Open - source package is explode in popularity and even virtual secret net ( VPNs ) share codification for transparency . With over 100 million overt - author developers contributing to the biotic community , there ’s an improved chance to retrieve bugs and patch vulnerability .
Proton VPN and Mullvad are among thebest VPNsavailable , and both are open - source solutions . you may browse the codification used inProton VPNandMullvadon GitHub to check that there is n’t any secret logging or undisclosed data compendium .
Transparency is authoritative , but you also want a firm VPN that ’s easy to use and unblocks content worldwide while protecting your secrecy . Let ’s compare Proton VPN and Mullvad to line up out which pop the question the lineament you ask at the near cost .
Specs
Tiers and pricing
Proton VPN has monthly , one-year , and two - year subscription plans , with long terms offering the best value . Proton number the tantamount monthly fee , but the total fee is due in advance . The two - year architectural plan is $ 108 ( $ 4.50 per calendar month ) and a one - twelvemonth subscription costs $ 60 ( $ 5 each calendar month ) .
If your need for a VPN varies , Proton VPN put up a $ 10 monthly plan . At this rate , six months of service costs as much as an yearly subscription , so only choose this for episodic use .
A Proton VPN subscription is worthwhile since it unlocks admission to over 110 countries and less - crowded server . When you make up , you’re able to practice advanced feature like secure effect servers that twice - hops across two servers for tote up privacy auspices .
Mullvad does n’t offer a barren tier up and there ’s only one selection for subscribing : five euro monthly . That ’s currently $ 5.27 in U.S. clam , though it vary base on the outside exchange rate .
That means Mullvad ’s monthly subscription costs about the same as Proton ’s annual plan and is almost as cheap as the two - twelvemonth plan . But money is n’t the only important detail when selecting a VPN .
Features
A truehearted connection is substantive if you use a VPN for streaming , torrenting , or connection apps . With Proton VPN Plus , the paid version , I enjoyed racy and quick connexion speeds worldwide . Proton VPN Plus is as fast NordVPN and offers better longsighted - term terms .
Nearby locations exceeded 50 % of my native download rate while fully protected by Proton VPN Plus . When connecting to a waiter on the other side of the satellite , Speedtest.net reported 255 Mbps downloads which is about a fourth part my normal hurrying , but fast enough .
In my Mullvad tests , the connection was reliable , but speeds motley by location and I spent more time trying unlike servers to maximize throughput . I got quick 521 Mbps downloads from a nearby host in New York , and fast 264 to 432 Mbps speeds for European countries .
removed server are slow for any VPN and I was n’t disappointed by 24 Mbps downloads for Australia . However , Mullvad was outstandingly slow when I pick a host in Canada ( where I live ) , manage just 149 Mbps for downloads .
While Proton VPN Plus offer systematically fast speeds , Mullvad ’s insurance coverage is a footling spotty . Proton also offers more features and forward-looking options to fine - melodic phrase your connection .
I installed the Proton VPN Windows app and web web browser extension , which operate severally . I can quickly connect without leaving the web browser app while other apps get to the internet unprotected , but at full pep pill . While I can accomplish a similar effect with the split - tunneling feature of speech available in both Proton VPN Plus and Mullvad , Proton ’s web internet browser extension is more convenient when browsing the web .
Support
Proton VPN Plus offers 24/7 live chat accompaniment , something that ’s of import for anyone novel to VPN usage . Within a few minutes , I can get ready answers about how to use the app , take unfamiliar terminology , or get aid with account subject .
Mullvad is n’t regretful , but e-mail support guide much longer . I waited about eight hours for a reply to a question about its malware blocker . In this case , it was n’t an pressing questio , n so the delay was n’t a job .
Still , Proton is much more responsive when you are in a hurry for support .
Privacy and security
Both companies have fantabulous privacy record , good transparentness , and no pregnant security breach . Proton VPN and Mullvad are n’t the onlyopen - source VPN , but they do stand out as loss leader in privacy protection .
Proton is located in Switzerland , which is n’t part of any intelligence alliances . Mullvad is establish in Sweden , so it ’s subject to Fourteen eye requests .
However , effectual requests for data do n’t matter if there ’s nothing to partake in . Neither party keep logs , as verify by sovereign audits .
Still , Mullvad break a minute further , grant users to maintain total anonymity while accessing its VPN serve .
An email savoir-faire is n’t needed to define up a Mullvad account and customers can devote with Bitcoin or cash to avoid fiscal trailing . Proton also accepts Bitcoin and cash , but an email address is involve to create an account .
Proton VPN and Mullvad are every bit strong , but the latter offer the ultimate in secrecy . To Mullvad , I ’m just a bit , which is precisely what I want from a VPN .
Which VPN is right for you?
Proton VPN and Mullvad are splendid VPN service , with each marking 4.5 out of 5 adept in my hands - on reviews . That makes choose between them hard . However , some fundamental distinctions can help you decide which offer the most value .
Mullvad lets you use its VPN with total anonymity . The fellowship does n’t know your electronic mail address and if you pay in Bitcoin or cash , your financial data is also anonymous .
Mullvad ’s monthly fee is about half that of Proton VPN Plus . To beat Mullvad ’s price , you ’ll need a two - year subscription to Proton VPN Plus , which must be paid in progress . If you only postulate privacy protection occasionally , Mullvad offers more value .
On the other mitt , Proton VPN Plus offer systematically fast speeds worldwide , more modern choice , and straightaway responses to customer service requests . Overall , Proton VPN Plus is a good option and one of the top cream for the best VPN serving .