Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Mullvad VPN is built for privacy, while Proton VPN suits privacy. For most users Mullvad VPN is the stronger default, but Proton VPN can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
Mullvad VPN versus Proton VPN comes down to which trade-offs you can live with. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | VPN | VPN |
| What it's known for | Flat 5 EUR/mo, anonymous account numbers (no email), cash/crypto payments and a hardline privacy stance. | Swiss-based, open-source audited apps, genuinely usable free tier and Secure Core multi-hop routing. |
| Pricing | Flat ~5 EUR/mo (no discounts) | Free tier; ~$4.99/mo on 2-year Plus plan |
| Best audience | Privacy maximalists who want anonymity over streaming features. | Privacy-focused users and those wanting a trustworthy free VPN with upgrade room. |
| Best for | privacy, anonymity | privacy, free-tier |
| Entry price | ~EUR 5/mo | Free |
| Biggest strength | Strongest anonymity model: no email, accepts cash. | All apps open-source and independently audited. |
| Main caveat | Does not reliably unblock Netflix/streaming. | Plus pricing higher than budget rivals. |
Features compared
The feature sets only partly overlap. Here is what each one actually gives you:
Mullvad VPN key features
- Anonymous 16-digit account numbers (no email or personal data)
- Flat EUR 5/month pricing with no tiers or discounts
- Cash and crypto payment options
- RAM-only (diskless) infrastructure
Proton VPN key features
- Secure Core multi-hop routing through hardened servers in Switzerland/Iceland/Sweden
- Genuinely unlimited-data free tier (1 device, limited countries)
- NetShield DNS-level ad/tracker/malware blocker
- Open-source apps on every platform
Pricing tiers side by side
Mullvad VPN plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate | ~EUR 5/mo | No discounts or longer-term tiers |
Proton VPN plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited data, 1 device, limited locations |
| Plus (2-year) | ~$4.99/mo | Often bundled in Proton Unlimited |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Mullvad VPN wins
Sign up with no email using a random account number and pay in cash; privacy is the whole product.
- Strongest anonymity model: no email, accepts cash.
- Flat transparent price, never raised since 2009.
That makes it the stronger pick for privacy maximalists who want anonymity over streaming features.
Where Proton VPN wins
The only major VPN combining fully open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a no-data-cap free tier.
- All apps open-source and independently audited.
- Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy law.
That makes it the stronger pick for privacy-focused users and those wanting a trustworthy free VPN with upgrade room.
Verdict: choose by fit
There is no single winner; it depends on where you sit.
- Choose Mullvad VPN if you fit its core audience — privacy maximalists who want anonymity over streaming features.
- Choose Proton VPN if you fit its core audience — privacy-focused users and those wanting a trustworthy free VPN with upgrade room.
FAQ
Is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN?
Mullvad VPN is the stronger default for most users, but Proton VPN can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN?
Mullvad VPN is sign up with no email using a random account number and pay in cash; privacy is the whole product. Proton VPN is the only major VPN combining fully open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a no-data-cap free tier.
Which is cheaper, Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
Entry pricing differs: Mullvad VPN starts at ~EUR 5/mo, while Proton VPN offers a free tier. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN: