Mullvad vs Proton VPN: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mullvad and Proton VPN? Both are popular vpn & private networking tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Both are solid vpn & private networking options. Mullvad is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.
Mullvad vs Proton VPN — Side by Side
| Mullvad | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | VPN & Private Networking | VPN & Private Networking |
| Pricing | From $5.5/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Starting price | From $5.5/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free tier | — | — |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Best for | VPN & Private Networking — privacy, anonymous | VPN & Private Networking — privacy, open-source |
Pros & Cons
- One price, never discounted or raised at renewal
- No email or personal data to sign up
- Strongest privacy posture of the three
- Fewer countries than Nord or Proton
- No streaming-unblocking promises
- Bare-bones apps
- Free tier with no data cap
- Apps are open source and audited
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction
- Slower than Nord on some routes
- Free tier limited to a few countries
Key Features Compared
Mullvad
- Servers in 45+ countries
- Up to 5 devices
- Account numbers instead of emails
- WireGuard and OpenVPN
- Cash payment accepted
Proton VPN
- Servers in 110+ countries
- Up to 10 devices
- Secure Core routing
- NetShield ad blocker
- Open-source apps, audited
Choose Mullvad if…
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($5.5/mo vs $9.99/mo).
- One price, never discounted or raised at renewal
- No email or personal data to sign up
- Strongest privacy posture of the three
Choose Proton VPN if…
- Free tier with no data cap
- Apps are open source and audited
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad better than Proton VPN?⌄
Both are solid vpn & private networking options. Mullvad is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.
What is the difference between Mullvad and Proton VPN?⌄
Mullvad — Flat €5 a month, no account email, no discounts, no upsells. Proton VPN — Privacy-first VPN from the Proton Mail team, with a genuinely usable free tier. Both are vpn & private networking tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Mullvad vs Proton VPN: which is cheaper?⌄
Mullvad pricing: From $5.5/mo. Proton VPN pricing: From $9.99/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Mullvad or Proton VPN?⌄
In our catalog, Mullvad rates 4.4 out of 5 and Proton VPN rates 4.3 out of 5, so Mullvad has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best vpn & private networking tools for startups.
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