Proton VPN is the better pick for most privacy-focused users in Switzerland, while Mullvad is the better pick for people who want the least account data possible. Proton offers strong Swiss jurisdiction, polished apps, a useful free plan, and advanced privacy tools. Mullvad feels more radical: no email account, no upsells, no long-term pricing tricks, and a simple flat monthly fee.
TLDR: Proton VPN suits users who want a full privacy suite, Swiss legal protection, streaming support, and easy apps across devices. Mullvad suits users who care most about anonymity at signup, since it uses random account numbers and accepts cash payments. For example, a Swiss freelancer using two laptops and one phone may prefer Proton Unlimited for mail, VPN, and storage in one bundle, while a whistleblower-style user may prefer Mullvad because no email address is required. In privacy terms, Proton wins on ecosystem and server breadth; Mullvad wins on minimal identity collection.
Quick verdict
- Best overall for Swiss users: Proton VPN
- Best for anonymous signup: Mullvad
- Best free option: Proton VPN
- Best simple paid pricing: Mullvad
- Best for streaming: Proton VPN
- Best for privacy purists: Mullvad
Both VPNs are serious privacy tools. Neither is the usual bargain-bin VPN stuffed with vague promises and noisy ads. The real choice comes down to how much account privacy matters compared with convenience, speed, streaming, and extra security features.
Privacy and jurisdiction
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. That matters. Switzerland has strong privacy traditions and is outside the EU and the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance. Proton also runs under a strict no-logs policy. Its apps are open source, and independent audits have reviewed its no-logs claims.
Mullvad is based in Sweden. Sweden is not as privacy-symbolic as Switzerland, but Mullvad reduces exposure by collecting almost nothing. It does not need a name, email address, or password. The service creates a random account number. That design is refreshingly blunt.
The catch is that jurisdiction is only one piece of the puzzle. A VPN provider still has to run servers, accept payments, respond to legal pressure, and secure its apps. Proton leans on Swiss law and infrastructure controls. Mullvad leans on data minimization. If there is little customer data to hand over, there is little to expose.
Account creation and payments
Mullvad is unusually strong here. A user visits the site, generates an account number, and pays. No email. No username. No password. It accepts cards, PayPal, bank transfers, vouchers, cryptocurrency, and even cash sent by mail. That sounds old-fashioned, but for privacy it is hard to beat.
Proton VPN requires a Proton account. That usually means an email address or Proton login. It is still privacy-friendly, but it creates a more normal account structure. Proton accepts common payment methods and has options such as cryptocurrency and cash in some cases, though the process is less frictionless than Mullvad’s account-number model.
Honestly, it feels like Proton wants to protect privacy inside a polished product suite, while Mullvad wants to avoid knowing who the customer is in the first place.
Logging policy and audits
Both services claim no activity logs. That means they should not track browsing history, DNS requests, connection timestamps tied to identity, or real IP activity records.
Proton VPN has published audits and makes its apps open source. It also uses Secure Core servers, which route traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the wider internet. For sensitive browsing, that adds another layer.
Mullvad has also undergone independent audits and has built a reputation around transparency. Its no-email signup model supports its no-logs stance. Mullvad has also drawn attention for real-world pressure from authorities, with reports showing that limited stored data gave investigators little to take.
Speed and performance
For everyday browsing in Switzerland, both VPNs should feel fast on nearby European servers. Proton has a large server network and offers high-speed connections, especially on paid plans. Its VPN Accelerator feature can improve performance on long-distance routes.
Mullvad is also fast, especially with WireGuard. Its server list is smaller than Proton’s, but the experience is often clean and stable. It connects quickly and avoids clutter. Expect fewer flashy location choices, though.
For simple privacy browsing, the speed gap may be small. For heavy streaming, gaming, or frequent switching between countries, Proton feels more flexible.
Apps and usability
Proton VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, and browser extensions. The interface is polished. Server categories are easy to understand. Features such as Secure Core, NetShield ad blocking, split tunneling, and kill switch controls are visible without feeling buried.
Mullvad’s apps are simpler. That is mostly good. A privacy-focused user can install the app, enter the account number, pick a server, and connect. The app supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, includes a kill switch, and offers useful controls for blocking trackers, ads, malware, and adult content.
It drives some users crazy that Mullvad can be less friendly for streaming and location-specific use. A server may work one day and fail the next on a media site. Proton usually handles that job better, especially on paid plans.
Streaming, browsing, and censorship resistance
Proton VPN is the stronger choice for streaming. It supports major platforms more consistently and offers more countries. A Swiss user who wants privacy during daily browsing but also wants access to home content while traveling will likely prefer Proton.
Mullvad does not focus on streaming. It focuses on privacy. That is admirable, but it can annoy users who expect one VPN to do everything. If Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or sports platforms matter, Proton is the safer bet.
For censorship resistance, both offer useful tools. Proton has Stealth protocol in supported apps, which helps disguise VPN traffic. Mullvad offers features such as bridge mode and obfuscation options. Results depend on the country, network, and blocking method.
Pricing
Mullvad is simple: €5 per month. No annual discount. No countdown timer. No three-year trick. That plain pricing is rare and welcome.
Proton VPN has a free plan, monthly plans, annual discounts, and bundle options. The free plan is one of the best in the VPN market because it has no data cap. Paid Proton plans unlock more countries, better speeds, streaming support, Secure Core, and advanced features.
For users who only need private browsing sometimes, Proton Free is hard to ignore. For users who want paid privacy without pricing games, Mullvad is beautifully simple.
Which one should a Swiss privacy-focused user choose?
Proton VPN is the better choice when the user wants a Swiss-based provider, strong apps, streaming support, a free tier, and a wider privacy ecosystem. It fits journalists, remote workers, students, travelers, and families who want reliable protection without much tinkering.
Mullvad is the better choice when the user wants to reveal as little as possible at signup. It fits activists, researchers, developers, and privacy purists who care more about anonymity than streaming convenience.
A practical setup could be simple. Proton VPN for daily browsing, travel, and streaming. Mullvad for situations where account privacy matters most. Most people do not need both, but the split shows the core difference clearly.
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Final recommendation
Proton VPN wins as the best all-round Swiss privacy VPN. It combines strong legal positioning, clean apps, a serious free plan, and useful security features. Mullvad wins the trust of users who dislike accounts, profiles, and marketing fluff.
For most privacy-focused browsing, Proton is easier to live with. For maximum signup privacy, Mullvad is the sharper tool.
FAQ
Is Proton VPN more private than Mullvad?
Not in every way. Proton has Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, audits, and strong infrastructure. Mullvad collects less account data because it does not require an email address. Proton is broader; Mullvad is more minimal.
Is Mullvad better for anonymous payments?
Yes. Mullvad accepts several payment methods, including mailed cash. Its random account number system also avoids the usual email-and-password setup.
Which VPN is better for Switzerland?
Proton VPN is usually better for Swiss users because it is based in Switzerland and offers strong local trust. It also has better streaming support and a generous free plan.
Does Proton VPN keep logs?
Proton VPN states that it does not keep activity logs. Its apps are open source, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited.
Does Mullvad work with Netflix?
Sometimes, but it is not the best choice for streaming. Mullvad focuses on privacy, not media unblocking. Proton VPN is more reliable for streaming services.
Which one is easier for beginners?
Proton VPN is easier for most beginners. Its apps are polished, its server list is clear, and its privacy features are easier to understand. Mullvad is simple too, but its anonymous account system may feel unusual at first.
