⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Proton VPN starts at $0.00/month (free plan) vs Mullvad at €5/month flat rate
- Best for: Proton VPN for streaming and everyday use, Mullvad for maximum anonymity
- Key difference: Proton VPN offers a free tier and 8,600+ servers; Mullvad requires no personal info to sign up
- Our pick: Proton VPN for most users — it covers more use cases at a lower entry price
Privacy-focused VPN users face a tough choice right now.
Proton VPN and Mullvad both promise zero-logs protection.
But they take very different paths to get there.
Proton VPN bundles a free plan, streaming support, and a massive server network.
Mullvad strips everything down to pure anonymity.
This comparison breaks down both VPN services to help you pick the right one.
Overview
This ProtonVPN vs Mullvad comparison covers pricing, privacy features, and server networks.
We also break down streaming, speed, and ease of use.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN provider fits your needs.
What is ProtonVPN?
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service built by Proton AG (formerly Proton Technologies AG).
The same company also runs Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar.
It protects your internet connection with AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.
Paid plans unlock over 8,600 VPN servers in 112 countries.
ProtonVPN
Swiss privacy meets a huge server network. Free plan included with no data caps. Paid plans start at $2.99/month.
ProtonVPN Pricing
Here’s what Proton VPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | Basic browsing and testing |
| Plus | $2.99/month | Full VPN access for individuals |
| Unlimited | $7.99/month | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: The free plan acts as a permanent trial with no credit card needed.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund policy on all paid plans.
📌 Note: The Plus plan includes all VPN features. The Unlimited plan adds Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Proton Pass on top of the VPN service.
⚠️ Warning: Proton VPN subscriptions auto-renew at the standard rate after your initial discounted term ends. Turn off auto-renewal in your account settings before the billing date to avoid the higher price.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s what makes Proton VPN worth considering:
- Swiss Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. Switzerland sits outside the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes surveillance alliances.
- Free Plan: No data caps, no ads, and unlimited bandwidth. The free tier covers servers in multiple countries for basic protection.
- Secure Core Servers: Routes your internet traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This adds a second layer of encryption to your VPN tunnel.
- VPN Accelerator: Proprietary speed technology that improves connection speeds. It works across all VPN protocols supported by the Proton VPN app.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. No extra browser extension needed.
- Open-Source Apps: All Proton apps are open-source and have passed independent audits. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- Streaming Support: Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming services from your VPN servers.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Proton VPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads
- 8,600+ servers across 112 countries
- Swiss jurisdiction with audited no-logs policy
- Unblocks major streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Connects up to 10 devices at once
❌ Cons
- Free plan limits you to a few server locations and one device
- Secure Core servers can slow down your internet speeds
- No live chat support — only email and support tickets via Proton VPN’s website
- Renewal prices increase after the initial discounted term
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN provider built around total anonymity.
It does not require an email address or any personal info to create an account.
Instead, Mullvad generates a random 16-digit account number for each user.
You can even pay with cash mailed in an envelope or with bitcoin cash.
The Mullvad service runs exclusively on the WireGuard protocol as of early 2026. This means Mullvad no longer supports OpenVPN. The vpn kill switch is always enabled to prevent dns leaks of your customer data.
Mullvad VPN
Maximum anonymity with no email signup. Flat €5/month pricing with no long-term commitments. Pay with cash or crypto.
Mullvad VPN Pricing
Mullvad’s pricing is the simplest in the VPN market.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Long-term users who want flat pricing |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Maximum commitment at the same rate |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial or free plan available.
Money-back guarantee: Mullvad has a money back guarantee for 30 days on most payment methods. Cash payments are excluded.
📌 Note: Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009. The flat €5/month rate applies no matter how long you subscribe. No surprise renewal fees.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term subscription discounts. Other VPN providers like Proton VPN and NordVPN charge less per month on annual or multi-year plans.
Key Benefits of Mullvad VPN
Here’s what makes Mullvad VPN worth considering:
- Anonymous Signup: No email, no name, no personal data. Mullvad generates a 16-digit account number that acts as your login.
- Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash, bitcoin cash, or crypto. You can mail physical cash to Mullvad’s address for total anonymity.
