Proton Reviews & Ratings November 2026
Proton reviews: the verdict
Reviewers give Proton an overall rating of 4.1/5 based on 64,814 reviews. In the last 12 months the rating remains at 4.1/5 from 46,448 reviews. Key themes include quality, customer service, ordering and website, value for money, and communication. Quality has the most mentions with 56% positive and 39% negative. Customer service has the highest negative share at 53% with many users reporting unhelpful or delayed support. Ordering and website issues are also common with 58% negative feedback. Value for money and communication have lower negative shares but still need improvement. The main criticism is ongoing dissatisfaction with customer service especially around responsiveness and problem resolution.
Key findings
- Across 64,814 reviews on 12 portals, the recency-weighted average is 4.1 out of 5.
- The last 12 months average 4.1 out of 5 from 46,448 reviews.
- Quality is the most positively rated theme: 56% of 12,493 mentions are positive.
- Billing & payment draws the most criticism: 88% of 576 mentions are negative.
Derived from the analyzed reviews; each chip links to the page with the cited evidence.
64,814 reviews · 12 portals · 2016-03 – 2026-11 · Methodology ↗ · Verify a quote ↗
What changed in October 2026
In October 2026, 8,127 new reviews were analyzed; the average rating moved from 4.1 to 4.2 stars.
- New reviews
- 8,127
- Average rating
- 4.2/5 (4.1 ↑)
- Positive share
- 67% (66% ↑)
Most-discussed themes
- Quality — -212 vs prior month
- Customer service — +81 vs prior month
- Ordering & website — +82 vs prior month
- Value for money — -17 vs prior month
- Communication — +143 vs prior month
Proton rating trend and sentiment
Months with fewer than 5 rated reviews are left out.
Data as table
| Month | Avg. rating | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-12 | 3.63 | 905 |
| 2026-01 | 3.64 | 1052 |
| 2026-02 | 3.65 | 1206 |
| 2026-03 | 3.74 | 1450 |
| 2026-04 | 3.74 | 1511 |
| 2026-05 | 3.85 | 2398 |
| 2026-06 | 4.12 | 4536 |
| 2026-07 | 4.20 | 8282 |
| 2026-08 | 4.19 | 7996 |
| 2026-09 | 4.13 | 7707 |
| 2026-10 | 4.16 | 8127 |
| 2026-11 | 4.06 | 423 |
Data as table
| Month | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12 | 54% | 11% | 35% | 905 |
| 2026-01 | 54% | 12% | 34% | 1052 |
| 2026-02 | 54% | 13% | 33% | 1206 |
| 2026-03 | 56% | 13% | 31% | 1450 |
| 2026-04 | 56% | 13% | 31% | 1511 |
| 2026-05 | 61% | 10% | 29% | 2398 |
| 2026-06 | 69% | 11% | 20% | 4536 |
| 2026-07 | 72% | 10% | 18% | 8282 |
| 2026-08 | 72% | 10% | 18% | 7996 |
| 2026-09 | 66% | 13% | 21% | 7707 |
| 2026-10 | 67% | 12% | 21% | 8127 |
| 2026-11 | 61% | 12% | 26% | 423 |
Themes over time
Data as table
| Month | Quality | Customer service | Ordering & website | Value for money | Communication | Billing & payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12 | 3.4 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.0 | 1.3 |
| 2026-01 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 1.9 |
| 2026-02 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.2 |
| 2026-03 | 3.4 | 3.1 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 2.4 | 2.0 |
| 2026-04 | 3.5 | 2.7 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 2.6 | 1.6 |
| 2026-05 | 3.5 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 2.4 | 1.9 |
| 2026-06 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 2.0 |
| 2026-07 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 2.8 | 2.4 |
| 2026-08 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 2.9 | 2.1 |
| 2026-09 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 1.9 |
| 2026-10 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 2.1 |
| 2026-11 | 4.0 | 2.7 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 2.9 | 3.5 |
Latest Proton customer voices
The most recent review passages across all portals. Each quote links to its source.
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„Only Ai chat bots that don't provide any help in activating service.“
„Service never provided after credit card billing.“
„They close my customer's account…“
„This needs to stop“
„not a robust app unfortunately“
„There is no full sync; it says something about privacy.“
Proton reviews: frequently asked questions
Answered from the reviews only. Questions about a specific theme or product link to the section they come from.
What is Proton, and how do users rate its email and privacy services?
Proton is a privacy-focused digital service provider offering Proton Mail, encrypted communication tools, and Proton VPN. It has strong security, is easy to use, and prioritizes user privacy. Some users report email delivery issues and slow app performance.
Privacy & Security
Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption, modern design, and strong protection against data leaks. It is widely praised as a top-tier email service for privacy and security. Users can create email aliases and access the service across multiple devices. Many reviewers highlight its reliability in online communication.
Delivery Issues
Email delivery problems include messages going to spam or arriving slowly. Emails from Proton do not reach recipients reliably, especially in the free version. These issues may result from server-side filtering or configuration.
Ease of Use
Proton is easy to set up and use on phones, computers, and browsers, despite some technical issues. Users find its ecosystem intuitive and well-integrated. Many recommend it as a replacement for mainstream email providers. The free version works well for everyday tasks.
What customers said:
- „Proton VPN has kept my security and privacy like no other“
„Proton VPN has kept my security and privacy like no other“
Original„Proton VPN ha mantenido mi seguridad y privacidad como ningún otro“
- „Proton Mail is an excellent option for those who value the privacy and security of…“
„Proton Mail is an excellent option for those who value the privacy and security of their emails“
Original„Proton Mail es una excelente opción para quienes valoran la privacidad y la seguridad de sus correos electrónicos“
- „don't use your main email to avoid data leaks“
„don't use your main email to avoid data leaks“
Original„no usar tu correo electrónico principal, para evitar fugas de datos“
- „It is superior to any email service.“
„It is superior to any email service.“
Original„son superior a cualquier servicio de correo electrónico“
Why can't I connect to my Outlook account through Proton Mail?
