⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Mullvad charges a flat €5/mo regardless of plan length. AVG VPN costs $4.99/mo as part of the AVG Ultimate bundle.
- Best for: Mullvad for privacy-first users who want anonymity. AVG VPN for beginners who want simple antivirus-bundled protection.
- Key difference: Mullvad requires zero personal info to sign up. AVG VPN logs connection timestamps and requires an account with payment info.
- Our pick: Mullvad for most users — it offers verified privacy with independent audits and open-source apps.
Mullvad and AVG VPN take opposite approaches to online privacy.
Mullvad lets you sign up without an email address.
AVG VPN bundles its VPN service with antivirus software.
One prioritizes anonymity. The other prioritizes convenience.
This Mullvad VPN review and AVG VPN comparison breaks down both to help you decide.
Overview
This Mullvad vs AVG VPN comparison covers pricing, privacy, features, and ease of use.
We also break down which VPN works best for different users.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits your needs.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN service based in Sweden.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your true IP address.
You don’t need an email or personal info to create an account.
The Mullvad service generates a random 16-digit account number instead.
Most VPN users choose Mullvad for its strict no-logs policy and user privacy protections.
Compared to other VPNs in the VPN market, few VPNs match its commitment to anonymity.
Mullvad VPN
A privacy-first VPN with anonymous sign-up and a flat €5/month price. All Mullvad apps are open-source and independently audited.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad’s pricing is simple. There’s one flat rate.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Regular VPN users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term commitment |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial available.
Money-back guarantee: 14-day refund for most payment methods. Cash payments are excluded. This money back guarantee is shorter than most VPN services offer.
📌 Note: Mullvad charges the same price no matter how long you subscribe. There are no discounts for annual or multi-year plans. You can get a 10% discount by paying with cryptocurrency.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not auto-renew. You add time manually. If your subscription runs out, the VPN connection stops immediately.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s what makes Mullvad worth considering:
- Anonymous Sign-Up: No email, no name, no personal info. Mullvad generates a 16-digit account number. You can even pay with cash sent by mail.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent audits have confirmed Mullvad stores zero user activity data. The auditors found no logs of browsing history or DNS requests.
- Open-Source Apps: Every Mullvad app is fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- RAM-Only Servers: Mullvad’s servers run entirely on RAM. All data is wiped every time a server reboots.
- WireGuard Protocol: Mullvad uses WireGuard exclusively as of January 2026. It retired OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols in favor of WireGuard only. This modern protocol offers fast speeds with strong encryption.
- Built-in Kill Switch: The VPN kill switch is enabled by default and cannot be turned off. Your real IP address stays hidden even if the VPN connection drops.
- DAITA Protection: Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis hides your traffic patterns from advanced surveillance.
- Mullvad Browser: Mullvad also offers its own privacy browser built on Firefox. It pairs with the VPN for an extra layer of browsing protection on your computer or laptop.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Mullvad and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No email or personal info required to sign up
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Fully open-source apps on all platforms
- Flat €5/month pricing with no surprise renewals
- RAM-only servers wipe data on every reboot
❌ Cons
- Smaller server network than major VPN providers
- Inconsistent streaming service access
- No long-term subscription discounts
- Only supports up to five devices simultaneously
What is AVG VPN?
AVG Secure VPN is a VPN service from AVG Technologies.
AVG Secure VPN offers a bundled approach to online security.
It hides your online activity and IP address from hackers and ISPs.
The app connects you to servers in over 50 countries.
AVG VPN focuses on simplicity with a one-click connection interface.
Most users pick it because it pairs with AVG antivirus software.
AVG Secure VPN
A beginner-friendly VPN bundled with AVG antivirus. Connects up to 10 devices with AES-256 encryption and a 60-day free trial.
AVG VPN Pricing
AVG VPN is sold as part of the AVG product suite. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| AVG Antivirus Free | Free | Basic antivirus only (no VPN) |
| AVG Internet Security | $4.99/month | Antivirus with firewall protection |
| AVG Ultimate | $4.99/month | Full suite including VPN access |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Yes. AVG Secure VPN offers a 60-day free trial for new users.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on paid subscriptions.
📌 Note: The VPN is only included in the AVG Ultimate plan. AVG Internet Security does not include VPN access. The free trial requires creating an account with payment info.
