# ProtonVPN Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 VPN client focusing on security Category: Security & Privacy · Free · Replaces ExpressVPN ($13/month) · [Official website](https://protonvpn.com/) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask protonvpn` ## Quick take For Mac privacy work in August 2026, Proton VPN is still the default recommendation when you want Swiss jurisdiction, open-source clients, audited no-logs claims, and a free tier with unlimited data. Plus pricing bottoms out near $2.99/month on long commitments (about $9.99 monthly), with 10 devices and a marketed network of 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Buy Unlimited if you already want Mail, Drive, and Pass. Choose Nord, Mullvad, or Express when streaming specialty or a different threat model matters more than Proton's free tier and ecosystem. Best for: Privacy-conscious professionals and journalists, Users wanting a truly free VPN without data caps, Mac users who value open-source software, Those seeking Swiss jurisdiction protections ## What is ProtonVPN? ProtonVPN is a Swiss virtual private network from Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. Founded in 2017 by scientists who met at CERN, it was built to make encrypted internet access available without ads or data-selling free tiers. As of August 2026 the service reports over 100 million users worldwide. What still sets it apart in 2026 is a free tier with no data limits paired with paid features that match expensive rivals: Secure Core multi-hop, NetShield DNS filtering, Stealth protocol, and VPN Accelerator. The company operates under Swiss privacy law, outside Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes alliances. Apps are open source and independently audited. Secure Core traffic can pass through hardened servers before it exits. For Mac users the native app supports macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe, with Apple Silicon builds. Version 6.5.0 adds VPN Accelerator improvements, NetShield ad/malware blocking, and Stealth for networks that try to detect VPN traffic. ProtonVPN publishes a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and tested in court. Pricing reality check for August 2026 readers: Free stays at $0 with unlimited data, no ads, one device, medium speeds, and a short country list. VPN Plus is the tier that unlocks up to 10 devices, Secure Core, Stealth, streaming/P2P support, and the full marketed network (20,000+ servers in 140+ countries on Proton's pricing surface). Independent 2026 roundups commonly cite Plus near $9.99/month monthly, about $3.99/month on 1-year billing, and about $2.99/month on 2-year billing. Proton Unlimited bundles Plus-level VPN with premium Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass at roughly $12.99 / $9.99 / $7.99 for those same commitment lengths. Taxes, currency, and live promos move the checkout total, so confirm on protonvpn.com/pricing before you buy. Paid plans keep a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mac workflow tips that show up constantly in community threads: leave VPN Accelerator on for distant exits, put the menu-bar control somewhere visible, and configure split tunneling before you discover the office printer vanished. NetShield's malware-only mode is the safer default if aggressive tracker blocking breaks a site layout; escalate to ads-and-trackers when you want stricter filtering. Stealth is the switch to flip on corporate or censored networks where WireGuard handshakes get reset. Jurisdiction and product packaging still drive the purchase more than a single speed benchmark. Switzerland sits outside Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. Apps stay open source. Free remains funded by paid subscribers rather than ads. Plus is the tier that unlocks chosen countries, ten devices, Secure Core, Stealth, streaming and P2P, and the marketed 20,000+ server / 140+ country network. Unlimited is the ecosystem SKU when Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass are already on the shopping list. Quote the commitment length you will actually keep: about $9.99 monthly versus about $2.99 on two-year Plus marketing rates are different emotional purchases even when the feature list matches. ## Features - **VPN Accelerator.** Proton's congestion-control and routing layer for long-haul VPN paths. Marketing cites speed gains up to 400% versus older protocol setups on distant servers. On a Mac that usually means less buffering on 4K streams and snappier downloads when the exit node is far away. It is on by default and needs no tuning for most users. - **Secure Core (Multi-Hop).** Traffic first hits hardened Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, then continues to the exit country. Those machines sit in underground or former military facilities with biometric access. Useful when you want an extra hop even if the exit server is a weaker link. - **NetShield Ad Blocker.** DNS-level filter that blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they reach Safari, Chrome, Mail, or other apps. Lists cover over 15,000 tracking domains. Modes: malware only, or malware plus ads and trackers. No separate browser extension required. - **Stealth Protocol.