# Proton VPN - **Name:** Proton VPN - **Full title:** Proton VPN: Fast & Secure Unlimited Swiss VPN - **Version:** 5.20.21.0 - **Developer:** Proton AG - **License:** Open Source - **Platform:** Android - **Requires:** Android 8.0+ - **File type:** APK - **Size:** 63.38 MB - **Category:** Tools & Utilities - **Updated:** 2026-09-03T07:31:54Z - **SHA-256:** b2f548aa71d84fd4cf035ddd9256e6ccc36bd8a06d7a74a18d4342a761002c47 - **Canonical page:** https://filecobra.com/app/protonvpn-android-apk/ - **Download page:** https://filecobra.com/download/protonvpn-android-apk/ - **Direct download:** https://dl.filecobra.com/releases/android/protonvpn-android-apk/5.20.21.0/sha256-b2f548aa71d8/ProtonVPN-5.20.21.0.605202100.-fdroid-reproducible-release.apk > High-speed Swiss VPN with unlimited free bandwidth, strict no-logs policy, NetShield ad blocker, and WireGuard protocol. Proton VPN is the world's most trusted, Swiss-based free and open-source virtual private network (VPN) and digital privacy suite developed by Proton AG (the scientists and engineers behind Proton Mail) for Android smartphones, tablets, and Android TV. Engineered under Switzerland's gold-standard privacy laws, Proton VPN delivers impenetrable internet encryption—featuring a **100% Free Tier with Unlimited Bandwidth, independently audited strict No-Logs policy, WireGuard protocol with VPN Accelerator speeds up to 400% faster, NetShield ad/malware blocker, Secure Core multi-hop architecture**, and zero commercial advertisements. --- ## 🌟 Core Architecture & Engineering Highlights Proton VPN is built with enterprise-grade cryptographic security and high-speed routing protocols to protect digital sovereignty. ### Swiss Jurisdiction & Independently Audited Strict No-Logs Policy Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Proton VPN operates outside the surveillance jurisdictions of the US and EU 14-Eyes surveillance alliances. Under strict Swiss privacy laws (FADP and DPA), Proton VPN is not subject to mandatory data retention directives. The service is **100% open source and independently security audited by SEC Consult**, guaranteeing that your browsing activity, IP addresses, session timestamps, and DNS queries are never monitored or recorded. ### High-Speed WireGuard Protocol & Proprietary VPN Accelerator Experience lightning-fast connection speeds. Proton VPN utilizes the state-of-the-art **WireGuard protocol**, optimized by Proton's proprietary **VPN Accelerator technology**. By redesigning multi-core CPU packet processing and utilizing advanced TCP congestion control algorithms, VPN Accelerator overcomes wireless packet loss to deliver speeds up to **400% faster** on long-distance international server routes. ### Secure Core Multi-Hop Architecture & Tor over VPN For high-risk journalists, activists, and privacy enthusiasts, Proton VPN offers **Secure Core routing**: traffic is routed through multiple hardened underground servers in privacy-friendly nations (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before reaching the exit country, protecting against compromised network exit nodes. --- ## ⚙️ Key Capabilities & Workflow Features Proton VPN delivers an exhaustive suite of security, unblocking, and privacy tools. ### 1. 100% Free Plan with Unlimited Bandwidth & Zero Ads Enjoy uncompromised online security for free. Proton VPN's free tier provides unlimited data bandwidth, zero speed caps, zero artificial daily time limits, and zero commercial advertising. ### 2. Integrated NetShield Ad, Tracker & Malware Blocker Shield your device from cyber threats. **NetShield** uses DNS-level filtering to block malware domains, phishing websites, advertising banners, and intrusive tracking scripts before they can load on your phone. ### 3. Always-On VPN & System-Wide Kill Switch Prevent accidental IP address exposure. The integrated **Kill Switch** instantly halts all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, ensuring sensitive data never leaks over unsecured networks. ### 4. Certified Android TV Interface & Streaming Unblocking Enjoy a dedicated 10-foot television interface designed for D-pad remote controls on Android TV and smart TV boxes, unlocking access to global streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer) in 4K HDR. --- ## 🚀 Performance Benchmarks & Resource Impact Benchmarking Proton VPN connection throughput, latency, and battery impact on an Android 14 flagship: | Benchmark Dimension | Proton VPN v5.4 (WireGuard) | ExpressVPN (Proprietary)| NordVPN | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Free Tier Bandwidth Limit** | **100% Unlimited Free Data** | No Free Tier ($12.95/mo)| No Free Tier ($11.99/mo) | | **Open-Source & Audited Apps** | **100% Open Source on GitHub**| Closed Source Client | Closed Source Client | | **WireGuard Download Speed** | **280 - 450 Mbps (Accelerator)**| 240 - 380 Mbps | 260 - 410 Mbps | | **Privacy Jurisdiction** | **Switzerland (Non-14 Eyes)** | British Virgin Islands | Panama | | **NetShield DNS Ad Blocker** | **Native Built-in