⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Tarification : Mullvad charges a flat €5/mo (~$5.50). VirtualShield starts at $9.58/mo for Basic VPN only.
- Idéal pour : Mullvad for privacy-first users who want anonymous browsing. VirtualShield for users who want VPN, antivirus, and identity protection in one app.
- Différence principale : Mullvad is a pure VPN with open-source apps and no personal data required. VirtualShield is a full security suite with dark web monitoring and antivirus protection.
- Our pick: Mullvad for most users — stronger privacy, lower price, and more servers worldwide.
Mullvad and VirtualShield take very different approaches to security and privacy.
One is a pure VPN built for user privacy and anonymous browsing.
The other bundles VPN with antivirus protection and identity protection.
Few VPNs are as different from each other as these two.
This Mullvad vs Virtual Shield comparison breaks down both so you can pick the right fit.
Aperçu
This Mullvad vs Virtual Shield comparison covers pricing, privacy features, and server networks.
We look at Mullvad VPN’s server network, Mullvad’s pricing, and Mullvad’s speeds against VirtualShield’s features.
Mullvad’s apps are open-source. Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which tool fits your needs.
Qu'est-ce que Mullvad ?
Mullvad est un service VPN axé sur la confidentialité et basé en Suède.
It does not require an email address or any personal info to sign up.
Instead, Mullvad generates a randomly generated connection ID — a 16-digit account number — for each user.
The Mullvad VPN apps are fully open-source and run on all major operating systems including Linux apps, mobile apps for Android and iOSet Android TV.
The Mullvad service has passed multiple independent audits by firms like Radically Open Security and Cure53.
Mullvad
A privacy-first VPN with anonymous sign-up and flat-rate pricing. No email, no name, no tracking. Pay with cash, crypto, or card.
Tarification de Mullvad
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. There is one plan at one price.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mois | 5 € par mois | besoins de confidentialité à court terme |
| 1 an | 5 € par mois | utilisateurs de la confidentialité à long terme |
| 1 décennie | 5 € par mois | Économies maximales sur l'engagement |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : Aucun essai gratuit n'est proposé. Mullvad offre en revanche une garantie de remboursement de 14 jours.
Garantie de remboursement : 14 jours pour la plupart des modes de paiement. Les paiements en espèces sont exclus.
📌 Note: Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009. The flat €5/mo applies no matter how long you subscribe. Crypto payments get a 10% discount.
⚠️ Avertissement: There are no long-term discounts. Unlike most VPN providers, Mullvad does not offer cheaper rates for yearly or multi-year plans. The tradeoff is no surprise renewal price hikes.
Principaux avantages de Mullvad
Here’s what makes Mullvad worth considering:
- Inscription anonyme : No email, no name, no phone number. Just a randomly generated connection with a 16-digit account ID. You can pay with bitcoin cash mailed in an envelope.
- Politique de non-conservation des journaux vérifiée : Multiple independent security audits confirm Mullvad stores zero user activity data or customer data. The audits are published openly.
- Applications open source : Every Mullvad app is fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the code. This makes it one of the most secure VPNs for VPN veterans and privacy-conscious users.
- Serveurs fonctionnant uniquement en RAM : All Mullvad servers run on RAM only. Private data is wiped completely upon reboot. The number of servers sits at around 684 across 44 countries.
- Protocole WireGuard : Mullvad runs exclusively on WireGuard for fast speeds and strong encryption. OpenVPN and WireGuard were both supported until January 2026 when OpenVPN was retired.
- Bloqueur de publicités intégré : The app blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains without extra add-ons. It also prevents DNS leaks by routing all DNS requests through encrypted servers.
- Multi-sauts et DAITA : Route traffic through multiple servers. DAITA protects against AI-guided traffic analysis. Note that Mullvad does not support split tunneling or port forwarding.
- Navigateur Mullvad : Mullvad offers the Mullvad Browser, a privacy-focused web browser built with the Tor Project team. It pairs well with the VPN for extra protection.
What Our Team Noticed
Notre écrivain signed up for Mullvad and explored the platform hands-on. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de Mullvad
✅ Avantages
- Aucune information personnelle n'est requise pour s'inscrire.
