📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: Surfshark 950+ Mbps vs Mullvad 700 Mbps — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity: Surfshark (email required) vs Mullvad (no info needed) — Mullvad wins
- 🎬 Streaming Unblock: Surfshark (16+ Netflix libraries) vs Mullvad (hit-or-miss) — Surfshark wins
- 🌍 Server Network: Surfshark (3,200+ in 100 countries) vs Mullvad (684 in 44 countries) — Surfshark wins
- 🎯 Value for Money: Surfshark ($1.99/mo) vs Mullvad (€5/mo flat) — Surfshark wins
Picking the right VPN is tough when two strong options sit in front of you.
Surfshark and Mullvad take completely different paths to protect your privacy.
One gives you every feature you could want on unlimited devices.
The other strips everything down to pure, no-trace anonymity.
So which one deserves your money?
We tested both SurfsharkVPN vs Mullvad for four weeks to find out.
Overview
We bought both Surfshark and Mullvad with our own money.
We ran speed tests, checked for DNS leaks, and tested streaming on both.
We also compared their apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Every claim in this article comes from real testing.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a feature-packed VPN based in the Netherlands.
It hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic with AES-256 encryption.
The biggest selling point is unlimited device connections on a single account.
Most VPNs limit you to five or six devices, but Surfshark has no cap.
It also unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services with ease.
Surfshark
Surfshark protects unlimited devices with one account. It delivers 950+ Mbps speeds and unblocks 16+ Netflix libraries worldwide.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark has three plans based on how long you commit.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Mid-term commitment |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or trial use |
Free trial: 7-day free trial on Android and iOS only. No credit card needed for the mobile trial.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day full refund on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The 2-year plan is the best deal at $1.99/month. Students get an extra 15% off through Student Beans.
⚠️ Warning: Prices rise after the first billing cycle. Check renewal rates before you commit.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s why Surfshark stands out from the crowd:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every gadget you own. No limits, no extra fees.
- Blazing Speeds: Hit 950+ Mbps on WireGuard. Stream 4K without buffering.
- Massive Server Network: Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries give you endless options.
- CleanWeb Protection: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware right inside the VPN app.
- Streaming Power: Unlocks Netflix US, UK, Japan, and 13+ other libraries.
- Alternative ID: Creates fake identities for online signups to protect your real info.
- MultiHop: Routes traffic through two servers for double encryption.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one plan
- Top-tier speeds of 950+ Mbps with WireGuard
- Unblocks 16+ Netflix libraries and major streaming platforms
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Affordable 2-year plan at $1.99/month
❌ Cons
- Prices increase after the first billing cycle
- Requires an email to create an account
- Based in Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance member)
- SmartDNS feature was removed in early 2026
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN based in Sweden.
It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.
What makes it unique is total anonymity.
You don’t need an email, name, or any personal info to sign up.
Just generate a 16-digit account number and you’re in.
You can even pay with cash mailed to their office in Sweden.
Mullvad
Mullvad is the gold standard for anonymous VPN usage. No email, no name, no trace. Pay with cash or crypto and stay invisible.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. One price, no tricks.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Committed privacy users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term anonymity seekers |
Free trial: No free trial available. But there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days. Must use less than 10 GB of data to qualify.
📌 Note: The price never changes. You pay €5/month whether you sign up for one month or ten years. No surprise renewals.
⚠️ Warning: There are no long-term discounts. If you want the cheapest monthly rate, Surfshark is $3+ cheaper on multi-year plans.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why privacy fans love Mullvad:
- Zero Personal Data: No email, no name, no payment info required. Just a random 16-digit code.
- Cash Payments: Mail cash to Sweden for total payment anonymity. No digital trail at all.
- Open-Source Code: Every app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- RAM-Only Servers: All data wipes on reboot. Nothing is stored on hard drives.
- DAITA Protection: Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis. A unique feature you won’t find elsewhere.
- Simple Pricing: One flat rate of €5/month forever. No bait-and-switch renewals.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Best-in-class anonymity with no personal info required
- Open-source apps you can verify yourself
- Simple flat-rate pricing with no renewals traps
- Multiple independent audits confirm no-logs policy
❌ Cons
- Only 684 servers in 44 countries
- Limited to 5 simultaneous device connections
- Inconsistent streaming unblock results
- No long-term discounts available
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Surfshark and Mullvad compare feature by feature?
