Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN: Which Should You Use?
A practical comparison of features, pricing, ease of use, best use cases and value for money.
Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN at a glance
| Criteria | Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Main use case | Privacy purists who want no account emails or tracking. | Privacy-conscious users who want a real free plan. |
| Key strength | Anonymous account numbers | Strong privacy track record |
| Best for | Privacy purists who want no account emails or tracking. | Privacy-conscious users who want a real free plan. |
| Pricing | See official site | See official site |
| ToolMoneyLab score | 89 / 100 | 90 / 100 |
| CTA | Try Mullvad VPN → | Try Proton VPN → |
Choose Mullvad VPN if you want privacy purists who want no account emails or tracking.
Choose Proton VPN if you want privacy-conscious users who want a real free plan.
The details that matter
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Anonymous account numbers | Strong privacy track record |
| Output / feature quality | Flat €5/mo pricing | Actually usable free plan |
| Integrations / ecosystem | Independently audited | Open-source apps |
| Best professional use | Privacy purists who want no account emails or tracking. | Privacy-conscious users who want a real free plan. |
What you'll actually pay
Pricing changes frequently, so always check the official website before subscribing.
Pricing changes frequently, so always check the official website before subscribing.
What we liked and didn't
Mullvad VPN — Pros
- Anonymous account numbers
- Flat €5/mo pricing
- Independently audited
Mullvad VPN — Cons
- No streaming-optimised servers
- Fewer bells and whistles
Proton VPN — Pros
- Strong privacy track record
- Actually usable free plan
- Open-source apps
Proton VPN — Cons
- Server network smaller than Nord
- Streaming works but less consistent
The bottom line
Choose Mullvad VPN for privacy purists who want no account emails or tracking.
Choose Proton VPN for privacy-conscious users who want a real free plan.
Mullvad VPN
Flat-fee, privacy-first VPN with anonymous accounts.
Proton VPN
Privacy-first VPN from the makers of Proton Mail.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Our comparisons remain independent and based on practical testing.
Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN FAQ
Is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN?+
Proton VPN is our overall pick, but the right answer depends on your workflow and priorities — see the breakdown above.
Which is better value?+
Proton VPN tends to deliver more capability per dollar for its target buyer.
Can I use both together?+
Yes — many teams combine Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN for different parts of the workflow. If you can only pick one, use the recommendation above.
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