Proton VPN vs Mullvad — Privacy Titans Compared
Two privacy-first VPNs take different paths to user protection. Proton VPN offers more features and a free tier; Mullvad is laser-focused on anonymity.
Proton VPN
Swiss-based VPN with a generous free tier, Secure Core architecture, and open-source apps.
8.0/10Mullvad
Privacy-first VPN with RAM-only servers, anonymous signup, and a flat EUR 5/month price.
8.2/10Comparison Overview
Privacy & Anonymity
Speed & Performance
Streaming & Torrenting
Features & Value
Pricing & Value
Full Analysis
Privacy & Anonymity
Both services excel in privacy. Mullvad’s anonymous payment options (including cash) and Sweden base give it an edge for anonymity-seeking users. Proton VPN’s Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency are strong arguments. Both have independently verified no-logs policies.
Speed
Mullvad is faster — 850 Mbps vs Proton VPN’s 480 Mbps on WireGuard. Mullvad’s lower user density per server means more consistent speeds during peak hours.
Streaming
Proton VPN offers limited but functional streaming support (Prime Video, BBC iPlayer). Mullvad’s streaming support is essentially non-existent by design.
Features
Proton VPN offers more features — NetShield ad blocking, Secure Core multi-hop, port forwarding, and a free tier. Mullvad is minimalist by design, offering only core VPN functionality.
Pricing
Mullvad’s flat €5/month is simple and fair. Proton VPN’s free tier is unmatched for cost-conscious privacy seekers.
Verdict
Proton VPN wins for most users thanks to its balance of privacy, features, and streaming capability. Choose Mullvad if your priority is maximum anonymity and you don’t need streaming or advanced features.
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