- Key differences between Mullvad VPN and NordVPN
- Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN price comparison
- Which has more global servers: NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN
- Which is more secure: NordVPN or Mullvad VPN
- Which vpn has stronger privacy policies: Mullvad VPN or NordVPN
- Independent Audits & Transparency Reports
- Which is better for streaming: Mullvad VPN or NordVPN
- Should I choose NordVPN or Mullvad VPN for torrenting
- Should I choose NordVPN or Mullvad VPN for gaming
- Which VPN is easier to use: Mullvad VPN or NordVPN
- Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN Reddit comparison
- Final verdict: is Mullvad VPN better than NordVPN in 2026?
- FAQ
Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are premium VPN services with robust security and geo-unblocking power. But while NordVPN is a popular and well-known VPN for its speed and streaming service access, Mullvad is more of a niche VPN that’s popular with privacy-first users thanks to anonymous accounts and inexpensive subscriptions.
To pit NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN, I worked with the VPNOverview research team and compared both on matters of privacy, security, speed, and usability. Following my extensive tests, NordVPN excels past Mullvad in most key areas due to its broader range of features, varied plans, and ability to unblock any website. Read on to see how these VPNs compare in 2026.
| VPN provider | Mullvad VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Website: | Visit Mullvad’s website | Visit NordVPN’s website |
| Rating: | 8.3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 9.3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 870+ in 39 countries | 9300 servers in 137+ countries |
| Speed performance: | Fast | Very fast |
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 | 10 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 bit | AES-256 bit |
| Streaming support: | ❌ Very limited | ✅ Yes (including Netflix) |
| Torrenting support: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Starting price: | ~$5.82/month | From $ 3.49/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 14-day guarantee | 30-day guarantee |
Key differences between Mullvad VPN and NordVPN
NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are both reliable VPNs, but they differ quite broadly compared to other VPNs that I’ve tested head to head. During my extensive tests, I discovered that NordVPN is better than Mullvad VPN in many ways, including offering better unblocking power for streaming services, faster speeds, a larger server network, and more simultaneous connections. However, Mullvad has unique perks that make it a solid choice for the privacy conscious, with completely anonymous accounts and cash subscriptions.
| NordVPN pros and cons | Mullvad VPN pros and cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Vast server network. NordVPN offers 9300 servers in 137+ countries, making it adept at unblocking websites worldwide | ✅ Anonymous accounts. Mullvad doesn’t require a name or email address and simply gives you an anonymous account number |
| ✅ Lightning-fast speeds. NordVPN’s speeds are the best in the industry following my tests with over 80 VPN providers | ✅ Anonymous payments. You can pay for your subscription with crypto or by simply mailing cash to Sweden in an envelope |
| ✅ Robust unblocking power. During tests, I could unblock any streaming site in any country using NordVPN’s vast server fleet | ✅ User-friendly software. I found Mullvad’s website and software to be very user-friendly and appealing |
| ✅ Advanced malware protection. NordVPN’s anti-malware tools are solid and can even scan files for malware before you’ve downloaded them | ❌ 5 simultaneous connections. With a maximum of 5 devices per account, Mullvad has fewer simultaneous connections than many competing VPNs |
| ❌ 10-device limit. Unlike some premium VPNs, NordVPN still imposes a limit on simultaneous connections | ❌ Relatively small server fleet. Compared to NordVPN’s large network, Mullvad VPN offers just 850+ servers in 39+ countries |
Here are the main differences between NordVPN and Mullvad VPN:
- NordVPN is cheaper than Mullvad. NordVPN pricing starts from $ 3.49/month, but Mullvad charges a fixed €5/month (around $5.82/month). That said, Mullvad hasn’t changed its pricing in over a decade.
- NordVPN has a larger server network. NordVPN’s 9300 servers in 137 compared to Mullvad’s 850+ servers in 39+ countries means you won’t risk server congestion and can unblock websites anywhere
- Mullvad struggles to unblock streaming sites. NordVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and any other streaming site I tried during tests. Mullvad meanwhile struggles to bypass even Netflix’s anti-VPN technology.
- Mullvad offers the most anonymous signup method. Mullvad is a popular choice with privacy purists, allowing completely anonymous signup via mailed cash. All you need is an account number.
