Proton VPN vs Mullvad (2026)
Why this comparison exists
Proton VPN and Mullvad are often recommended in the same breath — but for very different reasons. Both appeal to users who care deeply about privacy, yet they take fundamentally different approaches to trust, anonymity, and usability.
This comparison is for people who already understand that a VPN doesn’t guarantee anonymity — and now want to choose the provider whose philosophy best matches their threat model.
Mullvad is the better choice if your top priority is minimizing personal data exposure — anonymous accounts, minimal data collection, and radical simplicity. Proton VPN is the better choice if you want strong privacy signals combined with transparency, ecosystem support, and a more approachable day-to-day experience.
- You want maximum anonymity at signup and payment
- You prefer minimal accounts and no personal identifiers
- You’re comfortable with a bare-bones experience
- You value transparency, audits, and open-source apps
- You want a usable interface across devices
- You’re comfortable having an account for convenience
- You want the fastest VPN for streaming or gaming
- You expect a VPN alone to provide full anonymity
Comparison Snapshot (Advisor Framework)
| Category | Proton VPN | Mullvad | What matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy & Logging | Strong | Strong | Both are privacy-first; Mullvad minimizes identity, Proton emphasizes transparency. |
| Security Architecture | Good | Good | Both use modern protocols; differences are philosophical, not technical. |
| Performance | Mixed | Mixed | Neither is built for raw speed; consistency matters more than peak claims. |
| Apps & UX | Good | Caution | Proton VPN is more approachable; Mullvad prioritizes simplicity over polish. |
| Value | Mixed | Good | Mullvad’s flat pricing is predictable; Proton’s value depends on plan choice. |
Who each is for
- You want strong privacy without sacrificing usability
- You trust transparency, audits, and open development
- You’re part of the Proton ecosystem already
- You want to minimize personal data at all costs
- You prefer anonymous accounts and payments
- You’re comfortable with fewer conveniences
Privacy & logging
Mullvad’s defining feature is anonymity by design: no email required, numbered accounts, and optional cash payments. Proton VPN focuses on transparency — open-source apps, public audits, and clear communication.
Reality check: both reduce exposure, but neither replaces good operational security.
Performance
Neither of these VPNs is optimized for raw speed or streaming dominance. Performance is generally “good enough” for privacy-focused use, but not best-in-class.
Pricing & value
Mullvad’s flat monthly pricing is simple and predictable. Proton VPN’s value depends on whether you use its broader ecosystem and features.
Recommendation
Choose Mullvad if anonymity and minimal data exposure matter most. Choose Proton VPN if you want strong privacy paired with transparency and a smoother everyday experience.