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Free Proton VPN alternatives

Top VPN like Proton VPN

The most popular alternative to Proton VPN is Windscribe, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Proton VPN are Cloudflare WARP, TunnelBear, and Tor Browser.

Most alternatives to Proton VPN are in the VPN category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Proton VPN alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Proton VPN alternatives

  1. Windscribe

    4.6(35.3K) · App Store

    Windscribe is a Canadian VPN service with a free plan that includes a monthly data allowance and a choice of locations, along with paid plans and a build-your-own option billed per location. Its apps include a firewall that acts as a kill switch, split tunneling, WireGuard and R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable DNS blocker for ads, trackers and malware.

    10 Windscribe alternatives

    Pros

    • Free plan with a monthly data allowance and several locations
    • R.O.B.E.R.T. offers customizable DNS blocking of ads and malware
    • Build-your-own plan lets you pay only for the locations you need

    Cons

    • Free data allowance is too small for heavy use
    • Many options and some jargon can confuse newcomers
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidBrowser extension
    Features
    Built-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunnelingWireGuard protocol
    Visit websiteMore about Windscribe

  2. Cloudflare WARP

    Cloudflare WARP, delivered through the 1.1.1.1 app, encrypts traffic between your device and Cloudflare's network and uses its 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver. Unlike a classic VPN, it does not let you pick a server country or hide your general location, so it is meant for securing connections on public networks rather than unblocking content. The base service is free, and WARP+ is a paid upgrade.

    7 Cloudflare WARP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free base service with no data cap
    • Encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi with minimal setup
    • Built on WireGuard and Cloudflare's network for low overhead

    Cons

    • Cannot pick a server country or unblock streaming content
    • Does not hide your general location like a classic VPN
    • All traffic goes through Cloudflare, so you must trust one company
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Ad-freeMobile appWireGuard protocol
    Visit websiteMore about Cloudflare WARP

  3. TunnelBear

    4.7(85.1K) · App Store

    TunnelBear is a consumer VPN owned by McAfee, known for its playful bear-themed design and straightforward apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and browsers. It has published independent security audits and offers a free plan with a limited monthly data allowance, plus paid plans with unlimited data. Apps include a kill switch (VigilantBear) and, on some platforms, split tunneling (SplitBear).

    7 TunnelBear alternatives

    Pros

    • Friendly, playful design that suits VPN beginners
    • Independent security audits have been published
    • Free plan to try the service without paying

    Cons

    • Free plan's monthly data allowance runs out quickly
    • Smaller server network and fewer advanced settings than rivals
    • No Linux app, and split tunneling only on some platforms
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    VPN
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhoneAndroidBrowser extension
    Features
    Kill switchNo-logs policySplit tunneling
    Visit websiteMore about TunnelBear

  4. Tor Browser

    Tor Browser is a free, open source browser from the nonprofit Tor Project that sends your traffic through the volunteer-run Tor network, hiding your IP address from the sites you visit and your browsing from your network provider. Based on Firefox ESR, it isolates each site, resists fingerprinting by making users look alike, clears history on exit and can open .onion services.

    7 Tor Browser alternatives

    Pros

    • Hides your IP address by routing traffic through the Tor network
    • Fingerprinting resistance makes users look alike
    • Built-in access to .onion services

    Cons

    • Browsing is noticeably slower because of multi-relay routing
    • Many sites block Tor or show frequent CAPTCHAs
    • No official app for iPhone
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Web Browsers
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    Ad-freePrivate browsingTracker blocking
    Visit websiteMore about Tor Browser

Proton VPN vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Proton VPN, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Proton VPN vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBuilt-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunnelingStreaming unblocking
Proton VPNFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
WindscribeFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Cloudflare WARPFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
TunnelBearFreemiumWindows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Tor BrowserFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android

Proton VPN alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Proton VPN?

The most popular alternative to Proton VPN is Windscribe: VPN with a free plan, a built-in firewall and DNS-level blocking. Other great alternatives are Cloudflare WARP, TunnelBear, and Tor Browser.

Is there a free alternative to Proton VPN?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Windscribe, Cloudflare WARP, TunnelBear, and Tor Browser.

Is there an open source alternative to Proton VPN?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: Tor Browser.

Is Proton VPN free?

Proton VPN has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Proton VPN with its alternatives

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