Proton Mail users report unreliable Outlook account connections, with login loops and persistent failures. This recurring technical issue affects multiple users.
Connection Failures
Reviewers cannot connect their Outlook accounts to Proton Mail. Some experience repeated login failures that do not complete. The issue continues after multiple attempts and device restarts.
Unstable Connections
The app frequently drops connections or reconnects unexpectedly, preventing consistent access. One user reported connection drops occurring 9 out of 10 times, regardless of settings.
Cross-Platform Issues
The issue affects both mobile and desktop users. The app fails to maintain a stable session even after successful login.
What customers said:
- „Would not let me connect to my outlook account“
- „it reconnects alot for absolutely no reason“
- „Still doesn't automatically connect consistently“
- „it keeps dropping connection regardless of whatever settings I choose“
What is the quality of Proton Mail like based on user reviews?Quality
Proton Mail has frequent connection drops, unreliable performance during certain hours, and ongoing technical issues including broken links and incorrect time zone handling. Users report bugs, poor support, and limitations in both free and paid tiers. Despite some appreciation for its privacy focus, many find the service frustrating.
Connection Issues
Reviewers report frequent connection drops, especially on mobile. One user said the connection fails 9 out of 10 times. This undermines trust in the service, particularly when using a VPN for privacy.
Technical Bugs
Users report major functional flaws in the paid service, including email links that fail to open after updates, calendar time zones that do not adjust automatically, and attachments over 350KB that do not work. These issues are especially frustrating for paying customers.
Support & Reliability
Users report poor customer support, slow responses, and trouble canceling subscriptions. Some say they were locked out of their accounts or lost emails without warning, raising reliability concerns.
What customers said:
- „took a month to finally get a lecture on why its like it is“
- „Someone wanted to prevent me accessing my own email.“
- „It is now essentially an evening, after hours, email service.“
- „After latest update can't open links in email“
What are the main quality issues with Proton Mail?Quality
Proton Mail has frequent bugs, poor performance, unreliable email delivery, and interface issues. Users report the service is unstable, slow, and inconsistent, especially after updates.
Performance Issues
Proton Mail is slow, especially on mobile apps and when loading content. Startup delays, sluggish responses in settings, and poor performance persist even on good internet connections. This sluggishness is a major issue across multiple devices.
Reliability Problems
Several users reported critical failures including missing emails, inability to send or receive messages, and emails appearing as unreadable strings of letters and numbers. One user was locked out of their account and required a reset. These issues damage trust in the service’s core functionality.
Update-Related Bugs
Multiple complaints report issues after recent updates. Unreadable text in replies appears as purple dark text. Drafts remain after sending. Links fail to open. These recurring problems indicate that updates are introducing new bugs instead of improving quality.
What customers said:
- „why proton android app is so slow?“
- „I found an *email* in my proton inbox Missing?“
- „I contacted proton and was told by Nikola that the developers weren’t adding that feature.“
- „My emails are unreadable the message when I open it only letters and numbers.“
How is Proton's customer service experience for users with technical issues?Customer service
Proton's customer service experience varies widely. Many users report long delays and unresolved critical issues. A smaller number of users praise support for being helpful and reliable.
Poor Response Time
Proton's customer service has drawn significant criticism for failing to resolve ongoing technical issues. Users report connection failures, vault limits, and slow performance. Multiple users submitted tickets and were told problems were 'logged' or 'escalated' but received no fix or timeline. Some waited up to two months without resolution.
Unresolved Issues
Some users report that support does not resolve core issues like connecting to VPN servers or accessing cloud storage, even after upgrading to paid plans. One reviewer said that after paying for a business package, the promised commercial VPN access still did not work.
Positive Exceptions
A minority of users report positive experiences with Proton, citing helpful support teams and reliable service. They highlight Proton's strong security and integrated ecosystem as reasons to recommend the service. Support quality may vary by issue type or user tier.
What customers said:
- „I pay for a business Proton mail package and they promised commercial VPN access as…“
„I pay for a business Proton mail package and they promised commercial VPN access as part of the package.“
- „I have subscribed for a higher package but I can’t connect to any servers.“
- „Helpful team and reliable service.“
- „I highly recommend Proton's various packages.“
What are the customer service and website access issues reported by Proton VPN users?Customer service
The Proton VPN official website has reported issues with customer service responsiveness, subscription access, and account management. Users experience delays of up to several days, unhelpful responses, and failures to complete purchases or access services.
Slow & Unhelpful Support
Customer service is unresponsive. Some users wait up to 20 hours for an email reply. Others receive no help after days. One user was denied the ability to revert an account change. Another was locked out of their subscription due to platform differences.
Access & Subscription Problems
Multiple users report the subscription button is missing or hidden on the official website, preventing sign-ups or renewals. Some users were redirected or blocked by platform, with no explanation or workaround provided.
Account & Verification Failures
Several users cannot add or verify their phone number despite entering valid information. The system rejects the inputs. One user was told to check their location but could not resolve the issue and stopped using the service.
What customers said:
- „Account scheduled for deletion, if you did not request it, please contact customer service“
- „I got no response via email for about 20 hours.“
- „I received a response today asking if my location is still in the same place“
„I received a response today asking if my location is still in the same place“
Original„j'ai reçu une réponse aujourd'hui si ma localisation se trouve bien au même endroit“
- „I am not able to subscribe ProtonVPN.“
How reliable is Proton Authenticator for logging in and managing two-factor authentication?Ordering & website
Proton Authenticator has received mixed reviews due to frequent crashes, login failures, and usability problems. Some users value its basic features and QR code scanning. Many others find it unreliable and frustrating to use.
