NordVPN is a massive commercial operation that has kept strong security credentials. Mullvad is a privacy-first cooperative with uncompromising principles.
A mainstream VPN with a no-logs policy audited five times and bundled security extras. It suits households with several devices and frequent travelers.
Swedish VPN that signs you up with a random account number and charges a flat 5 euros a month. Suits privacy-first users who can live without streaming.
NordVPN is a massive commercial operation that has kept strong security credentials. Mullvad is a privacy-first cooperative with uncompromising principles.
No provider goes further on privacy than Mullvad. It accepts anonymous cash payments, gives you a random account number instead of asking for an email address, is completely transparent about its infrastructure and charges exactly €5/month for everyone. NordVPN is secure but runs like a traditional tech company with conventional business practices.
On the technical side Mullvad offers the WireGuard protocol, detailed technical documentation and complete transparency about its server infrastructure. NordVPN answers with user-friendly features like SmartPlay, CyberSec and its specialty servers. Streaming is no contest. NordVPN is far ahead, while Mullvad puts little effort into geo-unblocking.
NordVPN offers comprehensive 24/7 support with live chat, while Mullvad provides technical, privacy-focused help by email and through its documentation.
| Feature | NordVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
Ad & Tracker Blocking | ||
Anonymous Payment Methods | ||
Connection Protocols | ||
Custom VPN Protocols | ||
Customer Support Availability | ||
Dedicated IP Option | ||
Encryption Standard | ||
Independent Audits | ||
IPv6 Leak Protection | ||
Kill Switch | ||
Multi-Hop | ||
No-logs Policy | ||
Open Source Apps | ||
RAM-only Servers | ||
Simultaneous Connections | ||
Split Tunneling | ||
Streaming Support | ||
Support Channels | ||
Torrenting Support |
What you want from a VPN company decides this one. Choose NordVPN if you want a full-featured VPN with excellent streaming and user-friendly apps and don't mind conventional business practices. Go with Mullvad if privacy is your absolute priority, you don't need streaming and you value transparency and technical excellence over convenience. For mainstream users NordVPN is more versatile. For privacy purists, Mullvad's ethical approach is the best available.
Telling the truth can be dangerous. Journalists and activists use VPNs to get around censorship and hide where they are connecting from.
David Chen
Remote work is the dream for many professionals: pajamas all day and zero morning traffic. It also puts your online privacy and data security at risk.
Emma Rodriguez
Depending on where you are, some parts of the internet are off-limits. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) get around those blocks. Using one is legal in most countries, with a few notable exceptions.
Sarah Mitchell
Surfshark is a lower-priced VPN with unlimited device connections and a no-logs policy verified twice by Deloitte. It suits households with many devices.
ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN from the Proton Mail team with open-source apps and a free tier that has no data cap or ads. It suits privacy-first users.
CyberGhost is a Romania-based VPN with servers sorted by task, such as streaming or torrenting. It suits streaming households who want a simple app.
Detailed feature analysis, performance benchmarks, and pricing comparison
Security protocols, server networks, and streaming capabilities compared
Speed tests, privacy policies, and user experience evaluation