If you’ve ever looked into online privacy, you’ve probably run into two extremes: either crazy expensive premium VPN services, or sketchy “free” alternatives that are actually selling your data to third parties. And then there’s the third option – waiting for the right moment.
That moment just happened. ProtonVPN, the Swiss giant in digital security, just announced their biggest Black Friday discount ever: 75% off regular price. We’re talking about a drop from $5.49 to just $2.49 per month on a two-year plan.
👉 Get ProtonVPN with 75% off – valid until January 5, 2026
1. What Makes ProtonVPN Stand Out Among Hundreds of VPN Services?

In a space flooded with VPN providers – I’d estimate over 300 active services exist – standing out is nearly impossible. But ProtonVPN pulled it off, and not through marketing tricks, but through fundamental values:
Born in the Scientific Community
ProtonVPN isn’t the product of some marketing team that decided to “make a VPN” one day. Its origins trace back to scientists and engineers from CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), who originally developed ProtonMail as a response to the mass surveillance revealed by Edward Snowden.
What does this mean in practice?
- Zero-knowledge architecture – nobody, including the operator, has access to your data
- Open-source code – anyone can verify there are no backdoors
- Independent audits – regular checks by third-party security firms
- Non-profit philosophy – the company is registered as a public benefit corporation
The Swiss Advantage
Being headquartered in Switzerland isn’t just prestige. It’s a deliberate strategic choice because of some of the strictest privacy laws on the planet. ProtonVPN doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of:
- USA (no obligation to retain data under the PATRIOT Act)
- EU (outside the data retention directive)
- UK (outside the Investigatory Powers Act)
- 14 Eyes alliance (western intelligence alliance)

2. Switzerland Isn’t Random: Why Jurisdiction Actually Matters
The “No-Logs Policy” Actually Works
Lots of VPN services claim they don’t keep logs. ProtonVPN can legally guarantee it thanks to Swiss law. In Switzerland, there’s no requirement to retain user activity logs, and ProtonVPN takes full advantage of this:
What ProtonVPN NEVER records NO:
- websites visited
- IP addresses
- connection times
- bandwidth
- DNS requests

What ProtonVPN does record (for service functionality):
- Timestamp of last successful login (1 entry)
- That’s it.

When the Government Comes Calling
Several times in ProtonVPN’s history, they’ve faced legal requests from various governments.
Thanks to Swiss jurisdiction and their no-logs policy, they’ve always been able to respond: “We don’t have anything to provide.” And that’s not just a marketing line – it’s reality backed by legal framework.
3. Global Access Without Compromise: From Tokyo to New York

Network Covering the Entire Planet
With 15,831+ servers in 126 countries, ProtonVPN has one of the most extensive VPN networks in the world. But numbers alone don’t cut it – it’s the quality of these servers that counts:
- North America: 2,200+ servers (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- Europe: 8,500+ servers (including less common locations like Iceland, Moldova)
- Asia-Pacific: 3,100+ servers (Japan, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, India)
- South America: 450+ servers (Brazil, Argentina, Chile)
- Africa & Middle East: 300+ servers (South Africa, Israel, UAE)
Streaming Without Borders
One of the main reasons people get VPNs is access to geo-restricted content. ProtonVPN has dedicated streaming servers for these platforms:
Supported streaming services:
- Netflix (USA, UK, Japan, Germany, France, and 15+ other regions)
- Disney+ (all available countries)
- Amazon Prime Video (multi-region access)
- HBO Max / Max (USA, EU)
- Hulu (USA)
- BBC iPlayer (UK)
- DAZN (sports – all regions)
- ESPN+ (USA)
Reality, Not Promises
I tested streaming through ProtonVPN over the past two weeks on various platforms:
| Platform | Region | Load Time | Video Quality | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix US | USA | 2.1 seconds | 4K HDR | ✅ Works |
| Disney+ UK | Britain | 1.8 seconds | 4K | ✅ Works |
| HBO Max | USA | 2.5 seconds | Full HD | ✅ Works |
| Amazon Prime | Japan | 3.2 seconds | Full HD | ✅ Works |
No sudden interruptions, no VPN detection, no buffering. It just works.
4. Real-World Speeds: Tested in Practice, Not a Lab

