PIA and Mullvad both have strong transparency records but handle user anonymity differently. PIA has proven its claims in court. Mullvad is a privacy-first cooperative with strict ethical principles.
Private Internet Access is a US-based VPN that had no user logs to hand over in three court cases. Deloitte audited it in 2025. Suits budget power users.
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.
PIA and Mullvad both have strong transparency records but handle user anonymity differently. PIA has proven its claims in court. Mullvad is a privacy-first cooperative with strict ethical principles.
Their kinds of transparency differ. PIA has court-tested proof of its no-logs policy. Mullvad offers complete operational transparency and anonymous account management. Mullvad accepts anonymous cash payments and gives you a random account number. PIA uses conventional payment systems and standard accounts.
PIA is well ahead on technical features, with granular customization over encryption, protocols and connection settings. Mullvad concentrates on the WireGuard protocol and on technical quality. PIA runs over 35,000 servers. Mullvad's network is smaller and built for quality.
Pricing works differently too. Mullvad charges exactly €5/month for everyone. PIA's prices vary, with large discounts on long-term plans. Both require technical knowledge, though PIA gives you more customization options.
| Feature | Private Internet Access | 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 |
Choose based on which kind of transparency you want and your technical needs. Pick PIA if you want court-tested transparency and a proven legal record. You also get maximum technical customization at a very good price. Pick Mullvad if absolute anonymity is your first priority and you value complete operational transparency. It suits people who don't need extensive customization. Technically inclined users who want proven transparency get stronger legal validation from PIA. Privacy purists get more anonymity from Mullvad.
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A mainstream VPN with a no-logs policy audited five times and bundled security extras. It suits households with several devices and frequent travelers.
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