Mullvad and Proton VPN appeal to people who want more than a VPN that merely changes their apparent location: both emphasize privacy and publish information about their security practices. The real decision is whether you want to minimize the personal details involved in signing up and keep the service focused, or prefer a more feature-rich VPN connected to a broader privacy company.
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Mullvad VPN 12-Month Subscription for 5 Devices
- ✔ Subscription duration: 12 months
- ✔ Simultaneous devices: Up to 5
- ✔ Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows 10+, macOS, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora
NordVPN Standard 1-Year Subscription for 10 Devices
- ✔ Subscription term: 1 year
- ✔ Device limit: Up to 10 devices
- ✔ Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, web browsers
Malwarebytes Premium Security and Privacy VPN, 1-Year Subscription for 2 Devices
- ✔ Subscription: 1 year
- ✔ Device limit: 2 devices
- ✔ Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Chromebook
Mullvad is the clearer fit for users who value account anonymity, straightforward pricing, and a service that avoids tying access to a conventional email account. Proton VPN makes a stronger case for people who want a free plan, more server and app features, or a single provider for several privacy tools. Neither choice makes a user anonymous by itself: your accounts, device, browsing behavior, and other services still matter.
At a Glance
| Criteria | Mullvad VPN | Proton VPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account and payment privacy | Numbered accounts; cash and other payment methods available | Account typically tied to an email; multiple payment methods | A |
| Independent transparency | Publishes audits and security information; has undergone infrastructure audits | Publishes audits and transparency reports; open-source apps | Tie |
| Everyday features | Focused VPN apps with essential privacy controls | More advanced settings and bundled privacy features | B |
| Network and location choice | Smaller network than Proton; sufficient for many common locations | Larger server network and broader location selection | B |
| Free access | No permanent free tier | Free plan available with limits | B |
| Pricing and value | Flat monthly price with no long-term discount structure | Paid plans can cost less per month when bought for a longer term | Depends |
Mullvad VPN 12-Month Subscription for 5 Devices
Mullvad is our top choice for buyers who want a VPN account that asks for less identifying information at setup. The subscription uses an activation code and does not require an email address. Its description also says the service is designed to operate without activity logs, and the listed regular independent audits give privacy-conscious buyers a reason to examine its security practices further. These details make it a more focused privacy pick than a bundle whose main distinction is adding malware protection.It supports up to five simultaneous devices across iOS, Android, Windows 10 and later, macOS, and several Linux distributions. WireGuard support provides a modern VPN protocol option, while five connections are enough for some individuals or smaller device groups. Compared with NordVPN’s ten-device allowance, Mullvad asks us to be more selective about which devices use the subscription. Its listed Linux compatibility is also specific to Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora, so users on other distributions should check compatibility before choosing it.The tradeoff is a focused service rather than a broad security suite. The provided details do not list bundled malware scanning, phishing protection, or ad and tracker blocking like NordVPN’s package, nor Malwarebytes’ wider threat protection. We would choose Mullvad for account setup and a clear VPN-first role, not for extensive device security extras. The subscription covers a fixed 12-month period, so buyers should be comfortable with that term and the five-device ceiling.
Pros:
- Activation code setup does not require an email address.
- Designed to operate without activity logs, according to the product description.
- Supports up to five devices across major desktop and mobile platforms.
- Uses WireGuard and lists regular independent security audits.
Cons:
- The subscription covers a fixed 12-month period.
- Linux compatibility is listed for Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora only.
Best for: Privacy-minded individuals or small households who value an activation-code account without an email address and need coverage for up to five devices.
Not ideal for: People who need more than five simultaneous connections, rely on a Linux distribution outside those listed, or want bundled malware and phishing protection.
Bottom line: Mullvad is the strongest match here for buyers who prioritize low-information account setup over a large device allowance or a bundled security suite.
“Mullvad is the strongest match here for buyers who prioritize low-information account setup over a large device allowance or a bundled security suite.”
