Mullvad vs. NordVPN 2024
NordVPN is a familiar name that’s been consistently featured in our list of the best VPN services. However, Mullvad operates more discreetly in the mainstream, despite its tenure since 2009. In this detailed Mullvad vs NordVPN comparison, we uncover their key differences to help you choose the best for total online protection.
First, we've got the Panama-based NordVPN, which has gained trust through extensive server reach, a strict no-logs policy, and consistent performance since 2012.
Then there’s Mullvad VPN from Sweden, which forwent traditional usernames for anonymous account numbers to better shield identities. Despite its inclusion in the 14 Eyes alliance network, it undergoes independent audits to inspire confidence.Â
But can this low-key contender actually match up with the heavyweight NordVPN when put head-to-head? This Mullvad vs NordVPN comparison aims to answer this question. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, here’s a quick overview of what each VPN has to offer.
With this bird's-eye view, we’ll now go through all the core metrics to help you pick the right service for your needs and preferences.
More specifically, we’ll talk about their backgrounds, countries of origin, encryption standards, protocols, speeds, media streaming and torrenting support, ease of use, and pricing, among other things.
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
A VPN's country of origin and legal oversight play a vital role in evaluating its privacy standards. Choosing a provider outside intrusive surveillance networks like the 5/9/14-Eyes alliance builds trust and enhances protection.
NordVPN - (Score 8.5/10)
NordVPN originated in 2012 and is headquartered in the privacy-friendly country of Panama. It’s not a member of any surveillance alliance and isn’t subject to mandatory data retention laws. Currently, Nord Security—which also owns Surfshark and Atlas VPN—owns the service. However, NordVPN remains independent in its infrastructure and maintains a separate development path.Â
The provider also goes through regular independent audits to validate its no-logs claims. Furthermore, NordVPN employs RAM-only servers, which reinforces its stance on refraining from storing activity logs.
However, NordVPN encountered a breach incident in 2018 when a hacker targeted a third-party data center. The silver lining was that no user data was exposed in the incident due to NordVPN’s airtight security measures and solid encryption protocols.
Mullvad - (Score 9/10)
Mullvad VPN AB, the driving force behind its namesake service, operates from Sweden, which is a member state of the 14 Eyes alliance. Despite this, Mullvad VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy and takes solid security measures to protect users’ data and privacy.Â
Like NordVPN, Mullvad also uses RAM-only servers. This means all data is wiped out every time the server is rebooted or turned off. To further showcase its commitment to robust privacy practices, Mullvad undergoes routine third-party security audits. In the latest audit by the Radically Open Security (ROS) firm, the results revealed no flaws that could compromise your security.
Mullvad VPN was also put to the test in April 2023 when a search warrant was issued in its Gothenburg office related to a case in Germany. However, its no-logs policy, along with its RAM-only architecture, meant that no user data was accessible to the authorities.Â
Who’s the Winner? - Mullvad!
Mullvad VPN outranks NordVPN in essential aspects around ownership and commitment to user data. Though NordVPN also offers a reassuring no-logs policy and regular audits, Mullvad's unblemished history and commitment to privacy during the warrant incident give it an edge over NordVPN.
Therefore, you should get Mullvad VPN if you prefer better privacy and transparent security practices.
Supported Platforms & Devices
Both NordVPN and Mullvad offer decent cross-platform support, but let’s see how they fare when pitted against each other.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
Accessing the Web privately is smooth sailing with NordVPN, regardless of your device or operating system. It offers native apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS.
Additionally, NordVPN supports media streaming devices such as Android TV and Amazon Fire TV, as well as gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and more. With useful extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers, you can protect your entire digital experience with just a few clicks.
You can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices at once. But if you want to protect all the devices on your network, it’s best to set up NordVPN on your router.
Mullvad - (Score 8/10)
Mullvad offers decent platform coverage, with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also supports Android TV but lacks an app for Amazon Fire TV.
Unlike NordVPN, there are no apps for gaming consoles, so it might not be an ideal choice if you’re an avid gamer.