⚠️ Warning: AVG VPN does not offer monthly subscriptions. The minimum commitment is one year. Watch for auto-renewal after the free trial ends.
Key Benefits of AVG VPN
Here’s what makes AVG VPN worth considering:
- 60-Day Free Trial: Test every feature for two full months. No commitment required upfront, though a payment method is needed to start.
- 10 Device Connections: Connect up to 10 devices at the same time. That’s double what most VPN providers offer.
- One-Click Protection: The app has a single button to connect. No VPN settings to configure for beginners.
- Streaming Servers: AVG offers optimized servers for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
- Mimic Protocol: A proprietary protocol that disguises VPN traffic as regular browsing. This helps bypass VPN blockers on some networks.
- Antivirus Bundle: AVG Ultimate combines VPN with antivirus, firewall, and identity protection in one subscription.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for AVG Secure VPN and spent several days testing the app across devices. Here’s what stood out:
AVG VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous 60-day free trial with full features
- Supports 10 simultaneous device connections
- Simple one-click interface for beginners
- Bundled with antivirus and identity protection
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Mullvad and AVG VPN across 9 key features. This will help you see where each VPN service excels.
| Feature | Mullvad | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month (~$5.90) | $4.99/month (annual) |
| Free Plan/Trial | ❌ | ✅ 60-day free trial |
| No-Logs Policy | ✅ Independently audited | ❌ Logs connection data |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ✅ On by default |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 10 |
| Server Network | ~700 servers, 49 countries | ~700 servers, 50+ countries |
| Streaming Support | ❌ Inconsistent | ✅ Optimized servers |
| Best For | Privacy and anonymity | Beginners and antivirus users |
1. Privacy and Logging Policy
Mullvad: Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy verified by multiple independent audits. The VPN stores zero user activity data. No browsing history, no DNS requests, no IP addresses. The auditors confirmed that Mullvad’s servers hold no customer data at all.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN’s privacy policy states it does not log websites you visit. However, it retains connection event logs for two years. These include connection timestamps, disconnects, and data volume. AVG has not completed an independent audit to verify its claims.
⚠️ Warning: AVG is owned by Avast, which was fined $16.5 million in 2024 for selling user data collected through its products. While AVG claims its VPN policy is separate, the parent company’s track record is worth noting.
2. Encryption and VPN Protocols
Mullvad: Mullvad uses the WireGuard protocol exclusively as of January 2026. The VPN previously supported both OpenVPN and WireGuard, but OpenVPN support was retired. WireGuard is a modern, lightweight protocol that delivers fast connection speeds with strong encryption. Mullvad’s VPN tunnels are also designed to be quantum-resistant. Mullvad passed multiple independent audits confirming its security capabilities.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN uses AES-256 encryption with multiple protocol options. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its proprietary Mimic protocol. Mimic disguises VPN traffic as regular browsing data to bypass VPN blockers. However, Mimic’s security details are not publicly documented. The AVG apps on Windows, Android, and iOS share the same settings menu and main screen layout.
3. Server Network
Mullvad: Mullvad operates around 700 servers across 49 countries. The Mullvad VPN server network is smaller than major VPN providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN — a relatively small server network by comparison. However, Mullvad owns many of its servers directly. You can browse the server list on their website to find the nearest server. All servers run on RAM only, leaving no customer data on hard disks. Mullvad’s servers are spread across the UK, France, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN offers over 700 servers across 50+ countries. The network shares infrastructure with Avast SecureLine VPN. AVG provides dedicated servers optimized for streaming and torrenting. Coverage is concentrated in Europe and North America.
4. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s VPN kill switch is enabled by default and cannot be disabled. The Lockdown mode blocks all internet connections unless you’re connected to a Mullvad server. DNS leak protection routes all DNS requests through Mullvad’s encrypted DNS servers, preventing DNS leaks that could expose your browsing activity.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN includes a kill switch that is activated by default. It protects against IP leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. DNS leak protection is included, though the VPN settings menu offers limited customization beyond the basics.
5. Anonymous Account Creation
Mullvad: No email, no name, no phone number. Mullvad generates a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash sent by mail, Bitcoin Cash, or other cryptocurrencies. This makes Mullvad one of the most anonymous among all secure VPNs available. You can also contact Mullvad support via email if you need help.
