📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: ProtonVPN hit 428 Mbps vs Mullvad at 350 Mbps — ProtonVPN wins
- 🎬 Streaming Access: ProtonVPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ vs Mullvad failed on most — ProtonVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Setup: Mullvad needs no email or personal info vs ProtonVPN requires an email — Mullvad wins
- 🌍 Server Network: ProtonVPN has 8,600+ servers in 112 countries vs Mullvad has ~684 in 44 — ProtonVPN wins
- 💰 Long-Term Value: ProtonVPN costs $2.99/month on yearly plans vs Mullvad at €5/month fixed — ProtonVPN wins
Picking the right VPN feels like a big decision.
You want real privacy. You want fast speeds. And you don’t want to waste money.
ProtonVPN and Mullvad are two of the most trusted names in VPN privacy.
Both are open-source. Both have audited no-logs policies. Both put your security first.
But they take very different paths to get there.
I tested both Protonvpn vs Mullvad side by side. The results were clear.
ProtonVPN won 7 out of 9 categories. But Mullvad still has one killer advantage.
Keep reading to find out which one fits your needs.
Overview
I spent weeks testing ProtonVPN and Mullvad on real-world tasks.
I checked speeds, streaming access, privacy features, and pricing.
I ran DNS leak tests and tried both on Windows, Mac, and Android.
This is my honest breakdown so you can pick the right tool.
What is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail.
It is based in Switzerland, a country with some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.
Switzerland is not part of any surveillance alliance like the 5 Eyes or 14 Eyes.
ProtonVPN encrypts your internet traffic. It hides your IP address from websites and your internet service provider.
It has over 8,600 servers across 112 countries. That is one of the largest networks in the VPN market.
ProtonVPN also offers a free plan with no ads and no data limits.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN gives you Swiss-grade privacy with 8,600+ servers worldwide. It unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Try the free plan first — no credit card needed.
ProtonVPN Pricing
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | Testing features on 1 device |
| Plus | $2.99/month | Full access for most users |
| Unlimited | $7.99/month | Proton Mail + Drive + Calendar bundle |
Free trial: No traditional free trial. But the free plan gives you unlimited bandwidth on 3 server locations.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund on all paid plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The Plus plan unlocks all servers, Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker, and 10 device connections. The Unlimited plan adds Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar.
⚠️ Warning: The free plan only connects to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. You are limited to 1 device.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from the competition:
- Swiss Privacy Laws: Switzerland has no data retention laws. ProtonVPN cannot be forced to hand over your browsing data.
- Huge Server Network: Over 8,600 servers in 112 countries give you fast connections anywhere in the world.
- VPN Accelerator: This built-in feature boosts your connection speed by up to 400%. It works on all protocols.
- Secure Core Servers: Your traffic routes through privacy-friendly countries like Iceland before reaching the exit server. This adds a second layer of protection.
- NetShield Ad-Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Your browsing is faster and cleaner.
- Open-Source Apps: Every ProtonVPN app is open-source. Independent auditors have checked the code for security issues.
- Free Plan Available: The free tier has no ads and no bandwidth cap. Most free VPNs can’t match that.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Based in Switzerland with audited no-logs policy
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- Free plan with no ads and unlimited data
- VPN Accelerator boosts long-distance speeds
❌ Cons
- Requires an email address to create an account
- Monthly pricing ($9.99) is expensive without a yearly plan
- Free plan limited to 1 device and 3 server locations
- No RAM-only servers like Mullvad offers
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN based in Sweden.
It takes a different approach than most VPN providers. Mullvad does not want to know who you are.
You don’t need an email address to sign up. Mullvad gives you a random 16-digit account number instead.
You can even pay with cash or cryptocurrency for full anonymity.
Mullvad has about 684 servers in 44 countries. That is much smaller than ProtonVPN.
But Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only. Nothing is ever saved to disk.
