i purchased a sub on 3 November, for a year, everything went ok, until i thought ill purchase another sub with lumo+ unlimited the other day. in my head i was thinking that would continue until 2027,... See more
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Review summary
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It was excellent during the 30 day money back period. As soon as this expired speed dropped by 75%, streaming apps we previously used with no problem became unusable. Customer service is appalling. E... See more
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Have been having buffering issues for several weeks now on numerous streaming platforms. Thinking that it my be my internet provider throttling my speed, I decided to do a speed test on Fast com... See more
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I paid for and downloaded Proton VPN, drive and email and within a month or two, I opened my computer to find my desktop littered with files belonging to someone I don't know. These were things like... See more
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Company details
About Proton VPN
Written by the company
Experience true freedom online.
Gain unrestricted access to global content, block annoying ads, and safeguard your privacy with a fast and secure VPN.
Gain unrestricted access to global content, block annoying ads, and safeguard your privacy with a fast and secure VPN.
Contact info
Chemin du Pré-Fleuri, 3, CH-1228 , Geneva, Switzerland
- https://protonvpn.com/support/contact/
- protonvpn.com
2.2
Poor
912 reviews
No history of asking for reviews
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not happy / slow connection
I have been using protonmail.com for several years without any issues. It works well, but I am a minimal private email user. Due to serious problems with CyberGhost—which appear to be bugs—I switched to a paid VPN account out of curiosity. Installation and further processing were effortless. Unfortunately, the connection is very often slow. That is why I am only giving 2 stars, because I believe the connection is essential and must be fast.
9 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. That doesn't sound right.
Connection speeds can be influenced by numerous factors such as your native ISP speed, location, server load, network setup, etc. You can try the tips at https://protonvpn.com/support/increase-vpn-speeds to improve your connection speeds. If there are no improvements, please contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact so we can help you further.
Too many issues with various websites to use properly
The VPN works ok mostly but there are too many problems where the VPN protocol has to be changed each time and several websites where the VPN has to be disabled, rather defeating the object. Support's answer is to keep trying different combinations of settings and servers until it works. Not good enough, because this would take weeks to resolve for just one website, but then the same settings wouldn't work for all websites. I end up just turning the VPN off as it's too much hassle to keep it on.
7 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately, some websites are not VPN-friendly and are actively blocking known VPN IP addresses. We're working on resolving issues of this sort ourselves, therefore your feedback is much appreciated. Feel free to share your ticket number with us here so we can check on your report and see how we may be able to assist you further.
Free version worked for a week then…
Free version worked for a week then decided i was suspected of violation of the rules, many friends had same issue.. Don't bother
4 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
Please contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact with more details about what exactly happened, as well as the exact steps you took that led to the problem so we can have a better understanding and help you further.
This is the shittest VPN I ever used
This is the shittest VPN I ever used. DO not buy. ALL their server will get you bot checked like crazy I been going through 10 cloudflare and 5 captach every single hour. You will also be increasing your ping by at least 200 even if you select the closest server.
3 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
Regarding the human verification behavior, this usually happens when there are many users connected to the same server and trying to access the same website simultaneously, which may be interpreted as a bot, and you're then prompted with CAPTCHA. More often than not, simply switching to a different server should resolve this.
As for the issue with your ping, try the suggestions outlined at https://protonvpn.com/support/vpn-connection-problems to see if there are any improvements. If not, send us a bug report with more details so we can investigate further (https://protonvpn.com/support/report-a-bug). We'd be happy to look into the CAPTCHA issue as well if you could let us know where exactly you're encountering it and which specific server you're connected to in the process.
Should be zero stars a complete clown show avoid if you use a Mac!
I spent the last several days babysitting this VPN instead of getting my actual work done despite grand claims about their product. Proton VPN has been a total disaster on my MacBook. I’ve been back-and-forth with support for days wasted time on uninstalls and reinstalls and fighting with wireguard only for the app to decide for itself what settings it wants to use on any given day it’s a joke of a service and a complete drain on productivity looking at the 2.2 star reviews here it’s clear. I’m not the only one save yourself the headache and the long-winded episode of trying to make this software do its basic job. I’ve officially requested a full refund and won’t be looking back. Absolutely disgrace for a company that claims to be a leader in the field. Don’t believe their marketing it’s a long-winded episode of technical failures. You will spend most of your time trying to get the VPN to connect. Most of the features don’t work. I think this interface was created back in the 60s dated for somebody that claims to be a high-end provider. This is worse than basic and I’m really disappointed.
29 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. We're very sorry to hear that.
Would you mind sharing your ticket number with us here? We'd be more than happy to check on your report and see how we can assist you further.
