Relating to VPNs that prioritize privateness and transparency, Mullvad and Proton are two names that instantly stand out. Each take extremely clear approaches, providing open-source software program, strict privateness insurance policies, and nameless fee choices. Whereas they share many spectacular options, there are vital variations that set them aside. Proton takes the lead due to its broader suite of safety instruments and extra strong infrastructure general. That mentioned, Mullvad is a powerful contender, providing really nameless account creation at a remarkably reasonably priced value. Beneath, I break down each VPNs by way of worth, efficiency, person expertise, and have set to indicate the place each shines.
Value: Proton’s Free Plan Can’t Be Beat
Mullvad has essentially the most easy pricing construction among the many VPNs I’ve examined and is likely one of the finest low cost VPNs. It’s 5 euros (approx $5.80) per thirty days—no tiers, recurring subscriptions, gross sales, or long-term reductions. The corporate doesn’t even settle for recurring computerized funds, since that might require storing person fee knowledge. That low value will get you a privacy-first VPN with 5 simultaneous connections, mult-hop servers, and looking backed by post-quantum encryption (PQE). Better of all, you may pay for Mullvad with out inputting figuring out bank card data. The corporate accepts funds with cryptocurrency and even money by mailing it to Mullvad alongside along with your distinctive account identifier.
(Credit score: Mullvad)
Proton’s premium plans begin at $9.99 for the Plus tier, which incorporates solely the VPN and helps 10 simultaneous machine connections. Subsequent up is Proton Final at $12.99 per thirty days, which features a complete suite of wonderful non-public productiveness instruments. These additional apps embody entry to Proton Go, the corporate’s password supervisor. Then there’s Proton’s encrypted mail service, Proton Mail. Subsequent up is Proton Drive, a totally encrypted file protected that protects your knowledge from AI knowledge scraping. Likewise, Proton Docs and Sheets are comparatively new cloud-based workplace functions that prioritize privateness.
(Credit score: Proton)
Whereas Proton can’t immediately compete with Mullvad with regards to paid plans, it gives an distinctive free tier with no knowledge or cut-off dates. You should use the complete VPN without cost on a single machine and acquire entry to a handful of servers. It’ll be slower than the premium model as a result of extra person congestion, and chances are you’ll not have the ability to reliably entry streaming content material. Even so, it’s arduous to beat limitless free VPN safety from a reliable service like Proton.
It’s an in depth name between Proton and Mullvad. Mullvad could also be the only option if you would like a simple, reasonably priced VPN service with no gimmicks or subscriptions that simply works. Alternatively, Proton gives a wide array of privateness instruments obtainable without cost. It’s by a slim margin, however I’m giving the win to Proton as a result of its free plan.
Winner: Proton
App Design: Proton Is Extra Constant Throughout Platforms
Whereas some parts of VPN app designs are subjective, I do my finest to maintain the evaluations on this part as goal as doable.
Proton’s design is smooth and pretty straightforward to navigate for freshmen. It includes a digital map entrance and heart, making it clear the place you’re related. The purple and black design is fashionable and streamlined with out being too busy or intense on each desktop and cell platforms. Settings are properly organized, with helpful descriptions for every and hyperlinks again to assist articles for full tutorials.
(Credit score: PCMag/Proton)
Mullvad has a easy, dark-blue design with giant button-based menus. You additionally get a map on the primary dashboard, but it surely’s a bit small on desktop as a result of the window measurement doesn’t change considerably between cell and desktop. It’s straightforward to navigate, and all options are clearly labeled, but it surely’s a bit cramped as a result of small window.
(Credit score: PCMag/Mullvad)
Proton wins this matchup by having a greater expertise throughout all platforms and a bigger dashboard on desktop variations.
Winner: Proton
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Server Rely and Areas: Proton’s International Community Triumphs
Server counts will be nebulous, and these figures can change every day. On the time of writing, Proton has 18,602 servers working in 129 international locations. Mullvad is a a lot smaller firm with an equally small server community. Mullvad has roughly 700-800 servers unfold throughout 49 international locations.
Proton is the clear winner, with a considerably bigger server community and broader nation protection. Mullvad delivers a modest community for the worth, but it surely pales as compared with Proton’s server infrastructure.
Winner: Proton
Velocity and Efficiency: Mullvad Speeds Forward
Proton diminished my obtain speeds by 20.11% and equally diminished my add speeds by 43.21%. Nonetheless, I noticed a major affect on my latency rating when related to Proton’s community, with a 351.26% enhance.
Beneficial by Our Editors
Mullvad carried out excellently throughout our newest spherical of checks. It diminished my obtain speeds by 10.57%, my add speeds by 4.23%, and elevated my latency by 15.90%. These scores put it up there with the quickest VPNs. I take a look at each VPN to see the way it impacts my velocity and latency, and you’ll view the complete leads to the chart under:
Mullvad beats Proton in all three key classes, making it the winner of this class. Simply remember the fact that my velocity checks aren’t the ultimate verdict on general efficiency. Your expertise will differ primarily based in your native connection, close by server congestion, and different components.
Winner: Mullvad
Streaming: Each Proton and TunnelBear Present Dependable Entry to International Content material
I take a look at whether or not or not a VPN can entry Netflix’s library of content material from 5 areas throughout the globe, together with Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US. The complete breakdown of my testing outcomes will be discovered within the chart under:
Each providers accessed all 5 catalogs with out encountering any restrictions, making this a tie.
Winner: Tie
And The Winner Is…
Mullvad VPN is a powerful selection, and for good motive—it is reasonably priced, privacy-focused, and the corporate is impressively clear about the way it handles knowledge. That mentioned, it falls a bit quick when put next with Proton. Proton matches Mullvad in privateness dedication however goes additional, providing extra apps, broader protection, and strong infrastructure—all at an affordable value. Whereas it is not fairly as reasonably priced as Mullvad, it supplies considerably extra worth for a modest month-to-month subscription. On high of that, Proton helps you to strive it without cost with out requiring any fee particulars. With all this in thoughts, Proton VPN comes out on high on this comparability.
