Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN comparison: which is better in June 2026?

• Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN in June 2026: Proton VPN has a larger network of faster servers than Mullvad VPN, as well as specialty servers, proprietary protocols, and better unblocking power. While Mullvad VPN is a reliable VPN, Proton VPN excels beyond it in almost every aspect.
• Mullvad VPN excels in privacy but has limited streaming support and fewer servers/features: it shines for ultimate anonymity with no email required and simple pricing, but ProtonVPN outperforms Mullvad VPN in faster connection speeds, a bigger server fleet, and more overall features.

Both Proton VPN and Mullvad are security-oriented VPN services, but our latest test results found a huge difference in their performance, server fleet sizes, connection speeds, and privacy.

To determine which is the better service, Mullvad vs Proton VPN, I collaborated with the VPNpro research team and tested their privacy and security features, connection speeds, server reliability, and investigated no-logs policy claims, as well as additional features. After concluding the research, I can recommend Mullvad for those seeking ultimate privacy but not wanting any additional features to their VPN service. Meanwhile, Proton VPN will be a better fit for those who need robust privacy and security, while being able to use their VPN for streaming, gaming, and downloading, with access to a much bigger server fleet.

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Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN compared

Key differences between Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN

• Proton VPN is cheaper. Starting at $2.99/month, Proton VPN costs less than Mullvad, which is 5 Euros, or around $5.83/month.
• Proton VPN has more servers. With 20,075 VPN servers in 145 countries, Proton VPN has the second-largest server fleet in the industry, while Mullvad trails behind with 696 servers in 90 countries.
• Proton VPN is faster. The VPN consistently outperforms Mullvad VPN in terms of connection speeds for streaming, torrenting, and browsing on both nearby and faraway servers. Proton VPN achieved an average connection speed of 428Mbps, while Mullvad barely managed 350Mbps.
• Mullvad is more privacy-oriented. Mullvad VPN is a great choice for maximum privacy due to a completely anonymous signup with no extra features that bloat the app.
• Proton VPN is better at unblocking websites. During my streaming tests, Proton VPN could unblock any site, while Mullvad VPN had inconsistent success with some platforms and couldn’t unblock others.
• Mullvad VPN lacks specialty servers compared to Proton VPN. Proton VPN specializes in servers for different purposes, like P2P, streaming, and enhanced security. Mullvad lacks the same spread of specialty servers.

Overall, Mullvad offers more privacy with a completely anonymous signup that does not require any personal information, while Proton VPN is faster, has more features, and offers more budget-friendly prices with long-term subscriptions.

Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN price comparison

At the time of writing in June 2026, Proton VPN is more affordable than Mullvad VPN, with a monthly cost of $2.99/month compared to Mullvad VPN’s €5/month (or ~$5.83/month). With more powerful features, Proton VPN is also better value for money. That said, Proton VPN isn’t the cheapest premium VPN when put head to head with other competitors. Below, I’ve collated the pricing options for Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN.

Proton VPN lets you save money on long-term subscriptions by discounting the monthly cost of its plans if you sign up for a longer period. However, it’s not the cheapest monthly VPN if you’re looking for an affordable short-term option.

Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN both offer a money-back guarantee. However, Proton VPN has a 30-day guarantee, whereas Mullvad has a 14-day guarantee. From my research, I noticed that Mullvad used to have a longer 30 days, but it was recently reduced to just two weeks. Proton VPN lacks a free trial because you can sign up for free on the limited freemium subscription, while Mullvad lacks a free trial because it lacks long-term commitments and lets you sign up for just one month at a time. In this way, the 14-day guarantee becomes your free trial.

Servers and locations: Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN

Proton VPN has a larger server fleet than Mullvad VPN. Proton VPN runs 20,075 + worldwide VPN servers in 145 + countries, while Mullvad VPN has around 696 + servers in 90 + countries. Proton VPN’s server network is the second-largest fleet in the industry, second only to Private Internet Access.

