App Showcase: Proton VPN

What it does

Proton VPN is a mobile application designed to secure a user's internet connection. It routes traffic through encrypted servers to protect user privacy, hide their IP address, and allow access to content that might be blocked in their region. The app offers both a free, limited service and a premium subscription with more servers and features.

Where it shines

Proton VPN excels in providing a clear and reassuring user experience. The main dashboard (01:15) is clean, using a map visualization to give users a tangible sense of their location and connection status. When a connection is active (01:36), the UI changes from a cautionary pink to a protected green, providing immediate and unambiguous feedback. The detailed connection panel (01:46) offers transparency by showing data like server load and protocol, which appeals to more technical users.

UX highlights

• Structured Onboarding: The app guides users through a mandatory sign-up process (00:04), which, while creating friction, ensures every user has a secure account from the start.
• Visual Feedback: The map interface provides an intuitive way to understand the VPN's function, showing a clear visual path from the user's real location to the server's location (01:36).
• Clear Status Indicators: The app uses color effectively to communicate state. "You are unprotected" is shown in pink, while a successful connection turns the top bar green with a "Protected" status.
• Transparent Data: Tapping the active connection reveals detailed stats like IP address, server load, and protocol (01:46), building trust through transparency.
• Contextual Upsells: Instead of just one paywall, premium features are gated individually. Trying to select a specific country (03:02) or enable NetShield (01:40) triggers a relevant upgrade prompt.

Monetization & growth

The app operates on a freemium model. The free tier is functional but limited, automatically connecting users to the "Fastest" server in a small pool of countries (Japan, Netherlands, US). The primary growth lever is gating desirable features behind the "VPN Plus" subscription. This includes selecting specific countries, using the ad-blocker (NetShield), and enabling other advanced security options. Paywalls are presented contextually, appearing when a user attempts to use a premium feature, which makes the value proposition highly relevant at the moment of intent.

Who it’s for

Proton VPN is for privacy-conscious individuals who want to secure their internet traffic, particularly on public Wi-Fi. It also serves users who need to bypass geo-restrictions for work or entertainment. The free version is suitable for casual users needing basic protection, while the paid plan is aimed at power users who require more control, speed, and advanced features like ad-blocking and access to a wider range of servers.

Notes & opportunities

The mandatory sign-up during onboarding is a significant point of friction and could deter casual users looking to try the app quickly. While contextual paywalls are effective, their frequency might feel persistent to some users. The app could potentially experiment with a limited-time free trial of a premium server to better demonstrate the value of upgrading before asking for a commitment.