Why VPN Speed Isn’t Just About Numbers
Most VPN reviews will show you a chart with numbers like “500 Mbps download.” But what does that mean for the average user? Almost nothing. That’s why I ran tests in real-world conditions:
Test 1: Regular Connection (100 Mbps Fiber)
Test conditions:
- Base speed without VPN: 100 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up
- Location: Europe
- Server: Nearest available (automatic selection)
- Protocol: WireGuard
Results:
| Metric | Without VPN | With ProtonVPN | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download | 100 Mbps | 94 Mbps | 6% |
| Upload | 50 Mbps | 48 Mbps | 4% |
| Ping | 12 ms | 15 ms | +3 ms |
| Jitter | 2 ms | 2 ms | 0% |
Bottom line: Speed loss is negligible and you won’t notice it in regular use.
Test 2: Long Distance (Europe → USA)
Test conditions:
- Base speed without VPN: 100 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up
- Location: Europe → USA East Coast
- Protocol: WireGuard
Results:
| Metric | Without VPN | With ProtonVPN | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download | 100 Mbps | 78 Mbps | 22% |
| Upload | 50 Mbps | 42 Mbps | 16% |
| Ping | 95 ms | 112 ms | +17 ms |
Bottom line: Even across the ocean, the connection stays usable for HD streaming.
Test 3: Secure Core (Maximum Security)
ProtonVPN offers a Secure Core feature that routes your traffic through two servers – first a Swiss secured server, then to your target location. It’s an added layer of protection, but what about speed?
Results:
| Metric | Regular Connection | Secure Core | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download | 94 Mbps | 68 Mbps | 28% |
| Upload | 48 Mbps | 39 Mbps | 19% |
| Ping | 15 ms | 45 ms | +30 ms |
Bottom line: Yeah, it’s slower. But for high-stakes security situations (investigative journalists, activists, whistleblowers), it’s worth it.
WireGuard vs. OpenVPN: Protocol Showdown
ProtonVPN supports both main VPN protocols. What’s the difference?
| Protocol | Download | Upload | Ping | Battery | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | 94 Mbps | 48 Mbps | 15 ms | Saves | Recommended |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | 79 Mbps | 41 Mbps | 19 ms | Normal | For compatibility |
| OpenVPN (TCP) | 71 Mbps | 38 Mbps | 22 ms | Normal | For restricted networks |
Verdict: WireGuard is the clear winner for everyday use.
4. Plus Plan: Complete Feature List for $2.49
What You Get with the Plus Plan
ProtonVPN has three tiers: Free, Plus, and Unlimited (bundle). During Black Friday, the Plus plan is an absolute no-brainer. Here’s the complete list:
🔐 Security Features
| Feature | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| AES-256 encryption | Military-grade encryption | ✅ |
| Perfect Forward Secrecy | Each session has unique key | ✅ |
| Secure Core | Double routing through Switzerland | ✅ |
| TOR over VPN | Next-level anonymity | ✅ |
| Kill Switch | Automatic disconnect on VPN failure | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | Choose apps outside VPN | ✅ |
| DNS leak protection | Protection against DNS leaks | ✅ |
Access and Connectivity
| Feature | Free | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Server count | 100+ servers in 3 countries | 15,831+ servers in 126 countries |
| Speed | Medium | Maximum |
| Simultaneous devices | 1 device | 10 devices |
| Streaming servers | ❌ | ✅ |
| P2P/Torrent | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ad-blocker (NetShield) | ❌ | ✅ |
Advanced Tools
NetShield Ad-blocker Integrated DNS-level ad blocker that works system-wide – not just in your browser. Blocks:
- 📛 Ads
- Malware domains
- Tracking cookies
- Analytics scripts
Port Forwarding For advanced users who need to receive incoming connections (gaming, servers, P2P).
VPN Accelerator ProtonVPN’s proprietary technology that increases connection speed up to 400% over long distances.
Proton Ecosystem Integration
If you already use other Proton services (ProtonMail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass), Plus VPN integrates seamlessly:
- One account for everything
- Unified billing (one invoice)
- Cross-platform synchronization
- Shared security dashboard
5. Black Friday Calculator: How Much You’re Actually Saving