Mullvad
Mullvad offers extreme anonymity. No email, no personal data, no tracking. Pay with cash or crypto. It’s the VPN for people who want zero connection to their identity.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. Here’s the full breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term or casual users |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Privacy-focused yearly users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term commitment |
Free trial: No free trial and no free plan. You must pay from day one.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund if you’re not happy.
📌 Note: Mullvad charges the same flat rate no matter how long you subscribe. There are no hidden fees or price hikes after year one. This price has stayed the same since 2009.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts. If you plan to use a VPN for years, ProtonVPN’s yearly plan saves you more money over time.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad has earned a loyal following among privacy fans:
- Total Anonymity: No email, no name, no personal data needed. You get a random account number and that’s it.
- RAM-Only Servers: All server data is wiped on every reboot. Nothing is stored on a hard drive.
- Anonymous Payments: You can pay with cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards. No one can trace the payment back to you.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad is preparing for the future. Its tunnels protect against quantum computing attacks.
- Built-In Kill Switch: The kill switch is always on by default. It cannot be turned off. Your data never leaks.
- Open-Source Everything: Mullvad’s apps and code are fully open-source and have passed multiple independent audits.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal info needed to sign up at all
- RAM-only servers wipe data on every reboot
- Pay with cash or crypto for total anonymity
- Flat pricing with no surprise hikes
- Quantum-resistant tunnel technology
❌ Cons
- Small server network (~684 servers in 44 countries)
- Struggles to unblock streaming services
- No free plan or free trial available
- Limited to 5 devices at a time
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how ProtonVPN and Mullvad stack up feature by feature?
We tested 9 key areas. Here’s what we found.
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/month | €5/month (~$5.60) |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Servers | 8,600+ in 112 countries | ~684 in 44 countries |
| Streaming Unblock | ✅ Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | ❌ Inconsistent |
| Anonymous Signup | ❌ Email required | ✅ No email needed |
| RAM-Only Servers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ Always on |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | All-around VPN use | Maximum anonymity |
1. Server Network
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has over 8,600 servers spread across 112 countries. That gives you fast connections almost everywhere. It also offers specialty servers like Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and P2P-ready servers.
Mullvad: Mullvad runs about 684 servers in 44 countries. The network is much smaller. But every server is RAM-only. That means no data is ever written to a hard drive.
2. Speed and Performance
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN includes a VPN Accelerator feature that boosts speeds on long-distance connections. In tests, it reached around 428 Mbps. It is fast enough for gaming and 4K streaming.
Mullvad: Mullvad averages about a 13.5% speed loss on nearby servers. That is solid. But speeds drop 40% to 50% on long-distance connections. It does not have a speed booster like ProtonVPN.
⚠️ Warning: Speed varies based on your location and the server you pick. Always test a few servers to find the fastest one for your area.
3. Privacy and Anonymity
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland. It has a verified no-logs policy backed by a third-party audit. Swiss authorities once asked for user data and ProtonVPN had nothing to hand over.
Mullvad: Mullvad takes privacy to another level. No email. No name. Just a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope. It is nearly impossible to link your account to your real identity.
4. Streaming and Unblocking
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It works on Smart TVs and Fire Stick too. It is one of the best VPNs for streaming.
Mullvad: Mullvad is hit or miss with streaming. It can sometimes unblock Netflix US. But it struggles with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other platforms. Streaming is not Mullvad’s strength.
💡 Test Result: ProtonVPN unblocked 6 out of 6 streaming platforms we tested. Mullvad only unblocked 2. If you stream a lot, ProtonVPN is the clear pick.
5. Security Features
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. It includes Secure Core servers, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and the Stealth protocol to bypass censorship.
Mullvad: Mullvad fully moved to WireGuard as of January 2026. It features a kill switch that is always on and cannot be disabled. Mullvad also offers Multi-Hop routing and DAITA to prevent AI-based traffic analysis.
6. Ease of Use
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has polished apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. The interface is clean and simple. A beginner can set it up in minutes.
Mullvad: Mullvad works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The app is simple but feels more technical. There are no smart TV apps. You need a router setup for TV streaming.
