📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: ExpressVPN lost ~25% speed vs Mullvad lost ~13.5% — Mullvad wins
- 🎬 Streaming Access: ExpressVPN unblocked 6/6 platforms vs Mullvad 2/6 — ExpressVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Features: Both passed all DNS/IP leak tests — Mullvad wins (anonymous signup)
- 🌍 Server Network: ExpressVPN 3,000+ in 105 countries vs Mullvad 700+ in 49 — ExpressVPN wins
- 💰 Long-Term Value: ExpressVPN $2.44/mo (2-yr) vs Mullvad €5/mo flat — ExpressVPN wins
Choosing a VPN feels overwhelming in 2026.
There are dozens of options. Each one claims to be the fastest and most secure.
Two names keep coming up in privacy circles: ExpressVPN and Mullvad.
ExpressVPN is a feature-packed powerhouse with servers in 105 countries.
Mullvad is the privacy purist’s favorite. It doesn’t even ask for your email.
But which one is right for YOU?
I tested both side by side for four weeks. Here’s everything I found.
Overview
I signed up for both ExpressVPN vs Mullvad to give you the most honest comparison.
I tested speeds, streaming, security features, and privacy policies.
I used each VPN on my Windows laptop, Android phone, and a Fire TV Stick.
Every test was run multiple times across different servers and times of day.
This review is based on real-world use — not just spec sheets.
What is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service based in the British Virgin Islands.
It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.
With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, it’s one of the largest VPN networks available.
ExpressVPN is known for fast speeds, easy apps, and strong streaming support.
It also includes a built-in password manager called ExpressVPN Keys.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN protects your online privacy with military-grade encryption. It unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and 100+ streaming services across 105 countries. One subscription covers up to 10 devices at once.
ExpressVPN Pricing
Here’s what ExpressVPN costs in 2026. It has three tiers now.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.44/mo | VPN-only users on a budget |
| Advanced | $3.14/mo | Password manager + threat protection |
| Pro | $5.24/mo | Dedicated IP + identity defender |
Free trial: 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. No free trial on desktop.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The prices above are for the 2-year plan (billed upfront). Monthly plans start at $12.99/mo. Annual plans start at $3.49/mo. The 2-year plan includes 4 bonus months.
⚠️ Warning: ExpressVPN renews at a higher rate after the first billing period. The Basic plan renews at $99.95/year. Turn off auto-renewal if you want to avoid surprises.
Key Benefits of ExpressVPN
Here’s why ExpressVPN stands out from the competition:
- Massive Server Network: Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. You can connect from almost anywhere on Earth.
- Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN’s custom protocol is built for speed. It connects faster than WireGuard in many tests.
- TrustedServer Technology: Every server runs on RAM only. All data is wiped on every reboot.
- Streaming Powerhouse: It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video across all tested platforms.
- 18 Independent Audits: No other VPN has been audited this many times. Its no-logs policy is verified.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This keeps your banking apps on your normal connection.
- 24/7 Live Chat Support: Real humans answer your questions any time, day or night.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds we tested with only ~25% loss
- Unblocks every major streaming service including Netflix and Disney+
- Works on all platforms including smart TVs and routers
- Based in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands
- Built-in password manager and ad blocker included
❌ Cons
- More expensive than budget VPNs on short-term plans
- Renewal prices jump after the first billing cycle
- Basic plan limits you to 8 simultaneous connections
- No free plan available (only 7-day mobile trial)
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN service based in Sweden.
It doesn’t ask for your name, email, or any personal information.
You sign up with a random 16-digit account number. That’s it.
Mullvad is built for people who care about true anonymity above everything else.
Its apps are fully open-source so anyone can inspect the code.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad gives you complete online anonymity. No email, no name, no tracking. Just a random account number and encrypted internet. Pay with cash or crypto for total privacy.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. One price. No tiers. No tricks.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Long-term anonymous browsing |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Ultimate commitment to privacy |
Free trial: No free trial available. You can test it risk-free with the money-back guarantee.
Money-back guarantee: 14-day money-back guarantee. Cash payments are not eligible for refunds.
