Mozilla VPN vs Proton VPN
Not all VPNs are built the same. While Mozilla VPN leans into simplicity with its single-protocol design and clean interface, Proton VPN has expanded from its email encryption roots into a robust privacy suite with a global reach. We’ve had the chance to try both during travels and remote work, and trust us, the real differences start to show when you go beyond the brochure.
If you’re trying to figure out which one fits your life better, whether that’s for streaming, security, or skipping the hassle of setup, we break it all down right here. You’ll even learn about an effortless option for protecting every device in your home, no app installs required.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Mozilla VPN keeps things minimal: one protocol, around 500 servers across 31 countries, and a flat monthly rate. It includes a kill switch and supports multi-hop routing but stores some connection metadata and limits usage to five devices.
- Proton VPN is more feature-heavy with 9,000+ servers across 117 countries, multiple protocol options, and extras like Secure Core, NetShield, port forwarding, and a free tier. It supports up to ten devices on premium plans, which is great for tech-savvy users.
- If you’d rather not fuss with apps on every device, plug-and-play solutions like VPN routers or dedicated VPN boxes can protect your entire home setup effortlessly.
Quick Comparison: Mozilla VPN vs Proton VPN
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Company & Jurisdiction | Mozilla Corporation (USA) | Proton AG (Switzerland) |
| Server Network | About 500 servers in 31 countries (via Mullvad) | Over 9,000 servers in 117 countries |
| Protocols & Encryption | WireGuard only; ChaCha20/Poly1305 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2; AES‑256 or ChaCha20 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Five registered devices | Ten devices on paid plans; one on free tier |
| Starting Price | US$4.99/month (annual), US$9.99 month-to-month | US$4.49/month (two-year plan), free tier available |
| Streaming Support | Works with Netflix US; limited performance on others | Unblocks Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and more |
| Advanced Features | Multi-hop and always-on kill switch | Secure Core, NetShield, split tunneling, port forwarding |
| No‑logs & Audits | No browsing logs, but retains IP and device info for up to 90 days | Strict no-logs, independently audited, open-source apps, disk-encrypted servers |
Bottom line? Proton VPN gives you more depth and options, while Mozilla VPN focuses on simplicity. If all you need is a straightforward connection and minimal setup, Mozilla might be enough. But if you’re after tools and transparency, Proton is a strong contender.
Additionally, if your priority is securing multiple devices without having to install apps on each one, there are alternative approaches like our Shellfire Box. Unlike traditional VPN apps, this compact device acts as a bridge between your home network and a VPN server, making it possible to protect devices like smart TVs, game consoles, and other hardware that don’t support VPNs natively.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | Approximately 500 (leased via Mullvad) | More than 9,000 |
| Countries & Locations | 31 countries; around 45 city locations | 117 countries; multiple cities per region |
| Continental Coverage | Mainly Europe and North America; no coverage in Africa or Middle East | Extensive coverage across all continents |
| Unique Infrastructure | Dynamic IPs; 10 Gbps servers via Mullvad | Secure Core servers in hardened Swiss, Icelandic, and Swedish data centers |
| Jurisdiction | USA (Five Eyes alliance) | Switzerland (strong privacy protections) |
Mozilla VPN relies on Mullvad’s high-speed servers, which are known for stability, but its network remains Eurocentric. That works fine if you’re mostly based in Europe or North America. But if you’re connecting from Asia, South America, or Africa, your options are limited, and so is your speed and latency.
Proton VPN, in contrast, spreads its coverage far and wide, making it an excellent companion for frequent travelers, digital nomads, or anyone needing a consistent experience from nearly any continent. Secure Core servers give peace of mind by routing traffic through trusted regions with stronger privacy laws, adding resilience against network-based attacks.
If you’re curious how Proton VPN stacks up against other giants, take a look at our detailed comparison: Proton VPN vs NordVPN.
Speed & Performance
| Test Environment | Mozilla VPN* | Proton VPN* |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline Connection | 100 Mbps (down/up) used for reference | |
| Local Server – Download | ~6% drop (~94 Mbps) | ~8% drop (~86 Mbps) |
| Local Server – Upload | ~13% drop (~87 Mbps) | ~4% drop (~90 Mbps) |
| Long-Distance Server – Download | ~37% drop (~62 Mbps) | ~8% drop (~86 Mbps) |
| Long-Distance Server – Upload | ~78% drop (~21 Mbps) | ~4% drop (~90 Mbps) |
| Latency Increase | Up to 741% when connecting from Europe to US | Average 78 ms on distant servers |
| Performance Extras | No VPN Accelerator; 10 Gbps servers | VPN Accelerator (boosts speeds up to 45%) |
Performance-wise, Proton VPN holds a significant lead, especially when connecting to servers across the globe. Upload speeds remain stable, even at distance, which matters for video calls, remote work, and cloud backups. The VPN Accelerator tech genuinely helps reduce latency and smooth out throughput spikes.
