Zenshield offers free VPN access through idle bandwidth sharing. Mullvad charges a published monthly price. The decision starts with whether you prefer contributing your connection or paying directly, then moves to the device and features you need.
Current offer at a glance
| Decision | Zenshield | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Access model | $0 through required opt-in idle bandwidth sharing | Paid: €5/month including VAT |
| Usage or cost | Check sharing terms and your internet provider’s charges | Payment buys account time |
| Location choice | Check the locations available in the app | Check its published server directory |
| Main consideration | Whether the exchange fits your network and preferences | A flat monthly price; up to five devices |
Published provider offer, checked 12 September 2026. This is a plan comparison, not a performance benchmark.
The published price difference
Mullvad’s pricing page lists €5 per month including VAT and says it does not offer a free plan. It describes the same monthly rate for different lengths of prepaid access and support for up to five devices on an account. Check that page for current conditions and payment details.
| Question | Zenshield | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| How is access paid for? | Required, opt-in idle bandwidth sharing | Direct payment |
| Price discussed here | No VPN subscription charge | €5 per month including VAT |
| Zenshield platform availability | Windows and Android APK | Check Mullvad’s official device downloads |
| What should you plan for? | Network permission, data use and participation | The payment period and your device requirements |
The absence of a Zenshield subscription does not mean your internet connection has no cost. Provider data and roaming charges are separate.
Put the cost in the period you actually need
If you need one month, compare one month. If you expect a year, write down the total rather than reading only a monthly label. At the listed €5 rate, twelve months would be €60. This is arithmetic using the published rate, not a quote for a particular payment method or future price.
For Zenshield, the question is different: are you willing and permitted to participate in sharing on the connection you intend to use? There is no reliable way to convert everyone’s sharing preference into one universal euro amount. State your own preference instead of pretending the exchanges are identical.
Who may prefer each arrangement?
If you want to pay directly and keep connection-sharing participation out of your decision, Mullvad’s model may fit that preference. You still need to check its app, plan conditions and the task you want to perform.
If you use Windows or Android and are comfortable with the idle-bandwidth exchange, Zenshield may fit. Read the sharing policy before agreeing. Consent occurs in the app before sharing starts, is required for free access, and can be withdrawn at any time.
If neither arrangement meets your preference, a provider-funded free tier is another option. The funding-model guide explains that choice.
Check the non-price requirements
Before installing either service, identify your required device, any essential exit country and the support route. Then try a normal session on your own network. Do not assume a price difference tells you which connection will be faster or which app will work with a particular service.
We have not independently benchmarked these apps or ranked their security. Use the VPN-selection worksheet to record what is confirmed, what worked in your trial and what still needs an answer.
Corrections
We make every effort to keep these comparisons accurate, but cannot guarantee that every detail is current or correct. If you spot an error, contact us with the page and the correction. We will review it and update the information. Contact us about a correction.