Mullvad vs Proton VPN: which one should you choose in 2026?

The Mullvad vs Proton VPN debate highlights two very different approaches to privacy. Proton VPN, based in Switzerland, delivers advanced security with Secure Core servers, AES-256 encryption, and WireGuard support for high-speed, protected connections. Mullvad, based in Sweden, keeps things minimalist: no email required, a strict no-logs policy, and total anonymity for users who prioritize privacy above all else.

For this Mullvad vs Proton VPN comparison, our research team and I ran extensive tests on speed, latency, server reliability, and security protocols. We examined independent audits, checked privacy claims, and benchmarked both services under real-world conditions, including streaming, torrenting, and multi-device usage.

Whether you need feature-rich performance or maximum anonymity, this Mullvad vs Proton VPN review breaks down the technical strengths and trade-offs of both services. Continue reading to see how they compare across speed, security, privacy, and overall value.

Mullvad vs Proton VPN: overview

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN are among the best VPNs. Mullvad keeps things simple and affordable, with a flat-rate pricing model and a no-frills feature set. However, with Proton VPN, you get twice as many servers, higher torrenting and streaming speeds, and more options with customer support. Here’s how they compare side by side:

	Proton VPN	Mullvad VPN
⭐ Rating:	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#3 out of #41	#15 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	20,300+ servers in 148 countries	580+ servers in 50 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $2.99/month	$5.00/month
🔥 Coupons:	Proton VPN coupon 70% OFF	Cybernews VPN Coupons
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, Stealth	WireGuard, OpenVPN
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+	Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
📥 Simultaneous connections:	10	5
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, email, 24/7 live chat (paid users only)	Email, help center, guides, social media

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Key differences between Mullvad and Proton VPN

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN offer strong security features and provide open-source transparency. However, only by examining their differences can we pinpoint the best performer. For a quick breakdown of what sets them apart, here are the key differences to help you decide which provider better suits your needs.

Choose Mullvad if:

• You want maximum anonymity. Mullvad doesn’t ask for an email and enforces a strict no-logs policy, making it ideal for users who prioritize privacy above all else.
• You need protocol customization. Mullvad supports WireGuard and OpenVPN with modifiable ports and full IPv6 support, giving advanced users fine-grained control.
• You want cutting-edge privacy tools. Features like DAITA (AI traffic analysis protection) and quantum-resistant tunnels make Mullvad unique for high-security use cases.

Choose Proton VPN if:

• You want a feature-rich interface. Proton VPN integrates Secure Core, NetShield, and Tor over VPN directly into the app for easy access to advanced tools.
• You need specialized server options. Proton VPN offers standard, P2P, Secure Core, and Tor servers, while Mullvad focuses on standard and multihop servers.
• You want flexible network features. Split tunneling (app inclusion/exclusion), hardware acceleration, and port forwarding make Proton VPN versatile for different network setups.

Speed comparison: which one is faster?

To compare Mullvad vs ExpressVPN speeds, we ran tests using Speedtest by Ookla on a baseline connection of 930Mbps download and 600Mbps upload. Each VPN was tested with its fastest protocol – WireGuard – across multiple locations, including local servers, London, New York, Perth, and Tokyo. The results below highlight speed retention, download performance, and latency.

Note: Speed test results vary from user to user based on the distance between the VPN server and the user, the internet service provider, and server overcrowding.

Mullvad speed test results

Server location	Speed retention	Download speed	Ping
Local	90%	840Mbps	25ms
London, the UK	74%	690Mbps	42ms
New York, the US	81%	759Mbps	100ms
Perth, Australia	58%	542Mbps	290ms
Tokyo, Japan	63%	590Mbps	291ms

Proton VPN speed test results

Server location	Speed retention	Download speed	Ping
Local	94%	878Mbps	33ms
London, the UK	90%	840Mbps	35ms
New York, the US	86%	804Mbps	97ms
Perth, Australia	62%	581Mbps	290ms
Tokyo, Japan	62%	580Mbps	277ms

From the result tables above, it’s clear that both Mullvad and Proton VPN deliver solid performance. However, there are notable differences depending on the region.

