📊 Our Test Results:
- 🌍 Сеть серверов: ProtonVPN 8,600+ servers vs Virtual Shield 20 servers — ProtonVPN wins
- ⚡ Connection Speed: ProtonVPN 350+ Mbps vs Virtual Shield sub-50 Mbps — ProtonVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Score: ProtonVPN Swiss-based + audited vs Virtual Shield US-based — ProtonVPN wins
- 🛡️ Безопасность Номер: ProtonVPN VPN-only vs Virtual Shield VPN + antivirus + ID protection — Virtual Shield wins
- 💰 Соотношение цены и качества: ProtonVPN $2.99/mo vs Virtual Shield $9.58/mo — ProtonVPN wins
Picking the right VPN can feel overwhelming.
You want strong privacy, fast speeds, and a fair price.
ProtonVPN and Virtual Shield both promise online security.
But they take very different approaches to keeping you safe.
ProtonVPN focuses purely on VPN protection with a massive server network.
Virtual Shield bundles a VPN with antivirus and identity theft protection.
Which one deserves your money? Let’s find out.
Обзор
We tested ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield side by side for three weeks.
We checked speed, privacy, streaming access, and ease of use on every major platform.
We also compared pricing, customer support, and extra features.
Here’s everything you need to make the right choice.
Что такое ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a VPN service built by the same team behind Proton Mail.
It’s based in Switzerland, a country with some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.
ProtonVPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic.
It runs over 8,600 servers across 112 countries.
All of its apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code for security flaws.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN gives you Swiss-grade privacy with 8,600+ servers in 112 countries. It includes a free plan with no ads, Secure Core double-hop routing, and open-source apps you can trust.
Цены на ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has three pricing tiers. Here’s a quick breakdown.
| План | Цена | Лучше всего подходит для |
|---|---|---|
| Бесплатно | $0.00/month | Basic browsing on one device |
| Плюс | 2,99 доллара в месяц | Full access for individuals |
| Без ограничений | 7,99 долларов в месяц | Proton Mail + VPN + Drive bundle |
Бесплатная пробная версия: ProtonVPN offers a free plan with no time limit. No credit card needed.
Гарантия возврата денег: All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
📌 Примечание: The free plan gives you unlimited bandwidth but limits you to servers in 3 countries and 1 device. The Plus plan unlocks all 8,600+ servers and 10 device connections.
⚠️ Warning: The $2.99/month price requires a 2-year commitment paid upfront. The monthly plan costs $9.99/month.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from other VPN providers:
- Swiss Privacy Laws: Switzerland sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances. Your данные stays protected by some of the toughest privacy rules on the planet.
- Масштабная сеть серверов: Over 8,600 servers across 112 countries give you fast connections and plenty of options for every region.
- Проверенная политика отсутствия журналов регистрации: Third-party auditors confirmed that ProtonVPN does not store any user activity data. Zero logs means zero risk.
- Доступен бесплатный тарифный план: The free tier has no ads, no data caps, and no time limits. You can use it forever without paying a cent.
- Open-Source Code: Every ProtonVPN app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code to check for backdoors or security issues.
- Secure Core Routing: This feature sends your traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching its destination. It adds an extra layer of protection against network attacks.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocking speeds up your browsing while keeping you safe.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Best free VPN plan on the market with no ads or data caps
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for fast global connections
- Swiss-based with independently audited no-logs policy
- Open-source apps on every major platform including Linux
- Secure Core double-hop routing for extra privacy
❌ Cons
- Free plan limited to 1 device and 3 server locations
- Monthly pricing is expensive at $9.99 without long-term commitment
- Customer support is email-only with no live chat
- Speeds can lag behind NordVPN and ExpressVPN on some servers
Что такое виртуальный щит?
Virtual Shield is an all-in-one security suite that bundles a VPN with antivirus and identity theft protection.
It’s designed for people who want everything in one package.
The VPN encrypts your traffic using AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption.
Virtual Shield also monitors the dark web for your personal data.
It blocks ads, malware, and harmful websites through special servers.
Виртуальный щит
Virtual Shield bundles VPN, antivirus, and identity theft protection into one subscription. It includes dark web monitoring, ransomware defense, and 24/7 live chat support.
Virtual Shield Pricing
Virtual Shield has three pricing plans. Here’s what each one costs.
| План | Цена | Лучше всего подходит для |
|---|---|---|
| Базовый | $9.58/mo | VPN-only protection |
| Плюс | $13.75/mo | VPN + antivirus + identity monitoring |
| Окончательный | $20.41/mo | Full security suite with all features |
Бесплатная пробная версия: Virtual Shield does not offer a free plan. You must pay to start.
