VPN Comparison: NordVPN vs. Mullvad

When selecting a new VPN, it's common to feel overwhelmed by the impressive claims made on various websites. Deciphering which statements are genuine and which are merely marketing can be challenging. To help you make an informed choice, we've conducted an in-depth comparison of NordVPN and Mullvad.

Our evaluation includes practical testing of their applications, as well as multiple performance tests such as server speed and DNS leak detection. We also reached out to their customer support teams to assess response times. The results are presented in a straightforward, easy-to-understand format, complete with side-by-side comparison tables for quick reference.

If you're in a hurry to decide, here’s a quick summary: While Mullvad is highly commendable for its commitment to user privacy, NordVPN stands out as a robust all-rounder. It not only wins this comparison but is also our top pick for the best VPN service in 2024.

Mullvad keeps billing straightforward with a no-frills €5/month rate (~$5.43 USD)

NordVPN layers complexity through tiered subscriptions (Standard/Plus/Ultimate) and varying contract terms

NordVPN’s entry-level Standard plan drops to $3.99/month for a two-year commitment

Mullvad’s single-plan model requires no long-term contracts or bulk prepayments

NordVPN bundles cybersecurity extras: password managers, cloud storage, and dark web monitoring

Mullvad focuses purely on VPN services without auxiliary digital security tools

Short-term users pay premiums – NordVPN’s monthly plans spike to $12.99-$15.99

Both providers offer 30-day refund windows, letting users test network speeds and app functionality

Budget seekers favor Mullvad’s predictable $5.43 monthly outlay

Feature-focused users may justify NordVPN’s $6.99/month Ultimate tier (64% discount on 2-year prepay)

NordVPN rewards extended commitments with steep discounts on multi-year plans

Mullvad’s payment flexibility shines for nomadic users avoiding subscription traps

Security tools diverge between these providers

NordVPN packs malware defense and traffic filtering

while Mullvad focuses on privacy through its Tor-powered browser

Split tunneling capabilities exist in both platforms

Nord edges ahead by enabling URL-specific bypasses

through its browser add-ons for Chrome and Firefox

Specialized server access varies significantly

Nord offers streaming-optimized and censorship-evading nodes

Mullvad counters with multi-hop pathways

mirroring Nord’s double VPN functionality

App ecosystems reveal contrasting approaches

Nord covers Fire TV devices and mainstream browsers

Mullvad maintains minimal extensions

with Firefox support still experimental

Connection limits show minor differences

Six devices via Nord versus five through Mullvad

Adequate for individual use

though family sharing might strain capacity

Privacy philosophies manifest in feature selection

Nord prioritizes convenience through bonus protections

Mullvad embraces simplicity

focusing on core anonymity principles

When it comes to streaming, both NordVPN and Mullvad have their strengths, but they cater to different needs. If your primary goal is to stream content from various platforms, NordVPN is the standout choice. It excels at bypassing geographic restrictions, making it a reliable option for accessing popular streaming services.

Streaming platforms often impose regional blocks to comply with copyright and licensing agreements. A VPN allows you to alter your IP address and mask your location, effectively circumventing these restrictions. NordVPN has proven to be highly effective with major streaming services like Netflix, where it can access multiple libraries, including those in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Japan.

Additionally, NordVPN performs well with other streaming giants such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Even Dazn, known for its stringent anti-VPN measures, is accessible through NordVPN, which works with several country versions of the service.

In contrast, while Mullvad was faster in our recent speed tests, it had more difficulty bypassing geo-restrictions. It managed to work with Netflix (US library) and Amazon Prime Video but struggled with most other platforms.

For users in China, NordVPN is a top choice for bypassing the Great Firewall. Despite the dynamic nature of online censorship, NordVPN consistently finds ways to maintain access. By connecting to servers in other countries, you can change your IP address and access blocked content. If that doesn't work, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers that disguise your traffic, making it appear as regular web activity.

Mullvad’s performance in China is less consistent. While some users report success, especially when using a desktop computer and the bridge (multihop) feature, our latest tests showed that Mullvad did not work in China. Customer support suggests that it should function, but the results are mixed.

Mullvad’s interface prioritizes minimalism and anonymity

Users receive a unique numeric code instead of email-based credentials

NordVPN leans into visual appeal with a dynamic map-based server selector

Custom server lists are now possible in Mullvad

But real-time metrics like latency remain absent in its streamlined design

NordVPN packs features into collapsible menus and tabs

Advanced settings are segmented into categories like security and themes

Mullvad’s settings rely on toggle switches with contextual tooltips

Ideal for privacy-focused users seeking straightforward controls

NordVPN’s clutter may overwhelm but appeals to feature enthusiasts

The app balances functionality with occasional visual complexity

Both VPNs install quickly with guided setup processes

Account recovery hinges on safeguarding Mullvad’s randomized ID

Preference hinges on priorities: NordVPN for versatility

Mullvad for those valuing simplicity and identity-free access

When comparing the server infrastructure of NordVPN and Mullvad, we find significant differences in scale but similarities in performance.

