# Free VPN vs Proton VPN

> 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.

Checked 2026-11-13 from each app's public US App Store listing. Canonical page: https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-proton-vpn/

| | Free VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up to start | Not required (No account, email or sign-up) | Not required (No sign-up for the free plan) |
| App Store privacy label | Data not collected (As reported by the developer on the App Store) | Data not linked to you (Data Not Linked to You (Contact Info, Diagnostics)) |
| Pick a specific service | Yes (Pick a service such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer or ChatGPT and connect) | No (Country and server selection) |
| Ad blocking | Yes (Super Ad Block filters known ads and trackers across apps (Premium)) | Yes (NetShield ad, tracker and malware blocking) |
| App size | 67.1 MB (Download size on the App Store) | 291.6 MB (Download size on the App Store) |
| Minimum iOS | iOS 15.0 | iOS 17.0 |
| Weekly plan | $9.89 | Not listed |
| Monthly plan | $12.49 | $14.99 (Proton Unlimited (1 month). VPN Plus is also listed at $11.99 without a named period.) |
| Yearly plan | $84.99 | Not listed (No yearly label. VPN Plus ($83.99) and Proton Unlimited ($119.99) are listed without a named period.) |

## 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.

## 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

- Signup: “No sign-up required”
- Adblock: “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
- Listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proton-vpn-fast-secure/id1437005085 (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

- [Free VPN vs NordVPN](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-nordvpn/)
- [Free VPN vs X-VPN](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-x-vpn/)
- [Free VPN vs Turbo VPN](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-turbo-vpn/)
- [Free VPN vs Hotspot Shield](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-hotspot-shield/)
- [Free VPN vs VPN Proxy Master](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-vpn-proxy-master/)
- [Free VPN vs VPN Super Unlimited Proxy](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-vpn-super-unlimited-proxy/)
- [Free VPN vs VPN - Fast & Secure](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/free-vpn-vs-vpn-fast-secure/)
- [All VPN comparisons](https://freevpnapp.org/compare/)

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.