AVG VPN: AVG requires you to create an account with an email address and payment information. Even for the free trial, you need to provide payment details. There is no anonymous sign-up option. AVG collects standard account data during registration.
6. Streaming and Content Access
Mullvad: Mullvad’s streaming support is inconsistent. The VPN can access Netflix on some servers, but it often fails with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and streaming sites like Disney+. Mullvad focuses on privacy over streaming access. Don’t expect it to unblock gambling sites or geo-restricted content reliably. If streaming is your priority, this VPN is not the right fit.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN offers dedicated streaming servers for Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. These optimized servers improve access to geo-restricted content. However, AVG still struggles with some streaming sites beyond the major platforms.
7. Device Support and Mobile Apps
Mullvad: Mullvad supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Mullvad’s apps work on your Windows laptop or any mobile devices. The app works on up to five devices simultaneously. Mullvad also offers a browser extension and supports VPN compatible routers. Linux apps get the same features as other operating systems. You can run it on Android TV as well.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It supports 10 simultaneous device connections. That’s double what Mullvad offers. The mobile apps have the same one-click user friendly interface as the desktop version. You can install it on laptops and mobile devices in a few seconds. AVG VPN lacks advanced features like split tunneling on desktop, though Android has it.
8. Connection Speeds
Mullvad: Based on published reviews, Mullvad’s speeds are competitive on nearby servers. Speed drops of 13% to 27% on close servers are typical. Distant servers can slow connection speed by 39% or more. Upload speed stays consistent with the WireGuard protocol. The number of servers in each location affects how fast your connection will be.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN’s connection speeds vary by server and protocol. On nearby servers, download speeds drop by about 12% to 22%. Distant servers can cause drops of 58% or more. Upload speeds are less consistent, with drops reaching up to 97% in some tests. Most VPN services respond faster on close servers, and AVG VPN is no exception.
9. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Mullvad | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | ❌ None | ✅ 60 days free |
| Monthly | €5/month (~$5.90) | ❌ No monthly option |
| Annual | €5/month (~$5.90) | ~$54/year (~$4.50/mo) |
| Money-Back | 14 days | 30 days |
Mullvad: The flat €5/month rate stays the same no matter how long you subscribe. There are no hidden renewal fees or price increases. You pay month to month and can stop anytime. A 10% crypto discount is the only way to save.
AVG VPN: AVG VPN costs about $4.99/month as part of AVG Ultimate. The catch is there’s no monthly subscription. You must commit to at least one year. The 60-day free trial offsets that risk, but watch for auto-renewal charges.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Audited no-logs, anonymous sign-up |
| Free trial before paying | AVG VPN | 60-day free trial included |
| More device connections | AVG VPN | 10 devices vs Mullvad’s 5 |
| Open-source transparency | Mullvad | Fully open-source VPN apps |
| Streaming access | AVG VPN | Optimized streaming servers |
| Month-to-month billing | Mullvad | No annual commitment needed |
💰 Your Budget
Mullvad costs about €5/month with no annual discounts. AVG VPN is cheaper per year at roughly $54, but you can’t pay month to month.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. AVG VPN covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS but does not support Linux.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If you want true anonymity, Mullvad is the clear choice. It requires no personal info and has been audited by independent security firms. AVG VPN requires an email and logs some connection data.
🎓 Your Experience Level
AVG VPN is built for beginners with its one-click interface. Mullvad has more VPN settings and options that may appeal to experienced VPN users and privacy enthusiasts.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AVG VPN wins here with a 60-day free trial. Mullvad offers no free trial, but its 14-day money-back guarantee lets you test the service with low risk.