- RAM-Only Servers: All Mullvad’s servers run on RAM. No data is stored on hard disks, and everything is wiped on reboot.
- WireGuard Protocol: Mullvad now runs exclusively on WireGuard for fast, secure VPN connections. OpenVPN was retired in January 2026.
- DAITA Protection: Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis hides your browsing patterns from advanced surveillance.
- Open-Source Apps: Mullvad’s apps are fully open-source. Independent audits have confirmed the no-logs policy multiple times.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Mullvad VPN and explored the platform for everyday use. Here’s what stood out:
Mullvad VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal information required to sign up
- Flat €5/month pricing with no renewal price increases
- RAM-only servers wipe all data on reboot
- Multiple independent audits confirm no-logs policy
- DAITA and Multi-Hop for advanced privacy
❌ Cons
- Smaller server network with around 700 servers in 49 countries
- No free plan or free trial available
- Struggles to unblock most streaming services
- Only supports up to five devices simultaneously
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ProtonVPN vs Mullvad?
We’ll explore 9 key features to help you pick the right VPN provider.
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0.00/month (Free) | €5/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server Network | 8,600+ in 112 countries | ~700 in 49 countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 5 |
| Streaming Support | ✅ | ❌ (limited) |
| Anonymous Signup | ❌ (email required) | ✅ (no email needed) |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (always on) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Everyday VPN users | Privacy-first users |
1. Privacy and No-Logs Policy
ProtonVPN: Based in Switzerland under some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. All Proton apps are open-source. The company also publishes a transparency report showing how it handles legal requests for customer data.
Mullvad: Based in Sweden, which is part of the 14 Eyes alliance. However, Mullvad’s no-logs policy has been confirmed by multiple independent audits. No user activity data was found during any audit. Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only, so all data is wiped on every reboot. The VPN kill switch is always enabled and cannot be turned off.
2. Server Network
ProtonVPN: Offers over 8,600 VPN servers across 112 countries. This is a much larger server network than most VPN providers. All servers are physical (no virtual server locations). Proton VPN also offers dedicated servers for P2P file sharing and Tor over VPN connections.
Mullvad: Runs a smaller server network of around 700 servers in 49 countries. The network focuses on quality over quantity. Many servers are physically owned by Mullvad rather than rented. Server coverage is concentrated in Europe and North America, with limited presence in Asia and other regions.
⚠️ Warning: If you need VPN servers in Africa, South America, or parts of Asia, Mullvad’s smaller server network may not have a nearby server. Proton VPN covers more server locations globally.
3. VPN Protocols
ProtonVPN: Supports multiple VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN and WireGuard, and IKEv2. It also offers a proprietary Stealth protocol designed to bypass internet censorship. This makes the Proton VPN app more flexible for different network conditions. The windows app and android app both support all wireguard protocols.
Mullvad: Switched to WireGuard-only in January 2026. OpenVPN support was dropped. WireGuard is fast and secure, but the lack of protocol options means less flexibility. If WireGuard is blocked on a network, Mullvad may not connect at all.
4. Streaming and Content Access
ProtonVPN: Reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming services. Proton VPN works well for accessing geo-restricted content from different countries. The VPN Accelerator helps maintain fast internet speeds while streaming.
Mullvad: Streaming is not Mullvad’s strength. According to multiple reviews, it struggles to unblock most streaming services. Netflix may work on some Mullvad servers, but BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu are hit-or-miss. Mullvad focuses on privacy, not entertainment access.
5. Security Features
ProtonVPN: Includes Secure Core architecture that routes your encrypted vpn tunnel through privacy-friendly countries first. NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware. DNS leak protection and a kill switch are both included. Port forwarding is available for better torrent speeds. You can also connect to tor servers through the tor network for added anonymity. Proton VPN offers dedicated servers for P2P and a double vpn option via Secure Core routing.
Mullvad: Offers Multi-Hop routing, DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis), and a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet traffic outside the VPN tunnel. The VPN kill switch is enabled by default and cannot be disabled. DNS leak protection routes all DNS requests through Mullvad’s encrypted DNS servers.
6. Ease of Use
ProtonVPN: The Proton VPN app is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Android TV. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to connect to VPN servers with one click. A server map helps you pick locations visually. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection.
