Mullvad vs Proton VPN: Which VPN is best in 2025?

Wondering which is the better option in the competition of Mullvad vs Proton VPN? This comprehensive article delves into a detailed comparison of their strengths and weaknesses across various critical aspects such as privacy, speed, streaming capabilities, and pricing structures. By breaking down each VPN’s offerings, you’ll gain insights into which service might best suit your needs for 2025.

Whether you prioritize robust security features, fast connection speeds, or access to popular streaming services, this guide will help you make an informed decision on the ideal VPN service for your requirements. Here are the basics:

	Mullvad	Proton VPN
Website	Mullvad.net	ProtonVPN.com
Location	Sweden	Switzerland
Servers	680+	11,100+
Countries	50	117
Logs	No logs (audited)	No logs (audited)
Support	Email; knowledge base	Chat; Email; Knowledge Base
Apps for	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Price	$5.23	$3.59 (with coupon)
Coupon	N/A	64% Off Coupon >

These are the areas we examined:

1. User experience and interface
2. Features
3. Server network
4. Speed test results
5. Streaming and torrenting
6. Security and privacy
7. Censorship and geo-restrictions bypassing
8. Customer support
9. Pricing

Overview of Mullvad and Proton VPN

Mullvad VPN excels in privacy by not requiring personal information or email for account creation. Based in Sweden, it’s a top choice for privacy enthusiasts, offering a no-logs policy. With features like a VPN kill switch and advanced security measures such as quantum-resistant VPN tunnels, Mullvad prioritizes user anonymity and security.

Proton VPN, based in Switzerland, is rapidly evolving with a focus on privacy and security. It offers a broad server selection and innovative features. Recent upgrades have enhanced its capabilities while reducing costs, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a comprehensive VPN solution.

User experience and interface

Simplicity and efficiency define Mullvad VPN’s app design. Whether you’re using the desktop version or the mobile application, the consistent design ensures a seamless transition between devices. Here's the Mullvad Windows app.

However, Mullvad does have a couple of user experience and interface drawbacks to be aware of. Mullvad users often encounter CAPTCHA issues, disrupting the login experience. Additionally, the VPN does not support browser extensions, limiting its flexibility.

Proton VPN offers a more luxurious aesthetic while remaining user-friendly. The user interface is sleek and intuitive, providing a polished experience on both Android and Windows platforms. Advanced features are easily accessible, making Proton VPN a user-friendly option for both beginners and tech-savvy individuals.

Features

Mullvad and Proton VPN both boast impressive feature sets that cater to a wide range of users. From robust security features to user-friendly advanced options, these VPNs ensure a comprehensive and secure online experience. Let's delve into their shared features and unique aspects.

Shared features

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN prioritize strong security features to protect user data. They deliver the standard features provided by any quality VPN, including:

• An audited no-log policy
• Robust encryption
• An automatic kill switch
• Split tunneling
• DNS leak protection
• Private DNS

These features ensure that your internet traffic remains secure and your personal information remains private while using either VPN.

Unique features

Mullvad VPN enhances user anonymity with a unique account creation process that doesn’t require an email address. It also offers quantum-resistant VPN tunnels for future-proof security against quantum computing threats. Furthermore, Mullvad’s MultiHop feature routes traffic through two randomly selected servers, boosting your privacy. Additionally, Mullvad offers a Stealth VPN protocol, useful for access to resources in countries with restrictive internet policies.

Proton VPN, on the other hand, offers Secure Core servers that add an extra layer of protection by routing traffic through its own secure servers. The VPN also has NetShield, a feature that puts it on our list of the best VPNs with Ad Blocking.

Server network

Proton VPN offers a vast network of 11,100+ VPN servers across 117 countries, including 106 Secure Core servers. This extensive network of VPN servers enhances accessibility and performance, ensuring secure connections from various global locations. Positioned in privacy-focused regions, these servers prioritize user data security.

Mullvad operates a smaller network of VPN servers with 680 servers in 50 countries, focusing on countries with favorable data protection laws. While not as extensive as Proton VPN’s, Mullvad emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring robust privacy protections.

