- Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN price comparison
- Which has more global servers: Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN
- Which is more secure: Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN?
- Which VPN has stronger privacy policies: Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
- Which is better for streaming: Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
- Should I choose Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN for torrenting?
- Should I choose Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN for gaming?
- Which VPN is easier to use: Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
- Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN Reddit comparison
- Final verdict: is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN in 2026?
- FAQ
Proton VPN is a well-known and reliable VPN, with Secure Core Swiss VPN servers and a secure jurisdiction in Switzerland. Mullvad VPN is also popular among privacy enthusiasts and is headquartered in Sweden, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction despite its membership of the 14 Eyes Alliance. But which VPN is better and provides a more secure and anonymous service in 2026?
To determine which is the better service between Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN, I collaborated with the VPNOverview research team. We tested each VPN for speed, security, unblocking power, usability, and privacy. After extensive testing, Proton VPN just beats Mullvad VPN by providing more robust unblocking power, slightly better privacy features, and more reliable and consistent speeds over distance. Read ahead to see how each of these VPNs compares in 2026.
| VPN provider | Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Website: | Visit Proton VPN’s website | Visit Mullvad’s website |
| Rating: | 8.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 8.3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 14,900+ servers in 122+ countries | 870+ in 39 countries |
| Speed performance: | Fast | Fast |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 | 5 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 bit | AES-256 bit |
| Streaming support: | ✅ Yes (including Netflix) | ❌ Very limited |
| Torrenting support: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Starting price: | From $ 2.99/month | ~$5.82/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day guarantee | 14-day guarantee |
Key differences between Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN
Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN both offer a speedy, reliable service, but there are some distinct differences between the two privacy-first VPNs. My tests revealed that Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN in a number of areas. For example, Proton VPN is better at unblocking streaming sites, offers more consistent and faster speeds, and has a larger server network than Mullvad. That said, Mullvad offers a unique perk in allowing cash or crypto signups that don’t require an email address.
| Proton VPN pros and cons | Mullvad VPN pros and cons |
| ✅ Huge server network. With almost 15,000 servers, Proton VPN has the industry’s second-largest VPN server fleet | ✅ Anonymous signup. Mullvad assigns you a randomized account number, meaning you don’t need to supply any personal information |
| ✅High-speed connections. My tests averaged around 428 Mbps across 10 international VPN servers | ✅ Anonymous payments. Support for cash and cryptocurrency payments further enhances Mullvad’s privacy |
| ✅ Easily unblocks websites. During my tests, Proton VPN excelled at unblocking streaming platforms and other sites | ✅ User-friendly apps. Mullvad takes a casual approach with its website, and its software is very easy to use, albeit basic |
| ✅ Secure jurisdiction. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which lacks mandatory data retention laws | ❌ Maximum of 5 connections. Many competing VPNs offer up to 10 or unlimited connections, but Mullvad’s is capped at 5 |
| ❌ 10 simultaneous connections. Proton VPN currently offers 10 simultaneous connections, while some other providers don’t impose a cap | ❌ Small server network. Compared to Proton VPN’s vast server fleet, Mullvad has 850+ servers in 39+ countries |
Here are the main differences between Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN:
- Proton VPN is cheaper than Mullvad VPN. The Proton VPN price start at $ 2.99/month, while Mullvad has a flat €5/month cost (around $5.82/month).
- Proton VPN has a larger server fleet. Proton VPN’s server network comprises 20300 servers in 148+ countries, while Mullvad offers 870+ servers in 39+ countries, making Proton VPN the clear winner in terms of server availability.
- Mullvad allows greater anonymity. With crypto and cash payments, and an anonymous account number that doesn’t require an email address, Mullvad has a privacy edge.
- Proton VPN’s speeds are overall better. Proton VPN achieved 428 Mbps during my tests, while Mullvad peaked at 350 Mbps. Proton VPN’s speeds are also more consistent across servers of varying geographical distance.
