Snelstart
This guide covers every ProtonVPN feature:
- Aan de slag — Download, install, and sign in
- Hoe gebruik je Hide Your IP? — Get a new IP address in one click
- How to Use Swiss Legal Protection — Store your data under Swiss privacy law
- How to Use No-Logs Policy — Browse without stored connection records
- How to Use NetShield Ad-blocker — Blokkeer advertenties en trackers op DNS-niveau
- Hoe DNS-lekbeveiliging te gebruiken — Stop DNS requests escaping the tunnel
- How to Use Verified No-Logs Policy — Trust audited, open-source privacy claims
- Hoe VPN-versneller te gebruiken — Recover speed lost to encryption overhead
- How to Use Secure Core Architecture — Route traffic through hardened Proton data centers
Benodigde tijd: 5 minuten per film
Ook in deze handleiding: Professionele tips | Veelgemaakte fouten | Probleemoplossing | Prijzen | Alternatieven
Waarom zou je deze gids vertrouwen?
I have run ProtonVPN for two years across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Every step here comes from my own screens, not a press kit.
Proton VPN is an open-source VPN built for people who care about online privacy.
Most users install it, hit connect, and never touch the rest.
This step by step guide shows you how to use ProtonVPN properly.
Setup first, then every feature worth knowing.
ProtonVPN-handleiding
This How to Use ProtonVPN tutorial walks through the installation process, then each feature in the order a new user actually needs them.
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based, open-source, and independently audited. Proton VPN runs over 3,000 servers in more than 70 countries, with a free plan that has no data cap. Start free, upgrade only if you need Secure Core and NetShield.
Aan de slag met ProtonVPN
Before any feature, do this one-time setup.
Het duurt ongeveer drie minuten.
Step 1: Create Your Proton Account
Go to the official Proton VPN website and click Sign Up.
Enter your email address and a password to create your proton account.
The same login also works for Proton Mail and Proton Drive.
✓ Controlepunt: Controleer uw inbox for the confirmation email.
Step 2: Download Proton VPN for Your Device
Proton VPN supports all the major operating systems, so pick the build that matches your device.
Windows and macOS users grab the installation file from the download page.
Android users get the app from the Google Play Store, and iOS users from the App Store.
On Linux, add a new connection in the system menu or use the terminal with administrator privileges.
Here is the setup I run day to day:
✓ Controlepunt: The app opens and shows the world map with a server list.
Step 3: Log In and Connect
Run the installer file and follow the prompts to finish the installation process.
Log in with your account details, then press the Quick Connect button.
Free users can tap the Get Proton Free button to stay on the free version with unlimited data.
✅ Klaar: You have a working vpn connection and can use any feature below.
How to Hide ProtonVPN IP
Verberg je IP-adres lets you mask your real location behind a new IP address in seconds.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Open the ProtonVPN App
Launch the ProtonVPN app on your desktop or phone.
Sign in with your Proton account email and password.
Step 2: Hit the Quick Connect Button
Click the Quick Connect button on the main screen.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: A green connected banner and a country flag at the top of the app.
Step 3: Check Your New IP
Search “what is my IP” in your browser after you connect.
✅ Resultaat: Your real IP is hidden and every request now leaves from the VPN server.
💡 Pro-tip: Free users get five countries in the free plan, so pick the one closest to you for better upload speeds.
How to Use ProtonVPN Swiss Legal Protector
Zwitserse rechtsbescherming lets you keep your data under Switzerland’s strict privacy law instead of weaker jurisdictions.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Check Your Account Region
Open Account in the app menu and review your Proton account details.
Your account sits with Proton in Geneva regardless of where you live.
Step 2: Pick a Swiss Server
Open the server list and filter the server locations for Switzerland.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: Switzerland shows as your active vpn server located in the connection bar.
Step 3: Save It as a Profile
Open the Profiles tab and save Switzerland as a named profile.
✅ Resultaat: Your vpn tunnel now terminates inside one of the strongest privacy jurisdictions on earth.
💡 Pro-tip: Turn on Two-Factor Authentication for your Proton account, since legal cover means little if your password leaks.
How to Use ProtonVPN No-Logs Policy
Geen-logboekbeleid laat je bladeren without the app storing user connection logs about where you go.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Read the Policy First
Open the privacy policy link inside the app settings menu.
It spells out exactly what Proton does and does not keep.
Step 2: Turn Off Crash Reports
Open Settings and disable optional usage data sharing.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: Usage data sharing shows as off inside the app settings panel.
Step 3: Connect and Move On
Connect to any vpn server and use the internet normally.
✅ Resultaat: Nothing about your browsing session is written down on Proton’s side.
💡 Pro-tip: Pair the no-logs policy with Proton Mail and Proton Drive to keep your whole digital life under one privacy roof.
