Proton VPN has firmly established itself as a leading player in the VPN market, renowned for its impressive speed and robust security features. Its Swiss base is a significant advantage, as Switzerland is celebrated for its stringent privacy laws and lack of intelligence-sharing agreements, making it a sanctuary for data protection.
In our assessment of Proton VPN’s mobile applications, we found that it stands out among its competitors, particularly on Android. The app excels in providing a seamless user experience, ensuring that essential features remain consistent across platforms. Users can appreciate its intuitive interface, which is complemented by the provider’s strong privacy credentials and a suite of security functionalities designed for on-device use.
What features does Proton’s Android VPN app include?
While Proton VPN is widely recognized for its security and speed, its feature set is equally noteworthy. The Android app is equipped with a variety of functionalities, including:
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-secure-core”>Secure Core
The Secure Core feature exemplifies Proton VPN’s commitment to user anonymity. By routing connections through multiple servers located in privacy-friendly countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland, it provides an additional layer of protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-netshield-ad-blocker”>NetShield Ad-blocker
Enhance your browsing experience with the NetShield Ad-blocker, which effectively targets harmful ads and trackers while also identifying websites that may host malware.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-kill-switch”>Kill switch
A fundamental feature of any reliable VPN, Proton’s kill switch ensures that in the rare event of a connection drop, your internet access is immediately halted. This crucial mechanism minimizes the risk of data exposure during those vulnerable moments.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-alternative-routing”>Alternative routing
For users in regions where VPN usage is restricted, Proton VPN’s alternative routing tool offers a solution. It enables the establishment of an encrypted connection through different networks, effectively circumventing governmental or ISP-imposed blocks.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-split-tunneling”>Split tunneling
Proton VPN provides advanced split tunneling options, allowing users on Windows and Android to select specific apps or IP addresses to tunnel through the VPN. Mac users currently have the option to split tunnel only apps, giving them some flexibility in their connection preferences.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-vpn-accelerator”>VPN Accelerator
One of the reasons Proton VPN is celebrated for its speed is the innovative VPN Accelerator. This feature claims to enhance connection speeds across all servers and protocols by over 400%, making it a top choice for users seeking high-performance VPN services.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-p2p-support”>P2P support
For those engaged in file sharing, Proton VPN’s P2P servers offer a secure environment for torrenting, allowing users to share files without exposing their IP addresses.
What version of Android do I need to get the Proton VPN mobile app?
To install the Proton VPN Android app, your device must be running Android 8 or a later version. You can verify your device’s compatibility by navigating to Settings > About Phone > Android Version, although the exact location may vary based on your smartphone’s brand and model.
How to install the Proton VPN Android app
- Visit the Play Store
- Search for ‘Proton VPN’
- Tap on Install
- Once installed, launch the app and sign in with your credentials or choose one of its plans
- You can also opt to log in as a guest to access Proton VPN Free’s features (Note: not all features listed above are included in the Free plan)
- Tap on Connect
- The first time you do this, you’ll be prompted to allow the app to configure your settings
- Tap OK
- Once connected, the interface will turn green
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