- Proton VPN offers more simultaneous connections. Mullvad VPN caps your maximum device connections at just 5, while Proton VPN offers 10 connections. Ideally, I’d like to see unlimited connections as with providers like Surfshark VPN.
Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN price comparison
As of January 2026, Proton VPN is more affordable than Mullvad VPN. Proton VPN’s plans start from $ 2.99/month, whereas Mullvad charges a fixed fee of €5/month (around $5.82/month). Neither VPN limits the features you have access to on any particular plan, though Proton VPN also has a free plan that offers a stripped-back experience.
| Subscription plans | Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN |
| 1-month plan | $9.99/month | €5/month (~$5.82/month) |
| 1-year plan | $3.99/month | – |
| 2-year plan | $ 2.99/month | – |
| Free trial | ✅ Yes (unlimited free tier) | ❌ No |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| Current deal | Get Proton VPN, now off | Get Mullvad, €5/month forever |
Unfortunately, neither Proton VPN nor Mullvad VPN offer a free trial, but Proton VPN’s unlimited free tier allows you to test the service in the same way. If you decide to sign up, both VPNs have a refund guarantee. Proton VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, while Mullvad has a shorter 14-day money-back guarantee.
Which has more global servers: Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN
Proton VPN has a much greater 20300 servers in 148+ countries compared to Mullvad’s 870+ servers in 39+ countries. A larger server network means that you’re less likely to face issues like server congestion, which can slow your connection, and server blacklisting that can prevent you from being able to unblock websites.
| Feature | Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN |
| Total servers: | 20300 | 870+ |
| Countries covered: | 148+ | 39+ |
| Server types: | Physical RAM-only servers | Physical RAM-only servers |
| Specialized servers: | ✅ Plus (streaming) servers, Secure Core (multi-hop), Tor over VPN, dedicated IP, P2P | ❌ No (but all servers allow P2P) |
| Server ownership: | Entirely owned bare-metal servers | Entirely owned bare-metal servers |
Proton VPN excels in providing a huge range of specialty servers, including Secure Core, Tor over VPN, P2P, and dedicated IP servers. It also has Plus servers, which are optimized for unblocking international streaming services. While Mullvad VPN supports torrenting on all of its servers, it lacks any specialty servers optimized for specific purposes. Instead, you enable features like multi-hop in settings, but there’s no option for Tor over VPN. In short, Proton VPN excels above Mullvad in this area.
Which is more secure: Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN?
Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN have all the security basics covered, including a strict no-logs policy, built-in kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and leak protection. Both also offer a range of secure protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that offers guarantees around data security. Meanwhile, Mullvad is located in Sweden, which is a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. Despite this, Sweden currently has no mandatory data retention laws.
| Security aspect | Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN |
| Jurisdiction: | Switzerland | Sweden |
| Encryption: | AES-256 bit | AES-256 bit |
| Protocols supported: | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy: | ✅ Yes, independently audited | ✅ Yes, independently audited |
| Kill switch: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, cannot be disabled |
| Leak protection: | ✅ Yes, built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection | ✅ Yes, built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection |
As part of any VPN comparison, I test features like the kill switch and leak protection to ensure they’re working as intended. Both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN passed my tests with working kill switches and zero IP or DNS leaks. I also verified that both VPNs have no-logs guarantees that are backed by independent audits.
Proton VPN’s no-logs policy has been audited on 3 occasions, and in July 2025, the company completed its first SOC 2 Type II audit for its operational security. Mullvad VPN has had multiple independent audits too, and in April 2023, Swedish police raided the operator’s headquarters but turned up no user data because the VPN doesn’t log any.
This category was a close tie, so I looked at other areas of security to determine the winner. Since Mullvad VPN offers a signup process that requires zero personal data and can be paid for in cash, I ultimately decided that it has an edge in terms of security.
