ProtonVPN - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
ProtonVPN - Product Overview
Introduction to ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a reputable VPN service that specializes in providing strong privacy and security features, making it an excellent choice for individuals concerned about their online privacy.
Primary Function
The primary function of ProtonVPN is to protect your online privacy by hiding your real IP address, encrypting your internet traffic, and preventing your browsing data from being tracked or sold to advertisers. This allows you to browse the internet securely, avoid censorship, and access geo-blocked content.
Target Audience
ProtonVPN caters to a diverse user base, including privacy-conscious individuals such as journalists, activists, and everyday users who want to ensure their online activities remain anonymous. It is particularly appealing to those who value high privacy standards and strong security measures.
Key Features
Strong Encryption
ProtonVPN uses market-leading AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, ensuring your data is virtually unbreakable by brute force.
No-Logs Policy
ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy, verified by independent audits, and operates under Swiss privacy laws which are highly conducive to user privacy.
Secure Core
This feature routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers, adding an extra layer of security and making it harder to track your online activity.
NetShield Ad-blocker
This DNS filtering feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious scripts, ensuring a safer and cleaner browsing experience.
Kill Switch and Always-On VPN
These features ensure your IP address is never exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted and automatically re-establish your connection to a VPN server.
Tor over VPN
Allows you to access the Tor anonymity network and visit .onion sites from your regular browser, adding an extra layer of anonymity.
Server Network
ProtonVPN offers over 9,900 servers across 117 countries, providing extensive coverage and high-speed connections. The free plan, however, is limited to servers in five countries.
Free Plan
ProtonVPN stands out with a free plan that includes essential features, no ads, and unlimited data, although it offers slower speeds and limited server options compared to the paid plans.
Open-Source Apps
The VPN’s open-source codebase enhances transparency and trust, allowing users to review the code for any potential vulnerabilities.
Additional Features
ProtonVPN also includes features like DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and VPN accelerator technology to enhance speed performance.
Overall, ProtonVPN is a reliable and feature-rich VPN service that prioritizes user privacy and security, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to protect their online activities.
ProtonVPN - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of ProtonVPN is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to both new and advanced users.Visual and Interactive Elements
ProtonVPN’s interface features a striking black and purple color scheme, which is consistent across its various applications, including Mac, Android, and other platforms. The design includes an interactive server map indicated with purple triangles, a session traffic graph, and clear customization options for profiles, protocols, and connection settings.Ease of Use
The installation process is straightforward, and once logged in, deploying ProtonVPN is relatively easy. The app offers a guided tour to help users explore its advanced features, though this can be ignored if you prefer a quick setup. The “Quick Connect” button allows users to connect to the nearest server with just a click, making it simple to get started.Key Features and Customization
The main dashboard provides easy access to essential features such as the kill switch, Secure Core servers, and the NetShield feature, which blocks ads, stops trackers, and alerts users about malicious websites. Users can customize their experience by selecting preferred countries or server types, and there are visual server load indicators to guide user choices. Advanced users can benefit from features like split tunneling for specific apps and the option to inspect the app’s source code due to its open-source nature.User Experience
Overall, the user experience is enhanced by the app’s clear and information-rich dashboard. Features like auto-connect at startup and the ability to create customized profiles streamline the user experience. However, some users and reviewers have noted that while the interface is functional, it could be improved with additional visual elements to increase engagement and ease of use for casual users.Feedback and Improvements
Users generally praise ProtonVPN’s intuitive interface and fast connection speeds. However, there are suggestions for improvements, such as introducing more colors to balance the mostly black interface and enhancing the overall visual engagement. Despite these minor suggestions, the overall feedback is very positive, with users appreciating the peace of mind provided by ProtonVPN’s strong security features and no-logs policy.Conclusion
In summary, ProtonVPN’s user interface is designed to be easy to use, with a focus on clear and accessible features that cater to both beginner and advanced users. While there are some minor areas for improvement, the overall user experience is highly regarded for its simplicity and effectiveness. ProtonVPN - Key Features and Functionality
ProtonVPN is a comprehensive VPN service that offers a range of features designed to enhance your online privacy and security. Here are the main features and how they work:
Encryption and Protocols
ProtonVPN uses strong encryption protocols to protect your internet traffic. It employs AES-256 encryption, which is virtually unbreakable by brute force with current hardware, and ChaCha20 with WireGuard, which is equally secure and faster. These protocols ensure that your online activities, including the websites you visit and the data you download, remain encrypted and private.Kill Switch
The kill switch is a critical feature that disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection is interrupted. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed and keeps your data encrypted even if the VPN goes down. This feature acts as a safety net, ensuring your IP address remains hidden at all times.Secure Core
Secure Core is a double VPN feature that routes your traffic through two VPN servers before it reaches its final destination. The first server is always located in a privacy-friendly country, adding an extra layer of security and making it harder to track your online activity. This feature enhances your privacy by creating a “secret tunnel within a secret tunnel,” making it more difficult for anyone to monitor your internet traffic.Split Tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps or IP addresses use the VPN and which do not. This feature can be customized to the app or IP level, giving you precise control over your internet traffic. For example, you can use the VPN for your web browser to keep your browsing private while excluding your music streaming app.NetShield
NetShield is an advanced feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious scripts. It works by intercepting and filtering DNS requests through ProtonVPN’s private resolver, ensuring that domains known for phishing or malicious software are blocked. This feature provides a safer and faster browsing experience by preventing unnecessary content, such as ads, from loading and protecting your online privacy by blocking trackers.DNS Leak Protection
ProtonVPN includes DNS leak protection, which ensures that your DNS queries are sent through the encrypted VPN tunnel and not outside of it. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed to your internet provider. This feature is always on and ensures that your browsing history remains private.Tor over VPN
The Tor over VPN feature allows you to access the Tor network through your regular browser. Your connection first runs through the Tor network and then reaches the VPN server, adding an extra layer of anonymity. This feature is particularly useful for maximizing anonymity, although it may significantly slow down your device.Two-Factor Authentication
ProtonVPN offers two-factor authentication to secure your account and protect it from cybercriminals. This adds an additional layer of security to your login process. This feature ensures that even if your password is compromised, your account remains safe.Proton Pass
Proton Pass is a password manager available for free to all Proton users. It allows you to manage your passwords securely, generate unique passwords, and store encrypted notes and inbox protection. All data, including metadata, is end-to-end encrypted, maintaining your privacy across various platforms.Always-On VPN
ProtonVPN offers an always-on VPN feature for Android and iOS devices, ensuring that your connection remains protected at all times. This feature automatically reconnects you to the VPN if the connection is lost. This ensures that you never leave your connection unprotected.Smart Routing
Smart Routing is a technology that allows ProtonVPN to offer virtual servers in countries where physical servers are not available. This expands the server capacity and ensures better performance. This feature helps in providing a more extensive network of servers, making it easier to find a server close to your location.Open-Source Apps and Independent Audits
ProtonVPN has transitioned to open-source apps, allowing users to review the code on GitHub. The service is also regularly audited by independent security experts, adding transparency and reassurance. This open-source model and regular audits ensure that the service maintains high security and privacy standards.AI Integration
While the provided sources do not specify any direct integration of AI into ProtonVPN’s core features, the service’s advanced security and privacy tools are developed with a focus on maximizing user protection. However, there is no explicit mention of AI-driven components within ProtonVPN’s current offerings. In summary, ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service that offers a wide range of features designed to protect your online activities and maintain your privacy. Its strong encryption protocols, advanced security features, and transparent open-source model make it a reliable choice for users seeking robust online protection. ProtonVPN - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is generally regarded as a reliable and performance-driven VPN, especially in the areas of privacy and security.Speed and Performance
ProtonVPN’s speed performance is commendable, especially considering its free version. Even with the free tier, which has capped speeds, the service maintains good and stable connection speeds. For instance, the free version only reduced download speeds by about 2.87% compared to the user’s ISP, and it even increased upload speeds by 76.4% in some tests.For paid plans, ProtonVPN retains up to 85% of the initial internet speed, which is relatively fast and sufficient for most internet activities, including 4K streaming.
However, there are some inconsistencies in speed, particularly with the OpenVPN protocol, which has seen a decline in recent tests, dropping to around 220Mbps compared to previous results of 400Mbps.
