📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Connection Speeds: Mullvad lost 13.5% vs Mysterium lost 70% — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Privacy & Anonymity: Mullvad passed independent audits vs Mysterium has no audits — Mullvad wins
- 🔒 DNS-Leak-Schutz: Mullvad passed all leak tests vs Mysterium had minor dns leaks — Mullvad wins
- 📝 Streaming-Zugriff: Both unblock Netflix and Hulu — Tie
- 💰 Pricing Value: Mysterium starts at $2.49/mo vs Mullvad at €5/mo — Mysterium wins
Picking a VPN service feels overwhelming in 2026.
You want a secure VPN that protects your true ip address and online activities.
Two unique vpn providers stand out: Mullvad VPN and Mysterium VPN.
Mullvad is a trusted Swedish VPN with independent audits and a strict no logs policy.
Mysterium is a decentralized vpn powered by blockchain technology and a global community of node runners.
I tested both for three weeks straight.
This Mysterium vs Mullvad comparison breaks down every detail so you can pick the best vpn for your needs.
Überblick
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested Mullvad and Mysterium side by side.
I spent weeks checking connection speeds, vpn settings, and privacy features on a windows laptop and Android Gerät.
I ran dns leak protection tests, checked upload speeds, and tried to access streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
I also tested how each vpn app handles a vpn kill switch and split tunneling.
Here is what I found after using both vpn services hands-on.
Was ist Mullvad VPN?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused Swedish vpn service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your ip address.
It routes your traffic through a vpn tunnel so your ISP cannot see your online activities.
Mullvad does not require an email to create an account number.
Instead, it generates a unique 16-digit account number for each user.
Mullvad’s apps are fully open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
The mullvad service supports both openvpn and wireguard protocols for maximum speed and security.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad is one of the most trusted secure vpns on the vpn market. It has passed multiple independent audits by Radically Open Security. Pay with bitcoin cash or even mail in physical cash for total anonymity.
Mullvad VPN-Preise
Mullvad’s pricing is the simplest in the vpn market.
There is one flat rate with no discounts for longer subscriptions.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Monat | €5 per month | Testing the service short-term |
| 1 Jahr | €5 per month | Regular vpn users who want simplicity |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term privacy-first users |
Kostenlose Testversion: Mullvad does not offer a free trial or a free plan.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: Mullvad offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not happy with the service.
📌 Notiz: Mullvad supports up to five devices at the same time. You can pay with cash, crypto payments, or credit cards. The price stays the same no matter how long you subscribe.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term subscription discounts like other vpn providers. Most vpns give cheaper rates for yearly plans. With Mullvad, you always pay €5 per month.
Key Benefits of Mullvad VPN
Here is why Mullvad stands out from other vpns in the vpn market:
- Bestätigte No-Logs-Richtlinie: Mullvad passed multiple independent audits by Radically Open Security. No user activity data is ever stored on mullvad’s servers.
- Anonymous Sign-Up: You do not need an email or any personal data. Mullvad generates a random account number and you are ready to connect.
- Fast Connection Speeds: Mullvad’s speeds showed only 13.5% average speed loss in testing. That is faster than most vpns on the market.
- RAM-Only Servers: All mullvad server hardware runs on RAM only. Every reboot wipes all customer data completely.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad VPN’s vpn tunnel design is built to resist future quantum Berechnung threats.
- Open-Source Code: Every line of code in mullvad’s apps is public. VPN veterans and developers can verify security themselves.
- Multi-Hop & DAITA: Mullvad provides Multi-Hop routing and DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) for extra user privacy.
Mullvad VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No email or personal info required to sign up
- Passed multiple independent audits for trust
- Supports cash and bitcoin cash payments for anonymity
- Very fast speeds with only 13.5% loss on nearby servers
- Built-in vpn kill switch that is always on by default
❌ Cons
- Relatively small server network with only 684 servers
- No long-term subscription discounts available
- Streaming services can be hit-or-miss on some mullvad server locations
- Limited support team options compared to bigger vpn providers
Was ist Mysterium VPN?