Kill Switch
Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN have a built-in kill switch that cuts your internet connection to prevent IP leaks if your VPN connection drops. Since sudden dropouts can cause your true location to be detected, this can risk accounts being blocked if you’re accessing a website that forbids VPN usage. Fortunately, both kill switches passed my in-house tests and effectively protected my connection. Proton VPN’s kill switch offers advanced functionality for Windows and Linux, while Mullvad’s kill switch is a standard feature but offers solid protection. Overall, this means Proton VPN’s kill switch is the better of the two based on my tests and assessment.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling functionality lets you choose which apps use your VPN tunnel and which use your usual internet connection. This means you can optimize your VPN’s traffic load and potentially improve speeds, while avoiding being blocked by everyday services you use at home due to a different IP address. Mullvad supports split tunneling at an app level, while Proton VPN offers both include and exclude modes so you can choose which apps specify through the VPN and which bypass it. This flexibility lets Proton VPN users tailor their traffic routing more precisely, making it the better feature in my opinion.
Obfuscation
Proton VPN has an obfuscation called the Stealth Protocol. This disguises your VPN traffic to look like regular web traffic, avoiding anti-VPN measures on websites like Netflix or ESPN+. Comparatively, Mullvad has two obfuscation features. Shadowsocks is a fast and lightweight VPN protocol that obfuscates your traffic, while UDP-over-TCP specifically routes data through a TCP connection that can help bypass strict network conditions. In my tests, I found Proton VPN’s set-it-and-forget-it protocol to be simpler to understand and set up in an instant.
Specialty servers
Proton VPN excels at providing specialty servers, offering Plus servers optimized for streaming, Secure Core multi-hop servers that route your data through two nodes, and Tor over VPN servers. There are also dedicated IP address servers and torrenting-optimized P2P servers. Meanwhile, Mullvad is lacking in specialty servers, instead choosing to offer these kinds of features via the settings menu. Mullvad VPN supports torrenting on all of its servers, and multi-hop functionality can be accessed in settings, but it lacks the other options covered by Proton VPN.
Ad & Malware Blocker
Proton VPN includes the built-in NetShield feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It runs automatically in the background and can be set to block malware or both malware and ads/trackers. Meanwhile, Mullvad VPN has Blocklists, which also block ads, trackers, and malicious domains but require you to configure them manually on each device. As a result, Proton VPN’s NetShield is more user-friendly and convenient, making it the better choice for most users based on my testing.
Which VPN has stronger privacy policies: Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
Both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN are headquartered in privacy-friendly countries, though Proton VPN has a slight edge being located in Switzerland. Mullvad on the other hand is located in Sweden. While Sweden currently has no mandatory data retention laws, it’s part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, an international data-sharing coalition.
However, Mullvad wins some points back in my assessment by offering an entirely anonymous signup process that doesn’t even require an email address. If you sign up to Mullvad using cash or crypto, you’re then assigned a randomized account number that doesn’t require any personal information. Renewing your account is as simple as mailing cash or making another crypto payment with your account number.
Neither Proton VPN nor Mullvad VPN leak your true location either, based on my tests. I conducted leak tests with both VPNs to ensure that my true location remained hidden.
No-Logs Policy
Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN both enforce a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your data, browsing activity, and real IP address won’t be stored. Proton VPN’s no-logs policy has been audited independently, verifying that it lives up to its promises. Mullvad VPN also has a good track record of independent audits, and its no-logs guarantee was even proven in a real-world situation. When Swedish police attempted to seize customer data in 2023, they weren’t able to obtain anything because Mullvad had stored no such data
Independent Audits & Transparency Reports
Proton VPN has been independently audited numerous times since 2022 by Securitum, as well as completing a SOC 2 Type II audit in 2025, which proved its operational security practices are strong. Proton VPN also regularly makes its transparency reports public, detailing any requests received from authorities and how no data was provided for each. Mullvad VPN has also been independently audited multiple times by firms such as Radically Open Security and Cure53. In summary, both VPNs are fairly evenly matched in their transparency and the truthfulness of their no-logs claims.
Which is better for streaming: Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN for streaming, thanks to faster average streaming speeds, a larger server network, and better success unblocking streaming sites in my tests. Proton VPN delivered speeds of around 428 Mbps during my tests, while Mullvad achieved around 350 Mbps at its peak. While both VPNs are fast enough to stream in HD and 4K, their ability to bypass streaming geo-blocks is equally important.
