| # | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proton VPNBetter Apps + Free Tier | Free tier; Plus from €4.49/mo (2-yr) | Check Price | |
| 2 | Mullvad VPNMost Anonymous | Flat €5/month (no affiliate programme) |
Choose Proton VPN if you want a privacy-focused VPN that also streams well, with better TV apps and a genuine free tier; choose Mullvad if maximum anonymity and honest flat pricing matter more than streaming convenience. Both are among the most trustworthy VPNs, but they serve slightly different priorities. This comparison covers each factor with a verdict by use case.
At a Glance
| Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed retention (tested) | ~82% | ~80% |
| Free tier | Yes (unlimited data) | No |
| Account | Email-based | Anonymous number; cash accepted |
| Devices | 10 (Plus) | 5 |
| TV apps | Android TV, Fire TV | Basic (no dedicated Fire/Apple TV app) |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Sweden |
| Price (obs. Jul 2026) | Free; Plus from €4.49/mo | Flat €5/month |
Full detail is in our Proton VPN review and Mullvad review.
Speed and Streaming
On speed, Proton is marginally faster (~82% vs ~80% in our tests), both using WireGuard. The bigger gap is streaming: Proton has better TV apps (Fire TV and Android TV) and does not avoid unblocking, while Mullvad has no streaming-optimised servers and a basic TV experience. For 4K HDR streaming in the living room, Proton is the easier choice.
Privacy, Anonymity and Price
Both are privacy leaders, but Mullvad is more anonymous by design: a random account number, no email, and cash payments accepted. Proton is Swiss-based, audited and open-source, but account-based. Both keep no logs — see how VPNs work.
On price, Proton’s Plus starts ~€4.49/mo (and renews higher) plus a free tier; Mullvad is a flat €5/month that never rises — refreshingly honest, with no intro-then-hike model.
On affiliates: Mullvad runs no affiliate programme, so we earn nothing from it — fitting for its privacy ethos, and the reason there is no Mullvad purchase link here. Our Proton VPN link is an affiliate link.
Proton leads on streaming and free tier; Mullvad on anonymity and flat pricing.
| Proton VPN | Mullvad VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| TV apps | Android TV, Fire TV | Basic (no dedicated Fire/Apple TV app) |
| Account | Email-based | Anonymous number; cash accepted |
| Free tier | Yes (unlimited data) | No |
| Price (obs. Jul 2026) | Free; Plus from €4.49/mo | Flat €5/month |
Verdict by Use Case
- Privacy + streaming: Proton VPN — better apps, does not shun unblocking.
- Maximum anonymity: Mullvad — account numbers, cash, minimal data.
- Want a free tier: Proton VPN — genuinely unlimited data.
- Honest, flat pricing: Mullvad — €5/month, never rises.
- Living-room TV apps: Proton VPN — Fire TV and Android TV.
Our pick: for most people who want privacy and streaming, Proton VPN is the better fit — faster, better TV apps, and a free tier to try. Choose Mullvad if anonymity and honest flat pricing are your absolute priorities.
Mullvad has no affiliate programme; visit its official site directly if you choose it.
See our full rankings in the best VPN for streaming guide, and look up any term in the streaming glossary.