MullVAD VS NextDNS VS Proton VPN

Key Differences Between Mullvad, NextDNS, and Proton VPN for Privacy & Security

• Service Type & Core Function: Mullvad and Proton VPN are virtual private network (VPN) services that encrypt and route your entire internet connection through remote servers for online privacy and security. NextDNS is a DNS resolver and filtering service that protects and manages DNS queries to block threats and content at the DNS level, but does not encrypt all internet traffic like a VPN.
• Traffic Encryption & Scope: Mullvad and Proton VPN encrypt all internet traffic from your device to the internet, hiding your IP address and preventing network surveillance. NextDNS encrypts only DNS queries, enhancing privacy for domain lookups but not encrypting broader network traffic.
• Privacy & Anonymity Features: Mullvad allows anonymous account creation without an email address and supports enhanced privacy‑oriented protocols and features for secure connections. Proton VPN requires an account but enforces a strict no‑logs privacy policy under Swiss privacy laws and includes built‑in DNS leak protection. NextDNS focuses on DNS‑level privacy with options to control logging preferences and discard DNS request data if configured to do so.
• Security & Filtering Controls: Proton VPN includes integrated DNS filtering and malware/ads protection through its NetShield feature when using its own DNS. Mullvad VPN provides DNS content filtering when connected. NextDNS offers highly customizable DNS filtering at the resolver level, allowing users to block ads, trackers, malware domains, and enforce SafeSearch or parental controls across all devices on a network.
• Platform Integration & Usage: Mullvad and Proton VPN operate as VPN applications with support across major desktop and mobile platforms, providing system‑wide protection. NextDNS operates as a DNS service that can be applied at the device, router, or network level across platforms and supports encrypted DNS protocols such as DNS‑over‑HTTPS (DoH) and DNS‑over‑TLS (DoT) for enhanced query privacy.