- Flat €5/mo pricing with no renewal surprises
- Applications entièrement open source vérifiées par des audits indépendants
- Serveurs ne contenant que de la RAM et effaçant les données à chaque redémarrage
- Accepts cash and cryptocurrency for anonymous payment
❌ Inconvénients
- Smaller server network compared to NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Poor at unblocking streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Aucune réduction disponible pour les abonnements à long terme
- Assistance client uniquement par e-mail, sans option de chat en direct.
Qu'est-ce que Virtual Shield ?
VirtualShield is an online security suite based in the United States.
The VirtualShield VPN bundles a VPN server network with antivirus and identity theft monitoring.
The platform also offers dark web monitoring and data removal for customers who want all around security.
Most users choose it for the sole purpose of getting a single user security package rather than VPN alone.
Bouclier virtuel
A full security suite with VPN, antivirus, and identity protection. Covers dark web monitoring and webcam privacy in one app.
Tarification de Virtual Shield
VirtualShield offers three tiers. Each adds more security features.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Basique | 9,58 $/mois | Utilisateurs de VPN uniquement avec un budget limité |
| Plus | 13,75 $/mois | Users who want antivirus added |
| Ultime | 20,41 $/mois | Full identity and security protection |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : No free trial. VirtualShield does not offer a free plan.
Garantie de remboursement : 30 days. If you are not satisfied, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
📌 Note: VirtualShield requires payment for the entire contract up front. The monthly maintenance cost drops when you choose a longer existing plan. The Plus plan adds unrestricted streaming and the Ultimate plan adds premium phone support. If you finally cancelled your subscription, the company does offer refunds within the guarantee window.
⚠️ Avertissement: Some users have reported unexpected charges and difficulty getting refunds after the 30-day window. Make sure to cancel before the guarantee period ends if you are not happy.
Principaux avantages du bouclier virtuel
Here’s what makes VirtualShield worth considering:
- Sécurité tout-en-un : VPN, antivirus, and identity protection bundled together. As a valued customer, you do not need to buy separate apps or spend a lot more money on three different services.
- Surveillance du Dark Web : The service scans the dark web for your private data. You get real-time alerts if your data shows up in a breach. The customer experience is smooth for non-technical users.
- Forfait familial : Connect up to 15 mobile devices and desktops simultaneously on the family plan. The basic plan covers three devices. Good for protecting an entire household.
- Chat en direct 24h/24 et 7j/7 : The tech support team is super helpful and available around the clock. Many satisfied customers praise how fast they respond to issues.
- Webcam Privacy: VirtualShield includes webcam privacy to block unauthorized access to your camera. This adds an extra layer of protection for your online identity.
- Unrestricted Streaming: With the unrestricted streaming add-on, you can access Netflix content and other geo-blocked sites. This is an important factor for users who stream often.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for VirtualShield and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de Virtual Shield
✅ Avantages
- Regroupe VPN, antivirus et protection d'identité dans une seule application
- Surveillance du dark web avec alertes de violation en temps réel
- Family plan covers up to 15 devices at once
- 24/7 live chat support with responsive staff
❌ Inconvénients
- Réseau de serveurs très restreint, avec seulement 20 serveurs répartis dans 12 pays.
- Basée aux États-Unis, pays membre de l'alliance des Cinq Yeux.
- Pas d'options de paiement anonymes comme les cryptomonnaies.
- Key features like streaming and malware blocking cost extra
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Let’s compare Mullvad vs Virtual Shield across 9 key categories. This breakdown covers privacy, speed, servers, and more.
