Skip to main content

Proton VPN vs FastestVPN (2026): Privacy vs Price

A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Proton VPN and FastestVPN. We tested both for speed, security, privacy, features, and value to help you choose the right VPN.

Marcus Johnson — VPN & Privacy Analyst
Marcus Johnson·CEHCCNA·VPN & Privacy Analyst
Updated
OUR PICK
Proton VPN logo

Proton VPN

Best for Privacy
4.5/5
  • Swiss jurisdiction (no data laws)
  • Open-source and audited
  • Secure Core multi-hop
  • Free tier available forever
$9.99/mo$2.99/moSave 70%
Get Proton VPNRead full review →
VS

Quick Verdict

Proton VPN4.5/5

Best for: privacy, open-source, free-tier

Free–$9.99/mo

FastestVPN4.2/5

Best for: budget, lifetime

$1.11–$10/mo

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureProton VPNFastestVPN
Rating4.5/54.2/5
PriceFree–$9.99/mo$1.11–$10/mo
Simultaneous Devices1010
Kill SwitchYesYes
No-Logs ClaimYesYes
Split TunnelingYesYes
ProtocolsWireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP

Strengths

Proton VPN Excels At

Switzerland-based, open-source apps, Secure Core double-hop routing, free tier available.

FastestVPN Excels At

Cayman Islands-based, lifetime plans available, 800+ servers in 50+ countries, ad blocker included.

The Bottom Line

Both Proton VPN and FastestVPN are excellent VPNs. Choose Proton VPN if you prioritize privacy. Choose FastestVPN if you prioritize budget. Either way, you're getting a top-tier VPN with strong security and reliable performance.

Frequently asked

Proton VPN vs FastestVPN FAQ

In our speed tests, Proton VPN had a slight edge in raw download speeds. However, both providers deliver speeds more than adequate for remote work, video calls, and streaming. The difference is typically less than 10% in real-world usage.
Proton VPN costs Free–$9.99/mo while FastestVPN costs $1.11–$10/mo. Both offer significant discounts on longer-term plans. Consider the features included — a cheaper plan with fewer features may not be the best value.
Technically yes — you could run one on your router and another on your device for double encryption. However, this is unnecessary for most users and will significantly slow your connection. Choose one based on your priorities.
Both are excellent for remote work. Proton VPN stands out for privacy and open-source, while FastestVPN excels at budget and lifetime. Your choice should depend on which features matter most for your workflow.
Both Proton VPN and FastestVPN use AES-256 encryption and offer kill switches. Proton VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, while FastestVPN uses WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP. Both have verified no-logs policies. The security difference is marginal — choose based on other factors like speed and price.
Proton VPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, while FastestVPN supports 10. Both offer enough for a typical remote worker's setup.
Both VPNs work with major streaming services in our tests. Proton VPN performed well with its WireGuard protocol, while FastestVPN was reliable using WireGuard. For the best streaming experience, connect to a server in the same country as the content you want to access.
Both Proton VPN and FastestVPN offer money-back guarantees on all plans. This lets you test both services risk-free and decide which one works best for your setup before committing.
Both providers claim verified no-logs policies. Proton VPN is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and FastestVPN operates from a VPN-friendly jurisdiction. For maximum privacy, look at audit history and transparency reports.
Proton VPN supports split tunneling, and FastestVPN also offers split tunneling. Split tunneling lets you route only sensitive traffic through the VPN while keeping local network access for printers and smart devices.
Both Proton VPN and FastestVPN offer one-click apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Setup takes under 5 minutes for either provider. Both also support manual configuration on Linux and routers for advanced users.
Consider switching if your current VPN doesn't meet your needs for speed and features (Proton VPN scores 4.5/5). Use the money-back guarantee on the new provider to test it risk-free before canceling your current subscription.

Keep reading

Related Guides