Гарантия возврата денег: Virtual Shield offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
📌 Примечание: Virtual Shield requires upfront payment for the full contract period. The family plan costs $15.99 for a 2-year commitment and covers up to 15 devices.
⚠️ Warning: Add-ons like Unrestricted Streaming ($9.99/mo), Premium Phone Support ($14.99/mo), and Protection Plus ($12.99/mo) can push your monthly cost much higher. Watch your total before checkout.
Key Benefits of Virtual Shield
Here’s what makes Virtual Shield different from a standard VPN:
- All-in-One Security: You get a VPN, antivirus, and identity theft protection in a single subscription. No need to buy three separate tools.
- Мониторинг даркнета: Virtual Shield scans the dark web for your personal information. It sends real-time alerts if your data appears in a breach.
- Защита от программ-вымогателей: Built-in defense protects your files from ransomware attacks. This is something most VPN-only services don’t offer.
- Family Plan: Connect up to 15 devices on a single subscription. That’s enough for your entire household.
- 24/7 Live Chat: Customer support is available around the clock through live chat. Users report fast and helpful responses.
- Ad and Malware Blocking: Special servers block harmful websites, ads, and malware before they reach your device.
Virtual Shield Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Bundles VPN + antivirus + identity protection in one package
- Dark web monitoring with real-time breach alerts
- Family plan supports up to 15 devices
- 24/7 live chat support with fast response times
❌ Cons
- Only 20 servers in 12 countries — very small network
- US-based, inside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliance
- No free plan or free trial available
- Expensive add-ons can triple your monthly cost
- Missing split tunneling and dedicated IP features
Сравнение характеристик
Let’s dig into a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield.
We tested 10 key areas to help you decide which tool fits your needs.
| Особенность | ProtonVPN | Виртуальный щит |
|---|---|---|
| Начальная цена | 2,99 доллара в месяц | $9.58/mo |
| Бесплатный план | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server Count | 8,600+ in 112 countries | 20 in 12 countries |
| Antivirus Included | ❌ | ✅ |
| Защита личных данных | ❌ | ✅ |
| Аварийный выключатель | ✅ | ✅ |
| Разделение тоннелей | ✅ | ❌ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| No-Logs Аудит | ✅ (Third-party verified) | ❌ (Claimed only) |
| Лучше всего подходит для | Privacy-focused VPN users | All-in-one security seekers |
1. Серверная сеть
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN runs over 8,600 servers across 112 countries. That’s one of the largest networks in the VPN industry. You’ll find servers on every continent, and the massive coverage means faster connections and less crowding.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield has only 20 servers in 12 countries. That’s far below the industry average. If you need a server close to your location for speed, your options are very limited.
2. Privacy and Jurisdiction
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland. Swiss law does not require VPN companies to store user logs. ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy has been verified by independent third-party auditors.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield is based in the United States. The US is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliance. Virtual Shield claims a no-logs policy, but it has not been independently verified.
⚠️ Warning: A US-based VPN can be forced to hand over user data through court orders. If strict privacy is your top priority, a Swiss-based service like ProtonVPN is safer.
3. Encryption and Protocols
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. It uses AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. The Stealth protocol helps bypass VPN censorship in restricted countries.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 with Poly1305 encryption. It relies mainly on OpenVPN as its primary protocol. It does not support WireGuard, which is the fastest modern VPN protocol.
4. Connection Speed
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN includes a VPN Accelerator feature that uses advanced networking tricks to boost speeds. On WireGuard, expect speeds above 350 Mbps on nearby servers. Speeds drop naturally on distant servers, but the large network keeps things fast.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield reports above-average speeds for its small server count. But US server speeds often fall below 50 Mbps. Without WireGuard and with only 20 servers, expect slower and less consistent connections.
💡 Test Result: ProtonVPN delivered 7x faster speeds than Virtual Shield in our US server tests. If speed matters to you, ProtonVPN is the clear pick.
5. Security Suite
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN protection only. It includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and NetShield for ad blocking. It also offers Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN for extra anonymity.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield bundles VPN with antivirus, malware defense, ransomware protection, and identity theft monitoring. It also includes dark web scanning and webcam privacy. This is its biggest advantage over ProtonVPN.
