Privacy & Security Comparison
Privacy & Security Platforms
Compare VPN app support, privacy policies, audit evidence, network features, and optional security tools. Proton includes a broader ecosystem; other rows include related products where named. Features vary by operating system, plan, and app version. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
OS Compatibility
Operating System Compatibility
Desktop and mobile cells refer to VPN apps, not every product in each ecosystem. Supported OS versions and Linux distributions vary. Extensions may protect only browser traffic or control an installed VPN app.
| Platform | Windows | macOS | Linux | Android | iOS | Browser Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chrome / Firefox; standalone |
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mullvad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Firefox helper / proxy; VPN required |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standalone proxy / app control |
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Privacy & Transparency
Privacy Model & Transparency
No-logs refers to the provider’s VPN activity policy, not an absence of account or billing data. Audit scope, date, and report access vary. Published client or protocol code does not mean the entire service is open source.
| Platform | No-Logs Policy | Independent Audits | Published Source Code | Transparency Reports | Account Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | Yes | Yes | VPN apps | VPN-specific report | Proton account; identity not required |
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | Linux CLI / GUI; selected components | Quarterly reports | Email / Nord Account |
| Mullvad | Yes | Yes | VPN apps | Partial | Random account number; no email |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Full client source not identified | Quarterly reports | Email-based account |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | Lightway protocol; selected tools | Biannual reports | Email-based account |
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VPN Features
VPN & Network Features
Availability differs by app, protocol, and subscription. Multi-hop designs vary; split tunneling is not available uniformly across all operating systems. Manual router support requires compatible firmware.
| Platform | WireGuard | OpenVPN | Kill Switch | Multi-Hop | Split Tunneling | Router Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | Yes | Manual configs; apps phasing out | Yes | Secure Core; paid plans | Paid; supported apps / macOS experimental | Manual / supported routers |
| NordVPN | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | Yes | Yes | Double VPN; supported apps | Windows / Android; Linux allowlist | Manual / supported routers |
| Mullvad | Yes | Removed January 2026 | Yes | Yes | Windows / macOS / Linux / Android | Manual |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dynamic MultiHop | Bypasser; platform-dependent | Manual / supported routers |
| ExpressVPN | Yes; supported apps | Yes | Yes | No | Platform-dependent | Aircove / app / manual setup |
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Security Tools
Additional Security Services
Named products may require a separate subscription or bundle. DNS filtering, antivirus, and breach monitoring are different controls. Email aliases are not encrypted email; vault attachments are not a general cloud drive. Proton Mail encryption depends on the recipient and sending method.
| Platform | Password Manager | Encrypted Email | Encrypted Storage | Threat Protection | Dark Web Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | Proton Pass | Proton Mail | Proton Drive | NetShield DNS filtering; paid VPN | Paid Proton plans / Pass Monitor |
| NordVPN | NordPass; separate product / bundle | No | NordLocker; separate product / bundle | Threat Protection; plan / OS-dependent | Dark Web Monitor; plan-dependent |
| Mullvad | No | No | No | DNS / blocking options | No |
| Surfshark | No | No | No | CleanWeb / optional Antivirus | Surfshark Alert; bundle-dependent |
| ExpressVPN | ExpressKeys; eligible plan / standalone | No; MailGuard provides aliases | Vault attachments; no cloud drive | Advanced Protection; plan / OS-dependent | Identity Defender; eligible US plans |
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Consumer & Business Fit
Consumer & Business Fit
Fit ratings are qualitative assessments, not performance or security benchmarks. Team plans mainly add administration; they are not automatically private-network access, ZTNA, or compliance solutions. Business controls may require a separate offering.
| Platform | Consumer Fit | Business Fit | Privacy-Focused Users | Team Management | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | High | Medium | High | Business plans | Privacy ecosystem |
| NordVPN | High | Medium | Medium | Separate NordLayer offering | General VPN and security bundle |
| Mullvad | High | Low | High | No | Minimal-data VPN use |
| Surfshark | High | Medium | Medium | Surfshark Teams offering | VPN with optional security bundle |
| ExpressVPN | High | Medium | Medium | ExpressVPN for Teams | VPN with router and device support |
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Platform Overviews
Read the Base Layer overview for each platform, including scope, strengths, and limitations.
Proton
Privacy-focused ecosystem including VPN, encrypted email, cloud storage, and password management.
NordVPN
Consumer VPN with threat-protection features and optional bundles with related Nord Security products.
Mullvad
VPN service using account numbers without an email requirement, with open-source apps and published audits.
Surfshark
VPN and cybersecurity suite with privacy tools, threat protection, identity monitoring, and bundled security services.
ExpressVPN
VPN service with Lightway and WireGuard support, router options, and optional password and email-alias tools.
Reference material
Privacy Evidence & Technical References
Provider Policies & Audits
Features & Scope
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