- NordVPN has faster speeds. NordVPN surpassed 700 Mbps during my tests and maintained a solid average speed no matter my server choice. Mullvad topped out at around 350 Mbps, though speeds vary more widely across long routing distances.
- NordVPN has more simultaneous connections. Mullvad limits accounts to 5 simultaneous connections, while NordVPN offers 10. Ideally, I’d like to see both providers offer unlimited connections as many competitors do.
Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN price comparison
As of February 2026, NordVPN is more affordable than Mullvad VPN. NordVPN plans start from $ 3.49/month, while Mullvad costs a fixed 5 Euros, or around $5.82/month at the time of writing. NordVPN’s plans are also varied in that you can choose to pay more or less, depending on the features you want access to. Mullvad on the other hand has a single subscription tier that offers access to all features.
| Subscription plans | NordVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| 1-month plan | From $12.99/month | €5/month (~$5.82/month) |
| 1-year plan | From $4.99/month ($59.88/year) | – |
| 2-year plan | From $ 3.49/month ($83.43/year) | – |
| Free trial | ✅ Yes, 3 days on Android | ❌ No |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| Current deal | Get 75% off NordVPN | Get Mullvad, €5/month forever |
NordVPN also offers a 3-day free trial on Android if you get the app from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, Mullvad doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does have a 14-day money-back guarantee so that you can try the service for two weeks risk-free. Similarly, NordVPN has a longer money-back guarantee period of 30 days.
Which has more global servers: NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN
NordVPN has more global servers than Mullvad, with 9300 servers in 137+ countries compared to Mullvad’s 850+ servers in 39+ countries. This makes NordVPN more adept at unblocking geo-restricted websites and avoiding server blacklisting and speed dips resulting from server congestion.
| Feature | NordVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers: | 9300 | 850+ |
| Countries covered: | 137+ | 39+ |
| Server types: | Physical and virtual RAM-only servers | Physical RAM-only servers |
| Specialized servers: | ✅ Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P, obfuscated, dedicated IP, Meshnet | ❌ No (all servers allow P2P) |
| Server ownership: | Mix of owned and rented server infrastructure | Entirely owned bare-metal servers |
NordVPN has a much bigger server fleet than Mullvad VPN, offering greater coverage that makes it easier to unblock content and avoid server overcrowding. While Mullvad allows P2P on all its servers, it lacks any specialty servers besides multi-hop connections. Meanwhile, NordVPN offers double VPN (multi-hop), P2P, obfuscated, and dedicated IP servers. Overall, this makes NordVPN’s fleet better for specific purposes like torrenting and streaming.
Which is more secure: NordVPN or Mullvad VPN
NordVPN and Mullvad both cover the security essentials, offering strict no-logs policies, a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and IP and DNS leak protection. NordVPN is headquartered in privacy-friendly Panama while Mullvad is in Sweden, which has strong privacy laws. But while NordVPN requires at least an email address to subscribe, Mullvad lets you sign up with nothing but cash and an anonymized account number. In other matters of security, both VPNs offer WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, but NordVPN takes an edge with its proprietary NordLynx and NordWhisper protocols. It’s a close tie between the two, so let’s look at the overall results of my tests:
| Security aspect | NordVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction: | Panama | Sweden |
| Encryption: | AES-256 bit | AES-256 bit |
| Protocols supported: | NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy: | ✅ Yes, independently audited | ✅ Yes, independently audited |
| Kill switch: | ✅ Yes, toggleable | ✅ Yes, cannot be disabled |
| Leak protection: | ✅ Yes, built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection | ✅ Yes, built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection |
Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. During my tests, I proved each kill switch works as intended and that my IP did not leak with either VPN. I also noted that both VPNs have had their no-logs guarantees independently audited by third-party auditing firms like PwC, Deloitte, and Cure53. NordVPN offers obfuscated and double VPN servers, and Mullvad has multi-hop and obfuscation settings to match.
With such a narrow tie, I looked closely at other standout security features for each VPN. Mullvad’s strength is in its ability to allow signups with zero personal information. NordVPN takes the edge in having a greater array of specialty servers and its own proprietary protocols. However, since NordVPN requires an email address as a bare minimum to sign up, I awarded the win here to Mullvad VPN, which is hugely popular among privacy aficionados.
Kill Switch
Mullvad VPN and NordVPN both include a built-in kill switch, which prevents data leaks if your VPN connection gets disconnected. This is important to avoid geo-blocks if you’re disconnected in the middle of a task. I’ve proven that both kill switches function as intended during my tests, but NordVPN’s kill switch offers more customization. With NordVPN, you can choose to have it block selected apps or all of your internet traffic, making it the better of the two between NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to specify which apps use your VPN connection and which use your regular internet connection. NordVPN allows both per-app and per-website split tunneling, while Mullvad lacks the ability to specify websites. What’s more, Mullvad’s split tunneling feature can only be used on desktop, while NordVPN’s feature works on both desktop and Android mobile devices. Through testing, it’s clear to me that NordVPN has an edge in providing the more functional split tunneling functionality.
Obfuscation
NordVPN offers dedicated obfuscated servers that help you bypass strict network blocks, while Mullvad has an obfuscation feature that can be toggled on. Mullvad’s feature requires the WireGuard protocol. Both VPNs use obfuscation to help you bypass VPN-detection measures on websites like Netflix that have a strong anti-VPN stance. In testing, I found that NordVPN’s obfuscation was more convenient and could always get me past blocks on websites like Netflix and ESPN+, though Mullvad’s obfuscation often failed to unblock popular streaming services.
Specialty servers
NordVPN has specialty servers that include P2P, double VPN, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers, while Mullvad offers P2P on all servers and both multi-hop and obfuscation features. Overall, I found that NordVPN offers a more beginner-friendly approach with its preset servers, allowing you to choose one that suits the task. Mullvad is more geared toward privacy-first users who want greater control around their connection and have more technical knowledge.
Ad & Malware Blocker
NordVPN’s built-in Threat Protection suite blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It’s an always-on feature that offers comprehensive protection and can even scan files for malware before you’ve downloaded them onto your device. Mullvad VPN has a feature called “Blocklists” that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains, though it has to be configured manually on each device. Overall, I found NordVPN’s built-in protection more seamless and more powerful in terms of the threats it can block.
Which vpn has stronger privacy policies: Mullvad VPN or NordVPN
NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are both located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, with NordVPN operating out of Panama and Mullvad operating out of Sweden. While Sweden is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, it doesn’t currently enforce any mandatory data retention laws for VPN services. What’s more, Mullvad’s completely anonymous cash-payment subscription means that you don’t have to submit any user data whatsoever if you’d prefer to avoid it.
Mullvad is one of very few VPNs that don’t even ask for an email address to create an account. Instead, you’re given a randomized account number, and you can renew your account simply by mailing the required funds to Mullvad in an envelope with your account number. While you could sign up to NordVPN with a throwaway email address in a similarly anonymous way, Mullvad’s approach to privacy is airtight.
No-Logs Policy
Both VPNs have a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing they won’t monitor or store any information about your web browsing habits. NordVPN and Mullvad’s no-logs claims are solid and have been repeatedly audited by third-party companies. While NordVPN collects minimal technical and device data, it can’t be tied back to your identity. Overall, I’d recommend NordVPN for any user that wants user-friendly software and settings, fast speeds, wide server availability, and strong privacy. But I’d recommend Mullvad if your priority is to be entirely invisible to your VPN operator.
Independent Audits & Transparency Reports
NordVPN has a clear edge in its independent audit history, as NordVPN has been audited four times since 2024 by PwC and Deloitte, both of which are some of the best-known names in the audit world. NordVPN also publishes regular transparency reports and third-party penetration tests, making its commitment to privacy obvious and publicly viewable.
However, Mullvad has also undergone multiple third-party security audits. While not using a Big Four audit firm, Mullvad has been audited by Cure53 and other companies in recent years. Mullvad also publishes yearly transparency reports that contain any police requests that requested user data. What’s more, Mullvad’s apps are open source.
Which is better for streaming: Mullvad VPN or NordVPN
NordVPN is better than Mullvad for streaming, as it offers faster and more consistent speeds over distance, as well as more effectively unblocking streaming services. In my tests, NordVPN exceeded 700 Mbps on a 950 Mbps baseline connection. Meanwhile, Mullvad VPN managed 350 Mbps average in similar tests, which involved averaging 10 international VPN servers from various global locations.