📌 Note: Mullvad charges the same €5/month no matter how long you subscribe. There are no discounts for longer plans. You can pay with crypto and get a 10% discount (~€4.50/mo).
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad’s 14-day refund window is shorter than most VPNs. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both offer 30 days. Make sure you test it quickly.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad is the go-to VPN for privacy purists:
- Zero Personal Data: No email, no name, no phone number. Just a random 16-digit account number for total anonymity.
- Open-Source Everything: All Mullvad apps are open-source. Security researchers can verify the code themselves.
- Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash, Bitcoin, Monero, or gift cards. No financial trail back to you.
- RAM-Only Servers: Nothing is stored on hard drives. Every reboot wipes all data clean.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad is preparing for future threats with quantum-safe encryption.
- DAITA Protection: Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis hides your browsing patterns from AI surveillance.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Best-in-class privacy with fully anonymous signup
- Open-source apps you can verify yourself
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewal hikes
- Fast speeds with WireGuard protocol (only ~13.5% speed loss)
- Passed every DNS and IP leak test we ran
❌ Cons
- Tiny server network (700+ servers in 49 countries)
- Unreliable for streaming — Netflix and Disney+ often blocked
- Only 5 simultaneous device connections
- No customer support via live chat (email only)
Feature Comparison
Let’s break down ExpressVPN vs Mullvad across 10 key features.
This side-by-side comparison will help you see which VPN fits your needs.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.44/mo (2-year) | €5/mo (flat rate) |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Server Network | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 700+ in 49 countries |
| Streaming Support | ✅ Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ | ❌ Inconsistent |
| Anonymous Signup | ❌ Email required | ✅ No personal info needed |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (always on) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open-Source Apps | ❌ (protocol only) | ✅ Fully open-source |
| Password Manager | ✅ ExpressVPN Keys | ❌ |
| Best For | Streaming + all-around use | Maximum privacy + anonymity |
1. Server Network
ExpressVPN: Over 3,000 servers spread across 105 countries. This is one of the largest VPN networks you can buy. You’ll find servers on every continent. Remote locations like Mongolia and Madagascar are covered too.
Mullvad: Around 700 servers in 49 countries. The network is smaller but focused on quality. Most servers are in Europe and North America. Coverage in Asia and Africa is limited.
2. Speed and Performance
ExpressVPN: Speed loss averages around 25% on nearby servers. The Lightway protocol keeps connections fast and stable. Long-distance connections to servers in Asia or Australia stay usable for HD streaming.
Mullvad: One of the fastest VPNs tested, with only ~13.5% speed loss on nearby servers. Mullvad now uses WireGuard exclusively for the best performance. Long-distance speeds can drop 40-50% though.
💡 Test Result: Mullvad is faster on nearby servers. But ExpressVPN is more consistent across long distances thanks to its larger network.
3. Privacy and Security
ExpressVPN: Based in the British Virgin Islands with no data retention laws. It uses AES-256 encryption and TrustedServer technology. All servers run on RAM only. The company has passed 18 independent audits.
Mullvad: Based in Sweden (14 Eyes country). But its strict no-logs policy means there’s nothing to hand over. It requires zero personal info to sign up. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope. The apps are fully open-source.
4. Streaming and Content Access
ExpressVPN: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It works across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Fire TV Stick. The MediaStreamer feature lets you stream on devices that don’t support VPNs.
Mullvad: Streaming is hit-or-miss. It can sometimes unblock Netflix and Hulu. But most streaming platforms block Mullvad’s servers. This VPN is built for privacy, not entertainment.
⚠️ Warning: If streaming is important to you, Mullvad is not the right choice. ExpressVPN is the clear winner for accessing geo-blocked content.
5. Ad and Tracker Blocking
ExpressVPN: Includes Threat Manager, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. It also has parental controls to block adult content. These features work across all your connected devices.
Mullvad: Built-in DNS-based blockers handle ads, trackers, and malware domains. You can toggle these on in the app settings. Mullvad also offers a dedicated privacy browser built with Mozilla.
6. Apps and Device Support
ExpressVPN: Apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Android TV, and routers. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The Aircove router gives whole-home VPN coverage.