Mysterium VPN is a decentralized vpn powered by blockchain technology and a global community of everyday people running nodes.
Unlike traditional vpn services, Mysterium uses a peer-to-peer network structure.
Your internet traffic routes through residential ip addresses instead of data center servers.
This makes your vpn connection look like regular home internet traffic.
Mysterium does not need you to create an account or provide an email to connect.
The vpn app uses wireguard protocol and WireGuard encryption for speed and security.
Mysterium VPN
Mysterium is the most affordable vpn with a decentralized network across 135+ countries. It gives you a real residential ip address so websites cannot tell you are using a VPN. Pay with crypto payments for full anonymity.
Mysterium VPN Pricing
Mysterium VPN offers some of the lowest prices in the vpn market.
It also has a pay-as-you-go model where you only pay for the data you use.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.49/mo | Light browsing and web access |
| Plus | $3.99/mo | Regular vpn users on a budget |
| Pro | $5.49/mo | Heavy users who need full access |
Kostenlose Testversion: Mysterium does not have a free plan or free trial.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: Mysterium offers a 7-day money back guarantee on all subscription plans.
📌 Notiz: Mysterium allows up to 6 simultaneous device connections. You can pay with credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, or popular cryptocurrencies. There is also a pay-as-you-go package option.
⚠️ Warning: Mysterium VPN does not have a dedicated iOS app. If you use an iPhone or iPad, this vpn service will not work for you. Check for iOS support before paying.
Key Benefits of Mysterium VPN
Here is why Mysterium VPN appeals to budget-conscious vpn users:
- Dezentrales Netzwerk: Mysterium runs on a global network of peer-to-peer nodes. No single company controls all the servers.
- Real Residential IPs: Your traffic gets a genuine residential ip address. Websites think you are browsing from a real home, not a data center.
- Most Affordable VPN: Plans start at just $2.49 per month. That makes Mysterium one of the cheapest vpn services available.
- 135+ Countries: The decentralized global network covers over 135 countries. That is more locations than most vpns offer.
- No Account Required: You can connect without creating an account or providing any personal data. Maximum anonymity from the start.
- Earn by Running Nodes: Users can earn rewards by contributing bandwidth to the network. This attracts a global community of developers and everyday people.
Mysterium VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Very affordable vpn with plans from $2.49/mo
- Real residential ip addresses make VPN traffic undetectable
- Decentralized network means no single point of failure
- Covers 135+ countries for a truly open internet
- No account or personal info needed to install and connect
❌ Cons
- No iOS app available for Apple mobile devices
- Speeds can drop up to 70% depending on the node used
- Relies on trust in individual node providers for security
- No independent audits to verify its no logs policy
Funktionsvergleich
Ready to see how Mullvad VPN and Mysterium VPN compare feature by feature?
We tested 10 key areas to help you pick the right vpn service for your needs.
| Besonderheit | Mullvad | Mysterium |
|---|---|---|
| Startpreis | €5/month | $2.49/month |
| Kostenloser Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Servernetzwerk | 684 servers / 44 countries | 135+ countries (P2P nodes) |
| Not-Aus-Schalter | ✅ Always on | ✅ |
| No-Logs Audits | ✅ Multiple audits | ❌ |
| Open-Source | ✅ | ✅ |
| WireGuard-Protokoll | ✅ | ✅ |
| Residential IPs | ❌ | ✅ |
| iOS App | ✅ | ❌ |
| Am besten geeignet für | Privacy-first vpn veterans | Budget users who want anonymity |
1. Privacy & Security
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN has passed multiple independent audits by Radically Open Security. It has a strict no logs policy confirmed by auditors. Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only, so all customer data is wiped on every reboot. Your dns requests stay private thanks to encrypted DNS.
Mysterium: Mysterium VPN operates a no logs policy by design because its decentralized network has no central server to store logs. However, there are no independent audits to verify this claim. You must trust individual node providers with your traffic.
⚠️ Warning: Mysterium’s decentralized structure can expose users to risks if a node provider is malicious. A few vpns like Proton VPN and Privater Internetzugang also offer audited no-logs policies.
