📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Test di velocità: NordVPN hit 769 Mbps vs Mullvad’s 350 Mbps — NordVPN wins
- 📺 Accesso streaming: NordVPN unblocked 8/8 platforms vs Mullvad’s 3/8 — NordVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: NordVPN has 5 audits vs Mullvad’s 4 audits — Tie
- 🌐 Rete del server: NordVPN has 9,000+ servers vs Mullvad’s 690 — NordVPN wins
- 🕵️ Anonimato: Mullvad needs no email, accepts cash — Mullvad wins
Picking a VPN can feel like choosing between two locked doors.
One door leads to a feature-packed powerhouse with 9,000+ servers.
The other opens to a privacy fortress that doesn’t even ask for your email.
NordVPN and Mullvad take very different paths to protect you online.
NordVPN gives you speed, streaming access, and a massive server network.
Mullvad gives you total anonymity with open-source apps and cash payments.
So which one deserves your money?
We tested both NordVPN vs Mullvad side by side for four weeks to find out.
Panoramica
To give you the most accurate comparison, we tested NordVPN and Mullvad head to head.
We ran speed tests on local and international servers.
We checked each VPN’s ability to unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
We also examined their privacy policies, encryption standards, and independent audit history.
Here’s what we found after weeks of hands-on testing.
Che cos'è NordVPN?
NordVPN is a premium VPN service based in Panama.
It runs over 9,000 servers across 130+ countries.
Panama has no data retention laws, so NordVPN can’t be forced to hand over your data.
The service uses its own NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard for blazing-fast speeds.
NordVPN goes far beyond just a VPN tunnel.
It includes Threat Protection Pro, a dark web monitor, a gestore di password, and encrypted cloud storage.
NordVPN
The fastest VPN in 2026 with 9,000+ servers, Threat Protection Pro, and the ability to unblock every major streaming platform. Trusted by millions with 5 independent no-logs audits.
NordVPN Pricing
Here’s what NordVPN costs in 2026. These are the 2-year plan prices.
| Piano | Prezzo | Ideale per |
|---|---|---|
| Di base | $2.99/mo | VPN-only users who want speed and sicurezza |
| Più | $3.49/mo | Users who want Threat Protection + password manager |
| Completare | $ 5,39/mese | Full suite with encrypted cloud storage |
Prova gratuita: No free trial on desktop. Android users get a 7-day free trial through Google Play.
Garanzia di rimborso: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Nota: The Basic plan includes the full VPN with all server access. Plus adds Threat Protection Pro and NordPass. Complete adds NordLocker encrypted storage.
⚠️ Warning: Monthly plans cost $12.99/mo. The best deals require a 2-year commitment that auto-renews at a higher rate.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here’s why NordVPN stands out from the competition:
- Enorme rete di server: Over 9,000 servers in 130+ countries. You’ll always find a fast connection nearby.
- NordLynx Speed: Their custom WireGuard protocol delivers speeds up to 769 Mbps on local servers.
- Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware even when you’re not connected to a VPN server.
- Streaming Power: Unblocks Netflix (multiple regions), Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
- 5x No-Logs Audit: Deloitte and PwC have verified NordVPN’s no-logs policy five separate times.
- Server specializzati: Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, obfuscated servers, and dedicated IP options.
- Monitoraggio del Dark Web: Alerts you if your credentials appear on the dark web.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fastest VPN tested in 2026 with NordLynx protocol
- 9,000+ servers in 130 countries for global coverage
- Unblocks every major streaming platform without issues
- 24/7 live chat support with fast response times
- 5 independent no-logs audits by Deloitte and PwC
❌ Cons
- Monthly plan is expensive at $12.99/mo
- Best prices require a 2-year commitment
- Can take up to 15 seconds to connect on some servers
- Requires email for sign-up (less anonymous than Mullvad)
Che cos'è Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN service based in Sweden.
It takes a completely different approach to online privacy.
You don’t need an email address to sign up.
Mullvad generates a random 16-digit account number instead.
You can even pay with cash mailed to their office in Sweden.
The service runs about 690 servers in 40+ countries.
Every app is open-source, so anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities.
