

📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Server Network: ProtonVPN 8,600+ servers vs FastestVPN 800 servers — ProtonVPN wins
- ⚡ Speed Tests: ProtonVPN 15% faster on long-distance connections — ProtonVPN wins
- 🔒 DNS Leak Test: ProtonVPN passed all leak tests vs FastestVPN had Windows leaks — ProtonVPN wins
- 📺 Streaming: ProtonVPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime vs FastestVPN had issues — ProtonVPN wins
- 💰 Value: FastestVPN lifetime plan at $40 vs ProtonVPN $2.99/mo — FastestVPN wins

Are you struggling to pick the right VPN service for your privacy needs?
Your internet connection deserves strong protection from your internet service provider and hackers.
Two popular VPN providers stand out in this space — ProtonVPN and FastestVPN.
ProtonVPN is a premium VPN built by Proton Technologies AG, the team behind Proton Mail.
FastestVPN is a budget-friendly VPN company based in the Cayman Islands.
I tested both VPN services for four weeks to find out which one truly protects your internet traffic.
This ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN comparison breaks down everything you need to know.
Overview
I bought both VPN services and tested them on my Windows computer and mobile device.
I ran speed tests, DNS leak tests, and checked how each VPN server handled streaming sites.
I also tested the kill switch, split tunneling, and customer support on both platforms.
Every test was done on the same internet connection to keep things fair.
After weeks of testing fastestvpn and Proton VPN side by side, the results were clear.
What is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a secure VPN created by the same team that built Proton Mail.
It is run by Proton Technologies AG in Switzerland, a country with the world’s strongest privacy laws.
The Proton VPN app is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
It also works on Android TV and Apple TV for streaming on your big screen.
ProtonVPN offers a free version that gives you unlimited bandwidth with no ads.
The proton vpn servers network includes over 8,600 VPN servers in 112 countries.
Proton VPN passed third-party audits to prove its strict no logs policy is real.

ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN protects your IP address with AES-256 encryption and a verified no-logs policy. With 8,600+ servers, secure core servers, and a free plan, it’s the best VPN for privacy-focused users.
ProtonVPN Pricing
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | Basic browsing with limited servers |
| Plus | $2.99/month | Full access to all server locations |
| Unlimited | $7.99/month | Proton Mail, Drive, and VPN bundle |

Free trial: ProtonVPN offers a free tier with no time limit. No credit card needed to start.
Money-back guarantee: All paid plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
📌 Note: The Proton Unlimited plan bundles Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive. You get all proton services for one price.
⚠️ Warning: The free version limits you to one device and just three server locations. If you need more VPN connections, you must upgrade to the Plus plan.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from other VPN providers:
- Swiss Privacy Protection: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which is not part of any international surveillance alliance. Your data stays safe under the world’s strongest privacy laws.
- Massive Server Network: Over 8,600 VPN servers across 112 countries give you fast internet speeds anywhere. This is far more than most other vpn services offer.
- Secure Core Architecture: The secure core servers route your VPN tunnel through privacy-friendly countries first. This adds a layer of double VPN protection for your encrypted tunnel.
- VPN Accelerator: The vpn accelerator feature boosts your connection speeds. It uses advanced networking to make your encrypted vpn tunnel faster.
- Open-Source Apps: Every proton vpn app is open-source. Anyone can check the code for security flaws, which builds trust.
- Tor Over VPN: You can connect to the tor network through ProtonVPN’s tor servers. This gives journalists and activists extra privacy.
- NetShield Protection: The built-in ad blocker stops ads, trackers, and malware. It speeds up your browsing and protects your privacy at the same time.

ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for fast speeds
- Audited no-logs policy backed by Swiss law
- Open-source apps on all platforms including the linux app
- Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and port forwarding included
❌ Cons
- More expensive vpn compared to FastestVPN’s plans
- Free plan only allows one device and three locations
- No live chat support — only email and help articles
- Proton VPN support staff response can take hours
What is FastestVPN?
FastestVPN is a budget VPN provider based in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands have no mandatory data retention laws, which is great for privacy.
FastestVPN’s servers cover 49 countries with about 800 servers total.
That is a small server network compared to bigger VPN companies like ProtonVPN.
The fastestvpn apps work on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
FastestVPN offers a rare lifetime plan for a one-time fee of $40.
It supports the WireGuard protocol and OpenVPN TCP for secure VPN connections.

FastestVPN
FastestVPN gives you AES-256 encryption and a no logs policy at a fraction of the cost. The lifetime plan for $40 makes it one of the cheapest VPN services you can buy.
FastestVPN Pricing
Here’s what a FastestVPN subscription costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year + 1 Year Free | $0.83/mo | Best value for long-term users |
| 1 Month Plan | $5/mo | Short-term testing |
| Exclusive Lifetime Plan | $40 | One-time buyers who want lifetime access |

Free trial: FastestVPN does not offer a free plan. You need to pay to get started.
Money-back guarantee: All plans include a 31 day money back guarantee.
📌 Note: The lifetime plan is a one-time payment of $40. You also get 10 simultaneous connections on every plan. You can add more simultaneous device connections for $4 each per month.
⚠️ Warning: FastestVPN has so few servers (only 800) that you may face slow speeds during peak hours. Also, a dedicated IP address costs an extra $1.49 per month.
Key Benefits of FastestVPN
Here’s why some users choose FastestVPN over other vpn providers:
- Lifetime Plan: Pay $40 once and use the VPN forever. No other major VPN company offers this kind of deal.
- NAT Firewall: The built-in nat firewall blocks unwanted browser traffic from reaching your device. This adds extra protection beyond the standard VPN tunnel.
- Smart Tunneling: FastestVPN’s smart tunneling feature lets you pick which vpn apps use the VPN connection. This works like split tunneling on other VPN services.
- Streaming Servers: FastestVPN has dedicated streaming servers for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. The streaming fastestvpn experience works well on most platforms.
- Privacy Jurisdiction: Being based in the cayman islands means no government can force them to share your data. There are no mandatory data retention laws.
- Audited No-Logs: FastestVPN claims a strict no-logs policy. Altius IT audited and confirmed this claim, so fastestvpn claims are backed by proof.

FastestVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Lifetime plan for just $40 — cheapest long-term VPN
- 10 simultaneous connections per account
- NAT firewall and ad blocker included
- Live chat support available 24/7 with real people
- 31 day money back guarantee on all plans
❌ Cons
- Small server network with only 800 servers in 49 countries
- DNS leaks reported on the windows app during testing
- Streaming can be inconsistent with some Netflix libraries
- No free plan or free tier available
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how ProtonVPN and FastestVPN compare feature by feature?
We tested 9 key areas to help you pick the right VPN provider for your needs.
| Feature | ProtonVPN | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/month | $0.83/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server Count | 8,600+ in 112 countries | 800 in 49 countries |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Double VPN | ✅ (Secure Core) | ❌ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ (NetShield) | ✅ |
| Streaming Support | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Inconsistent |
| Best For | Privacy-focused users | Budget-conscious buyers |
1. Server Network & Locations
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN runs over 8,600 VPN servers across 112 countries. This massive server network means you always find a fast endpoint server near you. More server locations also mean better chances of unblocking streaming sites from different regions.

FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s servers total about 800 across 49 countries. This is a small server network that can lead to overcrowding during peak hours. Some of these may be virtual servers rather than physical hardware. You can check the server list in the app before connecting.

⚠️ Warning: ProtonVPN has over 10 times more servers than FastestVPN. If server location variety matters to you, ProtonVPN is the clear choice.
2. Security Features & Encryption
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. The secure core architecture routes your traffic through multiple countries using core servers in privacy-friendly nations. It also supports Tor over VPN through dedicated tor servers for maximum anonymity.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also uses AES-256 encryption, which is military-grade. It includes a nat firewall that blocks unwanted traffic. However, it does not offer double VPN servers or Secure Core-style routing. FastestVPN does not support connecting to the Tor network either.

3. Privacy & No-Logs Policy
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN keeps zero ip logs of your activity. The strict no logs policy has been verified by independent audits. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has no mandatory data retention laws. It also publishes a transparency report showing how few legal requests it fulfills.

FastestVPN: FastestVPN also has a no logs policy that was audited by Altius IT. Being based in the Cayman Islands helps because there are no mandatory data retention laws. However, FastestVPN has reported DNS leaks on Windows, which could expose your dns queries to your internet service provider.

4. Speed & Performance
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN includes a vpn accelerator that boosts internet speeds through advanced networking. The large server network means less crowding and faster connections. ProtonVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols for the best mix of speed and security.
FastestVPN: Despite the name, tested fastestvpn showed speed tests with about 45% speed drops on average. The fastest vpn label is misleading when you see slow speeds on long-distance connections. Nearby servers reached about 730 Mbps with the wireguard protocol, but remote servers lost up to 55% speed.
💡 Test Result: ProtonVPN delivered more consistent speeds across all server locations. FastestVPN was decent for nearby servers but struggled with long-distance connections.
5. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
ProtonVPN: The kill switch works on all platforms and stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. ProtonVPN also has dns leak protection built into every app. During our dns leak test, ProtonVPN passed without any data leaks.

FastestVPN: FastestVPN includes a kill switch feature, but some reviews question its reliability. During dns leak tests, FastestVPN showed DNS and IP leaks on the windows computer. This means your dns requests could leak to your internet service provider, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
6. Streaming & Content Access
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. It works well across different regions. The large number of streaming servers means you rarely face blocking access issues.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN has a dedicated streaming tab in its app for easy access to streaming sites. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. However, streaming fastestvpn can be inconsistent. Some users report issues with specific Netflix libraries and slow load times on certain streaming services.

7. Split Tunneling & App Control
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers full split tunneling on the windows app, android app, and linux app. You can choose which apps go through the encrypted vpn tunnel and which use your normal internet connection. This is great for banking apps or local content that does not need a VPN.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN calls its version “smart tunneling.” It works the same way as split tunneling. You pick which apps use the VPN and which skip it. The fastestvpn ios app also supports this feature, which is useful for iPhone users.

8. Apps & Device Support
ProtonVPN: The proton vpn app works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. The linux app is a standout for linux user who often get ignored by VPN companies. ProtonVPN allows up to 10 VPN connections at once on the Plus plan. You can visit proton vpn’s website to download any app.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN supports Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. The mac apps and android users get a clean interface. It allows 10 simultaneous connections per account. You can install fastestvpn on multiple devices and connect them all at once. However, FastestVPN does not offer browser extensions.

9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Type | ProtonVPN | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0.00/month | ❌ Not available |
| Monthly | N/A | $5/mo |
| Annual | $2.99/month (Plus) | $0.83/mo (2 years) |
| Premium / Lifetime | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | $40 one-time |
ProtonVPN: The Plus plan at $2.99/month gives you full access to all proton vpn servers. The Unlimited plan at $7.99/month bundles all proton apps including Proton Mail and Proton Drive. ProtonVPN is a more expensive vpn but you get much more for your money. The free vpn plan lets you test before buying.
FastestVPN: The lifetime plan at $40 is the cheapest long-term VPN deal available. A fastestvpn subscription saves you hundreds compared to other VPN services. The 1-month plan at $5/mo is good for short-term use. However, you also need to consider dedicated ips cost extra at $1.49/month.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | ProtonVPN | Swiss law + Secure Core |
| Tight budget | FastestVPN | $40 lifetime plan |
| Best free VPN | ProtonVPN | Free plan with no ads |
| Streaming access | ProtonVPN | Reliable Netflix unblocking |
| Most server locations | ProtonVPN | 112 countries vs 49 |
| 24/7 live chat | FastestVPN | Real-time live chat support |
| Tor access | ProtonVPN | Built-in Tor over VPN |
💰 Your Budget
If money is your top concern, FastestVPN’s $40 lifetime plan is hard to beat. ProtonVPN costs more but gives you a better free vpn option with its free tier plus proton vpn offers more security features.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both VPN services work with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. ProtonVPN wins for linux user needs and apple tv support. Neither offers browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you need the highest level of privacy, ProtonVPN’s secure vpn features beat FastestVPN. ProtonVPN offers Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and is protected by the world’s strongest privacy laws. FastestVPN leaked DNS data on Windows in our tests.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN apps have clean interfaces. Does proton vpn work for beginners? Yes — proton vpn easy to use design makes it simple. FastestVPN is also beginner-friendly with its dedicated streaming tab and clear server list.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN is the only one with a free plan — no credit card needed. FastestVPN has no free tier but does offer a 31 day money back guarantee. Among other free vpns, ProtonVPN’s free version stands out because it provides unlimited bandwidth.
🛟 Support Options
FastestVPN wins here with 24/7 live chat support from real people. ProtonVPN only offers email support and a help center. If fast customer support matters to you, FastestVPN is the better pick.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to FastestVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A $40 lifetime plan that saves hundreds over time
- 24/7 live chat support with real people, not bots
- NAT firewall for extra protection against unwanted traffic
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 8,600+ servers down to only 800 — much fewer server locations
- Secure Core double VPN and Tor over VPN features
- Open-source apps and Swiss privacy protection
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription from your account settings
- Visit fastestvpn.com and buy the lifetime plan for $40
- Download and install fastestvpn on all your devices
🔄 Switching from FastestVPN to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 8,600+ servers across 112 countries for better coverage
- Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and port forwarding features
- Open-source apps audited for security on every platform
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The unbeatable $40 lifetime pricing
- 24/7 live chat support — ProtonVPN uses email only
- Built-in NAT firewall protection
📋 How to switch:
- Uninstall FastestVPN apps from your devices
- Sign up on proton vpn’s website for a free or paid plan
- Download the proton vpn app on your devices and connect
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | FastestVPN |
| 🔒 Security Features | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | ProtonVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | ProtonVPN |
| 🔐 Privacy & No-Logs | ProtonVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Tie |
| 🛟 Customer Support | FastestVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 6 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, streamers, and anyone who wants a reliable secure vpn with a massive server network.
ProtonVPN and FastestVPN serve very different audiences.
ProtonVPN is the premium vpn choice for people who value privacy above everything.
It gives you secure core servers, open-source apps, and proton vpn good performance across 112 countries.
FastestVPN is the budget pick with an unbeatable lifetime plan.
However, the small server network, data leaks on Windows, and inconsistent streaming make it hard to recommend over ProtonVPN.
If you want the best protection for your ip address and a trusted VPN provider, pick ProtonVPN.
Now go protect your internet traffic and browse with confidence!
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Open-source apps, free plan, Swiss privacy
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, customer support
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, privacy features, pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, streaming
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: No-logs audit, Secure Core, transparency
PureVPN wins on: Pricing, dedicated IPs, port forwarding
ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, open-source code, Tor support
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, pricing, features
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, security, free plan
PrivadoVPN wins on: Monthly pricing, simplicity
ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, Secure Core, audits
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, browser extensions, pricing
ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy features, global reach, free plan
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers, simplicity
ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, open-source, free plan
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming reliability, customer support
ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Security, server network, audited policy
AuraVPN wins on: Budget pricing, simplicity
ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, Swiss jurisdiction, free plan
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming servers, pricing
ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, no-logs policy, Secure Core
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus software, ease of use
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy, Secure Core, free plan
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, pricing
ProtonVPN vs Mysterium
ProtonVPN wins on: Reliability, speed, security features
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, audits, transparency
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche privacy features, pricing
ProtonVPN wins on: Global reach, security, free plan
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing, simplicity
More of FastestVPN Compared
Here’s how FastestVPN stacks up against other competitors:
FastestVPN vs NordVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing, budget value
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, security features
FastestVPN vs ExpressVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Price, lifetime plan, NAT firewall
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, global reach
FastestVPN vs PureVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime deal, lower cost
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IPs, features
FastestVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
FastestVPN wins on: One-time lifetime payment
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, speed, features
FastestVPN vs PrivadoVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, simultaneous connections
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy
FastestVPN vs AdGuard VPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing, device connections
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, browser extensions
FastestVPN vs Virtual Shield
FastestVPN wins on: Global coverage, lifetime plan
Virtual Shield wins on: US server speed, simplicity
FastestVPN vs StrongVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Budget pricing, lifetime deal
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming reliability, speed
FastestVPN vs AuraVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, NAT firewall
AuraVPN wins on: Simplicity, mobile experience
FastestVPN vs CyberGhost
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing, lower cost
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, features
FastestVPN vs McAfee VPN
FastestVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, lifetime plan
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, brand recognition
FastestVPN vs Private Internet Access
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime deal, NAT firewall
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, open-source
FastestVPN vs Mysterium
FastestVPN wins on: Ease of use, traditional VPN model
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized, pay-per-use pricing
FastestVPN vs SafeShell VPN
FastestVPN wins on: Audit history, NAT firewall
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche features, privacy focus
FastestVPN vs Oyster VPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, audited no-logs
Oyster VPN wins on: Server variety, pricing tiers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Yes, ProtonVPN is one of the safest VPN providers available. It uses AES-256 encryption and has a verified strict no logs policy. Proton Technologies AG is based in Switzerland, which protects user data under the world’s strongest privacy laws. The proton vpn app is also open-source, so anyone can check for security flaws. ProtonVPN does proton vpn work with Tor for extra anonymity through dedicated servers. You can read our proton vpn review for full details on how it hides your ip addresses from trackers.
Is FastestVPN safe?
FastestVPN uses AES-256 encryption and has a no logs policy audited by Altius IT. It is based in the Cayman Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws. However, some testing fastestvpn revealed DNS leaks on the Windows app. The fastestvpn’s ad blocker and nat firewall add extra layers of protection. For basic use, it is safe enough, but it does not match ProtonVPN’s security level.
Does Proton Mail have a VPN?
Yes, Proton Mail and ProtonVPN are both part of the proton services family. The Proton Unlimited plan bundles Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and ProtonVPN for $7.99/month. You can use the free vpn plan separately without buying Proton Mail. Both services are made by Proton Technologies AG and share the same commitment to privacy. You do not need a password manager from Proton since they focus on encrypted communication and VPN services.
Does FastestVPN work with Netflix?
FastestVPN can unblock Netflix in most regions using its streaming servers. It has a dedicated streaming tab that helps you find the best vpn server for your needs. The streaming optimized servers connect you to the right server location for each platform. However, some users report issues with specific Netflix libraries like the Australian one. The streaming experience can have slow load times on certain platforms. If reliable Netflix streaming is your top priority, ProtonVPN is a better choice among other vpn services. Also note that fastestvpn servers may not always hide your vpn ip address as reliably as ProtonVPN does.
Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes, ProtonVPN offers a free version that is truly free with no ads and unlimited bandwidth. The free tier limits you to one mobile device or desktop and three server locations. Among other free vpns, it is considered the best free vpn option available. You do not need a credit card to sign up. The free plan gives you a genuine secure vpn experience without paying anything. If you need more features like proton vpn servers in all 112 countries, you can upgrade to the Plus plan at $2.99/month.













