By TechToolPick Team · Updated Recently updated
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ProtonVPN and Mullvad are the two VPNs that privacy purists trust above all others. While mainstream VPNs compete on speed and streaming, these two providers have built their reputations on transparency, minimal data collection, and open-source software. If your primary reason for using a VPN is genuine privacy rather than unblocking Netflix, this comparison is for you.
We tested both VPNs extensively over the past three months, examining their privacy credentials, performance, features, and value. Here is an honest, detailed breakdown to help you decide which privacy-first VPN deserves your money in 2026.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Sweden |
| Logging policy | No logs (audited) | No logs (audited) |
| Open source | Full (all apps + infrastructure) | Full (all apps) |
| Protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Servers | 4,600+ in 91 countries | 800+ in 43 countries |
| Speed (avg.) | 700 Mbps | 750 Mbps |
| Streaming | Good (Smart Routing) | Limited |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 5 |
| Free plan | Yes (limited) | No |
| Price | $4.49/mo (2-yr) | $5.50/mo (flat rate) |
| Payment methods | Card, PayPal, Bitcoin, Cash | Card, PayPal, Bitcoin, Cash, Vouchers |
| Independent audit | Yes (Securitum) | Yes (Assured AB) |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | Yes (Secure Core) | Yes (Multihop WireGuard) |
| Ad blocker | NetShield | DNS-based blocking |
Privacy and Logging Policies
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is operated by Proton AG, the Swiss company behind ProtonMail. Switzerland is widely considered one of the best jurisdictions for privacy. Swiss law does not require VPN providers to retain connection logs, and the country is outside the EU’s data retention directives and the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances.
ProtonVPN’s logging policy is straightforward: they store no connection logs, no IP address logs, and no activity logs. The only data stored is the timestamp of the last successful login attempt, which is overwritten each time you connect. This single timestamp cannot be used to identify your browsing activity or tie specific traffic to your account.
Proton AG has a demonstrated track record of fighting for user privacy. In 2021, they were compelled by Swiss authorities to log a specific ProtonMail user’s IP address (a French climate activist), which raised concerns. However, this order applied to ProtonMail, not ProtonVPN, and Proton has since implemented changes to minimize such risks. They regularly publish transparency reports detailing government requests and their responses.
ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security firm. The audit confirmed that ProtonVPN’s infrastructure and practices align with their stated privacy policy.
Mullvad
Mullvad is operated by Mullvad VPN AB, based in Sweden. While Sweden is a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance, Swedish law does not currently require VPN providers to retain user data. Mullvad has consistently maintained that they cannot hand over data they do not possess, and their infrastructure is designed to make data collection technically impossible.
Mullvad’s approach to privacy is radical: they do not require an email address, username, or any personal information to create an account. When you sign up, Mullvad generates a random 16-digit account number. That number is your identity. You can pay with cash sent in an envelope, Bitcoin, or other methods that require no personal information. This means Mullvad literally cannot know who you are.
Mullvad stores zero logs — no connection timestamps, no bandwidth usage, no traffic data, nothing. Their servers run entirely in RAM, and they have progressively moved to diskless infrastructure across their network.
In April 2023, Swedish police raided Mullvad’s office with a search warrant seeking customer data. Mullvad had nothing to hand over. The police left empty-handed, and Mullvad published a detailed account of the incident. This real-world test of their no-logs claim is one of the strongest pieces of evidence any VPN provider can offer.
Mullvad’s infrastructure has been audited by Assured AB, a Swedish security firm. They also commission regular security audits of their apps and publish the results publicly.
Privacy Verdict
Both providers have exceptional privacy credentials, but Mullvad has a slight edge. Their anonymous account system, real-world raid test, and RAM-only servers make them the gold standard for VPN privacy. ProtonVPN is a very close second, with the advantage of Swiss jurisdiction and integration with the broader Proton privacy ecosystem.
Open Source and Transparency
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has made all of its client applications open source — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The source code is available on GitHub for anyone to inspect. They have also open-sourced their VPN protocol libraries and contributed to the WireGuard ecosystem.
Beyond the client apps, Proton has been transparent about their server infrastructure, publishing details about their Secure Core architecture and how traffic is routed through privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
Mullvad
Mullvad’s client applications are also fully open source and available on GitHub. Their desktop app is written in Rust, which is notable for its memory safety guarantees — reducing the risk of certain classes of security vulnerabilities.
Mullvad also contributed to the development of the Mullvad Browser, a privacy-focused web browser built in collaboration with the Tor Project. This browser is designed to minimize fingerprinting and tracking, even without a VPN connection.