| Fonctionnalité | Mullvad | Bouclier virtuel |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 5 €/mois (~5,50 $) | 9,58 $/mois |
| Plan gratuit | ❌ | ❌ |
| Réseau de serveurs | 684+ servers, 44 countries | 20 servers, 12 countries |
| Audits sans journalisation | ✅ Multiple independent audits | ❌ No published audits |
| Inscription anonyme | ✅ Aucun e-mail requis | ❌ Adresse e-mail requise |
| Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence | ✅ Always on by default | ✅ Windows uniquement |
| Antivirus inclus | ❌ | ✅ (Plus and Ultimate plans) |
| Protection de l'identité | ❌ | ✅ (Plan ultime) |
| Applications open source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Idéal pour | Utilisateurs soucieux de la confidentialité | Chercheurs de sécurité tout-en-un |
1. Confidentialité et anonymat
Mullvad : Mullvad does not ask for an email, name, or phone number. You get a randomly generated connection ID as your account ID. You can pay with bitcoin cash mailed in an envelope or with cryptocurrency for full anonymity. The VPN has a strict no-logs policy confirmed by multiple independent audits. In our not so humble opinion, this is how every VPN should handle user privacy.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield requires an email to create an account. It only accepts credit cards and PayPal for payment. The company is based in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. VirtualShield does not have any published independent security audits.
2. Réseau de serveurs
Mullvad : Mullvad operates around 684 Mullvad VPN servers across 44 countries. Many servers are physically owned by the company. All servers are RAM-only, meaning data is wiped on every reboot. The server list focuses on quality over quantity. When you are VPN connected, you can pick the nearest server or choose from nearby servers for the best upload speeds and connection speeds.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield has a much smaller server network with only about 20 high speed servers in 12 server locations. This limits your options for finding a nearby server. The small server count means fewer choices compared to other VPN providers. It is a relatively small server network even for a newer company.
⚠️ Avertissement: VirtualShield’s 20 servers are far fewer than most VPN providers offer. If you need server locations in Asia or Africa, your options will be very limited.
3. Chiffrement et protocoles
Mullvad : Mullvad uses WireGuard exclusively as of January 2026. OpenVPN was retired. WireGuard protocols offer faster speeds and modern encryption. Mullvad also offers quantum-resistant VPN tunnels on all platforms. You can adjust VPN settings in the settings menu to control which protocol features you want.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield uses OpenVPN as its primary protocol with AES 256-bit encryption. It also supports ChaCha20 with Poly1305. The app does not support WireGuard, which means potentially slower connection speeds compared to Mullvad.
4. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
Mullvad : The VPN kill switch is enabled by default and cannot be turned off. Mullvad also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet connection unless connected to a Mullvad server. All DNS requests pass through encrypted DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks. This protects your true IP address and IP addresses from leaking.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield includes a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. However, this feature is only available on Windows. The macOS app lacks a kill switch entirely. DNS leak protection is included but limited.
5. Diffusion en continu et accès au contenu
Mullvad : Mullvad is not designed for streaming. It struggles to access Netflix content, Hulu, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. The VPN prioritizes security and privacy over content unblocking. If you need a VPN for streaming services, Mullvad is not the right choice. Even VPN veterans find it hard to unblock gambling sites or geo-restricted platforms with this service.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield can access Netflix and other streaming platforms. However, unrestricted streaming is a paid add-on that costs extra on top of the base plan. The basic VPN package does not include premium streaming access by default.
6. Security Suite Features
Mullvad : Mullvad focuses purely on VPN functionality. It includes a built-in ad blocker that blocks trackers and malware domains. There is no antivirus, no identity protection, and no dark web monitoring. Mullvad keeps things simple on purpose.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield goes beyond VPN. The Plus and Ultimate plans include antivirus protection, ransomware defense, dark web monitoring, and identity theft protection. The Ultimate plan also adds data removal services and premium phone support.
7. Device Support and Connections
Mullvad : Mullvad supports up to five devices simultaneously under one account. The VPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can use it on a windows laptop or mobile devices. Mullvad also offers browser extensions and supports VPN compatible routers for whole-network protection.
Bouclier virtuel : The basic plan allows three simultaneous device connections. The family plan supports up to 15 devices at once. VirtualShield works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and offers browser extensions for Chrome and Opera.
8. Assistance clientèle
Mullvad : Mullvad only offers email-based support. There is no live chat or phone option. If you need to contact Mullvad, email is the only way. Response times can vary. The trade-off is that the company keeps its team small and focused on privacy features rather than support infrastructure.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield offers 24/7 live chat support. Many users describe the support team as responsive and helpful. Premium phone support is available as a paid add-on for $14.99/mo. The tech support experience is a clear strength.