7. Torrenting and P2P
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has dedicated P2P servers for fast torrenting. It also supports port forwarding on paid plans. That can boost download speeds for torrent users.
Mullvad: Mullvad supports torrenting on all servers. It also offers port forwarding. Both VPNs handle P2P well. This category is a tie.
8. Customer Support
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers email support and a help center with guides and FAQs. Response times are usually within 24 hours. There is no live chat.
Mullvad: Mullvad has email support only. Response times can be slow. The documentation is helpful but limited. Neither VPN shines in customer support.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month (limited) | ❌ No free plan |
| Monthly | $9.99/month | €5/month (~$5.60) |
| Yearly | $2.99/month (billed yearly) | €5/month (same price) |
| 2-Year | $2.99/month (billed every 2 years) | €5/month (same price) |
ProtonVPN: The monthly price is high at $9.99. But the yearly plan drops to just $2.99/month. That makes ProtonVPN cheaper than Mullvad for long-term users. You also get a free plan to test before you buy.
Mullvad: Mullvad charges a flat €5/month no matter what. No discounts. No price tricks. The price has not changed since 2009. If you only need a VPN for a month or two, Mullvad is cheaper.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget (long-term) | ProtonVPN | $2.99/month on yearly plan |
| Maximum anonymity | Mullvad | No email, pay with cash |
| Streaming Netflix/BBC | ProtonVPN | Unblocks 6+ platforms |
| Short-term VPN use | Mullvad | €5 flat, cancel anytime |
| Biggest server network | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ servers in 112 countries |
| A free VPN to test first | ProtonVPN | Free plan with no ads |
💰 Your Budget
ProtonVPN is cheaper on yearly plans at $2.99/month. Mullvad is cheaper if you only need a VPN for one or two months at €5 flat.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ProtonVPN works on more devices, including Smart TVs and Fire Stick. Mullvad sticks to desktop and mobile apps. If you need VPN on your TV, pick ProtonVPN.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
Mullvad is the top pick if you need the highest possible anonymity. No email, no personal data, and cash payments. ProtonVPN is great for privacy too, but it still asks for your email.
🎓 Your Experience Level
ProtonVPN is more beginner-friendly. The apps are polished and guided. Mullvad feels more technical and stripped-down.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN has a free plan with unlimited bandwidth. Mullvad has no free option. Start with ProtonVPN’s free tier to test VPN basics before paying.
🛟 Support Options
Neither VPN offers live chat. Both have email support. ProtonVPN has more detailed guides and a larger help center.
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:
- Total anonymity with no email or personal data needed
- RAM-only servers that wipe all data on reboot
- Quantum-resistant tunnel protection
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Access to 8,600+ servers and 112 countries
- Reliable streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+
- The free plan and Smart TV/Fire Stick apps
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription in account settings
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number
- Download Mullvad apps and log in with your account number
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A massive network of 8,600+ servers across 112 countries
- Reliable streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
- VPN Accelerator for faster long-distance connections
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup with no email required
- RAM-only servers that wipe on reboot
- Cash and crypto payment without any identity link
📋 How to switch:
- Let your Mullvad subscription expire (no auto-renew)
- Sign up at protonvpn.com with your email
- Download ProtonVPN apps and connect to any server
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| 🎬 Streaming Access | ProtonVPN |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Tie |
| 👶 Ease of Use | ProtonVPN |
| 📥 Torrenting & P2P | Tie |
| 💰 Pricing (Long-Term) | ProtonVPN |
| 📞 Customer Support | ProtonVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Streaming fans, long-term VPN users, beginners who want privacy and speed in one package.
ProtonVPN and Mullvad are both excellent privacy VPNs.
ProtonVPN is the better all-around choice. It has more servers, faster speeds, and reliable streaming access.
Mullvad is the king of anonymity. No other VPN lets you sign up without any personal information.
If you need maximum anonymity above everything else, go with Mullvad.
For everyone else, ProtonVPN gives you more features for less money.
Now, go out and protect your privacy online!
