ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN
Which is the better vpn for Mac in 2026?
ProtonVPN
VPN client focusing on security
Mullvad VPN
VPN client
Our verdict
How we compare appsFor most Mac users in 2026, ProtonVPN is the better choice for vpn because it is free while Mullvad VPN charges for full use. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Mullvad VPN instead if you want vpn.
Read the quick answer
Which is better: ProtonVPN or Mullvad VPN?
ProtonVPN is the top pick for most Mac users looking at vpn. It is free and installs in one Homebrew command. Mullvad VPN is the stronger choice if you want vpn. As of October 2026, both install with brew install --cask protonvpn and brew install --cask mullvad-vpn.
TL;DR
ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN: For most Mac users in 2026, ProtonVPN is the better choice for vpn because it is free while Mullvad VPN charges for full use. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Mullvad VPN instead if you want vpn.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | See developer pricing |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Replaces | ExpressVPN ($13/month) | — |
| Best for | vpn, privacy, network | vpn, privacy, network |
| Install | brew install --cask protonvpn | brew install --cask mullvad-vpn |
| Category | Security & Privacy | Security & Privacy |
Quick Install
brew install --cask protonvpnbrew install --cask mullvad-vpnLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is ProtonVPN?
Proton VPN is the Swiss privacy company’s VPN product, open-source clients, no-logs policy, and a rare unlimited-data free plan (1 device, limited country set, medium speed). Paid VPN Plus unlocks highest speeds, 10 simultaneous devices, streaming, P2P, NetShield, Secure Core, and the full server catalogue, vendor marketing in August 2026 cites 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Pricing is promotional and bill-cycle dependent: monthly Plus is commonly listed around $9.99; longer 1- and 2-year plans discount heavily (third-party 2026 reviews still cite roughly $2.99-$4.99/month effective on multi-year Plus intros, renewing higher). Proton Unlimited bundles VPN Plus-class access with Mail, Pass, Drive, Calendar plus Docs/Sheets. Apps ship for macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, TV platforms, and browsers. Swiss privacy law and independent audits remain the trust pitch.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Streaming & Geo-Unblocking
Critical importanceProtonVPN
ExcellentPlus/Unlimited include streaming unblocking as a first-class feature across major services; free tier is not aimed at streaming reliability.
Verdict: Proton VPN markets streaming support as a Plus feature; Mullvad does not treat streaming as a product goal.
Anonymity & Account Privacy
Critical importanceProtonVPN
GoodRequires an email/account. Strong no-logs and open-source apps, Swiss law, but not as identity-minimal as Mullvad’s account-number model.
Verdict: Mullvad's numbered account system offers a level of dissociation that Proton cannot match.
Connection Protocols
High importanceProtonVPN
ExcellentProton supports WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), and IKEv2 on macOS. However, their standout is the 'Stealth' protocol, an obfuscated protocol based on WireGuard and TLS intended to bypass strict firewalls and censorship. This makes Proton superior for users in restricted networks (schools, corporate firewalls, or restrictive nations) where standard WireGuard might be blocked.
Verdict: Proton takes the lead due to the proprietary 'Stealth' protocol's ease of use for bypassing censorship.
Server Network & Locations
Medium importanceProtonVPN
ExcellentLarge global network; August 2026 Plus marketing cites 20,000+ servers across 140+ countries plus Secure Core multi-hop in privacy-friendly countries.
Verdict: ProtonVPN provides significantly better global coverage for users needing specific geographic exit nodes.
Ad & Tracker Blocking
High importanceProtonVPN
ExcellentNetShield is a highly polished feature integrated directly into the macOS app interface. Users can toggle between 'Block Malware Only', 'Block malware/ads/trackers', or 'Off'. It speeds up browsing by preventing heavy ad scripts from loading. The visual feedback on how many items were blocked adds a layer of reassurance for the user.
Verdict: NetShield is slightly more user-friendly and granular for the average Mac user.
macOS App Design
Medium importanceProtonVPN
ExcellentThe ProtonVPN macOS app is visually striking, featuring a dark-mode, futuristic world map that visualizes connections. It allows for 'Profiles', where users can save specific server configurations (e.g., 'Work - Secure Core Switzerland'). The dashboard provides real-time traffic graphs and session data, appealing to users who want to 'see' the VPN working.
Verdict: Proton's interface is more modern and easier to scan.
Advanced Security Architecture
High importanceProtonVPN
ExcellentProton's 'Secure Core' is a major differentiator. By routing traffic first through a server in a physically secure bunker (in Switzerland or Iceland) and then to the destination, they mitigate timing attacks. If the exit server is compromised, the attacker still only sees traffic coming from the Secure Core, not the user's ISP. This is premium architecture included in the paid plan.
Verdict: A tight tie, but Mullvad's focus on DAITA and future-proofing gives it a technical edge for high-threat models.
Simultaneous Connections
Medium importanceProtonVPN
GoodProtonVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections on the Plus plan. This is generally enough for a power user with a phone, laptop, tablet or desktop, and maybe a family member's device. The free tier is limited to 1 device. The device management in the web dashboard allows you to remotely kick devices off if you exceed the limit.
Verdict: Proton offers double the connection capacity, better suiting the multi-device household of 2026.
Pricing honesty and free access
Critical importanceProtonVPN
GoodReal free tier; paid Plus uses familiar monthly vs multi-year discount ladders ($9.99 monthly list). Unlimited bundle adds suite value.
Verdict: Proton wins access. Mullvad wins price simplicity. Which matters depends on whether you need $0 today or €5 forever.
Who Should Choose Which?