Server Network and Coverage
ProtonVPN boasts an extensive server network with over 9,900 servers in 117 countries. This wide coverage is particularly beneficial for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions, making it a solid choice for users who need access to content from various regions.Security and Privacy
ProtonVPN excels in security and privacy. It operates under a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited and verified. The service is based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws. Additional security features include Secure Core architecture, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and two-factor authentication. ProtonVPN also offers open-source apps, which adds to its transparency and trustworthiness.User Experience and Ease of Use
The user interface of ProtonVPN is generally functional, although it may be a bit intimidating for new users. The service offers a guided tour to help users familiarize themselves with the more advanced features. However, some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other VPNs.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Customer Support
One of the notable limitations of ProtonVPN is the lack of 24/7 live chat support. While it offers various support channels such as email, FAQ, and informational articles, the absence of round-the-clock live chat can be a drawback for some users.Speed Inconsistencies
There are occasional speed inconsistencies, particularly with the OpenVPN protocol, which has shown slower speeds in recent tests. This might affect users who prioritize speed above other factors.Free Version Limitations
The free version of ProtonVPN, while generous, has slower speeds and a limited selection of servers compared to the paid plans. This can impact performance for users who rely on the free tier.Gaming Performance
ProtonVPN is not the best option for gamers due to its smaller server network and the fact that it often gets blocked by streaming services. Gamers may find better performance with other VPNs that are more gaming-friendly.Conclusion
ProtonVPN is a solid choice for users focused on privacy and security, offering strong encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and a wide server network. While it has some limitations, such as speed inconsistencies and limited customer support, it remains a reliable option for most users. For those prioritizing speed and gaming performance, other VPNs might be more suitable. However, for general use, including browsing, streaming, and torrenting, ProtonVPN is a good choice. ProtonVPN - Pricing and Plans
Proton VPN Plans Overview
Proton VPN offers a range of plans to cater to different user needs, ensuring a balance between cost and features.
Free Plan
- Price: Completely free with no data limits, no logs, no ads, and no artificial speed restrictions.
- Servers: Access to servers in 5 countries (Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Japan, and the US).
- Protocols: Supports Smart, Stealth, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
- Speed: Speeds can be slower due to server congestion.
- Simultaneous Connections: Limited to 1 device at a time.
- Features: Includes a kill switch/always-on VPN and DNS leak prevention, but lacks advanced features like Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker, port forwarding, Tor over VPN, and support for streaming services and P2P/BitTorrent.
Proton VPN Plus Plan
- Price:
- $9.99 per month for a 1-month subscription
- $4.99 per month for a 1-year subscription
- $3.59 per month for a 2-year subscription
- Servers: Access to over 11,341 servers in 117 countries.
- Protocols: Same as the free plan, including Smart, Stealth, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
- Speed: Up to 10Gbps with Proton’s VPN Accelerator.
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10 devices.
- Features: Includes Secure Core servers, NetShield ad-blocker, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, and support for streaming services and P2P/BitTorrent. Also offers priority customer support.
Proton VPN Unlimited Plan
- Price:
- $12.99 per month for a 1-month subscription
- $9.99 per month for a 1-year subscription
- $7.99 per month for a 2-year subscription
- Servers: Same as the Plus plan, with access to over 11,341 servers in 117 countries.
- Features: Includes all features from the Plus plan, plus additional services such as Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, Proton Pass, and Proton Wallet. This plan offers seamless integration across Proton’s range of services, including up to 50GB of storage, 25 shared calendars, 15 email aliases, and 20 vaults in Proton Pass.
Business and Family Plans
- Business Plans: Customized VPN solutions for businesses with centralized account management, dedicated account support, customizable security policies, and integration with existing business infrastructure. Pricing is determined by team size and specific needs.
- Family Plan: Available for up to 6 users, costing $23.99 per month for a 1-year subscription. This plan includes all Proton services for the family members.
Each plan is designed to meet different user requirements, from basic security needs with the free plan to comprehensive privacy and additional services with the paid plans.
ProtonVPN - Integration and Compatibility
ProtonVPN Overview
ProtonVPN is renowned for its extensive integration and compatibility across a wide range of devices and platforms, making it a versatile tool for enhancing online privacy and security.Multi-Platform Support
ProtonVPN offers native apps for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This ensures that users can protect their privacy regardless of the device they use. You can download and install ProtonVPN on devices such as desktop computers, smartphones, smart TVs, Chromebooks, Android TV, Apple TV, and more.Device Compatibility
The VPN can be installed on a broad spectrum of devices, including but not limited to:Supported Devices
- Windows and macOS computers
- Android and iOS smartphones and tablets
- Smart TVs and streaming devices like Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Android TV
- Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora
- Chromebooks and other Chrome OS devices
- Specific routers like OpenWRT, Invizbox, AsusWRT, DD-WRT, pfSense, Tomato, and Fresh Tomato.
