Proton VPN Review: Open Source, Audited, and Built for Anonymity

Proton VPN is built by the ProtonMail team and based in Switzerland, which offers stronger legal privacy protections than most VPN jurisdictions. Its Secure Core feature routes your traffic through hardened servers before it exits the network, adding an extra layer that most providers do not offer. Four independent audits and a direct Bitcoin payment option make it the most privacy-focused choice for crypto traders.

When you are buying, trading, or managing cryptocurrency, every exchange login and wallet connection creates potential security vulnerabilities. Proton VPN markets itself as a privacy-first VPN built by the team behind ProtonMail, with Swiss jurisdiction and an independently audited no-logs policy at its core. In this review, we examine whether those privacy credentials hold up in practice and whether the service delivers the kind of protection that cryptocurrency traders actually need in 2026. Let's take a look.

What is Proton VPN?

Proton VPN is operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company with roots that trace back to CERN, where a group of scientists first came together over a shared concern about online privacy. The company launched ProtonMail in 2014, followed by Proton VPN in 2017, and has since expanded into cloud storage, calendar, and password management.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and does not mandate data retention for VPN providers, which means Proton AG cannot be legally compelled to collect records of user activity. Switzerland does cooperate with foreign investigations through mutual legal assistance treaties and maintains a relationship with the extended 14 Eyes framework, but Proton VPN's strict no-logs policy means there is no data to hand over even if compelled. For traders needing protection from both network-level threats and government surveillance, this legal foundation is considerably stronger than VPNs based in the United States or the United Kingdom.

How Proton VPN Protects Your Data

Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption for OpenVPN and ChaCha20 for WireGuard, both paired with Perfect Forward Secrecy. This means each session generates a unique encryption key so that even if one key were compromised, past and future sessions remain fully protected. This is the same standard used by banks and governments worldwide.

All apps are open source and have been independently audited by European security firm Securitum. The company has also completed a SOC 2 Type 2 infrastructure audit, which goes beyond a one-time code review to verify that data handling practices meet security standards on an ongoing basis. For crypto traders who cannot afford to take a provider's claims on faith, open-source code and third-party audits provide the closest thing to verifiable proof available.

Connection Protocols

Proton VPN supports multiple protocols with both automatic and manual selection available across platforms.

• WireGuard: It is the fastest and most modern protocol available, using cutting-edge cryptography with minimal processing overhead. It is the recommended choice for everyday trading where speed and reliability matter most, and it works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
• OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): This is the long-standing industry standard that has been extensively audited by independent security researchers. UDP prioritizes speed while TCP ensures more reliable delivery on unstable connections, making it useful when accessing exchanges on hotel or airport networks. It is supported on Windows, Android, and Linux.
• IKEv2: It is designed for mobile users and reconnects automatically when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, preventing accidental exposure gaps during the handover. Within Proton VPN's apps it is only available on Mac.
• Stealth: This is Proton VPN's proprietary protocol that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, defeating deep packet inspection on restrictive networks. It is invaluable for traders in countries where VPN usage is monitored or blocked, and it runs on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
• Smart Protocol: Automatically selects the fastest and most stable protocol for your network and switches to an alternative if one gets blocked, without interrupting your connection. It is supported on all platforms except Linux.

Is Proton VPN Good for Crypto Trading?

The answer is a clear yes. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, meaning any security failure can carry permanent financial consequences. When you connect to an exchange through Proton VPN, the platform sees the VPN server's IP address rather than your real location, preventing targeted attacks and protecting your credentials from interception on public networks.

Proton VPN accepts Bitcoin as a payment method, allowing traders to maintain financial privacy from the point of subscription. Sign up for a free account and upgrade using BTC through Proton's direct payment system with no third-party processor involved.

One limitation is that Proton VPN does not offer a dedicated IP for individual subscribers. Your IP is shared with other users on the same server, which some exchanges flag as suspicious. Connecting to the same server location consistently helps reduce this risk.

Specialised Security Features

Proton VPN includes several advanced features designed for users who need extra protection layers:

Kill Switch

The Kill Switch blocks all internet traffic the moment the VPN connection drops. For crypto traders logged into exchanges or executing wallet transfers, this is an essential safeguard, since even a brief dropout could expose your real IP to the platform or to anyone monitoring your traffic. This feature is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, though it cannot run at the same time as Split Tunneling.

