Bitmask vs Proton VPN

Bitmask is a free, open-source VPN application from the LEAP Encryption Access Project, founded in 2012. It is designed to help protect online privacy while connecting users to vetted providers such as Riseup.net and The Calyx Institute. The app includes tools for evading internet controls, and private VPNs can be reached through a discreet URL or invite code. Individuals and collectives can also run private, circumvention-focused VPNs with its self-hostable system. Bitmask requires no accounts; the maker says it has no logs or tracking. Applications and server-side components are open source, and Bitmask is described as third-party audited. It runs on Android, Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployments. Linux support covers the two latest Ubuntu LTS versions, while Debian and Arch packaging is unavailable. Windows has no kill switch and is not well battle tested for DNS or IP leaks. The listed plan costs nothing.

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It encrypts traffic with AES-256 or ChaCha20 over WireGuard or OpenVPN, and lists a kill switch, streaming support and torrent support. Proton describes the service as no-logs, open-source and independently audited. Its free plan has unlimited data, no artificial speed limits and no ads; it supports one device at a time and connects to randomly selected servers in 10 countries. Paid plan listings show VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited at $0.00 per month, with the first month and renewal also listed at $0.00; both support 10 devices. Apps are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, as well as browsers, Chromebook, Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV. NetShield uses DNS filtering to block ads, trackers, phishing scams, malicious sites and malware. The service advertises 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Payments can be refunded within 30 days, and subscriptions can be canceled at any time.