Speed test results

To compare the speed performance of ProtonVPN and Mullvad VPN, we conducted numerous speed tests across multiple server locations. The results showed that ProtonVPN consistently outperformed Mullvad VPN in terms of speed for streaming, torrenting, and browsing on both local and remote servers.

Mullvad server in Seattle: 384 Mbps

This was a decent first test result for Mullvad.

Proton VPN server in Seattle: 698 Mbps

This result is almost twice as fast as Mullvad's result.

Mullvad server in Los Angeles: 125 Mbps

This is a disappointing Mullvad result.

Proton VPN server in Los Angeles: 582 Mbps

Mullvad server in New York: 87 Mbps

Proton VPN server in New York: 524 Mbps

Both VPNs were slower connecting to New York than the other locations. But where Proton VPN was only a bit slower, Mullvad was much slower.

International speed test

We also tested with servers in the UK. The Mullvad results were disappointing.

Mullvad server in the UK: 62 Mbps

Proton VPN server in the UK: 614 Mbps

Proton VPN was actually faster going all the way across the Atlantic Ocean than it was connecting to NY. And it was almost ten times as fast as Mullvad on this leg.

Here is a table summarizing these results:

Location	Proton VPN	Mullvad VPN
Seattle	698 Mbps	384 Mbps
Los Angeles	582 Mbps	125 Mbps
New York	524 Mbps	87 Mbps
United Kingdom	614 Mbps	62 Mbps

Streaming and torrenting

Streaming capabilities

For streaming enthusiasts, Proton VPN is the clear winner. Based on our tests, it is one of the best VPNs for Netflix. It also effectively bypasses geographic restrictions imposed by several streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Max, and Sky TV. Proton VPN’s ability to access a wide range of streaming media services makes it a superior choice for streaming compared to other VPNs.

Mullvad, however, struggles in this area. In our tests for this comparison, Mullvad did not perform well for streaming. In our tests, Mullvad was consistently blocked by Netflix and other popular streaming providers.

Torrenting support

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN support torrenting, but their approaches differ. Proton VPN offers dedicated servers for P2P file sharing, enhancing download speeds with its VPN Accelerator feature. Additionally, Proton VPN supports port forwarding, which can enhance torrenting performance for users engaged in peer-to-peer sharing. The VPN is also one of the 5 VPNs that made it onto our list of the best VPNs for torrenting.

Mullvad VPN allows torrenting on all its servers, offering users flexibility. With strong encryption and minimal logging, Mullvad ensures secure and private torrenting sessions. Although it lacks dedicated P2P servers, Mullvad remains a dependable option for torrenting enthusiasts.

Security and privacy

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN have a strict no-logs policy and undergo independent audits to ensure transparency and security. See our guide to the best no-logs VPNs for more options.

Mullvad employs AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, a built-in kill switch, and multihop connections for enhanced security. Its quantum-resistant tunnels and proprietary technology to protect against traffic analysis further bolster its security features.

Proton VPN employs AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption alongside a built-in kill switch. Its Secure Core servers are multihop, enhancing protection by initially routing traffic through Proton VPN’s own specialty servers. These servers are housed in highly secure data centers located in countries with stringent privacy laws. This Secure Core architecture is particularly beneficial for users in high-risk environments where privacy and security are crucial.

Logging practices and transparency

When it comes to logging practices and transparency, both Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN stand out with their strict no-logs policies. This means that neither service collects or stores any user data, ensuring your online activities remain private.

Proton VPN, headquartered in Switzerland, benefits from the country’s robust privacy laws, which further protect user data. Similarly, Mullvad VPN, based in Sweden, operates under strong data protection regulations. Both countries are known for their commitment to privacy, making these VPNs reliable choices for users concerned about data security.

Both VPN services have undergone independent security audits to verify their claims. Proton VPN’s security audit by SEC Consult in 2019 found no major vulnerabilities, reinforcing its commitment to user security. Mullvad VPN also passed a security audit by Cure53 in 2018 with flying colors, confirming its robust security measures.

Transparency is another area where both VPNs excel. Proton VPN publishes a transparency report detailing the number of requests for user data it receives from law enforcement agencies and how it responds to these requests. Mullvad VPN follows suit with its own transparency report, providing similar insights into its interactions with law enforcement. This openness about their logging practices and security measures builds trust and reassures users about their commitment to privacy.