In terms of streaming success, NordVPN bypassed restrictions on sites including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and ESPN+ during my tests. For this purpose, it outperforms Mullvad VPN’s more inconsistent results. During my tests, Mullvad VPN could occasionally but not always unblock Netflix US. It had more trouble with Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, depending on the server I chose.
| Streaming service | NordVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (inconsistent) |
| BBC iPlayer: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| ITVX: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Disney Plus: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (inconsistent) |
| Amazon Prime Video: | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (inconsistent) |
| Hulu: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| HBO Max: | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
I was impressed to see that Mullvad VPN could occasionally unblock Netflix US, as the platform uses strong anti-VPN software to detect and block VPN connections. However, it wasn’t always a given, and some servers didn’t let me access the platform outside the US.
What’s more, Mullvad couldn’t unblock other international libraries like Netflix Japan and Netflix Hong Kong whereas NordVPN could. Overall, NordVPN never faltered, no matter what streaming service I tried to unblock.
Should I choose NordVPN or Mullvad VPN for torrenting
A VPN is crucial for torrenting in order to avoid ISP speed throttling and hide your IP address from your torrent swarm so that people can’t track you. I tested NordVPN and Mullvad VPN’s P2P functionality to see which was better for torrenting, and there are clear differences between the two implementations.
NordVPN offers dedicated torrenting servers that are optimized for speed and reliability, prioritizing fast downloads. During my tests, I experienced consistent speeds across various international servers without any speed throttling, meaning NordVPN kept my IP address well hidden. Threat Protection was a real benefit here, as it let me scan torrent files for malware before I downloaded them. NordVPN also kept me safe from DNS leaks that could expose my location when torrenting.
Mullvad follows a different approach, allowing P2P on all servers rather than providing dedicated options. But what’s important here is to note again that across any torrenting connections, NordVPN offered faster speeds in my tests than Mullvad. As a result, NordVPN downloaded torrents faster while offering bonus security features that meant I was safer during my test circuit.
Should I choose NordVPN or Mullvad VPN for gaming
Gaming VPNs can help to stabilize your ping and connection speed by optimizing the routing path between your device and the game’s servers. They also protect you against DDoS attacks from disgruntled opponents and stop you from being affected by ISP speed throttling. Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN support online gaming and offer sufficient speeds to do so, though they performed differently in my tests.
NordVPN’s large server network is a boon because it helps you join matchmaking in other regions and play with your friends easily. With a larger server network than Mullvad, it’s the better choice for region hopping in online games. However, in my tests both VPNs delivered fast enough speeds for lag-free gaming with titles like Valorant and Smite 2. Both VPNs also support router installations, allowing you to game on a console that lacks a dedicated VPN app.
Which VPN is easier to use: Mullvad VPN or NordVPN
NordVPN has a polished and guided installation when installed directly from the official website or either of the mobile app stores. I found it easy to progress through the installation wizard and get up and running with beginner-friendly presets in no time. Once you’ve installed the app, the world map view makes it simple to find the connection you need.
Mullvad’s installation impressed me by being even simpler, albeit much more stripped back. Since Mullvad assigns you a random account number rather than login credentials, it’s very simple to install the VPN and get connected quickly. That said, without personalization or a dedicated setup wizard, it did feel a little more clinical to me.
NordVPN provides better device support, offering apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and you can use it on smart TVs and routers. Mullvad supports all the same major platforms, though it lacks as much support for smart TVs and other smart devices. That said, you can install Mullvad on a router to circumvent the issue.
Overall, I found NordVPN the easiest VPN to use. While all of Mullvad’s core VPN settings like your protocol, obfuscation, and multi-hop are simple to find and enable, NordVPN makes beginner users’ lives simple by having solid presets you don’t need to touch if you want speed, security, and unblocking power from the offset.
Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN Reddit comparison
As part of any VPN comparison, I refer to real user feedback from Reddit to help me understand whether my experience is similar to other people. During my comparison of Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN, I found that Reddit users largely had similar experiences to me. In one direct comparison of both services, the user concluded that NordVPN was more feature rich, while Mullvad was privacy-focused but lacked enhanced functionality. This was largely what I noted throughout my tests.
