# Melon VPN vs Mullvad VPN

The clearest difference is monetization model: Melon VPN at free with in-app purchases against Mullvad VPN's subscription. Melon VPN also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). Mullvad VPN's advantage is chart position (#49 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Melon VPN sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Mullvad VPN sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Melon VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5.7K and 1.5K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Melon VPN's written reviews are positive against 58% of Mullvad VPN's.

Melon VPN ships an update weekly, Mullvad VPN monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Melon VPN | Mullvad VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/melon-vpn-fast-proxy-lowcost/id1458080487/reviews)** | [4.1 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mullvad-vpn/id1488466513/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 1.5K |
| Positive reviews | **75.8% of reviews** | 58.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#49** |
| Size | 38 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wildlook Tech Pte Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1627290628) | [Mullvad VPN AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1507150430) |

## What reviewers say

### Melon VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/melon-vpn-fast-proxy-lowcost/id1458080487)

This app offers a fast, secure, and private internet connection with unlimited bandwidth. It features a simple one-touch connection, a strict no-log policy, and global server access. Enjoy a better, more anonymous online experience with no advertisements.

**Highlights:** No ads SDK, Super-fast connection speeds, Unlimited bandwidth, Global VPN servers, One-touch connect, Strict no-log policy, Smart server selection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Melon VPN Weekly Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| VIP Monthly (Discount) | $7.99 | per month |
| VIP Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly subscription | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| VIP Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| VIP Yearly (Discount) | $29.99 | per year |
| VIP Year (Discount) | $34.99 | per year |
| VIP Yearly (Discount) | $39.99 | per year |
| VIP Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| VIP Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| Lifetime VIP | $99.99 | one-time |
| VIP Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Provides privacy and security
- 💡 Generous free offering with no subscription required

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues or disconnects
- 💰 Ads can be intrusive
- 🌐 Limited server locations available in free version

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes on some devices
- Incompatibility with certain apps or websites

**Requested features**

- More server location options
- Ability to bypass ads or extend free usage time
- Automatic connection on startup


### Mullvad VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mullvad-vpn/id1488466513)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This service encrypts your internet traffic, masking your identity and location to protect your online privacy. It offers anonymous accounts, no activity logs, and uses a secure VPN protocol. Enhance your privacy further by using it with a companion browser.

**Highlights:** Anonymous account creation, No activity logs, Anonymous payment options, WireGuard protocol, Encrypted traffic tunnel, Blocks third-party cookies (with companion browser)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30 day subscription | $5.79 | one-time |
| 30 days subscription | $5.89 | one-time |
| 90 day subscription | $17.00 | one-time |
| 90 days subscription | $17.49 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable connection
- 🔒 Excellent privacy and security
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💰 Affordable pricing
- 🌐 Wide server selection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnects and reconnection issues
- 🔋 High battery drain
- ⚠️ Blocked by some websites and services
- 🌍 Limited server availability in certain regions

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes or becomes unresponsive
- Inability to connect or reconnect after device idle or network changes
- Inconsistent behavior across iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Split tunneling support
- Favorite/frequently used server options
- Automatic server selection based on performance
- Integration with iOS features (e.g., Control Center, Shortcuts)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Melon VPN free?

Melon VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Mullvad VPN free?

Mullvad VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Melon VPN or Mullvad VPN?

Melon VPN is rated higher. Melon VPN averages 4.5 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while Mullvad VPN averages 4.1 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Melon VPN or Mullvad VPN have ads?

Neither Melon VPN nor Mullvad VPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Melon VPN or Mullvad VPN?

Melon VPN ships an update weekly, and Mullvad VPN monthly. Most recently, Melon VPN was updated on October 21, 2026 and Mullvad VPN on October 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*