When it comes to download performance – the most important factor for streaming, browsing, and file downloads – Proton VPN pulls ahead in most regions. It was especially strong in the UK and the US. Both providers were nearly identical in Japan and Australia, with only minor differences that most users won’t notice.

Proton VPN also demonstrated better speed retention. It outperformed Mullvad in most regions – the UK, the US, and Australia. The only exception was Japan, where Mullvad performed better, but only by 1% – Mullvad had 63% speed retention, whereas Proton VPN 62%. However, both VPNs are excellent for anyone who frequently uploads large files, makes video calls, or uses peer-to-peer services.

Streaming performance

Not all VPNs perform equally when it comes to streaming. This is especially true with major platforms like Netflix, which constantly update their VPN detection systems. Proton VPN outperforms Mullvad in terms of access and consistency in this area.

Platform	Proton VPN	Mullvad
Netflix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hulu	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Sling	✅ Yes	❌ No
Disney+	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
BBC iPlayer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Proton VPN is designed with streaming in mind. It unblocks major platforms such as Netflix (multiple libraries), Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its VPN Plus plan specifically includes access to servers regularly maintained to bypass geo-restrictions.

The combination of fast speeds, large server selection, and regional variety makes it an excellent choice for streamers who want access to global content.

Mullvad, on the other hand, isn’t a reliable streaming option. While it works just fine with Netflix and HBO Max, errors can be quite persistent when attempting to unlock some other streaming platforms. Many users also report issues trying to stream content from foreign libraries.

That’s not to say streaming on Mullvad is impossible – you might get lucky on less-restricted platforms. However, it’s not a reliable solution for streaming shows from other countries, especially if you want regular access to geo-blocked content.

Torrenting

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN support torrenting, but the real-world performance difference between them is significant. This can be a deciding factor if P2P file sharing is your priority.

Proton VPN performs exceptionally well in torrenting tests. It offers dedicated P2P servers optimized for speed and stability and supports port forwarding (available on the paid plans). These can help improve seeding and connection speeds with peers.

In our testing, Proton VPN easily handled a 5.2GB Ubuntu 24 torrent, completing the download in under 2 minutes. Speed peaks at a smooth 54Mbp/s, making Proton VPN a solid choice for anyone who downloads large files frequently.

It also helps that Proton VPN has a no-logs policy backed by independent audits, meaning your torrenting activity remains private. However, keep in mind that torrenting is a paid-only option with Proton VPN.

Mullvad is often recommended for privacy-first torrenting thanks to its strict no-logs policy, anonymous sign-up, and built-in DNS leak protection. Technically, it does support torrenting on all servers, and it even offers port management features to assist with P2P traffic.

However, during testing, Mullvad’s torrent performance was a letdown. The same 5.2GB Ubuntu 24 torrent that Proton VPN downloaded in minutes crawled along at just ~60KBp/s on Mullvad.

Nothing helped: trying different protocols, adjusting ports, and switching servers. Regardless of the configuration, the speed remained unusually slow, making it unusable for large file downloads.

This slowdown could be due to traffic shaping, temporary server issues, or ISP-level interference, but the fact that it persisted across multiple setups is a concern.

Plans and pricing

Mullvad’s flat-rate pricing ensures transparency and simplicity for users, but Proton VPN is cheaper in the long run.

Plan	Mullvad	Proton VPN Plus	Proton Unlimited
1-month plan	$5.00/month	$9.99/month	$12.99/month
1-year plan	$5.00/month	$3.99/month	$9.99/month
1-decade/2-year plan	$5.00/month	$2.99/month	$7.99/month
Simultaneous connections	5	10	10
Free plan available	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Additional services	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and more)
Refunds	14-day money-back guarantee (except for cash and cryptocurrency payments)	30-day money-back guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee
Current deal		Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN	Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN

Note. Pricing was last checked in June 2026.

Mullvad has probably the most straightforward pricing structure out there: €5.00 per month (roughly $5.00/month), regardless of the duration of your subscription. And this price hasn’t changed since its launch in 2009.

