VPN Services: Proton VPN vs Mullvad Comparison
Compare Proton VPN, Mullvad and find the best vpn services for your needs. Detailed side-by-side comparison with pros, cons, and features.
Last updated: 2/11/2026
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN from Switzerland with open-source apps, audited no-logs posture, and both free and paid plans. It is positioned for users who prioritize open-source privacy stack with Secure Core and strong free tier.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Proton VPN Best Overall | Mullvad Best Flat-Rate Privacy VPN |
|---|---|---|
9.4 | 8.9 | |
Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser Extensions | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Devices | 10 (paid plans) | 5 (official FAQ) |
Kill Switch | ||
Split Tunneling | ||
Obfuscation/Stealth | ||
Encryption | AES-256 / ChaCha20 (by protocol) | AES-256 / ChaCha20 |
No-Logs Policy | ||
Server Locations (countries) | 115+ countries (official support pages). | 40+ countries (official server list). |
Streaming Support | Paid Plus/Unlimited plans support major streaming services; Free plan is limited. | No dedicated streaming servers; streaming access is not a primary product goal. |
Free Plan | ||
Free Data Limit | Unlimited on Free plan. | No free plan. |
Multi-Hop | ||
Ad/Malware Blocking | NetShield is included on paid plans; not included on Free. | |
Open Source | ||
Audit | Independent security and no-logs audits are published by Proton. | Yes (independent security audits) |
Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth. | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
Updated At | 2026-02-11 | 2026-02-11 |
| Visit Site | View Plans | Get Mullvad |
Guided pick
Which product might fit best?
Across this vpn services matchup, Proton VPN looks strongest on ad/malware blocking and free plan support; Mullvad remain credible options depending on your budget and workflow. It underscores Proton VPN's ad/malware blocking and free plan support while keeping Mullvad in view for server flexibility.
1. Proton VPN Best Privacy-Focused VPN
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN from Switzerland with open-source apps, audited no-logs posture, and both free and paid plans. It is positioned for users who prioritize open-source privacy stack with Secure Core and strong free tier.
Pros
- Free plan includes unlimited data with no ads and no activity logs.
- Paid plans support up to 10 devices with apps for all major desktop/mobile platforms.
- Open-source apps and third-party audits improve transparency versus many competitors.
- Secure Core multi-hop routing is available for higher-risk privacy use cases.
- Stealth protocol and anti-censorship tooling help on restrictive networks.
- NetShield ad/malware blocking is included on paid tiers with broad protocol support.
Cons
- Best pricing is tied to long-term intro billing rather than month-to-month.
- Free plan has feature and server-location limits versus paid tiers.
- Some pricing details require checkout rendering because public widgets are dynamic.
- Secure Core and advanced routing can reduce speeds compared with standard servers.
2. Mullvad Best Flat-Rate Privacy VPN
Mullvad is a privacy-centric VPN with a flat-rate model, minimal account requirements, and transparent security posture. It is positioned for users who prioritize flat-rate privacy model with minimal-account onboarding.
Pros
- Flat monthly pricing with no long-term lock-in and no promo-to-renewal jump.
- Strong privacy posture with account-number model and minimal signup data.
- Open-source apps with independent audits and transparent documentation.
- WireGuard/OpenVPN support plus multi-hop and obfuscation features.
- Accepts privacy-oriented payment methods including cash and crypto.
- Clear no-logs stance and mature Linux support.
Cons
- No permanent free plan or trial tier.
- Smaller country footprint than the largest commercial VPNs.
- Streaming access can be inconsistent because it is not a primary product focus.
- Only 5 simultaneous devices per account.
Explore More Options
Discover additional vpn services options to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
Conclusion
Based on the criteria evaluated above, Proton VPN emerges as a strong option for many users due to its open-source privacy stack with Secure Core and strong free tier. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Mullvad is another viable alternative if it better aligns with your priorities. We recommend reviewing all details carefully and considering factors like your budget, features, and user reviews. This is not financial or professional advice. Always verify information from official sources.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. Product features, prices, and availability may change. Always verify the latest information from official sources.
Source transparency
Official product pages used in this comparison and the latest verification date for each entry.
- Proton VPNLast verified: 2/11/2026
- MullvadLast verified: 2/11/2026