Mullvad vs Proton VPN
The two privacy champions head to head. Sweden-based Mullvad has no accounts at all. Switzerland-based Proton has a free plan.
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Mullvad VPN
Maximum privacy. No account, no logs, one flat price.
Proton VPN
Swiss privacy with a genuinely usable free plan.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.6 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price | From $5.50/mo | From $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | No | |
| Best for | 5 devices at once | 10 devices at once |
| Category | Privacy-first | Privacy-first |
| Provider | Mullvad VPN AB | Proton AG |
| Visit Mullvad VPN | Visit Proton VPN |
Our verdict
For maximum anonymity, Mullvad is unmatched. No account, no email address, and you can even pay cash. Proton VPN is more versatile. There is a genuinely usable free plan, streaming works well on the paid plan, and everything is open source. Purists pick Mullvad.
If you want privacy without giving up everyday convenience, pick Proton VPN.
“Mullvad plays no marketing games. Flat price, no account, no logs. For pure privacy, this is the most honest service we know. For streaming, look elsewhere.”Editorial team, on Mullvad VPN
“The only serious free VPN without a data cap, and the paid Plus plan handles streaming just fine. Swiss, open source, and audited. Solid on every front.”Editorial team, on Proton VPN
Frequently asked questions
Mullvad or Proton VPN: which should I choose?
Choose Mullvad if anonymity is the whole point. You need no account and no email address, and you can pay in cash. Choose Proton VPN if you want privacy without giving up everyday convenience. Streaming works on the paid plan, all apps are open source, and there is a free tier to try first. Most people are better served by Proton VPN.
Is Proton VPN cheaper than Mullvad?
Yes, on the long plan. Proton VPN Plus is $2.99 a month on a two-year term, $35.88 for the year, against Mullvad's flat $5.50 a month, $66.00 a year (US dollars, prices last checked August 2026). Mullvad's rate never changes though, with no intro deal that expires and no commitment, so over a longer stretch the gap narrows.
Is Proton VPN's free plan good enough on its own?
For light use, yes. It is the only serious free VPN with no data cap, so you can leave it running all day. The limits sit elsewhere. One device, a short list of countries, and no streaming. Mullvad has no free tier at all, so trying that one means paying for a month first.
Can I stream with Mullvad?
Not reliably. Mullvad is not built for streaming and does not treat it as a priority, so expect services to block you. Proton VPN Plus handles streaming fine and unlocks all countries plus ten simultaneous devices, against five at Mullvad. If a streaming library is part of why you want a VPN, Mullvad is the wrong tool for the job.