Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN outshines Mullvad in overall rating, jurisdiction, server count, and geographical coverage, scoring 80.8% compared to Mullvad’s 48.2%. While both operate under a no-logging policy with similar pricing and a 30-day money back guarantee, Proton VPN provides more servers across a wider range of countries, more simultaneous connections, and achieves superior user ratings. Opt for Proton VPN for a stronger blend of privacy, performance, and broader global access.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: Proton VPN vs Mullvad
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Sweden |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $5.44/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $5.44 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 2,970 | 637 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 39 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | Radically Open Security (RoS) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and Mullvad are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Mullvad cheapest 1-month plan starts at $5.44/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN Better
For those prioritizing online privacy, the jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration. Proton VPN, with its base in Switzerland, offers a substantial privacy edge over Sweden-based Mullvad. Not part of the EU or US jurisdiction, Switzerland is known for its neutrality and strict privacy regulations. This provides a robust legal framework that benefits ProtonVPN users.
On the other hand, Mullvad is based in Sweden, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries. In other words, company like Mullvad could be legally obligated to comply with government requests for user data, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Comparing the two, ProtonVPN’s Swiss base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in Switzerland gives ProtonVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Mullvad is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Mullvad maintains a more modest server presence, with only 637 servers across 39 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Mullvad, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and Mullvad reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of Mullvad – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Double VPN Feature: Mullvad Better
One of the notable differences between Mullvad and Proton VPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. Mullvad offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Proton VPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
In conclusion, although both Proton VPN and Mullvad provide reliable VPN services, they differ notably in areas such as server count, geographical coverage, and jurisdiction. Opt for Proton VPN if your priority lies with a large server network and Switzerland’s strong privacy regulations. However, consider Mullvad for its enhanced security offered by the double VPN feature. Both present robust privacy and accessibility options, with the ultimate choice depending on individual user requirements and priorities.
About Proton VPN & Mullvad
Mullvad
Mullvad VPN, established in 2009, is based in Sweden and is known for its strong stance on privacy and security. The founders are not widely publicized, but the service has gained recognition for its anonymity-focused approach, allowing users to sign up without providing personal information. Mullvad VPN offers features such as AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. It supports a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
To learn more, read our Mullvad review.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.