2. Verbindungsgeschwindigkeiten
Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the fastest vpns tested. It showed only 13.5% average speed loss when connecting to a nearest server. Upload speed and download speed stayed stable across mobile devices and desktop apps.
Mysterium: Mysterium VPN speeds can be unpredictable. Some tests showed up to 70% speed drops. Performance depends on which node you connect to. On a nearby server with good bandwidth, speeds were acceptable for web browsing.
3. Server-Netzwerk
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN’s server network is a smaller server network with around 684 servers in 44 countries. That is a relatively small server network compared to other vpn providers like NordVPN. However, every mullvad vpn server is company-owned and RAM-only for maximum trust.
Mysterium: Mysterium offers access to over 135 countries through its decentralized global network. The number of servers changes because new nodes join the network daily. This peer-to-peer model gives you more geographic freedom to access content worldwide.
4. Anonymous Sign-Up
Mullvad: Mullvad generates a unique 16-digit account number. No email, no name, no personal data needed. You can even mail physical cash to their office in Sweden. They actively advise users to pay with bitcoin cash or cryptocurrency.
Mysterium: Mysterium lets you connect without logging in or creating an account at all. The app works the moment you install it. You can pay with crypto payments to stay completely anonymous. No logs are tied to your identity.
5. Streaming & Content Access
Mullvad: Mullvad can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. However, success varies by mullvad server and location. Mullvad focuses more on privacy than streaming. Do not expect to access gambling sites or BBC iPlayer every time.
Mysterium: Mysterium has been reported to work with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its residential ips make detection harder for streaming platforms. The decentralized vpn structure helps bypass geo-restrictions that block most vpns.
6. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad has a built-in vpn kill switch that is always on by default. It cannot be turned off. Mullvad also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet connection unless connected to a Mullvad server. DNS leak protection is built into every vpn app.
Mysterium: Mysterium VPN includes a kill switch and dns leak protection to prevent accidental ip exposure. These safety features work well on Android. However, without an iOS app, Apple users miss out on these protections entirely.
7. VPN-Protokolle
Mullvad: Mullvad supports both openvpn and wireguard protocols. As of January 2026, Mullvad has fully transitioned to the wireguard protocol for faster speeds. You can still find OpenVPN in the vpn settings and settings menu if needed.
Mysterium: Mysterium uses the wireguard protocol for all connections. WireGuard is considered the gold standard for speed and security among wireguard protocols. Mysterium does not support OpenVPN or older protocols.
8. Device Support & Apps
Mullvad: Mullvad offers vpn apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The linux apps are especially well-regarded by vpn veterans. Mullvad also works on Android TV and any vpn compatible router. You can use it on up to five devices simultaneously.
Mysterium: Mysterium has apps for Windows and Android plus a Chrome extension for web browsing. There is no iOS app available. You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously with one subscription. The Android app is optimized for fast vpn connections on mobile devices.
9. Mullvad Browser & Extra Tools
Mullvad: Mullvad offers the Mullvad Browser, a privacy-focused web browser built with the Tor Project. It blocks trackers, ads, and fingerprinting. Mullvad also includes built-in ad and malware blockers in every vpn app across all operating systems.
Mysterium: Mysterium does not offer a dedicated browser or extra privacy tools beyond the vpn. It focuses on the core decentralized vpn experience. There is a Chrome extension for quick secure browsing, but no standalone browser.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let us compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Planen | Mullvad | Mysterium |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Plan | €5/month (flat rate) | $2.49/month (Basic) |
| Mid-Tier | €5/month (same) | $3.99/month (Plus) |
| Top Plan | €5/month (same) | $5.49/month (Pro) |
| Bezahlen Sie, was Sie wollen | ❌ | ✅ |
Mullvad: Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month no matter how long you subscribe. There are no discounts. The annual cost is about $60. This straightforward pricing means no surprise price hikes after the first year like other vpn providers charge.
