When choosing a VPN to invest in, you need to consider a handful of things. All issues from security to privacy policies and speed to stability should be considered. ProtonVPN is a private network that began as a spin-off of the team that built ProtonMail, the first successful email encryption platform.
Before we get into the details of the benefits and drawbacks of ProtonVPN (and the best option), it is crucial that you are aware that ProtonVPN offers a free plan. While this device is sold with merely three servers (Netherlands, US, and Japan), it cannot support heavy-duty usage like streaming or torrenting.
Why don’t we look?
When it comes to usability, we’d give this VPN a 9/10 because it supports all the devices you can imagine, and it’s really easy to set up. OpenVPN is the only tunneling protocol of note in this VPN. It would be preferable if L2TP or IPSec were included because it would enhance overall bypassing capability.
Although it offers excellent overall performance, there are several reasons why you may have questions regarding its overall quality.
Several disadvantages of ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN also has solid security features, such its ability to keep you safe from malware and data leaks. But, there are some drawbacks to ProtonVPN, such as the fact that it’s not the greatest when browsing torrent sites or having excellent performance. That’s why we’ll introduce you to some better choices in a minute.
Speed Slow
For the free plan, ProtonVPN provides, a 60% reduction in download speed and a 40% reduction in upload speed would be acceptable. Even with that in mind, ProtonVPN’s lack of budget options results in the overall server speed needing to be higher. Many people acknowledge that a VPN will cause a decline in internet connection speed. The last thing you want when streaming or playing video games is for your speeds to be slower than what is necessary.
Some devices don’t work with it.
Although we mentioned ProtonVPN’s user-friendly design and interoperability with devices, that is only applicable to macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. It appears not to permit installation on smart TVs, game consoles, and routers, though. Even more, we’ve observed that anonymity is lacking due to the TOR browser not being compatible with this VPN. And unlike other VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost, the 400+ servers that it provides aren’t up to grade.
In the future, limited torrenting will be implemented.
Also, we have been advised that if you select their free option, they restrict torrenting totally. In addition, if you opt to pay for it, the situation is still not much better because it is only available in so-called safe countries. While the service is good for avoiding DMCA issues, you cannot enjoy P2P transfers or torrenting without limits.
Top 10 Proton VPN Alternatives
Due to the aforementioned disadvantages, it’s quite understandable that you would seek out a comparable option. This is why we have selected two popular premium VPNs that are the market leaders. Check this out:
1. Express VPN service provider
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available and is a supplier that you can trust completely.
It’s not just the tight no-log policy that makes this a good choice, but also the broad server network, which ensures global unblocking. The advantages of using it in China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia are significant.
On top of that, the great overall performance, dependability, and service that you can count on make it worth the additional expense.
Why is ExpressVPN a better choice than ProtonVPN?
The headquarters of the British Virgin Islands is a little better situated than that of Switzerland.
The system is also hosted on infrastructure that isn’t part of the 5/9/14-eyes network. This service performs really well with regard to quickness. The download and upload speeds we measured for our connections to servers in the US and UK were a bit lower than normal. We were pleased to see that the Hong Kong server performs excellently and experienced a latency of 180 ms and a 15% reduction in download and upload speeds.
What advantages does ExpressVPN have over ProtonVPN?
As an alternative to ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN has one of the greatest reputations in the industry because it can be used to circumvent censorship in mainland China.
2. NORD VPN
Those who have spent time investigating the top VPNs in the market will inevitably find NordVPN to be a solid choice. In Panama, which has an astringent “no-log” policy, you can feel secure about your privacy. It is good because it provides a variety of tools that help you avoid leaks and virus threats. For more security, OpenVPN and 256-bit AES encryption have been introduced.
What do you prefer: NordVPN or ProtonVPN?
In terms of alternative ProtonVPN services, it ranks second. 5,000+ servers are available, and the security aspects are highlighted. It is compatible with your device so you may have access to the dark web. With the capacity to get around the Netflix blocks and an easy way to get geo-restricted YouTube movies.
Additionally, you should note that both these companies are similarly priced and accept the same forms of payment. The cheapest NordVPN subscription is available for a little over $3.50 per month if you sign up for their three-year plan!
NordVPN is better than ProtonVPN for why?