Mullvad: Apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. No dedicated apps for smart TVs or Fire TV. You can set it up manually on routers. The Linux app is one of the best in the VPN industry.
7. Kill Switch and Leak Protection
ExpressVPN: Network Lock (kill switch) blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops. DNS leak protection is built into every app. Both features passed all our leak tests with zero issues.
Mullvad: The kill switch is always on by default. You cannot disable it. Mullvad also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all connections unless the VPN is active. This is the most aggressive leak protection we’ve seen.
8. Encryption and Protocols
ExpressVPN: Uses AES-256 encryption with its own Lightway protocol. Lightway is open-source and independently audited. You can also choose OpenVPN if needed.
Mullvad: Switched fully to WireGuard as of January 2026. WireGuard is the fastest modern VPN protocol. Mullvad also adds quantum-resistant tunnels to protect against future computing threats.
9. Customer Support
ExpressVPN: 24/7 live chat and email support. Response times are fast — usually under 2 minutes on live chat. The help center also has detailed setup guides for every platform.
Mullvad: Email-only support at support@mullvadvpn.net. No live chat. Response times vary from a few hours to a full day. The website has a good knowledge base, but beginners may struggle.
10. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ExpressVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99/mo | €5/mo (~$5.50) |
| 1-Year | $3.49/mo | €5/mo (~$5.50) |
| 2-Year | $2.44/mo | €5/mo (~$5.50) |
ExpressVPN: The 2-year plan is the best deal at $2.44/mo. It includes 4 bonus months. Monthly plans are expensive at $12.99/mo. But the long-term pricing beats Mullvad dollar-for-dollar.
Mullvad: Flat €5/month no matter what. No discounts for longer plans. This is cheaper than ExpressVPN’s monthly plan. But the 2-year ExpressVPN plan is much cheaper per month.
💡 Test Result: If you commit to 2 years, ExpressVPN costs less than half of Mullvad per month. But if you want month-to-month flexibility, Mullvad wins on price.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best streaming VPN | ExpressVPN | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ |
| Maximum anonymity | Mullvad | No email, pay with cash |
| Cheapest long-term plan | ExpressVPN | $2.44/mo on 2-year plan |
| Month-to-month flexibility | Mullvad | €5/mo flat, no commitment |
| Biggest server network | ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers, 105 countries |
| Open-source transparency | Mullvad | Fully open-source apps |
| Beginner-friendly | ExpressVPN | 24/7 live chat + simple apps |
💰 Your Budget
ExpressVPN’s 2-year plan costs $2.44/mo, which is less than half of Mullvad’s €5/mo. But if you want to pay month-to-month, Mullvad is cheaper at about $5.50 vs ExpressVPN’s $12.99.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ExpressVPN works on smart TVs, Fire TV, routers, and game consoles. Mullvad focuses on desktop and mobile. If you need whole-home coverage, ExpressVPN’s Aircove router is a big advantage.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
Both VPNs have strong no-logs policies. But Mullvad takes privacy further with anonymous signup, cash payments, and open-source code. If privacy is your number one goal, Mullvad is the stronger choice.
🎓 Your Experience Level
ExpressVPN is easier to set up and use. It has one-click connect and 24/7 live chat. Mullvad is more technical with advanced settings that power users love but beginners may find confusing.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mullvad has no free trial and only a 14-day refund window. ExpressVPN gives you more time to test.
🛟 Support Options
ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat with fast response times. Mullvad only offers email support. If you need help quickly, ExpressVPN is the safer bet.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Complete anonymity — no email or personal info needed
- Fully open-source apps you can verify yourself
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewal increases
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- Built-in password manager (ExpressVPN Keys)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ExpressVPN subscription (request refund within 30 days if needed)
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number (no signup needed)
- Download the Mullvad app, enter your account number, and connect
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to ExpressVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Access to 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Reliable streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and 100+ services
- 24/7 live chat support and a built-in password manager
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup — ExpressVPN requires your email
- Open-source apps you can audit
- Flat pricing — ExpressVPN has renewal price hikes
📋 How to switch:
- Let your Mullvad subscription expire (request refund within 14 days if needed)
- Sign up at expressvpn.com with your email and choose a plan
- Download the ExpressVPN app, log in, and connect to a server
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Long-Term) | ExpressVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | ExpressVPN |
| ⚡ Speed (Nearby) | Mullvad |
| 🎬 Streaming | ExpressVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| 📱 Device Support | ExpressVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | ExpressVPN |
| 🔓 Encryption | Tie |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ExpressVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins 6 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Streaming fans, travelers, beginners, and anyone who wants a full-featured VPN.