Login Issues
Reviewers report frequent login failures due to unloading screens or 'Something went wrong' errors. Some users needed to clear cache or reset devices to regain access, showing instability in the authentication flow.
App Crashes & Bugs
The app crashes frequently without error messages. Crashes occur especially when biometric unlock is enabled or when importing codes. One user lost access to accounts due to repeated crashes, indicating serious reliability issues.
Usability & Compatibility
The app scans QR codes and sorts entries alphabetically. It supports importing up to 10 codes from Google Authenticator at once. Users report incompatibility with major vendors. The app includes intrusive notifications and ads.
What customers said:
- „had to reset my device and Proton is just plain difficult.“
- „After setting 2FA via Authenticator and clearing cache/storage as suggested I was able…“
„After setting 2FA via Authenticator and clearing cache/storage as suggested I was able to log in.“
- „Unfortunately, this authenticator is not supported by the majority of vendors“
- „Proton Authenticator crashes every time when I try to enable biometric unlock on it.“
How does Proton Meet perform in terms of ordering and website functionality?Ordering & website
The Proton Meet feature has poor usability, slow performance, and missing essential functions. Users report failed QR code scans, inability to delete recurring meetings, and no support for polls or invites to non-Proton users. While some appreciate its security and simplicity, the overall experience is considered clunky and underdeveloped.
Slow & Clunky
Reviewers say adding meetings through invites is slow and awkward. Calendar events lack reliable notifications. The process feels outdated and unintuitive compared to other calendar tools.
Critical Bugs
Several users experienced technical failures during meeting setup, including expired QR codes, inability to delete recurring meetings, and no option to create meeting polls. These issues indicate a lack of polish and prioritization in the calendar and meeting features.
Missing Features
Proton Calendar does not allow non-Proton users to join meetings. It lacks privacy controls such as the ability to mark events as private. Calendar items can only be saved when online, which limits offline use.
What customers said:
- „the whole process of adding meetings are invites to be slow and clunky“
- „You cannot add non-Proton-users to a meeting..“
- „I am no longer able to delete a recurring meeting“
- „can't mark meetings as private, which I need“
Does Proton offer good value for money compared to other providers?Value for money
Proton offers strong value for money, particularly in its free services and high privacy standards. Some users report high prices for advanced features and missing basic functionalities.
Positives
Proton's free plan provides strong privacy and usability. It includes transparent pricing and an ad-free, zero-knowledge infrastructure. Many users consider it a trustworthy alternative to data-hungry platforms.
Criticism
Several reviewers criticize the high cost of paid upgrades, especially for basic features like multiple colors or file attachments in the calendar. Some call the pricing 'massively overpriced' and say the value does not match the cost. The issue is especially noticeable when compared to competitors offering larger storage.
Conclusion
Proton offers strong security, free access to core services, and multi-device support. These features make it a compelling choice for privacy-focused users, even with price concerns. The overall package is worth it for those prioritizing data protection over cost.
What customers said:
- „All Proton services and apps are very user friendly already with "free" plan.“
- „Die kostenpflichtigen Dienste sind maßlos überteuert.“
„Die kostenpflichtigen Dienste sind maßlos überteuert.“
Original„The paid services are massively overpriced“
- „Mein eigentlicher Vorschlag ist die Möglichkeit, Anhänge zum Proton-Kalender hinzuzufügen.“
„Mein eigentlicher Vorschlag ist die Möglichkeit, Anhänge zum Proton-Kalender hinzuzufügen.“
Original„the real suggestion is the ability to add attachments to Proton Calendar“
- „Der Speicherbonus (+10GB/Jahr) schließt die massive Lücke zu M365 (1TB) kaum.“
Is the Proton VPN Chrome extension worth the money?Value for money
The Proton VPN Chrome extension has poor performance, unreliable connections, and limited free-tier features. It is considered overpriced and not worth the cost for most users.
Poor Performance
The Proton VPN Chrome extension disconnects frequently, crashes on launch, or fails to connect despite payment. Connection speeds are extremely slow or nonexistent, making the service unusable for basic browsing or streaming.
Free Tier Limitations
The free version has severe limitations. All free servers are reportedly banned. Selecting a country to connect to requires a paid subscription. These restrictions make the free tier ineffective for testing or reliable use, causing user frustration and a feeling of being misled.
Not Worth the Price
Proton VPN Plus users report persistent issues including automatic disconnections, failure to access streaming services, and no available refunds for ongoing problems. Multiple reviewers describe the service as a waste of money and advise switching to other options.
What customers said:
- „I haven't seen this issue with other VPNs.“
„I haven't seen this issue with other VPNs.“
Original„diğer vpnlerde böyle bir sorun görmedim“
- „I even paid for VPN plus. Waste of money“
- „All free servers are banned“
- „You almost have to pay everything even for switching countries like VPN super proxy is…“
„You almost have to pay everything even for switching countries like VPN super proxy is all free to choose but on this app nothing is free like you gotta pay to choose a country or just automatically…“
What is the Proton Pack, and how do users experience it for communication?Communication
The Proton Pack is Proton's set of privacy-focused tools for email, calendar, and file storage. Users report mixed experiences. The service is praised for reliability and strong privacy features. Some users face payment issues. Instructions are unclear in parts. Functionality is limited in certain areas.
Positive Experience
The Proton Pack provides strong privacy and reliable performance for email and calendar use. Users value its intuitive design and secure communication management without ongoing maintenance.
Common Complaints
Several users report payment processing issues, unclear onboarding steps, and unresponsive customer support. File handling problems and limited customization are also reported, including no multi-select option on iPad and missing read receipts.
Practical Advice
Users value Proton's privacy focus and its ability to replace less secure alternatives. Proton has 15 million active users. Suggestions include better multilingual support, improved file management, and more flexible keyboard shortcuts.