I'm very happy with Proton VPN
After Kaspersky broke their VPN with an update that removed features and which was plagued with connection issues, I thought I'd give Proton VPN a try.
Thankfully, Proton VPN has done everything I could have asked of it and more. It just works. It was easy to install. I love the features, the solid connectivity and the coherent and easily navigable UI. Its ad blocking functionality is excellent. It even blocks the ads in Microsoft's Solitaire. I wish I had switched sooner.
1 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi! We appreciate the support.
If there happens to be anything we can assist you with, feel free to contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact at any time. We're always happy to help.
I paid for and downloaded Proton VPN
I paid for and downloaded Proton VPN, drive and email and within a month or two, I opened my computer to find my desktop littered with files belonging to someone I don't know. These were things like drivers license, bank account statements and more. I did not download these items myself and after quarantining these, each time I opened my laptop, more would appear until I uninstalled and deleted the Proton files. BEWARE!!!
1 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. That doesn't sound right at all.
The Proton VPN app, along with the other Proton apps, is completely safe to use and does not contain any malicious contents whatsoever. All our apps are also open-source, so you can verify the code for yourself: https://proton.me/community/open-source.
That said, if you have any actual evidence that this is related to Proton VPN or any of our other apps, feel free to contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact with more details. We'd be happy to have a look.
Very Misleading
GREAT news, you have the opportunity to connect to some of Proton's FREE VPN offerings!!
BAD news, it won't be the country in which you reside (unless I was always VERY unlucky always getting connected to a foreign country) and I didn't see anything clearing stating it would be connecting me (in the US) to the Netherlands.
LOW RENT!
31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
The default Connect option will connect you to the fastest available server for you. This leads to better load balancing and higher speed, which is a priority for free users. That said, you still have the option to change server (https://protonvpn.com/support/change-server-free-plan), or you can upgrade to connect to a specific server in a country of your choice (https://protonvpn.com/pricing).
Worse than useless
After being scammed by a California company called Just Answer that Proton VPN linked me to to the tune of £125.76 plus another charge of 23 euros, they have now stood aside and said nothing to do with them. Just Answer charges to talk to their chatbot. I have provided documented redacted credit card copies to Proton of the charges - and still.
31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. That doesn't sound right.
We have our very own support team that you can reach through our official support form at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact. We never refer our users elsewhere for support with any of our products. That said, feel free to share your ticket number with us here so we can check on your report and clear up any confusion or misunderstandings, and see how we may be able to help you further.
It's the real one
Paid business user for years. I can receive mail through my own domain, and have extensively tested ProtonVPN using Windows, macOS, and Linux systems since 2017. There are a few complaints here which are user-error, such as the killswitch disabling your internet (as designed), and servers being "removed," when they are not. I personally prefer the Proton ecosystem to that of, say, Google for mail and calendar. The VPN was my introduction into that ecosystem and I'm quite happy with their privacy policies. Watch some how-to's, test on mobile not just PC, and look at what they are doing as a company. This is a real one, and I'd gladly put my money where it's deserved. I was originally recommended to Proton via Inteltechniques.com.
30 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi! Thank you for the support.
If there happens to be anything we can help you with, feel free to reach out to us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact at any time. We're always eager to help.
Virus
Its a virus that will block your PC from the internet unless you use the VPN.
27 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. That's not right.
The Proton VPN app itself is completely safe to use and does not contain any malicious contents whatsoever. The app's code is also open-source, so you can verify it for yourself: https://protonvpn.com/blog/open-source.
That said, regarding the behavior you've described, please check if you have the advanced kill switch enabled by chance (https://protonvpn.com/support/advanced-kill-switch). If so, try disabling it and see how it goes. If it's already disabled, please send us a bug report (https://protonvpn.com/support/report-a-bug) with more details so we can help you troubleshoot further.
Losing My Trust
I've been a customer for many years, but the move to "streamlined server lists" is a big step towards distrust for me. Limiting people to a subset of servers that is directly linked to their account, a subset that does not change either is not a good look. Doesn't matter if one is down for maintenance, if most to all of them are heavily utilized(80+%), or even if some amount of time has passed. I can't even search for a specific server in their apps(Desktop or mobile), ONLY the preset listed servers show if I try. I honestly would have recommended Proton in the past, and if the VPN is only a cherry on top for you, fine. However if a VPN is all you want, I'd consider looking elsewhere, even I'm considering moving on to a competitor at this point.
And a small added note, I do understand some of their reasoning for this move. It's the execution that feels poorly thought out for me.
2 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi! That doesn't sound quite right.
Because our popularity and customer base continue to grow as new users learn about the benefits of online privacy, our server fleet must also grow accordingly. This presents several challenges for us as we strive to support everybody across the globe.