We tested 10 key areas to help you pick the right VPN.
| Feature | Surfshark | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | €5/month |
| Servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 684 in 44 countries |
| Device Limit | Unlimited | 5 devices |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (always on) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ Built-in |
| Streaming Unblock | ✅ 16+ Netflix libraries | ❌ Inconsistent |
| Anonymous Signup | ❌ Email required | ✅ No info needed |
| Open-Source Apps | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For | Streaming, families, value | Privacy purists, anonymity |
1. Speed & Performance
Surfshark: Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. It hits 950+ Mbps on nearby servers using WireGuard. Long-distance connections only drop speed by 25-35%.
Mullvad: Mullvad is fast too, with only 13.5% average speed loss. But its smaller server network means speeds can drop 40-50% on distant servers. It switched fully to WireGuard in January 2026.
2. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers spread across 100 countries. That massive network means less crowding and faster connections. You can always find a server nearby.
Mullvad: Mullvad has around 684 servers in 44 countries. That’s much smaller. But many are self-owned, which gives Mullvad more control over hardware security.
3. Privacy & Anonymity
Surfshark: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte. All servers are RAM-only. But you need an email to sign up, which links your identity to the account.
Mullvad: Mullvad is the privacy king. No email, no name, no personal info. Just a random 16-digit code. You can pay with cash or cryptocurrency for zero digital footprint.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad is based in Sweden (14 Eyes alliance). But with no logs and no user data, there’s nothing to hand over.
4. Streaming & Unblocking
Surfshark: Surfshark is a streaming beast. It unlocks 16+ Netflix libraries, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more. Dedicated apps work on Fire TV Stick and Apple TV.
Mullvad: Mullvad doesn’t focus on streaming at all. Results are hit-or-miss. Some Netflix servers work, but many don’t. This VPN was built for privacy, not entertainment.
5. Security Features
Surfshark: AES-256-GCM encryption, kill switch, MultiHop (double VPN), Camouflage Mode to hide VPN usage, and CleanWeb to block ads and malware. Post-quantum encryption added in early 2026.
Mullvad: WireGuard encryption, always-on kill switch, Multi-Hop, DAITA (Defense Against AI Traffic Analysis), and Lockdown mode. All apps are open-source so anyone can verify the code.
6. Device Compatibility
Surfshark: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV, and browser extensions. Works on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers too. Unlimited connections.
Mullvad: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. No browser extensions. No smart TV or gaming console apps. Limited to 5 devices at once.
7. Ease of Use
Surfshark: Polished, modern apps with quick-connect buttons and searchable server lists. Very beginner-friendly. The interface guides you through setup step by step.
Mullvad: Clean, minimal interface. It’s simple but bare-bones. Better suited for tech-savvy users who prefer function over polish.
8. Customer Support
Surfshark: 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a help center with guides. Response times are fast, usually under 5 minutes on live chat.
Mullvad: Email support only. No live chat. Response times can take hours or even a day. The help documentation is solid, but real-time help isn’t available.
9. Torrenting & P2P
Surfshark: P2P allowed on all servers. The kill switch protects your real IP if the connection drops. Fast speeds make large downloads quick and painless.
Mullvad: Torrenting works well on Mullvad. The always-on kill switch and no-logs policy make it a safe choice. But slower speeds on distant servers can slow downloads.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Surfshark | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/month | €5/month |
| 1 Year | $3.19/month | €5/month |
| 2+ Years | $1.99/month | €5/month |
Surfshark: The 2-year plan at $1.99/month is the cheapest option by far. But the monthly plan at $15.45 is expensive. Best value comes from long commitments.