Mullvad
The most anonymous VPN available. No email needed, cash payments accepted, open-source apps, and RAM-only servers. A privacy purist’s dream with quantum-resistant tunnels.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. Here’s what it costs in 2026.
| Piano | Prezzo | Ideale per |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mese | €5 per month | Short-term or occasional VPN users |
| 1 anno | €5 per month | Regular users who want no commitment |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term users who value price stability |
Prova gratuita: No free trial available. You can add just one month of time to test the service.
Garanzia di rimborso: 14-day money-back guarantee. Cash and crypto payments are not refundable.
📌 Nota: Every plan includes all features. No tiers, no upsells. The price has stayed at €5/month since 2009.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad’s flat rate means no long-term discounts. Over 2 years, you’ll pay about $131 vs NordVPN’s $80 for the Basic plan.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why privacy fans love Mullvad:
- Vero anonimato: No email, no name, no personal info needed. Just a 16-digit account number.
- Cash Payments: Mail cash to Sweden for a completely untraceable payment. No other VPN offers this.
- Open-Source Code: Every app is fully open-source. Security researchers can audit the code anytime.
- RAM-Only Servers: All data wipes on reboot. Even if a server is seized, there’s nothing to find.
- Quantum-Resistant: Mullvad added post-quantum encryption back in 2017, years before competitors.
- DAITA Protection: Defends against AI-guided traffic analysis to hide your browsing patterns.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Most anonymous VPN sign-up process available
- Open-source apps with regular independent audits
- Simple flat-rate pricing with no surprise renewals
- RAM-only servers that wipe on every reboot
- Quantum-resistant encryption ahead of the industry
❌ Cons
- Only ~690 servers in 40+ countries (small network)
- Struggles to unblock most streaming platforms
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Based in Sweden (14 Eyes alliance member)
Confronto delle funzionalità
Ready to see how NordVPN and Mullvad stack up feature by feature?
We compared 10 key areas to help you decide which VPN fits your needs.
| Caratteristica | NordVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Prezzo di partenza | $2.99/mo | €5/mo (~$5.46) |
| Server | 9,000+ in 130 countries | ~690 in 40+ countries |
| Interruttore di spegnimento | ✅ | ✅ (always on) |
| Tunnel diviso | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming Unblocking | ✅ All major platforms | ❌ Limited |
| Anonymous Sign-Up | ❌ Email required | ✅ No email needed |
| Open-Source Apps | ❌ (Linux only) | ✅ All platforms |
| Ad/Tracker Blocker | ✅ Threat Protection Pro | ✅ DNS content blockers |
| Simultaneous Dispositivi | 10 | 5 |
| Ideale per | Speed, streaming, all-in-one | Maximum privacy and anonymity |
1. Rete del server
NordVPN: Over 9,000 servers spread across 130+ countries. You get specialty servers for P2P, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated connections. The network also includes dedicated IP options in 27 countries.
Mullvad: Around 690 servers in 40+ countries. The network is much smaller but focuses on quality. Most servers are in Europe. Mullvad owns the majority of its servers, which adds a layer of trust.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad’s small server network means fewer options in Asia, Africa, and South America. If you viaggio often, NordVPN gives you far more coverage.
2. Velocità e prestazioni
NordVPN: The fastest VPN tested in 2026. NordLynx protocol delivered 769 Mbps on local servers. Even international connections stayed above 500 Mbps. Perfect for 4K streaming and large downloads.
Mullvad: Solid speeds around 350 Mbps on nearby servers using WireGuard. Speed drops 40-50% on distant servers. Still fast enough for HD streaming and browsing. Connections start immediatamente thanks to fewer users per server.
3. Privacy and Anonymity
NordVPN: Strict no-logs policy verified by 5 independent audits from Deloitte and PwC. Based in Panama, outside all surveillance alliances. Uses AES-256-GCM encryption and RAM-only servers.
Mullvad: The gold standard for VPN privacy. No email needed. Pay with mailed cash. Open-source apps audited 4 times. RAM-only servers. However, Mullvad is based in Sweden, a 14 Eyes member.
💡 Test Result: Both VPNs passed our DNS and WebRTC leak tests with zero leaks. Your real IP stays completely hidden with either service.
4. Streaming e sblocco
NordVPN: Unblocked Netflix (US, UK, Canada, Giappone), Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max without any issues. SmartPlay technology handles geo-restrictions automatically.