In terms of browser extensions, you’ll find support for Firefox and the proprietary Mullvad browser. However, it lacks a dedicated Chrome extension, which can be a limitation if you prefer that browser. This limitation becomes more of an issue since it only allows 5 simultaneous connections, while NordVPN allows more.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN stands out with its wider compatibility across various operating systems, streaming devices, consoles, and browsers. It also allows an extra connection, making it a handy choice for comprehensive protection.
In other words, get NordVPN to protect your whole digital ecosystem without limitations.Â
Installation & Initial Configuration
The ability to get up and running swiftly across devices is critical when choosing a VPN. The provider should offer intuitive apps with an easy and simple setup to facilitate quick protection. Let’s see how NordVPN and Mullvad perform in this category.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
Installing and using NordVPN on your device takes no time, thanks to its refined files and compact setup flow. To initiate the process, first create an account by subscribing to NordVPN. Make sure you use NordVPN’s official website to qualify for the 30-day refund guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the service.
With your subscription activated, you can head to the dashboard to download the relevant app for your operating system or device model. Once installed, you’ll need to sign in to your account and connect to your desired server to establish a secure connection.
While routers involve slightly more configuration, NordVPN provides detailed guides and step-by-step instructions to make them accessible to users at any technical level.Â
Mullvad - (Score 10/10)
Mullvad also provides refined applications and a simple setup process. To begin using the service, you’ll need to create an account and subscribe to Mullvad. Unlike NordVPN, Mullvad doesn’t collect any personal data during registration. Instead, it generates a random 16-digit account number, eliminating the need for credentials with an email and password.
The rest of the installation is pretty similar to NordVPN. You’ll find native apps for popular desktop platforms on the official Mullvad website. The provider also offers Android and iOS apps, which you can download from their respective app stores. Additionally, Android users have the option to download the app through F-Droid or the .apk file.
You can also set up Mullvad on some routers for complete network protection. The VPN currently supports OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, and Asus Merlin, among other models. If you’re new to the installation process, you’ll find detailed guides to establish a successful connection.
Who’s the Winner? - It’s a Tie!
Both NordVPN and Mullvad offer compact apps and a hassle-free setup experience, so there’s no distinct winner in this category. No matter which VPN you choose, you won’t face any installation issues, even if you’ve never installed a VPN before.
So, get NordVPN if you prefer an immediate privacy setup in under a minute. Conversely, get Mullvad to establish anonymous connections instantly using a system-generated account number.
Prominent Features
Selecting the right VPN requires careful analysis of features that influence privacy beyond basic encryption. While both NordVPN and Mullvad offer commendable features, one provider goes above and beyond by incorporating additional features. Let’s see which VPN service stands out.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN ships with all the essential features, like a reliable kill switch that secures your true identity if the VPN connection accidentally drops. It also supports highly secure VPN protocols, which encrypt your traffic using robust cryptographic algorithms.
The VPN also offers several privacy features, like split tunneling, for routing only select traffic through the VPN tunnel while the rest of the apps can access the Internet directly through your ISP.
For protection beyond basic VPN encryption, NordVPN provides Double VPN or multi-hop servers that route your traffic through two VPN servers for double encryption. It also includes complete Threat Protection for blocking ads, trackers, and malicious activities stemming from exploits and viruses.
Other than that, you can obtain a dedicated IP address in specific countries for an extra $8.99 per month on the monthly plan.Â
Mullvad - (Score 8.5/10)
Mullvad VPN covers the basics well but falls short of NordVPN in terms of advanced features. Beyond the expected kill switch and top VPN protocols, Mullvad prides itself on a DNS Content Blocker that can filter specific content from search results. It can be particularly useful for parents who want to prevent their kids’ exposure to inappropriate content.
Similar to NordVPN, Mullvad allows multi-hop connections across two servers using the Bridge Mode for enhanced protection. You also get the split tunneling feature if you prefer to access the regular Internet while being connected to the VPN.
NordVPN supports unlimited server switches along with no data or bandwidth caps, so you can browse or stream without worrying about exceeding your data limits.Â
However, the absence of dedicated IP addresses puts it at a disadvantage in comparison to NordVPN.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
In terms of prominent features, NordVPN clearly provides additional benefits that Mullvard can’t rival. From fundamental security measures like kill switch and protocols to advanced offerings like dedicated IP addresses and Double VPN, NordVPN offers a comprehensive suite of tools to meet your privacy needs.
