Proton VPN releases quality of life updates for Android and Windows users

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Users have more freedom and customization options

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Proton VPN has released quality of life updates aimed at its Windows and Android VPN users. Proton VPN features on our best VPN list and it has consistently introduced small updates in recent months. You can read our Proton VPN review for full details.

The limit on usage of Proton VPN's security features has been lifted on Windows and Android VPN users have greater customization over their server locations.

These are not huge updates, but go a long way to improving the quality of life – and ease of use – of Proton VPN's apps.

Kill switch, split tunneling, & NetShield – all at once

Proton VPN's latest Windows VPN update allows users to activate its kill switch, split tunneling, and NetShield threat protection all at once.

Previously the three security features couldn't run simultaneously but it is now possible, maximising online security for Proton VPN's Windows users.

A kill switch cuts your internet connection should your VPN fail. This means your IP address, internet traffic, and personal data isn't leaked to any third parties potentially spying on you. Split tunneling allows you to decide which apps and websites go through the VPN and which don't. Some apps and websites – online banking for example – don't always work well with a VPN connection. Split tunneling allows you to access these apps and websites without repeatedly turning your VPN off and on again.

NetShield is Proton VPN's threat protection feature. It certainly isn't the best VPN threat protection out there – that crown belongs to NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro – but it's a handy extra. In our latest round of testing, it blocked 88% of phishing sites and 88% of ads and trackers. However, it disappointingly blocked 0% of malware sites.

All three features can be found in the Proton VPN settings tab, but desktop apps also have them situated in a handy side bar to the right of the home screen.

Server location customization

Proton VPN's latest Android update – version 5.15.70.0 – allows users to exclude locations when selecting the "Fastest server" option. Connecting to the fastest server allocates you the most optimal and best performing server, and the location may vary.

You therefore may be connected to a location you don't want. "Exclude locations" allows you to select cities and countries to avoid. Connecting automatically via "fastest location" will not assign you one of these servers.

To access the feature, navigate to Settings → Connection → Connection Preferences and select your desired locations from the drop-down menu. At the time of writing, the feature is only available on Android.

Proton VPN has 17,800 servers worldwide, covering 166 locations in 127 countries. It has a large presence in Africa and Asia, along with 130 Secure Core servers. Its speeds clocked 1,521 Mbps in our latest round of testing and is one of the best streaming VPNs.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George Phillips
George Phillips
Staff Writer

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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