Mullvad vs Norton VPN: Which is Best for Security in 2025?

Choosing a VPN can be like picking a bodyguard—you want someone tough, trustworthy, and who will not invade your privacy.

But with so many options, how do you know which is the best fit? 

In this showdown, we compare two popular contenders: Mullvad vs Norton VPN.

We’ll break down their security features in simple terms so you can decide which will keep your online activity private and secure.

Overview

We’ve rigorously tested both Mullvad and Norton VPN to give you the most accurate comparison.

We’ve evaluated their logging policies, encryption protocols, security features, and leak protection capabilities to determine which VPN offers superior security.

What is Mullvad?

Have you ever wished for a VPN that works? No fuss, no distractions? 

That’s Mullvad in a nutshell. They keep it simple with a focus on strong security and privacy.

There are no fancy features, just rock-solid protection for your online activity.

Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
• Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
• Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
• Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.

Pricing

Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.

What is Norton VPN?

You probably know Norton because of its antivirus software.

But did you know they also offer a VPN? Norton VPN aims to be a simple, user-friendly option that focuses on online security and privacy.

It’s a decent choice for beginners who want a familiar name they can trust.

Also, explore our favorite Norton VPN alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Strong security: Uses bank-grade encryption to protect your data.
• No-logs policy: Norton promises not to track your online activity.
• Broad device compatibility: Secure up to 10 devices simultaneously.
• Ad-tracker blocker: This helps prevent annoying ads from following you online.
• Split tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN connection.

Pricing

• Standard (VPN): $39.99/month, Protect up to 5 devices.
• Plus (VPN with security): $49.99/month, Protect up to 5 devices.
• Ultimate (VPN, security, family safety): $59.99/month, Protect up to 10 devices.

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive deeper and compare Mullvad and Norton VPN head-to-head across key features.

This detailed analysis will help you understand which VPN best fits your specific needs and priorities.

1. Security and Privacy

• Mullvad: Mullvad is a secure VPN known for its strong commitment to privacy. It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any information about your online activity. AES-256 encryption, a robust VPN protocol, ensures your internet connection is secure and your data is protected. Mullvad also offers features like port forwarding and split tunneling for enhanced privacy.
• Norton: Norton VPN prioritizes security with features like a kill switch and secure encryption. However, its privacy policies are not as transparent as Mullvad’s. While it claims to have a no-logs policy, it is based in the US and is a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, which may raise concerns for some users.

2. Server Network

• Mullvad: Mullvad has a decent-sized server network with VPN servers in 39 countries. While not as extensive as other VPN providers, like NordVPN, it offers enough server locations to bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming services.
• Norton: Norton VPN has a more extensive server network with servers in 30 countries, offering a good option for accessing content from different regions.

3. Speed and Performance

• Mullvad: While not the fastest VPN on the market, Mullvad offers decent speeds for most online activities. You can expect smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading with minimal buffering.
• Norton: Norton VPN’s speeds are generally slower than Mullvad’s. This might be noticeable when streaming high-quality video or downloading large files.

4. Streaming and Torrenting

• Mullvad: Mullvad is a good option for streaming and torrenting. Its servers allow P2P traffic, and users can access popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
• Norton: Norton VPN also supports streaming and torrenting, but their slower speeds may affect performance.

5. Ease of Use

• Mullvad: Mullvad is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. Its apps have a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to connect to and use a VPN server.
• Norton: Norton VPN is also user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that’s easy to navigate.

6. Pricing

• Mullvad: Mullvad offers a simple and affordable pricing plan at €5/month. It doesn’t have tiered plans or discounts.
• Norton: Norton VPN has a more complex pricing structure, with different plans and discounts. It also offers bundles that include Norton 360 and other security features.

7. Customer Support

• Mullvad: Mullvad’s customer support is limited to email support. They don’t offer live chat or phone support.
• Norton: Norton VPN offers better customer support with live chat and phone support options.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Strong security and privacy features include a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption (like AES-256), and advanced features like a kill switch and split tunneling.
• Fast speeds and reliable performance: Ensure the VPN offers decent streaming, downloading, and browsing speeds without significant lag.
• Extensive server network: A wide selection of server locations allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions.
• Device compatibility: Choose a VPN that works seamlessly across all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android).
• Ease of use: The VPN should have an intuitive interface and be easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
• Good customer support: If you encounter issues, look for a VPN provider with responsive and helpful customer support.
• Value for money: Consider the pricing and features to ensure you get the best value.
• Independent audits: Some VPNs undergo independent audits to verify their security and privacy claims, providing an extra layer of trust.

