- Pick it if you are:
- Privacy-focused users and journalists; Linux users
- Top complaint:
- Mullvad removed port forwarding
- Price:
- From $5.53/mo
- Pick it if you are:
- Privacy-focused users and journalists; People who need a free VPN
- Top complaint:
- Why does Proton VPN renewal cost so much more?
- Price:
- Free plan, paid from $9.99/mo
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad not working with Netflix and streaming sites(6/10)
- Mullvad stuck on connecting or blocking internet(7/10)
- Small server network compared to big VPNs(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN not connecting or stuck on Connecting(7/10)
- Proton VPN not working with Netflix (proxy error)(5/10)
- Proton VPN Stealth not working in restrictive countries(6/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad removed port forwarding(7/10)
Proton VPN
No signals
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad OpenVPN stopped working in 2026(7/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN port forwarding changes every reconnect(5/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad has no live chat support(5/10)
- Users left Mullvad over co-founder's political donation(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN refund taking too long(6/10)
- Proton VPN has no 24/7 live chat(5/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Only 5 devices per Mullvad account(5/10)
- Is Mullvad expensive? No long-term discount(4/10)
- Mullvad refund not possible for cash or crypto(5/10)
Proton VPN
- Why does Proton VPN renewal cost so much more?(7/10)
- Why is Proton VPN so expensive month to month?(5/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Google CAPTCHAs and website blocks on Mullvad(4/10)
- Mullvad is too technical for beginners(4/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN free plan limits: one device, no country choice(5/10)
- Proton VPN causes constant Google CAPTCHAs(5/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad Android leak on Android 16(7/10)
Proton VPN
- Is Proton leaving Switzerland? Surveillance law uncertainty(5/10)
- Proton CEO political post backlash(3/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Why is Mullvad so slow on some servers?(5/10)
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN free servers slow at peak times(6/10)
- Why is Proton VPN so slow with Secure Core?(4/10)
Mullvad VPN
No signals
Proton VPN
- Proton VPN keeps disconnecting on Android(6/10)
Pricing Comparison
Mullvad VPN
Limits: 5-device limit, no port forwarding, no streaming-optimized servers, email-only support
Limits: Same features as the monthly option
Proton VPN
Users: 1.0
Limits: 1 device only, no country or server choice (random server with a Change server cooldown), no streaming-optimised servers, no P2P/torrenting, no Secure Core, no port forwarding, medium speed, no live chat support
Users: 10.0
Limits: Proton Pass, Drive and Mail stay on their free tiers
Users: 10.0
Limits: Proton Pass, Drive and Mail stay on their free tiers
Users: 10.0
Storage: 500 GB
Users: 10.0
Storage: 500 GB
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | ||
| WireGuard protocol WireGuard only since January 2026 | ||
| OpenVPN Removed January 15, 2026 | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan with unlimited data 1 device, random server in about 10 countries | ||
| Core | ||
| 10 simultaneous devices Paid plans | ||
| Smart Protocol Cycles through WireGuard, OpenVPN and Stealth automatically | ||
| Networking | ||
| Port forwarding Removed in 2023 | ||
| Split tunneling Needs Full Disk Access on macOS | ||
| Security | ||
| Secure Core multi-hop Paid plans; about 35% slower in tests | ||
| Kill switch Always on; lockdown mode optional | ||
| Stealth protocol Anti-censorship; Settings > Protocol | ||
| Multihop | ||
| DAITA traffic analysis protection Limited server locations | ||
| Kill switch and advanced kill switch Advanced mode blocks internet whenever the VPN is off | ||
| Quantum-resistant tunnel | ||
| NetShield ad and malware blocker Paid plans | ||
| Privacy | ||
| DNS content blockers Ads, trackers, malware | ||
| Anonymous account (no email) | ||
| Cash and crypto payments Crypto 10% off | ||
| Performance | ||
| VPN Accelerator On by default | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Smart DNS for TVs and consoles Not offered per security.org | ||
| Streaming-optimized servers | ||
| Support | ||
| 24/7 live chat Live chat about 9 AM-midnight CET, paid users only | ||
| Live chat support Email only | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Fire TV app | ||
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