** Wraps VPN traffic to look like ordinary HTTPS so restrictive networks and censorship filters have a harder time blocking it. Available on paid plans; toggle it in Connection settings when WireGuard or OpenVPN get blocked. - **WireGuard and OpenVPN Support.** WireGuard is the usual default for speed and battery life on MacBooks. OpenVPN remains for stubborn firewalls. The Mac app can auto-pick, or you can force a protocol. Encryption uses AES-256 or ChaCha20 with Perfect Forward Secrecy. - **Split Tunneling.** Send some apps through the VPN and leave others on the direct connection. Handy for printers or NAS on the LAN while the browser stays on Proton. Configure per-app toggles in the Mac UI without writing pf rules. - **Kill Switch and Always-On VPN.** Kill switch blocks internet if the tunnel drops so your real IP does not leak. Always-On reconnects after interruptions. Both run at the system level on macOS, which matters on flaky hotel or cafe Wi-Fi. ## How to Install ProtonVPN on Mac Install ProtonVPN with Homebrew Cask or from the DMG on protonvpn.com. Requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later; Apple Silicon is supported. 1. **Install Homebrew (if needed).** Open Terminal and run the Homebrew installer if you haven't already: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)" 2. **Install ProtonVPN via Homebrew.** Run the command: brew install --cask protonvpn. Alternatively, download the DMG directly from protonvpn.com/download/mac and drag the app to your Applications folder. 3. **Configure and Connect.** Launch ProtonVPN, sign in (or create a free Proton account), and approve the VPN configuration profile when macOS asks. Turn on NetShield if you want DNS filtering, pick a protocol, optionally enable the kill switch, then Quick Connect or choose a server. ## Pros - Free tier with unlimited data and no ads (rare among major VPNs) - Swiss jurisdiction outside major surveillance alliances - Open-source apps with independent security audits - VPN Accelerator helps long-distance connections - Secure Core multi-hop through hardened facilities - No-logs policy tested in court and by auditors ## Cons - Free tier limits server selection (FAQ cites 8 countries; pricing surface cites 10) - Live chat support only for paid subscribers - No dedicated streaming-optimized server brand (Plus still works with most services) - Support response times can lag chatty competitors ## Closer look: ProtonVPN privacy architecture ProtonVPN's stack and corporate structure still reflect its CERN-era founders and a subscription-funded model rather than ad-driven "free VPN" economics. ## FAQ ### Is ProtonVPN really free? Yes. The free tier has no data caps, no speed caps in the product sense, and no ads. Free users get servers in a short country list (US, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, Norway, Canada, Singapore in the FAQ; pricing pages also describe 10 countries) with the same encryption and no-logs policy as paid users. Paid subscribers fund the free tier. ### Does ProtonVPN work with Netflix and streaming services? Plus works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most major platforms; Proton maintains exits that stay unblocked. Free users see more blocks and contention. VPN Accelerator helps 4K streams stay smooth on paid plans. ### Is ProtonVPN safe for torrenting? Paid plans support P2P on designated servers. Kill switch covers drops; no-logs means download history is not kept as identifiable records. Secure Core is optional extra cover for sensitive transfers. ### How is ProtonVPN different from free VPNs that sell data? Proton's free tier is funded by Plus and Unlimited subscribers, not by selling logs or injecting ads. Swiss HQ, open-source audited apps, and a court-tested no-logs claim are the structural differences from adware VPN brands. ### Does ProtonVPN slow down internet speed? Every VPN adds overhead. VPN Accelerator is meant to cut that cost; Proton cites up to 400% improvement on long paths versus older setups. Free servers can feel slower at peak times because of load, not because of a hidden data throttle. ### Is ProtonVPN based in a safe jurisdiction? Headquarters are in Switzerland, outside Five Eyes / Nine Eyes / Fourteen Eyes. Swiss law does not require VPN providers to log users the way some other countries do. That legal setting is a core part of the product pitch. ### What is Secure Core and should I use it? Secure Core is multi-hop through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before your exit. Use it for sensitive work or high-risk regions. Expect a speed tradeoff for the extra hop. ### Can I use ProtonVPN on Apple Silicon Macs? Yes. Native Apple Silicon builds cover M1 through M4. Version 6.5.0 targets current macOS releases including Sonoma and Sequoia, with Tahoe support called out in product materials. ### What happens if my VPN connection drops? With kill switch on, macOS traffic stops instead of leaking your real IP. Always-On VPN brings the tunnel back after brief drops. ### How do I get the best deal on ProtonVPN? Longer Plus commitments are cheaper per month: about $2.99/month on the 2-year marketing