1The Digital Nomad
Travelers need reliable access to home banking, streaming services (Netflix/Hulu), and secure connections on hotel Wi-Fi. ProtonVPN's ability to unblock content and its 'Secure Core' for high-risk public networks make it the superior travel companion. The map interface also helps visualize connection distance to minimize latency.
2The Privacy Purist / Whistleblower
For someone whose threat model involves state-level actors or who simply refuses to participate in data capitalism, Mullvad is the only choice. The ability to send cash by mail and generate an account without an email address ensures that no paper trail exists linking the person to the VPN usage.
3The Student
Students often have limited budgets. ProtonVPN offers the best free tier on the market, unlimited data, decent speeds, and no ads. It allows students to bypass campus Wi-Fi restrictions and protect their data without spending money. When they can afford it, upgrading is straightforward.
4The Linux/Mac Power User
Users who live in the terminal and prefer open-source, lightweight software will appreciate Mullvad. Its CLI (Command Line Interface) is powerful, scriptable, and solid. It integrates well with complex home lab setups without the 'bloat' of a heavy GUI application.
5The Subscription Hater
For the user who is tired of managing 20 different subscriptions and worrying about auto-renewal dates, Mullvad is a breath of fresh air. They can pay for 3 months, let it lapse, and pay again later without penalties or 'come back' spam emails. The flat pricing respects the user's intelligence.
6The Family CTO
Managing the digital security of a household requires tools that are easy for non-tech family members to use. Proton's friendly interface, combined with the 10-device limit, allows the head of the household to install it on everyone's iPads and phones. The NetShield feature also helps protect kids from malware and ads.
7Traveller who needs free VPN today on one MacBook
Proton Free is immediate and unlimited in data. Mullvad requires payment before first useful session.
8Journalist who will pay cash and reject email accounts
Account-number plus cash/crypto is still the stricter identity surface in this pair.
Migration Guide
Protonvpn → Mullvad
Generate a Mullvad account number, top up €5 or more, install the Mac app, and import or select a WireGuard server. Disconnect Proton and disable its kill switch/auto-connect so the two clients do not fight. Accept that you lose Proton Free/Plus streaming tooling and NetShield; replace adblocking elsewhere if needed. Keep the Proton account only if you still need Mail or Pass.
Mullvad → Protonvpn
Create a Proton account, start on Free to validate Mac routes, then upgrade to Plus if you need streaming or more devices. Install Proton VPN for Mac, connect, then disable Mullvad auto-connect. Prepaid Mullvad time is use-it-or-leave-it value; there is no transfer. If anonymity was the reason you chose Mullvad, understand that Proton requires an email identity even when no-logs claims hold.
Pro Tips
When migrating, check your 'Split Tunneling' settings, as these do not transfer between apps and must be re-configured manually. Also, if you use a custom DNS, ensure you set it up in the new VPN's settings, as both apps default to their own encrypted DNS resolvers to prevent leaks.
Final Verdict
ProtonVPN
Winner
Runner-up
Scores are Bundl.run editorial ratings out of 10 across 9 criteria (the feature comparison above), last reviewed August 2026.
Proton VPN still best fits most Mac users in August 2026 thanks to Free, network scale, streaming-oriented Plus, and ecosystem options. Mullvad remains the stricter account-less privacy choice at flat €5. Re-checking USD Plus list pricing at $9.99 monthly and Mullvad's unchanged €5 did not flip the winner for everyday Bundl readers.
Bottom Line: ProtonVPN or Mullvad: choose Proton for free tier, network scale, streaming Plus features, and suite options. Choose Mullvad for account-less signup, cash/crypto, and flat €5 pricing. Skip Nord-style comparisons unless you actually want a mainstream feature VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ProtonVPN or Mullvad keep any logs?
Which VPN is faster for Mac users in 2026?
Can I use these VPNs in China?
Do they support port forwarding for torrenting?
Is the free version of ProtonVPN safe?
How do the refunds work?
Do they work natively on Apple Silicon (M3/M4)?
Which one is better for non-technical family members?
Can I get a dedicated/static IP?
Are there audits to prove their claims?
Is Proton VPN still free in 2026?
Why pay for Mullvad if Proton has a free tier?
Which is better for Netflix and travel streaming on a Mac?
Did either VPN die or get acquired in 2026?
How many devices can I use?
ProtonVPN or Mullvad for everyday Mac browsing?
Mullvad or Proton if I refuse to give an email?
Proton VPN vs Mullvad vs NordVPN: which lane am I in?
How much is Proton VPN Plus in USD?
Is Mullvad still €5 in 2026?
Which is better for Netflix on a MacBook?
About the Author
Explore More on Bundl
Browse vpn apps, read our complete guide, or discover curated bundles.
Expert Insights
If the user will only pay cash or refuse email, stop the comparison and recommend Mullvad.
Proton Free is the correct trial for Bundl's Mac audience before any annual Plus checkout.
Quote Mullvad at €5 and Proton Plus at $9.99 monthly, then disclose multi-year intro discounts separately.
Do not sell Mullvad on port forwarding; the feature is gone and old guides mislead buyers.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Aug 9, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month (~$5.78) with the same rate for 1 month, 1 year, or 1 decade, and allows up to 5 devices.[2]
- Proton VPN offers a free plan plus paid VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited tiers; Plus marketing cites 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries and 10 devices.[1]
- Mullvad does not offer a free plan and accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments.[2]
- Independent 2026 reviews still position Proton as stronger for free/streaming value and Mullvad as stronger for anonymity-first signup.[3][4]
- Proton VPN Plus lists at $9.99 per month on the monthly plan, with lower effective per-month prices on 12- and 24-month signup offers.[8][1]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Research queries: ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN Mac 2026; ProtonVPN pricing plans 2026; Mullvad VPN pricing 2026