For example, its stable performance (speed and stability) and unthrottled torrenting. That sounds like a pretty wonderful option, right? NordVPN is additionally outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes legal restrictions.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost ends our list of recommended premium VPNs with over 6,000 servers and excellent global unblocking capabilities. And you may do it by connecting with up to seven devices at the same time, regardless of whether you’re using gaming consoles or smart TVs. It’s certain that any issue with customer care will be quickly and successfully resolved via the live chat tool.
What are the benefits of choosing CyberGhost versus ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN has fewer servers than it used to, but they’re still better than before. CyberGhost is superior to ProtonVPN because of. Apart from being a strong content blocker, it also provides an excellent user experience and wide compatibility. You can truly use this one with the TOR browser, unlike with ProtonVPN. CyberGhost’s pricing plan is inexpensive, and they have a generous return policy, which you can surely count on!
4. Windscribe
Windscribe is a paid and free service that provides a suite of privacy and security tools. That’s what we’re really curious about. In terms of profit-based data trading, the most important thing to know about Windscribe is that it does not conduct it. When you are aware of that, using the generous 10GB per month with the fourteen available locations feels like a great deal. You really need to keep this in mind because you’re not paying anything. While it won’t work as well as premium VPNs, it’s unlikely to be as fast or responsive.
Which VPN do you prefer, ProtonVPN or this one?
You don’t have to pay anything to obtain easy access to streaming services.
In addition, the free Windscribe subscription comes with 10 extra locations than ProtonVPN’s.
What advantages does Windscribe have over ProtonVPN?
The fact that there is a 10GB cap, however, does not stop you from enjoying unlimited torrenting and browsing for this period. Even on ProtonVPN’s commercial subscriptions, torrenting remains unreliable, so this is quite decent!
5. HideMyAss
HideMyAss is a VPN company that is produced by Avast, the world’s most prominent security firm.
VPN servers are located in over 200 countries in more than 290+ locations across the world.
HMA is a privacy-centric VPN service that helps hide your computer’s IP and unblocks websites with geo-blocks.
What advantages does HideMyAss Have?
- Has 290+ locations with the biggest VPN network.
- OpenVPN protocol provides the best possible speeds.
- It has Instant Mode, which allows the fastest connection to be set up.
- You can use Freedom Mode to become connected to servers located in countries that respect free speech close to your current location.
- Price: $8.39 per MB.
- Latest Update release: 1.259.0
- File Size: about 6 MB
- Operates across all Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms.
6. TunnelBear
The TunnelBear VPN is one of our Best ProtonVPN Alternatives (2021). It keeps your Internet activity secure and delivers super-fast speeds. And that’s not all. TunnelBear’s VPN service offers 500 MB of free data every month. On top of that, you can get unlimited data for a modest fee.
What advantages does TunnelBear Have?
- Never before have you experienced lightning-fast speeds.
- Security while browsing with your Wi-Fi turned on.
- The user’s activity should not be logged.
- This security feature stops all incoming communication until an already-established secured connection is activated.
- Monthly cost: $3.3.
- The newest version is 4.6.
- File Size: About a Gigabyte
- The software works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, and Firefox.
7. SurfEasy
No one will be able to keep tabs on you when you use SurfEasy VPN service for PCs, Macs, and smartphones.
The VPN company offers more than 1000 servers in 28 countries, allowing you to connect to the internet and so anonymously safeguard your identity. It delivers a quick response time and has low CPU and memory requirements.
What advantages does SurfEasy Have?
- Fast account creation and setup.
- Helps provide single-click IP masking.
- Uses an encrypted banking method.
- Can set up a connection that’s active on five devices at the same time.
- Gives customers a 500 MB monthly data allowance.
- Strictly follows the company’s No-Log policy.
- The monthly cost is $3.99.
- Most recent release: 13.41
- Size: 9 megabytes
- Windows, Mac, Android, Amazon, Chrome, Opera, and others all run well with it.
8. The Systweak VPN service
Systweak VPN is one of the greatest ProtonVPN replacements, landing at number one.
It delivers absolute privacy and protection through zero-logging encryption.
This function offers the Kill Switch to safeguard data leakage.
Furthermore, it bypasses ISP throttling and conceals your IP address, thus enabling you to surf the web without leaving a trace.
What advantages does Systweak VPN Have?
- Systweak Virtual Private Network
- SmartDNS ultra-fast streaming
- Is able to prevent DNS leaks.
- Provides excellent Wi-Fi security for the public.
- Eases access to well-known streaming providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
- Monthly subscription fee: $5.95
- The latest version is 0.0.52.
- File Size: about 6 MB
- Works great with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.