ProtonVPN has emerged as one of the better-known privacy-first virtual private network services, built by the creators of ProtonMail in Switzerland. Its focus is clear: protect user privacy with strong technical safeguards and transparent policies. For anyone considering a VPN to shield their online activity, ProtonVPN brings several important features and design choices worth understanding. At the core of ProtonVPN’s offering is robust encryption and secure protocols. It supports modern, secure VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, and more recently WireGuard, which delivers improved speed and efficiency. Traffic is encrypted end-to-end between the user device and ProtonVPN’s servers, preventing local ISPs, public Wi‑Fi providers, and many network-based attackers from eavesdropping on activity or tampering with data. Privacy practices are equally important. ProtonVPN operates under Swiss jurisdiction, benefiting from strong privacy laws and a tradition of data protection. The company enforces a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not retain records of users’ online activities. Independent audits and transparency reports further reinforce trust, although users should always review the most recent company disclosures to verify current practices. Functionality and features are practical and user-friendly. ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited servers and medium speeds — a useful option for light browsing or testing the service — while paid plans open up faster servers, more simultaneous connections, and advanced features. Notable premium capabilities include Secure Core routing, which passes traffic through multiple privacy-friendly countries to make surveillance and tracing more difficult, and Tor over VPN, enabling direct connection to the Tor network for layered anonymity. ProtonVPN’s apps are available on major platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The interface is straightforward, allowing quick server selection, automatic kill switch activation, and simple protocol choices. Performance is generally competitive, though speeds can vary by server load and the chosen encryption protocol. Use cases for ProtonVPN range from securing connections on public Wi‑Fi and avoiding ISP throttling to accessing region-locked content and enhancing anonymity while researching sensitive topics. However, no VPN is a silver bullet: users should combine ProtonVPN with good browser hygiene, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and an awareness of endpoint security to maximize protection. In summary, ProtonVPN presents a compelling option for users who prioritize privacy and transparency. Its combination of strong encryption, Swiss jurisdiction, a no-logs policy, and useful advanced features makes it suitable for both newcomers to VPNs and privacy-minded power users.