Therefore, you should get NordVPN to access basic and advanced VPN features to enhance your online experience.
Server Count & Infrastructure
Robust infrastructure and a global server network directly translate to unlocking more of the Web. This section delves into the infrastructure of each VPN, highlighting its coverage, server fleet, and unique offerings.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
NordVPN ranks among the best VPNs with most servers, comprising over 5,800 servers across 60 countries. This global presence not only prevents server overloads but also offers reliable speeds and uninterrupted connections.
NordVPN also offers specialty servers designed to optimize activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting. This tailored approach caters to diverse user preferences without sacrificing speed and performance.
Additionally, NordVPN’s infrastructure includes features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated servers. These servers provide additional layers of privacy by ensuring a more protected VPN experience.
NordVPN operates its entire server fleet on owned hardware and avoids virtual server locations to maintain complete control over its infrastructure.
Mullvad - (Score 5/10)
Mullvad operates a modest network of 650+ servers across 40 countries, primarily located in Europe and the Americas. It doesn’t offer specialized servers but supports streaming, gaming, and torrenting activities across its entire server infrastructure. Notably, it employs an integrated SOCKS5 proxy, which facilitates P2P traffic without compromising your anonymity.
Unlike NordVPN, Mullvad utilizes rented servers to augment capacity and meet user demand. It’s highly transparent about its server fleet and provides detailed insights into server ownership, domain names, and IPs through its website.
Additionally, Mullvad has also transitioned to a RAM-only infrastructure to enhance your privacy. These servers wipe all data with each reboot, making Mullvad an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN dominates this round with its hosting power and global server presence. With nearly 10x more servers and a broad array of specialty servers, NordVPN offers a versatile experience for diverse use cases.
This means you won’t go wrong if you get NordVPN as it guarantees a smooth online experience without concerns about congested servers.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
Both NordVPN and Mullvad offer highly polished apps that are ready to use without any tinkering required. Although ease of use is a subjective thing, this section aims to cover the overall user experience of each VPN, right from signing up to actually using the service.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN provides sophisticated desktop and mobile apps without compromising accessibility. The desktop app makes it easy to select servers via a prominent world map and a list of countries on the left.
The list is alphabetically ordered, which makes it easy to find and connect to your desired location. You can also manually search the list by using the search box at the top. It includes specialty servers like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, P2P, and obfuscated servers for added security.
NordVPN’s mobile apps are similarly refined, with a streamlined interface and hassle-free setup. They are easy to use, even for those who’ve never used a VPN before. Setting up your account just requires an email and password, which is a standard process for just about any other account.
Mullvad - (Score 8/10)
Mullvad provides straightforward apps that can be too simple for some. At the bottom of the home screen, you’ll see two rectangular buttons that either allow you to select servers manually or quickly connect to an auto-selected server. You’ll also see a non-interactive map in the background, which is mainly for visual appeal.
The Android and iOS apps follow a similar barebones approach that prioritizes function over flair. The apps lack the customization power that advanced users may expect to tailor their connections.
In aiming for minimalism, Mullvad risks frustrating those who want more control. But if you just seek simple security on the go, this VPN gets the core job done decently for you.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
With its visually engaging apps and ample customization options, NordVPN clinches this round through effortless usability and aesthetic design. It provides easy and quick access to advanced features like split tunneling and specialty servers across all platforms.
Therefore, get NordVPN for an optimal balance of usability and customization capabilities suitable for most use cases.
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
A well-rounded VPN should cater to all avenues of entertainment without geo-blocks hindering your experience. This section of our Mullvad vs NordVPN comparison delves into the media streaming, gaming, and torrenting capabilities of the two VPNs.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming, unblocking a wide range of platforms including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Max, and more. With its obfuscated servers, you’ll hardly face any issues with bypassing geo-blocks on your favorite streaming platform.
In terms of torrenting support, NordVPN offers P2P-optimized servers that facilitate rapid torrenting speeds without exposing your traffic. These servers can be used with OpenVPN and WireGuard (NordLynx), which are among the fastest VPN protocols available.