Router Integration
Setting up ProtonVPN on your router is also an option, which allows you to secure the internet traffic of all devices connected to your WiFi network. This is particularly useful for protecting devices that do not support VPNs directly.Streaming and Geo-Restricted Content
ProtonVPN is compatible with popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. With its high-speed connections and extensive server network across 117 countries, users can access geo-restricted content seamlessly.Security Features and Protocols
The VPN supports several secure tunneling protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), IKEv2/IPsec, and Stealth. It also uses strong encryption methods like AES-256 and ChaCha20, ensuring that your data remains secure and encrypted at all times.Additional Tools and Services
ProtonVPN integrates well with other Proton services, such as ProtonMail and Proton Drive, to provide a unified security experience. This integrated approach helps in compartmentalizing your data within the Proton ecosystem, reducing the risk of cross-service tracking and data mining.User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface of ProtonVPN is clean and intuitive, making it easy for users to connect to servers and customize their settings. Features like the Quick Connect button and the ability to select preferred countries or server types streamline the user experience.Conclusion
In summary, ProtonVPN’s broad compatibility and ease of use make it an excellent choice for individuals looking to protect their online activities across a variety of devices and platforms. Its integration with other Proton services further enhances its value by providing a comprehensive security solution. ProtonVPN - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options for ProtonVPN
Live Chat Support
For immediate assistance, ProtonVPN offers a Live Chat support feature, available exclusively to users with a paid Proton VPN plan. You can initiate a live chat by logging into your Proton VPN account and clicking on “Chat with us” from your account settings, or by visiting the ProtonVPN website and clicking on the “Live chat” option at the bottom of the page. Live Chat is available between 9 AM and 12 AM CET (Central European Time). If you contact them outside these hours, you will be prompted to try again later or complete a support form for a response as soon as possible.Support Forms and Email
If Live Chat is not available, you can fill out a support form with your name, email address, and a detailed description of your issue. This ensures that the support team can address your concerns as quickly as possible.Help Center and Guides
ProtonVPN provides a comprehensive Help Center with various guides and articles to help you set up and use their services. These resources include instructions on downloading OpenVPN configuration files, setting up Proton VPN on different devices (such as Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android), and installing Proton VPN on your router.Multiple Plans and Features
ProtonVPN offers different plans, each with its own set of features. For example, the Proton VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited plans include additional features like NetShield malware and ad-blocker, worldwide streaming services, P2P/BitTorrent support, Secure Core servers, and Tor over VPN. These plans also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.Additional Services
Beyond VPN services, ProtonVPN is part of a broader ecosystem that includes other privacy-focused tools such as Proton Mail (encrypted email), Proton Calendar, Proton Drive (cloud storage), and Proton Pass (password manager). These services are accessible with both the free and paid plans, enhancing your overall digital privacy.Corporate Contact Information
For more formal inquiries or business-related matters, you can contact ProtonVPN through their corporate office address in Geneva, Switzerland, or via specific email addresses for business partnerships, customer service, legal matters, and media inquiries. These resources ensure that you have multiple avenues to get help and make the most out of your ProtonVPN subscription. ProtonVPN - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Strong Privacy Features
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country with stringent data protection and privacy laws. This means the company is not obligated to retain data logs, ensuring your browsing history remains private.
No-Logs Policy
ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy, verified by independent audits. They do not collect, store, or track your online activity, including web pages visited, session lengths, or IP addresses.
Secure Core Servers
The ‘Secure Core’ feature routes your connection through servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.
No Leaks
ProtonVPN has passed DNS leak and WebRTC leak tests, ensuring your browsing history is not exposed to your internet service provider.
Additional Security Tools
Features like the kill switch, full-disk encryption on all servers, and the NetShield Ad-blocker enhance your online security and privacy.
Open Source Apps
All ProtonVPN apps are open source, allowing anyone to inspect the code for vulnerabilities.
Global Server Network
With servers in 112 countries, ProtonVPN is suitable for streaming and accessing content from around the world.
Fast and Reliable
Despite some variations in speed, ProtonVPN generally offers fast download speeds and reliable connections.
Disadvantages
VPN Blocks
ProtonVPN is prone to being blocked by more websites than other VPNs, which can result in errors or inability to access certain sites.
Customer Support Issues
The customer support is often slow and unresponsive, which can be frustrating if you encounter issues.
Expensive Long-Term Plans
Compared to other VPN providers, ProtonVPN’s long-term plans are relatively expensive.
Limited Asia Region Servers
There is a limited number of servers in the Asia region, which might affect performance for users in that area.
Marketing Gimmicks
Some of the marketing strategies, such as highlighting servers in former military installations, may feel gimmicky and do not significantly impact privacy.
Slow Upload Speeds and High Latency
ProtonVPN can have slow upload speeds and high latency, which might not be ideal for all users.
Overall, ProtonVPN stands out for its strong commitment to privacy and security, but it also has some drawbacks, particularly in terms of customer support and pricing.
ProtonVPN - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing ProtonVPN to Competitors
When comparing ProtonVPN to its competitors in the VPN market, several key aspects and unique features come into focus.
Security and Privacy Features
ProtonVPN stands out for its strong security and privacy features. It offers a strict no-logs policy, which ensures that your browsing activity is not stored.
