Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Proton VPN
VPN from the Proton team with a free privacy-respecting tier.
3 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Proton VPN listing →
Proton VPN is a paid virtual private network service built by Proton, the company behind Proton Mail. It offers a free tier with limited server access and monthly data caps, plus paid plans with faster speeds and more locations. The service encrypts traffic through Proton's servers, which are based in Switzerland and other privacy-friendly jurisdictions. Users range from privacy-conscious individuals to people avoiding regional content blocks and those on public WiFi networks who want basic encryption for casual browsing.
People typically use Proton VPN to hide their IP address from websites and ISPs, access content restricted to specific countries, or add a layer of privacy on untrusted networks. Casual users and privacy advocates find the free tier sufficient for occasional use, while heavier users and those needing reliable access to geo-blocked content opt for paid plans. The service has a clean app across desktop and mobile, though it doesn't offer specialized features like split tunneling or static IPs on the free plan, which sometimes pushes users toward competing services that provide more control or better speeds for their workflows.
What we offer that competes
ExpressVPN
Privacy-focused VPN service with apps on every major platform.
What to look for
- Whether the VPN requires creating an account or allows anonymous use without email registration
- Whether the VPN publishes a no-logs policy audit from an independent third-party security firm
- Whether the service charges a subscription or offers a genuinely unlimited free tier with no expiration
- Whether the VPN supports split tunneling, allowing you to route some apps through the VPN and others directly
- Whether the service provides static or rotating IP addresses as an option for consistent identity
- Whether the VPN's kill switch blocks internet traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly
FAQ
What's the difference between a free VPN and a paid VPN?
Free VPNs typically cap your data, limit server locations, and may slow your connection significantly. Paid VPNs like Mullvad and ExpressVPN remove data caps, offer more servers worldwide, and provide faster speeds, though they require a subscription.
Are there free alternatives to Proton VPN?
Mullvad offers a completely free VPN with no data caps, expiration, or account creation required. Most other alternatives like ExpressVPN and NordVPN don't have free tiers, only paid subscriptions.
Which VPN is best for unblocking streaming services?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are better suited for bypassing geo-blocks on streaming platforms, as they maintain more reliable access to blocked content. Mullvad explicitly avoids this use case and prioritizes anonymity over unblocking.
Can I use a VPN on mobile devices?
All major VPN services including Proton VPN, Mullvad, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN offer native apps for iOS and Android. Each app has the same core encryption as the desktop version but with varying performance.
What are the best alternatives to Proton VPN?
Mullvad is best if you want a free, no-account option with strong privacy. ExpressVPN excels at unblocking geo-restricted content reliably. NordVPN offers a balance of price, speed, and feature set for most users.
Do VPN services keep logs of my activity?
Mullvad, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN all claim no-log policies, though Mullvad's model (no account required) makes logging technically impossible. NordVPN has a proven no-log policy verified by third-party audits, though it maintains some metadata for account management.