Secure Core

Secure Core routes your traffic through two servers before it exits to the public internet. The first hop always passes through one of Proton's own hardened servers in Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden, which sit in underground data centers and a former military base, run on Proton-owned hardware, and use IP addresses registered directly to Proton. Even if the exit server in your chosen country is compromised, your real IP and origin traffic remain protected behind the Secure Core node. For traders handling high-value transactions or operating under aggressive surveillance, this is one of the most robust privacy implementations available from any commercial VPN.

NetShield

NetShield is Proton VPN's built-in DNS-based blocker that prevents your device from resolving queries to known malicious domains, stopping phishing pages before they reach your browser. For crypto traders, this is particularly valuable given how frequently phishing sites mimic popular crypto exchanges like Binance or Bybit. NetShield can be set to block malware only or to also block trackers and ads, and it operates only while the VPN is active.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling lets you route specific apps or IP addresses through the VPN while the rest of your traffic goes through a regular connection. This is useful for banking apps that refuse VPN connections or for accessing local network devices without dropping your protection. Currently, this feature is available on Windows, Android, and Android TV. Not yet supported on Mac or iOS, which is a real gap for traders on Apple hardware.

Tor Over VPN

Proton VPN supports Tor over VPN, routing traffic through the VPN tunnel first and then through the Tor network. Speed is significantly reduced, so this is best suited to one-time sensitive operations rather than active trading, but it is a useful option for accessing crypto resources in heavily censored regions.

Server Network and Performance

Proton VPN operates approximately 17,500 servers across 127+ countries with a 10 Gbps backbone on its busiest nodes. Independent testing shows WireGuard connections to nearby servers retain between 85-90% of baseline download speeds, which is more than adequate for active trading and 4K streaming. The VPN Accelerator feature improves performance on long-distance routes by optimizing traffic routing and parallelizing encryption tasks. Rather than relying on RAM-only servers, Proton VPN applies full disk encryption to traditional HDD servers to achieve the same privacy result. If a server were ever seized, the data on it would be unreadable without the decryption key.

Streaming and P2P Support

Streaming on Proton VPN requires a paid plan. On the free tier, there is no guaranteed access to platforms like Netflix, as free servers are not optimized for unblocking. VPN Plus subscribers get access to dedicated Plus servers engineered to bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu. When a server IP gets flagged, switching to another Plus location in the same region typically restores access within a couple of minutes. P2P and torrenting are supported on designated servers and port forwarding is available on paid plans.

Best Proton VPN Server Locations for Crypto Trading

When choosing a server for cryptocurrency activity, the key factors are clean IPs that crypto exchanges recognize, low latency to your target markets, and a jurisdiction that does not restrict crypto activity. Here are some recommended locations:

Region	Server Location	Why It's Good for Crypto
North America	United States	Largest exchange ecosystem with reliable liquidity access and clean IPs that trading platforms recognise.
Europe	Switzerland	Crypto-friendly banking laws and Proton's home jurisdiction make this an excellent choice for privacy-first traders.
Europe	Germany	Strong infrastructure and progressive crypto regulations make Germany ideal for accessing European exchanges.
Asia	Iceland and Sweden	Home of Secure Core servers. Best choice for operations requiring the highest level of anonymity.
Asia-Pacific	Singapore	Progressive crypto regulations and a primary hub for Asian exchanges with low latency to regional markets.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

If you are wondering how much Proton VPN costs, the answer depends on which plan and billing cycle you choose. Proton VPN offers three tiers and the longer the commitment, the lower the effective monthly cost.

Free Plan

The free plan includes servers in 10 countries, unlimited bandwidth, and strong encryption with no ads or data selling. Streaming is not prioritized, P2P is not permitted, and connections are limited to a single device. Secure Core and NetShield are not available on the free tier.

VPN Plus

VPN Plus is the best option for most users. On a two-year plan, it costs $2.99 per month, billed at $71.76 every two years. The one-year plan is $3.99 per month billed at $47.88 annually, and the monthly rate is $9.99. It unlocks the full server network, 10 simultaneous connections, all protocols including Stealth, streaming support, P2P with port forwarding, and advanced features like Secure Core, NetShield, and Tor over VPN.

