Choosing a VPN can be tricky. You need strong sécurité, but all the technical jargon can be confusing.
Mullvad and OpenVPN are popular choices, but which VPN is more secure in 2025?
It’s a crucial question for your online safety. Think about it: your online activity is valuable.
In this post, we’ll compare Mullvad vs OpenVPN’s security features, including encryption, protocols, and logging.
Aperçu
We’ve rigorously tested Mullvad and OpenVPN, examining everything from their encryption strength to their server infrastructure.
This comparison is based on hands-on experience, real-world performance, and an in-depth analysis of their security features, which will help you faire une décision en connaissance de cause.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! It offers access to over 800 servers in 40 countries!
Tarifs : Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5.00/month.
Caractéristiques principales :
- Port Forwarding
- Bridge Mode
- Multihop Connections
Unlock the power of customization. OpenVPN lets you tailor your sécurité settings with features.
Tarifs : A free plan is available. Plan starts at $11/month
Caractéristiques principales :
- Highly configurable
- Strong encryption
- Several platforms supported
What is Mullvad?
Okay, let’s discuss Mullvad. It’s a VPN service based in Sweden that prioritizes privacy.
Mullvad keeps things simple. It doesn’t log your activity, and its primary goal is for you to be anonymous online.
Découvrez également nos favoris Mullvad alternatives…
Notre avis
Améliorez votre confidentialité en ligne avec Mullvad VPN. Bénéficiez d'un cryptage robuste et d'une politique stricte d'absence d'enregistrement.
Principaux avantages
- L'accent est mis sur l'anonymat : Aucune adresse électronique n'est requise pour s'inscrire.
- Open source: Transparent et digne de confiance.
- Sécurité renforcée : Utilise les protocoles WireGuard et OpenVPN.
- Accepte les bitcoins : Pour les paiements anonymes.
Tarifs
- 1 month: €5/month.
- 1 an : €5/month.
- 1 décennie : €5/month.
Avantages
Inconvénients
What is OpenVPN?
Now, let’s talk about OpenVPN. It’s a bit different. It’s open-source software.
That means it’s free to use. But it’s also more technical.
You’ll need some know-how to set it up. It’s not as user-friendly as Mullvad. But it’s very powerful.
Découvrez également nos favoris OpenVPN alternatives…
Notre avis
Ready to experience a VPN that prioritizes both speed and security? Head over to OpenVPN’s official website to explore their plans and download the app.
Principaux avantages
- Super flexible: You have total control over how it works. It’s like a custom-built VPN!
- Highly secure: It uses strong encryption protocols like AES-256. Your data is safe!
- Widely compatible: Works on almost any device you can think of. Phones, computers, routers… you name it!
- Large community: Tons of people use and support it. Help is always available!
Tarifs
- Plan gratuit: 0 $/mois
- Plan de croissance: $11/month
- Entreprise: Contact Sales for a custom price.
Avantages
Inconvénients
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
We are not comparing two VPN services, but an entire service (Mullvad) against the generic concept of OpenVPN, which is often used as a protocol or software.
This comparison will focus on the key differences in security, privacy, and usability between using the full Mullvad VPN service and relying on a general OpenVPN setup.
1. Privacy and Logging Policy
- Mullvad: Mullvad VPN’s core strength is user privacy. Mullvad passed a real-world test (search warrant) with no customer données to hand over. They practice a radically open security model, using a simple account number system and accepting Bitcoin Cash to ensure no IP addresses or other user activity data is logged.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN itself is an open-source tool and tunneling protocol, so its logging policy depends entirely on the VPN provider or the OpenVPN server host. When a user relies on a general OpenVPN setup, manual configuration is needed to ensure no DNS requests or connection data is saved, unlike the pre-configured security of the Mullvad service.
2. Ease of Use and VPN Apps
- Mullvad: Mullvad offers user-friendly interface apps for all major operating systems, including dedicated Linux apps and mobile apps. Mullvad’s apps simplify the entire process, including the VPN kill switch and DNS leak protection, providing an easy-to-use experience for all VPN users.
- OpenVPN: The OpenVPN protocol requires manual configuration, which makes it less user-friendly. VPN users must install separate OpenVPN client software, like OpenVPN Connect, and manually load the configurations to create VPN connections. This level of technical complexity is often too much for most VPN users.