Price Comparison Before and After Discount
| Plan Length | Regular Price | Black Friday Price | Savings | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 months | $240 | $60 | $180 | $2.49 |
| 12 months | $120 | $48 | $72 | $3.99 |
| 1 month | $9.99 | $9.9 | – | $9.99 |
Competition Comparison
How does ProtonVPN stack up against other premium services during Black Friday?
| Provider | Regular Price | Black Friday | Monthly | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | $5.49 | $2.49 | $9.99 | 75% |
| NordVPN | $3.99 | $2.99 | $10.75 | 77% |
| ExpressVPN | $4.99 | $3.49 | $14.99 | 73% |
| Surfshark | $4.59 | $2.19 | $11.99 | 87% |
| CyberGhost | $4.19 | $2.19 | $9.99 | 83% |
Note: Prices are approximate and may change throughout Black Friday.
Long-Term Savings Calculator
What if you continued after the 2-year plan ended?
Scenario A: You Buy Black Friday 2025 (24 months for $60)
- Years 1-2: $60 total
- Years 3-4: Assume regular price $240
- Total for 4 years: $300
Scenario B: You Don’t Buy Black Friday (regular price)
- Years 1-2: $240
- Years 3-4: $240
- Total for 4 years: $480
Difference: You save $180 just in the first 24 months.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Not sure? ProtonVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can:
- Buy the two-year plan for $180
- Try the service for a full month
- If you’re not satisfied, get a full refund
No risk, conditions and no questions asked.
6. Who Should Get ProtonVPN?
Profile 1: Digital Nomad / Frequent Traveler
Needs:
- Access to home services from abroad
- Secure connection on public WiFi
- Stable connectivity in different countries
Why ProtonVPN:
- Servers in 126 countries = connection from anywhere
- Kill Switch protects even on sketchy public networks
- Mobile apps with auto-connect
Example use case: Maria is a freelance consultant who travels 8 months a year. She needs access to her bank account (which blocks access from abroad), streaming for evening relaxation, and secure connection when working from hotel WiFi. ProtonVPN gives her all of this on 10 devices simultaneously.
Profile 2: Privacy Enthusiast
Needs:
- Absolute online privacy
- Protection from data collection
- Independence from Big Tech
Why ProtonVPN:
- Swiss jurisdiction outside 14 Eyes
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- Open-source + independent audits
- No telemetry, no tracking cookies
Example use case: James is a teacher interested in digital rights. He doesn’t want his ISP, government, or ad networks knowing what he does online. ProtonVPN gives him confidence that his online activity stays private.
Profile 3: Streaming Enthusiast
Needs:
- Access to international Netflix, Disney+, etc. libraries
- Stable speed for 4K streaming
- No buffering
Why ProtonVPN:
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Supports all major platforms
- WireGuard speed for 4K
Example use case: Sophie loves anime and J-dramas, which are primarily available on Netflix Japan. With ProtonVPN, she connects to a Japanese server and has access to thousands of titles not available in her country.
Profile 4: Family
Needs:
- Protection for all family members
- Easy control for less tech-savvy users
- One subscription for everyone
Why ProtonVPN:
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Apps for all platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux)
- NetShield blocks ads and malware for the whole family
- Parental controls (via Secure Core)
Example use case: The Smith family has 4 members and each has at least 2 devices (phone + laptop/tablet). With one ProtonVPN Plus account, everyone can safely use the internet simultaneously, stream, and the kids are protected from inappropriate content.
Profile 5: Torrenter / P2P User
Needs:
- P2P friendly servers
- High speed for large files
- Protection from ISP throttling
Why ProtonVPN:
- P2P allowed on all Plus servers
- Port forwarding for better connectivity
- No logs = privacy protection
- Kill Switch in case of failure
Example use case: Alex is a film buff who downloads legal public domain films via torrents. His ISP throttles P2P traffic, but with ProtonVPN this restriction disappears and he downloads at full speed.
Profile 6: Corporate Remote Worker
Needs:
- Secured connection to corporate network
- Protection of sensitive data
- GDPR/HIPAA compliance
Why ProtonVPN:
- Business-grade encryption
- Option to use custom DNS
- Kill Switch protects against data leaks
- Secure Core for extra sensitive data
Example use case: Linda works remote for a healthcare company and daily accesses patient data. HIPAA compliance requires encrypted connection. ProtonVPN meets all security requirements and is cheaper than corporate VPN solutions.
7. Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
Why Buy Right Now?
- 75% discount is historically the highest – ProtonVPN has never offered such a discount before
- Price is locked for 24 months – prices will go up in the future, you’ll pay $2.49
- Black Friday ends January 5, 2026 – after this date, price jumps back to $5.49
