Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: Two Privacy-First VPNs Compared
Mullvad and ProtonVPN both appeal to privacy-conscious users. Mullvad uses anonymous account numbers and flat monthly pricing with no long-term commitment. ProtonVPN offers Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and a free tier. Mullvad is simpler and more anonymous; ProtonVPN has a larger brand and more features.
| VPN Provider | Protocols | Devices | Monthly Rate | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad VPN Privacy-maximalist VPN with anonymous account numbers and no email required. | WireGuardOpenVPNShadowsocks | 5 simultaneous | €5/mo flat | €5/mo Flat monthly — no annual option |
| ProtonVPN Privacy-first VPN from the makers of ProtonMail, based in Switzerland. | WireGuardOpenVPNStealth | 10 simultaneous | $9.99/mo | from $4.99/mo 1-year plan |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Mullvad VPN
Strengths
- No email or personal data required to sign up
- Anonymous account number system
- Flat monthly pricing with no lock-in
Limitations
- No annual pricing discount
- Smaller server network than competitors
ProtonVPN
Strengths
- Swiss-based jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
- Open-source client apps
- Verified no-logs policy
Limitations
- Higher price point compared to alternatives
- Free plan limited to slower servers and one device
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more anonymous: Mullvad or ProtonVPN?
Mullvad. You sign up with an account number; no email required. ProtonVPN requires a Proton account and email.
Does ProtonVPN have flat monthly pricing like Mullvad?
ProtonVPN offers monthly and annual plans; its monthly rate is higher than Mullvad's flat €5/month. Mullvad has no annual discount.
Which has a free tier?
ProtonVPN has a free plan with limited servers. Mullvad does not offer a free tier.
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