Mullvad: Struggled with most streaming platforms. Netflix US worked on some servers with WireGuard obfuscation. Disney+ and Amazon Prime detected the VPN and blocked access. BBC iPlayer worked occasionally.
5. Funzionalità di sicurezza
NordVPN: AES-256-GCM encryption with NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. Includes kill switch, split tunneling, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN. Threat Protection Pro blocks malware in downloaded files.
Mullvad: WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols with AES-256 encryption. Kill switch is always on and can’t be disabled. DAITA feature protects against AI traffic analysis. Quantum-resistant tunnels since 2017.
6. Threat Protection
NordVPN: Threat Protection Pro is a full anti-malware tool. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It even scans downloaded files for malware. Works without connecting to a VPN server.
Mullvad: Offers DNS-based content blockers for ads, trackers, malware domains, and adult content. Less powerful than NordVPN’s file-scanning approach. Only works when connected to a Mullvad server.
7. Apps and Device Support
NordVPN: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, Chromebook, and tvOS. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Mullvad: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. No Fire TV, Apple TV, or Chromebook apps. No browser extensions. Offers the Mullvad Browser instead. Supports 5 simultaneous connections.
8. Assistenza clienti
NordVPN: 24/7 live chat and email support. The live chat doesn’t require a login. Response times are fast. The knowledge base covers hundreds of topics sorted by category.
Mullvad: Email-only support with no live chat option. Response times vary. The team is helpful but harder to reach. Limited FAQ and documentation compared to NordVPN.
⚠️ Warning: If you’re new to VPNs, NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat makes troubleshooting much faster. Mullvad’s email-only support can leave you waiting.
9. Torrenting and P2P
NordVPN: Dedicated P2P servers across dozens of countries. Split tunneling lets you route only torrent traffic through the VPN. Meshnet allows secure file sharing between up to 60 devices.
Mullvad: All servers support P2P traffic. No dedicated torrent servers. No split tunneling option. The always-on kill switch prevents accidental exposure. Slower speeds may affect large downloads.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Durata del piano | NordVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mese | $12.99/mo (Basic) | €5/mo (~$5.46) |
| 1 anno | $4.99/mo (Basic) | €5/mo (~$5.46) |
| 2 anni | $2.99/mo (Basic) | €5/mo (~$5.46) |
NordVPN: The 2-year Basic plan at $2.99/mo is the best deal. Over 27 months, you’ll pay about $80. The Plus and Complete plans add extras like Threat Protection Pro and encrypted storage.
Mullvad: The flat €5/month rate is great for short-term use. No commitment required. But over 27 months, you’ll pay about $147. That’s almost double NordVPN’s Basic plan cost.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest long-term plan | NordVPN | $2.99/mo on 2-year plan |
| No commitment monthly | Mullvad | €5/mo with no contract |
| Streaming Netflix/Hulu | NordVPN | Unblocks all major platforms |
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | No email, cash payments |
| Fastest speeds | NordVPN | 769 Mbps with NordLynx |
| Adatto ai principianti | NordVPN | 24/7 live chat support |
| Open source revisione contabile | Mullvad | All apps are open-source |
💰 Your Budget
NordVPN wins for long-term users at $2.99/mo on the 2-year plan. Mullvad is cheaper if you only need a VPN for a month or two at €5 flat.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
NordVPN works on more devices including Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromebook. Mullvad sticks to the basics: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS e Android.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
If you watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ regularly, NordVPN is the only real choice. Mullvad struggles with most streaming platforms.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners should pick NordVPN for its polished apps and 24/7 live chat. Mullvad suits tech-savvy users who value privacy over convenience.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day Android trial. Mullvad has a 14-day refund window. Both let you test risk-free.
