Proton VPN: Secure & Fast VPN

What is Proton VPN: Secure & Fast VPN?

Proton VPN: Secure & Fast VPN is a virtual private network app for Android, published by Proton AG and listed in the Tools category on Google Play. A VPN sends your device's internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server run by the provider, so websites and networks between you and that server see less about what you are doing.

The app has been installed more than 135 million times and holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating from about 1.44 million ratings on Google Play, which makes it one of the more widely used VPN options in the store.

How does Proton VPN work on Android?

Once you sign in and allow the VPN permission, the app creates a secure connection and routes your traffic through a server you choose. Users typically pick a server location, then connect and disconnect with a single control.

Because the app runs as a VPN service, Android shows a key icon in the status bar while it is active. Some features and server choices depend on your account and plan, so the options you see may differ from free to paid use.

Is Proton VPN free, and does it have ads or in-app purchases?

The app is free to download from Google Play. According to the listing, it does not contain ads, but it does offer in-app purchases, so paid upgrades are available for users who want more.

Check the current plan details inside the app before you subscribe, since the exact features included in free and paid tiers can change.

What's new in version 5.20.98.0?

This update is a small maintenance release. The developer fixed a bug that had been causing a nuisance for users. No larger feature changes are described in the release notes for this version.

Requirements, size, and last update

Proton VPN: Secure & Fast VPN requires Android 8.0 or later. The current version is 5.20.98.0, and the Google Play listing was last updated on 2026-10-19. Download size is not stated in the facts available here, so check the Play Store page for the figure on your device.

Because the app depends on a live VPN connection, expect some battery and data use while it is active, and note that it cannot run on devices older than Android 8.0.

Pros and cons

On the plus side, the app is free, carries no ads according to its listing, and has a very high rating and install count. Its main drawbacks are the in-app purchases for additional access and the reality that any VPN adds some overhead to your connection speed and battery use.

A VPN also does not make you anonymous on its own. It protects traffic between your device and its server, but websites can still track you through logins, cookies, and other methods.

Who is Proton VPN: Secure & Fast VPN best for?

The app suits Android users who want a straightforward, free way to encrypt their connection on public Wi-Fi or add a layer of privacy for everyday browsing. It is less suited to people who need guaranteed speeds for demanding tasks or who want every feature without paying, since some functions sit behind in-app purchases.