How to Use ProtonVPN NetShield Ad-blocker
NetShield advertentieblokkering lets you strip ads, malware, and trackers before they ever load.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Open NetShield Settings
Click NetShield in the sidebar or the settings panel.
NetShield is available to paid users on Plus and Proton Unlimited.
Step 2: Choose a Blocking Level
Pick malware only, or malware plus ads and trackers.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: The NetShield panel starts counting blocked trackers and ads.
Step 3: Reconnect to Apply It
Disconnect and reconnect so the filter loads on your vpn connection.
✅ Resultaat: Ads and tracking scripts die at the DNS level before they touch your device.
💡 Pro-tip: If a site breaks, drop back to malware-only blocking instead of turning NetShield off completely.
How to Use ProtonVPN DNS Leak Protector
DNS-lekbeveiliging lets you keep every lookup inside the vpn tunnel instead of leaking to your provider.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Connect First
Connect to any Proton VPN server before you test anything.
Step 2: Run a Leak Test
Visit a DNS leak test site and run the extended check.
Only Proton-owned resolvers should appear in the results.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: The leak test lists Proton servers only, never your home provider.
Step 3: Add Custom DNS if Needed
Advanced users can set custom DNS entries in the settings panel.
✅ Resultaat: Your lookups stay inside the vpn tunnel from end to end.
💡 Pro-tip: Re-run the test after every major operating system update, since updates sometimes reset network settings.
How to Use ProtonVPN VPN Accelerator
VPN-versneller lets you claw back the speed most VPN apps quietly cost you.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Enable the Accelerator
Open Settings and switch VPN Accelerator on.
It is on by default in most recent builds.
Step 2: Switch to WireGuard
Select WireGuard in the protocol menu for the best speed and security.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: Your speed test result climbs noticeably after the protocol switch.
Step 3: Watch the Server Load
Pick a server showing under 50 percent server load.
✅ Resultaat: You get near-native speeds on a private connection, even across continents.
💡 Pro-tip: If your current server feels slow, connect to one at least 10 numbers away to dodge local bottlenecks.
How to Use ProtonVPN Core Architecture
Beveiligde kernarchitectuur lets you route traffic through hardened data centers before it exits.
Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.
Step 1: Open the Secure Core Tab
Click Secure Core in the left sidebar of the app.
Secure Core is part of the paid plans, not the free version.
Step 2: Pick Your Entry Country
Choose Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden as your entry point.
Zo ziet het eruit:
✓ Controlepunt: The app draws a two-hop line between your entry and exit servers.
Step 3: Choose the Exit Server
Select the country you want the internet to see.
✅ Resultaat: Your traffic passes through two servers, so no single exit point knows both ends.
💡 Pro-tip: Secure Core costs some speed, so save it for sensitive work and use standard servers for streaming.
ProtonVPN Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After two years with ProtonVPN, these are the shortcuts I actually use.
Toetsenbord sneltoetsen
| Actie | Snelkoppeling |
|---|---|
| Connect to fastest server | Ctrl + Q (Cmd + Q on Mac) |
| Verbinding verbreken | Ctrl + D (Cmd + D op Mac) |
| Open settings panel | Ctrl + , (Cmd + , op Mac) |
| Search the server list | Ctrl + F (Cmd + F op Mac) |
Verborgen functies die de meeste mensen over het hoofd zien
- Splittunneling: Send your banking app outside the vpn tunnel while everything else stays protected.
- Stealth protocol: Disguises VPN traffic as normal HTTPS so hotel and campus Wi-Fi stops blocking it.
- Router install: Put ProtonVPN on a compatible router and every device on the network is covered, including Android TV.
- Profiles tab: Save a country plus protocol combination and reconnect to it in one click.
- Browser extension: The Chrome and Firefox browser extensions protect web traffic without routing your whole device.
- Always on VPN: On Android, this setting will block connections that try to reach the internet outside the tunnel.
ProtonVPN Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Assuming the Kill Switch Is On
❌ Fout: Installing the app and expecting the kill switch to protect you by default.
✅ Rechts: Open Settings and switch the kill switch on manually after install, so a dropped vpn connection cuts internet access instead of exposing you.
Mistake #2: Always Picking the Farthest Server
❌ Fout: Choosing a vpn server on the other side of the planet for no reason.
✅ Rechts: Connect to a geographically closer server with a low usage load unless you specifically need that country.
Mistake #3: Running an Outdated App
❌ Fout: Skipping updates for months and blaming Proton when speeds drop.
✅ Rechts: Keep the app and your device firmware current so you get the newest security protocols and speed fixes.
ProtonVPN Troubleshooting
Problem: The VPN Connection Keeps Dropping
Oorzaak: An overloaded vpn server or an unstable Wi-Fi link.
