The comparison at a glance
As each provider published it on 30 October 2026.
| Item | Proton VPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Plus 24 months: $83.76, then $83.88 a year; monthly $9.99 [1] | 5 euros a month flat, any length; about $5.60 shown [6] |
| Promotions | Plan-length discounts on pricing page [1] | None; 10% off with accepted crypto [6] |
| Free tier | Yes: 1 device, servers in 10 countries [2] | No [6] |
| Devices | Free 1; paid plans up to 10 [2] | Up to 5 [7] |
| Sign-up | Proton account | Generated account number [6] |
| GL.iNet router setup | Import WireGuard file manually [9][10] | Built-in preset, 16-digit account number [9] |
| Refund window | 30 days, direct purchases, once per user [5] | 14 days; cash excluded [6] |
| Cash payment | Yes, not refundable [11] | Yes, mailed envelope [6] |
Account model and privacy approach
Mullvad's sign-up generates an account number immediately, before you choose a payment method; you log in with that number and can top it up later. Payment options include cash in a mailed envelope with a random payment token, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, cards, PayPal and bank methods. [6] Its FAQ says it does not store activity logs of any kind. [7]
Proton VPN uses a Proton account shared across Proton's services, and accepts cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bitcoin, cash and bank transfer. [11] Its apps are open source, [12] and its no-logs claim has been audited annually by Securitum from 2022 to 2026. [4]
Mullvad's audit posts cover infrastructure audits by Cure53 (June 2024) and Radically Open Security (August 2023), an X41 D-Sec audit of account and payment services (January 2026), an Assured audit of its GotaTun WireGuard implementation (March 2026) and Android app assessments in March 2025 and June 2026. [8]
Price: flat versus term discounts
Mullvad's price does not change with commitment: 5 euros a month for one month, one year or longer, VAT included. [6] Two years cost 120 euros, and so do any two years after that.
Proton rewards commitment. VPN Plus is $9.99 month to month, or $83.76 for the first 24 months, then $83.88 every 12 months. [1] Over two years, Proton's two-year plan is cheaper than Mullvad at the exchange rate Mullvad displays ($5.60 a month, about $134.40 for 24 months). From year three, Proton's renewal works out at about $6.99 a month, more than Mullvad's displayed $5.60, so the gap narrows: over three years Proton totals $167.64 against about $201.60 for Mullvad at that displayed rate. Proton Free costs nothing for one device. [2]
Refunds differ: Proton allows 30 days from the initial purchase, once per user, for direct purchases, and not for cash or bank transfer. [5][11] Mullvad offers 14 days and excludes cash payments. [6]
Router setup on a GL.iNet travel router
On GL.iNet firmware 4.x, Mullvad is one of the WireGuard client presets: go to VPN, WireGuard Client, Mullvad, enter the 16-digit account number, select servers and connect. [9] Mullvad also offers a WireGuard configuration file generator behind its login. [7] Because Mullvad caps you at 5 devices, its FAQ points to a WireGuard router as the way to cover more devices. [7]
Proton is not a preset in GL.iNet's list. GL.iNet's tutorial says to generate a WireGuard configuration with Proton's guide, then add it under WireGuard Client, Add Manually, as a file or pasted text. [10][9] Proton's configuration page lets you pick a server or accept the recommended one, and says Free accounts only have the VPN Accelerator option. [3] Proton notes that on Free, unlimited devices can connect through a router. [2]
Who fits each
Based on the documentation above, not on speed testing.
- Mullvad fits: travelers who want the simplest router login, a price that never jumps at renewal, and sign-up without an email address.
- Proton VPN fits: people who want a free option, more than 5 app devices, Secure Core and NetShield on Plus, or a longer 30-day refund window.
- Either works on a Beryl AX; Mullvad needs fewer steps, Proton needs a config file per server.
- Skip both if: you only need to reach devices at home rather than hide traffic on public Wi-Fi; a mesh tool such as Tailscale fits that job better.
Questions before you decide
Does Mullvad have a free plan or discounts?
No. Mullvad's pricing page says there is no free plan and no sales or holiday promotions. The price is 5 euros a month whether you pay for one month, a year or longer, with 10% off when paying with accepted cryptocurrencies.
How many devices can I use?
Mullvad allows one account on up to 5 devices; its FAQ suggests a second account or a WireGuard router if you need more. Proton lists Free as one device at a time and its paid plans as up to 10 devices at the same time.
Which is easier on a GL.iNet travel router?
GL.iNet's WireGuard client has a Mullvad preset where you enter your 16-digit account number and choose servers. Proton is not a preset; you download a WireGuard configuration from Proton and add it manually as a file or pasted text.
Which has been audited?
Proton lists Securitum no-logs audits every year from 2022 to 2026. Mullvad's audit posts include a Cure53 infrastructure audit in June 2024, Radically Open Security in August 2023, X41 D-Sec on account and payment services in January 2026, and Android app assessments in 2025 and 2026.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Proton VPN pricing Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN Support: Proton VPN plans Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN Support: How to download WireGuard configuration files Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN blog: no-logs audit Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton Terms and Conditions Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Mullvad pricing Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Mullvad FAQ Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Mullvad blog: audits Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet docs: WireGuard Client Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet docs: How to get configuration files from WireGuard service providers Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN Support: Payment options Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN blog: Proton VPN apps are open source Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.