Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing.
Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier.
The verdict
Both Mullvad VPN and Proton VPN are credible vpn tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Mullvad VPN — Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing.
Choose Proton VPN if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $9.99/mo) and a free plan to start on. Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier.
Mullvad VPN vs Proton VPN: side by side
| Dimension | Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $5.50/mo | Free – $9.99/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Privacy Conscious | Privacy Conscious, Budget Conscious |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Mullvad VPN key facts
- Vendor
- Mullvad
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $5.50/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Privacy Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2009
- Headquarters
- Gothenburg, Sweden
Proton VPN key facts
- Vendor
- Proton
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $9.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Privacy Conscious, Budget Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than Proton VPN?
Neither is universally better — Mullvad VPN edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Mullvad VPN or Proton VPN cheaper?
Proton VPN is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $9.99/mo. Mullvad VPN starts at from $5.50/mo; Proton VPN starts at free – $9.99/mo.
Can Mullvad VPN replace Proton VPN?
Yes for most teams — both are vpn tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.