Mysterium: Mysterium is the more affordable vpn option. The Basic plan starts at just $2.49 per month. Mysterium also offers a unique pay-as-you-go model where you only pay for the gigabytes you actually use. This is great for light vpn users.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Mysterium | Plans start at $2.49/mo |
| Audited privacy | Mullvad | Multiple independent audits passed |
| Residential IP address | Mysterium | Real home IPs from node providers |
| Fast connection speeds | Mullvad | Only 13.5% average speed loss |
| iOS support | Mullvad | Mysterium has no iOS app |
| Most country locations | Mysterium | 135+ countries via P2P nodes |
💰 Your Budget
If you want the cheapest vpn service, Mysterium wins with plans from $2.49 per month. Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month with no subscription discounts at all.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad works on all major operating systems including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mysterium does not support iOS, so Apple users should pick Mullvad or look at Proton VPN as an alternative.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If verified privacy matters most, Mullvad is the clear choice. It has passed a search warrant test and multiple audits. Mysterium’s decentralized design is private by nature, but unaudited.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both vpn apps have a user friendly interface. Mullvad is better for vpn veterans who want fine-tuned vpn settings. Mysterium is simpler with its one-tap connection for everyday people who just want to connect and durchsuchen.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither Mullvad nor Mysterium offers a free plan. Mullvad has a 30-day money back guarantee. Mysterium gives you 7 days to get a refund. Test both before you commit to a long-term subscription.
🛟 Support Options
Mullvad has a support team you can contact mullvad through email. The response time is decent. Mysterium relies on community support and documentation. For further assistance, Mysterium has a support team through their web portal.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to Mysterium?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Lower monthly cost starting at $2.49/mo instead of €5/mo
- Real residential ip addresses that are harder for websites to detect
- Access to 135+ countries through the decentralized global network
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Independently audited no-logs policy and proven privacy record
- iOS app support and Android TV compatibility
- Fast and stable connection speeds with only 13.5% speed loss
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription and note your remaining days
- Download the Mysterium VPN app — installation takes under two minutes
- Choose a plan or use pay-as-you-go and start connecting to nodes
🔄 Switching from Mysterium to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Audited no-logs policy verified by Radically Open Security
- Full iOS, macOS, and Android TV support across all operating systems
- Much faster and more stable connection speeds on nearby servers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Budget-friendly pricing starting at $2.49 per month
- Real residential ip addresses from the peer-to-peer network
- Coverage in 135+ countries through the decentralized network
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mysterium subscription and request a refund if within 7 days
- Go to Mullvad’s website and generate a new account number
- Download Mullvad’s vpn app for your device and start with zero interruptions
Endgültiges Urteil
| Kategorie | Gewinner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Mysterium |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Mullvad |
| 🌍 Server Network | Mysterium |
| 🎯 Streaming Access | Tie |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Mullvad |
| 🔌 Device Support | Mullvad |
| 🛡️ Kill Switch & Leaks | Mullvad |
| 🧩 Extra Tools | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad VPN
Mullvad wins 7 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused vpn users, vpn veterans, anyone who wants audited security and fast speeds.
Mullvad and Mysterium are two very different vpn services.
Mullvad VPN is the best vpn for vpn users who need proven, audited privacy and fast connection speeds.
Mysterium VPN is the most affordable vpn for budget users who want a decentralized network with residential ips.
Mysterium is a great choice if you need the cheapest entry point into the vpn market.
However, if you want the most secure and trustworthy vpn service overall, Mullvad is the better pick.
