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Head-to-head · Vpn Client

AWS Client VPN vs Proton VPN

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score AWS Client VPN #1 in Vpn Client 9.1/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit AWS Client VPN
Proton VPN #6 in Vpn Client 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Proton VPN

AWS Client VPN leads on 0 checks, Proton VPN on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAWS Client VPN · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly Proton VPN
  • Most featuresProton VPN · 1 of 2

AWS Client VPN scores higher on our rubric for vpn client: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Proton VPN offers free plan; AWS Client VPN doesn't.

AWS Client VPN is the better fit for organizations accessing AWS and on-premises networks. Proton VPN is the better fit for individuals wanting a capable free VPN.

  • AWS Client VPN fits best

    Organizations accessing AWS and on-premises networks

  • Proton VPN fits best

    Individuals wanting a capable free VPN

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Side by side

Feature AWS Client VPN 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Proton VPN 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.4
Ranking #1 in Vpn Client #6 in Vpn Client
Best for Organizations accessing AWS and on-premises networks Individuals wanting a capable free VPN
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $0.10/unit usage-based —
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Docs Email, Live chat, Docs
Compliance SSO/SAML, 2FA 2FA
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AWS Client VPN 0/2 · Proton VPN 1/2
Kill switch Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Split tunneling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Simultaneous connections Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
VPN protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
Server locations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports Active Directory, certificates, and SAML 2.0 authentication
  • Combines authorization rules, security groups, and posture checks
  • Integrates with VPC, Transit Gateway, Lambda, and CloudWatch Logs
  • Free plan has no data limits and includes a kill switch
  • Open-source apps cover desktop, mobile, and browsers
  • Paid Plus plan adds streaming, P2P, and NetShield
Cons
  • Hourly endpoint and connection charges can increase with usage
  • Pricing excludes data transfer and several related AWS service charges
  • No site-to-site VPN capability; support channel is documentation
  • Free plan is limited to one simultaneous device
  • Free servers are in 10 randomly selected countries
  • Streaming and P2P support require a paid plan
Our verdict

AWS Client VPN is a managed, client-based VPN service for remote users who need encrypted access to AWS resources and on-premises networks. It uses OpenVPN and supports Active Directory, certificate-based, and SAML 2.0 federated…

Read the review →

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton AG, aimed at individuals who want encrypted internet connections and privacy features, including a no-logs policy and kill switch. Its free plan makes it a practical option for…

Read the review →
  1. AWS Client VPNVpn Client 9.1Paid
  2. Proton VPNVpn Client 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AWS Client VPN — where it wins

    • Supports Active Directory, certificates, and SAML 2.0 authentication
    • Combines authorization rules, security groups, and posture checks
    • Integrates with VPC, Transit Gateway, Lambda, and CloudWatch Logs

    Where it doesn't

    • Hourly endpoint and connection charges can increase with usage
    • Pricing excludes data transfer and several related AWS service charges
    • No site-to-site VPN capability; support channel is documentation

  • Proton VPN — where it wins

    • Free plan has no data limits and includes a kill switch
    • Open-source apps cover desktop, mobile, and browsers
    • Paid Plus plan adds streaming, P2P, and NetShield

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to one simultaneous device
    • Free servers are in 10 randomly selected countries
    • Streaming and P2P support require a paid plan

More comparisons

All vpn client comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update