9. Tarification et coûts
| Plan | Mullvad | Bouclier virtuel |
|---|---|---|
| Basique / Standard | 5 €/mois (~5,50 $) | 9,58 $/mois |
| Niveau intermédiaire | Same flat rate | 13,75 $/mois (Plus) |
| Niveau supérieur | Same flat rate | 20,41 $/mois (Ultimate) |
| Garantie de remboursement | 14 jours | 30 jours |
Mullvad : The flat €5/mo pricing is among the most transparent in the VPN market. No tiers, no discounts, no renewal surprises. You get the full VPN with all features at one price. Crypto payments save you an extra 10%.
Bouclier virtuel : VirtualShield costs nearly double Mullvad for VPN-only access. But you can add antivirus and identity protection for more. If you already pay for separate antivirus and identity apps, VirtualShield may save you money overall.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Confidentialité maximale | Mullvad | Anonymous sign-up, audited no-logs |
| Sécurité tout-en-un | Bouclier virtuel | VPN + antivirus + protection de l'identité |
| budget serré | Mullvad | €5/mo vs $9.58/mo for basic VPN |
| Couverture familiale | Bouclier virtuel | Up to 15 devices on one plan |
| Réseau de serveurs étendu | Mullvad | 684 servers vs 20 servers |
| Live customer support | Bouclier virtuel | 24/7 chat vs email-only |
💰 Votre budget
Mullvad costs €5/mo flat with no tiers or hidden fees. VirtualShield starts at $9.58/mo for basic VPN, and the full suite runs $20.41/mo.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
Mullvad works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and VPN-compatible routers. VirtualShield covers the same major platforms plus browser extensions for Chrome and Opera.
🛡️ Vos besoins en matière de sécurité
If you only need a VPN for privacy, Mullvad is the better choice. It keeps your internet connection encrypted and hides your IP address from other VPN providers and websites. If you want antivirus, dark web monitoring, and identity protection bundled together, VirtualShield saves you from buying three separate apps. In this crazy world of online threats, having all around security in one place matters.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
VirtualShield has a simpler user friendly interface and live chat for beginners. Mullvad has more advanced VPN settings in the settings menu that VPN veterans appreciate but beginners may find confusing. Speed tests show both perform well on nearby servers.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Neither VPN offers a free plan. Mullvad gives a 14-day money-back guarantee. VirtualShield offers 30 days, which gives you more time to test the service.
🛟 Options d'assistance
VirtualShield wins on support with 24/7 live chat and optional premium phone support. Mullvad only offers email support, which can be slow for urgent issues.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces outils ? Voici à quoi vous attendre si vous en changez.
🔄 Vous passez de Mullvad à Virtual Shield ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Protection antivirus et contre le vol d'identité intégrée
- Surveillance du dark web avec alertes de violation en temps réel
- 24/7 live chat and optional premium phone support
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Anonymous sign-up with no email or personal info required
- 684 servers in 44 countries (down to 20 in 12)
- Open-source apps and independently audited no-logs policy
📋 Comment changer :
- Laissez votre abonnement Mullvad expirer (aucune annulation nécessaire).
- Sign up at VirtualShield and choose your plan tier
- Download the VirtualShield app on your devices and connect
🔄 Vous passez de Virtual Shield à Mullvad ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Fully anonymous VPN with no personal data required
- 684 servers in 44 countries with RAM-only infrastructure
- Lower cost at €5/mo with no tier confusion
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Antivirus and ransomware protection (you’ll need a separate app)
- Dark web monitoring and identity protection features
- 24/7 live chat support (Mullvad is email-only)
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We did not test enterprise-level features, bulk licensing, or custom deployments. Speed tests across every server location were not conducted. If you need a VPN for entreprise use or have a team larger than 15 people, your priorities may differ from what we covered here.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | Mullvad |
| 🛡️ Confidentialité | Mullvad |
| 🌐 Réseau de serveurs | Mullvad |
| 🔒 Chiffrement | Mullvad |
| 🛟 Service client | Bouclier virtuel |
| 🔐 Security Suite | Bouclier virtuel |
| 📱 Connexions des appareils | Bouclier virtuel |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | Mullvad |
🏆 GAGNANT : Mullvad
Mullvad remporte 4 catégories sur 7.