NordVPN maintains an extensive network of over 6,000 servers distributed across more than 60 countries worldwide. This impressive coverage reflects their position as one of the industry's largest providers. In contrast, Mullvad operates with approximately 600 servers spanning 40 countries - a notably smaller footprint.

Despite this numerical disparity, both services effectively manage their resources relative to their user base. NordVPN's larger subscriber count necessitates their expanded infrastructure, while Mullvad's more modest user community can be adequately served by their smaller network.

The key difference emerges in geographical coverage. NordVPN's presence in 20 additional countries provides critical advantages for users needing connections in specific regions. If you require servers in locations like Argentina, Thailand, Turkey, or the United Arab Emirates, NordVPN is your only option between these two providers. Both services do cover all major markets including the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.

Performance testing reveals these providers rank among the industry's fastest VPNs. Both deliver unthrottled connections suitable for demanding activities like streaming, torrenting, gaming, and video conferencing. In recent speed tests, Mullvad demonstrated slightly superior performance with average speeds of 390 Mbps compared to NordVPN's 300 Mbps. However, these measurements fluctuate regularly, and relative performance positions may shift in future testing.

As with all VPN services, connection speeds typically improve when connecting to servers geographically closer to your physical location.

Both NordVPN and Mullvad provide top-tier security, employing 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data. If you opt for WireGuard with Mullvad, you'll be using ChaCha20 encryption. Both services also utilize 4096-bit RSA keys, ensuring the highest level of security available in a VPN.

To prevent DNS leaks, both NordVPN and Mullvad have robust measures in place, protecting your connection from potential vulnerabilities.

NordVPN primarily uses its proprietary protocol, NordLynx, which is based on the WireGuard protocol. On the other hand, Mullvad defaults to WireGuard. Regardless of whether you choose NordLynx or WireGuard, you can expect fast and reliable speeds. Additionally, both providers offer OpenVPN as an alternative.

A crucial feature in both NordVPN and Mullvad is the kill switch. This ensures that if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your internet traffic is automatically cut off, preventing any exposure of your data. The kill switch is available in NordVPN's Windows, Mac, and iOS apps, as well as in all of Mullvad’s applications. Notably, the kill switch in Mullvad cannot be disabled.

VPN Privacy Comparison

In the realm of privacy-focused VPN services, Panama-based NordVPN and Swedish Mullvad offer distinct approaches to user anonymity and data protection.

NordVPN operates from Panama, a jurisdiction without mandatory data retention laws, supporting its no-logs policy. While they don't collect identifying browsing data, they do retain certain information including device identifiers and your most recent session timestamp. To validate their privacy claims, NordVPN regularly undergoes independent audits of their logging practices.

Mullvad takes privacy a step further despite being based in Sweden, a 14 Eyes Alliance member. Their stringent no-logs approach means they collect nothing—not even session timestamps—leaving them with no meaningful data to surrender if legally compelled. Like their competitor, Mullvad's no-logs policy has been independently verified.

The signup process reveals significant differences in privacy philosophy. NordVPN follows the industry standard requiring an email address for account creation and management. Mullvad, however, implements a truly anonymous system by generating random account numbers with no personal information required whatsoever.

Both services support cryptocurrency payments for enhanced privacy. However, Mullvad offers superior anonymity options, accepting truly anonymous Monero cryptocurrency and even physical cash payments by mail. While NordVPN doesn't accept cash directly, they do offer subscription boxes available at retail locations, which—when purchased with cash and paired with a disposable email—can provide comparable anonymity.

When using either NordVPN or Mullvad, you will be assigned a shared IP address upon connecting to a server. This means the IP is also used by other users on the same server. This setup enhances privacy as it mixes the online activities of multiple users, making it difficult to trace actions back to a specific individual.

NordVPN, however, offers an additional feature: the option to get a dedicated IP address. This provides you with a unique, unchanging IP that is exclusively yours. The primary benefits include bypassing blacklists and avoiding frequent CAPTCHA challenges. For this service, NordVPN charges an extra $4.19 per month, and you can select from various locations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Both NordVPN and Mullvad do not provide specialized DDoS protection. However, simply using their services inherently offers protection against DDoS attacks. By changing your IP address and masking your real one, any DDoS attack would target the VPN server instead of your device. In case of an attack, you can switch to a different server, effectively changing your IP address again.

Customer Support Comparison: NordVPN and Mullvad

When comparing support options between these two VPN providers, there are notable differences in availability and response times.

NordVPN offers comprehensive support channels including 24/7 live chat assistance, which Mullvad doesn't provide. Both services maintain email support systems and detailed knowledge bases featuring setup instructions, visual aids, and frequently asked questions.

