Proton VPN vs Mullvad: free entry or a flat monthly plan?

Start with Proton VPN if you need an ongoing free plan or a paid tier with a larger device allowance. Consider Mullvad for flat monthly billing and a WireGuard-based setup. Compare the specific Proton tier, not the brand in the abstract.

Compare a specific Proton plan with Mullvad

Proton offers both free and paid access, so the tier changes this comparison. Its free-plan page describes unlimited usage on one connection; VPN Plus has a larger allowance and additional capabilities. Mullvad is a paid alternative with a published monthly rate. A free Proton account and a full paid subscription should not receive identical feature assumptions.

If the requirement is occasional single-device use with no subscription budget, begin with Proton Free and check its restrictions. If your requirement involves several simultaneous devices or a feature reserved for a paid tier, compare that paid tier directly with Mullvad. This keeps the decision tied to something you can actually buy and use.

Decide how much commitment you want

Mullvad's pricing page uses a flat monthly structure rather than requiring a longer commitment to obtain its standard rate. Proton's paid checkout needs to be evaluated for the selected tier and term. Our comparison omits promotional rates because an introductory headline alone does not establish the later bill.

Calculate the amount you expect to spend over your actual period of use. Someone trying a VPN for a short project may prefer a small commitment even when a longer subscription has a lower advertised monthly equivalent. Record refund conditions and payment-channel exceptions before paying. A simpler price can make budgeting easier, but it does not compensate for a missing feature.

Check protocols before relying on an old setup guide

Mullvad's OpenVPN retirement notice states that client and server support was removed in January 2026. Its current Windows download page points users toward WireGuard configurations. An old router tutorial using Mullvad OpenVPN is therefore not a suitable basis for a new purchase.

Proton's protocol instructions document several options, with availability varying by platform. Do not turn the overall list into a promise about every app or router. Identify the protocol your device supports, then find the current provider instructions for that exact combination. If compatibility is uncertain, resolve it before comparing optional extras or longer billing terms.

Use the limits to make a practical shortlist

Mullvad's device allowance and lack of port forwarding are meaningful constraints when those requirements matter. Proton Free's single connection is a different constraint. Neither limitation makes a service universally unsuitable; it tells you which workflows to rule out early. For Proton port forwarding, consult the current plan and platform instructions rather than inferring support from this comparison.

Once the essential requirements are met, try the same routine tasks and compare how understandable the controls are. Note connection recovery, app compatibility and the quality of answers to real support questions. We have not performed speed, leak or streaming tests for this article. The fit recommendations are editorial conclusions from documented features, and should be combined with your own evaluation before a long purchase.

A useful decision note contains four entries: the exact plan, supported devices, essential features confirmed, and the expected payment schedule. Keep unresolved items visible. If either service fails an essential requirement, remove it from the shortlist instead of trying to balance the failure against unrelated advantages in a score.