Mullvad: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Linux apps are available for major distributions. The VPN apps are functional but more utilitarian in design. Mullvad also offers a dedicated Mullvad Browser built on Firefox for extra privacy. The settings menu has more advanced VPN settings that may confuse beginners. You can browse the server list and pick a nearby server or nearest server manually. The user friendly interface is clean but offers fewer visual cues than Proton VPN.
7. Device Connections
ProtonVPN: Allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections on a single account. This covers your laptop, phone, tablet, and more. You can also set up Proton VPN on a VPN compatible router to protect every mobile device on your network.
Mullvad: Supports up to five devices simultaneously. That’s enough for most individuals but tight for families. If you need more simultaneous device connections, you’d need a second account number.
8. Customer Support
ProtonVPN: Offers email-based customer support and a detailed knowledge base on Proton VPN’s website. There is no live chat support available. Proton VPN support staff typically respond within a few hours during business days.
Mullvad: Support is email-only. There is no live chat or phone support. You can contact Mullvad through their website. The support team is knowledgeable but response times can be slower than other VPN providers.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | ❌ |
| Monthly | $9.99/month (Plus) | €5/month |
| Annual | $2.99/month (Plus, 2-year) | €5/month |
| Bundle | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | ❌ |
ProtonVPN: The free VPN plan makes it easy to try before buying. On long-term plans, Proton VPN is actually cheaper than Mullvad at $2.99/month for a 2-year commitment. The Unlimited plan bundles Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, and Pass for $7.99/month.
Mullvad: The flat €5/month pricing is dead simple. No discounts, no upsells, no surprise renewal fees. You pay the same rate whether you subscribe for one month or ten years. This is an expensive VPN month-to-month compared to long-term competitors, but cheaper than most monthly VPN plans.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free VPN | ProtonVPN | Only one with a real free tier |
| Maximum anonymity | Mullvad | No email, pay with cash |
| Streaming access | ProtonVPN | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer |
| Simple flat pricing | Mullvad | €5/month, no renewal surprises |
| Large server network | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ servers in 112 countries |
| Beginner-friendly | ProtonVPN | Easier app with more guidance |
💰 Your Budget
Proton VPN offers a free plan and long-term plans as low as $2.99/month. Mullvad charges a flat €5/month with no discounts, making it pricier if you commit long-term.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Proton VPN connects up to 10 devices and works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Android TV. Mullvad supports up to five devices on the same operating systems but also includes a dedicated Mullvad Browser.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If you want zero personal data tied to your VPN account, Mullvad wins. Proton VPN requires an email but offers Swiss legal protection and Secure Core servers for strong user privacy.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Proton VPN is easier for beginners. The Proton VPN app has a clean interface and simple server selection. Mullvad’s VPN settings are more advanced and may overwhelm first-time VPN users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Proton VPN’s free plan lets you test the VPN service with no time limit. Mullvad has no free trial but offers a money-back guarantee within the first 30 days.
🛟 Support Options
Neither VPN offers live chat support. Both use email-only customer support. Proton VPN has a larger knowledge base on its website.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- No personal info tied to your VPN account
- Flat pricing with no renewal rate increases
- RAM-only servers that wipe data on reboot
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Access to 8,600+ servers and the free VPN plan
- Reliable streaming support for Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- 10 simultaneous device connections (drops to 5)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Proton VPN subscription from your Proton account dashboard
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number
- Download the Mullvad VPN app and log in with your account number
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Massive server network with 8,600+ servers worldwide
- Streaming support for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more
- 10 simultaneous VPN connections per account
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup without any email or personal data
- Flat €5/month pricing with no renewal surprises
- DAITA protection against AI traffic analysis
📋 How to switch:
- Stop adding time to your Mullvad account (it expires when your paid time runs out)
- Create a free Proton VPN account at protonvpn.com
- Download the Proton VPN app and upgrade to Plus if needed
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t test enterprise VPN deployments or evaluate how either tool handles large-scale corporate networks. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both VPN apps — features and pricing may have changed since then. If you need a VPN for a business with 50+ employees, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
💡 Pro Tip: Before committing to either VPN, run a dns leak test on both. Connect to a nearby server on each VPN, then visit ipleak.net. Both Proton VPN and Mullvad should hide your true ip address and prevent dns leaks. If you’re a linux user, both VPN providers offer a linux app — Proton VPN also has a windows app and android app. On a windows laptop, the setup takes about two minutes. Check the server list for the nearest server to get the best upload speed and upload speeds.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy | Mullvad |
| 🌐 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Security Features | Tie |
| 👶 Ease of Use | ProtonVPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | ProtonVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
Proton VPN wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Everyday VPN users, streamers, and anyone who wants a free VPN to start with
Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN are two very different products. Proton VPN is a full-featured VPN service with a free plan, huge server network, and strong streaming support. Mullvad is a privacy-only VPN built for users who want zero personal data tied to their account. Both vpn companies create an encrypted tunnel between your device and their servers.