Mullvad doesn’t have different subscription plans offering different sets of features. There is no traditional subscription model at all. You pay one price for everything Mullvad has to offer – and you pay only for those months when you’re actually using it.

While there is no free plan available, Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee for some payment methods.

Compared to Mullvad, Proton VPN offers more flexibility with three main subscription tiers: Proton Free, VPN Plus, and Proton Unlimited.

Proton Free gives you access to servers in five countries, one device connection, and a strict no-logs policy. However, the longest Proton Unlimited plan offers more features and better savings, making Proton VPN essentially more affordable than Mullvad. If you’re up to a two-year-long commitment.

Both providers support a wide range of payment options, including:

• Credit cards
• Bank transfers
• PayPal and Swish
• Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Moreno
• Cash sent via mail

You can also pay for Proton VPN using Proton credits – you can buy those after setting up an account.

Still, these two are not the cheapest VPN providers on the market. If the pricing seems too high, check our Proton VPN coupon page first to get a discount.

Server network comparison

The size and distribution of server networks are crucial factors, as they influence speed, reliability, and access to content. Let's compare Mullvad vs Proton VPN server networks to see how they stack up:

	Mullvad	Proton VPN
Servers	580+	20,300+
Countries (total)	50	148
Virtual locations	❌ No	✅ Yes
Specialty servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
RAM-only servers	✅ Yes	❌ No
10Gbps servers	Available in limited locations	Available in limited locations

Mullvad operates a relatively compact, high-quality network of around 580 servers in 50 countries and 87 cities. It's worth noting that the actual number of physical servers may be lower, as some servers utilize Smart Routing. This can affect the perceived server count.

Its coverage focuses mainly on Europe and North America, with limited presence in South America, Africa, and Asia. This distribution may impact users seeking servers in these less-represented areas.

Mullvad keeps things simple but powerful. It offers:

• Standard servers (OpenVPN and WireGuard)
• Multihop servers that allow users to select entry and exit nodes for added privacy
• Obfuscated (bridge) servers, useful in restrictive regions

All servers support both IPv4 and IPv6 and include DNS leak protection and port customization.

Despite its smaller scale, Mullvad emphasizes transparency. It clearly distinguishes between servers owned by Mullvad and those hosted by third parties. You can even view real-time server status on its website.​

Proton VPN, in contrast, has a massive server network with over 20,300 servers across 148 countries. This includes strong representation in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and South America. However, some of these are Smart virtual locations, meaning the server is physically elsewhere but offers a local IP address.

Proton VPN offers more specialized server types:

• Standard servers for everyday use
• Secure Core servers that route traffic through multiple Proton-owned servers in privacy-friendly countries before exiting to the internet
• P2P servers optimized for torrenting
• Tor over VPN servers that allow access to the Tor network without a separate browser
• Some obfuscated servers (through its Stealth protocol) to bypass firewalls and VPN blocks
• NetShield DNS filtering on all servers for ad and tracker-blocking

Security overview: Mullvad vs Proton VPN

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN offer industry-standard encryption and have open-source apps backed by independent audits.

	Mullvad	Proton VPN
Encryption	AES 256-bit, ChaCha20	AES 256-bit, ChaCha20
Hash	SHA-384	SHA-384
RAM services	✅ Yes	❌ No
Outside of the Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction	❌ No	✅ Yes
Independent audits	Last audited in March 2025 by Cure53	Last audited in January 2025 by Securitum
Kill Switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

However, unlike Mullvad, Proton VPN doesn’t use RAM-only VPN servers and operates outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance. I explore these and some other differences in detail below.

Infrastructure and encryption

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN prioritize robust security through advanced infrastructure and encryption protocols.​

Mullvad uses a RAM-only server infrastructure, eliminating physical disks to enhance privacy. This setup ensures that no data is written to disk, reducing the risk of data leaks or unauthorized access. Its servers utilize a custom, lightweight Linux kernel, regularly audited to maintain security and performance standards.

Mullvad uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, with SHA-384 for hashing, and supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. Additionally, it offers features like multihop, DNS content blocking, and quantum-resistant tunnels.

