Choosing a VPN that truly protects your privacy isn’t just about encryption—it’s about trust. Proton VPN and Mullvad are two of the most privacy-focused services available, but they take very different approaches to anonymity, logging, and transparency. Whether you're evading surveillance, securing sensitive data, or just avoiding ISP tracking, this head-to-head comparison breaks down which service delivers on its promises—and where each falls short.
Privacy & Anonymity: Who Protects Your Identity Better?
Both Proton VPN and Mullvad prioritize anonymity, but their methods differ starkly:
- No-logs policies: Proton VPN operates under Swiss privacy laws (outside 5/9/14 Eyes alliances) and publishes regular transparency reports. Mullvad, based in Sweden, goes further by not requiring accounts—just a randomly generated ID.
- Payment anonymity: Mullvad accepts cash, Monero, and Bitcoin without linking payments to activity. Proton VPN supports Bitcoin but encourages email-linked accounts for premium features.
- IP masking: Both offer IPv6 leak protection and kill switches, but Mullvad’s stealth obfuscation works better in restrictive regions like China.
Independent Audits: Verified or Vague?
Proton VPN’s infrastructure was audited by Securitum in 2022, confirming no-logs claims. Mullvad undergoes annual audits (latest in 2024 by Cure53) and open-sources its apps—a rarity in the industry.
Speed & Performance: Daily Use Realities
Privacy means little if your VPN slows you to a crawl. In our tests:
| Metric | Proton VPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Average speed loss (nearest server) | 12% | 18% |
| 4K streaming capable | Yes (select servers) | No (bandwidth throttled) |
| P2P support | Dedicated torrenting servers | All servers allow P2P |
Proton’s premium “Plus” servers leverage 10 Gbps hardware, while Mullvad’s focus on decentralization can mean inconsistent speeds.
Security Features: Beyond the Basics
Both services offer AES-256 encryption and WireGuard support, but:
- Proton VPN: Includes Secure Core (routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries) and Tor-over-VPN servers.
- Mullvad: Provides bridge mode for censorship evasion and allows port forwarding—crucial for advanced users.
Which One Blocks Ads & Trackers?
Proton VPN’s NetShield blocks malware and ads system-wide. Mullvad relies on users to configure DNS-level blocking manually.
Pricing & Plans: Value or Vanity?
Mullvad’s flat €5/month (≈$5.40) fee requires no long-term commitment. Proton VPN’s free tier is useful but limits speeds; paid plans start at $4.99/month for a 2-year commitment. Proton wins for families with 10 simultaneous connections vs. Mullvad’s 5.
Best VPN This Month
For a balance of privacy and performance, Proton VPN tops our list with its audited no-logs policy and streaming-friendly servers.
Final Verdict: Who Wins for Privacy?
Mullvad is the gold standard for anonymity—especially for high-risk users who need cash payments and zero account ties. Proton VPN offers stronger speeds and usability while still respecting privacy, making it better for streaming or multi-device households. Both outclass mainstream VPNs in transparency.
Ready to lock down your browsing? Try Proton VPN risk-free or test Mullvad’s no-strings approach. For deeper dives, explore our privacy guides or testing methodology.
Join the discussion
Have a question or a fix to add? Share it below.