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In the digital privacy arena, both Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN have carved out reputations for prioritizing user security and anonymity. This extensive comparison will delve deep into their offerings, focusing on privacy policies, security features including IPv6 support, performance, platform support, pricing, including free plans, and user experience. Whether you're a privacy advocate, a tech enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a reliable VPN, this review aims to equip you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
VS.
Privacy and Anonymity:
Security Features:
Speed and Performance:
Platform Support:
Pricing and Free Plans:
User Experience:
Choosing between Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN largely depends on your specific needs:
Both VPNs provide excellent privacy and security, but your decision might hinge on whether you prioritize Proton's user-friendly interface and ecosystem or Mullvad's uncompromising stance on anonymity and simplicity. Remember, neither service offers a perfect solution for every use case, but both are among the best for those concerned with their online privacy.
Privacy and Anonymity:
- Proton VPN:
- No-Logs Policy: Regularly audited to ensure no logs are kept, but requires an email for account creation. However, payment can be made anonymously via Bitcoin.
- Jurisdiction: Operates from Switzerland
, known for its stringent privacy laws, yet it's within the 14-Eyes surveillance network. Proton benefits from Swiss laws to counter data requests. - Account Anonymity: Although an email is needed, Proton's use of anonymous payment methods helps maintain user privacy.
- Mullvad VPN:
- No-Logs Policy: Audited for a true no-logs commitment. No personal information is required; you're given a 16-digit account number for anonymity.
- Jurisdiction: Located in Sweden
, which has privacy-friendly laws despite being part of the 14-Eyes. Mullvad has historically protected user data well. - Anonymity: Offers significant anonymity, with payment options like cash or various cryptocurrencies ensuring no traceability.
Security Features:
- Proton VPN:
- Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption for OpenVPN/IKEv2 and ChaCha20 for WireGuard, providing strong security.
- Secure Core: Routes traffic through privacy-focused countries before reaching the final destination server, adding an extra security layer.
- Full Disk Encryption: All servers are encrypted, safeguarding against physical attacks.
- DNS Leak Protection: Robust, with options for custom DNS for privacy-conscious users.
- Port Forwarding: Available on Windows and Linux, with manual configuration possible on other platforms, ideal for P2P activities.
- Kill Switch: Ensures no data leaks by cutting off internet if the VPN disconnects.
- NetShield: Integrated ad-blocker, malware, and tracker protection.
- Tor over VPN: Allows users to route their traffic through Tor for maximum anonymity.
- IPv6 Support: Proton VPN supports IPv6, but to prevent leaks, it blocks IPv6 traffic by default unless configured otherwise. They provide guidance on how to prevent IPv6 leaks, ensuring users can connect to both IPv4 and IPv6 networks securely.
- Mullvad VPN:
- Encryption: Similar encryption standards with AES-256 for OpenVPN and ChaCha20 for WireGuard.
- Multi-Hop: Allows for two-server routing for increased privacy, akin to Secure Core but with user control.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: A pioneering feature for future-proofing against quantum computing threats.
- DNS Leak Protection: Very strong, with the option to set custom DNS servers.
- Port Forwarding: Discontinued due to potential abuse, which might affect P2P users.
- Kill Switch: Custom implementations for each supported OS to prevent data leaks.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: Offers for manual configurations or specific applications.
- IPv6 Support: Mullvad supports IPv6 on both its servers and client applications, ensuring that users can use IPv6 addresses without the risk of leaks. Mullvad has always included IPv6 in its service offering, providing a seamless transition for users with IPv6 connectivity.
Speed and Performance:
- Proton VPN:
- VPN Accelerator: A unique technology to optimize connection speeds, particularly beneficial for distant servers.
- Server Network: With over 9,300 servers in 110 countries, it offers good speed distribution due to less server congestion.
- Streaming Support: Optimized servers for streaming services, ensuring better performance for video content.