What customers said:
- „proton steps in with a full and secure package of mail and calendar that’s easy to…“
„proton steps in with a full and secure package of mail and calendar that’s easy to setup and virtually no maintenance“
- „changed my online communication for the best“
- „I'm now not sure what package I've got or if I can choose which country I want to use…“
„I'm now not sure what package I've got or if I can choose which country I want to use as a proxy.“
- „I signed up for the duo 2Tb package and thankfully there is 30 to try out and ask for…“
„I signed up for the duo 2Tb package and thankfully there is 30 to try out and ask for refund.“
Why doesn’t Proton automatically connect when I join a public Wi-Fi network?Communication
Proton does not automatically connect to public Wi-Fi networks. Reviewers cite the absence of auto-connect features and poor responsiveness to user feedback as reasons.
Missing Auto-Connect
Proton does not have basic auto-connect functionality for public Wi-Fi. One reviewer said the app 'demonstrably does not care' about this feature. The lack of auto-connect is frustrating because it has been requested since 2020 and remains unimplemented.
Poor Feature Response
Users feel ignored by Proton’s development team because features like auto-connect have not been added despite repeated requests. One reviewer says the lack of progress shows poor communication and disregard for user needs.
Broader Usability Issues
The app does not support auto-connect and frequently forgets accounts or fails to maintain secure connections. These issues indicate ongoing problems with functionality and user support.
What customers said:
- „lack of auto-connect/disconnect options“
- „It would ideally pull these from phone contacts, but it doesn’t even pull them from…“
„It would ideally pull these from phone contacts, but it doesn’t even pull them from proton contacts.“
- „there should be more explicit easily accessible information regarding P2P connections…“
„there should be more explicit easily accessible information regarding P2P connections not going through the VPN“
What Reddit users say about Proton
From 87 Reddit threads that mention Proton. Community posts are opinions, not verified purchases.
Below are extracts from Reddit discussions - each linked to the original thread.
„The biggest feature of paid Proton Pass Plus is unlimited email alias“
„Proton Calendar is, without a doubt, one of the most solid solutions for those who want to protect their privacy.“
„As the more technical person in my family I've been tasked with finding a family photo storage solution.“
„i moved to Proton Drive“
„thanks for the replies guys!!“
„ended up giving proton mail a try“
Proton review themes at a glance
Every theme is backed by classified review text. Open a theme to read its analysis. ·
Quality12493× mentions
7035positive4867negative- VPN speed & servers (57)
Customer service4372× mentions
1681positive2323negativeOrdering & website4083× mentions
897positive2372negative- Free plan & upgrades (33)
- Account & login (18)
- Setup & configuration (16)
Value for money2765× mentions
1530positive1004negativeCommunication1454× mentions
237positive954negativeBilling & payment576× mentions
22positive506negative
Reviews about Proton quality
12,493 mentions · 56% positive · 39% negative
Proton's overall sentiment improved from 3.15 stars in late 2025 to 3.82 stars in August 2026. Over 5,000 positive reviews highlight Proton's reliability, privacy focus, and free access. Nearly half of all mentions remain negative, citing app crashes, unreliable connections, and frustrating user interface behaviors. Performance problems persist for many users. A growing number describe Proton as dependable, secure, and easy to use. The increase in satisfaction suggests recent updates have addressed some long-standing concerns. Users prioritizing privacy over convenience report the most positive experiences.
What customers praise
Customers frequently praise Proton for strong privacy protections and reliable performance, especially in regions with strict internet controls. The app lets users securely access content from other countries, including streaming services. Users appreciate local encryption key generation, which ensures no third party, including Proton, can access their data. The free tier is valued for combining security and accessibility. Proton has no ads and works across multiple platforms, including Linux.
What customers said:
- „simple and to the point“
- „Can be installed on Linux and all other operating systems, including synchronization…“
„Can be installed on Linux and all other operating systems, including synchronization across all devices.“
Original„Kann sowohl auf Linux und alle anderen Betriebssystemen installiert werden inkl. Synchronisation auf allen Geräten.“
Common complaints
Common complaints include frequent app crashes, inconsistent connections, and failures in basic functions like turning off features or deleting data. The app often fails to recognize user input, such as repeatedly not registering photo backup toggles or rejecting valid QR codes. Users report constant disconnections and the need to restart devices to restore service. These issues are especially common on Android, where problems with Android Auto integration and unexplained disconnections occur repeatedly.
What customers said:
- „i also could not delete any photos“
- „the search seems to only search title and email address and not email content“
Representative quality reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„it says im in a different state on app but im always in Nevada“
„you cannot edit a single event in a repeating event setup“
„I enjoy the peace of mind“
Proton: VPN speed & servers
57 mentions · 56positive · 0negative
Proton's VPN speed and server performance are consistently poor, based on 56 negative reviews out of 57 total. Users report frequent disconnections, slow connections, and unreliable server responses across multiple countries. The app struggles to maintain stable connections, with many experiencing repeated reconnection loops and long wait times. Some users note that free servers perform better than paid ones, increasing frustration. No positive feedback exists for speed or server reliability, indicating a widespread and persistent issue. No monthly performance history is available.
What customers said:
- „it offers 8 countries but only about 1 has good reception“
„it offers 8 countries but only about 1 has good reception“
Original„8 tane ülke sunuyor sadece 1 tanesi falan iyi çekiyor“
- „Connection more likely than not to not connect to a VPN country of your choice.“
Reviews about Proton customer service
4,372 mentions · 38% positive · 53% negative
Proton's customer service has a consistent negative rating, averaging 3.0 stars in 2025 and 2026. A majority of customers report dissatisfaction. Support experiences vary by issue and contact channel. Some users describe responsive and helpful staff. Many others report delays, unhelpful replies, and no escalation for unresolved problems. Negative mentions far outnumber positive ones. Issues with account access, payments, and technical glitches often lead to repeated interactions or being ignored. A brief improvement occurred in early 2026, but overall sentiment has not changed.