Proton VPN operates a vast network of over 20,300 servers across over 148 countries. It sticks to full-disk encryption on all servers to protect against potential man-in-the-middle attacks and refers to RAM-only VPN servers as marketing hype. Unique to Proton VPN is its Secure Core network, which routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, enhancing anonymity.

Proton VPN employs AES-256 encryption with SHA-384 hashing and supports only strong protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, and IKEv2/IPsec (for macOS). It also offers features like NetShield ad-blocking, Stealth protocol for bypassing censorship, and VPN Accelerator for improved speeds.

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction plays a key role in how a VPN provider handles user privacy.

Mullvad is based in Sweden, which is part of the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. While this might raise concerns for some, Mullvad counters it with a strict no-logs policy, anonymous sign-up, and RAM-only servers to ensure minimal data retention. To quote its statement, “In our case, it would be impossible for any government to attain data logs from us because we have none to give.”

Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country known for its neutrality, strong privacy laws, and thus independence from international surveillance alliances. This gives Proton VPN a legal advantage when it comes to protecting user data from external requests or government pressure.

Independent audits

When reviewing VPNs, our research team pays close attention to independent audits. These are crucial for verifying providers’ claims of privacy and security. Both Mullvad and Proton VPN have undergone such audits and publicly shared their results.​

Mullvad sticks to its philosophy and demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency by prioritizing external security audits. Most recently, in June 2024, the respected German firm Cure53 audited Mullvad’s infrastructure security, focusing on its VPN server setup, backend systems, and network configuration. The audit found no critical issues and praised Mullvad’s secure-by-design approach.

Before that, in June 2023, Radically Open Security conducted a full RAM-only VPN server audit, confirming Mullvad’s strict policy of not storing user activity or identifiable data. Mullvad also completed a MASA (Mobile Application Security Assessment) for its Android app in March 2025, further highlighting its security.

Proton VPN is also proactive in publishing audit results. In July 2024, the Polish security company Securitum carried out a no-logs audit, verifying that Proton VPN adheres to its strict privacy claims.

Additionally, between 2024 and 2025, Reversemode performed a comprehensive security audit of Proton VPN’s apps and core infrastructure. The results, published in January 2025, showed no critical issues and highlighted Proton’s dedication to building secure, privacy-focused tools.

DNS leak protection

Mullvad routes all DNS requests through its secure servers and blocks requests from outside the VPN tunnel. This protection is built-in and always enabled – there’s no need for user configuration.

Additionally, Mullvad doesn’t use third-party DNS services, reducing the risk of exposure even further. This setup ensures no DNS queries leak to your internet service provider or external servers.

Proton VPN also provides robust DNS leak protection by routing DNS queries through encrypted tunnels to its own no-logs DNS servers. Users can enable or disable DNS and IPv6 leak protection in the app settings. This flexibility is useful for advanced users who want more control, but it does require manual activation.

What is it like to use Mullvad compared to Proton VPN?

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN offer easy-to-set-up, clear VPN services. However, the overall user experience might differ from that of top VPN providers – especially in the case of Mullvad.

Mullvad keeps things minimal. Its interface is stripped down to the essentials: a big Connect button, a list of countries, a server IP, and a small map. You can access everything from the main screen, and there are no unnecessary buttons or menus. This simplicity makes it great for beginners or anyone wanting to connect and go without digging into settings.

Proton VPN offers more flexibility, visual elements, and a more feature-rich experience overall. It also starts with a compact window showing the Connect button, server list, and key features. But if you want more, the app also includes tools like Secure Core, NetShield, split tunneling, and port forwarding, all built into a modern interface. Proton VPN is perfect if you want more control without sacrificing ease of use.

Overall, Mullvad is ideal if you value simplicity and a no-nonsense layout. Proton VPN feels a little more advanced, but in terms of better performance for streaming and a smoother experience overall, it is the better pick.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

Choosing a VPN isn’t just about speed and security. It also matters how easy it is to use across all of your devices.

