Mullvad logoMullvad
vs
Proton VPN logoProton VPN

Mullvad vs Proton VPN

Mullvad rates 4.5/5 and starts at $5/mo. Proton VPN rates 4.6/5 and starts at Free. Proton VPN is the cheaper entry point. Proton VPN is the higher rated. Only Proton VPN has a free tier.

Verdict

Proton VPN rates higher (4.6/5 vs 4.5/5). Proton VPN is cheaper to start (Free vs $5/mo). Mullvad suits Privacy enthusiasts, while Proton VPN is aimed at Privacy purists.

Mullvad vs Proton VPN at a glance

MeasureMullvadProton VPN
Rating4.5/54.6/5
Reviews3,3007,400
Starting price$5/moFree
Free planNoYes
Public APINoNo
Integrations listed here55

Feature & pricing comparison

Comparison
Proton VPN logoProton VPNBest choice
Rating4.54.6
Starting price$5/moFree
Pricing modelPaidFreemium
API available
Best forPrivacy enthusiastsPrivacy purists
Flat €5/mo
Anonymous accounts
WireGuard
No-logs (audited)
Accepts cash
Unlimited free tier
Secure Core
Open-source apps
Tor over VPN
VisitVisit

Pricing side by side

PlanPricePer year
Monthly$5/mo$60
PlanPricePer year
FreeFree
VPN Plus$5/mo$60
Proton Unlimited$10/mo$120

Which should you choose?

Pick Mullvad if you prioritize Privacy enthusiasts
Pick Proton VPN if you prioritize Privacy purists

Choose Mullvad if…

  • Maximum anonymity matters to you.
  • Simple flat price matters to you.
  • No upsells matters to you.
  • Free tier limited servers would be a problem.

Choose Proton VPN if…

  • Genuine free plan matters to you.
  • Strong privacy ethos matters to you.
  • Open source matters to you.
  • Weak for streaming would be a problem.

Mullvad

Pros

  • Maximum anonymity
  • Simple flat price
  • No upsells

Cons

  • Weak for streaming
  • No long-term discounts

Proton VPN

Pros

  • Genuine free plan
  • Strong privacy ethos
  • Open source

Cons

  • Free tier limited servers
  • Fewer streaming optimizations

Frequently asked questions

Is Mullvad better than Proton VPN?+

Proton VPN rates higher (4.6/5 vs 4.5/5). Proton VPN is cheaper to start (Free vs $5/mo). Mullvad suits Privacy enthusiasts, while Proton VPN is aimed at Privacy purists.

Which is cheaper, Mullvad or Proton VPN?+

Proton VPN — it starts at Free, versus $5/mo for Mullvad.

Do Mullvad or Proton VPN have a free plan?+

Proton VPN has a free tier; Mullvad does not (though trials may be available).

Which is better rated, Mullvad or Proton VPN?+

Proton VPN, at 4.6/5 across 7,400 reviews, versus 4.5/5 for Mullvad.

What is Mullvad best for, and what is Proton VPN best for?+

Mullvad is aimed at Privacy enthusiasts (anonymity, privacy purists). Proton VPN is aimed at Privacy purists (privacy & activism, free VPN).

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