Which VPN is faster for Mac users in 2026?

In raw throughput tests using WireGuard, Mullvad often edges out ProtonVPN slightly due to less server-side processing (no Secure Core by default) and a lighter client application. However, for practical daily use, the difference is negligible. ProtonVPN's 'VPN Accelerator' technology does a good job of multi-threading connections on Mac silicon. Unless you are on a gigabit connection maximizing your bandwidth with torrents, you won't notice a speed difference between the two.

Can I use these VPNs in China?

ProtonVPN is generally more reliable in China due to its dedicated 'Stealth' protocol, which encapsulates WireGuard traffic in TLS to look like normal HTTPS web browsing. This is specifically designed to fool the Great Firewall. Mullvad works in China but often requires manual configuration of 'Bridges' (Shadowsocks) or Multi-hop, which can be difficult for average users to set up during a total internet blackout.

Do they support port forwarding for torrenting?

As of 2026, ProtonVPN supports port forwarding on its Windows and Linux apps, and support has recently improved on macOS for Plus users, allowing for high-performance seeding. Mullvad, controversially, removed port forwarding support completely in 2023 due to abuse by bad actors hosting malicious content. Therefore, if you require port forwarding for private trackers, ProtonVPN is the only option here.

Is the free version of ProtonVPN safe?

Yes, ProtonVPN's free tier is arguably the safest free VPN in the world. It is subsidized by paid users, not by selling your data. It enforces no data limits and uses the same encryption standards as the paid version. However, it restricts you to servers in 5 countries (usually US, NL, JP, RO, PL), offers 'Medium' speeds, allows only 1 device, and does not support streaming or BitTorrent.

How do the refunds work?

ProtonVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it is prorated. If you use it for 15 days and cancel, you get 50% of your money back. Mullvad also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all payment methods except cash (obviously, they can't mail cash back). Mullvad's refund process is generally smoother as they rarely dispute it, whereas Proton may try to troubleshoot your issue first.

Do they work natively on Apple Silicon (M3/M4)?

Yes, both applications are fully native to Apple Silicon in 2026. ProtonVPN has optimized its encryption libraries to use the Neural Engine and efficiency cores on Apple chips, ensuring that keeping the VPN on does not drain the battery of MacBooks significantly. Mullvad’s lightweight codebase is similarly efficient, running with almost zero impact on battery life.

Which one is better for non-technical family members?

ProtonVPN is significantly better for non-technical users. The interface is friendlier, the 'Streaming' support means they won't complain that Netflix isn't working, and the ad-blocker (NetShield) improves their browsing experience visibly. Mullvad is too austere for most casual users and requires explanation when websites block access due to VPN detection.

Can I get a dedicated/static IP?

ProtonVPN offers dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on for business or enterprise users, allowing you to access IP-restricted work networks or avoid CAPTCHAs. Mullvad does not offer dedicated IPs. Mullvad believes static IPs degrade privacy by permanently linking traffic to a single user, which goes against their core philosophy of anonymity.

Are there audits to prove their claims?

Yes, both are among the most audited companies in the industry. ProtonVPN (and its crypto libraries) is regularly audited by firms like SEC Consult. Mullvad undergoes frequent audits of its infrastructure, app code, and security processes by firms like Cure53 and Radically Open Security. Both companies publish these reports publicly. Mullvad historically audits its infrastructure more frequently, while Proton focuses heavily on app security audits.

Is Proton VPN still free in 2026?

Yes. Proton Free remains available with unlimited data on one device, limited server countries, and medium speed. Paid Plus/Unlimited unlock the full network and advanced features.

Why pay for Mullvad if Proton has a free tier?

Mullvad minimises identity: no email, flat pricing, cash/crypto, and a culture of not upselling you. If that matches your threat model, the €5 is the product.

Which is better for Netflix and travel streaming on a Mac?

Proton Plus or Unlimited. Streaming is a marketed Plus feature; Mullvad is not built around unblocking catalogues.

Did either VPN die or get acquired in 2026?

No. Both remain independent, actively sold services as of August 2026.

How many devices can I use?

Proton Plus/Unlimited: 10 devices. Mullvad: 5 devices. Proton Free: 1 device.

ProtonVPN or Mullvad for everyday Mac browsing?

Proton VPN. Start on Free, move to Plus if you need streaming, more countries on demand, or 10 devices.

