plus
Proton VPN Free vs Plus: Which Plan Suits You?
Start with Free for private everyday browsing. Choose VPN Plus if server choice, streaming, or multiple devices matter. Consider Unlimited only if you need its other Proton services.
Compare the plans
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Select based on your needs
Proton VPN Free
A private connection for a single device
Keep Free if its automatic server choice suits you and you don’t require paid streaming or P2P. There’s no data cap or trial expiry forcing an upgrade.
View Proton VPN FreeProton VPN Plus
Greater control over your VPN
Opt for Plus if you need a specific country, multiple connections, supported streaming, or features like NetShield and P2P. Pay only if you face such limits.
View VPN Plus plansProton Unlimited
One bundle for more of your setup
Unlimited includes VPN Plus plus premium Mail, Drive, Pass, and Calendar. Compare if you want these services; the bundle doesn’t offer a higher VPN tier than Plus.
Decide if the bundle suits youContents
Comparison of Free, VPN Plus, and Unlimited
The main difference is access and convenience. Proton states Free uses the same strong VPN protocols and no-logs policy as paid plans. Additional routing and filtering features vary by plan and platform.
| What matters | Proton VPN Free | VPN Plus | Proton Unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data allowance | No data limit | No data limit | No data limit |
| Active connections | One connection at a time | Up to ten simultaneous connections | Up to ten simultaneous connections |
| Server selection | Automatic selection; changes require a waiting period | Select your country and server | Same VPN options as Plus |
| Streaming and P2P | No supported streaming or P2P | Supported on appropriate servers | Same VPN support as Plus |
| NetShield and Secure Core | Not included | Included; verify platform compatibility | Same VPN features as Plus |
| Other Proton services | Free tiers | Free tiers | Premium Mail, Drive, Pass, and Calendar features |
Connection counts refer to active VPN sessions, not the number of devices with the app installed. Consult your OS documentation before relying on specific features.
Three daily decisions
Your laptop on hotel Wi-Fi
You read emails and browse on one laptop without needing a specific country. Try Free first. Ensure the connection remains stable and set up the kill switch. Higher cost doesn’t always mean better for this task.
A phone and laptop connected simultaneously
If you require phone and laptop connected simultaneously via separate VPN apps, Free’s single connection is limiting. Plus resolves this. Consider Unlimited only if you want its additional services.
Streaming services when travelling
Plus is the plan to try when streaming support and country choice matter. Verify your service, device, and destination before a long subscription. VPN plans don’t include streaming subscriptions or guarantee permanent catalogue access.
How Free limits feel in practice
Switching servers isn’t the same as choosing a country
Free automatically selects a server. You may request a different one, but Proton assigns the next server and enforces a wait between changes. If you need a German exit, reconnecting repeatedly isn’t a substitute for Plus’s country choice.
Slow speeds don’t always mean throttling
Proton states Free has no speed cap. Shared server load, distance, your network, and protocol still affect performance. Test at your usual browsing times. Paid plans offer more servers, not guaranteed speeds.
Streaming and P2P require different expectations
Free does not intentionally block streaming sites, but Proton reserves supported streaming for paid plans. P2P is also paid. If these are your main uses, consider Plus; a successful Free stream today doesn’t guarantee future support.
Read the full Proton VPN review for privacy and platform information.When Unlimited is worth comparing to Plus
List the paid services you’d replace. If you want VPN Plus plus premium email or password features, compare Unlimited’s total cost with your current subscriptions, including migration time.
For instance, a user content with a free mailbox and KeePassXC might only require VPN Plus. Those planning to transfer email, cloud storage, and passwords to Proton should consider Unlimited. More features alone don’t guarantee savings.
Proton does not permit separate Plus subscriptions for different products on one account, like VPN Plus and Mail Plus. Check upgrade options rather than assuming you can combine subscriptions.
Compare this to using a local KeePassXC password vault.Review the full bill before upgrading
Offers differ by billing period, currency, and purchase method. Compare total checkout cost and renewal terms, not just monthly rates. This guide doesn’t assume discounts apply to you.
- Note the amount charged today and the months covered. Annual or multi-year offers are usually paid upfront.
- Check renewal cost, date, taxes at checkout, and how to disable auto-renewal.
- Read refund terms for your purchase channel. Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but cancelling renewal and requesting a refund are separate.
- If you subscribe via an app store, check Proton’s guidance for that purchase channel. Keep your cancellation confirmation and make sure renewal is switched off.
A brief check before committing to a long subscription
Begin with your usual device and network. Compare browsing and calls with VPN off and on, check reconnects, and note Free’s limitations. Free helps assess the app but can’t guarantee paid streaming or Plus server performance.
After connecting, refresh the fingerprint tool to compare your visible IP. Browser and device identifiers may remain unchanged: a paid VPN does not anonymise your browser. The local WebRTC check is not a full DNS or VPN leak test.
Compare your visible IP and browser dataSources for this comparison
Use these official pages to verify plan features, server switching, streaming, pricing, and cancellation. The article’s update date shows the latest source review.
FAQ
Is Proton VPN Free a trial?
No. Proton VPN Free has no trial expiry or data cap. You may continue using it if its server choice and single-connection limit suit your needs.
Does Proton VPN Plus increase my anonymity?
Paying does not erase account links, cookies, or browser fingerprints. Free and Plus share Proton’s no-logs policy and robust VPN protocols. Plus adds features like Secure Core and NetShield, but these don’t guarantee full anonymity.
Can I select Germany on Proton VPN Free?
Free selects servers automatically, even after you request a change post-waiting period. For specific country choice, compare VPN Plus and verify your desired location is offered.
Is Unlimited superior to Plus?
Unlimited includes VPN Plus, not a higher VPN tier. Its added value is from premium features in other Proton services. Compare the bundle only if you’ll use those too.
Does cancelling automatically entitle me to a refund?
No. Cancelling renewal and requesting a refund are separate. Check eligibility and instructions for your purchase channel, like Proton’s website or an app store.
Still deciding on a provider?
This page assists in choosing a Proton plan. If undecided, continue with the NordVPN comparison or VPN review hub.