🛟 Support Options
AVG offers live chat and a support team available through its website. Mullvad only provides email-based support. If you need help fast, AVG has the edge.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to AVG VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 10 device connections instead of 5
- Dedicated streaming and torrenting servers
- Bundled antivirus and identity protection
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous account creation with no personal info
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Open-source app transparency and Linux support
📋 How to switch:
- Let your Mullvad subscription expire (no cancellation needed)
- Download AVG Secure VPN and start the 60-day free trial
- Install the app on your devices and connect to a nearby server
🔄 Switching from AVG VPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Verified no-logs policy with independent audits
- Anonymous account with no personal data required
- Open-source apps and RAM-only servers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 10 simultaneous device connections (Mullvad allows 5)
- Bundled antivirus and identity protection tools
- Optimized streaming servers for Netflix and Hulu
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AVG subscription before it auto-renews
- Visit Mullvad’s website and generate an account number
- Add time to your account using any payment method and install the app
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise-level VPN deployments or evaluate how either VPN performs in heavily censored countries like China or Russia. Long-term speed stability over months of continuous use was not measured. We also didn’t test AVG Secure VPN’s streaming capabilities in every country. If you need a VPN for high-security environments or corporate use, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | AVG VPN |
| 🔒 Privacy | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed | Mullvad |
| 📺 Streaming | AVG VPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | AVG VPN |
| 🔌 Device Support | AVG VPN |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 3 out of 7 categories but takes the overall win on the strength of its privacy and security features.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, anonymous browsing, users who value open-source transparency
Mullvad and AVG VPN serve very different audiences.
Mullvad is built for VPN users who prioritize privacy above everything else. Its anonymous sign-up, audited no-logs policy, and open-source code set it apart from most VPN providers.
AVG VPN is a solid pick for beginners who want simple protection bundled with antivirus software. The 60-day free trial and 10 device connections make it accessible for families.
However, AVG’s connection logging and lack of independent audits weaken its privacy case. For users who care about keeping their sensitive data truly private, Mullvad is the stronger choice.
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other VPN providers:
Mullvad vs NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up without email, open-source apps, simpler flat-rate pricing with no upsells
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network with 6,000+ servers in 100+ countries, better streaming access for Netflix and other platforms, lower long-term pricing at around $3/month on two-year plans
Mullvad vs Proton VPN
Mullvad wins on: No account info needed at all, cash payment by mail, DAITA traffic analysis protection
Proton VPN wins on: Free tier with unlimited data, larger server count across 120+ countries, Secure Core servers for multi-hop routing through privacy-friendly nations
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous account creation, RAM-only servers that wipe on reboot, independently audited privacy policy
Private Internet Access wins on: Unlimited simultaneous device connections, port forwarding support for torrenting, lower annual pricing with multi-year discounts
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: No personal data collected at sign-up, lower monthly cost at €5 vs ExpressVPN’s $12+, fully open-source client apps
ExpressVPN wins on: Servers in 105+ countries for broader coverage, consistent streaming access across major platforms, 24/7 live chat customer support
More of AVG VPN Compared
Here’s how AVG VPN stacks up against other VPN services:
AVG VPN vs NordVPN
AVG VPN wins on: 60-day free trial (NordVPN has none), bundled antivirus and identity protection, simpler interface for non-technical users
NordVPN wins on: Verified no-logs policy with multiple audits, 6,000+ servers across 100+ countries, faster and more consistent connection speeds worldwide
AVG VPN vs CyberGhost
AVG VPN wins on: Longer free trial at 60 days vs 24-hour window, integrated antivirus suite, Mimic obfuscation protocol for bypassing blocks
CyberGhost wins on: Over 9,000 servers in 91 countries, dedicated gaming and streaming server profiles, 45-day money-back guarantee on annual plans
AVG VPN wins on: Extended 60-day trial period, combined security suite with virus scan and identity tools, easier setup for complete beginners
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous device connections, much lower long-term pricing at under $2/month, independently audited no-logs infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than AVG VPN for privacy?
Yes. Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. It requires no email or personal info to sign up. AVG VPN logs connection timestamps and requires account creation with payment details.
Is AVG Secure VPN free?
AVG Secure VPN offers a 60-day free trial. After that, you need a paid subscription. The VPN is included in the AVG Ultimate plan at $4.99/month billed annually.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad can access Netflix on some servers, but results are inconsistent. The VPN focuses on privacy rather than streaming access. If streaming is your main goal, other VPN providers are a better fit.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?
Mullvad charges a flat rate of €5 per month (about $5.90). The price stays the same whether you subscribe for one month or ten years. A 10% discount applies when paying with crypto.
Does AVG VPN slow down internet speed?
All VPN services reduce speeds slightly. On nearby servers, AVG VPN drops download speeds by about 12% to 22%. Distant servers cause larger drops. For everyday browsing and streaming, the slowdown is usually not noticeable.
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