Other Reddit posts described how NordVPN offers a greater variety of servers and is more adept at unblocking, which is another experience I had during my tests. However, Mullvad is also a solid VPN, and some Reddit users found it the better option of the two.
While this user preferred Mullvad VPN over NordVPN, disagreeing with my overall result for this comparison, their comments about anonymity and zero tracking are true. That said, they referred to ads with NordVPN, which isn’t a problem I experienced. NordVPN has no built-in ads and has an ad blocker that actively prevents them on other sites.
Final verdict: is Mullvad VPN better than NordVPN in 2026?
NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are both solid VPNs for all purposes, with NordVPN focusing on beginner-friendly presets and vast server availability, while Mullvad is a privacy-first service. However, after a full comparison of both VPNs, NordVPN is the clear winner.
| When to choose NordVPN? | When to choose Mullvad VPN? |
|---|---|
| ✅ When you want low-cost subscriptions packed with features | ✅ When you want complete anonymity with zero user credentials |
| ✅ When you want the fastest VPN speeds available for streaming, gaming, or torrenting | ✅ When you want the guarantee of a fixed, unchanging monthly price with no commitment |
| ✅ When you want access to a vast worldwide server network that can unblock any streaming service | ✅ When you want control over your security settings rather than specialty servers |
| ❌ When you want to subscribe with cash for total anonymity | ❌ When you want an inexpensive, set-it-and-forget-it option |
Where NordVPN outperforms Mullvad VPN:
- Pricing: Mullvad’s fixed price is appealing, but NordVPN is the cheaper of the two VPN providers and offers greater flexibility in its plans with a longer money-back guarantee.
- Servers: NordVPN’s vast network of 9300 servers in 137+ dwarfs Mullvad VPN’s 850+ VPN servers in 39+ countries.
- Streaming: NordVPN beats Mullvad VPN hands down at unblocking any streaming service. While Mullvad VPN can unblock US Netflix intermittently, it struggles with a lot of other platforms.
- Usability: NordVPN’s installation is simple, though Mullvad’s is a little faster without any personal login credentials. However, NordVPN has the more usable software and is generally more pleasant to use.
Where Mullvad VPN outperforms NordVPN:
- Anonymous sign-up and registration. Mullvad offers fully anonymous sign-up without requiring personal details, and it allows VPN usage with just an account number instead of an email.
Where NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are equal:
- Security: NordVPN and Mullvad cover all the security essentials, though NordVPN excels with certain features like enhanced malware scanning before you download files, and specialty servers that make setup simple.
- Privacy: Both VPNs have a solid no-logs policy and exist in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, and both provide transparency reports and undergo independent audits.
In summary, NordVPN is a better VPN than Mullvad VPN in most key areas, though it can depend on what you’re looking for. If you value complete privacy and like consistency in pricing, Mullvad could suit you well. However, in matters of security, speed, streaming, and usability. NordVPN is the superior choice.
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FAQ
The main differences between Mullvad VPN and NordVPN are that NordVPN has more servers, faster speeds, advanced malware scanning and split tunneling features, and its own proprietary protocols. These facets aside, both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are solid choices, with NordVPN focusing on robust set-it-and-forget-it security and unblocking, and Mullvad offering a completely anonymous subscription process.
No, based on my 2026 tests, NordVPN is better than Mullvad VPN in providing more servers, faster speeds, cheaper subscriptions, and proprietary VPN protocols. That said, many privacy-first users choose Mullvad for its completely anonymous cash subscription option, which doesn’t even require an email address. Overall, Mullvad is still a solid choice, but it’s not better than NordVPN in most areas.
Yes, NordVPN is faster than Mullvad VPN and achieved around 700 Mbps+ in my in-house tests compared to Mullvad VPN’s 350+ Mbps. NordVPN also achieves better consistency in its speeds, maintaining high-speed connections over long routing distances. Conversely, Mullvad’s speeds vary more widely on different international VPN servers.
NordVPN is better at bypassing sports blackouts than Mullvad VPN, as while NordVPN can unblock any site including ESPN+ and Hulu, Mullvad struggles with streaming. NordVPN also has 2,000+ US VPN servers, allowing you to choose specific connections in specific cities, which is crucial for sidestepping regional blackout restrictions.
