Hi, I’m curious about Proton’s global server network. Do they deploy and manage all of their servers themselves, or do they also rely on third-party providers like NordVPN does? If they do use third-party services, in what areas do they rely on them (for example, server infrastructure, CDN, etc.)? I would really appreciate it if someone with knowledge could clarify this. Thanks!
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Aight, here’s the deal: ProtonVPN says they manage most of their servers on their own. They call them “Secure Core” servers—physically protected, with some in places like Switzerland and Sweden. But honestly, I think they might rent or partner for other regions. 
No way they’re running everything themselves globally—it’d be too expensive! 
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I mean, everyone uses third-party providers to some extent. Even NordVPN got flak for outsourcing servers in the past. Proton is probably no different; they just market it better. I bet the Secure Core stuff is first-party, but the regular ones? Yeah, probably rented from trusted providers. 
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Nah, Proton’s been super strict about security. They claim they own the hardware or lease it with full control, and everything runs on RAM-only servers—no hard drives to seize. That’s why their infrastructure might be slower but safer. They prob rent data centers, but the setup and control? That’s all Proton. 
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I’d be surprised if they weren’t renting at least some servers in regions where they don’t have physical presence, like Asia or South America. It’s just not practical to deploy everywhere, even for a privacy-focused company. I love ProtonVPN, but they’re not some kind of security wizards. 
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Yeah, but that doesn’t mean using rented servers is bad. Plenty of providers lease infrastructure while encrypting everything so no one—literally no one—can see what’s going on inside. If Proton controls the software side, I don’t see what the big deal is. Better fast rented servers than a bunch of sluggish, “Secure Core” turtles. 
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Honestly though, people expect miracles from these VPNs. They’re tools, not magic potions. No provider can control every single server in every region perfectly. Whether they rent or not, I doubt Proton would cut corners. They’re more transparent than most, at least. 