Mullvad is excellent for VPN veterans who value anonymity above all else. Its anonymous signup and flat pricing model are hard to beat for pure privacy.
However, if you need a VPN that covers streaming, travel, and everyday browsing, Proton VPN is the better choice. It gives you more servers, more devices, and a free tier to try first.
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how Proton VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier availability, Swiss jurisdiction, and open-source apps verified by audits
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network with 6,000+ servers, faster connection speeds on nearby servers, and 24/7 live chat support
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan with no data caps, lower long-term pricing at $2.99/month, and Secure Core double-hop routing
ExpressVPN wins on: Wider device compatibility including routers, faster customer support response times, and stronger geo-unblocking across more regions
ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy jurisdiction, Secure Core servers, and a genuinely unlimited free VPN plan
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Lower starting price at $1.99/month on long-term plans, unlimited device connections, and CleanWeb ad blocker
ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost
ProtonVPN wins on: Open-source codebase, free plan option, and stronger no-logs audit record
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server fleet with 9,000+ servers, dedicated streaming and gaming servers, and 45-day money-back guarantee
More of Mullvad VPN Compared
Here’s how Mullvad VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
Mullvad vs NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup with no email, flat pricing with no renewal increases, and RAM-only server infrastructure
NordVPN wins on: Thousands more servers worldwide, reliable streaming support for Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and 24/7 live chat customer support
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: No personal data required at signup, cash payment option for full anonymity, and DAITA protection against traffic analysis
Private Internet Access wins on: Lower annual pricing, larger server network, and better streaming unblocking performance
Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN
Mullvad wins on: Zero personal info at signup, RAM-only servers, and transparent flat-rate pricing
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited device connections, much lower long-term pricing, and strong streaming unblocking across platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Yes. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and has a strict no logs policy verified by independent audits. All Proton apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the code. This premium vpn uses AES-256 encryption and offers DNS leak protection. Proton VPN passed every dns leak test in our proton vpn review. The vpn company keeps no ip logs and hides your internet traffic from your internet service provider.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Mullvad comes closer to true anonymity than most secure vpns. It does not require an email address or any personal info. You can pay with cash or crypto. Multiple independent audits confirmed that Mullvad stores no user activity data. In this mullvad vpn review, we found that Mullvad passed every privacy check. The mullvad vpn server infrastructure runs on RAM-only hardware. Other vpns and other vpn services require personal details that Mullvad skips entirely.
Can I use Proton VPN for free?
Yes. Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. The free version limits you to Proton VPN servers in a few countries and one device. No credit card is needed. Among other free vpns and free vpns in the market, the Proton VPN free tier stands out because it has no data caps. Proton services like Proton Mail also have free tiers.
Does Mullvad work with Netflix?
Netflix may work on some Mullvad servers, but results vary. Mullvad does not prioritize streaming. If accessing geo-restricted content is important, Proton VPN is a better fit for that use case.
Which is better for everyday use — Proton VPN or Mullvad?
Proton VPN is better for everyday use. It has a larger server network, supports streaming services, and connects up to 10 mobile devices. Mullvad has a relatively small server network and a smaller number of servers. Mullvad is better for vpn users who want maximum anonymity. If you need to pick from the mullvad server or use a vpn compatible router, both work. But Proton VPN gives you more server locations and better connection speeds for browsing.
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