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Proton VPN vs UltraVPN compares two VPNs that both offer something free. Proton’s free plan is clearly defined, uncapped and audited; UltraVPN has a free app whose limits sources dispute.
On paid plans, UltraVPN is fast and cheap monthly, while Proton offers audits and a Swiss base. This guide compares both. Our UltraVPN review covers the second service in depth.
Proton VPN vs UltraVPN on Audits
Our audit table lists 5 Securitum audits for Proton VPN, whose apps are also open source.
UltraVPN relies on a policy shared across Point Wild brands and has no audit of its own; reviewers describe the shared policy as vague. On proof, Proton leads.
The Hydra Protocol
UltraVPN borrows Hydra from Hotspot Shield, its sister brand under Point Wild, and averaged 211 Mbps in Comparitech’s testing.
Proton’s speed comes from WireGuard and its own network rather than a proprietary protocol, and its paid plans post a 16% loss in CNET’s tests.
Speed
CNET measured a 16% speed loss for Proton VPN, our speed table notes.
UltraVPN averaged 211 Mbps across Comparitech’s tests with Hydra. Both are quick on paid plans.
Two-Year Cost
On two years, Proton VPN Plus costs about $71.76, near $2.99 a month, and renews at about $83.88 a year, our tables show.
ProPrivacy lists $7.99 a month and $59.88 a year, and notes the two-year plan renews at $159.80. Proton costs less on two years; UltraVPN costs less month to month.
Free Use and Devices
Proton VPN’s free tier sets no data cap, according to our refund table; our Proton VPN free guide covers what it includes.
UltraVPN offers a free app with in-app upgrades, though sources disagree on its limits. Proton’s free plan is clear and uncapped; UltraVPN’s free app is unclear.
Jurisdiction and Ownership
Switzerland, outside the Fourteen Eyes, is Proton VPN’s base, though our audit table notes infrastructure moving to the EU.
UltraVPN operates under US law within Point Wild. Switzerland sits outside the Five Eyes; the US sits inside.
Security Features
A kill switch, Secure Core multi-hop servers and NetShield blocking come with paid Proton VPN plans.
Tor over VPN on every server is unusual, ProPrivacy notes, but vpnMentor recorded an IP leak on one server in 2026.
Platforms and Support
Proton VPN covers Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and TVs. Apps cover the main platforms, and a free app sits in the App Store.
Proton’s help centre and ticket system handle support. Premium members get round-the-clock email support, according to the developer’s replies.
Protocols and Streaming
WireGuard and OpenVPN run on Proton VPN, along with Stealth for networks that block VPNs.
Hydra handles every connection, Tor over VPN works across the network, and ProPrivacy found BBC iPlayer on each UK server. UltraVPN reached BBC iPlayer in tests, while Proton’s paid plans also stream well.
Which Is Better Value?
Proton is better value for free use and long plans; UltraVPN for a month or two of streaming.
After the first two years, Proton Plus renews at about $83.88 a year; light users can always fall back to the free plan.
Which Plan to Pick
Most readers should try the free plan first, then choose Plus on two years. With UltraVPN, the yearly plan avoids the steep renewal on the two-year plan.
Payment and Checkout
Before paying for either, read the renewal line at checkout and note the date. For UltraVPN and Proton VPN alike, tax can raise the headline price.
Refunds
Our refund table lists a 30-day full refund for Proton VPN.
UltraVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, FileHorse notes. Both offer 30 days.
Who Each Is For
Choose Proton VPN for audited privacy from Switzerland and a free tier without a data cap. UltraVPN suits streamers who want fast speeds at a modest price.
In short, UltraVPN fits short-term streaming; Proton fits long-term privacy and free use. If you are unsure, start with Proton’s free plan and add UltraVPN for a month only when a specific stream needs it.
What Else to Know About UltraVPN
One more point: UltraVPN changed hands in 2020, when Pango bought it, and the group now calls itself Point Wild. Comparitech discloses that it belongs to the same group.
What Else to Know About Proton VPN
Proton’s wider suite covers Mail, Drive and Pass, with the VPN included in Proton Unlimited; Plus covers the VPN alone.
Testing Both
Try Proton VPN and UltraVPN back to back on one connection. Then compare speed, the services you stream and a leak test, using our guide to checking if a VPN is working.
Switching Between Them
Switching is simple: set up the new VPN on every device, confirm it works, then cancel the old plan. Keep any refund deadline in mind.
You may also want CyberGhost vs UltraVPN, ExpressVPN vs UltraVPN, whether UltraVPN is safe and what UltraVPN costs.
Similar services are covered in Proton VPN vs AdGuard VPN and Proton VPN vs IceVPN.
How We Research
For this Proton VPN vs UltraVPN comparison, Proton VPN’s audits, prices, devices, speed and refunds come from our tables. UltraVPN’s figures come from our research for the UltraVPN review, mainly ProPrivacy’s UltraVPN review, read on 21 October 2026. We do not run our own tests. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
Proton VPN vs UltraVPN FAQ
Proton’s, with a clear, uncapped free plan.
Both are fast on paid plans.
Proton VPN; UltraVPN has no audit of its own.
Proton in Switzerland; UltraVPN in the US.
UltraVPN, at $7.99.
The Verdict
Proton VPN vs UltraVPN: Proton for a clear free plan, audits and a Swiss base; UltraVPN for cheap monthly streaming with Hydra speed.