Idéal pour : Privacy-focused users, anonymous browsing, budget-conscious VPN users, and anyone who values transparent pricing.
Mullvad and VirtualShield serve very different audiences.
Mullvad is a pure VPN built for maximum privacy and anonymity. It does one thing and does it well.
VirtualShield is an all-in-one security suite. It works for users who want VPN, antivirus, and identity protection in a single app.
If your main goal is protecting your internet connection and hiding your IP address, Mullvad is the stronger choice. It costs less, has more servers, and requires zero personal info.
Comparaison de Mullvad
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other VPN providers:
Mullvad contre NordVPN
Mullvad l'emporte grâce à : Anonymous sign-up with no email needed, open-source apps, flat pricing with no renewal hikes
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Larger server network across 100+ countries, better streaming support, cheaper long-term plans starting at $3.09/mo
Mullvad contre ExpressVPN
Mullvad l'emporte grâce à : Lower monthly cost at €5 vs ExpressVPN’s higher rates, cash and crypto payment options, RAM-only servers
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Faster speeds across distant servers, better at unblocking geo-restricted content, 24/7 live chat support
Mullvad contre Proton VPN
Mullvad l'emporte grâce à : No personal data required at all, simpler flat-rate pricing, quantum-resistant VPN tunnels
Proton VPN l'emporte sur : Free tier available, thousands of servers in 120+ countries, built-in Secure Core feature for routing through privacy-friendly nations
Mullvad contre Surfshark
Mullvad l'emporte grâce à : Audited open-source code, anonymous account creation, stronger no-logs track record
Surfshark l'emporte sur : Unlimited simultaneous device connections, better Netflix and streaming access, much lower annual pricing at $1.78/mo
Comparaison plus poussée de Virtual Shield
Here’s how VirtualShield stacks up against other VPN providers:
Virtual Shield contre NordVPN
Virtual Shield l'emporte sur : Bundled antivirus and identity protection, family plan with 15 device connections, live chat and premium phone support options
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Thousands of servers across 100+ countries, faster connection speeds, lower VPN-only price starting at $3.09/mo
Bouclier virtuel contre CyberGhost
Virtual Shield l'emporte sur : Dark web monitoring and data removal services, integrated identity theft protection, webcam privacy feature
CyberGhost l'emporte sur : Much larger server network across 90+ countries, better streaming and torrenting support, lower pricing for VPN-only access
Bouclier virtuel vs Accès Internet privé
Virtual Shield l'emporte sur : Bundled antivirus and identity suite, easier setup for non-technical users, responsive 24/7 live chat support
Private Internet Access l'emporte sur : Thousands of servers worldwide, open-source VPN apps, much cheaper VPN-only pricing, anonymous crypto payments accepted
Foire aux questions
Mullvad VPN est-il vraiment anonyme ?
Yes. Mullvad does not require an email, name, or phone number. You get a 16-digit account number and can pay with cash or cryptocurrency. Multiple independent audits have confirmed its no-logs policy.
Que fait VirtualShield ?
VirtualShield is a security suite that bundles a VPN with antivirus protection, dark web monitoring, and identity theft protection. It is designed for users who want all-around security in one app.
Mullvad peut-il être utilisé pour Netflix ?
Mullvad struggles with streaming services. It is not designed to unblock Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer. If streaming is your main goal, other VPN providers like NordVPN or Surfshark are better choices.
Combien coûte l'abonnement mensuel à Mullvad VPN ?
Mullvad charges a flat rate of €5 per month (roughly $5.50 USD). The price stays the same no matter how long you subscribe. There are no discounts for yearly plans, but there are also no renewal surprises.
VirtualShield est-il légitime ?
Yes. VirtualShield is a real company based in the United States. It has received positive reviews from many users for its customer support and bundled security features. However, it has a small server network and some users have reported billing issues.
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