Mullvad or Proton if I refuse to give an email?

Mullvad. Account-number signup is the product. Proton requires an email for the account even on Free.

Proton VPN vs Mullvad vs NordVPN: which lane am I in?

Proton vs Mullvad if privacy philosophy matters. Add NordVPN only when you want a mainstream feature VPN with heavy discount marketing more than account-less signup.

How much is Proton VPN Plus in USD?

The standard monthly Plus price is $9.99. 12- and 24-month checkouts advertise lower per-month effective rates (often around $3.99 and $2.99 on current signup offers) and renew higher; always read the renewal line before paying.

Is Mullvad still €5 in 2026?

Yes. The official pricing page still shows one flat €5/month rate for 1 month, 1 year, or 1 decade, with currency equivalents shown at checkout.

Which is better for Netflix on a MacBook?

Proton VPN Plus positions streaming as a supported feature. Mullvad does not market itself as a streaming VPN, so reliability varies and is not the product promise.

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.

PublishedJanuary 1, 2026•UpdatedAugust 10, 2026

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 September 2026, both install with brew install --cask protonvpn and brew install --cask mullvad-vpn.

ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN

Which is the better vpn for Mac in 2026?

We compared ProtonVPN and Mullvad VPN across 6 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Read our full breakdown below.

ProtonVPN

VPN client focusing on security

Free

Mullvad VPN

VPN client

Our Verdict

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 comparison between ProtonVPN and Mullvad VPN
Feature	ProtonVPN	Mullvad VPN
Price	Free	Paid
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

ProtonVPN

brew install --cask protonvpn

Mullvad VPN

brew install --cask mullvad-vpn

Learn More

ProtonVPN Details

Full review, features, and FAQs

Mullvad VPN Details

Full review, features, and FAQs

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

ProtonVPNExcellent

Plus/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

ProtonVPNGood

Requires 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

ProtonVPNExcellent

Proton 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

ProtonVPNExcellent

Large 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

ProtonVPNExcellent

NetShield 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

ProtonVPNExcellent

The 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

ProtonVPNExcellent

Proton'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

ProtonVPNGood

ProtonVPN 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

ProtonVPNGood

Real 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

ProtonVPN

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

mullvad

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

ProtonVPN

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

mullvad

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

mullvad

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

ProtonVPN

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

ProtonVPN

Proton Free is immediate and unlimited in data. Mullvad requires payment before first useful session.

8Journalist who will pay cash and reject email accounts

mullvad

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

Overall Winner

ProtonVPN

9.1/10

Winner

8.7/10

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

Neither service keeps activity logs (websites visited, traffic content, DNS queries). However, there is a nuance in 'connection' logs. Mullvad keeps virtually nothing because they don't have user accounts to attach data to. ProtonVPN retains the timestamp of your last successful login to prevent brute-force attacks, but this is overwritten on the next login. Both have been audited, but Mullvad's infrastructure (no email, RAM-only) makes logging technically harder to perform even if compelled by law.

About the Author

Alex Chen

Senior Developer Tools Specialist

Code Editors & IDEsTerminal EmulatorsVersion Control Tools

12+ years in software development · Former senior engineer at tech startups

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Expert Insights

If the user will only pay cash or refuse email, stop the comparison and recommend Mullvad.

documentationhigh confidence

Proton Free is the correct trial for Bundl's Mac audience before any annual Plus checkout.

hands-on-testinghigh confidence

Quote Mullvad at €5 and Proton Plus at $9.99 monthly, then disclose multi-year intro discounts separately.

pricing-pageshigh confidence

Do not sell Mullvad on port forwarding; the feature is gone and old guides mislead buyers.

documentationhigh confidence

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last 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.[cite-mullvad-pricing]
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.[cite-proton-pricing]
Mullvad does not offer a free plan and accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments.[cite-mullvad-pricing]
Independent 2026 reviews still position Proton as stronger for free/streaming value and Mullvad as stronger for anonymity-first signup.[cite-pcmag, cite-cnet]
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.[cite-proton-signup, cite-proton-pricing]

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Research queries: ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN Mac 2026; ProtonVPN pricing plans 2026; Mullvad VPN pricing 2026

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Proton VPNMullvad VPNSecure CoreWireGuardProton UnlimitedNo-logs policyNordVPNSecure CoreNetShieldAccount number signup