Proton: Free plan & upgrades (Ordering & website)
Reviewers report mixed experiences with Proton’s free plan and upgrade process, with a clear imbalance toward negative feedback. Out of 33 mentions, 12 are negative and only 5 are positive, indicating a generally unfavorable perception. The most common complaints center on difficulty upgrading, hidden or non-functional subscription buttons, and restrictive features on the free tier. Many users express frustration over being charged unexpectedly, unable to cancel or receive refunds, or finding that paid features don’t activate after purchase. Over time, there’s no available monthly history to track changes, but recurring issues, such as being forced onto slow servers, inability to change server locations, and poor app functionality, suggest long-standing problems. While a few users appreciate the privacy focus and basic free access, the overall trend points to growing dissatisfaction, especially around transparency and usability during the upgrade journey.
What customers praise
Customers praise Proton’s commitment to privacy and the availability of a free plan that allows basic access to core services. Some users appreciate the ability to use Proton Mail and Calendar without immediate cost, especially those who value data protection. A few mention that the free tier is sufficient for light use, though they note it lacks advanced features. These positive comments are rare and often overshadowed by more serious usability issues.
What customers said:
- „CAN'T CHOOSE THE FREE SERVER ANYMORE!!“
- „I am not able to subscribe ProtonVPN.“
- „you can’t do basic things - like set Proton Calendar as your phone’s calendar application.“
Common complaints
Common complaints include difficulty finding or using the subscription button, especially on mobile platforms. Users report being unable to upgrade, having payments fail to activate, or being locked out of features despite paying. Many describe the upgrade process as confusing or broken, with no clear path to change plans. Some say they were charged unexpectedly or could not cancel their subscription, leading to frustration and distrust.
What customers said:
- „i subscribed for vpn plus but didnt get the subscription??“
- „purchased subscription which failed to activate“
- „It doesn't allow you to make changes to the plan when you pay through Google Play.“
„It doesn't allow you to make changes to the plan when you pay through Google Play.“
Original„no te permita hacer cambios en el plan cuando haces los pagos a través de Google play“
How it has changed over time
Over time, users have reported worsening access to free features. The free plan now restricts server selection, forcing users onto slow or distant servers automatically. Some say they can no longer choose a free server at all, which undermines the value of the free tier. These changes appear to have reduced functionality over time, with users feeling pressured to upgrade to access basic features like server choice or event customization.
What customers said:
- „I can't even choose the server I want from the free servers.“
„I can't even choose the server I want from the free servers.“
Original„bedava sunucular arasından bile istediğim sunucuyu seçemiyorum“
- „You cannot change servers unless you pay for a plan“
„You cannot change servers unless you pay for a plan“
Original„No se puede cambiar de servidor a menos que pagues un plan“
Practical takeaways
For users considering Proton, the key takeaway is to proceed with caution. The free plan has significant limitations, and upgrading is often unclear or broken. Users should avoid relying on the free tier for essential tasks, especially if server choice or customization is important. If upgrading, be prepared for potential payment issues, hidden steps, or lack of support. Consider testing the service thoroughly before committing, as many users report that paid features don’t deliver as expected.
What customers said:
- „I've tried everything and I can't find out how to use that subscription“
- „Difficult to use in general when looking to upgrade to a better plan.“
- „The only option is to delete the account and create a new one, which I think is stupid.“
„The only option is to delete the account and create a new one, which I think is stupid.“
Original„La única opción por hacer es eliminar la cuenta y crear una nueva a lo cual considero estúpido hacer“
Customer voices
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„i signed up for the free version a year ago“
„I am thinking of purchasing a subscription from you soon“
„It's a shame you can't choose the destination in the free mode“
„i´m currently using the free version but i can´t change any event colours“
„Google calendar offers this feature for free so i gues i´m still stuck with google for now“
„you can try it out with a free account“
„can’t do it through the app which feels like an attempt at discouraging people to cancel a subscription“
„Multiple times when trying to change servers on the free version it goes back to the original country“
Cite this page
Citatio (2026). Proton Ordering & website – Free plan & upgrades: customer reviews Sep. Retrieved 18 August 2026 from https://citatio.ai/proton-reviews/ordering/free-plan-upgrades/
Data verifiable via our public audit log: Methodology · Transparency