Proton VPN's large server network gives it a significant advantage over Mullvad VPN. Servers can get blacklisted by streaming sites in an effort to fight VPN usage. If you're using a small network, this can make it hard to unblock streaming services. As a result, Proton VPN's server fleet makes it better at bypassing restrictions than Mullvad. It can also avoid issues like speed dips resulting from server overcrowding.

Proton VPN also offers specialized servers, like dedicated P2P, dedicated IP address, multi-hop, and Plus servers. Plus servers are optimized for high-speed streaming. Mullvad VPN, on the other hand, lacks these and provides features like obfuscation and multi-hop through its settings menu. With all of these points in mind, Proton VPN excels in terms of server availability and choice compared to Mullvad.

Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN security overview

Both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN are very secure services that use AES-256 encryption, a military-grade standard that effectively protects your data and online activity from third parties. Both also use strong VPN protocols, have independently audited no-logs guarantees, and other security basics like a kill switch and leak protection. Additionally, Mullvad offers RAM-only servers, post-quantum protections, and cutting-edge defense against AI-guided traffic snooping. But ultimately, Proton VPN has the edge in security due to advanced functionality that Mullvad lacks.

Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN both cover the security basics, with features like AES-256 encryption, a functional kill switch, and robust IP and DNS leak protection, proven in my tests. Proton VPN excels with a strong array of specialty servers, its own Stealth obfuscation protocol, and the powerful NetShield security suite. Mullvad has an edge in allowing completely anonymous signup that doesn’t even require an email address. However, Proton VPN’s advanced features have greater weighting from a security point of view, meaning Proton VPN is the more secure choice.

Encryption and VPN protocols

Mullvad and Proton VPN both employ AES-256 encryption to protect your data. Mullvad VPN supports the fast and highly secure WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, while Proton VPN supports these protocols, plus IKEv2/IPsec and its proprietary Stealth protocol. While it’s a minor difference, Proton VPN offers greater flexibility for different situations and devices with its extended protocol support.

Kill switch and leak protection

Both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN include a reliable kill switch and built-in IPv6 and DNS leak protection. During my tests, I tested leak protection functionality, and neither VPN leaks your true location. Both kill switches also functioned as expected in my tests, protecting my true IP from detection when I simulated a dropped connection.

Advanced VPN security features

Mullvad offers a multi-hop feature called Bridge Mode, and it allows for obfuscation through Shadowsocks and Obfsproxy. These features can help you to bypass strict censorship and improve your anonymity. Similarly, Proton VPN has Secure Core multi-hop servers and a Stealth protocol for obfuscation. Proton VPN goes further with Tor over VPN connections for secure dark web access, giving it an edge in security.

Extra protection - malware, ads, and trackers

Mullvad VPN uses Blocklists to manage blocking of ads, trackers, and malicious domains. However, I found these quite cumbersome to use as they must be configured on each individual device. Comparatively, Proton VPN has NetShield, a feature that integrates directly with your apps to block malware, ads, and trackers at the DNS level. It can be configured at a granular level to only block malware, or to block malware, ads, and trackers, making it much more versatile than Blocklists.

Is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN in terms of privacy?

Yes, Mullvad VPN has an edge over Proton VPN, offering a truly anonymous sign-up with no email or other personal details needed. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly country. This is also why Proton VPN's Secure Core servers have a solid privacy setup, as they route your data through two endpoints, one located within the country. Mullvad VPN is located in Sweden, which is a member of the 14 Eyes data-sharing alliance, but the country currently lacks any mandatory data retention laws so it’s not a huge issue. Both VPNs also have airtight connections, free from any data leaks, so your real location remains hidden.

Both providers also have solid no-logs guarantees, meaning they won’t track or store your online activity and data. Both have also been audited independently by external security companies. However, Mullvad’s privacy edge comes from its anonymous signup process. While Proton VPN allows cash and crypto payments, it still requires an email. Mullvad VPN assigns you a random account number that doesn’t require any personal data at all. Ultimately, Mullvad is excellent for complete privacy, while Proton VPN is better if you want a more reliable service for streaming and switching regions.

Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN privacy and logs

Both Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN excel in privacy, but they have different approaches. Mullvad stands out with its anonymous sign-up process that lets you pay with cash or crypto and remain entirely anonymous. Proton VPN requires an email for account creation, but it balances this with its secure location in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Both services have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not store browsing activity, IP addresses, or connection data.

Overview of Independent Audits

Both VPNs back up their no-logs claims with regular independent security audits. Proton VPN has been audited routinely by Securitum and SEC Consult, with its latest 2025 SOC 2 Type II audit in 2025 proving its operational security and infrastructure. It also publishes regular transparency reports showing that it can’t comply with data requests due to its no-logs architecture.

Mullvad VPN has been audited by companies including Cure53 and Radically Open Security, ensuring its no-logs promise is airtight. However, what impressed me most was when, in 2023, Swedish authorities raided Mullvad’s offices and couldn’t seize any data because Mullvad doesn’t store any.

Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN for streaming

Proton VPN is the better choice for streaming than Mullvad VPN. Based on my recent tests, Proton VPN easily unblocked all of the most popular streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, foreign Netflix libraries, HBO Max, Disney+, and others. On the other hand, Mullvad VPN failed to unblock most geo-restricted streaming sites, and only granted me access to Netflix and HBO Max. Thus, Proton VPN is a much more reliable service if you want to use your VPN for streaming.

However, neither VPN offers rotating IP addresses like competitors such as NordVPN and Surfshark. I’d like to see this feature implemented for even greater protection against streaming geo-blocks.

In addition to unblocking capabilities, I also tested both VPN’s speeds for streaming. While doing so, I saw speeds of up to 428 Mbps with Proton VPN. Conversely, Mullvad VPN struggled to unblock many sites like Netflix, YouTube TV+, and ESPN+. Mullvad’s speeds also averaged a slower 350 Mbps, and while good enough for HD and 4K streaming, Proton VPN was clearly the better all-round choice for streaming.

Which VPN can unblock Netflix? Testing result

Proton VPN easily unblocks Netflix US, UK, and Japan, and it can unblock more niche catalogues like Netflix Hong Kong. Mullvad VPN unblocked Netflix US in my tests, but it struggled with Netflix Japan and couldn't unblock Netflix Hong Kong. The smaller server fleet is likely responsible, as servers can be more easily blacklisted. For example, while Proton VPN has up to 48 IP addresses in Hong Kong, Mullvad VPN has around 17. This means that you have a greater chance of encountering a blacklisted server.

Overall, Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN for unblocking Netflix if you want reliable access to any library. Since Proton VPN also offers faster and more consistent speeds, it means you’re also less likely to face issues like lag or buffering in your streams.

Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN for torrenting

Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN are good choices for torrenting, with Proton VPN offering dedicated P2P servers and Mullvad allowing torrenting on any server. Additionally, Proton VPN features port forwarding, which is particularly useful for torrenting. Mullvad VPN, on the other hand, offers a free SOCKS5 proxy for the same purpose. During my tests, Proton VPN was the faster VPN for torrenting thanks to its better speeds. Its built-in NetShield feature also blocks ads, which are rife on torrent websites, and malware to help protect you against rogue torrents. As a result, I found Proton VPN to be the better choice for torrenting quickly and securely.

Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN for gaming

Proton VPN’s larger server network in 122+ countries means that it’s the better choice for matchmaking in other countries. Mullvad’s 39+ country coverage still lets you join international lobbies, but with fewer options. Again, Proton VPN’s speed comes into play here, as its fleet provides faster speeds and a more stable ping on faraway servers. As such, I found Proton VPN to be the better VPN for gaming of the two contenders.

In total, I saw speeds of over 850 Mbps with Proton VPN, which is an incredible result that guaranteed I wouldn’t suffer any lag or rubberbanding. By comparison, Mullvad’s speed test clocked up around 345 Mbps during an online gaming session. Both VPNs are fast enough for gaming, but Proton VPN had the clear edge.