Moreover, NordVPN is also a great choice for gaming. It offers low ping and latency, which are vital for uninterrupted gameplay. With its highly optimized server network, you can connect to specific gaming servers without dealing with pesky geo-blocks. As with any VPN, it’s best to use nearby servers to minimize latency and enjoy lag-free gaming sessions.
Mullvad - (Score 6/10)
Mullvad offers moderate streaming support, as we could only unblock US Netflix and Max during our tests. Unlike NordVPN, which unblocks all popular streaming platforms, Mullvad’s streaming capabilities are quite limited.
It redeems itself for torrenting by offering a SOCKS5 proxy that enables safe P2P traffic without leaking data. Although it doesn’t enforce any speed or bandwidth caps, you may need some manual trial and error with different servers to find an optimal location.
Additionally, Mullvad VPN provides smooth and secure gaming experiences despite lacking dedicated gaming servers. Although it generally maintains acceptable ping and latency levels, it isn’t as effective as NordVPN at unblocking region-specific lobbies and content.Â
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN emerges as the winner in this round with its well-rounded support for all forms of entertainment. It offers specialized P2P servers and a proprietary NordLynx protocol, making it an ideal option for media streaming, torrenting, and low-latency online gaming.
Therefore, we recommend that you get NordVPN for comprehensive access to media streaming platforms, reliable gaming, and P2P servers.
Security & Privacy
Strong encryption, coupled with credible no-logging policies and leak prevention, is a vital trio for assessing a VPN’s reliability and data protection. In this section, we’ll compare how NordVPN and Mullvad fare in these crucial aspects.
NordVPN - (Score 9.5/10)
NordVPN includes three VPN protocols that cater to diverse security needs and preferences. Its offerings include OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the proprietary NordLynx, which is based on the WireGuard protocol. Each VPN protocol excels in different aspects and provides a balance of speed, security, and reliability.
The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, as reaffirmed by multiple independent audits by various security firms. Most of the information it collects comes at the time of account creation when you give an email to register, maintaining a relatively anonymous process.
Regarding IP/DNS leaks, NordVPN provides a secure environment with a leak-free experience. We conducted numerous tests but couldn’t find any evidence of IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.
Mullvad - (Score 8/10)
Mullvad VPN is as private as it gets online. It randomly assigns you a 16-digit code during registration, which is essentially your account name and password. Although this unique approach has its benefits, it also introduces some drawbacks.Â
For one, if you lose the assigned code, there’s no real method to recover your account. Secondly, if anyone gets this code, you’ll have to get a new code and create a new account to block them out.
As for protocols, Mullvad uses OpenVPN and the latest WireGuard protocols. While the protocol options may not be the most extensive, Mullvad still offers enough security for the average user.
Much like NordVPN, Mullvad doesn’t collect any logs and undergoes independent audits to verify its no-logs commitments. Our IP/DNS leak tests showed no signs of leaks, indicating that the service effectively hides our true identity at all times.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
Based on the analysis, NordVPN holds a slight edge over Mullvad due to its addition of an incredibly fast proprietary protocol and greater flexibility. Its well-engineered protocols, combined with leak-free performance and Panama-based jurisdiction, make it an ideal option for privacy-conscious users.
Therefore, you should get NordVPN to get a mix of security, reliability, and overall performance.
Speed & Performance
Speed is paramount when evaluating a VPN’s performance. In this section, we examine the speeds of NordVPN and Mullvad VPN across various server locations and assess their overall performance.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
NordVPN consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs on the market. Across various servers, it offered impressive speeds with minimal impact on our Internet experience. In the US, UK, and Canada, the reduction hovered around 9-13% during our tests.Â
Even with more distant locations, where connections tend to suffer, our average reduction never dropped below 15%, indicating a fast and stable performance.
It’s no surprise that these results are quite impressive, given NordVPN’s extensive server coverage. You can expect a consistently solid performance in most regions, making it a top choice if you’re seeking speed and reliability.
Mullvad - (Score 6/10)
Mullvad delivered mixed performance across servers during our speed tests. While the US and Canadian servers suffered substantial speed losses of around 80-90%, the UK and Singapore servers fared much better, with a reduction hovering around 11-13%.
Similarly, Australia and Italy had a moderate reduction in speed of around 30-50%. Overall, our speeds dropped by 46% on average, indicating a varying but sometimes substantial impact on speeds across various locations.
