Proton VPN
VPN from the Proton team with a free privacy-respecting tier.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Mullvad
Privacy-first VPN with account numbers instead of emails.
3 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Mullvad listing →
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN service that strips away user tracking by eliminating account creation altogether — you get an automatically generated account number instead of providing an email address. Built by the Mullvad VPN project, it runs on a zero-logging infrastructure and operates from Sweden under strong data protection laws. The service appeals to users who prioritize anonymity above convenience and don't want ISPs or websites knowing their real IP addresses. It's less about feature breadth and more about a deliberate design choice to minimize data collection at every step.
People reach for Mullvad when they need a VPN that doesn't require signup credentials, won't correlate their sessions across devices, and operates without collecting billing information tied to identity. Journalists, researchers, and privacy advocates use it for general browsing protection, accessing region-restricted content, and ensuring their traffic stays encrypted on public networks. The typical Mullvad user accepts a more bare-bones interface in exchange for the guarantee that the company can't identify them — even if subpoenaed. If you're shopping for alternatives, you're likely comparing transparency models, logging policies, and how different providers handle the fundamental tradeoff between ease of use and anonymity.
What we offer that competes
ExpressVPN
Privacy-focused VPN service with apps on every major platform.
What to look for
- Whether the VPN requires email signup or generates an account number automatically without personal data.
- Whether the provider publishes a detailed logging policy and has undergone third-party security audits in the last two years.
- Whether the VPN app source code is publicly available on GitHub or another repository for independent review.
- Whether the service is based in a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws and what data it retains for billing and law enforcement requests.
- Whether the VPN works on all your devices—iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS—and what the minimum OS version requirement is.
- Whether the VPN includes a kill switch that blocks traffic if the connection drops, preventing IP leaks during disconnections.
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Mullvad?
Proton VPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are the most common switches from Mullvad. Proton VPN emphasizes transparent Swiss jurisdiction and no-logs claims similar to Mullvad's. NordVPN offers more server locations and obfuscation features if you need to bypass VPN blocks. ExpressVPN prioritizes speed and unblocking but requires email signup, making it less anonymous than Mullvad's model.
Are there free alternatives to Mullvad VPN?
Mullvad itself is free to use without bandwidth limits or paid tiers. Most alternatives charge a subscription: Proton VPN has a free tier with limited servers and data, but it requires email registration. Free VPNs are generally riskier for privacy since ad-supported models incentivize data monetization.
How do I choose a privacy VPN for daily use?
Check the provider's jurisdiction, published logging policies, and whether they've undergone independent audits. Look at server locations you actually need, kill-switch reliability on your devices, and whether the UI works for how you'll use it. Test the VPN's speed on a video call or download — privacy means nothing if the connection drops constantly.
What's the difference between Mullvad and account-based VPNs?
Mullvad generates a random account number automatically; Proton VPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all require email and password signup. This means those providers can theoretically link your sessions, billing, and activity — even if they claim not to log traffic. Mullvad's model eliminates that risk at the architectural level, not just through policy.
Can I use Mullvad alternatives on iPhone, Android, and desktop?
All three major alternatives — Proton VPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN — ship apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Mullvad also supports all four platforms. Check your specific OS version; older devices sometimes get dropped from newer app releases.
Do Mullvad alternatives unblock streaming services?
ExpressVPN is widely used for unblocking Netflix, Disney+, and other services outside your region. NordVPN and Proton VPN have made unblocking work intermittently, but it's an ongoing cat-and-mouse game. Mullvad doesn't market unblocking as a feature and often gets blocked faster since fewer users mean less IP diversity.
Which VPN alternatives have the fastest speeds?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN typically report faster speeds in independent tests due to larger server networks and optimized routing. Proton VPN is slower but improving. Speed depends on your distance from servers, ISP throttling, and the VPN's tunnel protocol — test with a speed tool before committing.
Are there open-source VPN alternatives to Mullvad?
Mullvad publishes its client code on GitHub, making it one of the most auditable VPNs available. Proton VPN also open-sources its apps. NordVPN and ExpressVPN keep their client code proprietary, so you can't independently verify what the software actually does.