Proton VPN has officially released a new security layer called the “VPN Blanket.” This feature is designed to eliminate the need for manual connection management by automatically extending encrypted protection to every device logged into a user’s account. The system utilizes an intelligent background process that detects when a device moves between different networks—such as switching from a home Wi-Fi to a public hotspot—and ensures that the VPN tunnel remains active without any interruption in service.
The technology behind the VPN Blanket focuses on reducing “connection friction,” a common issue where users forget to enable their VPN during brief browsing sessions. By maintaining an persistent state of encryption, Proton aims to protect users from data leaks that can occur during the seconds it takes for a device to reconnect to a new network. This update is built upon Proton’s proprietary Stealth protocol, which is specifically designed to bypass internet censorship and firewalls while maintaining high connection speeds.
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Strengthening the privacy ecosystem
The launch of the VPN Blanket is part of a larger effort by Proton to integrate its various privacy tools into a more cohesive ecosystem. Users who enable the new feature will also see improved integration with other Proton services, such as Proton Mail and Proton Drive. For example, the VPN can now automatically prioritize traffic for secure communications, ensuring that sensitive emails and file transfers are handled with the highest level of encryption available on the network.
Privacy advocates have noted that this move positions Proton to compete more directly with other “all-in-one” security suites. By automating the most tedious parts of VPN usage, the company hopes to appeal to less technical users who still require high levels of digital privacy. The VPN Blanket also includes an updated “Kill Switch” that is more responsive than previous versions, immediately halting all internet traffic if the encrypted connection is compromised for any reason.
Release and pricing information
To celebrate the global rollout of the VPN Blanket in January 2026, Proton is gifting users with one month of free premium protection. This offer is available to both new sign-ups and existing free-tier users. To claim the free month, users must log in to the Proton VPN app or website and opt-in to the VPN Blanket feature. Once activated, the premium features—including access to over 3,000 servers in 70+ countries and high-speed 10Gbps connections—will be unlocked for 30 days.
Following the free trial period, users can choose to return to the standard free version or subscribe to a paid plan. Proton’s premium pricing for 2026 remains competitive, with a two-year plan available for approximately $4.49 per month. A one-year plan is priced at $5.99 per month, while a monthly subscription costs $9.99. All paid plans support up to 10 simultaneous device connections, all of which can be protected under the new VPN Blanket framework.
