Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Not all VPNs are built on the same principles. Some aim for invisibility, others for fortress-like security backed by law. In the case of Mullvad and ProtonVPN, we’re not just looking at tools, but at two compelling ideologies around digital freedom and control.
One refuses to even know your email. The other builds its foundation on Swiss legal protections and high-security data routing. This deep dive unpacks these contrasting visions, helping you decide which service reflects your priorities in privacy, performance, and everyday usability.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Mullvad delivers best-in-class anonymity with a no-account model and even accepts cash payments through the mail.
- ProtonVPN pairs powerful privacy features with Swiss jurisdiction and innovations like Secure Core routing and Tor over VPN.
- Users who value hassle-free setup or whole-home protection may find that hardware VPNs or integrated router solutions are more practical than app-based services.
Quick Comparison: Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
| Feature | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Pricing Model | Flat-rate: €5/month | Free + Tiered Plans |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 | 10 (on Plus and Visionary plans) |
| Anonymous Signup | Yes (no email required) | Optional (email needed) |
| Open Source Clients | Yes | Yes |
At first glance, both providers are clearly focused on privacy, but their execution differs dramatically. Mullvad is stripped down, fast, and built for privacy purists, while ProtonVPN adds a layer of user-friendliness and extra capabilities ideal for users who want a more guided, feature-rich experience.
Alternatively, users who prioritize ease of setup and whole-home protection over manual configuration may find the Shellfire Box to be a more convenient route, offering VPN coverage for all devices at once without needing to install or manage apps per device.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total Servers | 650+ | 2,900+ |
| Countries Covered | 38 | 70+ |
| Owned vs Rented | Mix, some owned | Primarily owned + Secure Core |
| Physical Servers | Most are physical | Secure Core servers are physical |
| Virtual Locations | None | Some used |
If global reach is a priority, whether for bypassing geo-blocks or accessing rare regions, ProtonVPN offers broader server diversity. Mullvad, meanwhile, prioritizes integrity by deploying mostly physical servers and avoiding virtual locations altogether, an approach valued by users concerned with physical data jurisdiction.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | 750 Mbps (WireGuard) | 670 Mbps (WireGuard) |
| Upload Speed | 710 Mbps | 640 Mbps |
| Latency (EU Test) | 13 ms | 18 ms |
| Peak Performance Protocol | WireGuard | WireGuard |
| Speed Stability | Very consistent | Moderately consistent |
On raw performance, Mullvad consistently outpaces ProtonVPN in speed tests. This makes it especially attractive for users with high throughput needs—like 4K streaming, remote backups, or P2P transfers. ProtonVPN isn’t far behind and remains a strong choice, particularly for users leveraging its optimized Plus plan servers.
That said, in other comparisons, such as with ExpressVPN vs Mullvad, differences in speed and network consistency offer further insight for those considering alternatives with broader server infrastructures.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM / ChaCha20 | AES-256-GCM / ChaCha20 |
| Protocols Supported | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill Switch | Yes (always-on) | Yes (customizable) |
| No-Logs Policy | Strict, audited | Strict, audited |
| Anonymous Payments | Yes (cash, Monero, Bitcoin) | Yes (Bitcoin only) |
| Audit History | Independent audits in 2020, 2022 | Audits in 2022, open-source reviewed |
Both VPNs implement top-tier encryption and offer strong privacy protections. Mullvad edges out with its radical commitment to anonymity, notably allowing physical cash payments and requiring no account or email. ProtonVPN, meanwhile, strengthens user privacy through its Swiss legal environment and unique security features like Secure Core and native Tor over VPN support, particularly helpful for high-risk users like whistleblowers or journalists.
Streaming Performance
| Streaming Platform | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US) | Inconsistent access | Works reliably (Plus plan) |
| Hulu | Blocked | Works |
| BBC iPlayer | Blocked | Works (UK Plus servers) |
| Amazon Prime Video | Unreliable | Mostly stable |
| Disney+ | Mixed results | Stable (Plus plan) |
For streaming, ProtonVPN is the superior choice. Its Plus plan provides specialized servers designed to bypass geo-restrictions with reliability and speed. Whether you’re catching up on shows from another country or accessing blocked libraries while abroad, ProtonVPN delivers fast, reliable connections.
Users comparing streaming capabilities across providers often explore how ProtonVPN stacks up against NordVPN, another widely used service with its own dedicated streaming servers and broader content support.
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 | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes (GUI + CLI) | Yes (GUI + CLI) |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Routers | Manual config only | Manual config only |
| Browser Extensions | No | Yes (for Firefox and Chrome) |
Both services support all major platforms, with Mullvad excelling in Linux support, particularly appreciated by developers and power users. ProtonVPN extends its usability by offering browser extensions and a smoother installation process, which may appeal more to casual users or those looking for quick access across devices.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | Mullvad Rating | ProtonVPN Rating |
|---|---|---|
| China | Poor (frequent blocking) | Moderate (works with obfuscation) |
| Russia | Moderate | Good (via Stealth and Secure Core) |
| Iran | Unreliable | Moderate |
| UAE | Blocked frequently | Moderate (depends on config) |
| Turkey | Good | Very Good |
For users navigating restrictive internet environments, ProtonVPN has a clear advantage. It uses obfuscation techniques and Secure Core routing to evade censorship in countries like China and Iran. Mullvad, with its minimalist focus, lacks advanced obfuscation layers and is more vulnerable to blocking in heavily monitored regions.
