Repeated checks over time passed
High-speed VPN available with multiple protocols, with strict no-logs policy and based in Switzerland.
Proton VPN is a vpn service that accepts Bitcoin and Cash. It has no mention of KYC policies and has a score of 8/10. There are 19 user ratings averaging 3.6/5.
Scores
- No KYC mention
- No mention of current or future KYC requirements.
The legal corpus does not mandate any Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. Registration allows pseudonymous use, payments can be made anonymously via cash or Bitcoin, and no ID is requested for basic service access.
- May suspend your account 0 -4
The service reserves the right to suspend or limit access to your account. For example, if you have overdue payments or you violated the service's ToS.
The service reserves the right to suspend or limit access to your account. For example, if you have overdue payments or you violated the service's ToS.
0 Privacy-4 Trust - Hybrid infrastructure 0 -1
The service runs a mix of self-owned hardware and rented third-party servers. Privacy and trust guarantees apply fully only to the owned portion; traffic routed through rented infrastructure carries the risks of that provider's jurisdiction and policies.
The service runs a mix of self-owned hardware and rented third-party servers. Privacy and trust guarantees apply fully only to the owned portion; traffic routed through rented infrastructure carries the risks of that provider's jurisdiction and policies.
0 Privacy-1 Trust - Account required -1 0
Users require creating an account with the service in order to access and use its features.
Users require creating an account with the service in order to access and use its features.
-1 Privacy0 Trust - No KYC mention +15 0
No mention of current or future KYC requirements.
- Identity-Free registration +10 0
Users can create accounts without giving personal information (such as full name, address or phone number). Note that some services might initially allow this, but they may subsequently request personal information (i.e. Automated flagging systems, Shotgun KYC...).
Users can create accounts without giving personal information (such as full name, address or phone number). Note that some services might initially allow this, but they may subsequently request personal information (i.e. Automated flagging systems, Shotgun KYC...).
+10 Privacy0 Trust - Verified 0 +10
Passed repeated checks over time and showed consistent behavior. Read more about the listing statuses.
Passed repeated checks over time and showed consistent behavior. Read more about the listing statuses.
Check out the proof.
0 Privacy+10 Trust - Strict no-log policy +5 +3
The service has a strict no-log policy, which means that it does not collect or store any information about its users.
The service has a strict no-log policy, which means that it does not collect or store any information about its users.+5 Privacy+3 Trust - Open source code 0 +7
The source code of the service is publicly available and licensed as open-source. This allows the community to audit the service, though it doesn't guarantee security or quality.
The source code of the service is publicly available and licensed as open-source. This allows the community to audit the service, though it doesn't guarantee security or quality.
0 Privacy+7 Trust - Has Onion or I2P URLs +5 0
Onion (Tor) and I2P URLs enhance privacy and anonymity.
- Audited 0 +5
The service has been audited by an independent 3rd party.
- Good Customer Support 0 +5
Customer support for this service is usually fast and helpful. They answer questions fast and solve problems.
Customer support for this service is usually fast and helpful. They answer questions fast and solve problems.
0 Privacy+5 Trust - Legally registered 0 +2
Legally registered as Proton AG in Switzerland 🇨đź‡.
Legally registered as Proton AG in Switzerland 🇨đź‡.
0 Privacy+2 Trust - JavaScript needed 0 0
The service requires the user to enable JavaScript in order to access and use its features.0 Privacy0 Trust - Mobile app available 0 0
The service has a mobile app available for download.
- Base score +50 +50
Overall = 60% Privacy + 40% Trust (Truncated)
Terms of Service Review
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused, no-log VPN service based in Switzerland. It allows pseudonymous registration and anonymous payments, keeping no records of user traffic or connection logs.
Inactive Account Deletion
Proton reserves the right to suspend or delete free accounts, along with all associated data, if they remain inactive for a consecutive period of 12 months.
Strict No-Log Policy
Proton VPN explicitly states it does not log user traffic, communications, or IP addresses during VPN sessions. All VPN servers operate with full-disk encryption.
Swiss Jurisdiction
The service operates under Swiss law and only complies with binding requests from Swiss courts. It publicly documents its policy to challenge overbroad data requests.
Account IP Logging
At the overarching Account level, IP logs may be collected temporarily to combat fraud, and can be retained permanently if an account breaches the Terms of Service (e.g., launching DDoS attacks).
Anti-Spam Verification
Account registration or sensitive actions may require human verification via reCAPTCHA, email, or SMS. If saved permanently, contact identifiers are stored as cryptographic hashes.
Refund Limitations
Users can request a prorated refund within 30 days of their initial purchase, but payments made via cash or bank transfers are strictly non-refundable.
Reviewed from proton.me/legal/terms proton.me/legal/privacy protonvpn.com/blog/transparency-report
ToS reviews are AI-generated and should be used as a reference only.
Events
View all-
Attribute added
Attribute "Hybrid infrastructure" was added to Proton VPN
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 2 to 1
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 3 to 2
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 1 to 3
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 2 to 1
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Attribute change
An attribute was removed (details unavailable)
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 1 to 2
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 2 to 1
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 1 to 2
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KYC update
KYC level changed from 2 to 1
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Domain change
Service URLs updated from https://protonvpn.com to https://protonvpn.com, https://proton.me/vpn
Evidence and Review History
Passed repeated checks over time and showed consistent behavior.