3. Server Network and Infrastructure
- Mullvad: Mullvad provides a structured VPN service with a relatively small server network of Mullvad’s servers in over 40 countries. They manage their own Mullvad server infrastructure and offer advanced features like multihop and a dedicated Mullvad Browser.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN is only a protocol; it doesn’t include a server network. The user must either set up their own OpenVPN servers or subscribe to one of the many other VPN providers, like Accès Internet privé or Proton VPN, who build a full service on top of the openvpn and wireguard protocols.
4. Anonymous Signup and Payment
- Mullvad: Mullvad takes anonymity to the extreme. Users do not need an email or a credit card; they simply get an account number. Payments can be made with Bitcoin Cash, protecting the user’s identity from the Mullvad service.
- OpenVPN: The general OpenVPN protocol is free. However, if a user utilizes the OpenVPN protocol through other VPN providers on the VPN market, that provider’s payment and signup rules apply, and most require an email and credit card.
5. Advanced Security Features
- Mullvad: Mullvad’s features include a VPN kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong support for the faster WireGuard protocol. Mullvad also has unique features like quantum-resistant VPN tunnels and has passed independent audits. Mullvad passed all our DNS leak tests.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN is one of the safest VPN protocols, using the OpenSSL library for strong encryption ciphers. It is highly configurable, supporting both OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP, but it lacks the built-in, ready-to-use safety features of a full VPN service.
6. Protocol Flexibility and Speed
- Mullvad: Mullvad supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, but they are actively removing OpenVPN support to focus solely on the faster WireGuard protocol. They encourage using WireGuard for better connection speeds and upload speed.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN itself is a very flexible protocol, allowing the user to choose between OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP. OpenVPN over UDP is generally faster than OpenVPN TCP, but even UDP is typically slower than the WireGuard protocol.
7. Soutien à la clientèle
- Mullvad: The Mullvad service includes a dedicated support team that users can contact Mullvad via email for help with VPN settings or issues. This is a crucial feature of a complete VPN provider.
- OpenVPN: The OpenVPN Community Edition offers no dedicated support team. Users must rely on the open source community for troubleshooting. Manual configuration means the user is their own support team.
8. Compatibility and Configuration
- Mullvad: Mullvad’s apps are designed to work across all major operating systems and mobile devices. They simplify the setup of the VPN connection greatly, even for Linux apps and a VPN compatible router.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN is highly compatible and can be set up on almost any operating system or mobile devices. However, this often requires manual configuration, which can be complex, especially for VPN veterans looking to set up their own private networks.
9. Extra Services and Utility
- Mullvad: The Mullvad VPN service offers more than just the connection; they offer the Mullvad Browser, a privacy-focused browser, and the ability to connect up to five devices simultaneously. The service is great for torrenting, but they struggle with streaming services like BBC iPlayer and gambling sites.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN only provides the secure tunnel technology. It does not include extra services like a dedicated browser or a simple service to protect customer data. Those features depend on the other VPN providers using the protocol.
Que rechercher lors du choix d’un VPN ?
- Protocol Choice and Speed: Check if the virtual private network supports the fastest and safest vpn protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Understand the difference between UDP User Datagram Protocol and TCP Transmission Control Protocol for optimal speed. OpenVPN over the UDP protocol is usually faster than TCP Transmission Control Protocol. Look at Mullvad’s speeds and upload speeds from a mullvad vpn review.
- Privacy Guarantees: The VPN must protect your true IP address and prevent DNS leaks. It should offer a high level of user privacy, which is key. The number of simultaneous device connections and whether it’s compatible with a windows laptop are also important.
- Facilité d'utilisation : A good VPN client should be user friendly. Avoid complicated manual steps like having to install OpenVPN or set up encryption keys yourself. Check the settings menu for ease of use.
- Server Quality: Don’t just look at the number of servers. The quality of the vpn servers matters more. See if the service helps you find a nearby server or the nearest server. Mullvad vpn’s server network is a smaller server network, but the quality is high.
- Fonctionnalités avancées : Look for secure VPNs that offer port forwarding and strong DNS leak protection. Many other vpn providers base their service on the open source vpn protocol, but add custom security protocol features.
- OpenVPN Specifics: If using OpenVPN, check the configuration details for authentication, openvpn, and security, like hash message authentication code (HMAC) and TLS auth. This is important for a truly secure connection.
