The "take what you get" free server idea would be OK if it didn't corrupt one's browser language settings so that, for example, if one draws a Japanese server then one's browser language becomes Japanese and can't be reset--and yes, Firefox has default language control, but it doesn't work to reset the langauge. If one could at least choose preferred nations rather than having to accept the default picked by the Proton extension, life would be easier. Otherwise, one must disconnect totally from Proton VPN and reconnect later -- or do a quick study in Japanese, Chinese (apologies, Aifun Ltd), etc.!

(Re: ProtonVPN's response) -- I've used NordVPN and Surfshark in the past and I lever lost my language choice. Neither one changed nor corrupted my browser language as ProtonVPN does. Both are linguistically "transparent to the user". If ProtonVPN thinks loss of legibility is "proof" it is working and that illegible browser output that cannot be restored--even when their VPN service is turned off-- is a good trade-off, they're naively mistaken. Proton VPN's algorithm of an arbitrary node selection with hopes that one gets the right language "brass ring" on Proton's node merry-go-round leaves no choice but to give up their VPN protection. Proton could offer users a language preference option, but that seems outside their wherewithal, unlike other VPN providers.

Of course, Proton offers the choice of a paid "upgrade" to solve the loss of language problem. My "test drive" of free Proton VPN shows that it cannot ensure language autonymy; why would I pay to risk more poor performance?

(Again a 2/20/26 update, solicited by Proton:) Nothing new, better or improved. Same language corruption, same poor choices of 10 (Proton's lead-in still says "5") lands in their "take what you get and shut up!" node lottery in the brass ring grab that corrupts your set language --"proof that it's working...", says Proton. Oh, but you can opt for another bad choice by simply selecting "Change..." and waiting up to 10 minutes for another--likely poor--choice and hope it speaks your language. All this could be lessened if not done away with by allowing us freeloaders (who'd pay for this kind of performance and service?) to specify a language preference on signing up. Nope. Too complicated for Proton's team to implement.

So from me, still one star.