# ProtonVPN vs Mullvad VPN Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 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. 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. ## Head to head | Factor | 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 | ## ProtonVPN VPN client focusing on security Install: `brew install --cask protonvpn` [ProtonVPN on Bundl](https://bundl.run/apps/protonvpn) ## Mullvad VPN VPN client Install: `brew install --cask mullvad-vpn` [Mullvad VPN on Bundl](https://bundl.run/apps/mullvad-vpn) ## Features - **Streaming & Geo-Unblocking.** Proton VPN markets streaming support as a Plus feature; Mullvad does not treat streaming as a product goal. - **Anonymity & Account Privacy.** Mullvad's numbered account system offers a level of dissociation that Proton cannot match. - **Connection Protocols.** Proton takes the lead due to the proprietary 'Stealth' protocol's ease of use for bypassing censorship. - **Server Network & Locations.** ProtonVPN provides significantly better global coverage for users needing specific geographic exit nodes. - **Ad & Tracker Blocking.** NetShield is slightly more user-friendly and granular for the average Mac user. - **macOS App Design.** Proton's interface is more modern and easier to scan. - **Advanced Security Architecture.** A tight tie, but Mullvad's focus on DAITA and future-proofing gives it a technical edge for high-threat models. - **Simultaneous Connections.** Proton offers double the connection capacity, better suiting the multi-device household of 2026. - **Pricing honesty and free access.** Proton wins access. Mullvad wins price simplicity. Which matters depends on whether you need $0 today or €5 forever. ## FAQ ### Does ProtonVPN or Mullvad keep any logs? 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. ### 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. ## Sources - [Proton VPN pricing](https://protonvpn.com/pricing) - [Mullvad pricing](https://mullvad.net/en/pricing) - [PCMag Mullvad vs Proton comparison](https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/mullvad-vs-proton-the-vpn-privacy-showdown-you-cant-ignore) - [CNET Mullvad vs Proton VPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/mullvad-vs-proton-vpn/) - [Mullvad vs ProtonVPN deep dive](https://shattered.io/mullvad-vs-protonvpn/) - [Proton VPN features](https://protonvpn.com/features) - [Mullvad VPN home](https://mullvad.net/en) - [Proton VPN signup pricing (USD Plus)](https://account.protonvpn.com/signup) ## Related - [ProtonVPN vs NordVPN](https://bundl.run/compare/protonvpn-vs-nordvpn) - [Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN](https://bundl.run/compare/mullvad-vs-nordvpn) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. 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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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which VPN is faster for Mac users in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use these VPNs in China?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do they support port forwarding for torrenting?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the free version of ProtonVPN safe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do the refunds work?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do they work natively on Apple Silicon (M3/M4)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which one is better for non-technical family members?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I get a dedicated/static IP?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there audits to prove their claims?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Proton VPN still free in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why pay for Mullvad if Proton has a free tier?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which is better for Netflix and travel streaming on a Mac?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Proton Plus or Unlimited. Streaming is a marketed Plus feature; Mullvad is not built around unblocking catalogues." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did either VPN die or get acquired in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Both remain independent, actively sold services as of August 2026." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many devices can I use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Proton Plus/Unlimited: 10 devices. Mullvad: 5 devices. Proton Free: 1 device." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "ProtonVPN or Mullvad for everyday Mac browsing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Proton VPN. Start on Free, move to Plus if you need streaming, more countries on demand, or 10 devices." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Mullvad or Proton if I refuse to give an email?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Mullvad. Account-number signup is the product. Proton requires an email for the account even on Free." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Proton VPN vs Mullvad vs NordVPN: which lane am I in?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much is Proton VPN Plus in USD?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Mullvad still €5 in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which is better for Netflix on a MacBook?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } } ], "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/compare/protonvpn-vs-mullvad" } } ] } ```