Proton VPN bypassed geo-blocks on every streaming site I tried, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. I had less success with Mullvad VPN, which could occasionally unblock Netflix US but struggled with Netflix Japan, for example. Results were also inconsistent with Hulu, HBO, and BBC iPlayer on some servers.
| Streaming service | Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN |
| Netflix: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (inconsistent) |
| BBC iPlayer: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Disney Plus: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (inconsistent) |
| Hulu: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| HBO Max: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| ITVX: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Amazon Prime Video: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (inconsistent) |
I was surprised that Mullvad VPN could unblock Netflix US, given the inconsistent performance I saw on other platforms. Netflix uses powerful anti-VPN software to block VPN connections, so this was a win for Mullvad. However, it was very server dependent, as some servers had been blacklisted and didn’t work. I also couldn’t unblock Netflix in some other locales like Japan and Hong Kong.
Proton VPN had no such problems, unblocking every streaming site I tested, including BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Hulu. Its consistent speeds ensured that I never experienced lag or buffering when loading a stream, and leak protection kept me connected without the risk of geo blocks.
Should I choose Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN for torrenting?
Using a VPN for torrenting is important to protect yourself against ISP speed throttling and cloak your IP so that other people in your torrent swarm can’t track your location. During my tests, both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN supported torrenting, and I also tested both to ensure no DNS leaks while torrenting. However, it was a different experience with each provider.
Proton VPN has dedicated P2P servers, whereas Mullvad supports torrenting on every server. With both providers, I saw strong download speeds, though Proton VPN’s speeds were more reliably consistent over long distances. Neither VPN suffered any IP or DNS leaks while torrenting, so both offer solid protection, but Proton VPN was faster at completing downloads.
Should I choose Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN for gaming?
Using a VPN for gaming can help stabilize your connection speeds and your ping. This is because it optimizes your data’s routing path to the game server. But they also safeguard you against DDoS attacks and prevent ISP speed throttling by hiding your IP address and activity. I tested both Proton VPN and Mullvad for speed while gaming, and I noted that both providers achieved strong speeds of 300-500 Mbps during gaming sessions.
Proton VPN’s vast server fleet is a huge plus when gaming, as it lets you matchmake in over 122 countries, whereas Mullvad only covers 39+ countries. This makes Proton VPN the better choice for playing with friends in other countries on titles like Valorant and COD BO7.
Which VPN is easier to use: Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN?
Proton VPN has a simple, modern interface with a honed installation process for both desktop and mobile platforms. I found it very beginner-friendly and easy to use, and there are clear presets and labels for features like Secure Core, NetShield, and Stealth. The server list views make it easy to find a server location, and the app guides you through setup without you needing any technical knowledge.
Mullvad’s installation is even simpler, because you only need to enter your randomly assigned account number to get started. This makes sign-up fast and privacy-friendly, but the app itself is much more stripped back. All advanced settings are exposed in menus that make them easy to find, but the design feels very clinical and looks dated in my opinion.
Both VPNs cover all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. However, Proton VPN gains an edge with better smart device support, including apps for Fire TV and router compatibility. Note that Mullvad also supports router installations, but it’s mandatory to gain that wider device coverage that Proton VPN has by default.
Overall, I found Proton VPN easier to use day-to-day. Mullvad is fast to set up and surprisingly minimal, but Proton VPN’s guided installation, easy navigation, and beginner-friendly presets make it an overall better choice for usability.
Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN Reddit comparison
As part of any VPN comparison, I also consult Reddit opinions to see real-world feedback from users and which service they prefer. For Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN, there have been many recent discussions within the past couple of months, and I was glad to see user feedback largely reflect my experiences with these two VPNs. For example, one user experienced commonly being blocked when using Mullvad VPN, something I experienced during my streaming tests.
