Yes, Proton VPN is safe. It has passed four consecutive independent no-logs audits by Securitum, its apps are open source, it is based in Switzerland under strong privacy laws, and its free plan follows the same no-logs policy as the paid plans without showing ads or selling data.
No VPN is risk-free, though. Below is what Proton VPN does well, where its limits are, and how it compares with the risks of typical free VPN apps.
Proton VPN Safety at a Glance
| Safety factor | Proton VPN |
|---|---|
| Independent no-logs audits | Four in a row, 2022 to 2025, by Securitum |
| Security controls audit | SOC 2 Type II (2025) |
| Open-source apps | Yes, on all platforms |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Kill switch and DNS leak protection | Yes |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth |
| Ads or data selling on the free plan | No |
Does Proton VPN Keep Logs?
No. In the 2025 audit, Securitum’s consultants inspected Proton’s production servers on site in Zurich. Reporting on the audit notes that it found no logging of user activity, DNS queries or connection metadata, and that the servers are bare-metal machines owned by Proton rather than rented from third parties. Proton publishes every audit report on its no-logs audit page.
One honest caveat: an audit confirms the setup at the time of the inspection. It is strong evidence, not a lifetime guarantee, which is why repeated annual audits matter.
Has the No-Logs Policy Been Tested in Real Life?
Yes. Proton says its no-logs policy was tested in a 2019 legal case, where it had no user data to hand over. Its transparency report lists the legal requests it receives and how they were handled.
It is fair to mention a 2021 case involving Proton Mail, a separate service from the same company. A Swiss court order forced Proton to log the IP address of one email account. That case did not involve Proton VPN, and Swiss law does not require VPN providers to log. It does show why people with high-risk needs should use Proton Mail together with a VPN or Tor rather than relying on one product.
Why Switzerland Matters
Proton is based outside the US and the EU. Foreign requests for data have to go through Swiss courts, and Swiss law currently places no logging requirement on VPN services. That does not make Proton untouchable, but it makes casual data requests much harder.
Security Features That Keep You Protected
- Kill switch: blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
- Secure Core: routes paid users through hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries before the exit server. It is similar to the idea behind double VPN.
- Stealth protocol: disguises VPN traffic so it is harder to block on restrictive networks.
- NetShield: blocks known malware and tracker domains on paid plans.
- WireGuard by default: a modern, fast protocol, compared in our WireGuard vs OpenVPN guide.
Is the Free Version of Proton VPN Safe?
Yes. Proton VPN Free has no data cap, shows no ads and is covered by the same audited no-logs policy. The paid plans fund it. The limits are practical rather than security-related:
- You cannot choose a specific server. The app picks a free server for you.
- Free servers are in a limited number of countries and can be busier.
- One device at a time, and no Secure Core or NetShield.
- Streaming and P2P are reserved for paid plans.
That makes it one of the few free VPNs worth recommending. It appears on our list of the best free VPNs for PC for that reason.
Proton VPN vs Typical Free VPN Apps
Many free VPN apps make money by showing ads, collecting browsing data or selling bandwidth. Researchers have repeatedly found free VPN apps with weak encryption, leaks and hidden trackers. Proton’s free tier avoids those business models, which is the main reason it is considered safe.
Who Should Be Careful
- Journalists, activists and anyone facing a serious threat should combine a VPN with Tor and strong operational security.
- Anyone in a country that bans VPNs should check local laws before using any VPN.
- Users who need guaranteed streaming access should know free servers will not unblock most services.
How to Use Proton VPN Safely
- Download it only from protonvpn.com or official app stores.
- Turn on the kill switch and keep the app updated.
- Run a quick leak test after connecting. Our guide on how to know if your VPN is working shows how.
- Remember that a VPN does not stop tracking through logged-in accounts and cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Proton VPN see my browsing?
Like any VPN, its servers handle your traffic, but audits show it does not record which sites you visit. HTTPS also keeps page contents encrypted end to end.
Is Proton VPN better than a free VPN from an unknown company?
Yes. Unknown free VPNs rarely publish audits or explain how they make money.
Can Proton VPN be hacked?
Any software can have bugs. Open-source apps, a public bug bounty and regular audits reduce that risk, and the kill switch limits damage if a connection fails.