VPN connection limits: Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN

Proton VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, while Mullvad VPN limits you to a maximum of 5 connections. This means the maximum number of devices you can connect to your account. Proton VPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chromebook, and iOS, and you can install it on a router, Android TV, or Fire TV. Mullvad offers similar support, but it lacks dedicated apps for smart devices like the TVs covered by Proton VPN. It’s worth bearing in mind that installing either VPN on your router lets you bypass connection limits. However, Proton VPN offers better overall support for different operating systems, and it has double the number of connections, making it a better choice in this area. Additionally, Proton VPN offers better usability, with very reliable geo-unblocking capabilities, much faster connection speeds, and a significantly bigger server fleet.

Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN Reddit reviews and opinions 2026

As part of any VPN head-to-head, I also look at how my experience with each provider compares to real-world feedback from Reddit users. After concluding my testing, I looked at what the Reddit community has to say on the matter of Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN. There have been numerous recent discussions in past months about these two providers, and in most cases Reddit generally agreed with my points, having similar experiences. One user struggled to unblock streaming platforms when using Mullvad VPN for example.

However, there was equally support for Mullvad VPN as the better choice. These comments tended to come from users who liked Mullvad’s fully anonymous signup method using cash or crypto and a random account number.

Overall, most Redditors agreed with the points I raised above, in that Proton VPN offers more advanced security features, a more polished app, and a larger, faster server network that can unblock websites more effectively. Privacy-conscious users also agreed that Mullvad VPN has a unique edge in allowing complete anonymity.

Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN: which wins?

Comparing Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN was difficult, as I found both to be solid and reliable choices for strong speeds, robust security and privacy, and affordable VPN plans. That said, Proton VPN is better than Mullvad VPN regarding compatibility, affordability, streaming capabilities, server locations, and connection speeds. However, Mullvad VPN is a more private service with a completely anonymous sign-up and slim apps with not many additional features. So, overall, Proton VPN is the better of the two VPN services. Here’s how it breaks down:

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FAQ

Is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN?

Mullvad VPN is a great service if you need complete privacy, but Proton VPN is better if you care about reliability, streaming, and switching regions. Mullvad impressed me with its entirely anonymous signup process, which doesn’t require any personal information, and it’s a highly secure VPN with good speeds. However, Proton VPN outshines it with more privacy features, more affordable subscriptions, better compatibility with streaming, a larger server fleet, and much faster connection speeds.

Is Proton VPN better than Mullvad for bypassing geo-blocks?

Mullvad VPN isn’t very good for unblocking content, whereas Proton VPN can bypass geo-blocks on any streaming site. While Mullvad can occasionally bypass blocks on Netflix US and other platforms, it struggles with server blacklisting due to its comparatively smaller server fleet. These results are based on my June 2026 tests of Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN.

Is Proton VPN easier to use than Mullvad VPN?

Yes, Proton VPN is generally easier to use than Mullvad VPN, as Proton VPN has polished apps, a guided installation, and strong presets that mean you don’t have to tweak settings. It also has specialty servers suited to specific purposes. Mullvad VPN feels more technical and stripped back by comparison.

Which VPN is more affordable, Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN?

Proton VPN is more affordable than Mullvad VPN, with Proton VPN subscriptions starting from $3.59/month for a 2-year plan compared to Mullvad’s fixed 5 Euros/month cost. However, Mullvad’s subscriptions have never changed in price, which might offer peace of mind to budget-conscious users. Overall, I felt that Proton VPN offers better value for money with all features taken into account.

How good is the customer support of Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN?

Proton VPN offers stronger customer support than Mullvad, with 24/7 email support, a knowledge base, and fast responses. There’s also a business hours live chat function. Mullvad has a more basic support system, with email and online guides, but no live chat. During my tests of Proton VPN vs Mullvad VPN, agents from both services provided knowledgeable answers to my questions, but Proton VPN’s service was clearly better.