A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, hiding your IP address and reducing what local networks and ISPs can learn about your browsing.

Paid VPNs fund secure infrastructure, audits, and support. Free VPNs often monetize users via tracking or weak security. Paid options deliver stronger privacy and performance.

What a VPN doesn’t do

A VPN does not make you fully anonymous, stop malware or phishing, or remove the need to trust your provider. Combine it with good security hygiene.

Is using a VPN legal?

VPNs are legal in most countries (61% of tracked countries) but restricted or banned in some. Check local rules and set up your service before traveling.

How should we choose a VPN?

Look for audited no-logs, RAM-only servers, modern protocols, a leak-safe kill switch, ownership transparency, and clear incident response. Then compare speed and app quality.

Should I build my own VPN?

It depends on your goal. For a fixed, controlled internet exit (allow-lists, public Wi-Fi privacy), rent a VPS and install WireGuard. For private networking between devices, use a mesh VPN like Tailscale or Netmaker. For anonymity or streaming at scale, a commercial VPN is usually better than DIY.

How do you test and score VPNs?

We use a 28-category scoring system covering encryption, audits, transparency, trust, and true cost. Scores are NIST-aligned for enterprise contexts and track post-quantum readiness. All assessments are evidence-based with publicly verifiable sources.

Which is better: ProtonVPN or Mullvad VPN?

Based on our 28-criteria evidence-based analysis, ProtonVPN scores higher overall (4.6/5.0 vs 4.5/5.0). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: ProtonVPN excels in certain categories while Mullvad VPN has its own strengths.

Is ProtonVPN more secure than Mullvad VPN?

Security comparisons require examining multiple factors including encryption standards, audit history, and no-logs policies. ProtonVPN scores 5.0/5.0 for encryption while Mullvad VPN scores 5.0/5.0. Both use industry-standard protocols, but their audit histories and transparency practices differ.

Which VPN is better for streaming: ProtonVPN or Mullvad VPN?

For streaming and geo-unblocking, Mullvad VPN has a slight edge with a score of 3.0/5.0. Both can unblock popular streaming services, but reliability and server coverage may vary by region.

Is ProtonVPN or Mullvad VPN faster?

In our performance testing, Mullvad VPN scores higher for speed (4.0/5.0). Speed can vary based on server location, network conditions, and protocol choice.

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ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN

Complete evidence-based comparison across all 28 security, privacy, and performance criteria

Affiliate Disclaimer: Contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our independent testing. Learn more

Executive Summary

After comprehensive testing across 28 security and privacy criteria—including infrastructure analysis, speed telemetry, configuration reviews, and legal due diligence—we've identified key differentiators between ProtonVPN and Mullvad VPN. ProtonVPN emerges as the overall winner with a score of 4.59/5.0, winning 5 categories.

Corporate Structure & Ownership

ProtonVPN

Ownership Type:

Independent

Parent Company: Proton AG

Corporate Structure: Private Company

Risk Factors:

Low Risk

Swiss jurisdiction complexity

Privacy Implications:

Strong privacy laws
Independent operation

Mullvad VPN

Ownership Type:

Independent

Parent Company: Amagicom AB

Corporate Structure: Private Company

Risk Factors:

Low Risk

EU jurisdiction
Small company

Privacy Implications:

GDPR compliance
Independent operation
Anonymous payments
Strict no-logs policy

Jurisdictional & Legal Risk Analysis

ProtonVPN

Primary Jurisdiction:

Switzerland

Privacy Rating: Excellent

Strong privacy laws, outside surveillance alliances, strict data protection

Parent Company Jurisdiction:

Switzerland

Moderate Risk

Parent company headquartered in jurisdiction with moderate lawful interception risk.

Mullvad VPN

Primary Jurisdiction:

Sweden

Privacy Rating: Good

EU jurisdiction with GDPR protections, outside Five Eyes alliance, strong privacy laws

Quick Verdict

ProtonVPN

Overall Winner

Overall Score

4.59/5.0

Categories Won5/28

Categories Tied17

Get ProtonVPN

Mullvad VPN

Overall Score

4.52/5.0

Categories Won6/28

Categories Tied17

Get Mullvad VPN

Complete 28-Criteria Comparison

Detailed side-by-side comparison with evidence for each criterion. Scores are based on independent audits, technical reviews, and verified testing data.

Criterion

ProtonVPN

4.59

Mullvad VPN

4.52

Jurisdiction

4.5+1.0 vs Mullvad VPN

Grade A

Primary

EQS: 13.0

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws and is outside the jurisdiction of mass surveillance programs like Five Eyes.

Plan	ProtonVPN	Mullvad VPN	USD	GBP	EUR	CAD
Monthly		—	$10.89	£8.59	€9.99	C$14.69
Annual Best Value		—	$5.44	£4.29	€4.99	C$7.34
Monthly	—		$5.45	£4.30	€5.00	C$7.35
Annual Best Value	—		$5.45	£4.30	€5.00	C$7.35

ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN

Executive Summary

Corporate Structure & Ownership

ProtonVPN

Mullvad VPN

Jurisdictional & Legal Risk Analysis

ProtonVPN

Lawful Interception RiskModerate Risk

Mullvad VPN

Lawful Interception RiskModerate Risk

Quick Verdict

ProtonVPN

Mullvad VPN

Complete 28-Criteria Comparison

Detailed Criterion Analysis

Core Privacy & SecurityProtonVPN wins

Infrastructure & TransparencyProtonVPN wins

Performance & UsabilityProtonVPN wins

Advanced FeaturesMullvad VPN wins

Multi-Currency Pricing Comparison

Pricing Across Currencies (USD, GBP, EUR, CAD)

Key Strengths & Weaknesses

ProtonVPN Strengths

Mullvad VPN Strengths

Which VPN for Your Use Case?

Streaming & Geo-Unblocking

Speed & Performance

Maximum Privacy & Anonymity

Bypassing Censorship

Decision Framework

Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritize:

Choose Mullvad VPN if you prioritize:

Ready to Choose?

ProtonVPN

Mullvad VPN

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