- Service vs. Software: Remember that general OpenVPN software is just a tool for creating vpn tunnels. You need a complete VPN client service to hide your ip address from your internet service provider and other users.
- Audits and Trust: Open source software like the open source openvpn protocol can be inspected, but the commercial vpn providers need independent audits. Mullvad is a good example.
- Compatibilité : Ensure the VPN client has native apps for your devices, including Android TV and mobile apps, as manually setting up OpenVPN can be complex.
Verdict final
So, which one wins? For most people, we recommend VPN Mullvad.
It’s just easier to use. You get strong security right out of the box, and they don’t log your activity, which is super important.
The price is fair, and Mullvad is a great choice if you’re not a tech whiz.
OpenVPN is powerful, but it’s more complicated. You need to know what you’re doing.
We’ve tested tons of VPNs, and Mullvad consistently performs well.
It’s a solid pick for everyday online protection.
Mullvad is a good choice for a hassle-free VPN experience mainly because it uses WireGuard, which is fast and secure.
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: It prioritizes privacy, while NordVPN excels with a massive server network and extra features.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: It 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: It 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: It 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: It 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: It 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: It’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
- Mullvad contre le bouclier virtuel: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Mullvad vs StrongVPN: It is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: It 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: It includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad contre CyberGhost: It 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: It is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
- Mullvad contre l'accès Internet privé: 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: It 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 OpenVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to OpenVPN, so how does OpenVPN stack up directly against them?
- OpenVPN vs NordVPN: It offers a massive server network and faster speeds with its NordLynx protocol.
- OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: It features its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and reliability. This protocol competes with OpenVPN’s balance of security and compatibility.
- OpenVPN vs PureVPN: It supports WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec alongside OpenVPN, giving users faster and potentially more stable options.
- OpenVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: It includes WireGuard, known for its speed, as a modern alternative to OpenVPN, alongside IKEv2.
- OpenVPN vs ProtonVPN: It utilizes WireGuard and IKEv2, emphasizing security and often providing better speeds than OpenVPN, especially on well-configured networks.
- OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It supports the fast and secure WireGuard protocol as a key alternative to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs AdGuard VPN: It primarily uses its protocol, often prioritizing speed and efficiency over the more established OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs Virtual Shield: It may rely on OpenVPN as a primary secure protocol option.
- OpenVPN vs StrongVPN: It supports WireGuard and IKEv2, offering faster and potentially more stable alternatives to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs FastestVPN: It includes WireGuard and IKEv2, providing users with quicker alternatives to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs AuraVPN: It may use OpenVPN as one of its core security protocols.
- OpenVPN vs CyberGhost: It supports WireGuard and IKEv2, providing faster connection options compared to OpenVPN in many scenarios.
- OpenVPN vs McAfee VPN: It may offer OpenVPN as a standard security protocol.
- OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access: It supports WireGuard and IKEv2, often delivering better speeds than OpenVPN while maintaining strong security.
- OpenVPN vs Mysterium: It utilizes the WireGuard protocol for its decentralized network, focusing on speed and security over OpenVPN.
Questions fréquemment posées
Is Mullvad a good VPN for torrenting?
Yes, Mullvad is one of the VPNs for torrenting. Its strong encryption and no-logs policy provides robust security features for safe torrenting. Remember always to check copyright laws in your region.
How do I disconnect from a VPN server like Mullvad?
Disconnecting is easy. In the Mullvad app, click the disconnect button. This will close the VPN tunnel and restore your standard internet connection. This should happen within 600 seconds.
Are WireGuard and OpenVPN the same?
No, WireGuard and OpenVPN are different VPN protocol options. While both encrypt your traffic, WireGuard is newer and generally offers better speed performance, making it one of the fastest protocols. OpenVPN is more established and highly configurable.
Is Mullvad safe?
Yes, Mullvad is a secure VPN. Its focus on data privacy et politique de confidentialité makes it a strong choice. It prioritizes privacy above all else, making it one of the few VPNs that truly respects user data. It has also undergone a security audit.
Why is Mullvad removing OpenVPN support?
Mullvad is migrating to WireGuard as its primary protocol. WireGuard’s modern design, fewer lines of code, and improved performance make it a better choice. As of 15th January 2026, they will be removing support for OpenVPN. This streamlines their VPN clients and reduces the attack surface. They have been eliminating openvpn support gradually.
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