Proton VPN pricing in 2026: every plan, what it costs and who it suits
Let's put real numbers on Proton VPN and what each plan gets you. A vpn tool, Proton VPN comes with a free plan. The paid plans below reflect its published pricing when this page was written.
The only major VPN combining fully open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a no-data-cap free tier. Proton VPN leads with a free tier, which is handy for validating fit on a real task. Swiss-based, open-source audited apps, genuinely usable free tier and Secure Core multi-hop routing.
Plans & pricing tiers
| Plan | Price (approx.) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited data, 1 device, limited locations |
| Plus (2-year) | ~$4.99/mo | Often bundled in Proton Unlimited |
These numbers are approximate and shift as vendors revise plans, so double-check the latest on the official site before buying.
Prices verified 2026-06-28 from public vendor pricing. Plans and prices change — always confirm on the vendor's own site. No price here is guaranteed.
What you're paying for
What the paid plans put in your hands with Proton VPN:
- Secure Core multi-hop routing through hardened servers in Switzerland/Iceland/Sweden
- Genuinely unlimited-data free tier (1 device, limited countries)
- NetShield DNS-level ad/tracker/malware blocker
- Open-source apps on every platform
- Stealth/obfuscation protocol and Tor-over-VPN
Not every feature ships on every plan; the tier table shows where each one unlocks.
Which plan to pick
Proton VPN is built for privacy-focused users and those wanting a trustworthy free VPN with upgrade room. That points most buyers to the Plus (2-year) plan (~$4.99/mo) as a starting point, with a step up only when free-tier forces it.
Is Proton VPN worth it?
Paid access starts at roughly $4.99 per month. Most buyers focused on privacy land on the entry or mid tier; the jump to a higher plan tends to be about free-tier rather than core features. Because there is a free plan, you can validate fit before paying anything. On a tight budget, line the cheapest paid plan up against the alternatives first.
Pricing watch-outs
- Free tier limited to one device and a few countries.
- Passed its 5th annual independent no-logs audit; apps audited (latest by Securitum, Aug 2025).
Drawn from independent reviews and the vendor's own plan details (see sources below).
With Proton VPN, cost is driven more by the plan you choose than by raw usage, which makes budgeting simpler than with seat- or usage-metered tools.
Pricing FAQ
Does Proton VPN have a free plan?
Yes — Proton VPN offers a free plan or free tier, so you can start without paying. Paid tiers add capacity and advanced features.
How much does Proton VPN cost?
Its cheapest paid plan, Plus (2-year), lists at ~$4.99/mo. Paid access starts at roughly $4.99 per month. The exact bill depends on billing cycle and how many seats or how much usage you need.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Proton VPN?
Yes — several vpn tools do the same job at lower entry prices; our Proton VPN alternatives roundup compares them side by side.
Is Proton VPN worth the price for privacy?
For privacy it generally earns its cost at the entry tier; if that's only a side need, weigh it against a cheaper specialist first.
Which Proton VPN plan should I choose?
If you fit that profile, begin on the Plus (2-year) plan (~$4.99/mo) and upgrade later, when free-tier becomes a real constraint.
Sources
We pulled the Proton VPN pricing and feature details here from these primary and third-party sources: