Mullvad vs IVPN vs Proton VPN: Private VPNs Compared
Compare Mullvad, IVPN, and Proton VPN for privacy. Learn which VPN best protects your IP address and internet traffic from tracking.
Summary
Mullvad offers the strongest privacy with anonymous accounts and no logging. IVPN provides excellent security features and transparency. Proton VPN offers good privacy with a free tier and strong encryption. All three are privacy-focused, but Mullvad is best for maximum anonymity.
Why You Need a Privacy VPN
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, protecting you from: - ISP tracking and data collection - Government surveillance - Location-based tracking - Public Wi-Fi risks - Website fingerprinting
Detailed Comparison
Mullvad VPN
Privacy Features: - Anonymous accounts (no email required) - Cash payments accepted - No logging policy (independently audited) - Based in Sweden (14 Eyes jurisdiction, but strong privacy laws)
Security: - WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols - Kill switch on all platforms - DNS leak protection - Port forwarding available
Pricing: €5/month (flat rate, no discounts)
Pros: - Maximum anonymity (no account needed) - Simple, transparent pricing - Excellent privacy reputation - Strong security features
Cons: - No free tier - Limited customer support - Based in 14 Eyes country - No streaming-optimized servers
IVPN
Privacy Features: - Minimal account information required - No logging policy - Based in Gibraltar (privacy-friendly jurisdiction) - Transparent ownership
Security: - WireGuard and OpenVPN - Kill switch (always-on option) - Multi-hop connections - AntiTracker (blocks ads and trackers)
Pricing: $6/month (annual plans available)
Pros: - Excellent security features - Multi-hop for extra privacy - Privacy-friendly jurisdiction - Good customer support
Cons: - More expensive than Mullvad - No free tier - Smaller server network - Requires email for account
Proton VPN
Privacy Features: - Free tier available - No logging policy - Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws) - Part of Proton ecosystem (Mail, Drive, etc.)
Security: - WireGuard and OpenVPN - Kill switch - Secure Core (multi-hop) - NetShield (ad and malware blocking)
Pricing: Free tier available, paid plans from $5/month
Pros: - Free tier for basic use - Strong privacy reputation - Excellent jurisdiction (Switzerland) - Part of larger privacy ecosystem
Cons: - Free tier has limitations - Requires email for account - More complex pricing structure - Some features only in paid plans
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Mullvad | IVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous Accounts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Free Tier | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-Hop | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Secure Core) |
| WireGuard | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| No Logging | ✅ Audited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Price | €5/month | $6/month | Free/$5+ |
Which VPN Should You Choose?
Choose Mullvad If:
- You want maximum anonymity
- You prefer simple, transparent pricing
- You don’t need a free tier
- You want the strongest privacy reputation
Choose IVPN If:
- You want multi-hop connections
- You need excellent customer support
- You prefer a privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- You want anti-tracking features
Choose Proton VPN If:
- You need a free tier
- You want to use other Proton services
- You prefer Switzerland-based services
- You want streaming-optimized servers
Privacy Considerations
Jurisdiction
- Mullvad: Sweden (14 Eyes, but strong privacy culture)
- IVPN: Gibraltar (privacy-friendly, not in surveillance alliances)
- Proton VPN: Switzerland (excellent privacy laws, not in 14 Eyes)
Logging Policies
All three VPNs have strict no-logging policies: - Mullvad: Independently audited, no connection logs - IVPN: No logging, transparent about data collection - Proton VPN: No logging, based in privacy-friendly jurisdiction
Payment Methods
- Mullvad: Cash, cryptocurrency, credit card (most anonymous)
- IVPN: Credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency
- Proton VPN: Credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency
Security Features
Kill Switch
All three VPNs offer kill switches that disconnect your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing IP leaks.
DNS Leak Protection
All three protect against DNS leaks, ensuring your DNS queries go through the VPN, not your ISP.
Protocol Support
All support WireGuard (modern, fast) and OpenVPN (proven, reliable).
Setup Guide
Mullvad Setup
- Download Mullvad app
- Generate account number (no email needed)
- Pay €5/month (cash, crypto, or card)
- Connect to server
- Enable kill switch
IVPN Setup
- Create account (email required)
- Choose plan
- Download app
- Enable kill switch and multi-hop
- Connect
Proton VPN Setup
- Create Proton account (free or paid)
- Download app
- Enable Secure Core (paid plans)
- Connect to server
Common Questions
Q: Which VPN is most private? A: Mullvad offers the most anonymity with no-account registration, but all three are excellent for privacy.
Q: Do I need a paid VPN? A: For serious privacy, yes. Free VPNs often have limitations and may log data.
Q: Can VPNs see my traffic? A: Reputable VPNs use no-logging policies, but they technically can see your traffic. Choose audited VPNs you trust.
Q: Will a VPN slow down my internet? A: Modern VPNs like these have minimal speed impact, especially with WireGuard protocol.
Conclusion
All three VPNs—Mullvad, IVPN, and Proton VPN—are excellent privacy-focused choices. Mullvad is best for maximum anonymity, IVPN offers great security features, and Proton VPN provides a free tier option.
For most users, Mullvad offers the best combination of privacy, simplicity, and reputation. If you need a free option, Proton VPN is the best choice among privacy-focused VPNs.
Choose based on your specific needs: anonymity (Mullvad), features (IVPN), or free tier (Proton VPN).