Final Verdict

For a genuinely secure VPN service, we recommend Mullvad VPN.

Mullvad is super serious about protecting your privacy. They don’t keep any logs of your activity and use strong encryption to keep your data safe.

Plus, it’s easy to use, even if you’ve never used a VPN.

While Norton VPN is a decent choice, it’s not as good as Mullvad regarding privacy. Mullvad is also cheaper and gives you more control over your security.

Remember, a good VPN is like a lock on your front door – it keeps you safe and gives you peace of mind.

We’ve tested tons of VPNs so that you can trust our recommendation.

Mullvad is one of the best VPNs out there, and it’s our top pick for anyone who wants to protect their online privacy.

Unfortunately, they don’t have a free version, but their low price makes it worth every penny.

More of Mullvad

We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?

• Mullvad vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network with more features, while Mullvad focuses on strong privacy and has a simpler, flat-rate pricing. NordVPN may be better for streaming, while Mullvad excels in anonymity.
• Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and strong streaming capabilities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with anonymous accounts, but its speeds might not be as consistently high, and it’s not as effective for unblocking streaming services.
• Mullvad vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network, which can be advantageous for bypassing geo-restrictions. Mullvad is often favored for its stronger commitment to privacy and transparent practices.
• Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally more affordable for long-term plans and allows unlimited connections. Mullvad stands out for its strong privacy focus and anonymous account creation. Surfshark tends to be faster in speed tests.
• Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers a balance of strong security and good speeds, with a more feature-rich interface. Mullvad emphasizes simplicity and anonymous use, sometimes at the cost of speed and additional features.
• Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a decent free plan and good speeds, while Mullvad has a wider server network and a longer-standing reputation for privacy.
• Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
• Mullvad vs Virtual Shield: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• Mullvad vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
• Mullvad vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Mullvad, while having a simple pricing structure, isn’t the cheapest but focuses on privacy and security.
• Mullvad vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
• Mullvad vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers for various activities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy and simplicity over a wide array of server types.
• Mullvad vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
• Mullvad vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization options and a large server network. Mullvad focuses on a no-frills approach with strong privacy.
• Mullvad vs Mysterium: Mullvad uses a traditional server network focused on privacy and security, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different anonymity model and potentially less consistent speeds.

More of Norton VPN

We’ve explored alternatives to Norton VPN, so how does Norton VPN stack up directly against them?

• Norton VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a much larger server network, and more advanced features than Norton VPN. NordVPN also has a strong, independently audited no-logs policy, making it a more robust choice for privacy and performance.
• Norton VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, strong security features, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While Norton VPN is simpler, ExpressVPN offers superior performance and a stronger commitment to privacy.
• Norton VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network than Norton VPN and can sometimes unblock more streaming services. However, Norton VPN can offer decent speeds and ease of use, though it may lack some of the advanced privacy features found in PureVPN.
• Norton VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically provides faster speeds, allows unlimited connections, and offers more features like split tunneling, often at a better long-term price than Norton VPN. Surfshark also has a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
• Norton VPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core and a transparent no-logs policy. While Norton VPN offers decent speeds and ease of use, ProtonVPN generally provides stronger privacy and better unblocking of streaming services.
• Norton VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. At the same time, Norton VPN has a smaller server network and a less strict no-logs policy. PrivadoVPN also offers a free tier.
• Norton VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength is its integration with ad and tracker blocking. Norton VPN is a more general-purpose VPN but lacks the specific ad-blocking focus.
• Norton VPN vs Virtual Shield: Norton VPN offers a more established brand name and a slightly larger server network than the very basic Virtual Shield.
• Norton VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Norton VPN also offers strong encryption, but has a smaller server network.
• Norton VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Norton VPN, while not the most expensive, doesn’t necessarily outperform FastestVPN in speed or server selection.
• Norton VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Norton VPN focuses solely on VPN services and has a smaller server network.
• Norton VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various activities. Norton VPN is simpler but has a smaller server network and may not be as effective for streaming.
• Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN: Both are often bundled with antivirus software. Norton VPN generally offers a more feature-rich VPN experience than McAfee’s basic VPN.
• Norton VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections. While Norton VPN is user-friendly, PIA provides more customization options and often better performance.
• Norton VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN that takes a different approach to anonymity. Norton VPN uses a traditional server network, which may offer more consistent speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions