ProtonVPN Announces New, Undetectable 'Stealth' Protocol

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Proton VPN on Tuesday unveiled a new obfuscation protocol, “Stealth,” designed to allow users to escape internet censorship and attempts to block VPN traffic.

The new protocol, which will be available for both free and premium users of Proton VPN, is more “censorship-resistant” than many other obfuscation tools available today, the company explained. Stealth allows users to access the web freely and stay undetectable to government scanners.

“You’ll be able to bypass advanced VPN blocks, access censored sites, and communicate with people on social media, even if your government is trying to restrict access,” Proton said in a press release.

Stealth is currently being rolled out on Proton VPN’s iOS, macOS, and Android apps.

Stealth: ‘A New, Undetectable Protocol’

Proton VPN is on a mission to make its VPN more secure, private, and faster. Stealth is the latest feature the company will add to the service, which already boasts other remarkable features like Secure Core VPN and VPN Accelerator.

The new Stealth protocol makes VPN traffic look like regular traffic. According to Proton, most protocols are based on the UDP, which makes it easier for authoritarian regimes to detect and block them. However, Stealth is based on the TLS protocol, making it much harder for web censors and scanners to detect.

“We designed our Stealth protocol from the ground up to not have these issues. With Stealth enabled, your Proton VPN connection will be almost completely undetectable,” the company said.

Today, repressive governments have the technology to sniff out VPN connections. Protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard are relatively easy to detect, Proton noted. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol allows users to fly under the radar, escaping deep packet inspection (DPI) and other internet filters.

Stealth is open source and not heavy on resources. It is optimized to provide “higher performance” than other VPN obfuscation protocols built on OpenVPN over TCP. It is also compatible with Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator technology.

Proton said it started developing the Stealth protocol after Russia invaded Ukraine and Moscow blocked access to thousands of websites and web-based services.

“The cause of freedom has no borders, and we must stand together for it to succeed. Tools like Proton VPN play a vital role in keeping the internet free,” Proton said. “Our investment in technologies like Stealth is part of our commitment to provide internet privacy to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.”

How to Use the Stealth Protocol

Using Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol is straightforward. Go to the Protocol section of the app and choose “Stealth.”

On Android, tap the four horizontal lines that will take you to the menu. Then, tap on “Settings” > “Advanced” > “Protocol,” and select “Stealth.”
On iOS and iPadOS, tap “Settings” > “Security options” > “Protocol,” and select “Stealth.”
On macOS, click ProtonVPN in the macOS taskbar > “Preferences” > “Connection” > “Protocol,” and select “Stealth” from the dropdown menu.

Proton VPN is ranked high on our list of the best free VPNs. This provider is known for its fast speeds, solid encryption, and commitment to its no-logs policy.

Check out our Proton VPN review for a full, in-depth rundown of Proton VPN’s features and performance.

Mirza Silajdzic Author

News Journalist

Over the past three years, Mirza has distinguished himself as an expert tech journalist at VPNOverview. Backed by a degree in Global Communications, his meticulous writing encompasses the evolving realms of generative AI and quantum computing, while also illuminating vital facets of malware, scams, and cybersecurity awareness. His articles have found acclaim on prestigious platforms, ranging from cybersecurity portals like Heimdal Security to broader channels such as the official EU portal. Furthermore, he is constantly engaging with other experts in cybersecurity and privacy, enriching his detailed research.