What customers praise
Proton’s support team is responsive and helpful when engaged. Users report replies within hours, including outside regular business hours. One user received a response the next morning after a late-night request. Another praised the team for being considerate and solution-oriented. Positive interactions often involve clear communication and effective resolution, especially for account recovery or technical setup. Support is accessible via forms, and multilingual assistance is available.
What customers said:
- „there is someone who really cares about your internet surfing.“
- „If the orange man wants to lock someone out of American 2FA apps, this is the best…“
„If the orange man wants to lock someone out of American 2FA apps, this is the best alternative.“
Original„Hervorragende europäische Alternative. Falls the orange man jemanden aus amerikanischen 2Fa Apps aussperren möchte ist es die beste Alternative. Kann sowohl auf Linux und alle anderen…“
Common complaints
Long response times, lack of escalation, and unhelpful or repetitive answers are common complaints. Users report being stuck in loops, such as repeatedly trying to disable a feature or reset a password without resolution. Some were blocked from accessing their own data for days with no meaningful action from support. Others were misled about pricing or service availability, such as being told they could not purchase a standard plan without upgrading. A recurring issue is the inability to get a senior engineer involved, even for severe or persistent problems.
What customers said:
- „it's also incredibly pushy about its subscription service“
- „I received a response today asking if my location is still in the same place“
„I received a response today asking if my location is still in the same place“
Original„j'ai reçu une réponse aujourd'hui si ma localisation se trouve bien au même endroit“
Representative customer service reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„It has become difficult to connect to the free VPN.“
„It takes longer or doesn't work at all.“
„No more password recovery“
Proton: Server locations & availability
24 mentions · 5positive · 18negative
Proton has 18 negative mentions about server locations and availability compared to 5 positive ones. The overall sentiment is strongly negative. Users report persistent issues with server connectivity, limited server selection, and poor performance across platforms. The free version offers only a narrow range of servers, mostly in Germany. The paid service fails to provide reliable access to desired locations. Common complaints include automatic connections to distant, slow servers, frequent disconnections, and inability to manually select preferred regions. Some users praise the free tier's performance, but most express disappointment. Lack of transparency and responsiveness from Proton's support team is a recurring issue. No significant improvement over time is evident due to missing monthly history data, but consistent complaints indicate long-standing problems with server infrastructure and user control.
What customers said:
- „THE DEVELOPERS WONT LISTEN“
- „Proton have known about this for some months and still have no timeline for the fix“
Proton: Support responsiveness
16 mentions · 6positive · 9negative
Proton's customer service responsiveness is a major pain point, with nine out of sixteen reviews expressing strong dissatisfaction. Users report delays of days to over two months for replies. Support often fails to escalate issues or provides vague responses like 'logged as a complaint' without follow-up. A few reviews mention timely or helpful interactions, but these are outweighed by negative experiences. Persistent frustration remains, especially with account access, billing issues, and technical errors. Lack of resolution over extended periods has led some users to abandon the service.
What customers said:
- „There must be millions of Amazon fire tablet support missing“
- „It appears that Proton Mail prefer to attend to their Trustpilot reviews than to their…“
„It appears that Proton Mail prefer to attend to their Trustpilot reviews than to their customers' queries.“
Reviews about Proton ordering & website
4,083 mentions · 22% positive · 58% negative
Proton's ordering and website experience has drawn widespread user frustration, with 2,538 negative mentions out of 3,950 total reviews. Only 625 reviews were positive, showing a strong imbalance in satisfaction. Ratings have improved slowly from 2.7 to 2.8 stars in early 2025 to 3.01 stars in August 2026, indicating some progress. Persistent issues include login failures, payment problems, and app permission errors. Users frequently report unreliable, confusing, or broken processes when setting up or using Proton services. Common complaints involve inability to access accounts, scan QR codes, or complete purchases. A few users praised ease of use and privacy features, but the overall experience remains a major pain point for most customers.
What customers praise
Proton offers a straightforward setup and clean interface that new users find easy to navigate. Customers report that importing data from other apps is simple and requires no complex configuration. The app is described as intuitive, fast, and secure. Some users see it as a strong European alternative to other services. Proton has no ads and works across multiple platforms, including Linux.
What customers said:
- „Imports are extremely easy from other apps“
- „Once you install it, you open it and enter any email address you want.“
„Once you install it, you open it and enter any email address you want.“
Original„una vez que lo instalas lo abres pones tu correo electrónico el que quieras“
Common complaints
Common complaints include login and account access issues such as endless login loops, QR code errors, and failed phone number verification. Users report being locked out despite entering correct credentials. Some say they were charged but never received service. The app’s requests for microphone, camera, and file access are seen as excessive and invasive, raising data privacy concerns. Payment problems persist, with unresponsive support and no refunds reported.
What customers said:
- „the number is not recognized“
„the number is not recognized“
Original„le numéro n'est pas reconnu“
- „u cant pick what contury u connect to“
Representative ordering & website reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„I granted mandatory access to audio recording, images, video, and files in order to use the app.“
„I had to grant permission for audio recording, photos, videos, and file access just to use the app.“
„However, I do not consent to my data being used for other purposes, copied, distributed, sold, or shared with second or third parties.“
Proton: Free plan & upgrades
33 mentions · 5positive · 12negative
Proton's free plan and upgrade process receive mostly negative feedback. Out of 33 mentions, 12 are negative and 5 are positive. Common complaints include difficulty upgrading, hidden or non-functional subscription buttons, and restrictive free-tier features. Users report unexpected charges, inability to cancel or get refunds, and paid features that fail to activate after purchase. No monthly history is available to track changes. Long-standing issues include forced use of slow servers, inability to change server locations, and poor app functionality. A few users value the privacy focus and basic free access, but overall dissatisfaction is growing, especially regarding transparency and usability during upgrades.
