Free VPN vs Proton VPN
Looking for a free Proton VPN alternative with no sign-up? Here’s how Free VPN and Proton VPN compare on accounts, privacy, prices and features, from each app’s US App Store listing.
Checked from the App Store
Quick answer
Neither Free VPN nor Proton VPN needs an account to start. Free VPN's App Store privacy label says Data Not Collected; Proton VPN's lists Data Not Linked to You. Free VPN is a 67.1 MB download versus 291.6 MB for Proton VPN. Free VPN has a free, ad-supported tier, and Premium costs $9.89 a week, $12.49 a month or $84.99 a year in the US; Proton VPN's listing shows $14.99 a month, plus other plans (from $11.99). Only Free VPN lets you pick a specific service, such as Netflix or ChatGPT, and connect to a server for it. Both list ad blocking.
Why people choose Free VPN over Proton VPN
- “Data Not Collected” privacy label. Proton VPN’s label lists Data Not Linked to You (Contact Info, Diagnostics).
- Choose a service, not just a country. Pick Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ChatGPT and more in Free VPN; Proton VPN offers country and server selection.
- 76% smaller download. 67.1 MB versus 291.6 MB.
- Weekly, monthly or yearly. Free VPN offers all three; Proton VPN’s listing shows no weekly plan.
- Runs on older iPhones. iOS 15.0 and later; Proton VPN needs iOS 17.0.
Free VPN vs Proton VPN at a glance
| Feature |  Free VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up to start | Not requiredNo account, email or sign-up | Not requiredNo sign-up for the free plan |
| App Store privacy label | Data not collectedAs reported by the developer on the App Store | Data not linked to youData Not Linked to You (Contact Info, Diagnostics) |
| Pick a specific service | YesPick a service such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer or ChatGPT and connect | NoCountry and server selection |
| Ad blocking | YesSuper Ad Block filters known ads and trackers across apps (Premium) | YesNetShield ad, tracker and malware blocking |
| App size | 67.1 MBDownload size on the App Store | 291.6 MBDownload size on the App Store |
| Minimum iOS | iOS 15.0 | iOS 17.0 |
| Weekly plan | $9.89 | Not listed |
| Monthly plan | $12.49 | $14.99Proton Unlimited (1 month). VPN Plus is also listed at $11.99 without a named period. |
| Yearly plan | $84.99 | Not listedNo yearly label. VPN Plus ($83.99) and Proton Unlimited ($119.99) are listed without a named period. |
Plan prices are US App Store prices. Free VPN shows its current Premium prices; for Proton VPN, the range of prices Apple lists for that billing period.
Where Proton VPN may suit you
- Ad blocking is listed: netShield ad, tracker and malware blocking.
- It also lets you start without an account (no sign-up for the free plan).
- Other plans listed: Proton Unlimited ($119.99); VPN Plus ($11.99); VPN Plus ($83.99).
From Proton VPN’s App Store listing
In its description
- Sign-up“No sign-up required”
- Ad blocking“Block ads, prevent website trackers, protect from malware with NetShield”
In-app purchases Apple shows
- VPN Plus$11.99
- VPN Plus$83.99
- Proton Unlimited (1 month)$14.99
- Proton Unlimited$119.99
Proton VPN: Fast & Secure on the App Store · Developer: Proton AG
Free VPN vs Proton VPN: common questions
Does Proton VPN require an account?
Not to start. Proton VPN's App Store listing says “No sign-up required”. Free VPN doesn't need an account, email or sign-up either.
Is Free VPN cheaper than Proton VPN?
Proton VPN's US App Store listing shows $14.99 a month, plus other plans (from $11.99). Free VPN Premium is $9.89 a week, $12.49 a month or $84.99 a year in the US, and its free tier costs nothing.
Which is smaller, Free VPN or Proton VPN?
Free VPN is 67.1 MB on the App Store; Proton VPN is 291.6 MB.
Can I pick a specific service like Netflix or ChatGPT?
In Free VPN, yes: open Services and choose the service you want to use. Proton VPN offers country and server selection.
Is Free VPN a good free alternative to Proton VPN?
If you want to start without an account, yes: Free VPN has a free, ad-supported tier with no email or sign-up, its App Store privacy label says Data Not Collected, and you can choose a specific service to connect to. Premium removes ads and adds Boost Speed and Super Ad Block.
More comparisons
Try Free VPN. No sign-up.
Free forever, ad-supported. Premium is optional and priced for where you live.
Every competitor fact on this page comes from that app’s public US App Store listing, checked 13 Nov 2026: its description, App Privacy label, size, minimum iOS version and the in-app purchases Apple shows (up to 10). Privacy labels are self-reported by each developer and not verified by Apple. Prices, plans and features change, and some depend on the plan or device. Proton VPN is a trademark of its owner; Free VPN is not affiliated with it.