As a result, we decided to present each user with a smaller, algorithmically-selected subset of servers instead of the full list of our fleet. This change is based on extensive analysis, testing, and a few technical constraints. It allows us to apply a smarter load‑balancing algorithm which will improve both stability and performance. It also strengthens our anti-censorship efforts, which is a core value here at Proton as well as for many of our users.
You can find more details about this at https://protonvpn.com/support/streamlined-server-lists. If you need to locate a specific server, you can use the Search function in the Proton VPN app. Simply type in the exact server name (e.g. AR#31), and it will appear for you to connect. If you're experiencing any trouble with this, please contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact so we can investigate further and help you troubleshoot.
Constant data dropouts
Constant data dropouts only resolved by disconnecting Protonvpn and when working it's unable to load certain pages video pages. I use Proton email which I love but their vpn on Mac os is sub beta standard
24 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately, some websites block known VPN IP addresses. Contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact with more details about the websites in question, as well as the servers you're connected to when trying to access them so we can note your feedback for future improvement. Meanwhile, try switching between multiple different servers to see how it goes.
As for the connection issue, try the suggestions mentioned at https://protonvpn.com/support/vpn-connection-problems to see if there are any improvements in your connection. If nothing works, send us a bug report with the error logs so we can help you troubleshoot further (https://protonvpn.com/support/report-a-bug).
Proton VPN: Worst Ever
Worst ever, it killed my conectivity, I wasted two hours figuring out that this thing was responsible.
Can't belive how bad this thing is.
I contacted support and they answered several days late.
Useless.
Stay away from them.
Update: now I have issues with my hard drive? What's this thing got to do with my drive.
Horribel experience.
23 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. We're sorry to hear about your experience.
Could you share your ticket number with us here? We'd be more than happy to check on your report and see how we can help you further.
Out with Nord, in with Proton
Was having real problems with NordVPN after installing it on my new laptop with a Snapdragon processor. Talked to a computer engineer who recommended Proton VPN as a possible replacement. Since installing Proton those problems have disappeared, and my laptop speed is faster. Installation was a breeze, and the cost is much less than Nord. I'm sold.
4 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Thank you for the support!
If there happens to be anything we can help you with, feel free to contact us at https://protonvpn.com/support/contact at any time. We're always happy to help.
Terrible
Had an issue - sent multiple tickets over a few days with no response until I asked for a refund. Waste of time - save your money and pick one of their competitors that will actually respond when you need help
12 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. That doesn't sound right.
Would you mind sharing your ticket number with us here? We'd be happy to check on your report so we can clear up any misunderstandings and see how we may be able to help you further.
Made my internet faster?
12 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi! Thank you for your review.
Proton VPN has the VPN Accelerator feature, which is built into all Proton VPN apps. You'll automatically get the fastest speeds possible wherever you are, no matter what VPN server you connect to. You can expect speeds that are up to 400% faster, especially over less reliable internet connections. You can learn more at https://protonvpn.com/features/vpn-accelerator.
Great VPN
I've just moved from Nord after four years & find Proton to be just as good.
Windows app is great and does everything that an advanced user needs.
Speed is just as good as Nord.
One minor issue - I made a billing enquiry and the email reply suggested that they'd had difficulty understanding my request & gave me an the answer to a question I didn't ask. Not sure if it's due to AI customer service bots or just non English (as a 1st language) speaking staff.
12 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi! Thank you for your review.
We're dedicated to providing the highest quality customer support to provide quick and efficient help with any problems you may encounter. That said, our advisors are all people who care about our users' experience. Let us know your ticket number so we can check on your report and follow up with you accordingly.
This VPN is very strange
This VPN is very strange. I used the free browser extension before and it worked fine, but when I needed it on the whole device I paid for a monthly subscription. After paying, everything became terrible. It almost never connects to servers on my PC or in the browser on my phone. In the entire day it managed to connect to a server from my PC only once, and even that connection was unstable. On my phone it didn’t connect even once. I basically paid for something that doesn’t work.
11 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
Could you share more details about the issue? Are you receiving any error messages? Have you tried switching protocols? Are you using any other VPNs on the same device? Do you have any antivirus or firewall app installed? Contact us using the “Report an issue” option in the app menu so we can help you troubleshoot.
Meanwhile, you can try some of the suggestions at https://protonvpn.com/support/vpn-connection-problems.
I have paid for the App to use on…
I have paid for the App to use on various devices. When abroad it does not work and if you contact customer service it takes days to get back to you. They then ask for a multitude of info that I wouldn't know how to get to try and resolve. Absolutely awful app, awful service and waste of money. Avoid
10 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Proton VPN
Hi. Sorry to hear that.
Would you mind sharing your ticket number with us here? We'd be more than happy to check on your report and see how we can help you further.
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