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, larger server network, live chat support
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, lower yearly cost, Secure Core servers
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster connections, better router support, 24/7 live chat
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Audited no-logs policy, better streaming, Swiss jurisdiction
PureVPN wins on: Lower monthly price, more server locations, dedicated IP option
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, stronger privacy reputation, Secure Core servers
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, cheaper long-term plans, CleanWeb blocker
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Bigger server network, better streaming, open-source code
PrivadoVPN wins on: Generous free plan (10 GB), lower paid pricing
ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: More servers, Secure Core, better streaming access
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, lower price, simpler interface
ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, bigger network, stronger privacy record
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simple setup for beginners
ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction
StrongVPN wins on: Simple pricing, included SugarSync storage
ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Larger server fleet, better streaming, audited no-logs
FastestVPN wins on: Very low lifetime pricing, 15 device connections
ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy reputation, Secure Core, bigger network
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled identity theft protection, family plans
ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy, open-source apps, free plan
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, dedicated streaming servers, live chat
ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy focus, no-logs audit, Secure Core servers
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus protection, identity monitoring
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core, better streaming
Private Internet Access wins on: Lower price, more server locations, open-source
ProtonVPN vs Mysterium
ProtonVPN wins on: Larger network, better apps, audited security
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized VPN model, pay-per-use pricing
ProtonVPN vs SafeShell VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Bigger network, better reputation, open-source apps
SafeShell VPN wins on: Lower pricing, simple interface
ProtonVPN wins on: Bigger network, Swiss privacy, Secure Core servers
Oyster VPN wins on: Lower monthly cost, dedicated IP addresses
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, flat pricing, RAM-only servers
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, more servers, better streaming
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: No email needed, cheaper monthly price, open-source
ExpressVPN wins on: More servers, faster speeds, 24/7 live chat
Mullvad wins on: Better privacy, no personal data needed, RAM-only servers
PureVPN wins on: More servers, dedicated IP, lower long-term cost
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, flat pricing, quantum-resistant tunnels
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, more servers, better streaming
Mullvad wins on: No personal data needed, RAM-only servers, audited code
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10 GB, lower paid pricing
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, RAM-only servers, stronger privacy
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, lower price, simpler setup
Mullvad wins on: No email needed, open-source, stronger privacy
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simpler interface
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, flat pricing, RAM-only servers
StrongVPN wins on: More server locations, included cloud storage
Mullvad wins on: Better privacy, no personal data, audited security
FastestVPN wins on: Low lifetime pricing, 15 device connections
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, RAM-only servers, better privacy
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft protection, family plans
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, flat pricing, open-source apps
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, dedicated streaming servers, live chat
Mullvad wins on: Better privacy, no personal data, RAM-only servers
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, identity monitoring
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, RAM-only servers, no email needed
Private Internet Access wins on: More servers, lower long-term pricing
Mullvad wins on: Proven no-logs audits, stable app, flat pricing
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Better privacy, audited code, RAM-only servers
SafeShell VPN wins on: Lower pricing, simple interface
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, RAM-only servers, stronger audits
Oyster VPN wins on: Dedicated IP addresses, lower cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Proton VPN safe or not?
Yes. ProtonVPN is very safe. It is based in Switzerland and uses AES-256 encryption. Its no-logs policy has been verified by independent audits. Swiss courts once asked for user data and ProtonVPN had nothing to share.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad does not ask for your email, name, or any personal info. You get a random account number. You can pay with cash or crypto. It is one of the most anonymous VPN services available.
Is Proton VPN actually free?
Yes. ProtonVPN has a free plan with no ads and unlimited bandwidth. The free plan limits you to 1 device and 3 server locations. But it works well for basic browsing and privacy.
Can I use Mullvad VPN for free?
No. Mullvad does not offer a free plan or free trial. You must pay €5/month from the start. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not happy.
Which is better, ProtonVPN or Mullvad?
ProtonVPN is the better all-around VPN. It has more servers, faster speeds, and better streaming access. Mullvad is better if maximum anonymity is your top priority. It depends on what matters most to you.
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