Mullvad vs Proton VPN: The Reddit Debate Analyzed for 2025

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In the world of privacy-focused VPNs, two names consistently rise to the top of community discussions: Mullvad and Proton VPN. Both are highly respected, based in privacy-friendly European countries, and have a staunch commitment to user anonymity. Forums like Reddit are filled with passionate debates comparing the two, with users on both sides arguing fiercely for their preferred service.

But when you strip away the hype, which one is actually better for the average user in 2025?

This guide will break down the “Mullvad vs Proton VPN” debate, analyzing the most common arguments and comparing the services across the categories that matter most: privacy and anonymity, features and usability, performance, and price.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Mullvad: Based in Sweden, Mullvad is the purist’s choice. Its entire philosophy is built around absolute, uncompromising anonymity. It’s known for its unique account system, flat pricing, and technical excellence.
Proton VPN: Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN is part of a broader privacy ecosystem that includes Proton Mail. It aims to make high-level security accessible and user-friendly, balancing powerful features with a polished experience.

Round 1: Privacy & Anonymity

This is the core of the debate and where both services shine. However, they approach it with slightly different philosophies.

Mullvad’s Approach: Mullvad’s standout feature is its anonymous account system. You don’t need an email address or any personal information to sign up. The website generates a random 16-digit account number for you, and that’s your only identifier. You can top up your account with cryptocurrency or even by mailing cash to their headquarters for ultimate anonymity. This is as close to a truly anonymous transaction as you can get. Their no-logs policy is rigorously upheld.

Proton VPN’s Approach: Proton VPN also has a strict, independently audited no-logs policy and is protected by Switzerland’s formidable privacy laws. While it requires an email address for sign-up (which can be an anonymous one from a service like Proton Mail), its security infrastructure is second to none. Its “Secure Core” feature, which routes traffic through hardened servers in countries like Switzerland and Iceland before exiting to your final destination, offers a level of network security that is arguably more robust against sophisticated, state-level attacks than a standard VPN connection.

The Reddit Consensus: Users on Reddit praise Mullvad for its anonymous payment methods and lack of email requirement, often citing it as the “most private” option from a sign-up perspective. However, others point to Proton’s Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core as superior technical security measures.

Winner: Tie. This is a battle of philosophies. Mullvad offers superior sign-up anonymity. Proton VPN offers arguably superior network infrastructure security. For 99.9% of users, both provide an exceptional level of privacy.

Round 2: Features & Usability

This is where the differences between the two services become much clearer.

Mullvad’s Approach: Mullvad is focused and minimalist. Its app is clean and functional, but it’s built for one purpose: creating a secure VPN connection. It deliberately avoids features it deems unnecessary. A key point frequently raised on Reddit is that Mullvad does not officially support streaming services. While it might work with some, it’s not guaranteed, and they don’t actively work to unblock them. Similarly, some users report that Mullvad’s IP addresses are more frequently blocked by websites and services due to their strict privacy focus.

Proton VPN’s Approach: Proton VPN aims to be a full-featured, user-friendly service. Its apps are polished and intuitive across all platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). Crucially, Proton VPN officially supports and actively works to unblock major streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. It also includes built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocking (NetShield), and its server network is significantly larger, offering more connection options worldwide.

The Reddit Consensus: This is a major point of contention. Many users who initially choose Mullvad for its privacy credentials eventually switch to Proton VPN because they get tired of being blocked from common websites or being unable to watch their favorite shows. While tech-savvy users appreciate Mullvad’s simplicity, those looking for a more versatile, “just works” experience lean heavily toward Proton VPN.

Winner: Proton VPN. For the average user who wants both privacy and convenience, Proton VPN’s broader feature set, especially its reliable streaming support, gives it a decisive edge.

Round 3: Performance & Speed

Both VPNs are known for excellent performance, leveraging the modern and highly efficient WireGuard protocol.

Mullvad: Consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs in independent tests. Its lean infrastructure and focus on technical excellence pay dividends in speed.
Proton VPN: Is also exceptionally fast, especially with its “VPN Accelerator” technology, which uses various techniques to improve connection speeds over long distances. In many tests, it is on par with or even faster than Mullvad.

The Reddit Consensus: Users report excellent speeds from both providers. The perceived difference is often negligible in real-world use. Some Linux users have reported a more stable experience with Mullvad’s client, while others praise Proton’s official Linux GUI app.

Winner: Tie. Both services are at the absolute top tier of VPN performance. You are unlikely to notice a significant speed difference between them in daily use.

Round 4: Price & Value

Mullvad: Has a simple, flat pricing model: €5 (about $5.50) per month, period. There are no long-term plans or discounts. This is part of their privacy philosophy—they don’t want to lock you into a contract.
Proton VPN: Offers tiered pricing with significant discounts for 1-year and 2-year plans. A two-year plan can bring the monthly cost down to a level competitive with Mullvad, and sometimes even cheaper. Proton also offers a limited but functional free tier, which is great for testing the service.

The Reddit Consensus: Mullvad’s flat pricing is praised for its simplicity and transparency. However, many users acknowledge that Proton VPN’s long-term plans offer better value, especially when considering the extra features (streaming, ad-blocker) that are included.

Winner: Proton VPN (for long-term value). While Mullvad’s monthly price is excellent, Proton VPN’s discounted long-term plans provide a more feature-rich service for a similar or lower monthly cost, making it a better overall value proposition for most users.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Mullvad and Proton VPN comes down to your priorities.

You should choose Mullvad if:

Your absolute highest priority is anonymous sign-up and payment.
You are a technical user who values minimalism and doesn’t need features like streaming support.
You prefer a simple, flat monthly payment.

You should choose if:

You want a high-security VPN that is also user-friendly and convenient for everyday use.
You want to reliably access streaming services from around the world.
You value extra features like a built-in ad blocker and the “Secure Core” architecture.
You are looking for the best long-term value and are willing to commit to a 1 or 2-year plan.

For the vast majority of users, from privacy beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, Proton VPN strikes the perfect balance. It offers uncompromising security and privacy without forcing you to sacrifice the features and usability that make the internet enjoyable. It’s the VPN that protects you without getting in your way.