ExpressVPN and Mullvad serve two very different audiences.
ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN for most people. It streams everything, works everywhere, and costs less on a 2-year plan.
Mullvad is the best VPN for pure privacy. No email, no personal data, fully open-source.
If anonymity is your top priority, Mullvad is hard to beat.
But for everything else — streaming, speed, support, and value — ExpressVPN takes the crown.
Now go protect your online privacy and start browsing with confidence!
More of ExpressVPN Compared
Here’s how ExpressVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming reliability, server country coverage (105 vs 127 countries)
NordVPN wins on: More total servers (9,000+), lower starting price
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, streaming access
PureVPN wins on: Lower pricing, dedicated IP options
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
ExpressVPN wins on: More server locations, faster long-distance speeds
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, cheaper pricing
ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming, customer support, app design
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan available, Swiss privacy laws
ExpressVPN wins on: Server network size, streaming, speed
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB/month, budget pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: More servers, streaming access, audit history
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking focus, lower price
ExpressVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, global coverage
Virtual Shield wins on: Simpler interface for beginners
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, number of audits
StrongVPN wins on: Simpler pricing, good for basic privacy
ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed consistency, streaming, security audits
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, lower cost
ExpressVPN wins on: VPN-specific features, server count, streaming
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection, family plans
ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, more country coverage, security audits
CyberGhost wins on: More total servers, longer money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Dedicated VPN features, speed, no-logs audits
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled with antivirus, all-in-one security
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming access, user experience
PIA wins on: Lower pricing, open-source apps, unlimited devices
ExpressVPN vs Mysterium VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Reliability, speed, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
ExpressVPN vs SafeShell VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, proven track record
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship-bypassing features
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server count, streaming, audit history
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget-friendly pricing
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, open-source apps, flat pricing
NordVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, speed, device limit
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, no-logs verification, anonymity
PureVPN wins on: More servers, streaming access, dedicated IPs
Mullvad vs Surfshark
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, open-source transparency
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, lower long-term price
Mullvad wins on: Simpler pricing, no email needed, cash payments
ProtonVPN wins on: More servers, free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, open-source apps, audit history
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, streaming support, more servers
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, stronger privacy features
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking focus, easier interface
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, open-source code, no personal data
Virtual Shield wins on: Ease of use, streaming access
Mullvad wins on: Privacy transparency, anonymous payments
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming support, more server locations
Mullvad wins on: Security audits, no-logs policy, anonymity
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, more server options
Mullvad wins on: Privacy-first design, anonymous accounts
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, family features
Mullvad wins on: Open-source apps, anonymous signup
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming, more servers, dedicated streaming IPs
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs audits, transparency
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, all-in-one protection
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, cash payments, simpler pricing
PIA wins on: More servers, streaming, unlimited connections
Mullvad wins on: Reliability, audit history, established reputation
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized model, pay-per-use pricing
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, audit transparency, open-source
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypassing features
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, audits, anonymous signup
Oyster VPN wins on: Lower pricing, streaming access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN better than Mullvad for streaming?
Yes, ExpressVPN is far better for streaming. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on all platforms. Mullvad is built for privacy, not streaming, and most platforms block its servers.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad doesn’t ask for your email, name, or any personal information. You get a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash or crypto for complete anonymity.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
ExpressVPN starts at $2.44/month on the 2-year Basic plan. The Advanced plan is $3.14/month, and Pro is $5.24/month. Monthly plans start at $12.99.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Sometimes. Mullvad can occasionally access Netflix on certain servers. But it’s unreliable. If you need a VPN for streaming, pick ExpressVPN instead.
Is ExpressVPN safe and legal?
Yes. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and has passed 18 independent security audits. Using a VPN is legal in the USA and most countries. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data.
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