- 30-day money-back guarantee – you can try it risk-free
Quick Checklist: Is ProtonVPN for You?
Answer these questions:
- Want to protect your online privacy?
- Travel or work remotely?
- Stream content from different countries?
- Use public WiFi networks?
- Want to avoid ISP throttling?
- Download torrents?
- Want to block ads and trackers?
If you answered “yes” to 3+ questions, ProtonVPN is the right choice.
8. How to Get the Most Out of ProtonVPN?
Tip 1: Use WireGuard Protocol It’s the fastest and most modern. Find it in app settings.
Tip 2: Turn On NetShield The integrated ad-blocker works system-wide, not just in the browser. Find in settings → Features → NetShield.
Tip 3: Set Up Kill Switch If the VPN drops, Kill Switch immediately disconnects the internet and prevents data leaks. Find in settings → Connection → Kill Switch.
Tip 4: Use Secure Core for Sensitive Activities When working with banking data, health records, or sensitive communication, turn on Secure Core for double protection.
Tip 5: Use Split Tunneling Some apps (like banking apps) sometimes don’t work through VPN. Split Tunneling lets you choose which apps go through VPN and which don’t.
Tip 6: Connect All 10 Devices Don’t think about which device to protect. Connect everything: phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, gaming console…
Common Warnings to Avoid
“Free VPN” Services If you’re not paying with money, you’re paying with data. Free VPN services almost always:
- Sell your data
- Inject ads
- Have slow servers
- Log your activity
VPN with Questionable Jurisdiction Avoid VPN services based in:
- China (mandatory backdoors)
- Russia (government surveillance)
- USA (PATRIOT Act, FISA courts)
- 14 Eyes countries (intelligence cooperation)
“Unlimited” Free Trial If a VPN offers an “unlimited free trial” without a credit card, there’s a good chance they’ll track you and sell your data.
Suspiciously Cheap “Lifetime” Offers “VPN for life for $39” sounds tempting, but how does such a company make money? Usually by selling data or users are part of a botnet.
9. Final Verdict
ProtonVPN at $2.49 per month is one of the best investments in digital privacy you can make in 2025.
It combines:
- Swiss security
- Global availability (126 countries)
- Premium speed
- Zero-logs policy
- Open-source transparency
- 10 simultaneous connections
And now it’s all available for the price of one coffee per month.
The sale ends January 5, 2026. After this date, the price jumps back to $5.49/month and you won’t get this chance again.
10. Other Premium VPN Services with Black Friday Deals
If you’re interested in other VPN services, here’s a breakdown of current Black Friday offers from other top providers:
NordVPN – 77% Off + 3 Months Free
One of the most popular VPN services with over 8.218+ servers in 126 countries. Known for its speed and NordLynx protocol.
SurfShark – 87% Off + 3 Months Free
Great budget-friendly choice with unlimited simultaneous devices. Perfect for large families.
ExpressVPN – 73% Off + 4 Months Free
Premium VPN focused on maximum speed and reliability. Has its own Lightway protocol.
👉 Try ExpressVPN with discount
CyberGhost – 82% Off + 2 Months Free
User-friendly VPN with over 12,000 servers. Great choice for beginners.
👉 Try CyberGhost with discount
PIA VPN – 85% Off + 2 Months Free
Private Internet Access offers advanced features and open-source apps with a focus on transparency.
IPVanish – 83% Off
Owns and operates its entire server network, ensuring high speed and security.
Note: All these services offer money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ProtonVPN in China or other countries with censorship?
Yes, ProtonVPN has special obfuscation that masks VPN traffic to bypass the Great Firewall of China. However, we recommend downloading the app BEFORE traveling to a country with censorship.
Does ProtonVPN work on routers?
Yes, you can configure ProtonVPN on routers that support OpenVPN or WireGuard. This protects all devices in your household.
What’s the difference between Plus and Unlimited plans?
Plus includes just VPN. Unlimited includes VPN + ProtonMail + Proton Drive + Proton Pass + Proton Calendar. If you want the entire ecosystem, Unlimited is a better deal.
Can I switch servers unlimited?
Yes, with the Plus plan you have unlimited switching between all 15,831+ servers.
What if I’m not satisfied?
30-day money-back guarantee. Contact support, get a full refund, no questions asked.
Does ProtonVPN support torrents?
Yes, P2P is allowed on all Plus servers. Plus you can use Port Forwarding for better connectivity.
Can ProtonVPN see my data?
No. Thanks to zero-knowledge architecture, ProtonVPN has no technical ability to see what you do online. Even if someone forced them, they have nothing to provide.
Note: This article contains affiliate links to ProtonVPN and other VPN services. If you purchase any of these services through our links, we may receive a small commission that helps us keep the site running. The price stays the same for you and our recommendations are always independent and based on real tests.



