Proton VPN
Try before you pay: a free plan for one device
- Free plan to start (1 device)
- Up to 10 devices on the Plus plan
- Swiss company, also behind Proton Mail
VPN guide
★ Our pick
Best VPN for Journalists
Protect your sources and communications. Proton VPN, NordVPN and Surfshark compared for press and media professionals.
Journalists handle sensitive information: source identities, unpublished investigations, confidential communications. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic so your research and contacts stay private from network operators, ISPs and anyone monitoring shared connections.
NordVPN
All-round choice: simple apps and up to 10 devices
- Up to 10 devices on one account
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No-logs policy checked by independent auditors
Surfshark
Big households: unlimited devices on one account
- Unlimited devices on one account
- 30-day money-back guarantee on the first purchase
- No-logs policy independently assessed (2025 report)
Ad Affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Side by side
Best VPN for Journalists
Facts from each brand's official site, checked 27 Oct 2026. Prices change often: today's price is on the official site.
| Proton VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days (paid plans) | 30 days | 30 days (first purchase) |
| Devices | 10 on Plus · 1 on the free plan | Up to 10 | Unlimited |
| Free option | Free plan (1 device) | No free plan | 7-day free trial (conditions on the official site) |
| Company base | Switzerland (Proton) | Panama (parent company in the Netherlands) | Netherlands (Surfshark B.V.) |
| Best for | Try before you pay: a free plan for one device | All-round choice: simple apps and up to 10 devices | Big households: unlimited devices on one account |
| Proton VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark |
Tips
Tips
Use Proton for the strongest privacy stance
Proton VPN is Swiss-based, open source and built by the team behind Proton Mail — the encrypted email service used by newsrooms worldwide.
Enable the kill switch — always
If the VPN drops during sensitive research, the kill switch prevents any unencrypted traffic from leaking. This is non-negotiable for source protection.
Combine with encrypted messaging
A VPN protects the network layer. Pair it with Signal or Proton Mail for end-to-end encrypted communication with sources.
Questions
Why do journalists need a VPN?
It prevents network operators, ISPs and anyone on shared Wi-Fi from seeing which sites you visit, who you communicate with and what you research.
Is Proton VPN really more private?
It's the only one here with fully open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and no ties to advertising companies. For journalists, these details matter.
Can a VPN protect my sources?
It protects your network traffic and IP address. For full source protection, combine it with encrypted messaging, secure email and operational security practices.
Complete your setup