Censorship and geo-restrictions bypassing

When it comes to bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions, both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN offer robust solutions. Proton VPN’s “Secure Core” feature is particularly noteworthy. It routes your internet traffic through multiple secure servers, making it significantly harder for censors to block access to specific websites. This multi-hop architecture enhances your privacy and security, especially in regions with stringent internet censorship.

Mullvad VPN, on the other hand, employs its “Stealth VPN” feature to tackle censorship and geo-restrictions. By routing your internet traffic through a secure tunnel, Stealth VPN effectively masks your VPN usage, allowing you to access restricted content without detection. This feature is especially useful in countries with aggressive internet censorship policies.

When it comes to performance, Proton VPN generally has the edge, particularly in streaming and torrenting scenarios. Its extensive network of multiple servers ensures faster and more reliable connections, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize speed. However, Mullvad VPN remains a dependable option for bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions, thanks to its robust security features and commitment to user privacy.

In regions with strict censorship, Mullvad VPN stands out with its ability to bypass the Great Firewall of China using obfuscation and support for Shadowsocks and V2Ray bridges. Although it may occasionally face blocks, adjusting the VPN server settings often resolves these issues. According to our findings, Mullvad is one of the best VPNs for China.

Conversely, Proton VPN struggles with censorship in such regions. The service has publicly stated that it does not work in China, limiting its effectiveness in bypassing censorship.

In summary, both VPNs offer effective tools for overcoming internet censorship and accessing geo-restricted content. Whether you choose Proton VPN for its speed and advanced features or Mullvad VPN for its simplicity and strong privacy protections, you can navigate the internet freely and securely.

Customer support

Mullvad primarily offers support through email and a basic FAQ section. Although their response times are generally fast, the absence of live chat can be a downside for those needing immediate help.

Proton VPN, however, provides more comprehensive support options, including live chat. Their support team is accessible via encrypted email, and the website offers detailed how-to guides for common issues. Overall, Proton VPN's customer support is more robust compared to Mullvad.

Pricing

Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN have distinct pricing structures tailored to different user needs. While Mullvad employs a flat-rate pricing model, Proton VPN's price varies with the length of the subscription.

Mullvad VPN pricing

Mullvad VPN operates on a straightforward flat-rate pricing model, charging a fixed $5.23 per month. This simplicity extends to its payment options, which include cash and cryptocurrency, ensuring user anonymity. The fixed price has remained unchanged since its inception in 2009, providing a stable and predictable cost for users.

Proton VPN pricing

With our exclusive coupon, Proton VPN offers you some of the best deals on secure browsing. You can choose the monthly plan for $9.99, the 1-year plan for $3.99 per month (billed annually), or the 2-year plan at $3.59 per month (billed every two years) — the best value for your money.

Value for money

Evaluating the value for money of VPN services involves considering features, performance, and cost. Mullvad’s flat fee of $5.23 per month provides a straightforward, no-commitment pricing model that has remained unchanged since 2009. Proton VPN's pricing depends on the length of the subscription. Accordingly, you can get a lower-cost subscription than Mullvad offers, if you are willing to sign up for a longer subscription. For instance, Proton VPN's 2-year plan comes at $3.59/mo., making it one of the best cheap VPNs.

Both Mullvad and Proton VPN give you a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try their services risk-free.

Summary

Category	Winner
User experience and interface	Proton VPN
Features	Mullvad VPN
Server network	Proton VPN
Speed test results	Proton VPN
Streaming and torrenting	Proton VPN
Security and privacy	Tie
Censorship and geo-restrictions bypassing	Mullvad VPN
Customer support	Proton VPN
Pricing	Proton VPN

In summary, both Mullvad and Proton VPN deliver robust security, privacy, and performance features. Mullvad excels in user anonymity and simplicity, making it a favorite among privacy purists. Its flat-rate pricing and strong encryption make it a reliable choice for secure browsing and torrenting.

That said, Proton VPN offers a more comprehensive VPN solution while still providing excellent security and privacy. You can get an excellent price on a Proton VPN subscription using our exclusive discount coupon:

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Frequently asked questions

This Mullvad vs Proton VPN comparison was last updated on January 28, 2025.