If your baseline speed isn’t high, you may face some issues depending on which server you choose to connect to.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
Based on the speed test results, NordVPN outperformed Mullvad across various server locations. It provided consistently faster speeds and maintained reliable connections across the US, UK, Canada, and Italy servers.
So get NordVPN if you prefer swift connections with consistent speeds while maintaining secure browsing.
Customer Support
Responsive and reliable customer support can be the difference between a smooth and frustrating VPN experience. Let’s dive into the various support channels offered by NordVPN and Mullvad.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN provides diverse customer support options to efficiently address your queries. The 24/7 live chat feature offers immediate assistance with knowledgeable support agents. Their email support option is ideal for resolving complex issues, although the response time may be slightly longer than the live chat feature.
If you prefer self-help, NordVPN provides detailed installation guides that simplify setup across various platforms and devices, including routers. The VPN provider also maintains a frequently updated FAQ section that covers a wide variety of queries and solutions to help you troubleshoot errors independently.
Additionally, NordVPN has an active blog that regularly publishes posts related to the latest cybersecurity trends, tips, and updates about the VPN service.
Mullvad - (Score 5/10)
Mullvad VPN offers customer support primarily through email, its Help Center, and an extensive FAQ section. While it lacks a live chat feature, you can rely on email support to address your concerns. Although the response times are slightly longer, the representatives are knowledgeable and provide helpful solutions for troubleshooting.
The FAQ section is detailed and covers a wide array of common queries, from account management to billing and technical issues. In contrast to NordVPN’s blog, Mullvad’s blog is somewhat limited as it focuses mainly on VPN updates rather than publishing diverse informational content.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN takes a clear lead in this section with its 24/7 live chat option, extensive blog, and diverse range of support resources. It has knowledgeable support agents who are ready to help you no matter the question or technical issue you have.
So if you want more comprehensive and immediate assistance around the clock, get NordVPN.
Pricing
Affordable prices and flexible subscription plans are crucial factors when choosing a VPN. Let’s compare the two services and determine which one offers the best value for its price.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
NordVPN offers three subscription plans: Standard, Plus, and Complete, available on monthly, yearly, and 2-year terms. The monthly plan starts at $12.99 for the Standard tier and includes VPN protection, malware protection, and an ad-blocker.Â
The Plus plan (starting at $3.99/month) adds a password manager and a data breach scanner, while the Complete plan (starting at $4.99/month) grants 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage.
Opting for annual billing lowers costs to $4.49/month and $2.99/month for a 2-year plan on the Standard tier.
NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial limited only to Android. Other than that, it doesn’t have a free plan, but you can practically use the 30-day refund guarantee as a free trial.
Mullvad - (Score 8/10)
Like account creation, pricing is another area where Mullvad forges its own path and does things in a unique way. It employs a flat monthly rate of €5.00 (around $5.48) per month, regardless of your subscription duration.
Similar to NordVPN, Mullvad doesn’t have a free version but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use as a risk-free trial. However, note that this guarantee doesn’t apply to cash payments due to anti-money laundering regulations.
Who’s the Winner? - NordVPN!
Although Mullvad has better monthly pricing, NordVPN beats it on the annual and 2-year plans. Its long-term plans look more enticing and come with more features compared to Mullvad VPN.Â
Therefore, get NordVPN to access diverse features at varying price points.
Mullvad vs. NordVPN - Which One Is Better?
Both NordVPN and Mullvad showcase distinctive capabilities, but their performance differs considerably. After careful analysis of their core attributes, NordVPN emerges as the clear winner in this comparison, showcasing an unambiguous dominance over Mullvad VPN in key aspects.
To better understand why, let’s compare the individual scores of each VPN across different segments in this NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN comparison.
While Mullvad VPN tries to prioritize anonymity and competitive pricing, it just doesn’t rise to NordVPN’s standards in key areas like jurisdiction, server strength, speed, streaming support, and protocols.
So, go ahead and sign up for NordVPN for all-around online protection coupled with greater performance across your devices.Â
This sums up our Mullvad vs NordVPN comparison. If you've got any questions or concerns, feel free to share your comments below. Thanks for reading!