Mullvad: A flat €5/month no matter what. No discounts, but no price hikes either. You always know what you’ll pay. Great for people who hate subscription traps.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price possible | Surfshark | $1.99/mo on 2-year plan |
| Total anonymity | Mullvad | No email, pay with cash |
| Streaming Netflix abroad | Surfshark | 16+ libraries unblocked |
| Open-source transparency | Mullvad | Full code is public |
| Many devices at once | Surfshark | Unlimited connections |
| Simple, honest pricing | Mullvad | Flat €5/mo forever |
| Best all-around VPN | Surfshark | Wins 7 of 10 categories |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark is cheaper on long-term plans at $1.99/month. Mullvad costs €5/month with no discounts but also no price hikes after renewal.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark works on every device you own, including smart TVs and consoles. Mullvad only covers desktops and phones with five device slots.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you need zero-trace anonymity, Mullvad is the clear pick. If standard VPN privacy is enough, Surfshark’s audited no-logs policy works great.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners should pick Surfshark for its polished apps and 24/7 live chat support. Mullvad is better for tech-savvy users who value simplicity over hand-holding.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mullvad only has the 30-day guarantee with a 10 GB data cap.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark has 24/7 live chat and fast email responses. Mullvad only offers email support, which can be slow. Pick Surfshark if you want instant help.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- True anonymous signup with no personal info needed
- Open-source apps you can audit yourself
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewals
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (down to 5)
- Reliable streaming unblock for Netflix and Disney+
- 24/7 live chat customer support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription and request a refund if within 30 days
- Go to mullvad.net and generate your 16-digit account number
- Download the Mullvad app, enter your code, and connect
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections for your whole household
- Reliable streaming unblock for 16+ Netflix libraries
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries for faster speeds
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup (Surfshark needs an email)
- Open-source code transparency
- Cash payment option for total anonymity
📋 How to switch:
- Let your Mullvad subscription expire or request a refund within 30 days
- Sign up at surfshark.com with your email and pick a plan
- Download Surfshark apps on all your devices and connect
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Surfshark |
| 🌍 Server Network | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| 🎬 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Tie |
| 📱 Device Compatibility | Surfshark |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Surfshark |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Surfshark |
| 🔄 Torrenting | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 8 out of 10 categories (with 1 tie).
Best for: Streaming fans, large households, budget-conscious users, and anyone who wants a full-featured VPN.
Surfshark and Mullvad are built for very different people.
Surfshark is the all-rounder with fast speeds, unlimited devices, and great streaming.
Mullvad is the privacy vault for people who need total anonymity above all else.
If you’re a journalist, activist, or privacy purist, Mullvad is hard to beat.
But for most people, Surfshark gives you more features at a lower price.
Now go protect your internet connection!
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other competitors:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices
NordVPN wins on: Server count, specialty servers
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, device connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Consistency, router app
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming unblock
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, price
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier, Swiss privacy
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan generosity
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server count, features
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration
Surfshark vs Virtual Shield
Surfshark wins on: Price, global coverage
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, unlimited devices
StrongVPN wins on: WireGuard setup
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server network
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: Features, streaming, speed
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Speed, unlimited devices
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, privacy, features
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle integration
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming unblock
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, US servers
Surfshark vs Mysterium
Surfshark wins on: Speed, ease of use, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized VPN model
Surfshark vs SafeShell VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, features
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche market focus
Surfshark vs Oyster VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, global coverage, price
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple setup process
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad vs NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, open-source code
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, features
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, transparent pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, support
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs credibility
PureVPN wins on: Server count, streaming
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, DAITA
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier, Swiss jurisdiction
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, open-source apps
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, streaming
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, audit track record
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, browser integration
Mullvad vs Virtual Shield
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no personal info needed
Virtual Shield wins on: Ease of use, US focus
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, open-source
StrongVPN wins on: Device support, streaming
Mullvad vs FastestVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, audit history
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, price
Mullvad vs Aura VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, transparency
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, flat pricing
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming, server count
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs policy
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, cash payments
PIA wins on: Server count, price, features
Mullvad vs Mysterium
Mullvad wins on: Speed, reliability, audits
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, audit credibility
SafeShell VPN wins on: Regional specialization
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than Mullvad?
For most users, yes. Surfshark offers faster speeds, unlimited devices, and reliable streaming unblock. But Mullvad is better if you need total anonymity with no personal info required.
Is Mullvad VPN really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad doesn’t ask for an email, name, or any personal data. You get a random 16-digit code. You can even pay with cash mailed to Sweden.
How much does Surfshark VPN cost per month?
Surfshark starts at $1.99/month on the 2-year plan. The monthly plan costs $15.45/month. A 12-month plan runs $3.19/month.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Sometimes. Mullvad can unblock some Netflix servers, but results are inconsistent. If streaming is your priority, Surfshark is the better choice.
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been audited by Deloitte and Cure53. It runs RAM-only servers and has a strict no-logs policy. It’s one of the most trusted VPNs on the market.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 