ProtonVPN has maintained a consistent privacy-first architecture under Proton AG since launch. PureVPN provided user connection logs to the FBI in 2017 while claiming a no-logs policy, and has since introduced independent audit coverage and a revised architecture. The audit programs now exist for both; the histories before them differ.

What you get that PureVPN doesn't offer

Proton AG independent ownership with no commercial group parent and no documented gap between policy and practice. Swiss jurisdiction — constitutional privacy protections outside all Eyes alliances; PureVPN registers in BVI under GZ Systems, a Hong Kong-based parent. Open-source clients on all platforms. Secure Core double-hop architecture. Unbroken audit history with no incident preceding it. Free tier with unlimited bandwidth.

What you give up

PureVPN includes port forwarding; ProtonVPN does not. PureVPN's long-term value position is more accommodating. Device support and connection limits are broader at PureVPN. PureVPN's current audit coverage addresses its no-logs posture going forward.

What you get that ProtonVPN doesn't offer

Port forwarding included — useful for P2P, self-hosted services, and inbound connection requirements. More accommodating long-term value position. Broader device support. BVI jurisdiction. Current independent audit coverage of the no-logs policy.

What you give up

The 2017 logging incident is a documented fact: PureVPN provided user connection records to law enforcement while operating a stated no-logs policy. The subsequent audit addresses current practices, not the incident itself. GZ Systems is a Hong Kong-based parent — a different corporate jurisdiction structure than Proton AG. ProtonVPN's Swiss jurisdiction, open-source clients, Secure Core, and unbroken audit history are not replicated.