Alternatives
The 2 Best Mullvad VPN Alternatives in 2026
If Mullvad VPN isn’t the right fit — because of pricing, platform support or the source model — these are the verified options we’d actually install.
What is Mullvad VPN?
Mullvad has operated from Sweden since 2009 on a single premise: you should not have to identify yourself to buy privacy. There is no email address, no username and no subscription profile — an account is a randomly generated number, and the price has stayed a flat €5 per month with no tiers, no renewal hikes and no annual-discount games. Payment can be made by card, cash in an envelope or cryptocurrency, and the privacy policy commits to storing no activity logs or metadata.
The shortlist
Proton VPN
Swiss audited no-logs VPN
Choose Proton VPN if
You want a free tier or a VPN bundled with encrypted mail, calendar and storage from one provider.
Bitwarden
Open source password manager, audited
Choose Bitwarden if
You want to secure your credentials rather than your network traffic — the other half of a privacy setup.
Why look for a Mullvad VPN alternative?
Most people weighing a switch are balancing one of three things: what it costs (€5/mo flat), how it’s built and licensed (GPL-3.0-only), or where their data lives. None of these make Mullvad VPN a bad choice — they’re trade-offs, and a different tool may simply balance them in a way that fits you better.
Platform coverage is the other common reason. Mullvad VPN runs on macOS 14+ · Windows 10+ (64-bit) · Linux · iOS 17+ · Android 9+ — if your devices fall outside that list, or you’d rather align on a different source model, the options above cover the same ground from a different angle. Each carries its own Trust Report, so switching doesn’t mean starting your research from zero.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Mullvad VPN alternative?
Proton VPN is the strongest free option on this list (Free · Plus $9.99/mo). You want a free tier or a VPN bundled with encrypted mail, calendar and storage from one provider.
Is Mullvad VPN safe to use?
Yes. Mullvad VPN passed 8/9 checks in our Trust Report, last reviewed Jul 17, 2026 — covering source verification, permissions, trackers and known risks. The full report is on its app page.
What should I consider when switching?
Export your data first, confirm the new app covers your platforms, and read its Trust Report. Run both apps side by side until you’re confident nothing was left behind.