More speed, more security, more servers. That's what Proton VPN is promising in its spring and summer roadmap, unveiled this week. The plan includes an updated WireGuard protocol, a redesigned Linux app with support for the Stealth protocol, over 20,000 servers worldwide and expanded admin controls for businesses.

The upgrades are vital if Proton VPN is to help customers cope with increasing government censorship and age verification systems, product lead Antonio Cesarano said in the blog announcement.

"That's what this roadmap is about: removing friction, improving reliability and giving you the tools you need to stay private and connected in an increasingly challenging online world," Cesarano said in the post. "Our focus this spring and summer is to make privacy easier to use for everyone."

A representative for Proton VPN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A recent report said that 1.75 billion people worldwide -- one third of all internet users -- are using virtual private networks. As CNET notes in this explainer, a VPN is software that lets you use the internet with maximum privacy, provided you use a service that has been proven safe and reliable through rigorous testing. 

When you connect to the internet with a VPN, your internet service provider can't detect your location. You could be living in Russia, but connect to a server in France to avoid government censorship. Many people around the world use VPNs to evade legal restrictions, bypass age verification requirements or access streaming services in other countries.

Better WireGuard, Linux design and more

Proton VPN said people can test its upgraded WireGuard, one of the most widely used VPN protocols. The company said the revamped protocol will improve the speed and anticensorship capabilities of its VPN. Cesarano also said it's a way for the company to set the foundation for postquantum encryption, which is a much stronger way to protect data from attacks by quantum computers.

Proton VPN said that customers using Android and Windows operating systems can check out their improved WireGuard protocol now. Customers using MacOS, iOS, iPadOS and Linux can test it out in the coming months.

The company also said it is working on a redesigned Linux app to create a more consistent experience across devices and platforms. Linux users also will be able to use Proton's Stealth protocol, which the company says will make it harder for governments and organizations to detect that you're using a VPN.

Proton VPN now has more than 20,000 servers in 145 countries, according to the post. New additions include Gabon, Haiti, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua and Papua New Guinea.

Proton VPN also said that its business customers can have more control over how their employees use the VPN. The company is adding web filtering policies to control which websites and content employees can access within the organization. Businesses will also be able to enforce always-on VPN and split tunneling for all devices in the company.

The most versatile VPN

After thoroughly testing multiple VPNs, CNET's reviewers listed Proton VPN as the most versatile VPN for 2026. We've also called Proton the best cheap VPN and praised its use for travel, streaming and gaming.