Proton VPN for Android 5.20.39.0

Proton VPN 5.20.39.0 for Android is the mobile app of the VPN service run by Proton AG, and you can download it free from Google Play. The app is open source under the GNU General Public License version 3.0, and it offers a free plan alongside paid ones.

Who Proton VPN on Android is for

The app makes most sense for people who connect their phone to networks they do not control. Commuters on train and café Wi-Fi, students on campus networks and travellers in hotels and airports all hand their traffic to someone else's router; a VPN wraps that traffic in encryption so the network operator sees only a connection to Proton's server. It also suits privacy-minded users who would rather their mobile carrier or internet provider did not log every site they open. Because there is a free plan, it is a sensible first VPN for anyone who wants to try the idea without paying. Heavy users who need many countries, fast servers at peak times or extra features will find the paid plans more comfortable. If you only want to hide your location from one website, a VPN may be more than you need.

What you get

• A single Connect button that picks a fast server for you.
• A list of countries and servers to choose from, larger on paid plans.
• An option to reconnect automatically when the phone switches networks.
• The same Proton account on Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, ChromeOS and Android TV.

App details

How to install

1. Open Google Play and search for Proton VPN.
2. Check that the developer is Proton AG and tap Install.
3. Create a Proton account or sign in.
4. Tap Connect and accept Android's VPN permission request.

Links to every platform are on the official Proton VPN download page, and changes are listed in the release notes.

Is it safe?

Use Google Play or protonvpn.com only; VPN apps are a common disguise for data-harvesting software. Proton publishes its app code on GitHub, which lets independent experts review it. A VPN protects the connection but not against phishing or dangerous downloads, so stay careful with links.

Price

The free plan costs nothing and does not require a card. Paid plans add more locations, higher speeds and extra features.

Pros and cons

• Pro: free plan without ads.
• Pro: open-source apps on all major systems.
• Con: free servers can be slow at busy times.
• Con: fewer country choices on the free plan.

Alternatives

Hotspot Shield VPN, Turbo VPN Lite, Psiphon and Secure VPN are other VPN and privacy apps for Android in the same security category.