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

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.

Do you need a simple way to access your home network from anywhere?

Or are you a privacy enthusiast looking for maximum protection against online threats? 

In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between Mullvad vs Tailscale, focusing on their security features to help you decide which best suits your needs.

Overview

We’ve spent weeks testing Mullvad and Tailscale in real-world scenarios to give you the most accurate comparison. 

We’ve evaluated their performance, ease of use, and, most importantly, their security features.

Need a VPN that prioritizes your security above all else? Mullvad earns a 9/10 with its robust privacy features and strict no-logs policy, all for just €5/month.

What is Mullvad?

Mullvad is like that friend who’s super serious about privacy.

They don’t keep any logs of your activity.

They use strong encryption to protect your data.

And they offer a bunch of advanced features to keep you safe online.

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 Tailscale?

Tailscale is different from your typical VPN.

It’s like a magic bridge that connects all your devices.

It’s super easy to set up and use, perfect for sharing files between devices or accessing your home network from anywhere.

Also, explore our favorite Tailscale alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Simple setup: Get started in minutes; no complex configurations needed.
• Strong security: Uses the WireGuard protocol for robust encryption.
• Mesh networking: Devices connect directly to each other for faster speeds.
• Access controls: Control who has access to what is on your network.
• Works everywhere: Connect devices across different networks and locations.

Pricing

• Personal: $0/month
• Personal Plus: $5/month
• Starter: $6/month

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive deeper and compare Mullvad and Tailscale head-to-head across seven key features, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

1. Encryption

• Mullvad: Mullvad uses AES-256 encryption, the gold standard for VPNs. This ensures your data is scrambled and unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
• Tailscale: Tailscale also uses strong encryption, leveraging WireGuard’s cryptography for secure communication between your devices.

2. Protocols

• Mullvad: Offers a choice of OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Bridge mode, giving you flexibility and control over your connection.
• Tailscale: Relies solely on the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and efficiency.

3. Server Network

• Mullvad: Operates servers in 39 countries, allowing you to choose an exit node location that suits your needs. This can help access geo-restricted content or improve connection speeds.
• Tailscale: Doesn’t operate a traditional VPN server network. Instead, it creates a mesh network between your devices, allowing them to communicate directly.

4. Privacy

• Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t collect or store information about your online activity. This makes it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.
• Tailscale prioritizes security but focuses on creating a private network for your devices rather than providing anonymity. It collects minimal connection data for operational purposes.

5. Ease of Use

• Mullvad’s interface is simple, making it easy to use even for beginners. However, some advanced features may require technical knowledge.
• Tailscale isis is incredibly easy to set up and use. Install the app on your de, and you’ll beou’re ready to go.

6. Pricing

• Mullvad: Offers a straightforward pricing plan at €5/month, giving you access to all their features.
• Tailscale offers a free plan for personal use and a paid plan for businesses and users who need more advanced features.

7. Use Cases

• Use Mullvad: If you need a traditional VPN service to access geo-restricted content and protect your privacy while using public Wi-Fi or torrenting,
• Use Tailscale to create a secure and private network between your devices for remote access, file sharing, or gaming.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Security features: Look for a VPN with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
• Speed and reliability: Choose a VPN with fast speeds and reliable connections, especially if you stream video or download large files.
• Server network: Consider the size and location of the VPN’s server network. An extensive network offers more options for connecting to and accessing geo-restricted content.
• Ease of use: Choose a VPN that is easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface.
• Pricing: Compare pricing plans and features to find a VPN that fits your budget.
• Customer support: Make sure the VPN offers good customer support in case of any problems.
• Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices.
• Specific needs: Consider your particular needs, such as torrenting, streaming, or gaming, and choose a VPN that caters to those needs.

Final Verdict

So, which VPN comes out on top? For us, it’s Mullvad. Why?

They offer top-notch security, strong encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. They’re super easy to use and won’t break the bank.

But hold on! If you need a simple way to connect your devices and access your home network from anywhere, Tailscale is a fantastic (and often free) option.

Ultimately, your best VPN depends on your needs and priorities.

We’ve given you the facts; now it’s time to make your choice!

Whether you prioritize maximum security and privacy with Mullvad or seamless device connectivity with Tailscale.

You can’t go wrong with either of these excellent VPN options.

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 Tailscale

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

• Tailscale vs NordVPN: NordVPN’s Meshnet offers a similar secure device-to-device connection within a private network, while Tailscale is primarily focused on this functionality.
• Tailscale vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer provides some device linking for content access, but Tailscale offers a more comprehensive private network solution.
• Tailscale vs PureVPN: PureVPN’s port forwarding can enable direct device connections for specific uses, whereas Tailscale creates a seamless private network.
• Tailscale vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark’s Nexus aims to enhance the network, but Tailscale is specifically designed to create a private network between devices easily.
• Tailscale vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN allows secure server connections, but Tailscale directly links your devices in a private network.
• Tailscale vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN secures connections, but Tailscale’s core function is to create a simple, private network between your devices.
• Tailscale vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN focuses on privacy and ad blocking, while Tailscale’s strength is in creating direct, secure device-to-device networks.
• Tailscale vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield offers secure VPN connections, but Tailscale is built to create a cohesive private network.
• Tailscale vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN provides secure connections, but Tailscale simplifies creating a private network between devices.
• Tailscale vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN secures connections, while Tailscale’s focus is on creating an easy-to-manage private network.
• Tailscale vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN offers a security suite including VPN, while Tailscale specializes in creating secure, private device networks.
• Tailscale vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost allows multiple secure connections to its servers, while Tailscale creates a direct private network between your devices.
• Tailscale vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN secures your devices’ internet connection, while Tailscale creates a private network for direct device linking.
• Tailscale vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers secure connections and port forwarding, while Tailscale provides a more streamlined approach to creating a private device network.
• Tailscale vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN that connects through other users, while Tailscale creates a private network directly between your trusted devices.

Frequently Asked Questions