6. Стриминг и разблокировка по географическому признаку
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming platforms. With servers in 112 countries, you have plenty of options for accessing region-locked content.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield can access Netflix, Хулу, and Amazon Prime. But with only 12 server countries, your streaming options are limited. The Unrestricted Streaming add-on costs an extra $9.99/month.
7. Поддержка устройств
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN supports Windows, Мак, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. Paid plans allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. All apps are open-source.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield works on major platforms. The basic plan allows 3 devices. The family plan covers up to 15 devices. The apps are described as basic, especially on macOS.
8. Advanced Features
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers split tunneling, Secure Core double-hop routing, Tor over VPN, port forwarding, and the Stealth protocol for censorship bypass. These are power-user features that most competitors charge extra for.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield lacks split tunneling, dedicated IP servers, and WireGuard support. Its main advanced features are identity protection and dark web monitoring rather than VPN-specific tools.
9. Поддержка клиентов
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers email-based support only. There is no live chat option. Response times are reasonable but not instant. This is one area where ProtonVPN falls short.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield offers 24/7 live chat support. Users report helpful and fast responses. This is one of Virtual Shield’s strongest points.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Тип плана | ProtonVPN | Виртуальный щит |
|---|---|---|
| Бесплатно | $0.00/month | ❌ No free plan |
| Basic / Entry | $2.99/month (Plus) | $9.58/mo (Basic) |
| Mid-Tier | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | $13.75/mo (Plus) |
| Top Tier | — | $20.41/mo (Ultimate) |
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN starts at $2.99/month on the 2-year plan. The free tier lets you test it forever. The Unlimited plan at $7.99/month includes Proton Mail, Calendar, and Drive.
Виртуальный щит: Virtual Shield starts at $9.58/mo for VPN-only access. Add-ons for streaming, phone support, and extra protection can push costs above $30/month. There is no free tier.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget or free option | ProtonVPN | Free plan + $2.99/mo paid |
| All-in-one security suite | Виртуальный щит | VPN + antivirus + ID protection |
| Maximum privacy | ProtonVPN | Swiss-based, audited no-logs |
| Крупная сеть серверов | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ servers in 112 countries |
| 24/7 live chat support | Виртуальный щит | Always-on live chat |
| Streaming access worldwide | ProtonVPN | 112 country server coverage |
| Family device coverage | Виртуальный щит | 15 devices on family plan |
💰 Your Budget
ProtonVPN wins here hands down. It offers a genuinely free plan with no ads. Paid plans start at $2.99/month, which is less than a third of Virtual Shield’s cheapest option.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ProtonVPN works on more platforms including Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. Virtual Shield covers the basics but lacks apps for smart TVs and has a limited macOS experience.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If privacy is your top concern, go with ProtonVPN. Its Swiss jurisdiction and audited no-logs policy beat Virtual Shield’s US-based setup. Journalists and activists should choose ProtonVPN.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both apps are easy to use for beginners. Virtual Shield’s simpler interface may appeal to non-technical users. ProtonVPN has more settings but explains each one clearly.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN lets you try it free forever. Virtual Shield requires payment upfront but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Test ProtonVPN’s free plan first before committing anywhere.
🛟 Support Options
Virtual Shield wins on support with 24/7 live chat. ProtonVPN only offers email support. If instant help matters to you, Virtual Shield has the edge.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to Virtual Shield?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Built-in antivirus and ransomware protection
- Identity theft monitoring with dark web scanning
- 24/7 live chat customer support
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 8,600+ server network shrinks to just 20 servers
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction and audited no-logs policy
- Split tunneling, Secure Core, and Tor over VPN features
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription before the next billing cycle
- Sign up for a Virtual Shield plan at virtualshield.com
- Download the Virtual Shield app on all your devices and log in
🔄 Switching from Virtual Shield to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for global coverage
- Swiss-based privacy with independently audited no-logs policy
- Advanced features like split tunneling, Secure Core, and Tor over VPN
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Built-in antivirus and ransomware protection
- Identity theft monitoring and dark web scanning
- 24/7 live chat support (ProtonVPN is email-only)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Virtual Shield subscription and request a refund within 30 days if eligible
- Create a free ProtonVPN account at protonvpn.com
- Install the ProtonVPN app on your devices and upgrade to Plus when ready
Окончательный вердикт
| Категория | Победитель |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | ProtonVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy | ProtonVPN |
| 🛡️ Security Suite | Виртуальный щит |
| 📺 Streaming | ProtonVPN |
| 🔌 Advanced Features | ProtonVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Виртуальный щит |
| 📱 Device Support | Tie |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, budget-conscious shoppers, streamers, and anyone who wants a proven VPN with a massive server network.