NordVPN Standard 1-Year Subscription for 10 Devices
NordVPN is the lineup’s broadest fit for a household with many devices. One subscription supports up to ten devices and works across desktop and mobile systems, Linux, Fire TV, and web browsers. That gives it an advantage over Mullvad when we want one service to cover a wider mix of screens. Its larger device ceiling is the practical reason to choose it; it does not establish that the service offers stronger account anonymity than Mullvad’s email-free setup.The package combines encrypted VPN connections with a Kill Switch, Double VPN servers, and blocking or scanning features for ads, trackers, malware, and phishing. The Kill Switch and Double VPN are the most directly VPN-related additions: one is a connection privacy control, while the other routes traffic through two VPN servers. Blocking and scanning features address other risks, so buyers should view them as extra layers rather than substitutes for careful account security. Compared with Malwarebytes, NordVPN’s stated differentiator is more VPN connections and a broader platform list; Malwarebytes emphasizes real-time device protection in its bundle.NordVPN is a better fit than Mullvad when breadth matters more than an email-free account process. The supplied details do not describe an equivalent activation-code setup without an email address, so we should not assume it offers Mullvad’s account privacy distinction. Its Dark Web Monitor alerts when listed email addresses or card details are found, but an alert does not secure an affected account; we still need to change passwords and use account security controls. The one-year term is another fixed commitment. Choose it for its mix of device coverage and extra tools, while evaluating those tools separately from the core VPN.
Pros:
- Supports up to ten devices on one subscription.
- Works with major desktop and mobile platforms, Linux, Fire TV, and browsers.
- Includes a Kill Switch and Double VPN servers.
- Adds malware and phishing protection plus ad and tracker blocking.
Cons:
- The subscription term is limited to one year.
- Dark Web Monitor alerts do not secure compromised accounts by themselves.
- The listed features do not establish an email-free account setup like Mullvad’s.
Best for: Households or individuals who want VPN coverage on up to ten devices, including streaming hardware, alongside blocking and connection controls.
Not ideal for: Buyers whose leading requirement is an account that can be set up without an email address, or users seeking a VPN-only subscription without additional security features.
Bottom line: NordVPN is the most flexible pick for covering many household devices, provided its added protections and account setup fit our needs.
“NordVPN is the most flexible pick for covering many household devices, provided its added protections and account setup fit our needs.”
Malwarebytes Premium Security and Privacy VPN, 1-Year Subscription for 2 Devices
Malwarebytes makes the most sense when we want device security and a VPN under one subscription. The bundle includes real-time protection against malware, viruses, phishing, and ransomware, plus Browser Guard to block ads, trackers, malicious pages, and online scams. Its VPN adds encrypted connections on public Wi-Fi and is described as no-log. Compared with NordVPN, this is the more explicit choice for buyers seeking a wider device protection package; NordVPN allows more VPN devices and foregrounds VPN controls such as Double VPN.The tradeoff is that the VPN covers just two devices, the smallest allowance in this comparison. That limit makes it a focused personal option rather than the natural choice for a household trying to secure many phones and computers. It supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, and Chromebook, while Browser Guard works with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. The included VPN lists 500+ servers in 40+ countries and AES 256-bit encryption, though server figures alone do not tell us how a service handles account or connection data.We should also account for platform differences: some listed protections, including ransomware and zero-day exploit protection, are Windows-only. Real-time protection and updates need an active internet connection, and the subscription cannot be combined with existing subscriptions. Malwarebytes is therefore our security-bundle pick, not our leading VPN-account privacy pick. Mullvad is better aligned with minimizing identifying details at sign-up, and NordVPN is better suited to more simultaneous devices. Choose Malwarebytes if its broader protection is useful and two VPN connections are enough; skip it if we mainly want VPN coverage across a larger device group.
Pros:
- Bundles a no-log VPN with malware, phishing, and ransomware protection.
- Browser Guard blocks ads, trackers, malicious pages, and scams in supported browsers.
- Encrypts public Wi-Fi connections and supports desktop, mobile, and Chromebook platforms.