Repareren: Switch to a server at least 10 numbers away from the current one, then reconnect.
Problem: A Website Says You Are Blocked
Oorzaak: The site recognises the exit IP as a shared VPN address.
Repareren: Try another vpn server in the same country, or switch to the Stealth protocol.
Problem: Slow Downloads and Upload Speeds
Oorzaak: A distant server, high server load, or an older protocol.
Repareren: Switch to WireGuard, check the server load figure, and confirm VPN Accelerator is enabled.
📌 Opmerking: If none of these fix it, paid users get live chat and everyone can use the Proton VPN Help and support page.
Wat is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is an open-source VPN that encrypts your web traffic and hides your real location.
Think of it like a sealed courier bag for everything your device sends.
It runs over 3,000 servers in more than 70 countries, from the same Swiss team behind Proton Mail.
Bekijk dit korte overzicht:
Het omvat de volgende belangrijke kenmerken:
- Verberg je IP-adres: Swaps your real IP for a server IP so sites cannot trace your web traffic back to you.
- Zwitserse rechtsbescherming: Proton is based in Switzerland, so no foreign agency can force a quiet handover of your data.
- Beleid inzake het niet bijhouden van logboeken: Proton keeps no user connection logs, so there is no session history to hand over or leak.
- NetShield Ad-blocker: NetShield blocks ads, malware, and trackers at the DNS level for cleaner, faster pages.
- DNS-lekbescherming: All lookups run through Proton’s own resolvers, so your provider never sees which sites you visit.
- Geverifieerd beleid zonder logbestanden: Proton VPN is open-source and independently audited, so outside experts check the claims for you.
- VPN-versneller: VPN Accelerator reworks how traffic is handled so distant servers stop feeling slow.
- Beveiligde kernarchitectuur: Secure Core sends your traffic through hardened data centers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden first.
Voor een volledige recensie, zie onze ProtonVPN review.
ProtonVPN-prijzen
Here is what ProtonVPN costs in 2026:
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0,00/maand | One device, unlimited data, servers in five countries |
| Plus | $2,99/maand | Paid users who want Secure Core, NetShield, and 10 apparaten |
| Onbeperkt | $7,99/maand | Proton Unlimited bundles VPN with Proton Mail and Proton Drive |
Gratis proefperiode: ProtonVPN free is permanent with no data cap, so there is no trial clock.
Geld-terug-garantie: Paid plans carry a 30-day refund window.
💰 Beste prijs-kwaliteitverhouding: Plus — it unlocks Secure Core, NetShield, and 10 simultaneous devices for the price of a coffee.
ProtonVPN vs Alternatives
How does ProtonVPN compare against the rest of the market?
Here is the short version before the full breakdown:
| Hulpmiddel | Het beste voor | Prijs | Beoordeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Privacy en gratis abonnement | $2,99/maand | ⭐ 4,5 |
| NordVPN | Streaming en snelheid | $3,39/maand | ⭐ 4.7 |
| ExpressVPN | Gebruiksgemak | $4,99/maand | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Surfhaai | Onbeperkt aantal apparaten | $2,19/maand | ⭐ 4,5 |
| CyberGhost | Labelled servers | $2,19/maand | ⭐ 4.4 |
| PureVPN | Budget contracts | $2.11/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Privé internettoegang | Manual control | $2,03/maand | ⭐ 4.3 |
| PrivadoVPN | Free tier rival | $1,11/maand | ⭐ 4.1 |
Snelle keuzes:
- Beste overall: ProtonVPN — audited, open-source, and based in Switzerland.
- Beste budget: PureVPN — long contracts drop the monthly cost sharply.
- Het meest geschikt voor beginners: ExpressVPN — one button and you are protected.
- Het meest geschikt voor streaming: NordVPN — the most reliable access to major libraries.
🎯 ProtonVPN Alternatives
Looking for ProtonVPN alternatives? Here are the options worth a look:
- 🚀 Nordvpn: Huge server list with strong streaming performance and consistently fast speeds worldwide.
- 🌟 ExpressVPN: Effortless vpn apps for every platform, with excellent support and reliable access abroad.
- 💰 PureVPN: Budget pricing with long-term deals, port forwarding, and a wide spread of server locations.
- 👶 SurfsharkVPN: Unlimited devices on one account, so families can cover every phone and laptop.
- 🎯 PrivadoVPN: Generous free tier with real streaming access, aimed at casual privacy users.
- ⚡ Adguard VPN: Lightweight browser extensions and apps built by a well-known ad-blocking team.
- 🔒 virtueel schild: Simple privacy bundle for beginners who want protection without touching settings.