	Mullvad	Proton VPN
Supported OSs	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Dedicated Linux app	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Other software and devices	Linux distributions (Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04+, and the two latest Fedora releases), Chromebook devices, Qubes OS 4	Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Firestick, Apple TV, Android TV, and more
Browser extensions	Pre-installed in the Mullvad Browser, compatible with Firefox and Firefox-based browsers	Chrome, Firefox
Simultaneous connections	5	10
Usability level	Easy	Easy

Simultaneous connections

Device limits are a practical consideration, especially if you want to protect multiple devices at once or share a VPN account with family or friends.

Mullvad allows only up to 5 simultaneous connections per account. This is a modest limit, especially when there are no other subscription plans available. Of course, you can always add more connections by creating additional accounts, but managing multiple logins is just inconvenient.

Proton VPN offers a bit more flexible setup, depending on your plan. With both VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited plans, you get 10 simultaneous connections, which should be more than enough for most users. However, keep in mind that its Free plan only allows for one connection at a time.

Desktop apps

The desktop experience can vary a lot between VPN providers. Some focus on simplicity, while others pack in advanced features. This is exactly what I’ve noticed when comparing Mullvad vs Proton VPN apps.

Mullvad’s main screen has a large Connect button and indicates your current server location and IP address info. It also includes a basic map and the option to quickly switch countries or configure settings like ports, multihop connections, and obfuscation. While not flashy, it’s intuitive and minimalistic.

Proton VPN’s desktop app is more cluttered. It comes in two modes:

• A compact, simplified window with the connect button and location list
• An expanded mode with a detailed world map, live connection stats, and easy access to features like Secure Core, NetShield, and Kill Switch

It’s still user-friendly but will appeal more to power users who want more control at their fingertips.

Mobile apps

Mobile VPN apps should be fast, responsive, and easy to navigate. Both providers deliver in this case.

Mullvad’s mobile app mirrors its desktop simplicity. It offers the same minimal interface for both iOS and Android: a Connect button, a country list, and basic settings. You can tweak options like port selection, WireGuard keys, and multihop routes, though features like split tunneling are absent on mobile.

It’s fast and lightweight but may feel limited if you want more control.

Proton VPN’s mobile app offers nearly the same functionality as the desktop version. You still get Secure Core, NetShield, split tunneling, and protocol switching. The interface is smooth and responsive, and the map view makes it easy to choose servers visually.

For users who want a consistent experience across platforms, Proton VPN delivers one of the most complete mobile VPN apps.

Customer support

When it comes to customer support, Proton VPN offers a more accessible and responsive experience than Mullvad.

	Mullvad	Proton VPN
24/7 live chat	❌ No	✅ Yes
Phone line	❌ No	❌ No
Email	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Guides	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Proton VPN provides multiple support channels, including email, live chat, and a detailed knowledge base. During testing, I reached its live chat in under a minute, and the support agent was knowledgeable, polite, and quick to resolve my questions about server switching and streaming issues.

The help center is well organized and consists of many guides and FAQs for quick answers. Proton VPN’s representatives also actively engage with users on its subreddit, r/ProtonVPN, which is great for community-driven support.

Mullvad’s customer support is only available via email, and while responses are thoughtful and helpful, it may take several hours to get a reply.

Its help center is well written and covers most common issues – you’ll find numerous FAQs and handy how-to guides on using the Mullvad VPN app or requesting a refund. However, there's no real-time support.

Final verdict

After thoroughly testing and comparing Mullvad and Proton VPN across key categories, I found that Proton VPN is the clear winner. It delivers faster speeds in most global locations, excels at unblocking streaming services, and easily supports torrenting – all areas where Mullvad struggled significantly.

Proton VPN also offers a far larger server network, more simultaneous connections, and richer features, including Secure Core, NetShield, and split tunneling. Its apps are more polished across devices, and it provides better customer support with fast, helpful live chat.

Mullvad remains a top choice for privacy purists thanks to its anonymous account system and transparency. It’s also well designed, secure, and honest about its limitations. Still, it simply cannot compete with Proton VPN in terms of versatility or performance.

For most users who want a balance of speed, features, streaming, and privacy, Proton VPN is the far superior option.

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