Proton Unlimited

Proton Unlimited combines VPN Plus with Proton's full privacy suite. The two-year plan costs $5.99 per month billed at $143.76 every two years. The one-year plan is $7.99 per month billed at $95.88 annually, and the monthly rate is $12.99. The bundle adds ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, ProtonCalendar, and ProtonPass. For traders who want their entire digital setup under one privacy-focused provider, this bundle offers strong overall value.

Note: These are introductory prices and renewal pricing will typically be higher. All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Payment Options and Support

Proton VPN accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. For traders wanting an anonymous subscription, Bitcoin payments are supported natively through Proton's own payment system with no third-party processor involved. You sign up for a free account and then upgrade using BTC, which is a meaningful advantage over VPNs that require a conventional payment method before granting full access.

Paid subscribers have access to live chat support (between 9:00 and 24:00 CET), with email tickets typically answered within 24 hours outside those hours. The help center covers setup and troubleshooting across all devices and Proton staff maintain an active presence on the official subreddit.

Pro-Tips for Crypto Traders

• Enable Kill Switch Before Logging In: Always activate the Kill Switch before opening any exchange or wallet interface. Even a brief VPN dropout can expose your real IP address to the platform's security systems.
• Use Secure Core for High-Stakes Operations: When moving large amounts between wallets or executing significant transactions, routing through Secure Core adds meaningful protection that is worth the minor speed tradeoff.
• Stick to the Same Server Location: Exchanges often flag accounts that log in from different countries in short periods as potentially compromised. Connecting to the same server location consistently helps you appear as a trusted, regular user.
• Avoid Crypto-Restricted Jurisdictions: Never route exchange traffic through servers in countries with cryptocurrency bans, such as China, Egypt, or Bangladesh, as this can trigger immediate account flags or blocks.
• Use Bitcoin to Subscribe: Start with a free account and upgrade using Bitcoin to maintain complete financial anonymity with no conventional payment trail linking you to the subscription.

Final Thoughts

Proton VPN is one of the most privacy-credible VPN services available in 2026. Its Swiss jurisdiction, independently audited no-logs policy, open-source codebase, and Secure Core infrastructure all point to a provider that treats privacy as a genuine product commitment rather than a marketing claim. For cryptocurrency traders who need protection against both network-level attacks and broader institutional surveillance, this combination is difficult to match at any price point.

The drawbacks are worth acknowledging. There is no dedicated IP for individual subscribers, split tunneling does not work on Mac or iOS, and the free plan cannot be used for streaming or P2P. For most traders, these are manageable limitations given what Proton VPN delivers on security, server coverage, and payment anonymity. If protecting your trading identity is the priority, Proton VPN is a no-brainer in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Proton VPN good for crypto trading?

Yes. Proton VPN encrypts all traffic, hides your real IP from exchanges, and includes Secure Core and Kill Switch protection that are directly relevant to protecting cryptocurrency activity.

Does Proton VPN keep logs of my activity?

No. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy independently audited by Securitum and backed by a SOC 2 Type 2 infrastructure audit confirming ongoing compliance.

Can I pay for Proton VPN using cryptocurrency?

Yes. Proton VPN accepts Bitcoin directly through its own payment system. Sign up for a free account and then upgrade using BTC without linking any conventional payment method.

What makes Secure Core different from standard Double VPN?

Secure Core always routes the first hop through Proton-owned hardened servers in Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden with no third-party infrastructure involved. Standard Double VPN typically routes through servers Proton does not fully control.

How many devices can I connect simultaneously?

Paid plans allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. The free plan is limited to one device at a time.

Will Proton VPN slow down my trading?

Most users retain between 85 and 90 percent of baseline download speeds using WireGuard on nearby servers. The VPN Accelerator feature helps maintain performance on longer-distance connections.

What happens if my VPN connection drops during a trade?

The Kill Switch immediately blocks all internet traffic to prevent your real IP from being exposed. It is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Does Proton VPN work in countries with heavy censorship?

The Stealth protocol defeats deep packet inspection and bypasses VPN blocks on restrictive networks. Alternative Routing provides an additional fallback when standard connection paths are blocked.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the full feature set before committing.