1Password
AgileBits · Security
Polished paid password manager with a free trial.
PaidWindows · Mac · Linux
Proton VPN
by Proton AG · Security & privacy
FreemiumWindowsMacLinux
VPN with a free plan that has no data limit.
Opens protonvpn.com, Proton AG's own site. No mirror, no bundle.
Overview
What is Proton VPN?
Proton VPN's free plan has no data cap or ads but fewer server choices. Its apps are open source and independently audited. Paid plans add more countries and streaming support.
Key features
- Free plan without data limits
- Open-source, audited apps
- Kill switch
- Secure Core multi-hop (paid)
Best for
- Safer public Wi-Fi
- A free VPN without data caps
- Privacy-conscious users
Included in starter kits
Install
How to install Proton VPN
- 1Open the official Proton VPN download page on protonvpn.com.
- 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
- 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
- 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.
Install from the command line
Windows · winget
winget install --id Proton.ProtonVPN -e --source wingetMac · Homebrew
brew install --cask protonvpnLinux · Flatpak (Flathub)
flatpak install flathub com.protonvpn.www
Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.
Safety
Download Proton VPN safely
Check the domain
The real download lives on protonvpn.com. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.
Skip mirrors
Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.
Verify if you can
If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.
Watch the installer
Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.
Alternatives
Proton VPN alternatives
Other security & privacy apps, closest platform match first.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden · Security
Open-source password manager with a generous free plan.
Open sourceWindows · Mac · LinuxKeePassXC
KeePassXC team · Security
Offline password manager that stores your vault as a local file.
Open sourceWindows · Mac · LinuxVeraCrypt
IDRIX · Security
Disk and container encryption for sensitive files.
Open sourceWindows · Mac · LinuxWireGuard
WireGuard project · Security
Fast, modern VPN protocol and client for your own tunnels.
Open sourceWindows · Mac · LinuxMalwarebytes
Malwarebytes · Security
Malware scanner and remover; free on-demand scans, paid real-time protection.
FreemiumWindows · Mac
FAQ
Proton VPN questions
Where can I download Proton VPN safely?
Download Proton VPN only from Proton AG's official site at protonvpn.com. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.
Is Proton VPN free?
Proton VPN has a free plan with limits, and paid plans or upgrades for more features. Check protonvpn.com for current pricing.
Does Proton VPN work on Windows, Mac and Linux?
Proton VPN is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check Proton AG's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.
Can I install Proton VPN from the command line?
Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Proton.ProtonVPN -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask protonvpn); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub com.protonvpn.www). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.
What are good alternatives to Proton VPN?
See the alternatives section on this page and the full security & privacy list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.