- 🔧 sterke VPN: Straightforward apps with router support for people who want set-and-forget coverage.
- 🔥 snelste VPN: Cheap lifetime-style deals with decent speeds for basic browsing and downloads.
- 💼 auraVPN: Bundled with wider identity protection tools for households wanting one subscription.
- 📊 cyberghost: Purpose-built servers labelled for streaming, gaming, and torrenting workloads.
- 🏢 McAfee vpn: Comes packaged with mainstream antivirus, handy if you already pay for the suite.
- ⭐ private internet access: Deep configuration options and open-source apps for tinkerers who like control.
- 🧠 Mysterium: Decentralized network where residential nodes supply the exit IPs.
- 🎨 SafeShell VPN: Focused on streaming unblocking with region-specific modes for media apps.
- 🛡️ Oyster vpn: Smaller provider with clean apps and simple pricing for everyday privacy.
Voor de volledige lijst, zie onze Alternatieven voor ProtonVPN gids.
⚔️ ProtonVPN Compared
Here is how ProtonVPN stacks up head to head:
- ProtonVPN vs Nordvpn: NordVPN wins on raw server count and streaming; ProtonVPN wins on Swiss law and its audited free plan.
- ProtonVPN versus ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN feels slicker for beginners, but ProtonVPN costs far less and publishes its source code.
- ProtonVPN versus PureVPN: PureVPN undercuts on long contracts; ProtonVPN offers stronger audits and a genuinely usable free tier.
- ProtonVPN versus SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited devices; ProtonVPN caps at 10 but adds Secure Core and NetShield.
- ProtonVPN versus PrivadoVPN: Both run free tiers, but ProtonVPN’s has no data cap at all, which Privado cannot match.
- ProtonVPN vs adguard vpn: AdGuard focuses on browser extensions; ProtonVPN covers routers, Android TV, and full desktop apps.
- ProtonVPN vs virtual shield: Virtual Shield is simpler; ProtonVPN gives far more control over protocols and server locations.
- ProtonVPN vs strongvpn: StrongVPN is reliable but basic. ProtonVPN adds split tunneling, kill switch, and Secure Core routing.
- ProtonVPN vs fastestvpn: FastestVPN is cheaper up front; ProtonVPN has the audit history and no-logs record to back its claims.
- ProtonVPN vs auraVPN: Aura bundles identity monitoring; ProtonVPN stays focused on the vpn tunnel and does it better.
- ProtonVPN vs cyberghost: CyberGhost’s labelled servers help streaming picks; ProtonVPN leads on transparency and privacy law.
- ProtonVPN vs mcafee vpn: McAfee’s VPN is an add-on. ProtonVPN is a standalone product with far deeper security features.
- ProtonVPN vs private internet access: PIA offers more manual tuning; ProtonVPN balances control with a cleaner interface and Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN versus Mysterium: Mysterium’s node model suits niche needs; ProtonVPN gives predictable speeds and real support.
- ProtonVPN versus SafeShell VPN: SafeShell targets streaming only; ProtonVPN handles streaming plus serious privacy work.
- ProtonVPN vs Oyster vpn: Oyster is small and cheap; ProtonVPN brings audits, Swiss jurisdiction, and a far bigger server list.
Start Using ProtonVPN Now
You now know how to use ProtonVPN end to end:
- ✅ Verberg je IP-adres
- ✅ Swiss Legal Protection
- ✅ No-Logs Policy
- ✅ NetShield Ad-blocker
- ✅ Bescherming tegen DNS-lekken
- ✅ Verified No-Logs Policy
- ✅ VPN-versneller
- ✅ Secure Core Architecture
Volgende stap: Kies één functie en probeer die nu uit.
De meeste mensen beginnen met 'Verberg je IP-adres'.
Het duurt minder dan vijf minuten.
Everything above comes from using Proton VPN daily, not from the marketing page.
Veelgestelde vragen
Hoe gebruik ik Proton VPN stap voor stap?
Download Proton VPN, run the installer file, create a proton account, log in, then press the Quick Connect button. Turn on the kill switch in settings before you browse.
Hoe werkt Proton VPN?
It builds an encrypted vpn tunnel between your device and a Proton server. Sites see the server’s new IP address, and your provider only sees encrypted web traffic.
Hoe gebruik je Proton VPN voor gratis internet?
Sign up and hit the Get Proton Free button. Proton VPN free gives unlimited data on one device, with servers in five countries and no credit card needed.
Hoe weet je of je Proton VPN werkt?
The app shows a green connected banner. Search “what is my IP” in your browser and confirm the location matches the vpn server you picked.
Hoe gebruik ik mijn Proton VPN?
Open the ProtonVPN app, log in with your account details, then use Quick Connect for the fastest server or pick a country from the server list.
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