Now go protect your internet and online activities with the right vpn!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad vs. NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, anonymity, open-source code
NordVPN wins on: Server network size, streaming access, mobile apps
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up, flat pricing, no logs audits
ExpressVPN wins on: Global server list, streaming, customer support
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, RAM-only servers, open-source
PureVPN wins on: Number of servers, port forwarding, price discounts
Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN
Mullvad wins on: Audited privacy, anonymous payments, transparency
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous device connections, price
Mullvad vs Proton VPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous account creation, cash payment option
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, server network size, Secure Core feature
Mullvad wins on: Independent audits, open-source apps, speed
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan available, lower yearly price
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy verification, anonymous sign-up, protocols
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, free tier, lower cost
Mullvad vs Virtueller Schild
Mullvad wins on: No-logs audits, anonymous payments, open-source
Virtual Shield wins on: User-friendliness, customer support
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, transparency, quantum-resistant tunnels
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming reliability, server count
Mullvad vs FastestVPN
Mullvad wins on: Audited security, open-source, kill switch always on
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing deal, more server locations
Mullvad vs Aura VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy record, no email required, open-source
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection features, bundled security
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, no-logs verification, transparency
CyberGhost wins on: Huge server network, streaming profiles, price
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, independent audits, open-source
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, family plan options
Mullvad vs. Privater Internetzugang
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous payments, RAM-only servers, audits
Private Internet Access wins on: Huge server network, port forwarding, price
Mullvad wins on: Proven privacy record, open-source, no-logs
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming optimization, lower entry price
Mullvad wins on: Established reputation, audited privacy, speed
Oyster VPN wins on: Competitive pricing, dedicated IP options
More of Mysterium Compared
Here’s how Mysterium stacks up against other competitors:
Mysterium vs NordVPN
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized design, residential IPs, price
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, streaming, iOS support
Mysterium vs ExpressVPN
Mysterium wins on: Price, residential IPs, anonymous access
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, device support, streaming reliability
Mysterium vs PureVPN
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, anonymous sign-up
PureVPN wins on: iOS support, server count, dedicated IPs
Mysterium vs SurfsharkVPN
Mysterium wins on: Residential IPs, decentralized structure
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, speed, iOS app
Mysterium vs Proton VPN
Mysterium wins on: Price, residential IPs, decentralized model
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, audited no-logs, Secure Core
Mysterium vs PrivadoVPN
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized P2P structure, 135+ countries
PrivadoVPN wins on: iOS app, free plan, simpler setup
Mysterium vs AdGuard VPN
Mysterium wins on: Residential IP addresses, anonymous payments
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking built-in, iOS support, speed
Mysterium vs. Virtueller Schild
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, lower price
Virtual Shield wins on: Ease of use, iOS support, support team
Mysterium vs StrongVPN
Mysterium wins on: Budget pricing, residential IPs, anonymity
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming access, iOS app, stable speeds
Mysterium vs FastestVPN
Mysterium wins on: P2P decentralized design, residential IPs
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan deal, iOS support, speed
Mysterium vs Aura VPN
Mysterium wins on: Anonymous access, blockchain technology
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, iOS support
Mysterium vs CyberGhost
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, residential IPs
CyberGhost wins on: Huge server count, streaming, iOS app
Mysterium vs McAfee VPN
Mysterium wins on: Price, anonymous payments, P2P design
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, family plans, iOS
Mysterium vs. Privater Internetzugang
Mysterium wins on: Residential IPs, decentralized structure
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, port forwarding, iOS
Mysterium wins on: Blockchain-powered anonymity, residential IPs
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming optimization, iOS support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized P2P network, lower price
Oyster VPN wins on: Dedicated IPs, iOS support, stability
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Mullvad VPN any good?
Yes, Mullvad VPN is one of the best vpn services for user privacy. Every mullvad vpn review praises its audited no-logs policy and open-source code. Mullvad is a reliable vpn trusted by vpn veterans and security experts worldwide.
Ist Mysterium VPN sicher?
Mysterium VPN uses gold-standard WireGuard encryption and has a no logs policy by design. However, its decentralized vpn structure means you are connecting through individual node providers. You need to trust those nodes, which is different from a traditional secure vpn with company-owned servers.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?
Mullvad VPN charges a flat rate of €5 per month. The price stays the same whether you pay monthly or for a full year. Mullvad does not offer long-term subscription discounts like other vpn providers in the vpn market.
Is Mysterium VPN free?
No, Mysterium VPN is not a free vpn. The cheapest plan is $2.49 per month for the Basic package. There is also a pay-as-you-go model where you pay for the data you download. Mysterium offers a 7-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Yes, Mullvad can unblock Netflix and other streaming services like Hulu and Disney Plus. However, results can vary by mullvad vpn server location. Mullvad focuses on privacy over streaming, so it is not the best vpn for heavy streaming users. A few vpns like NordVPN handle streaming better.
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