- Mullvad VPN:
- WireGuard: Mullvad's WireGuard setup is known for its speed, providing a performance edge.
- Server Network: A smaller network with about 636 servers in 48 countries, but servers are optimized for speed and privacy.
- Performance Tuning: Regular updates and optimizations to maintain high-speed connections without sacrificing privacy.
Platform Support:
- Proton VPN:
- Desktop: Comprehensive support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including advanced features like Secure Core and split tunneling. The Linux app supports both graphical and command-line interfaces.
- Mobile: Android and iOS apps with features tailored for each, like Stealth protocol on iOS for anti-censorship, and split tunneling on Android.
- Routers: Manual configuration available for various router models, extending protection to all network devices.
- Browser Extensions: Offers a Chrome extension for quick activation, but full functionality requires the native app. No extensions for other browsers.
- Proton VPN allows for up to 10 devices to be connected at the same time with a single account.
- Mullvad VPN:
- Desktop: Native applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with the Linux client being open-source for community scrutiny. Features include split tunneling and multi-hop connections.
- Mobile: Android app supports split tunneling, while the iOS app is more restricted due to Apple's policies but still includes essential features like a kill switch and WireGuard.
- Routers: Manual configuration guides for VPN setup on routers, offering network-wide protection.
- Browser Extensions: Only a Firefox add-on, requiring the main app for full functionality, which might be less convenient for users on other browsers.
- Mullvad VPN supports up to 5 devices simultaneously connected under one account.
Pricing and Free Plans:
- Proton VPN:
- Paid Plans:
- Proton VPN Plus: Monthly at $4.99, yearly at $59.88 ($4.99/month), or two-year at $107.76 ($4.49/month), providing access to all servers, Secure Core, and advanced features.
- Proton Unlimited: $9.99/month or $118.88/year, includes VPN Plus along with Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass.
- Free Plan: Generous with servers in 3 countries (USA, Netherlands, Japan), no data limits, but restricted to one device connection. It includes core security features like encryption and a kill switch but lacks access to advanced features.
- Paid Plans:
- Mullvad VPN:
- Paid Plans:
- Flat Rate: A straightforward $5.33 per month, with no discounts for longer commitments, promoting simplicity and transparency.
- Payment Methods: Supports anonymous payments like cash, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Monero, ensuring privacy from the payment phase.
- Free Plan: Mullvad does not offer a free plan, focusing instead on a quality paid service. Their approach is that a VPN should be fully functional and secure for all users, which they argue can't be achieved with a free model.
- Paid Plans:
User Experience:
- Proton VPN:
- Interface: User-friendly with a modern design, multilingual support, and easy navigation for all user levels.
- Customer Support: Email support with a knowledge base; premium plans receive priority in responses.
- Mullvad VPN:
- Interface: Minimalist and functional, aimed at users who prefer simplicity over aesthetics. Supports multiple languages but with a focus on core functionality.
- Customer Support: Email-based, known for detailed and helpful replies, emphasizing privacy over immediate response times.
Choosing between Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN largely depends on your specific needs:
- Proton VPN would be the choice for those who value a comprehensive privacy ecosystem, need a free tier for basic use, or require specific features like streaming optimization and Tor over VPN. Its broader server network and integrated services make it appealing for users looking for an all-in-one privacy solution. The support for IPv6, with measures to prevent leaks, adds to its security offerings.
- Mullvad VPN caters to users who demand absolute anonymity, appreciate a flat pricing model, and prefer a service focused on the essentials of VPN functionality without extraneous features. Its commitment to transparency, open-source code, quantum-resistant tunnels, and native IPv6 support make it ideal for privacy purists looking for straightforward, secure connectivity.
Both VPNs provide excellent privacy and security, but your decision might hinge on whether you prioritize Proton's user-friendly interface and ecosystem or Mullvad's uncompromising stance on anonymity and simplicity. Remember, neither service offers a perfect solution for every use case, but both are among the best for those concerned with their online privacy.