Mozilla VPN did well on local connections, but speed losses over long distances were hard to ignore. If you mostly stay local, it’s serviceable, but for gaming, HD streaming, or remote work, you’ll feel the difference.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption & Protocols | WireGuard only; ChaCha20/Poly1305 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2; AES-256 or ChaCha20; Stealth protocol available |
| Kill Switch | Always on; cannot be turned off | Available and configurable on all apps |
| Multi-hop/Secure Routing | User-selectable entry and exit points | Secure Core: automatic double-hop routing |
| Logging Policy | No browsing logs, but retains IP and device data for 90 days | Strict no-logs; verified by independent audits |
| Independent Audits | Audited by Cure53 (2021, 2023); privacy policy not fully audited | Full audits of servers, apps, and infrastructure; open-source codebase |
| Extras | No anonymous payment; limited DNS protections | Anonymous payment, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, NetShield |
From a security standpoint, both VPNs offer solid fundamentals, but Proton VPN clearly invests more in transparency and user control. With fully open-source apps, independently verified audits, and the ability to pay anonymously, it aligns well with users who prioritize digital privacy.
Mozilla VPN keeps things simple, which is great for beginners. However, its 90-day data retention policy and lack of anonymous payment methods might raise concerns for privacy-conscious users. For many, this could be a dealbreaker, especially when compared to Proton’s more transparent and privacy-forward approach.
Streaming Performance
| Streaming Service | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Reliable with US library; inconsistent elsewhere | Unblocks US, UK, Canada, Japan, and more |
| Amazon Prime Video | Blocked | Works with most regional libraries |
| BBC iPlayer | Blocked | Accessible |
| Disney+ | Unreliable | Unblocks Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max |
| Torrenting Support | Allowed, no port forwarding | Optimized P2P with port forwarding |
When it comes to unblocking content, Proton VPN is far more capable. It consistently accessed various Netflix regions, along with Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, without glitches or buffering. NetShield also helped speed up page loads by cutting trackers and ads.
Mozilla VPN, meanwhile, feels more like a casual streamer’s tool. It works with Netflix US, but other platforms are often out of reach. If you’re just watching the occasional show, it’ll suffice, but frequent streamers will notice the limitations fast.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Windows & macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes – GUI and CLI | Yes – GUI and CLI |
| iOS & Android | Yes | Yes |
| Android TV / Fire TV / Apple TV | No native apps | Native apps available |
| Routers | Not supported | Supported via manual setup |
| Browser Extensions | None | Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Simultaneous Connections | Five devices | Ten devices on paid plans; one on free tier |
Mozilla VPN keeps things clean and lightweight, which is perfect for someone using it on just a few personal devices. But with no router support, browser extensions, or TV apps, it starts to feel restricted quickly, especially in larger households.
Proton VPN stretches much further. Whether you’re on Linux, Android TV, or managing a home router, it likely has you covered. This flexibility makes it an easy pick for anyone managing more than just a laptop and phone.
It’s also worth noting that for users who prefer not to open an app or adjust settings every time they want protection, the Shellfire Box takes a very different approach. Once set up, it automatically routes all traffic through a VPN without any need for daily interaction. While it’s not built for users who crave deep customization, it shines in scenarios where simplicity and always-on protection across all devices are the top priorities.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country/Region | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| China | Unavailable; service blocked | Works about 50% of the time via Stealth protocol |
| Russia | Likely blocked | Intermittently functional; obfuscation helps |
| Iran | Unavailable | Mixed results; stealth mode required |
| UAE/Turkey | Not marketed in these regions | Works inconsistently with obfuscation enabled |
When dealing with countries known for heavy internet restrictions, Proton VPN is the more reliable choice. Its stealth protocol isn’t perfect, but it can help bypass deep packet inspection and other blocks with moderate success. Mozilla VPN doesn’t offer obfuscation features, which makes it effectively unusable in those regions.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Interface Design | Minimalist on/off switch and server list | Map view, list view, profiles, and automation tools |
| Advanced Settings | Limited to kill switch and multi-hop toggle | Custom protocols, split tunneling, port forwarding, Secure Core |
| Ease of Use | Extremely simple for beginners | User-friendly with tooltips and contextual help |
| Device Management | Devices must be registered and deregistered manually | Just log in, no registration hassle |
Mozilla VPN is clearly built with simplicity in mind. It’s ideal for beginners who just want to click and connect without navigating a cluttered menu. However, that same simplicity can become a limitation for advanced users looking for customization or deeper control.
Proton VPN finds a middle ground. It’s easy to use out of the box, but its profiles, automation options, and deeper settings allow it to scale with you as your needs evolve. Whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or TV, the experience remains consistent and polished.
