Psiphon vs Proton VPN

Psiphon8.7Visit Proton VPN7.9Visit

Higher score Psiphon #2 in VPNs for Iran 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Psiphon

vs

Proton VPN #4 in VPNs for Iran 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Proton VPN

• Psiphon fits best

  Users seeking automatic server discovery

• Proton VPN fits best

  Users wanting an established free VPN option

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Side by side

Feature	Psiphon 8.7/10 Visit ↗	Proton VPN 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	7.9
Ranking	#2 in VPNs for Iran	#4 in VPNs for Iran
Best for	Users seeking automatic server discovery	Users wanting an established free VPN option
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support	Email, Docs	Email, Live chat, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Psiphon 0/3 · Proton VPN 0/3
Obfuscated traffic	Not published	Not published
Stealth protocol	Not published	Not published
No-logs policy	Not published	Not published
Specs
Simultaneous devices	Not published	Not published
Server locations	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Combines VPN, SSH, and HTTP/SOCKS proxy connections Obfuscates traffic to resist censorship and protocol blocking Offers Android split tunneling and per-app VPN selection	Free plan includes unlimited data, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy Paid VPN Plus supports streaming, P2P, and up to 10 simultaneous devices Apps cover desktop, mobile, and browser extensions; apps are open source
Cons	Primarily a circumvention tool, not a conventional VPN Paid subscription prices may vary by region and app store The published security assessment was not a dedicated no-logs audit	Free plan connects to servers in 10 randomly selected countries Streaming and P2P support are paid-plan features No obfuscation feature is listed for Iran-specific use
Our verdict	Psiphon is open-source censorship-circumvention software for people trying to reach content blocked by governments, institutions, or networks. It combines VPN, SSH, and HTTP/SOCKS proxy connectivity with encryption and traffic obfuscation.… Read the review →	Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton AG, a Swiss company, for people who want encrypted connections across desktop, mobile, and browser platforms. Its free plan makes it an option for users seeking VPN access without… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Psiphon — where it wins

  • Combines VPN, SSH, and HTTP/SOCKS proxy connections
  • Obfuscates traffic to resist censorship and protocol blocking
  • Offers Android split tunneling and per-app VPN selection

  Where it doesn't

  • Primarily a circumvention tool, not a conventional VPN
  • Paid subscription prices may vary by region and app store
  • The published security assessment was not a dedicated no-logs audit

• Proton VPN — where it wins

  • Free plan includes unlimited data, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy
  • Paid VPN Plus supports streaming, P2P, and up to 10 simultaneous devices
  • Apps cover desktop, mobile, and browser extensions; apps are open source

  Where it doesn't

  • Free plan connects to servers in 10 randomly selected countries
  • Streaming and P2P support are paid-plan features
  • No obfuscation feature is listed for Iran-specific use

• Psiphon8.7/10 · Free plan

  A free circumvention tool with multiple connection methods and automatic server discovery.

  Visit PsiphonFull verdict →
• Proton VPN7.9/10 · Free plan

  A broad VPN option with an unlimited-data free plan, but no listed obfuscation feature.

  Visit Proton VPNFull verdict →