rate versus about $9.99 monthly. Unlimited bundles Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass (about $7.99/month on 2-year marketing rates). Confirm live totals on protonvpn.com/pricing; paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. ### Should I buy VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited? Buy Plus if you only need the VPN with 10 devices, Secure Core, Stealth, and streaming/P2P. Buy Unlimited if you already want Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass in one bill; the 2-year marketing rate near $7.99/month often beats stacking separate products. Always confirm the live price on proton.me/pricing or protonvpn.com/pricing. ## Sources - [Proton VPN Pricing](https://protonvpn.com/pricing) - [Proton VPN Free](https://protonvpn.com/free-vpn) - [Proton VPN for Mac](https://protonvpn.com/download-mac) - [Proton plans explained](https://proton.me/support/proton-plans) - [Proton VPN Cost 2026 — Security.org](https://www.security.org/vpn/protonvpn/) - [Proton VPN Pricing August 2026 — Cybernews](https://cybernews.com/vpn/protonvpn-review/pricing/) - [Proton VPN Servers](https://protonvpn.com/vpn-servers) ## Related - [1Password](https://bundl.run/apps/1password) - [Tailscale](https://bundl.run/apps/tailscale-app) - [ZeroTier](https://bundl.run/apps/zerotier-one) - [Bitwarden](https://bundl.run/apps/bitwarden) - [KeePassXC](https://bundl.run/apps/keepassxc) - [ExpressVPN](https://bundl.run/apps/expressvpn) - [ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN](https://bundl.run/compare/protonvpn-vs-mullvad) - [ProtonVPN vs NordVPN](https://bundl.run/compare/protonvpn-vs-nordvpn) - [Free alternative to ExpressVPN](https://protonvpn.com/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "sameAs": [ "https://github.com/abhiofficial/bundl-mac-setup", "https://x.com/bundlrun", "https://www.producthunt.com/products/bundl-run" ], "foundingDate": "2024", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "url": "https://bundl.run/faq" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/sam-patel#person", "name": "Sam Patel", "jobTitle": "Security & Privacy Researcher", "url": "https://bundl.run/authors/sam-patel", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "description": "Sam Patel is a cybersecurity professional specializing in application security, privacy tools, and secure software practices. With over 9 years in information security—including roles at security firms and as an independent consultant—Sam evaluates applications for security vulnerabilities, data handling practices, and privacy implications. Sam holds multiple security certifications and regularly presents at security conferences. Each review includes assessment of encryption methods, data collection policies, and potential privacy concerns that users should understand.", "knowsAbout": [ "Security Software", "Privacy Tools", "Network Security", "Password Managers", "VPNs & Encryption", "macOS Security Hardening" ], "image": "https://bundl.run/authors/sam-patel.svg" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bundl.run" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Apps", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "ProtonVPN", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn" } ] }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn", "name": "ProtonVPN for Mac", "description": "VPN client focusing on security", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/sam-patel#person" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn#software" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn#breadcrumb" } }, { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn#software", "name": "ProtonVPN", "description": "VPN client focusing on security", "applicationCategory": "SecurityApplication", "operatingSystem": "macOS", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.logo.dev/protonvpn.com", "caption": "ProtonVPN app icon for Mac" }, "sameAs": [ "https://protonvpn.com/", "https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/protonvpn" ], "review": { "@type": "Review", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/sam-patel#person" }, "reviewBody": "For Mac privacy work in August 2026, Proton VPN is still the default recommendation when you want Swiss jurisdiction, open-source clients, audited no-logs claims, and a free tier with unlimited data. Plus pricing bottoms out near $2.99/month on long commitments (about $9.99 monthly), with 10 devices and a marketed network of 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Buy Unlimited if you already want Mail, Drive, and Pass. Choose Nord, Mullvad, or Express when streaming specialty or a different threat model matters more than Proton's free tier and ecosystem." }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "ProtonVPN", "description": "VPN client focusing on security" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" } }, { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn#article", "headline": "ProtonVPN for Mac — Full Review & Installation Guide 2026", "description": "For Mac privacy work in August 2026, Proton VPN is still the default recommendation when you want Swiss jurisdiction, open-source