However, some users preferred Mullvad VPN for its completely anonymous signup process using cash and crypto. Since Proton VPN requires an email address to sign up, this gives Mullvad an edge for users who want complete privacy with zero personal information involved.
Overall, most Reddit feedback tended to agree with the points I’ve raised, in that Proton VPN is a more advanced VPN suite and has better success unblocking websites, but Mullvad VPN offers an edge in anonymity for users that want airtight privacy. Opinion was very equally split given that they are both powerful and reliable VPN services.
Final verdict: is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN in 2026?
Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN in 2026, excelling in a number of key areas. Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN are both reliable VPNs with an attractive pricing model and a solid array of security and privacy features. However, with better overall speeds and a greater ability to bypass international geo-blocks, Proton VPN is the better choice.
| When to choose Proton VPN? | When to choose Mullvad VPN? |
| ✅When you want a more affordable VPN with a lower price point | ✅When you want total anonymity in the form of a randomized account number |
| ✅When you want to stream, game, or torrent and need the fastest VPN speeds | ✅When you want to know that your subscription charge will always remain fixed |
| ✅When you want a vast server fleet that can unblock any international streaming site | ✅When you’d rather use settings to control security features than choose a dedicated, specialty server |
| ❌When you want total anonymity with zero personal information provided | ❌When you want to unblock and access international streaming services |
- Pricing: Mullvad has a fixed 5 Euro price point, but Proton VPN is at least a couple of dollars cheaper per month for a more advanced feature set, making it the winner on pricing.
- Servers: Proton VPN’s fleet of 14,900 servers in 122+ countries far outstrips Mullvad VPN’s network of 870+ servers in 39+ countries, making it better for unblocking websites and finding international gaming lobbies.
- Security: With a dedicated obfuscation protocol, numerous specialty servers, and a more advanced split tunneling feature, Proton VPN excels in security compared to Mullvad, though both are highly secure VPN services.
- Privacy: Both VPNs have a robust no-logs policy and are located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN both also provide transparency reports and undergo audits, but Mullvad has an edge for its anonymous signup process.
- Streaming: Mullvad VPN struggled to unblock many platforms during my streaming tests, whereas Proton VPN easily bypasses geo-blocks on any platform.
- Usability: Both VPNs have a simple and easy-to-use app and both also have solid installation processes. However, with beginner-friendly presets and a more polished app, it’s Proton VPN that takes the win for usability.
In closing, Proton VPN is the better choice over Mullvad VPN in a number of areas. While some users will prefer Mullvad for its anonymous signup process and fixed price point, Proton VPN will give you a much better chance of streaming, gaming, and torrenting at high speeds without interruption.
You might also like to read:
- NordVPN vs Surfshark
- Proton VPN vs NordVPN
- ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
- NordVPN vs CyberGhost
- CyberGhost vs PIA
FAQ
The main differences between Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN are that Proton VPN is cheaper, has a larger server fleet, and is faster, while Mullvad allows for greater anonymity. Mullvad allows you to sign up with cash or crypto and get an anonymized account number. Beyond that, Proton VPN excels in generally every other area.
No, based on my 2026 tests, Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN due to having a larger server network with specialty servers, faster and more consistent speeds, and features that are more beginner-friendly. Mullvad VPN is still a reliable and secure VPN with a low and fixed price tag, but Proton VPN is still the better choice in terms of functionality, as well as being more affordable.
Yes, Proton VPN is typically faster than Mullvad VPN, especially when you’re connecting to servers over a long distance. The VPN Accelerator feature built into Proton VPN ensures a consistent and fast connection that delivered 428 Mbps during my in-house tests. I used Ookla Speedtest to average connection speeds over 10 international VPN servers, and Mullvad peaked at 350 Mbps with more speed variability between servers than Proton VPN.
Proton VPN is typically more reliable for bypassing sports blackouts, as it routinely refreshes its IP addresses to avoid server blacklisting and has better unblocking capabilities overall. During my tests, Mullvad VPN struggled to unblock streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video, while Proton VPN can generally unblock any streaming service.