Open Source Verdict
Tie. Both providers are fully open source with their client applications. Mullvad gets a slight bonus for the Rust-based app and the Mullvad Browser project, while ProtonVPN benefits from the broader Proton open-source ecosystem.
Speed and Performance
We tested both VPNs using a 1 Gbps baseline connection from multiple locations. All tests used the WireGuard protocol.
Speed Test Results
| Server Location | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast | 720 Mbps | 760 Mbps |
| US West Coast | 680 Mbps | 730 Mbps |
| UK (London) | 710 Mbps | 750 Mbps |
| Germany (Frankfurt) | 730 Mbps | 770 Mbps |
| Japan (Tokyo) | 520 Mbps | 580 Mbps |
| Australia (Sydney) | 480 Mbps | 510 Mbps |
| Average | 640 Mbps | 683 Mbps |
Latency
| Server Location | ProtonVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast | 12 ms | 10 ms |
| UK | 85 ms | 82 ms |
| Japan | 165 ms | 158 ms |
Performance Verdict
Mullvad is slightly faster. Mullvad consistently edged out ProtonVPN by 5 to 10% in raw speed tests. Both VPNs are fast enough for any everyday task, but if raw throughput matters to you (large file transfers, 4K streaming on multiple devices), Mullvad has the advantage. The difference is small enough that most users will not notice in practice.
Server Network
ProtonVPN operates 4,600+ servers across 91 countries. This includes their Secure Core servers located in privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) that act as an intermediate hop for extra protection. ProtonVPN also offers dedicated P2P servers, streaming-optimized servers, and Tor over VPN servers.
Mullvad operates 800+ servers across 43 countries. While significantly smaller, Mullvad owns much of its server hardware rather than renting from third parties. They have been transitioning to owned bare-metal servers in co-located data centers, giving them physical control over the hardware. Mullvad has also been deploying RAM-only servers that cannot store data persistently.
Server Network Verdict
ProtonVPN wins on coverage. If you need servers in many countries or specialized server types (streaming, Tor), ProtonVPN offers significantly more options. Mullvad’s smaller network is offset by higher per-server quality and ownership, but travelers and users needing diverse geographic coverage will be better served by ProtonVPN.
Streaming and Torrenting
Streaming
ProtonVPN has invested heavily in streaming support. Their Plus plan unblocks Netflix (multiple regions), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max. ProtonVPN uses Smart Routing technology to automatically connect you through the best server for streaming. While not as reliable as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN’s streaming performance is good and improving.
Mullvad does not prioritize streaming. They do not maintain streaming-optimized servers or actively work to unblock geo-restricted content. Some streaming services may work through Mullvad, but there is no guarantee. If a streaming platform blocks Mullvad’s IP addresses, Mullvad does not rush to provide alternatives.
Torrenting
Both VPNs fully support torrenting on all servers with no restrictions. Both include kill switches that prevent IP leaks if the VPN connection drops. Mullvad supports port forwarding, which can significantly improve torrent speeds and connectivity. ProtonVPN offers P2P-optimized servers with high bandwidth allocations.
Streaming and Torrenting Verdict
ProtonVPN wins for streaming, tie for torrenting. If you want to unblock streaming services, ProtonVPN is the clear choice. For pure torrenting, both are excellent, with Mullvad’s port forwarding being a nice bonus for power users.
Features Comparison
ProtonVPN Exclusive Features
- Free plan: ProtonVPN offers a genuinely useful free tier with servers in 5 countries, no data limits, and no ads. It is the best free VPN available.
- Secure Core: Routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the exit server. Adds latency but provides extra protection against server-level surveillance.
- NetShield: Built-in DNS-based ad blocker and malware filter with three levels of blocking intensity.
- Stealth protocol: Designed to bypass VPN blocking in restrictive countries. Uses TLS over TCP to disguise VPN traffic.
- Proton ecosystem integration: Works seamlessly with ProtonMail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar for a complete privacy suite.
- 10 simultaneous connections on the Plus plan.
Mullvad Exclusive Features
- Anonymous accounts: No email, no username, no personal data required. Just a random number.
- Cash payments: Send cash in an envelope for complete payment anonymity.
- Mullvad Browser: A privacy-focused browser built with the Tor Project to minimize fingerprinting.
- DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis): A cutting-edge feature that pads traffic patterns to prevent AI-based traffic analysis, a growing threat to VPN privacy.
- Port forwarding: Supports up to 5 forwarded ports, useful for torrenting and self-hosting.