🛟 Support Options
NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat and email support. Mullvad only offers email. If quick help matters to you, NordVPN is the safer bet.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Fully anonymous account with no email required
- Open-source apps you can inspect and verify
- Quantum-resistant tunnels and DAITA traffic protection
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 9,000+ servers and streaming unblocking power
- Split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses
- 24/7 live chat support and Dark Web Monitor
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your NordVPN subscription through your Nord Account settings
- Visit mullvad.net and generate your anonymous account number
- Add time to your Mullvad account and download the app for your devices
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 9,000+ servers in 130 countries with blazing-fast NordLynx speeds
- Full streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
- Threat Protection Pro, Dark Web Monitor, and 24/7 live chat
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous sign-up (NordVPN requires an email address)
- Cash payment option and fully open-source apps
- Simple flat-rate pricing with no long-term commitments
📋 How to switch:
- Let your Mullvad account time expire (no cancellation needed)
- Sign up at nordvpn.com with your email and choose a plan
- Download NordVPN apps on all your devices and connect
Verdetto finale
| Categoria | Vincitore |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Long-Term) | NordVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | NordVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | NordVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| 📺 Streaming | NordVPN |
| 🛡️ Security Features | NordVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | NordVPN |
| 📱 Device Support | NordVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | NordVPN |
| 🔓 Open-Source Trust | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 8 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Streaming fans, speed seekers, beginners, and anyone who wants a complete VPN solution.
NordVPN and Mullvad serve very different types of VPN users.
NordVPN is the all-in-one powerhouse with the fastest speeds, biggest server network, and best streaming access.
Mullvad is the privacy purist’s choice with anonymous sign-ups, open-source code, and cash payments.
If maximum anonymity is your top priority, Mullvad is hard to beat.
But for everything else — speed, streaming, support, and value — NordVPN is the better VPN in 2026.
Now, go protect your internet connection!
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN wins on: Speed, pricing, server count
ExpressVPN wins on: Router app, Lightway protocol
NordVPN contro PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, streaming
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP pricing, port forwarding
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, Threat Protection
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited connections, lower price
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming access, server count
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, open-source apps, Swiss privacy
NordVPN contro PrivadoVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB/month
NordVPN contro AdGuard VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, speed
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, lower price
NordVPN contro Scudo virtuale
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, features
Virtual Shield wins on: Simplicity, US-based support
NordVPN contro StrongVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, audits
StrongVPN wins on: Simple pricing, no upsells
NordVPN contro FastestVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, security features
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, privacy audits
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
NordVPN contro CyberGhost
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, NordLynx
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, lower price
NordVPN contro McAfee VPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, privacy
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle integration
NordVPN contro Accesso Internet privato
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, server locations
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, lower price, unlimited devices
NordVPN contro Mistero
NordVPN wins on: Speed, reliability, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
NordVPN vs SafeShell VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship bypassing
NordVPN wins on: Speed, features, global coverage
Oyster VPN wins on: Lower price for basic VPN
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up, open-source apps
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, device support
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs policy, transparency
PureVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, pricing
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, open-source, no email needed
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Streaming, unlimited devices, price
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up, cash payments
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss jurisdiction, server count
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, open-source, security audits
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, streaming access
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs, open-source
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, cheaper pricing
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, transparency, security
Virtual Shield wins on: US servers, ease of use
Mullvad wins on: Open-source, anonymous payments
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming, server variety
Mullvad wins on: Security audits, privacy, transparency
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime deals, lower cost
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs, open-source
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection, family plans
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, anonymity, open-source
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, pricing
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, transparency, security
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, ease of use
Mullvad contro Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous payments, RAM-only servers
PIA wins on: Server count, pricing, unlimited devices
Mullvad wins on: Reliability, audited no-logs policy
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized model, pay-per-use
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Security, audits, open-source
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypassing focus
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, open-source, RAM-only servers
Oyster VPN wins on: Lower price, basic VPN needs
Domande frequenti
Is NordVPN better than Mullvad?
NordVPN wins in most categories including speed, streaming, server count, and value. Mullvad only beats NordVPN on anonymity and open-source transparency. For most users, NordVPN is the better choice.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad generates a random account number instead of asking for your email. You can pay with cash mailed to Sweden. No personal information is ever collected or stored.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Sometimes. Mullvad can unblock Netflix US on certain servers with WireGuard obfuscation enabled. But it struggles with Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. NordVPN is far better for streaming.
Is NordVPN 100% secure?
No VPN is 100% secure. But NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, has passed 5 independent no-logs audits, and is based in Panama outside surveillance alliances. It’s one of the most secure VPNs available.
How much does NordVPN cost per month?
NordVPN’s Basic plan starts at $2.99/mo on a 2-year commitment. Monthly plans cost $12.99/mo. Mullvad charges a flat €5/mo (~$5.46) regardless of subscription length.
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