NordVPN maintains an active presence on YouTube where they regularly post tutorial videos, feature announcements, and promotional content to keep users informed and engaged.

To evaluate responsiveness, I conducted a test by sending three separate emails to each provider at varying times. The results revealed significant differences in their handling of customer inquiries.

Mullvad demonstrated exceptional email response efficiency, averaging just 1 hour and 50 minutes per reply - ranking it among the quickest responders in the VPN industry. Their answers were thorough and often included supplementary resources for additional information.

Despite NordVPN's larger market presence, their email response time averaged approximately 10 hours - considerably slower than Mullvad. However, their responses were equally detailed and addressed the specific questions asked.

This contrast suggests that Mullvad's smaller user base might allow for more prompt email support, while NordVPN compensates for slower email responses by offering immediate assistance through their live chat option.

Mullvad stands out for its exceptional privacy features, allowing users to sign up without an email address and even pay in cash. It also boasts very fast server speeds, making it a strong contender in the VPN market. Customer support is another area where Mullvad excels, providing reliable assistance.

However, NordVPN takes the lead as our overall preferred choice. While both services offer high-speed connections, NordVPN is more effective at unblocking content, especially popular streaming services. With a larger network of servers in more locations, NordVPN provides greater flexibility for users, whether they need to bypass content blocks or stream Netflix from abroad.

For those interested in NordVPN, it's worth noting that the service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free. If you're not satisfied, you can request a full refund with no questions asked.

When comparing NordVPN and Mullvad, we use a comprehensive methodology that evaluates key areas such as performance, security, and value for money. Our criteria include:

• Server Network : Both services are assessed based on their server locations, which can be crucial for accessing specific content or maintaining fast speeds.
• Server Speed : We conduct speed tests to ensure that the VPNs can handle high-bandwidth activities like streaming, online gaming, and torrenting.
• Unblocking : We test each VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions, particularly for streaming services. NordVPN has proven to be more reliable in this aspect.
• Security : We evaluate the encryption methods and additional security features, such as double VPN servers and ad blockers.
• Privacy : We verify that the VPNs adhere to strict no-logs policies and consider their headquarters and payment options.
• Ease of Use : We test the user interface and customer support to ensure a smooth experience for new and experienced users alike.
• Value for Money : We compare subscription plans and provide discount coupons to help users get the best deal.

While NordVPN and Mullvad share some similarities, such as fast server speeds, they differ in several ways. NordVPN has a significantly larger server network (6,000 servers compared to Mullvad’s 600) and is more effective at unblocking streaming services. On the other hand, Mullvad offers a flat monthly rate that is more affordable than most of NordVPN’s subscription options and allows for anonymous sign-up and payment.

In recent speed tests, Mullvad outperformed NordVPN, averaging 390 Mbps compared to NordVPN’s 300 Mbps. However, both services rank among the fastest we’ve tested, making them ideal for streaming and torrenting. The actual speeds can vary based on factors like base internet speed, VPN protocol, and server location.

Both NordVPN and Mullvad can be used to change your IP address and spoof your location, helping you bypass geographic restrictions. NordVPN, however, is more capable of bypassing blocks from streaming services, making it a better choice for frequent travelers who need to access region-locked content.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a tool that enables viewers to bypass geographical restrictions and access a broader range of content on the platform. By connecting to servers in various countries, users can unlock shows and movies that are not available in their local region, enhancing their streaming experience.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you're looking to access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, consider the SafeShell VPN for an enhanced streaming experience. The SafeShell VPN offers numerous advantages that make it an excellent choice for Netflix unblocked content. Here are the key benefits:

1. High-speed optimized servers specifically designed for buffer-free Netflix streaming in HD quality
2. Multi-device compatibility allowing you to connect up to five devices simultaneously across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and various TV platforms
3. Innovative App Mode feature that enables access to multiple regional Netflix libraries concurrently
4. Unlimited bandwidth with lightning-fast speeds that eliminate buffering and throttling issues
5. Advanced security through the proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol that protects your streaming activities
6. Risk-free exploration with a flexible free trial plan to test all premium features before committing

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

Unlocking global Netflix content is easy with SafeShell Netflix VPN . Here's how to get started:

• First, visit the SafeShell website and choose a subscription plan that fits your budget
• Download the SafeShell VPN application for your specific device (compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android)
• After installation, open the app and log into your account
• For the best Netflix streaming experience, select APP mode in the SafeShell interface
• Browse the server list and connect to a location matching your desired Netflix region (such as US, UK, or Canada)
• Once connected, simply open your Netflix application or website and sign in
• You'll now have access to the Netflix library specific to your selected server region, allowing you to enjoy previously geo-restricted content with SafeShell Netflix VPN