User Experience & Apps
| Category | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Minimalist, clean | Modern, feature-rich |
| Ease of Use | Easy for tech-savvy users | Easy for all users |
| Connection Stability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Customization | Advanced settings available | Extensive options for all levels |
| Onboarding Flow | No account creation needed | Email required, guided setup |
Mullvad prioritizes a distraction-free interface, which appeals to users who value speed, simplicity, and control. Its no-login model keeps the experience focused solely on secure connectivity. ProtonVPN offers a more interactive and visual app experience, ideal for users who prefer presets, connection suggestions, and informative server metrics.
Customer Support
| Support Option | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | No | Yes (business hours) |
| Email Support | Yes (weekday response) | Yes (24/7 for paid users) |
| Help Center / FAQ | Extensive and transparent | Well-organized and detailed |
| Guides & Tutorials | Technical and precise | User-friendly and visual |
| Response Time | 24–48 hours | Within a few hours |
In terms of support, ProtonVPN clearly caters to a broader user base, offering live chat and fast email replies, especially for subscribers. Mullvad maintains a minimalist support model to protect user anonymity, focusing instead on deep, transparent documentation and well-maintained guides for more self-reliant users.
Additional Features
| Feature | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Split Tunneling | Yes (except macOS) | Yes (on all major platforms) |
| Ad/Tracker Blocking | Yes (via DNS filtering) | Yes (NetShield DNS) |
| Tor over VPN | No | Yes |
| Secure Core Routing | No | Yes (double-hop from hardened locations) |
| Port Forwarding | Yes | No (deprecated for security) |
| Multihop Support | Manual only | Yes (via Secure Core) |
ProtonVPN distinguishes itself with built-in tools tailored for users in high-risk regions or those seeking more layered protection. Features like Secure Core and Tor over VPN extend its appeal to journalists or privacy professionals. Mullvad, while more spartan, gives power users the flexibility to configure advanced setups like port forwarding and custom DNS, catering to those who want full manual control.
Still, not every user wants, or needs, such granularity. For those who value simplicity without sacrificing core protections, Shellfire VPN offers a balance: fewer configuration options, but easy access, steady speeds, and reliable encryption, especially for users who want privacy without the learning curve.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Mullvad | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-Conscious Users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship Resistance | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Each VPN suits different real-world needs. Mullvad shines for P2P, gaming, and users who want complete control. ProtonVPN offers broader functionality with streaming, censorship resistance, and ease of use for those wanting extra security without tinkering.
Best VPN for Streaming
If streaming is your top priority, accessing platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, ProtonVPN is the clear favorite. Its Plus plan includes access to servers optimized specifically for bypassing regional restrictions. Whether you’re catching up on shows from another country or accessing blocked libraries while abroad, ProtonVPN delivers fast, reliable connections.
In contrast, Mullvad remains neutral on streaming. It doesn’t advertise compatibility and often gets blocked by major platforms. While this reinforces its privacy-first stance, it limits its usefulness for users who expect reliable entertainment access.
However, users seeking a hassle-free way to stream across all home devices, including smart TVs, consoles, and media boxes, might find our Shellfire Box particularly useful. It bypasses the need for app-based configuration and automatically routes all device traffic through VPN, simplifying access to geo-restricted content.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Mullvad is an ideal pick for torrenting, especially for users who value anonymity and technical control. With port forwarding, a flat pricing model, and robust performance, it supports efficient file sharing with minimal friction.
ProtonVPN allows P2P on specific servers within its paid tiers and offers solid speeds. While it lacks port forwarding, an intentional security decision, it still works well for most torrent users, particularly those prioritizing safety over optimization.
Best VPN for Gaming
For gamers, Mullvad offers ultra-low latency and consistent high speeds. It’s particularly effective for competitive play where lag can make or break performance. The drawback is its smaller number of server locations, which might affect optimal routing in less-covered regions.
ProtonVPN, with its larger network, helps users find low-latency connections in more global areas. While slightly behind in latency performance, its network reach makes it a good option for gamers wanting access to servers in multiple countries.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Tech professionals and remote workers who want a reliable, secure connection without bells and whistles will likely appreciate Mullvad. It offers a stable experience with minimal distractions, ideal for those who value focus and privacy.
Meanwhile, ProtonVPN shines in collaborative and high-risk settings, thanks to features like Secure Core and a more guided setup experience. It’s a strong fit for professionals in sensitive fields who need extra security layers without deep technical knowledge.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
If predictable pricing and full access matter to you, Mullvad stands out. At €5 per month with no long-term contracts or upsells, it provides premium-level service at a refreshingly transparent rate.
For users who don’t need constant protection or just want to test out VPN functionality, ProtonVPN’s free tier is excellent. It’s one of the few no-cost options offering unlimited bandwidth without compromising core privacy protections.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
In countries with strong censorship, like China or Iran, ProtonVPN provides essential tools such as stealth protocols and multihop Secure Core routing. These features help bypass VPN blocks and maintain a secure line of communication for users in sensitive environments.
Mullvad, while highly secure, lacks advanced obfuscation techniques and performs inconsistently in regions with aggressive firewall policies. It remains suitable for moderate censorship scenarios or users focused purely on privacy.
Conclusion
In the privacy-focused VPN landscape, Mullvad and ProtonVPN represent two different but equally valid approaches. Mullvad is for the privacy purist, offering a no-account, flat-rate VPN with top-tier transparency and performance. It’s ideal for users who know exactly what they want and prefer manual control over automation.
ProtonVPN, on the other hand, is designed for versatility. Its multi-tier plans, strong censorship resistance, and broad feature set make it the more accessible option for a wider range of users, from casual streamers to security-conscious professionals.
For users looking for a simpler yet effective VPN solution, both the Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box deserve strong consideration. These alternatives combine ease of use with strong security, making them particularly appealing for families or users who want whole-home protection without dealing with software settings or device installations.