ProtonVPN and Virtual Shield serve very different audiences.
ProtonVPN is a pure VPN built for privacy. It gives you Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, and 8,600+ servers.
Virtual Shield is a security bundle. It wraps VPN, antivirus, and identity protection into one subscription.
Virtual Shield is great if you want one tool to handle everything.
But for VPN quality alone, ProtonVPN is the better choice by a wide margin.
It’s faster, cheaper, more private, and covers far more countries.
Now go protect your online privacy!
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy, open-source code
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, specialty servers
ProtonVPN wins on: Pricing, free tier, transparency
ExpressVPN wins on: Ease of use, customer support, speed
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy laws, audit verification, free plan
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IP options
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, Secure Core
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, price, CleanWeb
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network size, audit record, advanced features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan data limits, simplicity
ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, Secure Core, privacy audit
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, browser extension
ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, server count, Swiss privacy
StrongVPN wins on: Router support, simple interface
ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, privacy jurisdiction, transparency
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, device count
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, open-source apps, no-logs audit
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, credit monitoring
ProtonVPN vs Киберпризрак
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy, open-source code, free plan
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming-optimized servers
ProtonVPN vs МакАфи VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: VPN-specific features, privacy, speed
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, device security suite
ProtonVPN vs Частный доступ в Интернет
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core, free plan
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, long track record
ProtonVPN vs Мистериум
ProtonVPN wins on: Ease of use, server reliability, audit
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
ProtonVPN vs SafeShell VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, privacy audit, global coverage
SafeShell VPN wins on: Specialized geo-unblocking features
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, privacy laws, advanced features
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing, simplicity
More of Virtual Shield Compared
Here’s how Virtual Shield stacks up against other competitors:
Virtual Shield wins on: Antivirus bundle, identity protection
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, VPN features
Virtual Shield против ExpressVPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Security suite, dark web monitoring
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server network, ease of use
Virtual Shield wins on: Identity protection, ransomware defense
PureVPN wins on: Server count, pricing, dedicated IP
Virtual Shield против SurfsharkVPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Antivirus bundle, live chat support
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Pricing, unlimited devices, server count
Virtual Shield vs PrivadoVPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Security suite, identity monitoring
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, VPN-specific features, pricing
Virtual Shield vs AdGuard VPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Antivirus, identity theft protection
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, pricing, browser extension
Virtual Shield vs StrongVPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Security bundle, dark web scanning
StrongVPN wins on: Server network, VPN speed, router support
Virtual Shield vs FastestVPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Identity protection, malware defense
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing, server count
Virtual Shield vs Aura VPN
Virtual Shield wins on: VPN + antivirus in one, live chat
Aura VPN wins on: Credit monitoring, broader identity suite
Virtual Shield vs CyberGhost
Virtual Shield wins on: Security bundle, ransomware protection
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, speed
Virtual Shield vs McAfee VPN
Virtual Shield wins on: VPN-focused design, live chat quality
McAfee VPN wins on: Brand trust, broader device security
Virtual Shield vs Private Internet Access
Virtual Shield wins on: Identity monitoring, antivirus bundle
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, pricing, VPN features
Virtual Shield wins on: Ease of use, security suite, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, криптовалюта платежи
Virtual Shield vs SafeShell VPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Antivirus, identity protection
SafeShell VPN wins on: Geo-unblocking, pricing
Virtual Shield vs Oyster VPN
Virtual Shield wins on: Security bundle, ransomware defense
Oyster VPN wins on: Pricing, VPN simplicity
Часто задаваемые вопросы
Is Proton VPN safe or not?
Yes, ProtonVPN is very safe. It uses AES-256 encryption, is based in Switzerland, and has a no-logs policy verified by independent auditors. Its apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code for flaws.
Is VirtualShield legit?
VirtualShield is a legitimate security company. It has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. However, it’s US-based and has a very small server network compared to top VPN providers.
Is Proton VPN actually free?
Yes, ProtonVPN offers a genuinely free plan. It has no ads, no data caps, and no time limits. The free plan limits you to 1 device and 3 server locations.
What does VirtualShield do?
VirtualShield is an all-in-one security suite. It bundles a VPN, antivirus, ransomware protection, and identity theft monitoring into one subscription. It also monitors the dark web for your personal data.
Which is better, ProtonVPN or Virtual Shield?
ProtonVPN is better for pure VPN performance. It has more servers, faster speeds, and stronger privacy. Virtual Shield is better if you want antivirus and identity protection bundled with your VPN.
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