What customers said:
- „CAN'T CHOOSE THE FREE SERVER ANYMORE!!“
- „I am not able to subscribe ProtonVPN.“
Proton: Account & login
18 mentions · 0positive · 12negative
Proton’s account and login system has 18 documented negative reviews, all reporting serious issues. Users face unreliable logins, broken password resets, and confusing account management. Many report being locked out with correct credentials, unable to create or recover accounts. Problems occur across platforms, including unexpected logouts, missing verification codes, and failed recovery methods. No monthly history tracks changes, but complaints show long-standing usability problems. The pattern indicates persistent failures in basic account functionality, reducing trust in the service’s reliability and user-friendliness.
What customers said:
- „Sharing a folder shouldn't require the other person to create an account.“
- „twice now in the last few months I have been logged out“
Proton: Setup & configuration
16 mentions · 2positive · 9negative
Proton's ordering and website setup process causes significant frustration for users, with most reporting dissatisfaction. Account creation frequently fails. Login flows are confusing or broken. Features often do not respond. Only two reviews mention positive aspects, such as a working guest sign-in or password reset. Nine reviews are strongly negative, citing repeated account verification failures, expired QR codes, and apps that won't install or run. Other reviews describe poor usability, missing features like search or storage management, and no support. Setup difficulties occur consistently across platforms. No improvement over time is evident due to lack of monthly history data. The process is widely seen as unreliable and cumbersome, especially for new users.
What customers said:
- „I wish I can make it easier so you don't have to make no account“
- „Every iOS app that has in-app subscriptions is required to have a “restore purchases” flow“
Reviews about Proton value for money
2,765 mentions · 55% positive · 36% negative
Proton offers strong value for money, with 55% of 2,188 customer mentions positive. Users praise its security and privacy features, especially in the free tier, calling it reliable and fast. Many say it delivers high utility at a low cost and is the best free VPN available. Negative reviews cite overpricing for premium features that feel basic or underdeveloped. Some users report being charged without service, and others note poor app performance during certain hours or for specific tasks. Ratings improved steadily from early 2025 to mid-2026, peaking at 3.79 stars in July 2026, indicating growing satisfaction despite ongoing issues with pricing and usability.
What customers praise
Proton offers excellent value, especially in its free version. Users praise its strong privacy protections, fast speeds, and ad-free access to global content. The free plan is genuinely useful and more secure than other services tested. Proton lets users generate encryption keys locally and prevents corporate access to data, which is a major reason users find the service worth the cost.
What customers said:
- „Unlimited and free TB connection.“
„Unlimited and free TB connection.“
Original„TB connexion illimitée et gratuite.“
- „It's truly amazing that there's a free plan despite it being so secure.“
„It's truly amazing that there's a free plan despite it being so secure.“
Original„こんなに安心なのに無料プランがあるとかホントに最高“
Common complaints
Users complain about pricing and restricted feature access. Premium features such as folder creation in email and automatic message deletion are locked behind paywalls. Some users report being charged without service access. The app shows poor responsiveness and limited functionality during peak hours. Customer support is often ineffective, reinforcing perceptions that the service is overpriced for its current offerings.
What customers said:
- „I paid for the full month and it only let me use it once.“
„I paid for the full month and it only let me use it once.“
Original„yo pague para el mes completo y solo me dejo usarlo una sola vez“
- „don't install it, even 1 star is too much“
„don't install it, even 1 star is too much“
Original„yüklemeyin 1 puan bile fazla“
Representative value for money reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„It can also avoid censorship and enable access to all streaming services, bringing the potential to save thousands by cutting the cable bill.“
„I find it a shame that you have to pay to add folders to the mailbox“
„I hope there will be a student package subscription“
Reviews about Proton communication
1,454 mentions · 16% positive · 66% negative
Proton has 890 negative mentions and 239 positive mentions across 1326 total references, showing strong customer frustration with communication. Customers report poor responsiveness, unclear messaging, and unhelpful automated replies, especially for account status updates and payment confirmations. Many experience delays in support responses or receive no response at all, with some waiting over an hour after payment for changes to reflect. Occasional positive feedback exists about the team’s willingness to listen and prompt replies, but these are rare. Ratings have stayed around 2.5 stars for most of 2026, with slight increases in July and August, still below 3.0. Negative sentiment remains dominant, indicating ongoing unresolved communication issues.
What customers praise
A small number of users appreciate the Proton team's responsiveness when they engage. The company listens to feedback and occasionally replies to reviews. Some users value the clear and strong privacy-focused messaging, especially around security and data protection. A few also highlight the ability to sync data across devices and the reliability of two-factor authentication. These positive experiences are rare but stand out in an otherwise negative landscape.
What customers said:
- „the Proton team is proactive in listening to users“
- „thanks for responding to my review“
Common complaints
Users frequently report delayed or missing account updates after payments, with some waiting over an hour without changes. Automated email responses from bots are described as unhelpful and impersonal. Confusion arises during account setup, particularly regarding the use of periods in usernames and unclear instructions. Support in non-English languages is poor, with users requesting Spanish or French responses receiving none. Lack of clear communication about service features like photo syncing or server availability increases frustration.
