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Mullvad vs ProtonVPN (2026): Two Privacy-First VPNs Compared

Mullvad offers anonymous account creation and flat-rate pricing with no tiers, while ProtonVPN offers a usable free plan and a broader feature set. We compare two of the most privacy-respected VPNs on the market.

By VPNRanker EditorialUpdated: June 5, 20268 min read✓ Independently Tested

Mullvad and ProtonVPN are both frequently recommended by privacy advocates, security researchers, and digital rights organizations. Mullvad is known for its radical anonymity — no email required, cash payments accepted — and flat €5/month pricing with no upsells. ProtonVPN offers a broader feature set, a usable free tier, and ties to the well-regarded Proton ecosystem. We compared both on privacy model, pricing, speed, and features.

VPN Comparison

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Mullvad★ 4.6View Deal →
Proton VPN★ 4.5View Deal →
NordVPN★ 4.8View Deal →

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • Mullvad does not require an email address to sign up — accounts are identified only by a randomly generated number
  • Mullvad accepts cash payments by mail for users wanting maximum payment anonymity
  • ProtonVPN offers a free tier with no data cap, which Mullvad does not provide
  • Mullvad's flat €5/month pricing applies regardless of subscription length, with no long-term discounts or upsells
  • Both Mullvad and ProtonVPN publish transparency reports and have undergone independent audits

✗ Cons

  • Mullvad's server network is smaller than ProtonVPN's across most regions
  • Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts, so its effective price is higher than ProtonVPN's discounted multi-year plans
  • ProtonVPN's free tier, while generous, restricts server locations and device connections compared to its paid tiers
  • Mullvad's apps offer fewer streaming-oriented features compared to ProtonVPN's
  • Neither provider's speeds consistently match the fastest premium competitors on long-distance routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Mullvad's anonymous account system work?▾
When you sign up for Mullvad, the service generates a random account number that you use to log in — no email address, name, or other personal information is required. You can even pay with cash sent by mail for additional anonymity.
Is Mullvad cheaper than ProtonVPN?▾
Mullvad charges a flat €5/month regardless of how long you subscribe, with no long-term discounts. ProtonVPN's monthly price is higher, but its discounted multi-year plans can end up cheaper per month than Mullvad's flat rate.
Does Mullvad have a free plan?▾
No, Mullvad does not offer a free plan, though it does offer a short free trial in some cases. ProtonVPN's free tier, by contrast, has no data cap and is usable indefinitely with some limitations.
Which is better for streaming, Mullvad or ProtonVPN?▾
Neither Mullvad nor ProtonVPN markets itself primarily as a streaming VPN, and both can have inconsistent results unblocking certain platforms compared to providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN that prioritize streaming server optimization.

Our Top Pick

Get ProtonVPN — Privacy With Flexibility

ProtonVPN combines a strong privacy reputation with a usable free tier and broader feature set.

Try ProtonVPN Risk-Free →

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