Buying guide · Checked October 24, 2026
Proton VPN review: free or Plus?
Proton Free is our starting recommendation when you want a VPN without adding a bill. Plus makes more sense when you need paid features such as streaming support, more device connections and server choice.
Our pick for trying a permanent free VPN before paying for a long subscription.
Save 78% on NordVPN Complete
Get the VPN, password manager and 1 TB storage for $107.73 over 27 months ($3.99/mo equivalent), then $219.48/year. Basic is 69% off: $94.23 for 27 months, then $139.08/year. USD, before tax; savings compare intro and renewal prices.
See NordVPN Complete offerThe plans side by side
USD offers checked October 24. Monthly figures are equivalents, not monthly payments. Taxes and regional prices can differ. Renewal periods are annual.
| Plan | Proton VPNVPN Plus | NordVPNBasic | ExpressVPNBasic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly equivalent | $3.49 | $3.49 | $2.99 |
| First payment | $83.76 / 24 months | $94.23 / 27 months | $83.72 / 28 months |
| Annual renewal | $83.88/year | $139.08/year | $99.95/year |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Free option | Free plan: one device, no data cap | No permanent free plan | No permanent free plan |
| Best reason to shortlist | A permanent free option before you commit | Optional security and storage bundle | Lower entry-plan bill in this comparison |
| Trade-off | Free access is not the same as paid Plus | Basic does not include the Complete bundle | Advanced and Pro features cost more |
| Current plans | Check Proton VPN | Check NordVPN | Check ExpressVPN |
NordVPN savings use introductory versus renewal pricing; ExpressVPN uses the monthly service price. Percentages are not a like-for-like value score.
What is actually free?
Proton Free allows one device with no data cap and no ads. That makes it a different proposition from a short paid trial or a refund offer: you can use a limited service without committing to a subscription. The trade-off is fewer choices and features than Plus, not a promise of the full paid plan for nothing.
When Plus is worth paying for
Plus adds ten simultaneous connections, paid server choices, streaming and P2P support, and NetShield filtering. Upgrade because one of those solves your problem. For example, a laptop, phone and TV in use together call for a different setup from one phone used occasionally on public Wi-Fi.
Free is not a streaming guarantee
Do not choose the free tier expecting every streaming catalog to work. If a particular service matters, check the provider's current support information and the streaming service's rules. Paying for Plus also does not guarantee that access will stay unchanged indefinitely.
How we would decide
Use Free for normal browsing first. Note any missing feature rather than assuming paid must be better for you. If you need Plus, compare its annual renewal with the other providers and decide whether you want only a VPN or a larger security bundle. Proton's advantage here is the ability to start without a new recurring expense.
A five-minute buying check
- List the devices you will connect at the same time.
- Pick one feature you need beyond a basic VPN.
- Compare the entire first bill and annual renewal.
- Check refund eligibility before making a payment.
Common questions
Does Proton VPN Free have a data limit?
The official free plan advertises no data cap. It has other limits, including one device and fewer features than Plus.
Should I pay for Proton VPN Plus?
Consider Plus if you need multiple simultaneous connections, its streaming features, or more control over server selection. If Free already does your job, there is no reason to upgrade just for a discount.
Is Proton VPN the same as Proton Mail?
They are different services in the Proton ecosystem. Check which product or bundle you are buying rather than assuming a VPN subscription includes every Proton service.
Keep comparing
Sources & approach
We compared official plans and features on October 24, 2026. These are research-based recommendations, not hands-on speed or security tests. No provider paid for a ranking. FindTunes may earn a commission from the NordVPN link; ExpressVPN and Proton links go directly to their official sites.