Checked against provider pages and terms on 2026-11-03. This is a plan and policy comparison, not a speed test, security audit, or endorsement. Provider statements below are attributed to their own materials.
Quick answer: Proton VPN is the option here with a free tier; Mullvad publishes one flat €5 monthly rate and a five-device limit; Surfshark offers 1-, 12-, and 24-month subscriptions with unlimited simultaneous connections. Choose by your needed locations, device count, renewal cost, payment and refund terms—not a headline monthly discount.
| Provider | Price structure | Devices and free option | Refund terms shown | Could fit if… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Free plan available. Paid plans offer different subscription durations; displayed prices and bundles can vary. Check the current checkout total and renewal amount. | Free plan: one device at a time and server access in ten countries, per Proton support. Paid VPN Plus: up to ten devices, per provider pricing page. | Proton says subscriptions may be refunded when requested within 30 days; payment method and terms can affect eligibility. | You want to try a no-cost plan first, or already want services in Proton’s wider product bundle. |
| Mullvad | €5 per month, including VAT, whether you pay month to month or add a longer period. The provider says there are no long-term-plan discounts. | Up to five devices per account. No free plan is listed. | 14-day money-back guarantee applies only to eligible payment methods. Mullvad excludes cash, cryptocurrency, vouchers, and App Store purchases from its own refund process. | You prefer a flat published rate and do not need more than five simultaneous devices. |
| Surfshark | 1-, 12-, and 24-month subscriptions. Longer terms have lower advertised monthly equivalents; the 24-month amount is billed upfront, then renews annually at the then-applicable renewal price. Currency, VAT, and coupons affect checkout. | Unlimited simultaneous connections on a subscription, according to Surfshark. | Surfshark advertises a 30-day guarantee for an initial purchase, subject to payment-channel rules. Its terms say recurring payments are non-refundable. | You need many simultaneous device connections and are comfortable checking the full upfront and renewal amounts. |
How to compare the real cost
- Compare the amount charged today, not only the monthly equivalent shown for a long subscription.
- Record the renewal date and amount. Promotions and renewal prices can differ.
- Check taxes, currency conversion, app-store billing, refund exceptions, and whether the plan covers your country.
- Confirm the server locations, device limit, and app support you actually need.
A low introductory price is not a like-for-like measure if terms, renewal billing, or included products differ. A money-back period is also different from a free plan.
What this comparison does not establish
It does not measure speed, streaming access, reliability, or how well a particular app handles leaks. It does not independently verify provider claims about logging, audits, or security. A VPN also does not make you anonymous; see what a VPN can and cannot hide. After setup, you can use the IP and DNS explainer for a point-in-time browser check.
No provider is ranked as “best.” The fit notes describe which stated plan terms may match a reader’s priorities, not a guarantee of suitability. This site has no active referral links or paid placements from these providers.
Provider sources
- Proton VPN pricing and refund FAQ
- Proton VPN plan limits and 30-day guarantee
- Proton VPN refund request details and payment exceptions
- Mullvad pricing and device limits
- Mullvad refund eligibility by payment method
- Mullvad terms, price, and account device limit
- Mullvad device limit
- Surfshark pricing, connections, renewal and guarantee
- Surfshark renewal and refund terms
- Surfshark subscription durations (support article updated 2026-06-15)
Impact — TODO: apply/approval and configure referral URL — referral link not configured.
PartnerStack — TODO: apply/approval and configure referral URL — referral link not configured.
CJ Affiliate — TODO: apply/approval and configure referral URL — referral link not configured.