- No review checks have been published yet
- Last review May 7
- Verified May 7
Comments
I’ve used Proton VPN on and off for over two years. It was fairly mediocre, mainly due to the speeds and lack of consistency. The VPN clients also weren’t great. That said, I’d still recommend it for casual users.
Love Proton services, they help me stay anonymous online with their email aliases
I personaly love proton services. The ability to pay with Bitcoin and cash is a real plus
In the past, I used Proton VPN frequently. However, I recently received a refund through Apple due to issues such as unstable connections to VPN servers and problems that occurred when using multiple Proton accounts on a single smartphone after subscribing to the VPN Plus plan through the App Store. I do not recommend their VPN service, but Proton Mail and SimpleLogin are still useful.
An excellent VPN that I've been using for five years. I can't give it a top rating because the hotspots available in my region experience insane congestion on weekends, resulting in a sluggish internet connection. I use Proton Unlimited (although when I used Visionary the connection speed wasn't much different from now)
Recently, the VPN has been very unstable. The Proton VPN team is doing almost nothing to fix the situation.
It's one of the best VPN services that I've ever used. Their Network kill switch feature is one of the best in the market. High quality, and very reputable VPN service.
One of the best mainstream / normies services (not only the VPN)
I also think it has a good influence about privacy since their recent announcement that it will leave Switzerland if an anti-privacy law is passed
Proton was the first VPN I ever used (besides from building my own private ones). Can't go wrong with them! Highly recommended, except in censorship-heavy regions (e.g. Russia). Last year (2024), Proton worked fine in Moscow, but after around summer of 2025, hardly any endpoints worked. Clearly, they have blocked a lot of Proton's IPs, so it's no fault of Proton's, but it is what it is...
Proton VPN delivers speed, privacy, and trust — no logs, strong encryption, and Swiss-based security. A must-have for anyone serious about online freedom. 🛡️🌍
They take xmr via reseller https://digitalgoods.proxysto.re/en same for tuta. If they used ram servers and didn't hand over ip for that journalist and also if they took xmr directly, my rating would be higher.
Large choices of servers, speed is very good, the application is smooth. Using it for years very stable. I've heard about non-RAM, it's true it's not optimal but in the case of .gov querying it doesn't change shit. Don't forget VPNs are just VPNs.
Android and Linux version are very decent as well.
I don't put 5 stars because they don't accept Monero.
Used Proton for a few years before I switched to Mullvad. Their top tier paid plan is amazing, but not cheap. I'd only recommend if you're a business who can claim it as an expense.
It works well across devices and has a large server network. However, some privacy concerns remain due to non-RAM servers and occasional account lockouts when using Tor. Overall, a reliable VPN but not perfect for those seeking absolute anonymity.
A VPN doesn't provide anonymity. All VPNs have to comply with the highest authorities. If you want some anonymity you use TOR. It's misleading to say that. A VPN is like your ISP, it sees the same thing as your internet providers.
I agree, very misleading to say. Which is why many people like us use Tor on a daily basis for a reason.
I have read several negative comments, but my experience with Proton VPN is definitely positive. I have been using it for over a year and am part of the Beta Tester program. The service, especially for frequent travelers, is really good.
Points in favor: -Large selection of servers available -Excellent speed -Regular security audits -Ability to create custom profiles based on your needs
Aspects for improvement: -Servers are not yet RAM-based -The adblock system could be more effective
If your main goal is absolute privacy, I recommend evaluating solutions such as Mullvad or IVPN. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a comprehensive service that is reliable and compatible with any device, Proton VPN is an excellent choice.
Remember: a VPN does not guarantee total anonymity. Everyone should choose the VPN that best suits their needs.
Proton VPN was the first VPN I used. Free Tier is usable if occational usage is sufficent. Can't tell about the Paid Tier. The do use many Third party Servers, which may have their own Network Telemetry (latency / timing Information).
Using Tor, Proton's system can identify patterns suggesting multiple accounts, leading to automatic locking your account.
Added context: BitcoinTalk Thread
What's the issue with that? every service gotta have their own patterns to prevent abuse, otherwise they would not be able to offer Tor services. Have you ever tried offering one? You could just create another account on another onion circuit, why give them 2 starts because of that?
My point is everytime i use tor to create account, its locked down immediately saying i have a already account.
Since this is old I will say this, that's they have anti-abuse mechanisms, and the combination of Tor is incompatible due to the fact that you can't register an account without having to see that kind of message. Without that anti-abuse, you would be free to make multiple accounts as much as you want, which is fine since those accounts get deleted for being unused and inactive btw. But with Tor, it makes you anonymous, not only does that mean that you can register via Tor, it provides a benefit for anonymity and piece of mind. But Anti-Abuse and Tor combined is a no-no, you gotta choose wisely, Anti-abuse, or accept Tor registrations, they don't come hand to hand. I hope this message finds helpful to anyone out there.
I was long term user of Proton but they goes crazy for entire "Proton Suite" now. And for VPN, they use LUKS encrypted server instead of diskless, which is very insecure operation for proxy. Use just for port-forwarding.
Added context: It's true that ProtonVPN uses LUKS encrypted disks. See source.
I bought their service for 1 year when there was a discount, and I am really satisfied. They do offer port forwarding, basically a random port assigned by them to you, A LOT of servers around the world, but the speeds are inconsistent, and they don't offer any good obfuscation protocols for people in restricted countries.