Also worth mentioning, for those who would rather skip apps entirely, the Shellfire Box offers a unique solution. There’s no user interface to learn, just plug it in and it covers your entire network instantly. It’s an especially appealing choice for families or multi-device setups where ease of use and passive protection matter more than granular configuration.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | No | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Help Center / Guides | Yes – limited | Yes – extensive and searchable |
| Response Time | Moderate | Generally fast, especially via chat |
Mozilla VPN offers only email-based support, which is fine for basic inquiries but less ideal when immediate help is needed. The help center is functional but lacks depth for troubleshooting advanced issues.
Proton VPN steps it up with live chat, extensive guides, and a faster response time overall. It’s the better pick if you value real-time support or frequently run into complex VPN scenarios.
Additional Features
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-hop Routing | Yes – selectable entry and exit points | Secure Core double-hop with hardened centers |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes – by app or domain |
| Ad/Malware Blocking | No built-in blocker | NetShield blocks ads, trackers, malware |
| VPN Accelerator | None | Yes – improves performance by ~45% |
| Port Forwarding | No | Yes – useful for P2P and gaming |
| Profiles & Automation | No | Yes – fully customizable |
| Free Plan | No | Yes – unlimited data, select servers |
Proton VPN delivers a rich set of features that cater to both privacy enthusiasts and power users. Tools like Secure Core, split tunneling, and NetShield bring flexibility and security to the forefront. Mozilla VPN is intentionally limited, great for those who want a basic experience, but less ideal if you need deeper functionality.
That said, Shellfire VPN, when paired with the Shellfire Box, offers an entirely different kind of value. You won’t get port forwarding or split tunneling, but you do get effortless, full-network protection that doesn’t require advanced setup. For households or individuals who just want stable, always-on coverage without micromanaging their VPN, it strikes a practical balance.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Mozilla VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-Conscious | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship Bypass | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
If your idea of relaxing means jumping between Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, Proton VPN is the better pick. It’s not just that it works across more services, it does so smoothly, even in 4K. Its customizable profiles and NetShield give it a nice boost in speed and reliability too.
Mozilla VPN is a decent option if you only care about Netflix US, but it falls short if you want broader access. There’s no Smart DNS or region-tuned performance optimization here, so don’t expect consistency on other platforms.
Now, if you stream on devices like smart TVs or consoles that don’t support VPN apps, the Shellfire Box is a game changer. One device, full-network protection, and zero configuration.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Proton VPN offers port forwarding, P2P-optimized servers, and split tunneling, all essential tools for fast, secure torrenting. Downloads ran smooth during our tests, and we appreciated the control over traffic routing.
Mozilla VPN allows torrenting, but that’s about it. No port forwarding means limited performance, and there’s no fine-tuning available. It’s more of a basic option rather than a P2P powerhouse.
Best VPN for Gaming
For online gaming, Proton VPN once again takes the lead. Its VPN Accelerator keeps latency low, and WireGuard helps maintain stable connections. Even when we tested distant servers, we could play without rubber-banding or disconnections.
Mozilla VPN, however, struggled with ping stability on remote servers. If you’re a competitive gamer, this might frustrate you quickly.
Want to protect your console or multiple gaming devices at once? The Shellfire Box makes that incredibly easy by securing everything on your network without touching the actual devices.
Best VPN for Remote Work
From encrypted video calls to accessing region-locked tools, Proton VPN has the features needed for remote professionals. Its split tunneling lets you keep your work traffic private while keeping access to local services.
Mozilla VPN works for basic remote needs, but beyond that, its lack of customization and limited global reach make it less reliable for business users or digital nomads.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
If you’re watching your expenses, Mozilla VPN is straightforward: flat pricing, no hidden fees. But it’s also very barebones. You get what you pay for.
Proton VPN provides more value, especially thanks to its free plan with unlimited data and a wide range of features. Long-term plans are competitively priced, and you gain access to tools that would otherwise cost extra elsewhere.
If you’re comparing with other wallets-friendly providers, our breakdown of Surfshark vs ProtonVPN dives into price, features, and more to help you choose wisely.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
Living in or traveling to countries with restricted internet? Proton VPN offers a fighting chance. Its Stealth protocol helps disguise VPN traffic, which is crucial for bypassing deep packet inspection in places like China or Iran.
Mozilla VPN has no such tools. In many of these regions, the app simply won’t work.
Conclusion
So, which one fits your needs better, Mozilla VPN or Proton VPN? If your priority is simplicity, minimal setup, and you’re mainly browsing or streaming from a few devices, Mozilla could be a good match. It’s a straightforward solution backed by a company with a strong privacy reputation.
But if you need more power, deeper privacy options, and tools that adapt to different use cases, streaming, work, gaming, or travel, then Proton VPN is the more complete offering. Its advanced features don’t just pad the specs; they genuinely improve day-to-day performance and flexibility.
Still, not everyone wants to manage VPN apps or tweak settings. That’s where Shellfire VPN and our Shellfire Box come in. They offer a plug-and-play experience, protecting your whole home or travel setup quietly in the background. For families, smart homes, or anyone wanting hassle-free VPN coverage, it’s an alternative worth serious consideration.
