Introduction
Proton VPN and Mullvad are the two most privacy-focused VPNs available. Both are open-source, independently audited, and based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. But they differ significantly in features, pricing, and usability. Which one is better for privacy-conscious travelers?
Privacy Approach
Mullvad takes privacy to the extreme with anonymous accounts, no email required, and cash payment accepted. Proton VPN requires an email for account creation but is based in Switzerland with strong legal privacy protections. Both have independently verified no-logs policies.
Server Network
Proton VPN has 5,900+ servers in 127 countries versus Mullvad 50+ locations. For travelers, Proton VPN much larger network means a nearby server is almost always available. Mullvad smaller network may result in slower connections in some regions.
Pricing
Mullvad flat 5 euros/month with no contracts is simpler and cheaper for monthly users. Proton VPN paid plan at $3.59/month on a 2-year plan is cheaper for long-term subscribers. Proton VPN also offers a free tier that Mullvad does not.
Streaming
Proton VPN has improved significantly for streaming and now unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms reliably. Mullvad does not optimize for streaming and frequently fails to unblock geo-restricted content. For travelers who want to watch shows abroad, Proton VPN wins clearly.
Censorship Bypass
Both offer obfuscation for restricted countries. Proton VPN Stealth protocol and Mullvad bridges with Shadowsocks both work. Neither is as reliable in China as ExpressVPN or Astrill, but both provide decent censorship bypass capabilities.
Our Verdict
Choose Mullvad if anonymity is your absolute top priority and you do not need streaming. Choose Proton VPN if you want a more well-rounded privacy VPN with better streaming, more servers, and a free tier. For most privacy-focused travelers, Proton VPN offers the better balance.