clients, audited no-logs claims, and a free tier with unlimited data. Plus pricing bottoms out near $2.99/month on long commitments (about $9.99 monthly), with 10 devices and a marketed network of 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Buy Unlimited if you already want Mail, Drive, and Pass. Choose Nord, Mullvad, or Express when streaming specialty or a different threat model matters more than Proton's free tier and ecosystem.", "image": "https://img.logo.dev/protonvpn.com", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/sam-patel#person" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn" }, "articleSection": "SecurityApplication", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", ".key-facts" ] }, "about": { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "ProtonVPN", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn" }, "mentions": [ { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "ExpressVPN", "url": "https://protonvpn.com/" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is ProtonVPN really free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The free tier has no data caps, no speed caps in the product sense, and no ads. Free users get servers in a short country list (US, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, Norway, Canada, Singapore in the FAQ; pricing pages also describe 10 countries) with the same encryption and no-logs policy as paid users. Paid subscribers fund the free tier." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does ProtonVPN work with Netflix and streaming services?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Plus works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most major platforms; Proton maintains exits that stay unblocked. Free users see more blocks and contention. VPN Accelerator helps 4K streams stay smooth on paid plans." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is ProtonVPN safe for torrenting?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Paid plans support P2P on designated servers. Kill switch covers drops; no-logs means download history is not kept as identifiable records. Secure Core is optional extra cover for sensitive transfers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is ProtonVPN different from free VPNs that sell data?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Proton's free tier is funded by Plus and Unlimited subscribers, not by selling logs or injecting ads. Swiss HQ, open-source audited apps, and a court-tested no-logs claim are the structural differences from adware VPN brands." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does ProtonVPN slow down internet speed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every VPN adds overhead. VPN Accelerator is meant to cut that cost; Proton cites up to 400% improvement on long paths versus older setups. Free servers can feel slower at peak times because of load, not because of a hidden data throttle." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is ProtonVPN based in a safe jurisdiction?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Headquarters are in Switzerland, outside Five Eyes / Nine Eyes / Fourteen Eyes. Swiss law does not require VPN providers to log users the way some other countries do. That legal setting is a core part of the product pitch." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Secure Core and should I use it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Secure Core is multi-hop through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before your exit. Use it for sensitive work or high-risk regions. Expect a speed tradeoff for the extra hop." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use ProtonVPN on Apple Silicon Macs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Native Apple Silicon builds cover M1 through M4. Version 6.5.0 targets current macOS releases including Sonoma and Sequoia, with Tahoe support called out in product materials." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if my VPN connection drops?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "With kill switch on, macOS traffic stops instead of leaking your real IP. Always-On VPN brings the tunnel back after brief drops." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I get the best deal on ProtonVPN?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Longer Plus commitments are cheaper per month: about $2.99/month on the 2-year marketing rate versus about $9.99 monthly. Unlimited bundles Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass (about $7.99/month on 2-year marketing rates). Confirm live totals on protonvpn.com/pricing; paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I buy VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Buy Plus if you only need the VPN with 10 devices, Secure Core, Stealth, and streaming/P2P. Buy Unlimited if you already want Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass in one bill; the 2-year marketing rate near $7.99/month often beats stacking separate products. Always confirm the live price on proton.me/pricing or protonvpn.com/pricing." } } ], "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn" } } ] } ```