- The Secure Core feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers, adding an extra layer of security and making it harder to track your online activity.
- NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing both privacy and browsing speed.
- ProtonVPN also includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, which are essential for maintaining user privacy and security.
Server Network and Performance
While ProtonVPN has a decent server network with servers in over 60 countries, it falls short in terms of speed compared to some competitors.
- VPN Accelerator is a technology that improves speeds, especially when connecting to servers over long distances, but it may not be enough to match the speeds of other VPNs.
Alternatives
PrivadoVPN
- If you’re looking for a free alternative, PrivadoVPN is a strong option. It offers unlimited data and is comparable to ProtonVPN’s free plan. PrivadoVPN is known for its ease of use and decent speeds.
NordVPN
- For those seeking a premium option, NordVPN is highly recommended. It boasts an outstanding proprietary protocol, excellent security features, and faster speeds. NordVPN’s two-year plan offers significant discounts and includes three months free.
Surfshark
- Surfshark is another budget-friendly alternative that offers unlimited simultaneous connections and a high server count. It is known for its fast speeds and no monthly data cap, making it a great option for heavy users.
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN is notable for its fast speeds and impressive streaming performance. It has a wide server presence in 105 countries and offers discounts on long-term commitments.
CyberGhost
- CyberGhost is a good choice for streaming and gaming, with optimized servers that ensure stable connections. It offers a wide range of features, including real-time malware defense and webcam protection.
Unique Features of Competitors
Surfshark
- Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections and a large server network. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports a wide range of streaming services.
NordVPN
- NordVPN’s proprietary protocol and advanced security features, such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, make it a strong contender for those prioritizing security. It also accepts a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies.
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN is known for its fast speeds and extensive server network across 105 countries. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports up to 8 simultaneous connections.
Pricing and Plans
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features, as well as several paid plans starting at €4.49 per month for a two-year commitment. This is competitive, but other VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN also offer attractive pricing models with significant discounts for long-term commitments.
In summary, while ProtonVPN is strong in terms of security and privacy, its speed and server network can be outmatched by competitors like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Each of these alternatives offers unique features that might better align with specific user needs, whether it’s unlimited connections, faster speeds, or enhanced streaming capabilities.
ProtonVPN - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Proton VPN
Is Proton VPN Free?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free version that you can use indefinitely. However, the free version has some limitations, such as access to servers in only five countries (the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US), slower speeds, and the ability to connect only one device at a time.
How Many Devices Can I Use Proton VPN With?
Paid users of Proton VPN can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. In contrast, the free version allows only one device connection at a time.
How Many Servers and Locations Does Proton VPN Offer?
Proton VPN offers over 3,400 servers in more than 70 countries for its paid plans. For the free plan, you have access to servers in only five countries.
What Operating Systems Does Proton VPN Support?
Proton VPN supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, and Android TV. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Is Proton VPN Safe and Secure?
Yes, Proton VPN is considered safe and secure. It uses advanced encryption protocols such as AES-256 and ChaCha20 with WireGuard, and it has a strict no-logs policy. The service also features a kill switch, two-factor authentication, and full-disk encryption on its servers. Additionally, Proton VPN’s apps are open-source and regularly audited by independent security experts.
Does Proton VPN Have a No-Logs Policy?
Yes, Proton VPN follows a strict no-logs policy. This means they do not log your traffic, discriminate against device types, or throttle your connection. They are regularly audited by independent security experts to ensure compliance with this policy.
Can Proton VPN Be Detected or Blocked?
Proton VPN uses the Stealth protocol to bypass firewalls and VPN blocking methods, making it harder to detect or block. This feature is available on all plans, including the free version, and helps users bypass internet censorship in countries like China.
Does Proton VPN Work in China?
Yes, Proton VPN works in China due to its support for the Stealth protocol, which helps users bypass most firewalls and internet censorship without detection.
What Are the Disadvantages of Proton VPN?
One of the main disadvantages of Proton VPN is that it can be pricier compared to some other top VPNs. The free version also has limited server access and slower speeds. However, these limitations are mitigated in the paid plans, which offer more features and better performance.
Does Proton VPN Offer a Kill Switch?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a kill switch feature that is available to all users, regardless of the plan they subscribe to. This feature terminates your internet connection if your VPN connection is interrupted, preventing your IP address from being exposed.
How Do I Know If My Connection to Proton VPN is Secure?
To ensure your connection to Proton VPN is secure, you can use public DNS leak tools such as DNSLeakTest.com. These tools will show you the current IP address and location of your device, which should match the VPN server you are connected to if the connection is secure.