- Lists AES 256-bit VPN encryption and servers in 40+ countries.
Cons:
- The VPN subscription covers only two devices.
- Some protections, including ransomware and zero-day exploit protection, are Windows-only.
- Real-time protection and updates require an active internet connection.
Best for: A user with two primary devices who wants a VPN bundled with real-time threat protection and browser-based blocking tools.
Not ideal for: Households that need several simultaneous VPN connections, buyers seeking an email-free activation setup, or users who require every protection across all platforms.
Bottom line: Malwarebytes is the practical choice when we want broader threat protection with a VPN, but its two-device limit and platform-specific features narrow its appeal.
“Malwarebytes is the practical choice when we want broader threat protection with a VPN, but its two-device limit and platform-specific features narrow its appeal.”
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Key Differences
The biggest privacy distinction is how little information Mullvad asks for to create an account. Its numbered account system can be used without providing an email address, and cash payment is an option for people who want to avoid leaving a conventional payment record with the provider. Proton VPN generally asks for an email-linked account. This does not make Proton inherently unsafe; it means Mullvad offers a more direct route to reducing the personal information attached to VPN access.
Proton VPN pulls ahead in breadth. Its free plan gives people a way to try a reputable VPN without an initial subscription, and its apps offer more options for users who want to tune their connections. Its larger network can also help when a particular country or server location matters. Mullvad’s tighter focus may be preferable if those additions would go unused: fewer choices and a simple flat price can make the service easier to evaluate and budget for.
Both providers have taken steps to make their practices more visible through audits, open-source components, and published security information. These measures help outside experts examine claims, but they cannot guarantee that every future release, server, or user configuration is risk-free. For most privacy-minded users, the practical choice comes down to the account model and feature set they will actually use, not a claim that one VPN can replace safe browsing or protect every part of their digital life.
Detailed Comparison
Account and payment privacy (Mullvad VPN wins — major)
Mullvad wins by a clear margin for minimizing identity information. A numbered account avoids the email address normally associated with a VPN login, and cash payment gives privacy-conscious customers another option. Proton’s email-based account is convenient and supports its wider services, but it creates a more direct link between the customer and subscription. This is a major difference for people who actively reduce identifying information; for ordinary users who already trust an email provider and pay online, it may be less important.
Independent transparency (moderate difference)
This is close to a tie. Both providers publish security information and have made their apps or infrastructure available for outside scrutiny, including audits. Proton’s open-source apps make it easier for technically capable users to inspect client code; Mullvad has also commissioned audits and shared results. Audits cover particular systems at particular times, so neither should be treated as a permanent guarantee. For most buyers, the evidence is reassuring from both sides rather than a decisive reason to pay more.
Everyday features (Proton VPN wins — moderate)
Proton VPN wins for breadth. Its apps include more advanced connection choices and feature options, which can benefit people who want to customize how the VPN behaves. Mullvad covers the core VPN experience with privacy-oriented controls and a relatively focused interface. The gap is moderate: extra controls matter to users who will configure them, while a person who wants a dependable connection and basic protections may find Mullvad’s narrower approach easier to manage.
Network and location choice (Proton VPN wins — moderate)
Proton VPN has the advantage in the size and reach of its server network, giving users more locations to choose from. That can matter when traveling, connecting from a specific country, or trying another server if one is slow or unavailable. Mullvad’s network is smaller, though it still serves many common needs. The difference is moderate rather than universal: a user who always connects to a nearby server may rarely notice it, while frequent travelers or location-sensitive users have a practical reason to favor Proton.
Free access (Proton VPN wins — major)
Proton VPN wins outright because it offers a free plan, while Mullvad does not maintain a free tier. A no-cost option lets a cautious buyer try the apps and test basic suitability before subscribing. Free access comes with limits, so it may not match the flexibility of a paid plan. This is a major distinction for people who cannot or do not want to pay; for users who need a paid VPN’s full feature set, the free plan is mainly a way to sample the service.