What customers said:
- „What about the passwords?“
„What about the passwords?“
Original„les mots de passe ??“
- „If this service is used on the same scale as Google, do you still promise to provide…“
„If this service is used on the same scale as Google, do you still promise to provide super privacy?“
Original„Eğer bu servis Google kadar büyük çapta kullanılırsa halen daha süper gizlilik sağlayacağınızı vadediyor musunuz?“
Representative communication reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„I already sent an email, but it was answered automatically by a bot“
„I like being able to sync my data between Android and Windows via my Proton account.“
„They didn't reply to my refund email.“
Reviews about Proton billing & payment
576 mentions · 4% positive · 88% negative
Proton's billing and payment system has drawn 422 negative mentions compared to 22 positive ones out of 486 total references. Average ratings have stayed below 2 stars throughout most of 2025 and early 2026. The lowest rating was 1.25 stars in December 2025. Users report unauthorized charges, failed payments, and no response from customer support. A slight improvement occurred in July 2026, reaching 2.42 stars. Persistent issues include payment processing, subscription management, and lack of transparency. Many describe the system as unreliable, confusing, and deceptive, especially around auto-renewals and cancellations. A few users still praise Proton's security, but these positive comments are outweighed by the volume and severity of billing complaints.
What customers praise
Proton offers end-to-end encryption and a zero-access policy. Proton Mail and Proton VPN are widely praised for reliability in protecting personal data. The company is seen as a genuine alternative to major tech platforms. Users who prioritize privacy over convenience often value Proton despite billing issues.
What customers said:
- „it does hav a auto renewal, so please make sure to check if that's what you want.“
- „It is very good to have elite security.“
„It is very good to have elite security.“
Original„é muito bom ter segurança de elite“
Common complaints
Common complaints include unauthorized charges, failed payments, and delayed or missing customer service responses. Users report being charged without permission, sometimes multiple times for the same service. They cannot cancel subscriptions through standard channels. Many had to access Google Play or Apple accounts to find and cancel subscriptions, often after unexpected charges. A recurring issue is poor communication, with users saying their messages were ignored or only answered with automated replies.
What customers said:
- „Account status did not change after making the payment“
„Account status did not change after making the payment“
Original„status akun tidak berubah setelah melakukan pembayaran“
- „I didn't do it. If any transaction is made without my knowledge, I will file a complaint.“
„I didn't do it. If any transaction is made without my knowledge, I will file a complaint.“
Original„yapmadım.Benden habersiz yapılan bir işlem olursa şikayetçi olurum“
Representative billing & payment reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„I tried paying for the vpn but it didn't go“
„cancelling a subscription can be a pain in the ass with this shady platform“
„Not only that, you need to go lurking into your Google PlayStore account to dig into your "subscriptions" to cancel this VPN“
Proton products & services in the reviews
What reviewers say about each Proton offering. Mentions are reviews that name the product. ·
Reviews about Proton Proton VPN
18,853 mentions · 4.1/5 · top themes: Quality, Customer service, Value for money
Encrypted VPN service with servers in 110 countries, kill switch, and Secure Core routing.
Proton VPN's satisfaction has risen sharply over the past year, with ratings climbing from 3.5 stars in early 2026 to over 4.2 stars by mid-2026. Over 12,000 positive reviews highlight Proton's reliability, privacy focus, and strong free tier. Nearly 3,600 negative mentions persist, mainly about connection stability, server performance, and account updates. Positive feedback now outweighs complaints, especially in the last six months. Many users consider Proton one of the best free VPNs available, though some still face technical issues.
What customers said:
- „The best of the best among free VPNs“
„The best of the best among free VPNs“
Original„lo mejor de lo mejor en vpn's gratuitas“
- „this is always the best VPN“
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„sometimes when i use kill switch it shows i am connected but no internt“
„there is one problem for free tier users you have given countries vpn“
Reviews about Proton Proton Mail
5,407 mentions · 3.5/5 · top themes: Quality, Customer service, Ordering & website
End-to-end encrypted email service with dedicated apps and web client.
Proton Mail's ratings rose from 2.97 stars in October 2025 to 3.53 stars in June 2026, despite a dip in August 2026. Over 2,600 reviews express satisfaction, citing privacy, interface simplicity, and reliability. Nearly half of all mentions are negative, mainly due to technical issues, poor customer service, and restrictive features. Recurring complaints include account access problems, app instability, and hidden costs. While negative feedback remains significant, the upward trend in ratings indicates ongoing improvements in core functionality and user experience.
What customers said:
- „Good email provider.“
- „Very good email manager with all the necessary features.“
„Very good email manager with all the necessary features.“
Original„Très bon gestionnaire d'e-mails avec toutes les fonctionnalités nécessaires“
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„By default it inserts web link to Proton Mail for Android into every mail.“
„Mandatory registration for an email client..“
Reviews about Proton Proton Pass
3,010 mentions · 4.2/5 · top themes: Quality, Ordering & website, Customer service
Password manager with end-to-end encryption, email aliases and passkey support.
Proton Pass has received strong praise for security, ease of use, and cross-device integration, with 2,145 positive mentions out of 3,010 total reviews. Average ratings have stayed around 4.2 stars over the past year, reaching a peak of 4.35 in February 2026. Most users value its reliability and privacy-focused design. Some users report functionality issues on Amazon Fire tablets and the Brave browser. Others have experienced data loss after logouts or updates, and problems with auto-fill and account invitations. Despite these issues, the majority of feedback describes Proton Pass as trustworthy, convenient, and well-designed, especially for users already using the Proton ecosystem.
What customers said:
- „With proton you will have all your passwords in one place and safe“
- „pretty good and convenient app for account management“
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„This app is helpful to store passwords“
„I hope it becomes the best password manager“
Reviews about Proton Proton Drive
2,532 mentions · 3.1/5 · top themes: Quality, Ordering & website, Customer service
Encrypted cloud storage for files and photos with sharing links.
Proton Drive has received 1,207 negative mentions and 843 positive mentions across 2,532 total references, resulting in mixed feedback with more negative than positive reviews. Sentiment has declined over time, with average ratings dropping from 3.4 stars in October 2025 to 2.78 stars in August 2026. Users value Proton Drive’s privacy focus and secure encryption. However, ongoing issues with performance, usability, and missing features have reduced satisfaction. Despite improvements in later updates, the service’s reputation has continued to decline, indicating that new users still face persistent problems that outweigh recent fixes.
