Choosing a VPN can be a difficult decision, as these tools are essential for protecting your privacy and security online. Two of the most highly-regarded services are Mullvad vs Proton VPN. While both are excellent choices, they have very different philosophies and features.
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN that prioritizes user anonymity above all else, with a unique pricing model and no-account setup. Proton VPN is a privacy-focused service that offers a broader suite of products and a more traditional feature set, including specialized servers and a free plan. This article will break down their strengths to help you decide which is the better choice for you in 2026.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN service that takes anonymity to the extreme. It operates on a simple, flat-rate pricing model and does not require an email or any personal information to create an account. Mullvad generates a unique account number for each user, which is the only thing needed to log in.
This platform is ideal for privacy enthusiasts and users who want to be as anonymous as possible. It runs on a RAM-only server network, which means no data is ever written to a hard drive. This, combined with its no-logs policy and support for anonymous payments, makes Mullvad a leader in the privacy space, though it offers a smaller server network.
What is Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a leading VPN service known for its advanced security features and fast speeds. It is part of the larger Proton ecosystem, which includes secure email and cloud storage. It is designed for users who need a powerful tool for a variety of online tasks, from streaming to torrenting, with a focus on both security and performance.
The main purpose of Proton VPN is to provide top-tier security and privacy. Its features go beyond a standard VPN, including Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries and a malware and ad blocker called NetShield. This makes it a great choice for users who want a comprehensive security and privacy solution with a wide range of features.
Conclusion: Mullvad vs Proton VPN
In summary, Mullvad is the superior option for privacy purists who want a simple, no-frills service that offers extreme anonymity. Its unique payment system and focus on privacy-enhancing technology make it a great choice. Proton VPN, on the other hand, is the better option for users who want a more feature-rich VPN with faster speeds, a larger server network, and integrated tools for streaming and torrenting. The choice between them depends entirely on whether you prioritize absolute anonymity or a more versatile, high-performance experience.
FAQs
- Is Mullvad or Proton VPN more affordable?
Mullvad has a simple, flat-rate monthly price, which makes it easy to understand. Proton VPN’s prices can be more flexible with longer-term plans, but the cost per month is often higher than Mullvad’s, especially for the premium plan.
- Which VPN has a larger server network?
Proton VPN has a much larger server network than Mullvad. With thousands of servers in over 100 countries, Proton VPN offers a wider range of connection options, which is a major advantage for unblocking content and finding fast connections.
- Is there a free version of either VPN?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free-forever plan with unlimited data, although it is limited to servers in only a few countries. Mullvad does not offer a free plan, but it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Which is better for streaming content?
Proton VPN is generally considered better for streaming. Its large server network and fast speeds make it more reliable for accessing content from various streaming services without interruptions, whereas Mullvad has a more limited ability to unblock geo-restricted content.
- Do they both have a kill switch?
Yes, both Mullvad and Proton VPN have a kill switch feature. Mullvad’s is called VigilantBear, while Proton VPN’s is a standard kill switch. Both features automatically block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
- Which VPN is better for torrenting?
Proton VPN is a great choice for torrenting, as it has specialized P2P servers and a port forwarding feature. Mullvad used to offer port forwarding but has since removed it, which can be a disadvantage for some torrenting users.
- How do they handle user privacy and accounts?
Mullvad is unparalleled in its approach to privacy. It does not require an email or any personal information to create an account, using only an account number. Proton VPN requires an email for account creation, but it operates under strict Swiss privacy laws.
- Do they offer split tunneling?
Yes, both Mullvad and Proton VPN offer split tunneling, which allows you to choose which applications use the VPN and which do not. This is useful for balancing security with performance, especially for certain apps.
- Which one is faster?
In general, Proton VPN is faster than Mullvad. Its proprietary WireGuard protocol, called NordLynx, is highly optimized for speed, which consistently puts Proton VPN ahead of many competitors in speed tests.
- What kind of customer support do they offer?
Proton VPN offers customer support via email and an extensive online knowledge base. Mullvad’s support is also primarily via email, with a focus on self-service help guides, which aligns with its privacy-first model.