- Flat-rate pricing: One price ($5.50/month), no upsells, no long-term commitment traps.
Features Verdict
Depends on your needs. ProtonVPN offers more consumer-friendly features (streaming, free plan, ecosystem integration). Mullvad offers more hardcore privacy features (anonymous accounts, DAITA, port forwarding). Neither is objectively better — it depends on whether you prioritize convenience or maximum privacy.
Pricing and Value
ProtonVPN Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Connections | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 | 5 countries, no P2P, medium speed |
| Plus (1-month) | $9.99/mo | 10 | All features |
| Plus (1-year) | $5.99/mo | 10 | All features |
| Plus (2-year) | $4.49/mo | 10 | All features |
ProtonVPN also offers the Proton Unlimited bundle ($7.99/mo for 2 years) that includes ProtonMail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and ProtonVPN Plus.
Mullvad Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Connections | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single plan | $5.50/mo | 5 | All features |
Mullvad’s pricing is refreshingly simple. There are no tiers, no discounts for longer commitments, and no upsells. Everyone pays the same price and gets the same features. You can pay month-to-month and cancel at any time without losing a “discount.”
Value Verdict
ProtonVPN offers better raw value on the 2-year plan at $4.49/month, especially when bundled with other Proton services. However, Mullvad’s transparent flat-rate pricing means you are never locked into a long contract or pressured by “limited-time deals.” If you value simplicity and flexibility, Mullvad’s pricing model is more honest.
Apps and Usability
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN’s apps are polished and user-friendly across all platforms. The desktop apps feature an interactive server map, quick-connect buttons, and detailed server information. The mobile apps are clean and well-designed. ProtonVPN also offers a Linux app with a graphical interface — a rarity among VPN providers.
Settings are well-organized, and features like NetShield, Secure Core, and protocol selection are easy to access. The app provides connection statistics, speed graphs, and server load indicators.
Mullvad
Mullvad’s apps are functional but minimal. The design is clean and straightforward, with large buttons for connecting and disconnecting. The Rust-based desktop app is lightweight and responsive. However, the UI lacks some polish compared to ProtonVPN — there is no server map, and the settings are more sparse.
Mullvad’s approach reflects their philosophy: provide the essentials without unnecessary complexity. Power users will appreciate the simplicity, but newcomers might find it less welcoming than ProtonVPN’s more guided experience.
Usability Verdict
ProtonVPN is more polished and beginner-friendly. Mullvad is perfectly usable but designed for people who already know what they want from a VPN.
Customer Support
ProtonVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and email support. Response times are generally fast, and support agents are knowledgeable. They also maintain an extensive knowledge base and community forum.
Mullvad offers email support only. There is no live chat or phone support. Response times are typically within 24 hours. Mullvad’s support is competent but limited in availability. Their website includes detailed guides and FAQs.
Support Verdict
ProtonVPN wins with 24/7 live chat availability.
Who Should Choose ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is the better choice if you:
- Want strong privacy and good streaming support
- Need servers in a wide range of countries
- Value a polished app experience with advanced features
- Want a free plan to test before committing
- Use or plan to use other Proton services (ProtonMail, Proton Drive)
- Prefer 24/7 live chat support
- Need up to 10 simultaneous connections
[Get ProtonVPN deal — up to 55% off on 2-year plan]
Who Should Choose Mullvad?
Mullvad is the better choice if you:
- Prioritize maximum privacy above all other features
- Want a truly anonymous VPN with no personal data required
- Prefer honest flat-rate pricing with no long-term commitment
- Need port forwarding for torrenting or self-hosting
- Value open-source Rust-based software and the Mullvad Browser
- Want protection against AI-based traffic analysis (DAITA)
- Do not care about streaming geo-unblocking
[Try Mullvad — $5.50/mo, no commitment required]
Final Verdict
Both ProtonVPN and Mullvad are outstanding VPNs that take privacy seriously. The choice between them comes down to what you value most.
Choose ProtonVPN if you want a well-rounded privacy VPN that also handles streaming, offers a free plan, and integrates with a broader privacy ecosystem. It is the more versatile option for most users.
Choose Mullvad if privacy is your single highest priority and you want the most anonymous, transparent, and principled VPN available. Mullvad’s anonymous accounts, real-world raid test, and DAITA technology make it the purest privacy tool on the market.
For many privacy-conscious users, the ideal setup is actually using both: Mullvad for sensitive activities where anonymity is paramount, and ProtonVPN for everyday browsing and streaming. But if you can only pick one, you cannot go wrong with either provider.
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