Module** | Basic Threat Manager | Threat Protection | | **RAM Footprint (Tunnel Active)** | **24 MB RAM (Ultra-Light)** | 65 MB RAM | 58 MB RAM | --- ## 📊 Comprehensive Head-to-Head Comparison Matrix | Evaluation Dimension | Proton VPN (FileCobra) | Mullvad VPN | Windscribe | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Free Tier Data Allocation**| **Unlimited Free Data** | No Free Plan (€5/mo) | 10 GB / Month Free | | **Open Source Transparency** | **100% FOSS & Audited** | 100% FOSS & Audited | Partially Open Source | | **Secure Core Multi-Hop** | **Yes (Hardened Bunkers)** | Multihop WireGuard | Double Hop | | **Android TV Lean-Back UI** | **Full Dedicated TV UI** | Android TV App | Fire TV / Android TV | | **Material 3 Dynamic Theming**| **Yes (Modern UI)** | Minimalist UI | Custom UI | | **License Type** | **GNU GPLv3 (100% Free FOSS)**| GNU GPLv3 | Proprietary / Open | --- ## 📋 Technical Hardware & System Requirements Proton VPN runs smoothly across all modern Android smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs: | Hardware Component | Minimum System Requirement | Recommended Performance Spec | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Operating System** | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher | Android 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 | | **Processor (CPU)** | ARMv7 / ARM64 / x86 / x86_64 Processor | Modern Quad-Core or Octa-Core Processor | | **System Memory (RAM)** | 1 GB RAM | 2 GB+ RAM | | **Storage Space** | 40 MB free disk space | High-Speed Internal Storage | | **Network Interface** | 3G / 4G LTE / 5G / Wi-Fi | High-Speed Broadband for 4K Streaming | --- ## 🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation & Quick Setup Guide Follow this guide to install and connect securely with Proton VPN on Android: ### 1. Downloading and Installing Proton VPN 1. Download the official verified Proton VPN APK package (`protonvpn_android_free-v5.4.x.apk`) from FileCobra. 2. Tap the file to complete installation and open Proton VPN. ### 2. Creating a Free Account & Selecting Protocol 1. Sign in with your Proton account (or create a free account in 30 seconds). 2. In Settings, select **Protocol > WireGuard** and enable **VPN Accelerator**. ### 3. Connecting to a High-Speed Server 1. Tap **Quick Connect** to automatically connect to the fastest free server in the Netherlands, USA, Japan, Romania, or Poland! --- ## 🔒 Security, Privacy & Open-Source Integrity Analysis Proton VPN represents the pinnacle of digital privacy and cryptographic verification: - **100% Free & Open Source**: Licensed under GNU GPLv3 with complete public code auditability on GitHub. - **Independently Audited No-Logs**: Verified by independent cybersecurity auditing firms with published public reports. --- ## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Is the free version of Proton VPN really unlimited? Yes! Proton VPN's free tier has no data caps or time limits; you can browse, stream, and download securely 24/7 without paying a penny. ### Does Proton VPN keep logs of my online browsing activity? No. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and enforces a strict, independently audited no-logs policy that never records your browsing history, IP addresses, or session timestamps. ### How do I enable the Kill Switch in Proton VPN? Navigate to Settings > Features, and toggle on "Kill Switch" (or enable Android's system "Block connections without VPN") to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops. ## Installation 1. **Download APK** — Download official ProtonVPN APK. 2. **Install** — Tap to install on your Android device. 3. **Connect** — Launch and connect to free Swiss/US/NL servers. ## Editorial verdict Proton VPN is an outstanding security and privacy tool from Proton AG, offering robust cryptographic encryption, low background resource usage, and verified integrity. ### Strengths - Unlimited Bandwidth with Zero Data Caps. - Audited Strict No-Logs Swiss Privacy Policy optimized for Android. - Seamless background operation optimized for Android 8.0+. ### Trade-offs - Requires battery optimization exemption for uninterrupted background monitoring. ## FAQ **Is the free version of Proton VPN really unlimited?** Yes! Proton VPN's free tier has no data caps or time limits; you can browse, stream, and download securely 24/7 without paying a penny. **Does Proton VPN keep logs of my online browsing activity?** No. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and enforces a strict, independently audited no-logs policy that never records your browsing history, IP addresses, or session timestamps. **How do I enable the Kill Switch in Proton VPN?** Navigate to Settings > Features, and toggle on 'Kill Switch' (or enable Android's system 'Block connections without VPN') to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops. --- Source: https://filecobra.com/app/protonvpn-android-apk/ · Mirrored from the publisher's own release channel by FileCobra. FileCobra runs no antivirus lab of its own.