IVPN vs Mullvad vs Proton VPN: Features, Pricing, Pros And Cons
Not all VPNs are reliable, and hence we recommend just a few that are known to be secure, and that include features that can provide reliable protection. So here’s a full rundown of IVPN, Mullvad, and Proton VPN, including what they do, how much they cost, and their pros and cons.
IVPN
Characteristics:
- Encryption: It encrypts data with AES-256 and works with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec.
- Features: No need to register, so accounts are anonymous, multiple hops of connections, an integrated firewall (kill switch), and defense against IPv6 and DNS leaks.
- Server and Network: Not as many servers as some rivals, which could slow things down in some places.
Price
Standard Plan:
$2 a week
$6 a month
$60 a year
$100 for two years
$140 for three years
Pro Plan:
$4 a week
$10 a month
$100 a year
$160 for two years
$220 for three years
Pros
A strong dedication to privacy and openness.
The multi-hop technology makes security better.
There are different pricing choices, and you can try it for free.
Cons
In some places, slower speeds may be caused by a smaller network of servers.
Some benefits are only available on more expensive plans.
Costs more each month than some rivals.
Mullvad VPN
Characteristics:
- Encryption: Strong security with OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, as well as tunnels that are not affected by quantum computing.
- Features: You don’t have to give any personal information to sign up, so accounts are anonymous, and there is a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS content blockers, and a pay-as-you-go scheme.
- Server And Network: Around 690 computers in 44 different countries.
Price
A fixed monthly fee of €5, which is about $5.42, with no savings for paying it all at once. This price is the same no matter how long the contract lasts.
Pros
High level of secrecy, and you don’t have to give any personal information to sign up.
Payment choices that are easy to use, such as cash vouchers for privacy.
Strong safety measures and good torrenting performance.
Cons
Not as many server options as bigger companies.
Streaming performance isn’t as strong as that of some rivals.
Customer service could be better.
Proton VPN
Characteristics
- Encryption: Strong encryption methods are used, and user privacy and safety are given top priority.
- Features: It comes with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, NetShield ad blocker, and a Secure Core network that sends information through countries that value privacy.
- Server And Network: There are more than 6,300 computers in more than 100 different countries.
Price
Free Plan: Access to more than 100 computers in three countries and basic privacy protection.
Paid Plans:
One month Plan: $9.99
Annual Plan: $4.99 a month (billed once a year)
Plan for two years: $4.49 a month (best deal)
Pros
A large computer network that can work at high speeds.
Unique features, such as Secure Core, that protect your information.
The design is easy to use, and it works with many devices.
Cons
The free plan doesn’t have as many benefits as the paid plans.
For gamers, some servers may not be the best because they have longer latency.
Some users have said that it doesn’t have enough advanced customization choices.
Summary Table
Feature | IVPN | Mullvad | Proton VPN |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
Server Network | Smaller network | ~690 servers in 44 countries | 6,300+ servers in 100 countries |
Pricing | From $2/week; Pro from $4/week | €5 (~$5.42) per month | Free; Paid plans from $4.49/month |
Key Features | Multi-hop, firewall | No personal info required | Secure Core, NetShield |
Pros | Strong privacy focus | High anonymity | Extensive server options |
Cons | Smaller server selection | Limited streaming performance | Higher latency for gaming |
In the end, every VPN service has its own pros and cons. IVPN is known for protecting privacy and having multi-hop features, but it has fewer servers. Mullvad stands out because it is anonymous and has a clear price, but it may lack customer service and the ability to stream. Proton VPN has a lot of useful features and servers in a lot of places, but gamers might not want to use it because of latency problems. Which one you choose will rely on your budget, privacy needs, and performance requirements.
Additionally to VPNs there’s also other methods for keeping your anonymity online as seen on our post: TOR Alternatives: Their Pros & Cons