Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network that doesn't require an email or personal info to sign up. It provides a secure and private internet browsing experience, protecting users' online activities from surveillance and data collection.
Proton VPN is a security-focused VPN from Proton (of Proton Mail fame), featuring a strong no-logs policy, open-source apps, and a genuinely usable free tier. It is Swiss-based with a privacy-first reputation.
Free tier with unlimited data; paid plans add more servers/features.
- Secure and private internet browsing
- No-logs policy and AES-256 encryption
- User-friendly interface
- Multi-hop routing for added security
- Strong privacy reputation
- Open-source apps
- Real free tier
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Limited server locations
- No free trial available
- Subscription-based model
- Free tier has limited servers
- Slower than premium on free
- Fewer servers than giants
What reviewers say
Mullvad VPN Reviews
No reviews yet.
Proton VPN Reviews
4.3 (4)Recommend Proton VPN
Proton VPN has been part of our stack. Real free tier. Minor gripe: free tier has limited servers. Would recommend.
Solid choice
We rolled out Proton VPN last quarter. Strong privacy reputation. Minor gripe: fewer servers than giants. Would recommend.
Great vpn
Been using Proton VPN for a while. Swiss jurisdiction. No real complaints. Would recommend.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataProton VPN offers a free tier and API access, making it the lower‑cost entry point, while Mullvad provides a paid‑only service with more built‑in security features and email support.
Key differences
- •Proton includes a free tier with unlimited data; Mullvad is subscription‑only.
- •Proton provides an API; Mullvad does not.
- •Mullvad lists explicit security tools (AES‑256, kill switch, DNS leak protection) not mentioned for Proton.
- •Mullvad offers email support; Proton’s support options are not specified.
- •Both are open‑source and use multi‑hop routing, but server coverage details differ (not specified).
Pricing & value
Proton’s freemium model gives unlimited free data, adding clear monetary value over Mullvad’s subscription‑only pricing.
Ease of use / learning curve
Mullvad explicitly mentions a user‑friendly interface; Proton’s ease of use is not detailed.
Features & depth
Mullvad lists AES‑256 encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection and multi‑hop; Proton only mentions multi‑hop and no‑logs.
Integrations & ecosystem
Proton offers an API, enabling custom integrations; Mullvad does not provide an API.
Support
Mullvad specifies email support; Proton’s support options are not provided.
Security & privacy
Both have audited no‑logs policies, open‑source apps, and multi‑hop routing; each claims strong privacy.
Choose Mullvad VPN if…
Users willing to pay for a subscription that includes extra security tools and email support.
Choose Proton VPN if…
Privacy‑focused users who need a free tier or API integration and can accept fewer built‑in security extras.
Common questions
Is there a free version of either VPN?
Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited data; Mullvad VPN has no free trial or tier.
Which VPN provides an API for custom integration?
Only Proton VPN lists an API as available.
Do both services offer multi‑hop routing?
Yes, both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN include multi‑hop routing as a key feature.