Pricing and value (moderate difference)
There is no universal winner. Mullvad’s flat monthly pricing is straightforward and avoids the need to commit to a long subscription to get a lower monthly rate. Proton VPN’s paid plans may offer a lower effective monthly cost with a longer commitment and can bundle value for customers who use other Proton services. That makes Proton better value for a subscriber who wants the bundle and will keep it long enough; Mullvad is more compelling for someone who values predictable month-to-month spending and anonymity-oriented payment options. Compare the actual plan and renewal terms before buying.
Mullvad VPN: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Numbered account system avoids requiring an email address for signup
- Cash payment option for users seeking less conventional payment linkage
- Simple flat monthly pricing
- Focused apps with a privacy-centered approach
Cons:
- No permanent free plan
- Smaller server network and fewer locations than Proton VPN
- Fewer advanced features and bundled services
Proton VPN: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Free plan offers a low-risk way to try the service
- Larger network with broader location choice
- More app features and customization
- Can bundle with other Proton privacy services
Cons:
- Account is generally linked to an email address
- Long-term pricing may require a longer commitment
- Broader suite may add little value to VPN-only users
Who Should Choose What
Choose Mullvad VPN if:
- You want to create a VPN account without attaching an email address.
- You value cash payment and a focused, easy-to-understand VPN.
- You prefer a flat monthly cost over a discounted longer subscription.
Choose Proton VPN if:
- You want to test a free VPN plan before paying.
- You need a wider choice of server locations or more app controls.
- You already use or plan to use Proton’s other privacy services.
Skip both if: Skip both if you need a VPN to make you anonymous while using identifiable accounts, or if your main requirement is a guarantee against surveillance or complete protection from tracking; a VPN cannot provide those outcomes on its own.
Value for Money
Paying more for Proton VPN makes sense when its larger network, advanced controls, or bundled services solve a real need. A lower effective rate on a longer plan is useful only if you expect to keep the subscription and are comfortable with its renewal terms. The free tier can also be valuable for someone who needs basic VPN access at no cost, subject to its limits.
Mullvad’s value is its straightforward monthly price and its account and payment model. It may cost more than a discounted long-term offer, but that premium can be justified for someone who prioritizes minimizing signup information or wants to avoid a long commitment. If you only need a VPN for occasional use and do not need Mullvad’s privacy-oriented account model, Proton’s free plan or a suitable paid plan may deliver better value.
Final Verdict
Choose Mullvad if reducing the information attached to your VPN account is the deciding factor. Its numbered signup and cash payment option give it the stronger privacy-first account model, and its simple monthly pricing suits people who want a focused service without a long contract.
Choose Proton VPN if you want more locations, more features, a free starting point, or a VPN that fits into a wider privacy toolkit. For most users comparing general-purpose capability and value, Proton is the better all-around choice; for users who place account anonymity above breadth, Mullvad is the more convincing purchase. The biggest deciding factor is whether you will use Proton’s extra reach and features or prefer Mullvad’s lower-information signup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is more private, Mullvad or Proton VPN?
Mullvad has the edge if privacy means minimizing the personal information tied to an account: it uses numbered accounts and offers cash payment. Both providers publish security information and have subjected parts of their services to outside scrutiny. A VPN still cannot conceal activity from every service you use or make you anonymous by itself.
Does Proton VPN have a free plan?
Yes. Proton VPN offers a free plan with limits, while Mullvad has no permanent free tier. The free option is useful for trying the service or basic use, but check its current limits against your location and usage needs.
Is Mullvad worth paying for if Proton VPN has more features?
It can be, if Mullvad’s numbered account, cash payment option, and flat monthly price matter more to you than a larger network or advanced controls. If you will use Proton’s extra features or bundled services, Proton may provide better value.
Which service is better for travel?
Proton VPN is generally the more flexible choice for travel because its network offers more locations to choose from. Mullvad can still suit travelers who need a straightforward VPN and find their commonly used locations available.