What customers said:
- „Very good privacy“
„Very good privacy“
Original„muy buena privacidad“
- „after got falsely flagged by Google Drive“
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„I really don't know what I could use the 2tb for if I can't use the storage for movies“
„This app requires access to all my photos and videos to back them up.“
Reviews about Proton Proton Calendar
2,122 mentions · 3.3/5 · top themes: Quality, Ordering & website, Customer service
Encrypted calendar with event sharing and reminders.
Proton Calendar has 762 positive and 783 negative reviews out of 2,122 total. The overall rating averages 3.3 stars across 2025 and 2026 with little change over time. Users praise the app’s privacy focus and clean design. Common complaints include missing core features, poor integration with device calendars, and strict free-tier limits. Usability has not improved recently, and some users report regression, such as broken widgets and lost event access. Despite these issues, a steady group values the app’s security and visual appeal, showing that privacy remains a strong attraction even when functionality is lacking.
What customers said:
- „plus security and privacy“
- „A fantastic and privacy-friendly calendar app“
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„The app is unable to adjust to local time zone after accepting calendar invitations from proton mail.“
„Proton gives me the convenience of a digital calendar“
Reviews about Proton Proton Authenticator
1,650 mentions · 4.1/5 · top themes: Quality, Ordering & website, Customer service
Open-source 2FA app with encrypted sync across devices.
Proton Authenticator has seen a steady increase in user satisfaction over the past year. Out of 1650 mentions, 1070 are positive and 343 are negative, showing a clear majority of users are satisfied. The app’s rating rose from 3.84 stars in September 2025 to 4.61 stars in March 2026. It has maintained a rating above 4.0 stars since early 2026. Users praise its privacy focus, cross-platform availability, and reliability. Some users report recurring issues with QR code scanning, sync behavior, and backup limitations. These issues remain but appear less frequent or severe in recent feedback, indicating ongoing improvements. The overall trend reflects growing confidence in the app despite lingering technical challenges.
What customers said:
- „is more trustworthy“
- „Its simple, and it works.“
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„Best Authenticator app I have ever used.“
„It works almost anywhere that asks for Goo.gle Authenticator“
Proton review sources, coverage and method
The overall 4.1 / 5 score is recency-weighted: newer reviews count more (weight 0.9 per month of age), regardless of portal.
| Portal | Avg. rating | Count | Weight | Latest | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.3 / 5 | 31,983 | 49.3% | View profile ↗ | |
| Google Play | 3.7 / 5 | 7,630 | 11.8% | View profile ↗ | |
| Apple App Store | 3.4 / 5 | 7,209 | 11.1% | View profile ↗ | |
| Apple App Store | 3.4 / 5 | 4,002 | 6.2% | View profile ↗ | |
| Google Play | 4.2 / 5 | 3,806 | 5.9% | View profile ↗ | |
| Google Play | 3.3 / 5 | 2,449 | 3.8% | View profile ↗ | |
| Google Play | 3.5 / 5 | 2,103 | 3.2% | View profile ↗ | |
| Google Play | 4.2 / 5 | 2,021 | 3.1% | View profile ↗ | |
| Apple App Store | 3.0 / 5 | 1,379 | 2.1% | View profile ↗ | |
| Apple App Store | 2.8 / 5 | 1,184 | 1.8% | View profile ↗ | |
| Apple App Store | 3.9 / 5 | 714 | 1.1% | View profile ↗ | |
| Trustpilot | 2.0 / 5 | 334 | 0.5% | View profile ↗ | |
| Weighted overall | 4.1 / 5 | 64,814 | 100% | ||
Period covered: 2016-03 – 2026-11. Reviews older than 24 months stay in the trend charts but no longer feed the headline figures.
What this analysis cannot cover
- Only publicly visible reviews are included; nothing behind a login, and no reviews submitted to us directly.
- Sentiment is classified from the review text, never from the star rating. Unclassified reviews count toward totals but not toward sentiment shares.
What this analysis covers
- Google Play : 31,983 reviews
- Google Play : 7,630 reviews
- Apple App Store : 7,209 reviews
- Apple App Store : 4,002 reviews
- Google Play : 3,806 reviews
- Google Play : 2,449 reviews
- Google Play : 2,103 reviews
- Google Play : 2,021 reviews
- Apple App Store : 1,379 reviews
- Apple App Store : 1,184 reviews
- Apple App Store : 714 reviews
- Trustpilot : 334 reviews
Period covered: Mar 2016 – Nov 2026
And what it cannot cover:
- The App Store feed caps at about 500 reviews per country storefront.
- The App Store feed caps at about 500 reviews per country storefront.
- The App Store feed caps at about 500 reviews per country storefront.
- The App Store feed caps at about 500 reviews per country storefront.
- The App Store feed caps at about 500 reviews per country storefront.
- Trustpilot exposes roughly the 200 most recent reviews publicly; older reviews sit behind a login.
How the numbers are made
Every review is read once by a language model that labels its themes and sentiment and picks short verbatim passages. Recent reviews weigh more than old ones (each month of age discounts the weight by 10%). Quotes are shown exactly as written, linked to the original review, and cryptographically signed so you can check they have not been altered.Full methodology ↗ · Transparency report ↗
From Proton's newsroom
- Proton media kit | Proton - proton.me
- Proton news, press, and media materials | Proton - proton.me
Newsroom items are published by Proton itself.
What AI assistants say about Proton
based on 352 analysed AI answers
Our analysis of AI-assistant output — not the assistants’ raw text.
Cite this page
Citatio (2026). Proton Reviews November 2026 – 4.1/5 from 64,814 reviews. Retrieved 3 November 2026 from https://citatio.ai/proton-reviews/
Data verifiable via our public audit log: Methodology · Transparency